Donald Trump recently had some choice remarks about President Obama, basically trying to blame him for the Baltimore riots. Meek Mill quickly responded, saying it’s clear that Trump has been a racist. He also stated that most white men Trump’s age come from a racist era and are still racist. While Meek said he doesn’t condone what’s going on in Baltimore, he said our people have been through so much pain, so it’s hard to controls one’s emotions. Meek also shared some of his experiences with the police. Meek Mill was responding to Trump’s tweet that said:
“Our great African American President hasn’t exactly had a positive impact on the thugs who are so happily and openly destroying Baltimore!”
Legendary singer Bessie Smith, who captivated audiences during the 20s and 30s, is set the get the royal treatment as Queen Latifah prepares the singer in HBO’s “Bessie.” Scheduled to debut on May 16, the biopic follows the story of Smith, once regarded as the best blues songstress of her time.
In honor of the project, HBO has announced the launch of Bessie’s 81 Theater Tour, a private workshop that will utilize top songwriters and producers in order to offer to provide invaluable industry insight as well as mimic how Smith and her peers created their own community of musicians prior to the invention of Social Media.
The brainchild of producer Bryan Michael Cox and songwriter Stacy Barthe, each showcase will feature local artists handpicked by industry vets, with showcases to be held in New York (April 28th and 30th) and in Los Angeles. Each event will feature a dinner and a private concert that boasts a special performance at the end.
For more information, please visit www.bessiethemovie.com. Join in the conversation about the series via the the tour’s official hashtag, #Bessie81Tour
Just when we thought Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose could possibly get back together, it seems like Amber Rose may be out having fun until they do. Amber Rose’s new boo may be Machine Gun Kelly. The two were spotted holding hands leaving the airport (after being hugged up inside). Amber Rose sure reels them in.
Donald Trump is no stranger to being vocal about anything, even when he is wrong or offensive. With the Baltimore riots in full effect, Trump wasted no time pointing the finger at our president who he loathes. Trump tweeted:
“Our great African American President hasn’t exactly had a positive impact on the thugs who are so happily and openly destroying Baltimore!”
(AllHipHop News) Portions of thecity of Baltimore erupted in violence yesterday (April 27) as mostly high school students clashed with police in the streets. Vehicles were damaged, stores were looted, a CVS was set on fire, and several law enforcement officers were reportedly injured.
The violent outcry came after days of peaceful protests in the name of Freddie Gray. The 25-year-old man died of a spinal cord injury while in police custody. He sustained the injury after being taken into a police van. Apparently, his detention was because he looked at an officer and then ran away.
The violence also appears to be a reaction to years worth of mistreatment against the African-American community at the hands of the Baltimore Police Department. Residents have received millions of dollars from lawsuits against the BPD for excessive force including a jury awarding $39 million to Jeffrey Alston in 2004. Alston was paralyzed from the neck down after a ride in a police van.
Members of the Hip Hop community are now sharing their thoughts on the ordeal unfolding in Baltimore. Former actors from the The Wire (which was set in Baltimore) also addressed the situation. See what some stars had to say on Twitter and Instagram below.
Baltimore I respect it, 100%. Just do it peacefully, we don't need an excuse for them to kill another one of us. #FreddyGray
The Hip-Hop mogul turns 45-years-young on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. Master P decided to do something different this year for his birthday. He will be celebrating life, with underprivileged kids that have suffered the traumas of violent crimes and even death.
Master P will be hosting a 45-candle lighting remembrance for those children and their deceased loved ones. Percy Miller says,
It is not about me, it’s about letting the kids grow, so many kids are dying young, I come from the ghetto, I changed my life, we are going to use this birthday to bring awareness to kids that have lost their lives due to senseless crimes. We need to stop killing our future, they are blessings, it’s not about getting presents; it’s about making some kids smile that have been through a lot. That’s the best gift for me.
Master P (born Percy Miller) April 29th 1970, New Orleans, LA, has a biopic coming early 2016 titled Mr. Ice Cream Man.
(AllHipHop News) When music legend Prince wrote the word “slave” on his face to protest what he saw as exploitation at the hands of Warner Brother Records, some people called him crazy. Fast forward to 2015, and now many artists have come to the conclusion being signed to a label is counterproductive artistically and financially.
De La Soul seems to be among the performers that is done with the traditional concept of working with major labels. The New York based group is releasing their next album independently thanks to funding from a Kickstarter campaign. Posdnuos, Dave, and Maseo have raised over $500,000 to date. The original goal was $110,000.
The members spoke with VladTV about their fan crowd-funding project. They also discussed how being on a music label equates to slavery.
“We’re not gonna be on [an independent label like] Koch or a major. We don’t want to do that anymore. That’s slavery.” said Dave. “So in order to get this completed – partly we funded ourselves, and we have a team, a group of people, a following, and a fan base who believe in what we do. And don’t want nothing in return except the music.”
(AllHipHop News) Before Nicki Minaj became a superstar with YMCMB, she was part of a group called Hoodstars along with ex-boyfriend Scaff B (aka Safaree), Lou$tar, and 7even Up. ForbezDVD caught up with 7even, and he discussed his history with the rapper then known as Nicki Maraj.
The conversation included 7even talking about the response he got from Nicki after he came home from jail. He says they remained connected while he was incarcerated, but things were different once his time locked up was over. Issues with money played a role in the situation, and he initially avoided trying to contact Nicki.
By this time, the Queens rhymer had already connected with Lil Wayne’s Young Money, and she was building a buzz in the industry. According to 7even, had got a cold response he got from Nicki when he finally saw her again.
“When I saw her she acted like she didn’t even know me. That’s how I felt,” said 7even. “I was like at least acknowledge me. It hurt more than anything.”
7even says Nicki later called him and apologized. She also allegedly offered him money. 7even believes Safaree was upset over his continued friendship with $tar. Nicki and $tar had falling out at some point, and Safaree (Nicki’s boyfriend at the time) blocked her from reuniting with 7even.
“Sometimes people give you money to get rid of you. So now I can’t say she didn’t do nothing for me,” 7even added. “I didn’t even wanna take the money. That was not the purpose.”
Apparently, it was 7even’s mother that convinced him to take the undisclosed amount of money from Nicki. In another revealing moment, 7even claimed at one point in her life, Nicki was wanted by the law for a serious crime.
“She was on the run for attempt murder,” said 7even. “Facts. I’ll keep it a buck. I ain’t saying nothing wrong. She stayed at my crib at the time.”
(AllHipHop News) The beef between Queen representatives Nas and Noreaga is over. Nas was in Miami this weekend to celebrate the release of his classic album Illmatic. During his set at LIV, the ” rapper brought out his longtime foe to hit the stage with him.
The falling out between the one time collaborators was the result of Esco taking shots at N.O.R.E. back in the early 2000’s. This was the result of the infamous issues between Nas and Jay Z. Noriega was associated with Jay’s Roc-A-Fella Records at the time.
The feud continued for years with both emcees sending verbal shots at the other including Nas dissing Noreaga’s 2002 album God’s Favorite on Power 105.In 2011, Nore pointed to that particular moment as one of the reasons he could not move past his problems with Nas for so long.
“He was the intro to the whole album, so he had to hear this album prior to doing that when he got on the radio,” Nore told ThisIs50. “Even though he called me and said sorry, I had never got over that incident, so that’s why you kept hearing me saying little bullsh*t. But that was the young N.O.R.E. If I had the chance to do it all over, I would.”
Noreaga and Nas have now officially settled their differences. The CNN member told the crowd at LIV, “This is the first time I’ve seen this n*gga in 8 years. My big brother.”
Rap duo Shaqnlivin releases new record called “Been Workin” with their in house producer Joee Billi while they display their versatility and attacking the track going back forth. Stream SNL’s “Been Workin” below.
(AllHipHop News) Waka Flocka Flame is ready to move from his current label home of Atlantic Records. The Atlanta-based rapper sent out a tweet claiming the company is holding back the release of his third studio album Flockaveli2, and he wants the opportunity to buy out his contract with Atlantic.
The project has been in the works for several years. In May of 2013, Waka announced F2 would be released in October of that year. Two months ago he tweeted the album would be released on June 1, 2015.
That February post also included the names Jay Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Drake, and 50 Cent which led some people to suspect it was a list of potential collaborators for his next LP. Waka later told HuffPost Live he didn’t deserve a Jay or Ye feature because he has not gone gold or platinum yet.
Kehlani drops off her new 13 track album “You Should Be Here”, with features from Chance The Rapper, BJ The Chicago Kid & Coucheron. Purchase “You Should Be Here” now on iTunes & Google Play. Stream below.
(AllHipHop News) More information is coming out about the moments prior to Lil Wayne’s tour bus being shot at in Atlanta. According to TMZ, Wayne was involved in an argument with audience members during his show at Compound Nightclub on Saturday.
Apparently, Wayne got upset at some people in the crowd. Security removed the concert goers from the venue, and the Young Money boss reportedly received extra protection while leaving the club.
So far, there is no confirmation the dispute at Compound is directly related to the tour bus shooting. Wayne was not injured as a result of the incident. Police are investigating the shooting.
It appears the two rappers have settled their differences. Over the weekend, the Queens MCs made peace at LIV nightclub in Miami. Maybe we can expect a feature from Noreaga on Nas’ upcoming album.
