Beyoncé formally endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris for president of the United States of America.
The superstar singer, joined by pal Kelly Rowland, voiced her support for VP Harris at a rally on Friday (October 25) in her hometown of Houston. Texas is largely known for tough abortion laws.
“We are at the brink of a profound transformation,” Beyoncé said before an excited audience. “Your vote is one of the most powerful tools, and we need you.”
The 32x-Grammy Award-winning artist said, “Our moment is now. It’s time for America to sing a new song, a song that began 248 years ago.”
Furthermore, she stressed she spoke as “a mother who cares deeply about the world, my children, and all of our children.” She added, “IImagine our daughters growing up seeing what’s possible with no ceilings, no limitations.”
Harris, a longtime fan, made her entrance to Bey’s “Freedom” as she had at previous rallies. Beyoncé introduced Vice President Harris, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, please give a big, loud, Texas welcome to the next president of the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris.”
Harris attended a Beyoncé concert during her vice presidency, a fact well known among the “Beyhive” and rally attendees.
Kid Cudi continues his epic run in the film industry by joining legendary actor Adam Sandler and the cast for the reboot of his classic late 90s era comedy flick.
On Friday( October 25), Cudi took to both Instagram and Twitter to share the news that he has joined the star-studded cast of the Netflix film Happy Gilmore 2. In addition to expressing excitement for his upcoming role, the Cleveland native explained how landing the opportunity was somewhat of a long time coming for him.
“I’ve been wanting to talk about this for a minute,” Kid Cudi exclaimed in the caption of the post. “This is so f###in HUGE. Its been a long time dream of mine to work w Adam, hes my favorite, and his movies and comedy made up my childhood. Another dream come true. BLESSED!! Get ready, this ones gonna be EPIC.”
Ive been wanting to talk about this for a minute!!! This is so f##### HUGE. Its been a long time dream of mine to work w Adam, hes my favorite, and his movies and comedy made up my childhood. Another dream come true. BLESSED!! Get ready, this ones gonna be EPIC. 😎😭🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Z239Nw1qDf
While the details of Cudi’s character remain under wraps, the screenshot he shared of the Deadline exclusive announcing the news of his role provided some insight into the structure of the cast currently on board to appear in the film. Both Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald will reprise their roles as the characters Virginia Venit and Shooter McGavin for the sequel. Additionally, Latin music sensation Bad Bunny is also a part of the cast and Sandler also reportedly “teased” the likelihood of a cameo from NFL Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce in the film.
With his upcoming role in the Netflix production, Cudi adds to his impressive television and filmography résumé, which has exploded throughout the past few years. In addition to starring in the A24-produced horror-thriller X in 2022, Cudi also released his animated series Entergalactic via Netflix last year. He also appeared in the Disney+ sci-fi fil Crater, in addition to the series Knuckles, which is based on characters from the universe of Sonic The Hedgehog.
Check out the video below to get a sneak peek of Happy Gilmore 2.
Diddy’s lawyers reiterated their demands for a gag order in his sex trafficking case after the New York Post published a report about his “Freak Offs” on Friday (October 25). Diddy’s legal team accused the Department of Homeland Security of working with the press to tarnish his reputation in a letter obtained by AllHipHop.
“DHS has formed an illicit partnership with different press outlets, which the agency has used, and will use, to ruin this man’s ability to get a fair trial,” Diddy’s attorneys wrote to Judge Arun Subramanian. “The need for an immediate gag order is clear.”
The Post’s headline read, “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs mixed star-studded bashes with raucous ‘Freak Off’ sex parties after VMAs and Super Bowl, videos reveal.” It included quotes from a federal law enforcement source. The Post said it reviewed a “trove” of video files and documents for the story.
“These are consistent with the videos we have,” a law enforcement source involved in the Diddy investigation told the Post after hearing descriptions of the videos. “Just about everything you can imagine was happening at his parties. Now our job is to determine whether this was consensual for everyone involved, if anyone has been trafficked, and what laws have been broken.”
The Post reportedly viewed videos from the same archive that included footage of Diddy having sex with a “much younger male A-list star.” Someone is allegedly trying to sell the sex tape.
“It’s sick s###,” the law enforcement source told The Post. “Look, if this were just him having sex parties with a bunch of horny adults, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. That’s perfectly legal. But that’s not what we’re talking about. This man is a predator.”
Diddy’s lawyers said the source’s comments proved an expansive gag order was necessary.
“This latest article underscores the need for the court’s order to be appropriately expansive and to cover any and all agents in a position to have access to videos, evidence, case information or be familiar with the investigation either directly or indirectly,” Diddy’s attorneys argued. “The government’s proposed order would allow this clear misconduct to go unabated and would protect ‘federal agents involved in (their) investigation’ from the ramifications of intentionally violating a defendant’s right to a fair trial, free from false, damaging and intentional statements made to the press. That this conduct is continuing demonstrates disregard for the clear concern this court has shown for this fundamental issue.”
Diddy was arrested for sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution in September. He remains in jail. His trial is scheduled for May 2025.
The whole situation between Lil Durk, Quando Rondo and all the chaos surrounding them right now is wild and honestly, a bit heartbreaking. I’ve interviewed Lil Durk and followed his career since the beginning, but if the charges are correct, I was all wrong.
Lil Durk getting arrested, Only The Family (OTF) members facing charges and the violent cycle that’s been circling for years feels like a television show. It’s like we’re watching talented artists and their crews throw it all away over beef. It’s crazy when you think about how the once-positive intentions of Hip-Hop can, in 2024, somehow lead to alleged retaliation, violence and dreams destroyed.
According to reports, Quando Rondo landed in Los Angeles and “tapped in” with local connections, per usual. But doing so apparently tipped off someone with Lil Durk’s crew to his location, causing a domino affect. The streets say Durk’s crew, OTF, were on their way to L.A., booking flights, grabbing weapons and planning to confront Quando Rondo. Quando survived, but his cousin didn’t.
It’s hard not to think about how pointless this all seems.
King Von’s 2020 death clearly left scars, but does trying to get even ever really work out? Killing somebody doesn’t bring him back. Revenge only costs people their lives and freedom. Clearly, it’s not cheap. In fact, in my view, this is a nightmare. King Von is dead and Lil Durk and crew face life or the death penalty.
If anything, the developing story highlights just how destructive the culture has become. Also, it underscores how hood expectations lead to failure. Both Quando Rondo and Lil Durk are successful in their own way, loved by fans in their own way and influential in their own way. But when everything becomes about protecting your reputation or getting back at someone, even if it’s for a lost friend, all of it can disappear. They didn’t even get the person they were allegedly after. Quando lives and others’ lives are ruined.
We, the fans and media too, need to ask ourselves what we’re really supporting here.
This isn’t Drake and Kendrick Lamar or another beef. Lil Durk is one of the most popular rappers living and he’s talented too. I spent crazy money so my daughter and her friends could see him live in concert. (The other parents never paid me back, by the way. Petty of me but worth it for them.) These people could’ve gone down as legends in rap’s ever-expanding universe. Instead, it may be all down the drain. I know Lil Durk was re-positioning his brand, but it seems all for naught.
To anyone looking at this situation and others like it, remember: ego isn’t worth it. At the end of the day, none of this is worth losing everything over, especially freedom. The culture deserves better than this. Do better.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AllHipHop. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion and are not intended to malign/disparage any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
A rumor DJ Clark Kent had died went rampant on social media earlier this month, but it turned out to be false.
But on Friday (October 25), it was confirmed the legendary DJ passed away on Thursday night (October 24). Fellow New York City Hip-Hop vet Eric B. shared the news on Instagram, writing simply, “Rest in Peace.” He also verified it with AllHipHop via text, assuring us he got the information from Clark Kent’s family.
The family soon issued its own statement, writing, “IT IS WITH DEEP SADNESS THAT WE SHARE THE PASSING OF BELOVED RODOLFO A. FRANKLIN, KNOWN TO THE WORLD AS DJ CLARK KENT. CLARK PASSED AWAY THURSDAY EVENING SURROUNDED BY HIS WIFE KESHA DAUGHTER KABRIAH AND SON ANTONIO.”
They went on to reveal his cause of death: colon cancer.
DJ Clark Kent, born Rodolfo Franklin in Panama, played a significant role in shaping the career of JAY-Z and is routinely credited with discovering the Roc-A-Fella co-founder. He also produced tracks on JAY-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt, including the hit “Brooklyn’s Finest” featuring The Notorious B.I.G.
DJ Clark Kent was also a well-known figure in sneaker culture and collaborated with brands like Nike on exclusive shoe releases.
Whispers he had died started prematurely on October 16. EPMD’s DJ Scratch quickly did a little damage control on Instagram, writing in all caps, “DJ CLARK KENT HAS NOT PASSED AWAY. STOP TRAUMATIZING HIS FAMILY POSTING THAT HE PASSED!!”
Radio host Angie Martinez echoed those sentiments, adding, “The article that The Source Mag & others have posted about the passing of Dj Clark Kent is false. Clark is home with his family. Please refrain from sharing any other false information. It is hurtful, deeply irresponsible and untrue.”
Sadly for DJ Clark Kent’s loved ones, it’s true this time. AllHipHop sends our condolences.
Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson revoked Lil Durk’s key to the village after he was arrested for a murder-for-hire plot. The mayor announced the Chicago area village severed ties with the rapper’s Neighborhood Heroes Foundation on Friday (October 25).
“While the American system of justice grants everyone the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law, in the Village of Broadview, the court of public opinion of residents has even higher moral and ethical standards of behavior,” Thompson said. “And our public partners must also reflect the same uncompromising standards demanded by our residents.
“Given the news that ‘Durk Lil Durk’ Banks has been arrested in Florida and charged with murder for hire, the Village of Broadview is withdrawing our honorary ‘key to the village’ granted to Durk and is terminating our partnership agreement with his youth organization, Neighborhood Heroes Foundation. As mayor, protecting Broadview’s interests and upholding the values of residents is job number one.”
Broadview honored Lil Durk with a key to the village on October 18. A week later, he was taken into custody in Florida.
Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, was accused of putting a bounty on Quando Rondo in retaliation for the 2020 shooting death of King Von. Lil Durk’s associates Kavon Grant, Deandre Wilson, Keith Jones, David Lindsey and Asa Houston were indicted for the 2022 murder of Quando Rondo’s cousin Lul Pab on October 17.
Lul Pab was killed when shooters opened fire at Quando Rondo’s vehicle at a gas station in Los Angeles. The feds said Lil Durk tried to flee the country after his co-conspirators were indicted.
“Evidence shows that Banks ordered [Quando Rondo’s] murder and that the hitmen used Banks and OTF-related finances to carry out the murder,” Lil Durk’s criminal complaint read. “For example, bank and flight records show that an OTF member and close associate of Banks (Co-Conspirator 3) coordinated and paid for Jones, Lindsey, Wilson, Houston and another OTF member (Co-Conspirator 2) to travel from Chicago to California on the day before the murder (August 18, 2022).
“Co-Conspirator 3 paid for the flights using a credit card linked to Banks and OTF. Around the time that Co-Conspirator 3 purchased the co-conspirators’ flights to California, iCloud records show that a phone number associated with Banks texted Co-Conspirator 3: ‘Don’t book no flights under no names involved wit [sic] me.’”
Lil Durk remains in custody. He will be arraigned at a later date.
Lil Durk’s murder-for-hire arrest delighted Charleston White. The internet provocateur gloated about Lil Durk’s legal troubles on Friday (October 25).
“The chickens coming home to roost,” White said.
White felt a sense of vindication after Lil Durk’s arrest. White antagonized fans who celebrated his recent arrest for assault with a deadly weapon and cruelty to non-livestock animals.
“Ain’t nobody laughing at Durk like they was laughing at me when I went to jail,” White said. “Lord have mercy. So, ain’t nobody laughing at Durk. Now, it ain’t funny. Now, your favorite rapper go to jail and look like he got a no bond like me. But that boy got a federal no bond. I bet that n####’s ass closed up. He gotta burp to pass gas. He can’t even fart out his ass. I know the feeling.”
White viewed Lil Durk’s arrest as a victory in a crusade against rappers.
“I will never lose in this s###,” he said. “As long as rap exists, I’m gonna have a platform. You n##### love them rappers but wanna hate the community activist.”
Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, was arrested in Florida. Federal prosecutors accused him of contracting five associates to kill Quando Rondo in retaliation for King Von’s 2020 shooting death.
Attorney Bradford Cohen, probably best known for representing Kodak Black, reacted to Lil Durk’s indictment on Friday.
“Can’t talk about too much as I have already been in discussions about the case,” Cohen wrote. “I have reviewed the indictment and can tell you as it stands in the indictment it’s a very peripheral case. Meaning they haven’t alleged direct conduct, more alleged coded language and certain overtime acts they are associating with Durk.”
Lil Durk was sued by the late FBG Duck’s mother Lasheena Weekly on October 9. Her lawsuit implicated Lil Durk in FBG Duck’s 2020 murder.
Protesters gathered outside of the Fulton County Courthouse to demand an end to Young Thug’s RICO trial on Friday (October 25). The chaotic trial was put on hold until Monday (October 28)
“My message is at what point do we say this is unfair?” protest organizer Ten Wilkerson told FOX 5 Atlanta. “What point does the justice system say we got it wrong? We either need to rethink what we’re doing and do the mistrial or dismiss the trial – and when I say try again, I don’t mean try again with the case.”
Fulton County prosecutors made a mistake that disrupted Young Thug’s slow-moving trial on Wednesday (October 23). The error could result in a mistrial. According to WSB-TV, prosecutors discussed plea deals with several defendants in an apparent attempt to salvage the YSL RICO case.
Attorney Doug Weinstein, who represents Young Thug’s co-defendant Yak Gotti, attempted to quell rumors about plea deals on Friday.
“Anyone that tells you they know what is going on behind the scenes in YSL is misinformed,” Weinstein wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The trial seemingly reached its breaking point when prosecutors failed to redact information from a piece of evidence used on Wednesday. Witness Slimelife Shawty mistakenly revealed Young Thug’s co-defendant Quamarvious Nichols was previously incarcerated while answering a question about an Instagram post. Jurors weren’t supposed to know Nichols had been in jail or prison.
Nichols’ attorney and other defense members demanded a mistrial with prejudice, which would mean the case couldn’t be retried. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker rejected the request but criticized the prosecution.
“I think it is continued [mistakes],” the judge said. “And I am sorry y’all have this gigantic, ginormous universe of evidence that maybe if you narrowed down you would not be making these kinds of mistakes, but I believe that to be a mistake.”
Judge Whitaker asked defense attorneys if they wanted a mistrial without prejudice, which would open the door for prosecutors to retry Young Thug and his co-defendants. No decision was made as discussions went behind closed doors.
Houston rap legends Scarface, Paul Wall and Slim Thug are featured in Megan Thee Stallion’s new video for “Bigger in Texas,” her first single from Megan: Act II.
Co-directed by Megan and Julian Klincewicz, the visual finds her rocking a grill and spitting lyrics like, “E’rrythang bigger in Texas, ain’t no injections, we at the pole, no elections/B####, don’t come around me tryna pass out drugs, ho, I ain’t poppin’ no Teslas.” Celebrity jeweler Johnny Dang, who’s also Paul Wall’s longtime business partner, makes a special cameo.
Megan: Act II features 12 new tracks, including the “Mamushi” remix and “Roc Steady” featuring Flo Milli.
Paul Wall rose to notoriety in the mid-2000s as a key figure in the Houston rap scene, known for his distinct Southern style, drawl, and contributions to the “chopped and screwed” sub-genre of rap popularized in H-Town. Some of his biggest tracks include “Sittin’ Sidewayz” featuring Big Pokey, “They Don’t Know” with Mike Jones and “Grillz” with Nelly, which earned a Grammy nomination.
Scarface, meanwhile, is best known as a member of the Geto Boys, who brought raw, street-level storytelling and dark themes to Hip-Hop in the late ’80s and ’90s. Known for his gritty lyricism, deep voice and emotional storytelling, Scarface helped make the Geto Boys famous with hits like “Mind Playing Tricks on Me.” As a solo artist, Scarface dropped several albums, including Mr. Scarface Is Back (1991), The Diary (1994) and The Fix (2002).
Slim Thug got his start in the early 2000s, initially through independent mixtapes and collaborations with other Houston rappers like Mike Jones and Paul Wall. His mainstream breakthrough came with his verse on Jones’ hit single “Still Tippin'” in 2004, which helped bring Houston rap to a national audience.
In 2005, Slim Thug released his major-label debut album, Already Platinum, which included hits like “Like a Boss” and “I Ain’t Heard of That” featuring Pharrell and Bun B. Known for his business acumen, he’s remained active in music and in Houston’s business scene, managing his own record label, Boss Hogg Outlawz, and investing in real estate.
As for Megan Thee Stallion, she continues to pay homage to her Houston roots as her career ascends to increasingly greater heights.
Lil Durk was arrested in Florida on Thursday (October 24) for his alleged involvement in a murder-for-hire plot purportedly in retaliation for King Von’s 202o murder. Subsequently, a “Free Durk” movement has started circulating on Twitter (X) along with the hashtag #DamnDurk,” a clear indication people are shocked by his precarious situation.
Comments like ” gotta learn to leave them streets alone….he been one of the few rappers I still listen too damn durk” and “Durk one of my favorite rappers but saying “Everything on this album is all cap” before going into detail about murders and gang violence was not the smartest thing in the world” are popping up all over the Twitter (X) timeline.
Lil Durk is currently being held without bond at the Broward County Jail. He faces a single count of murder-for-hire, according to court records, and is expected to be transferred into U.S. Marshal’s custody to await federal proceedings. The charges stem from the August 2022 murder of Quando Rondo’s cousin Saviay’a Robinson.
Robinson was fatally shot at a West Hollywood gas station. Prosecutors allege Lil Durk offered money and “lucrative music opportunities” to anyone willing to kill Quando Rondo. They also insist they have evidence to prove the killing was a retaliatory move to avenge King Von’s murder.
In addition to Lil Durk’s arrest, five Only The Family (OTF) associates were taken into custody in his hometown of Chicago on charges related to the case. The individuals—identified as Kavon London Grant, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey and Asa Houston—face a range of federal charges, including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire involving death and use of a machine gun in a violent crime resulting in death.
Lil Durk was awarded the Key to the City of Chicago just two days prior to his arrest. This is a developing story.
Lil Durk is sitting in a Florida jail for his potential role in an alleged murder-for-hire plot tied to a 2022 killing.
The 32-year-old rapper was taken into custody on Thursday (October 24) and is being held without bond at the Broward County Jail. He faces a single count of murder-for-hire, according to court records, and is expected to be transferred into U.S. Marshal’s custody to await federal proceedings.
The charges stem from the August 2022 murder of Saviay’a Robinson, a cousin of fellow rapper Quando Rondo, in West Hollywood, California.
Robinson was fatally shot at a gas station, and authorities allege Lil Durk offered money and “lucrative music opportunities” to anyone willing to kill Quando Rondo.
Prosecutors have presented evidence suggesting the plot was a retaliatory move following the November 2020 killing of King Von, a close friend of Lil Durk.
Federal investigators allege that flights and rental vehicles used by the suspects were financed with credit cards tied to the Only The Family (OTF) label, suggesting a coordinated effort within the group.
King Von, a prominent member of Durk’s OTF collective, was killed in Atlanta on November 6, 2020 by Timothy “Lul Tim” Leaks. Leaks was charged with felony murder in King Von’s death, but those charges were eventually dropped.
In addition to Lil Durk’s arrest, five alleged affiliates of OTF were detained in Chicago on charges related to the case. The individuals—identified as Kavon London Grant, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey and Asa Houston—face a range of federal charges, including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire involving death and use of a machine gun in a violent crime resulting in death.
If convicted, Lil Durk and his associates could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or potentially the death penalty.
After making waves on the COMPLEX discovery platform On The Radar and Shade 45’s The Punchline Academy, Boston’s E-Los is ready to take center stage with his new single, “Searching,” the first official release from his anticipated EP Casanova. Known for his blend of Hip-Hop and R&B, E-Los weaves personal struggles and introspection into his music, crafting a raw, emotional sound that speaks directly to modern relationships and self-doubt.
In a press statement to Medium Creative Agency, E-Los gave fans insight into his latest track, sharing, “This record dissects the challenge of being paralyzed by fear; the talking stage. When you’re close enough to appreciate their presence, yet far enough to keep your true feelings at a distance. You know you’re wasting their time, but hope they’re enjoying it while it lasts as you wrestle with the uncertainty of it all.”
Produced by PDUB, an instrumentalist for John Legend, and distributed through Steve Stoute’s United Masters, “Searching” is scheduled to hit DSPs on October 24th. E-Los will celebrate its release with a headlining homecoming show at Rockwell Theater, where fans will get an intimate first look at the emotional depth behind Casanova.
Beyond this release, E-Los has built a name for himself with consistent sold-out shows and high-profile spots on platforms like Shade 45 and NBC. Recently named an “Artist to Watch” by RNB RADAR, he has earned placements on Spotify playlists such as “B.A.E” and “Mello Bars.” His track record includes collaborations with notable names like Westside Boogie on “Do U Luv Me,” which has racked up over 300,000 streams, and Jay Critch on “Bad Habits.” E-Los has also shared the stage with major artists such as Pop Smoke, Young M.A, and Dusty Locaine, cementing his reputation as a rising star in the Massachusetts music scene.
Casanova, the follow-up to his previous release IDK… I’ll Figure it Out, is expected to showcase an even more vulnerable side of E-Los. The EP dives into the internal battle of longing for love while wrestling with the inability to accept it, promising fans a deep and relatable exploration of human connection.
With “Searching,” E-Los captures the delicate line between desire and hesitation, showing why he’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting voices in contemporary R&B and hip-hop.
Jamie Foxx may have tipped the feds off to Diddy’s criminal activity, according to rumors swirling following the tapping of his upcoming Netflix special.
Page Six reports eyewitnesses who attended Foxx’s recent one-man show in Atlanta claim he’s going after Diddy in his upcoming Netflix special entitled What Had Happened Was. Sources who attended the tapings have mixed recollections of Foxx’s remarks, but some suggest the comedian may have blamed Diddy for his mysterious hospitalization last year.
The buzz began after videographer and producer Choke No Joke attended two of Foxx’s shows in early October at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre. Choke said Foxx allegedly claimed he was the one who reported Diddy to the FBI. Choke described Foxx’s tone as serious, hinting at a deeper conflict between the two stars.
In an interview with Comedy Hype, Choke elaborated on his experience at the tapping, recalling what he heard come from Foxx’s mouth during the shows.
“Jamie has a special coming out on Netflix, and I went to the taping,” Choke said. “He said, ‘Diddy did something to me, and I’m the one who called the feds on him.’”
In addition to Choke, celebrity bodyguard Big Homie .CC added fuel to the fire in an interview with Cam Capone News, claiming he was aware of an alleged incident in which Diddy attempted to harm Foxx prior to his health scare last year.
“I know Diddy poisoned Jamie Foxx, and Jamie reported him to the FBI because of it,” Big Homie .CC said. However, actor Dennis L.A. White, who attended two tapings, downplayed the allegations.
“People keep asking me if Diddy was responsible — he was not responsible,” White told Page Six. “If he was, I would’ve been dead.” White emphasized that Foxx joked about Diddy but didn’t accuse him outright or mention law enforcement.
Jamie Foxx’s daughter, Corinne, announced her father had been hospitalized last April while he was filming, but it’s never been made public what happened. The 56-year-old addressed what Corinne described as “a medical complication” in an Instagram video last July. On the other hand, Diddy has been behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest on September 16. He’s charged with multiple RICO charges, including sex trafficking. He pleaded not guilty.
Tyler, The Creator has provided details on the release date of his upcoming album Chromakopia, in addition to his plans for a unique album listening experience in Los Angeles.
On Thursday (October 24), the CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST mastermind shared a post on his Instagram Story revealing he has organized a surprise playback of the album at the brand new Intuit Dome in Inglewood. According to Tyler, the event is not to be confused with a performance, although he will be taking over the $2 billion, state-of-the-art arena that’s home of the Clippers NBA franchise.
“Los Angeles I’m playing my album in full for you at the Intuit Dome,” Tyler, The Creator wrote in the post. “I will not be performing. I will be standing in the middle of the venue lip syncing the new sounds. The event cost five dollars.”
The event will commence on October 27, just one day ahead of the release of Tyler’s first project since the 2021 release of CMIYGL (he did share The Estate Sale deluxe edition release of the project in 2023). In a post he shared on his feed before the announcement, Tyler revealed Chromakopia wouldn’t be released until October 28 at precisely 6 a.m. EST.
In a comment underneath the post, the Odd Future co-founder briefly explained why the release was set under such specific parameters.
“Y’all n###as can just wake up when y’all finished sleeping and listen to it,” he wrote in the comment.
While fans have already pointed out that October 28 is also Frank Ocean’s birthday, it could be just a coincidence that the album is dropping on that date, considering Tyler recently broke down why he doesn’t support releasing albums on Fridays anymore per the industry standard.
“I think we should put music out again on Tuesdays instead of Fridays, for some reasons,” Tyler told Nardwuar during an interview in November 2023. “What do y’all think? My reasoning is, I know people think because of the weekend they can listen to stuff and the streams go up. And the streaming people are like, ‘Oh, the streams go up on the weekend!’ But I think it’s a lot of passive listening, at parties or people get the time to go to the gym, so they’re not really listening.”
RZA has made a bold statement regarding the skillset of both Drake and Kendrick Lamar as rappers while speaking about their historic rap beef.
During his latest interview with Complex, the legendary Wu-Tang Clan rapper/producer shared his unique theory on the ongoing comparison between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. According to RZA, the difference between the two artists comes down to their lyrical styles and origins.
“Kendrick is the natural lyricist, and Drake I think is a trained lyricist,” RZA said.
He elaborated on his analogy by comparing the two rappers to fighters. Despite his praise for Drake’s abilities, RZA made it clear that in his eyes, Kendrick Lamar’s raw talent gives him an edge.
“You could train a fighter and he could be good,” he said. “Then you got those natural fighters. While Drake got bars forever, Kendrick’s potency was stronger. So the battle for Bar for Bar was something that was just not good advice on Drake’s camp.”
RZA pointed out that Drake’s significant contributions to the culture need not be ignored, though, especially when it comes to his role in the expansion of the genre.
“Drake is a powerful artist in our culture,” he said. “He helped the culture when it needed it. He expanded it with his melodies and he rose a generation too, and you can’t take that away from him.”
However, RZA didn’t focus solely on the competitive side of their relationship. He expressed hope that reconciliation is possible for the two heavyweights, likening their tension to the legendary 2Pac and Biggie Smalls beef.
“It got to a level where Pac and B.I.G. [2Pac and Biggie] became no reconciliation,” RZA reflected.
But for Kendrick Lamar and Drake, he believes there’s a different path.
“The thing that these young brothers should recognize, and I can speak on this because I’m here in the physical form, as you get older, you gain more knowledge and wisdom and experience,” he said.
“So hopefully as they mature more as humans, they could go, ‘Wow, that’s crazy fun. I ate you up, son. I love that other joint. My son loves your joint.’ Here we are for the culture coming together.”
While RZA, who has been no stranger to rap beefs feels as though Kendrick got the best of Drake in their rap battle, his fellow New York Hip-Hop giant who represents the era of artists to come after him disagrees. During his latest interview with with Billboard, 50 Cent compared Drake’s status post-battle with his own position following the release of his third studio album, Curtis, in 2007.
“They wanna see you go up, but they want to see you come down — because if you don’t, how am I gonna have my chance to go up?” he explained. ”Drake is in that position right now. They trying to resist the music, because he put out some things that are dope.
“I was telling him, it’s not him. I’m listening on the outskirts, it’s not you. Don’t let yourself think that for a second. On some real s###, I said, ‘They said you lost, okay. Well, what did you lose?’ What exactly did he lose if he got $300 something million on his last tour? You didn’t lose a m############ thing, man.”
Rihanna is going to be in attendance when Kendrick Lamar takes the stage for the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in February 2025 and has revealed why she predicts the Los Angeles native is going to deliver a killer show.
During a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Rihanna expressed her enthusiastic support for Kendrick Lamar taking the stage at the Super Bowl Halftime Show, describing his headlining set as a natural fit. In addition to remarking on her belief there’s no reason anyone should doubt that Kendrick will give viewers an amazing performance, she used a metaphor piggybacking off of her defining hit “Diamond” to draw a vivid comparison to what the achievement represents
“Kendrick Lamar for the Super Bowl, It’s a diamond on a ring finger,” Rihanna said in part. She noted Lamar’s unique artistry and recent accomplishments make him the ideal choice for one of the world’s biggest platforms.
“He’s an amazing artist, top tier,” she said. “He had an incredible year. He actually brought so many people together. It’s to be celebrated.”
Rihanna further elaborated on Lamar’s impact over the past year, which she believes makes him particularly suited for the Super Bowl.
“It is meant to be Kendrick Lamar,” she said. “Kendrick Lamar is the one that’s supposed to do it right now. He’s going to crush it. We should never doubt him.”
Rihanna’s praises of Lamar’s status as one of the most exceptional artists in the industry was concluded with what appears to be a reference to his explosive Drake diss track “Euphoria” during which he raps “I’m what the culture feeling” establishing himself as a luminary in the world of Hip-Hop — and RiRi seems to agree.
“That’s what culture is,” she said. “He deserves it. I can’t wait to see it. Kendrick, thank you.”
As someone who recently broke records with her own Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, Rihanna’s endorsement of Lamar carries significant weight. Her performance in 2023 shattered expectations, with millions tuning in to watch her electrifying return to the stage after a long hiatus. Rihanna’s show became the most-watched halftime show in history, solidifying her place in the Super Bowl’s legacy.
Her album ANTI, which became her second No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart in 2016 returned to the Top 10 on the set for the first time since the year it was released following her performance. Rihanna’s Super Bowl performance also earned her first-ever Emmy Award for Outstanding Production Design for a Variety Special award.
LL COOL J has opened up on the factors holding back the official release of several collaborations he worked on with the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
During his recent interview with 102.7KIISFM in promotion of his latest album, The F.O.R.C.E., LL COOL J explained exactly why the music he and Jackson worked on was never (and will likely never be) released, while also providing a unique insight into what Jackson was like.
Fans have long speculated about the elusive tracks that LL COOL J and Michael Jackson reportedly worked on together, but LL COOL J candidly revealed that while the two megastars did record music together, it just wasn’t up to the King of Pop’s high standards.
“Mike didn’t… they weren’t good enough,” LL said, admitting that despite their collaboration, the material just didn’t meet Jackson’s expectations. “Sometimes the art don’t get there,” he added, alluding to the fact that some creative projects never make it to the public.
One of the songs, “Serious Effect,” did manage to leak, but LL COOL J confirmed there were other tracks that never surfaced. Despite the unreleased music, the decorated MC reminisced fondly about the experience of working with the pop icon. “
Just being able to hang out with Mike and work with him was really dope,” LL said, sharing that their time in the studio together was full of memorable moments.
But the interview took a lighter turn when LL COOL J shared an unforgettable story of how Michael Jackson played a hilarious prank on him. During one of their conversations in the studio, LL couldn’t resist asking about one of Jackson’s most famous stunts from the “Smooth Criminal” video—the gravity-defying forward lean.
“I’m like, yo, how’d y’all do that thing with ‘Smooth Criminal’ when you lean in and all that?” LL recalled. Michael, always known for his playful sense of humor, responded with a straight face, claiming, “Well, we brought in a shaman and had a big ceremony, burned candles and incense…”
For a moment, LL COOL J was totally convinced by the elaborate story until Jackson broke the suspense with a laugh, saying, “No, silly!”
LL burst out laughing, admitting that Jackson had him completely fooled. “Mike was funny, man,” LL concluded, showing fans that the King of Pop was not only a musical genius but also had a mischievous side.
Lil Xan was smacked with a hefty fine over a 2020 incident in which he pulled out a gun on a hardcore 2Pac fan. According to TMZ Hip-Hop, a judge overseeing the case entered a default judgment on October 23 against Xan ordering him to pay $27,823.89 in damages to Anthony Sanchez.
Sanchez confronted Lil Xan at a 7-11 in Los Angeles over disparaging remarks the XANARCHY rapper made about 2Pac that were going viral at the time. During the heated exchange, Lil Xan brandished a weapon and started waving it around at Sanchez. Sanchez then filed a lawsuit against Xan, claiming he “feared” for his life. Because Lil Xan ignored the suit, Sanchez won by default.
Lil Xan sparked controversy in 2018 after calling 2Pac’s music “boring” in an interview with REVOLT TV. The Hip-Hop community was furious and at one point, police had to escort Xan to safety after his comments caused a mob of students to descend on him at a Del Taco in Redlands, California. He eventually ran to a nearby YMCA for protection.
Lil Xan expressed regret over his comments in a 2023 interview with AllHipHop.
“That interview should’ve never even been aired ‘cause I wasn’t in a good place during the interview,” Lil Xan said. “I was angry at that time. And all that came down to was a result of me just trying to get the interview done quicker. I was like, ‘Next question. Next question.’ And then they just give me questions and I’m messing around.”
He continued, “I think Tupac is a legend. I don’t have to explain myself to anybody, but I grew on a lot of old school West Coast, a lot of old school East Coast. But after that, that was just a little mishap. It was the result of me not being as mature as I am today, inexperienced with interviews a lot too.”
Lil Xan has been busy promoting his latest album, DIEGO. He has yet to comment on the judge’s ruling.
Drake knows how to party, throwing a wild birthday bash at Houston strip club to celebrate turning 38.
The OVO Sound boss marked another year around the sun on Thursday, October (October 24). He kicked off his celebrations with his friends and family at a private party on Wednesday night at Houston’s Area 29 strip club.
Footage from the evening shows Drake alongside his parents, Dennis and Sandi Graham, as his guests sing “Happy Birthday.” The trio stood in front of a giant cake shaped like the numbers of Drake’s birth year, adorned with large sparklers.
Drake really turned up the heat later in the evening with NSFW clips showing him handing out money to half-naked dancers. However, unlike most millionaire rappers, Drake didn’t throw money, he handed the dancers stacks of cash.
Drake bringing in his 38th birthday tonight in Houston, TX with friends and family. 🎂 pic.twitter.com/TbDAdeTVW4
Other videos show the Canadian superstar’s piles of cash, including one clip of some dancers carrying $50,000. In the aftermath, the club was littered with bills and staff shoveled handfuls of cash into the bags to be counted.
Although he was the birthday boy Drake gave his guests a special surprise, previewing an unreleased track. A brief snippet of the song circulating online set tongues wagging. At the end of the clip, Drake can be heard rapping, “p#### boy better be ready.”
More life to the GOAT 💯@drake unreleased song playing 🔥🔥
Jennifer Lopez’s first husband, Ojani Noa, claims he’s being questioned about the allegations against Diddy but says people should be asking the singer about the notorious “freak offs.”
Noa was married to Lopez for less than a year before they split in 1998, and the singer went on to date Diddy between 1999 and 2021. Noa is speaking on his relationship with Lopez, claiming Diddy was partially responsible for their divorce.
Furthermore, in a recent Instagram post, Noa made some allegations about his ex-wife, sharing a purported guest list for one of Diddy’s parties.
“I”M NOT ON THE LIST,” he captioned the post. “To those people and media outlets asking if I ever went or participated in that P############ (DIDDY”S) Freak-Off Parties. No and No. Never. But my Ex-Wife (Jennifer Lopez) a.k.a (JLO) Did.. Ask Her. Oh and ask her about the SEX TAPES, The 734 D##### And The BABY OIL.”
Noa also dished the dirt on their short-lived romance during an appearance on Spanish talk show Despierta América.
According to Noa, “Part of that divorce was Diddy’s fault.” He claimed “the deception, the lies” and “the separation” began when Jennifer Lopez started working with Diddy on her debut album, On The 6.
“I was in Los Angeles opening my restaurant and she was between Miami and New York working on the album,” he said, per Page Six.
Noa Was Jealous Of Jennifer Lopez & Diddy’s Working Relationship
Noa spoke on the demise of his relationship with Jennifer Lopez in 2022, telling the Daily Mail he was jealous of her working with Diddy.
“She went from Jen to being J Lo, this big business bringing in millions,” he reflected. “She had all these new people around her, all wanting to make money off her. I would call and an assistant would say, ‘Sorry, she’s not available.’”
Jennifer Lopez has not commented on Noa’s remarks or the case against Diddy.
