Vic Mensa tells the story of how he got signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation label, the stories behind his tattoos, and collaborating with Kanye West on ‘U Mad’ and ‘Wolves.’
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Matthew Dellavedova Full Highlights 2015 ECSF G6 at Bulls – 19 Pts in Kyrie Role!
Matthew Dellavedova stepped up in game six after Kyrie Irving faced foul trouble later in game 6. He knocked down 19 points to help the Cavs win game six against the Bulls.
Queen Latifah & Mo’Nique Receive Rave Reviews For HBO Biopic “Bessie”
(AllHipHop News) Academy Award nominee Queen Latifah’s latest acting role features the Hip Hop representative portraying legendary singer Bessie Smith. The biopic about the late performer known as “The Empress of the Blues” also stars Academy Award winner Mo’Nique as Smith’s mentor Ma Rainey.
While Bessie is set to air on HBO this weekend, critics have already begun publishing their reviews of the film, and Latifah and Monique’s depictions are garnering acclaim across the board. Read what some reviewers are saying about the two actresses’ respective performances below.
[ALSO READ: Queen Latifah To Star In HBO Biopic About Blues Legend Bessie Smith]
Mo’Nique plays the role with verve, and the early scenes she shares with Queen Latifah leave you wanting more, just as audiences must have felt when Rainey and Smith shared a stage back in the 1920s. Their strong performances aren’t matched by the script.
Oscar winner Mo’Nique (“Precious”) electrifies the early part of the film as Rainey…
Latifah, who does her own vocals, gives with her whole body, leaning in to the physicality of a woman unafraid to throw a punch or knock back a few too many, and then sing the blues like someone who does both. There are moments when she summons shivers.
The first test any such biopic must pass is whether you’re convinced the person on screen could be a star, and it’s one Latifah passes so well and so quickly, you sometimes wonder what’s taking Bessie so long. She’s radiant, from the first moment she appears — bathed in an eerie blue glow — to her very last scene, drenched in sunshine and false hope…
Bessie has raw talent, but what she needs is a mentor and model, and she finds one in the great Ma Rainey (a suitably great Mo’Nique).
The performances are splendid throughout, starting with Latifah, whose gutsy embrace of the role requires laying herself bare in every way imaginable. In addition to standout turns by Williams and Mo’Nique, the supporting roster includes Khandi Alexander as Bessie’s estranged sister and Tory Kittles as her doting brother.
There is in fact little that can pass as subtlety in this film, borne up by its brashness, not to mention a superb Queen Latifah, who brings both the singer and her songs to life with spectacular assurance.
Latifah’s syncopated vocals have burnished power and feeling, and despite song titles such as “Down Hearted Blues,” “Young Woman’s Blues,” “Preachin’ the Blues,” “Work House Blues” and “Weepin’ Woman Blues,” the infectious numbers are most notable for capturing the joyous resilience and defiant pride of music born out of difficult lives…
In addition to Smith, the film also salutes another salty blues pioneer, Ma Rainey, appealingly played by Mo’Nique with an insouciant swagger and flinty demeanor that softens into warmth when early professional rivalry gives way in later years to friendship and support.
When Mo’Nique is onscreen, her intense, razor-like charisma cuts through the clutter of biographical details to get at the beating heart of the matter.
Owens [Latifah] conveys Smith’s talent, strength and vulnerability in a tour de force performance that solidifies her place among the industry’s best actresses. Owens’ depth as an actress is on full display as she moves thoughtfully and intentionally through the story of Smith’s turbulent life, which was marked by scandal, despair, triumph and courage…
Mo’Nique’s bold depiction of the blues legend is mesmerizing. The proverbial baton that was passed from Rainey to Smith is reflected in the passing of the baton from an Oscar-winning actress (Mo’Nique) to Owens, who already has an Academy Award nomination under her belt—for 2002’sChicago—and who certainly has an Oscar win in her future.
Bessie was directed by Dee Rees. Besides Latifah and Mo’Nique, the cast also includes Michael Kenneth Williams, Khandi Alexander, Mike Epps, and Tika Sumpter. The movie premieres on HBO on Saturday, May 16.
[ALSO READ: Queen Latifah Talks Managing OutKast & Giving Naughty By Nature Their Name (VIDEO)]
Watch the trailer for Bessie below.
Tyga Owes More Than Just Rent!
Photo via Tyga’s Instagram
It seems like Tyga is behind on more than just old unpaid rent! Tyga also owes $10K in unpaid fines he racked up for constantly throwing out of control parties at his Calabasas home in The Oaks. Allegedly Tyga invites too many guests to his parties and lets them enter without proper clearance. Supposedly, Tyga has paid a little bit of money here and there, but for the most part he’s been ignoring the notices. Since Tyga rents, his landlord is really the one going through it.
Ciara Doesn’t See Beyonce & Rihanna As Competition-“I’ve Had Just As Many Hits”
Photo via Ciara’s Instagram
Ciara has recently opened up about her competition in the industry, or according to her the lack of. When asked why she wasn’t as much of a household name as Beyonce or Rihanna, Ciara told The Guardian that she doesn’t see them as competition because she’s had just as many big hits as they have. She also says she doesn’t see them as being above her; she’s in her own world. Do you agree?
Who Is Tyrese Crushing On?
Photo by Maury Phillips/BET Getty Images Entertainment
Tyrese has never been shy about letting the world know how he feels, so it’s no surprise that he told us who he’s crushing on. Tyrese is crushing hard on Janelle Monae. The two singers performed at Steve Wonder’s surprise 65th birthday party, and it was during this moment he realized that Janelle might be the one. He said,
“I’m a sucker for a naturally beautiful, God fearing woman who’s smart and authentic…. I was reminded of a feeling that I’ve had before a few times….what can I help you with, what insight of information can I give to help you further your goal and life’s intentions.”
Wow! Do you think they would make a cute couple?!
Bullfighter Gored During Bullfight In Spain
A bullfighter is in serious condition after being gored in the neck at the Feria de San Isidro bullfighting festival in Madrid, Spain. If he survives he may want to look into retirement, because it’s the second year in a row he’s been gored.
https://youtu.be/zRvMUKhAVGg
Kanye West Inspires “Bound 2” Children’s Book & “What Ye Is It” Animated Calendar
(AllHipHop News) Hip Hop superstar Kanye West serves as the inspiration for two new items based on his work. Graphic designer Zak Tebbal has re-created Ye’s single “Bound 2” as a children’s book titled Bound 2Gether. The online tale features the story of Kanye searching for a missing baby chicken named Kim. Kanye’s wife Kim Kardashian famously appeared in the music video for “Bound 2” from the Yeezus album.
[ALSO READ: Kanye West Receives Honorary Doctorate, Delivers Speech (VIDEO)]
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Fans awaiting the arrival of Mr. West’s next solo LP (tentatively titled SWISH) can countdown the days until the album hits stores via the animated calendar on whatyeisit.com. The project was created by Portland artists Nick Stokes and Eric Swanson. Starting Monday, May 18th the site will present a new Kanye-esque video for each day of the week.
[ALSO READ: Cher: Kanye West Thanked Me For Auto-Tune]
Longtime Lakers Fan Snoop Dogg Shows Love To The Clippers, Says Lakers “Sucked This Year” (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) Snoop Dogg is a serious sports fan, and the California native has always repped hard for his Los Angeles Lakers. It was a down season for the franchise, while the other L.A. team is still competing for a championship. Has Snoop switched his allegiance to ride with the Clippers? The Bush album creator spoke about both teams during a game of “Puff or Pass” with Power 106.
[ALSO READ: Snoop Dogg Talks This Generation’s Rappers Biting Styles Versus Paying Tribute]
“I got a lot of friends on [The Clippers] that I really got love for. And I learned how to love my friends regardless what team they play for,” Snoop admitted. “And the Lakers sucked so bad this year.”
Snoop has not completely abandoned his favorite team just yet. The West Coast rapper told The Cruz Show hosts he attended a Clippers game purposely wearing a purple suit, the Lakers color. But Snoop also supports Chris Paul and company because they represent L.A. and because of the turmoil the team went through last year over then owner Donald Sterling’s racially insensitive comments.
[ALSO READ: California Rapper Vince Staples Explains Why He Doesn’t “F*ck With” Kobe Bryant (VIDEO)]
Watch Snoop Dogg’s interview below.
Khia: Miley Cyrus Only White Girl That Can Acceptably Sing “My Neck, My Back”
(AllHipHop News) Female rapper Khia has gotten more press in the last two weeks then she has gotten in the last ten years. First she had Beyoncé’s “Bey Hive” buzzing when she suggested the “Drunk In Love” singer was inspired by her style. Khia then became mainstream news fodder when video footage of pop star Miley Cyrus covering her raunchy 2002 hit “My Neck, My Back (Lick It)” went viral.
[ALSO READ: Khia Believes Her & Beyonce Should Collaborate]
TMZ caught up with Khia to get her thoughts on Miley’s rendition of the single from the Tampa native’s debut album Thug Misses. The website reports:
Khia tells us she thought Miley’s version was bomb because she’s “probably the only white girl on the planet that can twerk and talk about getting her p*ssy licked that it’s acceptable and it be true like my song.”
Will the former Disney star and the self-described Gangstress collaborate on music in the future? Khia hopes so. She wants M.C. on her new track “Yum Yum Sauce.” Khia previously remixed Miley’s Top 5 song “We Can’t Stop.”
[ALSO READ: Miley Cyrus Does Khia Inspired Performance]
Blues Legend B.B. King Dies At 89
(AllHipHop News) According to multiple reports, “The King Of Blues” B.B. King died in his sleep yesterday (May 14). The legendary guitarist was 89 years old.
King is best known for his songs “3 O’Clock Blues,” “You Know I Love You,” “Every Day I Have The Blues,” “Sweet Little Angel,” and others. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
King has several connections to Hip Hop. He appeared on Big K.R.I.T.’s “Praying Man” off 2012’s Live from the Underground album. The Mississippi born entertainer’s music has also been sampled by numerous rap stars including Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, Big Daddy Kane, RZA, Kool G Rap, Ghostface Killah, Action Bronson, and many more.
Watch the Associated Press report about B.B. King’s death and a performance by the iconic musician below.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Talk Wanting To Collab With Lil Wayne + N.W.A Movie “Straight Outta Compton”
(AllHipHop News) Hip Hop group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have made songs with Eazy-E, The Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Mariah Carey, The Game, and others. But there is one performer that is still on their bucket list of collaborators – Lil Wayne. The Cleveland representatives revealed they want to work with Wayne during an interview with BET.
[ALSO READ: The Game, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony & Many More Tapped For Ice-T’s “Art Of Rap” Music Festival]
“We have to give a big shout out to Lil Wayne. He’s killing’ it right now. I listen to him so much and every time we turn around he’s figuring out a way to flip Bone Thugs in his poetry,” said Flesh.
“On that note, Lil Wayne, we’re waiting, n*gga let’s get in the studio. Let’s do it n*gga. We f*ck with you,” added Wish.
The crew was also asked about the forthcoming N.W.A movie Straight Outta Compton which will feature their mentor Eazy-E. The Bone members expressed different opinions about how the late rapper will be represented in the film.
“I don’t think you should ever have a drama movie with actors playing you. I think you should always do a documentary because it sustains the brand and then you don’t have people acting like you that can’t really capture who you are because actors can’t capture who you are,” said Krayzie. “And in Hollywood they’re always gonna bump it up, so a documentary about your life is always gonna be more potent than a f*ckin’ movie.”
“In my opinion any visual that can keep up the legacy that started this real hip hop sh*t is a good thing, ’cause the kids of today need to know where this sh*t really started,” stated Wish.
[ALSO READ: Former N.W.A Manager Jerry Heller Speaks On “Straight Outta Compton” Biopic (AUDIO)]
Drake Addresses Possibly Battling Murda Mook At Smack/URL Event (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) The “will they” or “won’t they” talk about the potential battle between Drake and Murda Mook has been ongoing for months. The news broke last August when Mook posted pictures of Drake supposedly issuing the challenge. Since that time Mook has called out Drizzy at the BET Hip Hop Awards and in a verse over the “6 God” beat. Mook even claimed he wanted $15 million to set-up the match.
[ALSO READ: Murda Mook Discusses Almost Battling Drake At KOTD’s “Blackout 5″ Event (AUDIO)]
The two met face-to-face again at King Of The Dot’s “Blackout 5” event where an impromptu battle almost broke out. At URL’s recent “Nome 5” showcase, Drake was asked in front of Mook again about the highly anticipated face-off.
“You gotta beat [Tsu] Surf first before you come see me,” Drake told Mook about possibly battling in the future.
URL host Smack then asked the OVO boss if he would finally take on Mook if the Dot Mobb leader defeats Surf at the upcoming “Summer Madness 5” event. Drake replied, “We can negotiate. We can talk about it.”
“I feel like we go can right now though,” responded Mook. “I will murder this n*gga if he ever wants to get on this stage. He knows that.”
[ALSO READ: Profiles In Battle Rap: Murda Mook]
Watch Drake and Murda Mook speak on their possible battle below.
T.Wong – “Journey” (Album Stream)
After successfully releasing the album’s title track and video, Columbus, Ohio singer/songwriter today premieres the album. Purchase “Journey” now on iTunes.
Watch T.Wong’s visual for title track “Journey” below also:
Wiz Khalifa – “The Play”
Wiz drops a visual to his song “The Play” produced by Harry Fraud. Wiz talks about how he got to where he did and really examines how he and his team got to where they are today. This is dope song for any true Taylor! Pay attention at the captain gives y’all the play!
Leather Corduroys – “Have U Eva” f. Vic Mensa
Have you ever gave your dealer a fake $100? Have you ever wrapped your Prius around a tree? Leather Corduroys team up with Vic Mensa on this track and contemplate these very things. The track allows both Kami and Joey Purp combine for a nice combo on “Have U Eva” thats full of energy.
Baby Bugsy – “Sleepin On Me”
Ohio rap vet Baby Bugsy hits the scene with his latest video “Sleepin On Me”.
Ferrari Tanna Ft. O.V.O.G & Rich Jit – “Knock Em Off” (VIDEO)
3SIXTY5/We Now Entertainment’s artist Ferrari Tanna drops the highly anticipated video for his single “Knock Em Off” featuring New York native O.V.O.G & ATL’s Rich Jit. The 51 Designz x Gee-Lock directed video helps capture the 30 Roc produced energetic, hard pounding, club banger sound, which Ferrari Tanna attacks effortlessly, and puts the world on notice why he needs “commas on commas thats’s meaningful”. HIT EM IN THE HEAD AND KNOCK EM OFF!!
Killah Priest – “Alien Stars”
The follow-up to 2013’s The Psychic World of Walter Reed, Killah Priest’s new album, Planet Of The Gods, will be released on June 15th and it will feature 20-new tracks that is totally void of guest appearances and includes production from Jordan River Banks, Black Marvel and Ciph Parker.
Today, Priest lets go of “Alien Stars” and proceeds to go into full “Godcore” mode.
Kanye & Kim K Are Expecting Their Second Child?
Photo by Andrew Toth Film Magic / Getty Images
Allegedly Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are expecting their second child. According to OK! Magazine after shelling out $230,000 for IVF treatments, Kim Kardashian is finally knocked up with baby #2. With this rumor swirling it has also been said that KimYe are trying to be hush-hush about the news right now.
An inside source told the magazine:
“She’s pregnant. I’ve heard that she’s passed the 12-week point, but that she and Kanye aren’t going to confirm it for at least a few more weeks. She’s really nervous about jinxing it, with everything they’ve been through.”
“To say that he’s happy that she’s carrying a boy is an understatement. One of each is perfect for them. Chances are, having gone through so much to conceive this baby, it will be their last…they aren’t really talking about what’s next. All they can do right now is make sure that this baby is being taken care of.”
Kimmy has been pushing this struggle pregnancy storyline hard on the show, so maybe it’s true.