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Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” Makes Bittersweet Statement On Relationship Issues

(AllHipHop News) Beyoncé released the visuals from her new video album Lemonade Saturday night (April 23) on HBO.

The series of videos and songs were statements on the status of her relationship with her husband Jay Z and her father, Mathew Knowles.

Visually, the videos were also a tribute to African-American women, featuring the mothers of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, amongst others.

The Lemonade album features Kendrick Lamar, Diplo, The Weeknd, Jack White, with poetry interspersed spoken by Beyoncé, but written by Somali-British poet Warsan Shire.

The visuals feature a number of models Zendaya and Serena Williams, who does some twerking in a scene, even though fashion in most of the videos evoke the 1800’s.

The Internet is going wild with speculation that the songs like “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and “Pray You Catch Me” are about her husband, music mogul/rapper Jay Z.

She even tosses her wedding ring at the camera in one scene.

But, Jay Z is featured prominently in the videos cuddling with Bey and playing with their daughter Blu Ivy in the video for “Sandcastles.”

Beyoncé made a statement on a strained relationship with her father, on the song “Daddy Lessons” which could easily cross over into a country hit.

Beyoncé dropped her surprise sixth album that during the HBO special last night.

Lemonade is being sold exclusively on Jay-Z’s Tidal streaming service for the time being.

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The Week Ahead in Hip-Hop: April 25, 2016–May 01, 2016

As the saying goes, “You don’t know where you’re going until you know where you’ve been.” Here is a look at notable events that took place in Hip-Hop this week from years past.

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Afrika Bambaataa Speaks On Sexual Abuse Charges, Accuser Welcomes Lawsuit

(AllHipHop News) Afrika Bambaataa addressed sexual abuse allegations made against him for the first time in public during an interview on “The Ed Lover show with Monie Love.”

During the interview, Afrika Bambaataa doubled down on his view that the allegations stem from a larger conspiracy formed against him.

“This is false allegations that’s being put against me and a lot of lies. And it could me today and you tomorrow,” Afrika Bambaataa told Ed Lover. “I completely deny all type of allegations that’s being put against your brother, Afrika Bambaataa.”

Bambaataa has claimed he never met Ronald Savage, the Bronx politician who originally made the explosive claims in a 2014 book titled “Impulse, Urges and Fantasy’s.”

Ronald Savage, 50, reiterated the charges against Afrika Bambaataa on Shot 97, the radio show helmed by personality Troi “Star” Torain, who is now calling for Bam’s arrest.

Since then, several other men have come out with similar claims of abuse against Bambaataa and Star says there’s at least seven men in total that claim they’ve been abused by the rap legend.

And the original accuser, Ronald Savage, isn’t backing down from his claims.

Savage even welcomed the defamation lawsuit Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation claimed they would file over the allegations.

“If Bambaataa says he doesn’t know me, tell him to take a lie detector test,” Savage told The New York Daily News. “Ask him if he knew me or if abused me and other underage boys. I’ll take one, too, and we’ll see who is telling truth.”

While Afrika Bambaataa cannot be prosecuted for the claims due to New York laws, Ronald Savage’s lawyer Luis Sepulveda also urged the Zulu Nation to file to the lawsuit, since it would force Afrika Bambaataa to testify under oath.

“We welcome the opportunity to have (Bambaataa) speak under oath at a deposition,” Sepulveda said. “We welcome the opportunity to present evidence to him. My client’s allegations are true.”

And even if they don’t, Afrika Bambaataa and The Zulu Nation may be facing a defamation lawsuit of their own, thanks to the comments members have made about Ronald Savage in interviews and press releases.

Yo Gotti P##### Off Officials With “Law” Video

(AllHipHop News) Officials in Henry County, Georgia are upset with rapper Yo Gotti, over his new video “Law” featuring E-40.

County officials are not happy with the contents of the hit song, and said Yo Gotti was never given official permission to shoot the video inside of the courthouse.

The video shoot was facilitated by local Councilwoman Sandra Vincent, but she claimed she never saw the script for the video, which is taken from Yo Gotti’s new album The Art of Hustle.

“Clearly, it does not represent the standards of what’s Henry County,” County Manager Lyndon Bonner said.
Now, officials and Henry, county are setting up a formal process for those who wish to film content inside of the courthouse.

It’s not the first time a rapper has p##### off authorities in Georgia in official government institutions without permission.

Into 2004, rapper T.I. embarrassed officials in Fulton, County when he shot a video inside of the jail when he was serving time for a probation violation.

And, just last year and a group of inmates raised eyebrows when they shot a video titled ”Thuggin’ Live from DeKalb Jail.”

“Chocolatito” Gonzalez and Arroyo Prove Short on Words, Long on Focus Going into HBO Battle

As expected, both Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (44-0, 38KOs) and McWilliams Arroyo (16-2, 14KOs), in keeping with their extremely focused and taciturn personas, easily made weight on April 22, 2016 for their highly anticipated battle tonight at The Forum in Inglewood, California, set to be televised live on HBO Championship Boxing beginning at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT as the co-featured fight on the Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (34-0, 31KOs) vs. Dominic Wade (18-0, 12KOs) Middleweight Championship fight.

Ranked as Ring Magazine and ESPN’s pound for pound top ranked fighter since the retirement of Floyd Mayweather Jr. (49-0, 26KOs) from the sport, Gonzalez is the heavy favorite to win tonight against Arroyo, whose biggest claim to fame to date is a split decision loss to IBF World flyweight champion Amnat Ruenroeng (17-0, 5KOs) in 2014.

In a symbiotic working relationship that has been highly beneficial to both fighters, Gonzalez and Golovkin have fought together on co-featured HBO bouts for their last three fights, including tonight’s battle.

See more pictures from the weigh in here:

Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez and McWilliams Arroyo in Los Angeles, CA on April 22, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.
Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez and McWilliams Arroyo in Los Angeles, CA on April 22, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.

 

Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez with WBC belt in Los Angeles, CA on April 22, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.
Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez with WBC belt in Los Angeles, CA on April 22, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.

 

McWilliams Arroyo waiting to weigh in on April 22, 2016 in Los Angeles, CA. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.
McWilliams Arroyo waiting to weigh in on April 22, 2016 in Los Angeles, CA. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.

 

Female Fighters Estrada, Lopez, Enriquez and Quintana Grace Gennady Golovkin vs. Dominic Wade HBO Undercard

In what K2 Promotion’s CEO Tom Loeffler has described as a “commitment” to bringing the fans something new, two female bouts will be presented as part of the untelevised undercard of Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (34-0, 31KOs) vs. Dominic Wade (18-0, 12KOs), and co feature Roman “Chocolatito” Gonzalez (44-0, 38KOs) vs. McWilliams Arroyo (16-2, 14KOs), scheduled for tonight, April 23, 2016 from The Forum in Inglewood, CA and aired live on HBO Boxing beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. ET.

Undefeated East Los Angeles born and bred prospect Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada (5-0, 1KO) will be fighting veteran fighter Selene Lopez (3-4-3, 1 KO) of Los Mochis, Mexico in a 6 round flyweight battle.  The newly white blond Estrada was as affable as ever at the final press conference for the HBO Championship Boxing event, asking the crowd if they were ready for “the big drama show,” and thanking K2 Promotions for allowing her to fight once again at The Forum in what has been a “sixteen year journey” for the 23 year old female prospect.

In what Loeffler termed as a sure fire fan friendly “barn burner,” former WBO World Female Flyweight champion Kenia Enriquez (51-1, 7KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico will face off against world ranked contender Amaris “Diamond Girl” Quintana (9-2, 1KO) in an 8 round junior lightweight battle.

See their respective weigh in photos here:

Amaris "Diamond Girl" Quintana and Kenia Enriquez in Los Angeles, CA April 22, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.
Amaris “Diamond Girl” Quintana and Kenia Enriquez in Los Angeles, CA April 22, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.
Selene Lopez and Seniesa "Superbad" Estrada, Los Angeles April 22, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.
Selene Lopez and Seniesa “Superbad” Estrada, Los Angeles April 22, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.
Amaris "Diamond Girl" Quintana and Kenia Enriquez in Los Angeles, CA April 22, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.
Amaris “Diamond Girl” Quintana and Kenia Enriquez in Los Angeles, CA April 22, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.

Gennady Golovkin Sees Self In Dominic Wade On Path Towards Canelo

As Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (34-0, 31KOs) and Dominic Wade (18-0, 12KOs) went through fight week in preparation for their battle tomorrow, April 23, 2016 at The Forum, in Inglewood, CA, set to be broadcast live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/ 7:00 p.m. PT, a familiar theme of opportunity raised it’s head.  It is no secret that Golovkin wanted to get first crack at superstar Canelo Alvarez (46-1-1, 32KOs) after Alvarez beat Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33KOs) to win the WBC World Middleweight Title.  However as the politics of the sport will go, Canelo and his promoter Golden Boy Promotions, headed by Oscar De La Hoya, decided to take on England’s Amir Khan (31-3, 19KOs) instead as their next big battle, scheduled to happen a mere two weekends from now on May 7, 2016, Cinco De Maio weekend.

While Amir Khan is a very dangerous opponent, there are known vulnerabilities to exploit.  Khan’s less than rock solid chin has been a factor in past fights, and the move up in weight for Khan should be another advantage for Canelo.   Considering these factors, Khan was likely the better bet on paper when compared to the unknown threat that Golovkin’s vaunted KO abilities pose that have yet to be tested against cream of the crop bankable A list opponents like Canelo, Miguel Cotto or the recently retired Floyd Mayweather (49-0, 26KOs).  So once again, Golovkin is left a bit out in the cold, fighting someone who is undefeated but still less than substantive when it comes to that highly definable real deal versus real deal fight fever that turns it’s participants into undisputedly iconic material.

Rather than bemoan their situation too much, team Gennady, while pointing out that Wade is their mandatory to keep a hold of GGG’s impressive coterie of belts, namely the WBA Super World Middleweight Title, the IBF World Middleweight Title, the interim WBC World Middleweight Title and the International Boxing Organization World Middleweight Title, chose to see the irony of the situation by drawing similarities between Wade now and Gennady Golovkin in 2011 when he got the career boost of fighting Kassim Ouma (28-9-1, 17KOs) for the WBA World Middelweight title : “Dominic is in the same place where Gennady was five, six years ago,” said Golovkin’s longtime K2 promoter, Tom Loeffler, adding,  “If he had the opportunity to fight one of the top fighters and show that he was the best in the division, that’s all that he was hoping for.”

Hopefully Dominic does prove to be worthy or at least competitive against Golovkin, as this is rhetoric that we have heard from team GGG before – specifically when it came to GGG’s fight against the then undefeated Willie Monroe Jr. (19-2, 6KOs), which also took place at The Forum.  However, if tomorrow night does prove to be another unmitigated blow out for Golovkin, at the very least it should be another hole in any argument that the winner of Canelo vs. Khan would attempt to cobble together in order to further delay the “Good Boy” from Kazakhstan finally participating in his true big drama show.

See pictures from both the final press conference and the weigh in here:

Gennady "GGG" Golovkin and Dominic Wade at final press conference in Los Angeles on April 20, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.
Gennady “GGG” Golovkin and Dominic Wade at final press conference in Los Angeles on April 20, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.

 

Gennady "GGG" Golovkin and Dominic Wade at final press conference in Los Angeles on April 20, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.
Gennady “GGG” Golovkin and Dominic Wade at final press conference in Los Angeles on April 20, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.

 

Trainer Abel Sanchez and fighter Gennady "GGG" Golovkin making weight in Los Angeles on April 22, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.
Trainer Abel Sanchez and fighter Gennady “GGG” Golovkin making weight in Los Angeles on April 22, 2016. Photo credit Kylie Krabbe Whyufight.

ALTERNATIVE PICK: Young And Reckless Co-Signs Rap/Soul Artist Broderick Batts

Tampa, Florida bred and Los Angeles residing artist Broderick Batts deftly blends genres of Hip-Hop and Soul music that he’s been difficult to label thus far. Batts shifts gears from brashly  Southern cooked rap vocals to harmonized vocals with a Caribbean influence.

On the infectious and tropically tinged “Kate Moss 1989,” Batts shows he’s not afraid to experiment. With the premiere of his latest track “SheDGAF,” Young and Reckless brought him to our attention, now he’s on yours. check it out below:

Breakdancing Champions And Red Bull Create Flying Bach With Classical Twist

As you know in our previous Lifestyle posts on Red Bull; when Red Bull does it, Red Bull does it BIG.

Such is the case with their new Flying Bach show that takes over San Francisco at The Masonic in May.

The internationally celebrated and distinguished dance crew Flying Steps kicks off their Red Bull Flying Bach 2016­-2017 U.S. tour in San Francisco for the first time ever (May 20-22).

Red Bull has partnered with Live Nation this year to bring together this absolutely unique musical performance that clashes classical music and breakdancing.

The four-­time World Breakdance Champion Flying Steps and renowned opera director Christoph Hagel are proving that breakdancing and classical music are an unusual but dope match with a 70 minute show

The show itself is a blend of the minds of Artistic Directors Vartan Bassil (choreography) and Christoph Hagel (piano, musical director).

“We can’t wait to hit the road again with Red Bull on this massive US tour!” said Bassil. “The American audience has the most incredible energy, making it an absolute treat for us to perform there.”

 

This innovative adaptation of Johannes Sebastian Bach’s “Well­Tempered Clavier,” breaks down the barrier between high society and urban culture featuring head spins, power moves, freezes, and awe ­inspiring visuals.

The story follows six dancers and one teacher, rehearsing for their big day, arguments, fights, disappointments and the highs and lows of the notes.

The moods and steps of the dancers change constantly, pushing the boundaries to make it work.

Swedish ballerina Anna Holmström joins the seven male breakdancers of The Flying Steps, fusing key elements of urban dance culture with precision ballet.

After the 2010 premier in Berlin’s Neue Nationalgalerie and the following sold out German tour, Red Bull Flying Bach brought their success to the rest of the world. To date, more than 380,000 spectators in 28 different countries have experienced the powerhouse production that’s equal parts visual amusement and delightful sound.

In Images: Fans in Minneapolis Gather To Remember Prince

Fans around the world are mourning the death of Prince Nelson Rogers, who died from unknown causes on April 21, 2016.

Prince was legendary for representing Minneapolis, Minnesota. Even though he blew up around the world, the artist refused to move his Paisley Park compound out of the city.

His simple presence in Minneapolis helped with the development of the night life, as well as a music industry scene that still vibrant to this day.

Check out some images of fans celebrating in morning Prince’s passing.

EXCLUSIVE (VIDEO): Bryson Tiller Goes Platinum, Producers Offer Inside Look At The Making Of ‘TrapSoul’

(AllHipHop News) Yesterday Bryson Tiller and creators of his project TrapSoul rejoiced as the project reached RIAA Certified Gold status.

The Kentucky bred R&B singer took to social media to share the achievement with fans and followers.

“my first plaque! gold album and a platinum single. thanks to everyone who made it possible!” Bryson said in the caption of his Instagram post (see below)

To date the project has received over 700 million streams, sold 7 million singles and sold 500,000 official albums according to the image on Bryson Tiller’s Instagram page.

In addition to the Instagram post, producers Fayo and Chill released an exclusive behind the scenes clip of the making of the track, “For However Long.”

The track is the fourth song on TrapSoul,  and the making of the video is available exclusively via AllHipHop below.

According to management, Fayo and Chill  have recently produced for Eric Bellinger, Raven Justice, Elijah Blake with Rick Ross/Game, Liane V, KR, and currently have TV placements all over major networks like HBO, MTV, ESPN, Discovery and more.

Tonight (April 22) Bryson Tiller hits the stage at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall for what is likely to be a sold out show as tickets are reaching as high at $275 on StubHub. 

Check out the exclusive video clip below:

 

my first plaque! gold album and a platinum single. thanks to everyone who made it possible!

A photo posted by pen griffey (@brysontiller) on

 

L.A. Reid Shocked By Prince’s ‘Very Mysterious’ Passing

(AllHipHop News) Music mogul Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid is still in disbelief at the “very mysterious” death of his friend Prince, because he was always “super healthy”.

The superstar passed away at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota on Thursday morning (April 21), a week after he had been briefly hospitalized for what his representatives insisted was just a nasty bout of the flu.

His death sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, prompting an outpouring of tributes from friends and fans alike, and now Epic Records CEO L.A. Reid has offered up his thoughts on the tragedy.

The producer, who has worked with Prince in the past, told U.S. breakfast show Today: “I’m still in shock. I spent the day yesterday just listening to Prince, and for whatever reason, it sounded even better. What a great guy.”

Praising his musical talent, Reid added, “I’ve always said it (that Prince is the greatest musician), I believe it. The greatest at everything: playing, writing, composing, fashion. Everything. The masculinity of Teddy Pendergrass but he could take your girl while wearing high heels!”

However, the label executive admitted he was uncomfortable commenting on reports suggesting Prince had suffered an alleged drug overdose last week (April 15), when the pilot of his private jet had to make an emergency landing in Illinois while en route from Atlanta, Georgia to Minnesota, so the superstar could seek medical attention at a nearby hospital.

“The thing that really bothers me about it (his death) is the Prince I know, he was super healthy, vegan, wasn’t an abuser of drugs, wasn’t an abuser of alcohol,” Reid explained. “He lived right and he was clean. He looked young and looked really healthy and vibrant, so the whole thing is just very mysterious to me.”

An autopsy to determine Prince’s cause of death is underway.

Meanwhile, Prince’s Purple Rain film writer/director and one-time manager, Albert Magnoli, has also shared his grief over the sad loss.

In a statement posted on his website, Magnoli claims the news of his “creative partner” and friend’s passing “is very difficult to process”.

“We shared tremendous times together during and after the making of Purple Rain,” he continued. “I know his fans are devastated. I know his music meant so very much to so many people. He was a good man, complicated and diligent, and like men of his caliber (sic), he always demanded from himself and others the very best.”

Concluding the note with a heartfelt message, he wrote, “Travel well, friend, wherever your next journey takes you.”

Purple Rain became a cult hit upon its release in 1984, grossing more than $80 million at the global box office and earning Prince an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.

EXCLUSIVE (VIDEO): ASAP Ferg Speaks On His Passion For Art With SKEETV On Fuse

(AllHipHop News) This year award-winning DJ, producer, digital media pioneer and entrepreneur DJ Skee has returned to Fuse with an all-new season on an all-new set.

Every Friday, DJ Skee will interview celebrity guests, host live music performances, and present segments providing insider access into the trends and trendsetters of tomorrow.

Previous guests have included: French Montana, Snoop Dogg, Post Malone, Action Bronson, Machine Gun Kelly, Floyd Mayweather Jr., O.T. Genasis, Tech N9ne, The Game, Steve Aoki, Omarion, Ty Dolla $ign, Murs, and more.

For this week’s episode on SKEE TV, Dame Dash sits down with DJ Skee on the white couch, while Madeintyo, Domo and Joywave tear up the SKEE concert stage.

Also this week, DJ Skee paints with A$AP Ferg, shops for vinyl at the World Famous V.I.P. Records, gets spiritual with Marley Natural and goes backstage with Tinashe.

Ahead of this Friday’s episode AllHipHop received an exclusive clip from Skee himself to hype the show and ASAP Ferg’s album which is now available online via most digital streaming platforms.

Check it out the AllHipHop exclusive below that features A$AP Ferg talking about his passion for art.

SKEE TV offers an exclusive glimpse into the world of cultural tastemakers at the intersection of music, sports, fashion, tech and style.

For more information, please visit: www.fuse.tv/shows/skee-tv

Check the clip here:

Snoop Dogg & 50 Cent Support Birdman’s Behavior During Breakfast Club Interview

Photo via 50 Cent’s Instagram

The Breakfast Club experienced their shortest interview ever when Birdman threw a temper tantrum this morning and turned into our favorite internet meme. Birdman had some choice words for The Breakfast Club as he continued to ask them to put respect on his name when they talk about him or when his name is brought up! 50 Cent & Snoop Dogg seem to rock with his actions as Snoop posted,

“Nuff.Respect.Family. Check a n*gga on sight. G style. @Birdman5Star.”

50 Cent posted on Instagram saying,

“LMAO Baby on his gansta sh*t. When these two fell out, I told everybody stay away from that. They got to much history. They gonna work it out.”

How do you feel about Birdman’s behavior today? We are disappointed that he didn’t stay; it could’ve been a great interview!

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Will Drake’s ‘Views From The 6’ Sell 1 Million Copies In It’s First Week?

Hits Daily Double is predicting a pretty big week for Drake’s ‘Views From The 6’ first week sales!

“The new Drake set, Views From the Six, is due the following week, with a million in his first week a possibility,” they say.

Although Drake does have a huge fan base, do you think he will do numbers like this or more like 800K and below? Well, the buildup for ‘Views’ has been bigger and more extended than for any previous Drake release, and there may be enough momentum behind the record. Drake said in October,

“I ask myself, why does Adele’s album go diamond, and how do I do that?”

Well he will probably break some records with streams. What are your thoughts?

Jhonni Blaze Says Drake Forgave Her For Their Unprotected Sex Comment

Photo via Drake’s Instagram

You know Drake loves his girls with some strippers and reality stars somewhere in the mix. The reality stars always end up “singing”, telling all of their business, but they do give him rave reviews LOL. Former Love & Hip Hop cast member Jhonni Blaze sat down with DJ Vlad to reveal that Deb Antney helped fix the situation between her and Drake. In a previous interview Jhonni said,

“He met me in the club, we hung out. We messed physically. On my behalf I should’ve used protection. I’m not pregnant.”

Jhonni says she doesn’t talk to Drake but she knows that they are good and all is forgiven. Drake how could you?! Not Drizzy?! Drake was out her smashing the heaux raw. LOL. Well it’s good to see all is well between them and that Jhonni is in a good place as she pursues a musical career.

Beyonce’s Beyhive Drags Azealia Banks To Hell

Photo via Azelia Banks’ Instagram

In a time when Hip Hop is lacking in female emcees, Azealia Banks chooses to be a professional troll. Where’s the music Azealia?! It seems like the girl is so miserable. It seems like everyone has their own fan base that is ready for petty social media trolling when something goes down, but by now everyone should know not to mess with Beyonce’s Beyhive, Rihanna’s navy, and Nicki Minaj’s Barbz. Banks recently tweeted,

“The “queen” is about to treat us to some more of her terrible acting. LOL. I love it.”

The Beyhive felt that the remarks were directed toward Beyonce with her upcoming HBO special, and they decided to drag her to hell and back. Some wondered if she could’ve been referring to Nicki Minaj as ‘Barbershop The Next Cut’ will hit theaters soon. Nicki isn’t often referred to as the rap Queen [Lil’ Kim] but some may argue for obvious reasons that she has been the Queen for the last few years. Who do you think Azealia was referring to?

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Azealia Banks Beyhive

Tidal And Apple Battle As Fans Scramble To Stream Prince’s Hits

(AllHipHop News) As the world continues to recover after yesterday’s bombshell news that iconic musician Prince passed away, fans naturally have been searching for ways to listen to the legendary artist.

But while millions of people use Spotify and Apple Music for streaming, Prince was a pioneer in music publishing rights and technology for musicians and pulled his music from Spotify and other streaming services in July of 2015, only leaving TIDAL with rights to the music, this according to Forbes.

“Prince’s publisher has asked all streaming services to remove his catalog. We have cooperated with the request, and hope to bring his music back as soon as possible,” said Spotify from Prince’s Spotify page back in July of 2015.

Currently Spotify fans have access to only one song called, “Stare” which now has 5,278,826 plays at the time of print.

Pandora, Apple Music, Vevo, Rhapsody, Rdio also do not have Prince’s music via their streaming services, although Prince’s music is available for purchase on iTunes where it is currently front and center at the top of iTunes.

According to Forbes, TIDAL offers over 75 % of revenue to artists while Apple Music offers 71.5 % and Spotify 70 %.

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“We made money [online] before piracy was real crazy. Nobody’s making money now except phone companies, Apple and Google I’m supposed to go to the White House to talk about copyright protection. It’s like the gold rush out there. Or a carjacking. There’s no boundaries. I’ve been in meetings and they’ll tell you, Prince, you don’t understand, it’s dog-eat-dog out there. So I’ll just hold off on recording,” Prince told the Guardian in 2011.

“I personally can’t stand digital music,” he added during the 2011 interview with the Guardian. “You’re getting sound in bits. It affects a different place in your brain. When you play it back, you can’t feel anything. We’re analogue people, not digital.”

The book Prince: Chaos, Disorder, and Revolution by Jason Draper also talks about Prince’s battle for his music rights.

“During the 90s he waged war against his record label, Warner Bros, changed his name to an unpronounced symbol, and pronounced himself a slave to the system.”

Examining Prince’s catalog, Prince’s first 6 albums were released on Warner, after which his next 10 albums were released on Warner Bros. / Paisley Park, or Paisley Park exclusively.

“[Prince] was the first artist to release a whole album online via his own self-financed record label, and has continued to seek out new ways to release and promote his music, even go so far as to give it away for free. His fight for artists’ rights has shown future generation that they don’t have to adhere to anyone else’s rules and shown how one man can stay relevant for more than 30 years on the strength of a passion to challenge the status quo and change the way things are done.”

While we don’t know exactly what Prince would have wanted, Variety noted that Prince Tweeted his “Purple Pick of the Week” on Tidal in one of his last Tweets and last year Prince released the HITNRUN album series exclusively on Tidal which includes nearly 300 songs.

Yesterday within hours of the breaking news Jay Z’s Tidal Tweeted, “A genius, innovator, creator, family member, Prince will be truly missed. http://tidal.com/prince

Since the tributary Tweet, AppleInsider.com has since regarded the Tweet as an opportunity to capitalize off of Prince’s catalog, despite the fact that Apple Company accounts also took the time to honor Prince.

Apple Company account Beats 1 Radio Tweeted, “Lighting the airwaves purple. Prince: A Tribute w/ & more:

https://twitter.com/Beats1/status/723345620493201409

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXCLUSIVE (PICS): Last Kings Honor Tyga’s Late-Bodyguard And Friend

(AllHipHop News) This week (April 20) members of Tyga’s Last King’s movement hosted a small private BBQ to honor their late friend and bodyguard Punch.

According to Tyga’s DJ, DJ $B, the late Arlester ‘Punch’ Henderson was laid to rest on April 20th in a private ceremony with friends and family

“I got some bad news in late March and we had just got to Dubai,” a saddened DJ $B told AllHipHop. “Unfortunately he was unable to travel because he was on probation, but every time we moved out and around LA he was always there.”

After the funeral DJ $B and other members of the Last King’s crew gathered together for a 4/20 BBQ to honor their friend and in some cases family member.

In addition to food and drinks the guys had plenty of Cali smoke to go around.

“I had just done a album release party for my project ‘Proud’ and he was there telling everyone to come through and he was promoting the event like it was his own,” $B recalled of Punch’s giving nature.

“Yesterday was the funeral so we just all decided to link up and celebrate his life.  He would have been happy that we were all there celebrating his life and eating, having a good time. He was all about having a good time. I know now he’s in a place where he can’t be harmed and he’s watching over us.”

After an accident on Los Angeles’ I-10 freeway, Henderson reportedly got out of the car to check on the other drivers and was struck by a passing vehicle.

“It’s just crazy to have talked with him on Saturday and Sunday and then by Tuesday while we are in Dubai, he passed away. It really shows that you have to live life to fullest, even though it sounds cliché. You just never know when you are going to get that call to come home,” $B said.

“Punch” was only 29 years old and died assisting others according to reports.

In addition to the BBQ, fans were treated to special discount pricing on select items throughout the store including clothing and other merchandise.

Look out soon for more information on DJ $B’s upcoming work and a look inside the Last Kings clothing store for their Spring and Summer collections.

The Internet Goes In On Birdman With #BirdmanVsTheBreakfastClub Memes (PHOTOS)

(AllHipHop News) Who didn’t see this coming? Birdman’s under 2 minute interview with The Breakfast Club has become a trending topic on the internet today. The brief sit down inspired photoshoppers to take aim at the “What Happened To That Boy” performer for his unexpected reaction and instant classic quotes (“Put some respect on my name.”/”Y’all finished or y’all done?”).

Of course, the Cash Money Records CEO got hit with the popular “Crying Jordan,” “Swaggy P???,” and “Fresh Prince – Why Don’t He Love Me?” pics. The Internet had more jokes for Baby as well.

[ALSO READ: Birdman Walks Off Breakfast Club Interview After Clashing With Charlamagne Tha God (VIDEO)]

Check out some of the #BirdmanVsTheBreakfastClub memes in the gallery below.