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Are Jay Z & Beyonce In Disagreement Over What To Do With Their LA Mansion?

Rumor has it that Jay Z and Beyonce have been fighting over their Bel Air mansion. In Oct Bey-Z moved into a $150K a month 20,000 square foot rental mansion in the affluent Bel Air neighborhood. Radar Online reports almost immediately after the couple moved in, they were said to be having blowout fights and sleeping in separate bedrooms. Radar Online also says that now six months into their stay they aren’t in agreement with what to do with the house. Allegedly Bey no longer wants to spend that much money a month if they aren’t going to be staying there especially with her being on her Formation Tour all summer. Apparently Bey wants Jay Z to drop everything and go on tour with her, and Jay doesn’t want to move out of the mansion and go anywhere until their contract is up. Maybe they figured out some sort of compromise. We do know that Jay is on that tour though! People have been going even harder with the assumptions that the couple may be having marriage problems after the release of Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’ album and HBO special. They may not be having problems at all; they may just be marketing geniuses.

RECAP: Lupe Fiasco Spellbinds Crowd During ATL Tour Stop (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop Features) If there was ever any doubt that Lupe Fiasco is capable of captivating a crowd, one would have only had to experience his “Tour For The Fans” appearance at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta on Monday night. Over an hour into the Chicago native’s set, Lupe was still able to mesmerize his audience with the nearly 9-minute song “Murals” by merely standing in front of a microphone and reciting bars.

[ALSO READ: Lupe Gives Fans New Song With Rick Ross & Big K.R.I.T.]

Lupe has been one of Hip Hop’s most appreciated lyricists of the past 10 years. That decade of success was personified by the mixture of ages in attendance at his ATL stop. College kids, 80’s babies, and 40+ heads were rapping, dancing, and vibing together as one collective.

Fans packed the front of the venue as Fiasco ran through popular cuts like “Kick Push,” “Daydreamin’,” “Superstar,” “The Show Goes On,” and “B-tch Bad.” Even though Lupe announced at the beginning of his performance that he would not be engaging in the typical rap show routine of instructing the audience on how to respond, he was very interactive with his devotees throughout the concert. 

At one point, Lupe asked his security to retrieve some backstage snacks for a woman who insisted on constantly reminding the emcee it was her birthday. Another concert goer traveled all the way from London, and she left Georgia with a promise to receive some special perks the next time the star travels across the pond.

The most memorable give-and-take of the night came when Lupe split the crowd into two parts to see which section could be the most turnt to his track “Next To It.” Tour deejay Double-O of Kidz In The Hall predicted the “Fiasco” side would be crowned the winner, and the artist went with the “Lupe” side to earn the symbolic victory. In the end, the “Fiasco” crew was named the champion (for the second show in a row).

The room was properly electrified before the headliner even began running through his hits. Opening acts Z-Verse, Billy Blue, and The Boy Illinois each energized the congregation with their respective tunes. 

Fellow Chicago rhymer Z-Verse started off the night. The longtime Fiasco associate used his record “Greed” as a dedication to Donald Trump. Verse was followed by the “Hood Haitian” Billy Blue of Miami who brought out Lupe for “Chopper” and “Fundamental.” Later, The Windy City’s The Boy Illinois had the gallery singing along to his Nas/Lauryn Hill inspired “Ruling Class ’15.” 

When Lupe finally took the stage, the Grammy winner ignited Variety Playhouse with “The Coolest” off his critically acclaimed LP The Cool. In addition, he offered new material from his forthcoming trio of final albums (DROGAS, DROGAS Light, & SKULLS) expected to be released this year.

The evening eventually closed out with the Hip Hop veteran thanking his followers, deejay, crew, family, and entire team as the soundscape of J Dilla’s “Gobstopper” played from the speakers. In a testament to his dynamic stage presence, Lupe Fiasco was able to charm his spectators with 90 minutes of music and personality without once breaking the spell. 

[ALSO READ: Lupe Fiasco Reveals New Names & Cover Art For His “Last” Three Albums]

2 Milly Returns With A New Song To Follow “Milly Rock”

Rapper 2 Milly made a huge impact with his hit record “Milly Rock” that song sparked a dance craze across the country. 2Milly has been grinding hard since the release of that song he has connected with Springfield, MA rhyme slinger Cheekz for his follow up single which is aptly titled “Grindn Hard.” Check out the visual here.

Swizz Says DMX Album Almost Done, Project Set To Feature Kanye West And Dr. Dre

(AllHipHop News) Swizz Beatz is about to let the dog loose as DMX preps for the release of his highly anticipated album.

While there have been intermittent DMX releases, the hype for this project just reached a new plateau as Swizzy confirmed Kanye West and Dr. Dre will both be contributing to DMX’s upcoming project.

“I am truly ultra proud of the steps my brother has been taking to greatness ?? Some people think it’s easy to shake unfortunate situations but it’s not! I would love for all the fans to hit up @DMX and show him love for being focused, clean, & ready to earn back his crown ?? Long live the Dog AKA my brother AKA the Great?? Love you for life!! RR 4 Life!! Let’s get ’em!!Album sounding nice king….. We’re just waiting on DRE & Kanye tracks to wrap up!!!! ????????????????????????”

The project which is executively produced by Swizz Beats is said to be “fire” according to Swizz Beatz.

“I see a lot of people hitting me about this album!!! I can tell you 100% this is not the album X and I are working on!!!! (I feel like Timbo with the Aaliyah movie rite now) SMH !!!!!! #DontdisrespecttheDog We Got Fire coming,” Swizz Beatz said in January of last year.

While no release date has been confirmed for the said project with X’s longtime contributor, Swizz and DMX’s work together is highlighted by “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem,” production on roughly 10 songs for DMX’s Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, and countless other tracks from the Ruff Ryders compilation album, Ryde or Die Vol. 1. 

 

I am truly ultra proud of the steps my brother has been taking to greatness ?? Some people think it’s easy to shake unfortunate situations but it’s not! I would love for all the fans to hit up @DMX and show him love for being focused, clean, & ready to earn back his crown ?? Long live the Dog AKA my brother AKA the Great?? Love you for life!! RR 4 Life!! Let’s get ’em!!Album sounding nice king….. We’re just waiting on DRE & Kanye tracks to wrap up!!!! ????????????????????????

A photo posted by therealswizzz (@therealswizzz) on

The Black Panther Party​ Mourns Afeni Shakur, Planning 50th Anniversary Memorial

(AllHipHop News) It is a well-known fact that Afeni Shakur was a ​member of the ​Black Panther ​Party and her death comes as they prepare to celebrate their 50th Anniversary.​ It has been exclusively told to AllHipHop ​that just recently – prior to her sudden passing – Afeni had been discussing the anniversary festivities and events.

Jamal Joseph, a renown Black Panther Alumni, author and activist, expressed deep loss at Afeni’s passing.

[ALSO READ: 2Pac’s Mother & Activist Afeni Shakur Reported Dead At 69]

“My heart is broken into a million pieces,” Jamal Joseph told AllHipHop.com. “Afeni taught me more about being a man than any other man or woman.”

Afeni Shakur and Jamal were ​a key figures in the Harlem branch of the Black Panther Party and went to trial together. Afeni was one of only two women who went on trial as part ​of The​ Panther​ 21, a group of New York-based Black Panthers that were illegally and falsely persecuted by the State of New York. They ​faced put to 300 years each​ for conspiracy to plan bombings and long-range shootings on NYPD and other education office in New York City.

It became the longest and most expensive trial in New York history.​

Though they had a team of lawyers, Afeni chose to act as her own lawyer and defend herself. Eventually all ​21 members were acquitted.​ ​

“This is a woman, even if she hadn’t given birth to Tupac, that we should still be celebrating, ” Jamal Joseph said on Afeni. Jamal was the youngest of The Panther 21 and was extremely close to her.

https://twitter.com/jjpantherbaby/status/727544210950348801

Now, with Afeni’s death, the 50th anniversary of the Black Panther Party takes on renewed importance and will honor the many others who have since passed.

The National Alumni Association of the Black Panther Party (NAABPP), their family and supporters will convene from October 21st – 23rd, 2016 to host “The Convening For Freedom” in Oakland, CA. The historic weekend will be the first ever gathering of its kind to bring together former members of the Black Panther Party​ together with young activists from today’s Black Lives Matter movement.

“In honor of 2016 being the 50th Anniversary of the Black Panther Party, the National Alumni Association of the Black Panther Party is inviting Black organizers and activists, allies and supporters world wide to Oakland, California for a weekend of arts, music and intergenerational convening of the past present and future of the Black freedom struggle,” a statement read.

The alumni of the Black Panther Party have continued to seek support for their efforts. Click below to donate:

https://www.generosity.com/celebration-fundraising/yearofthepanther-convening-for-freedom

Send checks or money Orders:

National Alumni Association of the Black Panther

Party P.O. Box 7978

Garden City, New York, 11530

#NAABPP 

#YearOfThePanther

#RIPAfeniShakur

 

Anderson. Paak Set To Hit The Road With The Free Nationals Band

(AllHipHop News) This June Anderson. Paak hits the road with his Free Nationals Band.

The tour kicks off in Louisville, Kentucky at the Mercury Ballroom and continues on to the famed St. Andrews Hall in Detroit, Michigan

Following a stop in the nation’s capital and Baltimore, Anderson takes the band on a Texas leg of the tour with stops in Dallas, Texas and Houston.

Anderson then zigzags across the U.S. with stops in LA, Boston, Toronto, and Vegas in late-July, and then heads back to Cali, Phoenix and San Diego for the final few shows.

While many people have grown to love Anderson’s music with the release of Dre’s Compton album, Anderson’s road to signing with Dre’s Aftermath included a wide range of ups and downs including being homeless for a period of time.

Recently Anderson. Paak confirmed that Dr. Dre has been working on new music. 

“He’s working right now. He’s doing a lot of work right now. I can’t really speak on it,” said Anderson about his musical mentor.

Check out the tour dates below 

andersonpaaktour

June 11: Louisville, Ky. @ Mercury Ballroom
June 12: Detroit, Mich. @ St. Andrews Hall
June 16: Washington, D.C. @ The Fillmore
June 17: Baltimore, Md. @ Soundstage
June 21: Dallas, Texas @ House of Blues
June 22: Houston, Texas @ House of Blues
June 27: Los Angeles, CA @ Ace Hotel
July 21: Boston, Mass @ Paradise
July 22: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theater
July 29: Las Vegas, Nev. @ House of Blues
Aug. 1: Ventura, Calif. @ Ventura Theater
Aug. 2: Phoenix, Ariz. @ Livewire
Aug. 3: San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

Russell Simmons Says I Ain’t Never Had a Rap Beef & I Ain’t Scared of Nobody

People have wanted to know ultimately why did Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin split up. Rusell explains to DJ Vlad that they began working on different projects and focusing on other artists. Simmons says he started pulling away gradually as he began to balance other business ventures. Russell Simmons also says he doesn’t buy in to rap beef, and he’s never had a rap beef. Simmons said artists always get mad but he’s not scared of anyone on this planet. We have to wonder are there some old sealed up stories of Uncle Rush getting popping back in the day. Maybe not as he says he doesn’t believe in violence.

EXCLUSIVE: Zonnique Talks New Music, Working With Young Thug & Possible Future In Reality TV

(AllHipHop News) The public has watched Zonnique Pullins grow from being a child star to a young woman. Most of the world first became aware of the now 20-year-old Atlanta resident from her appearances on the unscripted television series Tiny and Toya and T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle.

However, Zonnique also grabbed the attention of a supportive teenage fan base as a member of the R&B/Pop trio The OMG Girlz. With her teen years behind her, the vocalist affectionately known as Nique Nique has parted with her “sisters” to move on as a solo act.

Last year saw the arrival of Zonnique’s first official single “Nun For Free” – a collaboration with buzzing ATL rhymer Young Thug. Nique is back with a new carefree track titled “Worst Friday.” The song plays off of the stoner theme from the Friday movie while also serving as a takedown of a bothersome ex-boyfriend.

Zonnique is currently crafting her debut studio album. With her mother Tameka “Tiny” Harris and stepfather Clifford “T.I.” Harris offering their expert assistance, the starlet is on a journey to join her parents as an award-winning entertainer.   

In this interview with AllHipHop.com, Zonnique talks about her music career, teaming up with Thugger, and what else is on the horizon.

[ALSO READ: “Cashin Out”: Tiny and T.I.’s Daughter Zonnique’s Sweet 16 Party in ATL]

What were your thoughts behind your new single “Worst Friday”?

I wanted it to be different from my first single. All of my music has a mix of R&B and Pop, but I wanted it to be a little more Pop driven, a little more kid friendly, but also a little risqué. That’s how we came up with the concept where it sounds like it could be about smoking or about a relationship. We just wanted to make it really fun.

How involved were you with the writing process?

The girl who co-wrote it – her name is Libby [Abrego] –  I’ve been working with her forever. We both write together. I’m really comfortable writing with her, so I got to write a lot.

You mentioned your other single. You dropped a song with Young Thug. Were you in the studio with him when he was recording?

I got there right after he finished it. We listened to it, and I was like, “I love it!” He said, “You like it?” I told him, “I love it.” Then he said, “Let me go back in.” So he goes back in and does background vocals behind his verse and the whole song. My mom said, “It sounds like a duet now.” I said, “You hyped it up even more.” We had really great chemistry doing the video. He’s a really nice guy.

Was he originally just supposed to do a verse?

Yeah, he was going to be on the third verse, but I think that my pops said, “We’re going to put the verse right here.” It made it different, because you expect the feature to be at the end of the song. I was really cool with it, because it sounds like a duet.

Are your parents heavily involved in the creative process?

They are – in and out. They usually look for me for all the creative things, and they’ll overlook it. My mom especially. She’s more into the creative process. With my stepdad, I just go to him at the end and get his opinion about it.

Do you feel any sense of pressure? You have two parents who are Grammy winning hit makers.

I feel pressure with a lot of things I do. I always feel pressure, but I get through it. It’s like, “I know they’re going to be expecting this, because my parents are these people.” So I got to put on a show. I feel like I have to do my best at anything, so it’s not too much pressure.

never forget ??

A photo posted by Zonnique (@zonniquejailee) on

You came up with The OMG Girlz. Now you’re a solo artist. How has that been different for you?

It’s been a lot different with just not having them with me all the time. It would be louder in here. [laughs] I’m just getting into not depending on them for certain things and just doing it all myself. At first, I was really nervous, because I didn’t know if I could tackle it all by myself. My family said, “You can do it. This is what you’ve been doing.” The change has been pretty good.

How far along are you with the album process?

Right now, I’m just really creating. I felt like I finished it awhile ago, but my mom always tells me to go back to the studio. We have really good material, but she’s really into making more and adding and subtracting to the list of songs we can put on the project. We’ve been subtracting songs that we fell in love with months ago and putting on these new songs that we just recorded.

T.I. is a co-owner of Tidal now. Are you going to have some type of association with Tidal as well?

Me and my mom were talking about it, like maybe we should release some things on Tidal now. We’ve been talking about it. I feel like when I get the perfect thing to be on there – because I feel like it’s so many great artists on there – I want whatever I put on there to be perfect.

A lot of people know you from your appearances on TV. Do you feel like that has been a beneficial part of being an artist?

It definitely has been a beneficial part. When you’re an artist, it’s hard to get your stuff out there a lot of times. Being on TV is an outlet for people to get to know you more, so I’ve always been able to showcase what I do on TV. With The OMG Girlz, T.I. & Tiny helped a lot because we were always in rehearsals. Most of the time in the beginning, I was on tour, so it was always that missing kid that wasn’t there, so [the cameras] had to come to a show. That really showed us to the world.

What are your expectations for your career?

I see my music career going really far. I would like for it to branch off into other things. I want to get into acting first. I’ve been in meetings, but I want to get some training so I can perfect it. After I master it or get into a couple of TV shows or movies, I want to pursue modeling. I see my music career taking me to award shows, performing, and really just being a branch for all the other things I want to do also.

Have you thought about having your own reality show?

I have. I’ve really been talking about that lately. I was telling my mom I wanted a show where I grow up. It could be a reality TV show, and I could move. I don’t have to be in Atlanta anymore to try to do my own thing. Just to get away from them. [laughs] I said, ‘Ya’ll can come visit me, but I feel like it should all be on camera.” So we’re talking about that.

You’ve had fans that have followed you since Tiny & Toya. What has been the reaction from your fans?

The reaction has sometimes been surprising, because sometimes I forget I’m on TV. The only thing I stay away from is going to Lenox Mall on a Saturday. Other than that, I’m like, “Let’s go. I’ll be okay.” My friends say, “Do you really feel like dealing with that today?” I say, “Let’s go. I’ll wear shades or something.” I do that with my boyfriend all the time. I’ll put on a wig, and he’s like, “You still look the same.” [laughs] I still do look the same, and people always still know me. It’s always a little surprising.

You’ve managed to handle fame?

Yeah, definitely. I know how to handle it. I’m nice to people. I take pictures. I don’t mind. As long as it’s not overbearing.

[ALSO READ: T.I. Announces Roc Nation Partnership & Tidal Ownership During Atlanta Show]

Purchase Zonnique’s music on iTunes and Google Play.

Stream Zonnique’s music on Tidal and Spotify.

Follow Zonnique on Twitter @Star_OMG and Instagram @zonniquejailee.

PHOTO CREDIT: Donte Brown

University of Georgia Withholding Fetty Wap’s $100,000 Performance Fee After Late Arrival

(AllHipHop News) Just weeks ago the rider for Ludacris’ University of Georgia performance leaked online as the DTP rapper’s long list of requested amenities drew concern from locals, the media and representatives from the school after the rider included condoms and alcohol.

As agreed, Ludacris performed for 13 min for roughly 92,000 people and earned $65,000.

Now the University of Georgia is again embattled in controversy with a rapper after students were disappointed in Fetty Wap’s delayed arrival for a $100,000 show.

As such, the university is withholding Fetty’s cash according to a University of Georgia spokesman.

According to reports in OnlineAthens, a school publication, the University of Georgia agreed to pay the rapper $100,000 for a show that was to start at 8:45 PM, but Fetty Wap didn’t appear on stage until 10 PM.

“We had concerns with the brevity,” UGA Director of Student Affairs Communications Stan Jackson said about the performance that was less than an hour.

Based on reports, UGA honored Fetty’s rider which was not nearly as extensive as Ludacris’.

No word from Fetty Wap’s camp on this one, but the University is expecting to reach some sort of agreement less than the original $100,000 amount.

Check out the rider Fetty demanded for his 100k show below:

  • Salmon – grilled or broiled (well done)

  • One hundred chicken wings (variety of sauces)

  • Fifty pieces of grilled or fried shrimp

  • Popeye brand chicken (assorted pieces of 6)

  • Two pizzas (plain)

  • Two pizzas (pepperoni)

  • One bag of Doritos

  • Six protein Balance bars

  • Dessert platter including banana pudding and carrot cake

  • Assorted fruit platter

  • Variety of cold beverages — water, soda, iced tea, Red Bull

Fetty Wap Requested A Nice Amount & An Interesting Rider To Perform At UGA

Apparently The University of Georgia paid Fetty Wap $100,000 for a recent concert on campus at their Stegeman Coliseum. Now we know Fetty had some “hits”, and a steady buzz, but is he worth $100K for a 60 minute performance? The students weren’t too happy about Fetty showing up late. The Athens Banner-Herald reported that a payment was to be made via university check mailed the next business day following the performance. Fetty’s call time was around 8:45 PM, but Fetty didn’t appear on stage until after 10 PM, and performed less than an hour.

Check out his said rider list though:

  • Salmon – grilled or broiled (well done)

  • One hundred chicken wings (variety of sauces)

  • Fifty pieces of grilled or fried shrimp

  • Popeye brand chicken (assorted pieces of 6)

  • Two pizzas (plain)

  • Two pizzas (pepperoni)

  • One bag of Doritos

  • Six protein Balance bars

  • Dessert platter including banana pudding and carrot cake

  • Assorted fruit platter

  • Variety of cold beverages – water, soda, iced tea, Red Bull

Fetty’s rider caused a Twitter stir as it was revealed condoms and alcohol were items included on the list as well. Who were the condoms for though, because the way Fetty gets a new baby mama every other day, they couldn’t have been for him. LOL. What would be on your rider list?

Kanye Talks To Steve Harvey About ‘T.L.O.P.’ And Respecting Parents

(AllHipHop News) After reaching the top of the charts and since causing an uproar on social media with the repeated changing of his album titles, Kanye’s T.L.O.P. seems to have reached the goals he personally set for the project.

After taking to the Met Gala red carpet with some much talked about blue-contacts, Kanye spoke in hindsight about his T.L.O.P. project in an interview with Steve Harvey today (May 3).

“You got critics, and then you got artists. I’ll kick a critic out the studio! I ain’t read one review on my fashion show. I ain’t read one review on The Life of Pablo. The only review is somebody waking up in the morning and listening to “Ultralight Beam.” Somebody listening to “Low Lights,” a single mom driving they son to work, like the way my mum used to drive me to school.

In addition to speaking bout the T.L.O.P. critics, Kanye addressed his “KK” issues with Wiz Khalifa and began talking about how he respects parents and is focusing on remaining positive.

If you read the KK , you thought he might have been talking about my wife. And you know how you would feel if someone was talking about your wife. Did I take it too far? You know what, I’m from 79th street Chicago…I can’t say that if someone says “eff you,” I can’t say I’m not gonna say the exact same thing back.

But one thing that I want to really express to the people is everyday I look and I play with my daughter, I’m playing with Saint. I talked to Wiz, Amber talked to Kim, and I really want to stress the amount of respect that I have for parents. There is no concept of anyone beating up on someone else’s child or that type of concept. So everyday I actually feel more deeply, deeply, deeply apologetic about that concept, because I only want to put out positive, positive, positive concepts.

Yeezy also had info for fans of his Adidas sneaks and the pricing of the shoes saying he hopes to make more affordable shoes for those less fortunate.

Man, that first season I wasn’t in charge of none of those prices. Mark my words, please mark my words: I am coming for they neck. I’m bout to drop these prices in the way I can connect to the Kanye that I was when I was 14-years-old and my mum could barely afford it.

Check out the full interview here!

via MissInfo.TV.

Hearing Impaired Man’s Family Demands An Apology From 50 Cent; Effen Vodka Boycotted

(AllHipHop News) The family of a man 50 Cent accused of drug taking have demanded an apology from the rapper

The Hip-Hop star, real name Curtis Jackson, posted a video on Instagram on Sunday (01May16) of 19-year-old airport janitor Andrew Farrell pushing a cart of cleaning supplies through Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

After the airport employee failed to respond to Jackson, the 40-year-old rapper accused him of being on drugs, saying, “Look at him. What kind of s**t do you think he took before he got to work today? He high as a motherf****r right here in the airport. Pupils dilated – the new generation is f***ing crazy.”

However after the video went viral, a former classmate of the teenager identified the airport worker as Andrew and stated that he had difficulties with social interaction.

Andrew’s step-father Ken Kramer told the Cincinnati Enquirer the teen suffered from social anxiety disorder and hearing impairment, saying, “He doesn’t talk to people very often. He’s got a social anxiety disorder. He also has a hearing impairment.”

His mother Amanda demanded the In Da Club rapper apologize to her son, adding, “I want him to apologize to him more than anything and say that he was wrong. He should not have made those snap judgments.”

She also told the newspaper that she was determined people got the right impression of her son.

“I want people to know that he’s a good kid. He doesn’t get in trouble. He’s not a drug addict,” she said.

At the time of going to press, although 50 Cent had deleted the offending video from his account, he had yet to publicly comment on the matter.

Beyoncé Becomes First Female Artist To Chart 12 Tracks On The Hot 100 Simultaneously

(AllHipHop News) R&B/Pop superstar Beyoncé adds another major career milestone to her résumé. The Houston bred singer is now the first female artist to chart 12 or more songs on Billboard‘s Hot 100 at the same time.

[ALSO READ: Rihanna Joins The Beatles In Second Place For Hot 100 Record]

The publication revealed Bey accomplished the feat this week when all 12 of her songs from Lemonade earned a spot on the tally. She surpassed Taylor Swift’s 11 tracks on the Hot 100 when 2010’s Speak Now was released. The overall record holder is Justin Bieber with 17 songs from Purpose in 2015.

“Formation” is currently Beyoncé’s highest charting record at #10. “Sorry” (11) and “Hold Up” (13) sit right outside the Top 10. All 12 Lemonade songs appear on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart as well.

Lemonade was released on April 23 exclusively via Tidal before seeing a wide commercial release the following day. The “visual album” opened at #1 on the Billboard 200 with 653,000 equivalent album units.

[ALSO READ: Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade’ Opens At #1; A$AP Ferg’s ‘Always Strive And Prosper’ Lands In Top 10]

Andra Day Teams With Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, ESSENCE Festival & Shazam For New Visual­-Recognition Digital Experience

(AllHipHop News) Singer-songwriter Andra Day has joined with Coca-Cola and McDonald’s for the Rise Up ESSENCE Festival program. Those four parties have also partnered with Shazam for a new visual­-recognition technology for content distribution.

[ALSO READ: ALTERNATIVE PICK Andra Day – “Forever Mine”]

As an extension of Coca-Cola’s “Share A Coke And A Song” campaign, 40 million cups at select McDonald’s restaurants across the country will include lyrics from Day’s single “Rise Up.” Each product provides an exclusive digital experience where consumers can scan the specially marked Coca-­Cola cups and watch the short film I Rise featuring music by Day.

“I am overjoyed to be a part of this program,” says Andra Day. “The reach of Coke and McDonald’s is undeniable and I’m thrilled these iconic brands are joining forces to inspire local communities through messages of peace and motivation in unique ways. It’s an added bonus that they are using the lyrics to ‘Rise Up’ as a part of those messages.”

Day-Coke-McDonald's

The Rise Up ESSENCE Festival program offers people the chance to win prizes and view exclusive digital content that focuses on perseverance, community, and achievement from Andra Day and others. McDonald’s customers that purchase Coke fountain products will learn how to enter the Coca-­Cola Rise Up ESSENCE Fest Sweepstakes. Winners will get the chance to see Andra Day perform at the 2016 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans scheduled for June 30 ­- July 3.

“Shazam is excited to partner with world­-class brands like Coca­-Cola and McDonald’s,” states Greg Glenday, Shazam’s Chief Revenue Officer. “We are witnessing more large-­scale activations connecting fans with breakout artists like Andra Day. It’s great to see both global brands leverage our proprietary technology to build evangelists within their most desired audiences.”

William Rhodes, Director of Marketing, McDonald’s USA adds, “When we conceived this program, our goal was to develop partnerships that could offer memorable and exclusive experiences to our customers. We are beyond excited to launch this campaign.”

[ALSO READ: The 2015 ESSENCE Festival Celebrates Real R&B & Hip Hop With Missy Elliott, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Kevin Hart & More]

Watch the trailer for “Andra Day – I RISE” below.

PHOTO CREDIT: Myriam Santos

Killer Mike Talks Releasing Music For Free Versus For Sale (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) The line between mixtapes and albums have blurred to the point were in many cases it is impossible to differentiate between the two. Rappers release albums for free and put mixtapes on sale. But what are the advantages for artists to give their fans music without having to pay for it?

[ALSO READ: Run The Jewels Releases Virtual Reality Video For “Crown”]

Killer Mike spoke with VladTV about that subject. As one half of Run The Jewels with El-P, Mike dropped two free official projects over the last three years.

“Why pretend like this is the f-cking Puffy era and you’re gonna sell a million and shine on n-ggas? Get the f-ck out of here,” said Mike. “The truth of it all is if kids really love your stuff, they’re going to find a way to support it.”

The Atlanta rhymer continued, “So why try to trick them into first week sales and sh-t? When we can say, ‘Hear take the album. If you like it, dope. If you like it enough, buy it. If you don’t want to buy an album, buy a t-shirt. If you buy an album and a t-shirt and want to see this crazy sh-t live, come out to a show.’ So the trade-off works for us.”

Killer Mike and El-P’s Run The Jewels 3 is expected to arrive later this year. The duo released the remix album Meow The Jewels in 2015. The proceeds for the project’s sales go to help protesters’ legal fees.

[ALSO READ: Run The Jewels Brings Out Nas During Coachella 2016 Set (VIDEO)]

 

Watch Killer Mike’s interview below.

2Pac’s Mother Afeni Shakur Reported Dead At 69

(AllHipHop News) There is more sad news from the world of music. Multiple sources reveal to AllHipHop.com that Afeni Shakur, mother of the late Tupac Shakur, has passed away.The Marin County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed her death, but the cause of her passing have not been made public.

Shakur was honored by 2Pac in the classic 1995 song “Dear Mama.” The activist and businesswoman had been very involved in the forthcoming All Eyez On Me biopic about her son which is scheduled for release later this year.

Afeni Shakur was 69 years old. AllHipHop.com will update this story as more information is made available.

 

Drake’s ‘Views’ Now Projected To Sell Under 1 Million Copies In Its First Week

(AllHipHop News) When Drake’s VIEWS landed last week, the early predictions were that the set could sell over 1 million copies in its first week. After a few more days of release, it now appears Drizzy will just miss joining Eminem, 50 Cent, and Lil Wayne on the list of rappers to cross a milli in sales in seven days.

[ALSO READ: Drake Beats Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’ For #1 Spot On iTunes, Projected to Double In Streams]

According to HitsDailyDouble, VIEWS is now predicted to move 850,000 – 900,000 in actual sales. Streaming numbers added in could push the equivalent album units total to over 1 million.

That would be enough to give the collection the highest first week sales and sale plus streaming totals of 2016, and the Toronto performer would earn the best sales week of his career. Drake achieved his previous highest week with 2013’s Nothing Was The Same which debuted with 658,000 copies sold.

Drake’s fourth studio LP came out really strong with sales on iTunes and streaming on Apple Music. VIEWS moved over 630,000 equivalent album units in its first day of release.

Drake-Views-Sales

Social Media Reacts To Kanye West Wearing Blue Contacts At The 2016 Met Gala

(AllHipHop News) The annual Met Gala was held last night in New York City. Plenty of celebrities were on hand for the charity fashion event including Kanye West and his wife Kim Kardashian. Ye’s choice to wear blue eye contacts caused a lot of reaction on social media.

[ALSO READ: Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West At The 2015 Met Gala]

While collective Twitter shared its thoughts about Kanye’s faux eyes, the rapper jumped on the platform to accept the honor of being named “best dressed couple” with Kim. He wrote in one tweet, “We just had fun with the ‘future’ theme!!! It was a fun night all together.”

[ALSO READ: Kanye West Explains The Meaning Of ‘The Life Of Pablo’ Title]

Lawyer Blasts Judge For Denying Suge Knight’s Constitutional Rights

(AllHipHop News) Suge Knight’s communication with the outside world will continue to be limited, as he prepares for a murder and attempted murder trial.

Marion “Suge” Knight has been in and out of Los Angeles Superior Court over the past several months, claiming that his Constitutional rights are being violated as he awaits trial.

A judge has severely restricted visits to Knight in a sealed order. Officials said it wasn’t to punish Knight, but it is meant to preserve the security of the jail.

Suge Knight and his attorney claim the restrictions are hampering his effort to mount a defense against charges that he intentionally killed a man and seriously wounded another during an argument in Compton, California in January of 2015.

“We’re 100 percent correct on the law,” Knight’s lawyer Thaddeus Culpepper told ABC News. “Mr. Knight’s pretrial constitutional rights continue to be violated without justification and without notice. We’ll continue to do what’s in Suge Knight’s best interests going forward.”

For now, the former CEO of Death Row Records cannot receive mail, phone calls or visits from his family.

Suge Knight is accused of using his Ford F-150 to run over Terry Carter and kill him, and severely wound Cle Sloan during a fight at Tam’s Burgers in Compton on January 29, 2015.

The incident took place as Dr Dre and other members from the cast of “Straight Outta Compton” were filming footage to promote the movie.

Knight, 51, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.