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Foxy Brown Lawyer Salvatore “Night-Life Lawyer” Strazzullo Found Dead In Car

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

New York City-based attorney Salvatore Strazzullo, also known as the “Night-Life Lawyer,” was reportedly found dead in his car in front of his parents’ Brooklyn home on Saturday (August 10). No cause of death has been revealed.

The 52-year-old, who was facing multiple ongoing criminal cases for allegedly bilking elderly clients out of millions of dollars, became a fixture in the tabloids for repping celebrities in trouble and strippers suing pro athletes. Some of the cases he took on routinely stemmed from celebrities’ late-night or intoxicant-fueled exploits, earning him the “Night-Life Lawyer” in a 2012 New York Times profile.

In 2011, he defended Foxy Brown for hiking down her undergarments and mooning a neighbor she’d been feuding with. Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Walsh wound up dismissing the charges.

Strazzullo also repped exotic dancer Milana Dravnel, who sued boxer Oscar de la Hoya for $100 million in 2007 after he allegedly attempted to stop her from selling photos of him strutting around in lingerie. After the photos went public, Dravnel sold them to a West Coast photo agency for $70,000.

De la Hoya’s team claimed they were doctored, which resulted in the lawsuit. Further allegations were also made against De la Hoya, including his alleged penchant for donning a variety of ladies undergarments and wanting to be called “Goldie” while wearing them. By June 2008, Dravnel dropped the charges after signing a confidentiality agreement with his camp.

But trouble started for Strazzullo in 2011, when Desiree DeMartino, a paralegal and former employee, sued him for sexual harassment. More recently, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez claimed Strazzullo had used his escrow account as a Ponzi scheme for years, taking funds from one client to pay off another while racking up tens of thousands in charges at fancy restaurants and expensive hotels.

He was accused of stealing nearly $3.8 million in total, which prosecutors said he spent on a $100,000 BMW and a tony apartment at the Battery Park City complex for $13,000 per month, among other lavish items. He pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree grand larceny, four counts of second-degree grand larceny and one count of first-degree scheme to defraud.

Strazzullo also pleaded not guilty in December 2023 in a different Brooklyn criminal case, where prosecutors alleged he stole $1.5 million from three other clients. Both cases were still pending at the time of his death.

Dr. Dre Plans To Return To Olympics—As A Competitor

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Dr. Dre wants to add Olympian to his extensive list of accomplishments. The legendary producer revealed his interest in trying out for the United States Archery Team to compete in the 2028 Olympics.

“I’m deadass serious,” he told Entertainment Tonight.

The Aftermath Entertainment founder credited his son with helping him regain interest in archery.

“I actually started playing around with archery in junior high,” he said. “I stopped for a while and my son bought me a setup. I don’t know if it was for my birthday or Father’s Day or something like that. So, I have set it up in my backyard.”

Dr. Dre thinks he has a legitimate shot at qualifying for the Olympics. The 59-year-old artist sees 2028 as his golden opportunity since the Olympic Games are coming to Los Angeles.

“I heard qualifying for the Olympics is 77 feet,” he said. “And I practice at 90. Wouldn’t that be interesting? To go, especially with it being here in L.A., and win the gold medal?”

He added, “I feel like I can do anything.”

Dr. Dre performed with his longtime collaborator at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Olympics. Snoop Dogg served as NBC’s special correspondent throughout the Olympic Games in Paris.

“It was filmed the day before it aired,” Dr. Dre said regarding their performance. “So, trying to keep that a secret for that amount of time seems like it would’ve been impossible, but they made it happen!”

Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg are preparing to release their new album Missionary. The project is a sequel to Snoop Dogg’s classic debut Doggystyle, which dropped in 1993. Dr. Dre said Missionary features some of the best music he’s recorded in his entire career. No release date has been announced, but the album is expected to drop later this year.

Quando Rondo Apologizes After Pleading Guilty In Federal Drug Case

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Quando Rondo pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to possess and distribute marijuana in Savannah, Georgia on Tuesday (August 13). Federal prosecutors dropped charges accusing him of conspiring to possess and distribute cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine as part of a plea deal.

“I really want to give an apology to the city of Savannah,” Quando Rondo said, per WSAV. “And I want to give an apology to my family, friends, loved ones, most of all to my daughters.”

Quando Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Bowman, accepted a plea deal in June. He was busted on federal drug charges in December 2023. He was out on bond for state-level drug and gang charges at the time of his arrest.

“I just want everybody to know I’m a changed person,” he declared on Tuesday. “I’m changing every day, and God got the last say so … I’m changing myself. It starts with yourself. Change starts at home.”

He added, “It don’t matter the circumstances. It don’t matter the levels of how bad something is. God could bring you out of anything. So, with that being said, like I said before, I’m walking my faith and not by sight. Nothing can break me. It’s just going to make me even more.”

State drug and gang charges are pending against Quando Rondo. A judge paused his state case until the federal drug case was settled.

Quando Rondo faced up to five years in prison for his federal drug charge. The 25-year-old rapper is scheduled to be sentenced on December 12. He will remain out on bond until his sentencing.

The Atlantic Records artist’s legal troubles weren’t limited to his two criminal cases. A man also sued him for a 2023 car crash. Quando Rondo allegedly caused “serious bodily injuries,” leaving the plaintiff with more than $8,000 in medical bills. The civil case is still open.

EXCLUSIVE: L.A. Reid Loses Bid To Have Drew Dixon Lawsuit Tossed

By: Justin IveyCategory: Exclusives

L.A. Reid failed to convince a New York judge to dismiss a sexual assault case. Judge Valerie Caproni allowed music producer Drew Dixon’s lawsuit against the longtime executive to proceed in a ruling on Tuesday (August 13).

Dixon accused Reid of sexually assaulting her twice during her time at Arista Records around 20 years ago. Her lawsuit included claims of sexual battery and assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and a violation of the New York City Gender Motivated Violence Act.

The first assault allegedly occurred during a company retreat in Puerto Rico in 2001. Dixon said Reid digitally penetrated her without consent. The second assault took place a few months later when Reid allegedly groped and kissed Dixon in a car, again without her permission. Dixon’s complaint detailed Reid’s persistent sexual harassment and retaliation for rejecting his advances.

Reid filed motions to dismiss some of the claims, citing the statute of limitations and venue issues. Judge Caproni denied these motions. She ruled the claims of false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress were not time-barred under the New York Adult Survivors Act, which allowed survivors of sexual assault to sue despite expired statutes of limitations. The judge also found the events in the complaint had a substantial connection to the Southern District of New York where the lawsuit was filed.

“The coordination of the retreat has a ‘close nexus to’ Plaintiff’s false imprisonment claim as the acts about which she complains occurred on the flight that was arranged in New York,” the judge wrote. “While the Complaint does not specifically allege that Defendant instructed [Arista executive Karen] Kwak to tell Plaintiff that other executives would be on the flight, viewing the facts in the light most favorable to the Plaintiff, the Court can infer that the scheme to mislead Plaintiff about the travel arrangements occurred in Manhattan.”

Judge Caproni rejected Reid’s request to strike 10 sections of New York Penal Law Article 130 cited in the lawsuit. Dixon argued against Reid’s efforts, calling them an “inappropriate attempt to thrust the Court into the impermissible role of factfinder at the pleading stage.”

“As Plaintiff notes, Defendant did not challenge the citation to Sections 130.52 (forcible touching) and 130.55 (sexual abuse in the third degree); it is difficult to understand any prejudice caused by additional citations to other portions of Article 130,” the judge ruled. “Because Defendant has not met his burden, his Motion to Strike is denied.”

Reid left Epic Records after a female assistant accused him of sexual harassment in 2017. He apologized for saying “anything capable of being misinterpreted” at the time.

50 Cent Reveals He’s Nearly a Billionaire: “I’m Very Rich” 

By: London JennnCategory: News

50 Cent is opening up about his vast wealth but insists he’s in no rush to reach billionaire status and says his life won’t change much when he gets there. 

In a new cover story for Us Weekly published Wednesday (August 14), the rapper and entertainment mogul confirmed that although he’s on the verge of becoming a billionaire, he’s in no rush to get there.  

“I don’t quantify the money like that — I quantify the level of successes and wins I’ve achieved,” he explained. “I have far exceeded anyone’s expectations of me. I think my longevity and staying power in the industry have surprised many, but that’s what drives me further. [Besides,] I’m not in a hurry to reach billionaire status. I’ve reached a point where I don’t want anything I don’t have. What’s the rush? I’ve bought every car I wanted, multiple times over.” 

50 Cent also shared that he doesn’t want the problems that come with being a billionaire. “The IRS might suddenly decide they want 58 percent of your money,’ he said. “The ambulance chasers, the attorneys — it’s an army of ’em after you. Then you’d have to protect yourself because you have deep pockets.” 

Moreover, 50 Cent believes that becoming a billionaire wouldn’t significantly change his life. You start building a legacy, doing more sophisticated things,” he added. “People remember those who helped others more than those who just accumulated wealth.” 

50 Cent Praised By Shreveport Police For Crime-Free Humor And Harmony Festival

50 Cent’s legacy will now include his G-Unit Film and Television Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana. The city hosted his Humor and Harmony Festival this past weekend, an epic four-day event to support his G-Unity Foundation.  

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The inaugural event included a comedy show, a celebrity basketball game and performances from Cam’ron, French Montana,2 Chainz, DaBaby, Master P, Moneybagg Yo, and many more.  

The Shreveport Chief of Police praised 50 Cent for exciting a successful, crime-free event. “I haven’t seen this type of positive activity downtown since the late ’80s!” Chief Wayne Smith told TMZ. 

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Meanwhile, 50 Cent is gearing up to launch his new FAST channel in partnership with Lionsgate, 50 Cent Action.  

Chinx Murder Suspect Sentenced To 23 Years Prison  

By: London JennnCategory: News

Chinx’s killer, Quincy Homere, has been sentenced to 23 years behind bars for the 2015 murder of the rising rapper. 

Homere, one of two men charged with the murder, pleaded guilty in July. Chinx’s heartbroken widow, Janelli Caceres-Pickens, was in court as Homere was sentenced on Monday (August 13).  

While addressing the court, Caceres-Pickens became emotional, reflecting on the tragic loss. 

“I was told I had two minutes to say goodbye, holding his mother’s hand, watching his lifeless body praying and crying for him to wake up,” she said. “A mother has to bury her son. At the age of 28 I had become a widow. My children, who were 15, 11 and 4, are now without a dad.” 

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Chinx was killed in a drive-by shooting in 2015. Homere and Jamar Hill were arrested and charged with second-degree murder and other associated charges in 2017. While Homere initially pleaded not guilty, he subsequently accepted a plea deal. Hill’s case is still pending. 

“Quincy Homere was sentenced today to 23 years in prison for killing Lionel Pickens Jr., a successful rapper, husband, and father who was mercilessly gunned down in 2015,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement. “Homere fired numerous rounds into Pickens’ car while he was stopped at a red light in Briarwood and then fled, leaving the young man for dead. Nothing can undo what happened, but I hope today’s sentence brings some solace to Pickens’ loved ones as they continue to grieve.” 

Latto Responds To Backlash After Naming Lil Kim GOAT Female Rapper  

By: London JennnCategory: Uncategorized

Latto is standing ten toes down after sparking controversy by declaring Lil Kim the greatest female rapper of all time. 

The question arose during a recent episode of Complex’s GOAT Talk featuring the “Sunday Service” hitmaker and her younger sister, Brooklyn Nikole. 

While Latto initially agreed with her sister giving her the crown, she eventually named her “real” pick. 

“I am the GOAT though,” Latto insisted. “But the GOAT is Lil’ Kim, for sure. [She’s] going to forever be a staple in not only rap but female rap.” Latto cited Kim’s “fashion icon” status and praised her “ timeless music.” 

Latto continued, insisting Lil Kim is a queen” on and off-camera. “I love that her,” she said before referencing “Big Momma Thang,” the NYC icon’s 1996 song. “And she’s big mama, too.” 

However, her remarks divided Hip-Hop fans, especially the Barbz, Nicki Minaj’s devoted fanbase.  

“As much as they say Lil Kim is who they look up to and how much of a “goat” she is, why aren’t they asking her to do features but begging Nicki??? Big Difference hits hard today,” one Nicki Minaj fan shared. 

“Y’all can never erase Lil Kim’s imprint on the industry,” another user added. “She created the entire foundation that these girls stand on. Get over it.” 

“The only people mad about latto calling Lil Kim the GOAT of female rap are the bitter barbs,” a third person remarked.“Everyone else knows latto was spitting nothing but FACTSSSSS. There’s no Nicki Minaj without LIL KIM.” 

Nonetheless, Latto stood her ground. She took to Instagram amid the backlash, advising, “I said what I said.” 

Check out some other reactions to Latto crowning Lil Kim the GOAT below. 

atto

Legendary B-Boy Crazy Legs Reacts to Aussie Breaker Raygun’s Viral Olympics Performance 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Breaking legend Crazy Legs of The Rock Steady Crew is sharing his reaction to Aussie b-girl Raygun who went viral for all the wrong reasons with her performance at the Olympics. 

Raygun, Australian professor Rachael Gunn became a meme goldmine after competing in Breaking at the 2024 Olympics. However, amid all the jokes, multiple Hip-Hop icons have spoken up about her inclusion in the event. 

As president of the Rock Steady Crew, Crazy Legs, born Richard Colón, is a foremost expert on breaking. After facing pressure to share his take, he took to Instagram to address the controversy.  

“My personal opinion is that she should’ve never been on that stage,” he said.  

The veteran breaker believes Raygun should have admitted the competition was “out of my league,” and said that Australian Olympic authorities should have told her to “fall back on this one because you’re not ready yet.’” 

Crazy Legs also addressed the idea that judges should have stood up and said Raygun was unqualified to perform on that level to “protect Hip-Hop culture with that statement.” 

However, he fears the backlash could negatively impact her mental health. “Do I think she deserves the amount of criticism that she’s getting? Nah,” he stated. “Homegirl’s been dragged globally, dragged hardcore. People should ease up because the focus at this point should be all the good that came out of it.” 

He went on to highlight “suspect judging” and called for reform. He added that although “my credibility as a judge is dope,” he was not asked to judge and would have probably declined if offered.  

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Dr. Dre & Jermaine Dupri Weigh In

Dr. Dre was not a fan of the Aussie b-girl’s viral performance. “I did not like that,” he told Entertainment Tonight. “It’s so many great breakdancers that I don’t know why they had this particular person doing that.” Although he laughed along with the jokes, he added, “I don’t know how that happened.” 

Meanwhile, Jermaine Dupri also added his two cents into the mix. 

“Taking it easy on the young lady to me doesn’t train her and give her the true essence of what hip-hop is about.,” he explained. “Hip-Hop is about battling and if you lose, you come back. You go home, practice and come back.” 

He added, “that’s a essence of hip-hop. That’s an element of hip-hop and for some reason, I don’t know who it is and how why, but some people are trying to take that element out of this s###. Man, Hip-Hop is not meant to be soft.” 

Janet Jackson Shares Mind-Blowing Fact About Family Tree Revealing Famous Cousins 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Janet Jackson hails from one of the world’s most well-known musical dynasties and is an icon in her own right, but her famous family extends much further than her singing siblings. 

In a new interview, Jackson claimed her family tree is littered with legendary musicians and even an Oscar-winning actor. During a recent sit down on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show, the host asked about the rumor that she’s related to fellow music legend Stevie Wonder. 

“He’s our cousin,” Jackson replied, leaving the host floored. “Not a lot of people know that. He’s our cousin on my mother’s side.” 

However, she wasn’t finished, and the revelations continued, with Janet Jackson confirming two more celebrity cousins.  

“So is Tracy Chapman. So is Samuel L. Jackson,” she added. 

Janet Jackson is just one of the famous members of her family. She is the baby of the bunch to older siblings Rebbie, 74, Jackie, 73, Tito, 70, Jermaine, 69, La Toya, 68, Marlon, 67, Brandon – who died after birth in 1957 – the late Michael Jackson and Randy, 62. 

It’s not the first time rumors surfaced that Samuel L. Jackson was part of the famous Jackson clan. However, he previously denied the speculation while answering “the Web’s Most Searched Questions,” for WIRED in 2017.  

Answering the question, “Is Samuel L. Jackson related to Michael Jackson,” the Unbreakable star replied, “Nope.” 

Erica Mena Under Fire After Blasting Safaree Over Jamaican Kids Charity 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Erica Mena faced backlash after blasting Safaree for announcing a back-to-school giveaway for Jamaican children, claiming he doesn’t care about his own kids. 

On Monday (August 12), Safaree announced a back-to-school drive for children in the Waterhouse district of Kingston, Jamaica, in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl. He also asked for donations to contribute towards his efforts. 

“I’m taking this money out of my pocket,’ he said in a video. “I’m a do whatever I could do to help this community.” 

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A post shared by Safaree 🇯🇲 StuntMan (@safaree)

The following day, on Tuesday (August 13), Mena bashed her ex-husband over the appeal, continuing to accuse him of being a deadbeat father to their two young children. She hopped on Instagram Live to call him out for missing a “big moment” in their daughter’s life.  

“Before you guys get scammed like I did by this wasteman overnight wannabe prophet,” she began, “this individual has no idea that his children have actually started school. Yeah, your daughter is officially in Pre-K and started yesterday.” 

She continued, expressing her guilt for missing out on taking her daughter to school because of work.  

“While I’m feeling guilty, muthafuckas is out here trying to make the world believe that they actually have a charity because they care about other people’s children,” she added. “How can you care about anybody else’s children when you don’t even care about your own?” 

Mena then accused Safaree of neglecting his children “because you think missing out in their lives makes me suffer.” 

However, social media users slammed Erica Mena for continuing to speak out against Safaree. 

“I know Safaree hate to see Erica Mena coming real bad lmaooo,” one person wrote. “That man will never know peace for as long as he has breath in his dead beat lungs.” 

“Erica mena get on here and cry about safaree every time he makes a post,” another user added. “Like girl woman up and be there for your babies. If he’s such a bad dad sorry to say but let him be that. Don’t beg him. His karma gon spin the block. Women up and do what you gotta do bruh. The internet can’t do anything about that. Stand up and show that man you don’t need him.” 

Another person said that although “Safaree be faking like hell,” they advised Erica Mena to invest her energies elsewhere.  

Check out some other reactions below. 

Kanye West Asks For Nitrous Gas In Alleged Text To Celebrity Dentist 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Kanye West’s former chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, is dropping alleged receipts after claiming Ye is addicted to nitrous gas supplied to him by celebrity dentist Thomas P. Connelly. 

Although Connelly denied the allegations, Yiannopoulos shared a troubling text exchange on Tuesday evening (August 13).  

“I’ve been made aware of a denial circulated to journalists by Thomas Connelly, the Doctor Death of Dentistry, by his rep Ted Anastasiou of Arctus Group,” he wrote on X (Twitter). “Explain this, then, doc.” 

Yiannopoulos shared a screen recording of a group chat discussion about nitrous oxide. In the exchange, Connelly expresses his long-term goal of getting gas legalized. While Yiannopoulos pushed back, citing the potential dangers of so-called “laughing gas” Kanye West, asked Connelly to bring him some nitrous. 

“Can I have the Nitrous today,” he wrote. However, he followed up just ten minutes later before Connelly could reply.  

“Tom,” he added. “You said you’d bring them by today. Checking in.” 

This time, Connelly responded within a minute, agreeing to bring nitrous to West at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles. 

In his original complaint, Yiannopoulos also alleged Ye’s staff “were worrying about” West’s “dependence on the gas and speaking openly about it.” He claimed employees shared concerns after seeing “four large surgical tanks of nitrous oxide into Ye’s wife Bianca Censori’s apartment.” One Yeezy employee said they saw Kanye West “self-administering the nitrous gas provided by Connelly.”   

Kehlani Gets Restraining Order Against Allegedly Abusive Ex – He Responds Claiming Singer Is Real Abuser 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Kehlani has filed a temporary restraining order against ex-boyfriend Javaughn Young-White, claiming he is an abusive stoner who poses a danger to their child.  

In her filing, the singer claimed in June, he smashed through her locked bedroom door and called her a “b####” and a “liar” following a disagreement, per TMZ. She asked him to leave that day after enduring five years of “chaos and abuse.” 

Kehlani claims that he spent all day smoking weed and taking mushrooms while he lived with her. She also alleges that his home was dirty with food and weed scattered everywhere, claiming that her daughter would return smelling of weed after visiting there. 

The Los Angeles County Superior Court granted the order last Friday (August 9). Young-White is barred from contacting Kehlani and Adeya or getting within 100 yards of them. Kehlani retains full physical and legal custody of Adeya while the order is in effect. The judge ordered a hearing of the restraining order on September 3. 

Kehlani responded to reports of the restraining order via her Instagram Stories. “I did not make a statement,” she wrote Tuesday evening (August 13). “Nor did i go to TMZ about my business.” 

Young-White Accuses Kehlani Of Abuse

Young-White also responded via Instagram, claiming Kehlani is the abuser and dropping alleged screenshots of text messages between them. He accused the singer of making “false accusations of abuse,” adding, “I have been lied on and manipulated for years.” 

According to Young-White he always forgave Kehlani “because otherwise my daughter is weaponized against me.” 

“Kehlani busted through her own door and is framing her abuse as mine,” he wrote alongside one exchange. “I have more. This is why I keep a paper trail. Sad that she’s resorting to lying.” 

Young-White claims, “I cut off contact with her last month because of her abuse and how she alleges abuse when she is scared.” 

The restraining order comes after Young-White sought full custody, claiming Kehlani was a member of a sex cult and posed a risk to their daughter. Kehlani strenuously denied the allegations. Young-White claimed his remarks had been misrepresented and demanded a retraction from TMZ, who first reported his filing.   

Signs: Women Steals Millions In Chicken, Gets 9 Years—But There’s A Crazy Twist

By: IllseedCategory: Rumors

Check out this crazy story out of Illinois. Vera Liddell, the former food service director for Harvey School District 152, just pleaded guilty to pulling off a wild heist of $1.5 million worth of food—mainly chicken wings—from the school district she worked for. The story broke on Hip-Hop’s 51st Birthday.

Liddell, who worked near Chicago, got caught up in some serious accusations from Cook County prosecutors. They claim she was swiping massive amounts of food meant for kids learning remotely during the pandemic. The hustle? Ordering over 11,000 cases of chicken wings from the district’s food provider and picking them up in a school district cargo van.

According to the proffer presented at her bond hearing, “The massive fraud began at the height of COVID during a time when students were not allowed to be physically present in school.” Even though the kids were learning from home, the school district was still providing meals for the students to pick up.

And here’s the kicker, Liddell got busted when the district’s business manager did a routine mid-year audit and found the food service budget was $300,000 over despite being only halfway through the school year. Got dang it, Vera!

She copped a plea on August 9 and got slapped up with a 9-year prison sentence…at 68-years old. Wild, right?

Well, it gets wilder.

Chiefs star Chris Jones has offered to put up the $1.5 million bucks to liberate Ms. Vera from the belly of the beast. She has been convicted, but can this free our sister/auntie/mother? Brother Man Jones put the offer out there to help her get released from jail, according to reports.

By the way, they have never revealed what she was doing with the chicken. But I suspect she was feeding herself, her fam or the hood. She’s the chicken wing Robin Hood.

Free Ms. Vera!!! Lord knows, people have done worse:

Chance The Rapper Threatens To Shelve New Music If Fans Keep Calling It “The Album”

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

Chance the Rapper recently addressed his fans’ anticipation for his upcoming project, emphasizing that Star Line is more than just the album. In fact, it’s not one at all.

The Chicago-based artist expressed a desire for his audience to understand and acknowledge the unique nature of his forthcoming work in a brief Instagram Live. Chance started off the stream by essentially demanding they change the way they’re asking for the music.

“All right, so this was the main point I was trying to make,” Chance started off. “Stop calling it the album. And I don’t mean that in an ungrateful way. I’m grateful that people are putting in my comments, ‘Drop the album.'”

Chance made it clear that the constant reference to Star Line as an album doesn’t sit well with him. He said he wouldn’t release the project until fans start referring to it by its intended name, despite his readiness to share his work.

“I’m not going to drop the album until y’all start calling it Star Line,” he said. “I’m not going to drop the project. I got so much s##t ready. But I hope that y’all understand that. I understand how all this stuff works. ‘Drop the album.’ That’s for all the other artists. That’s for all everybody else, whose work I also appreciate. But what I’m doing is something different. It’s something very specific. It’s called Star Line.”

The Acid Rap lyricist added, highlighting his dedication to the Star Line concept, noting its recurring presence in his discourse over the past few years.

“I’ve been saying one specific phrase for coming up on two or three years now,” he said. “I’ve been saying Star Line. You see the star, n####’s asleep, but he got the star on his shoulders. He carrying it.”

Chance also expressed that the mislabeling of Star Line as an album leads to confusion: “When y’all say the album, it confuses me. It confuses me. It makes me think that everybody doesn’t [know what’s going on].

He believes that proper acknowledgment from his fans will motivate him to release the project sooner. “If y’all say he drop Star Line enough, it’s going to make me drop Star Line,” he hinted.

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As Chance concluded his session, he revealed he’s operating independently on this release, underscoring the personal investment and effort he’s putting into Star Line.

“That’s why it’s a rollout, because I’m doing this s##t dolo,” he said. “I’m doing this s##t by myself. I mean, I’m doing it with the team, but it ain’t nobody invested that’s like, gotta make it work. You know what I mean? It’s like I’m that person. So I got Star Line. That’s all I got for y’all. I don’t got the album. Whatever the album is, I don’t know what the album is. I know about a Star Line, you hear me? And that’s on everything.”

The emphasis on proper recognition for Star Line comes in the wake of Chance’s previous project, The Big Day. Released in July 2019, the album was met with mixed reviews and was colloquially dubbed The Owbum by fans, referencing Chance’s enthusiastic pronunciation during promotional efforts.

Despite debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 with 108,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, The Big Day‘s sales and reception didn’t match the heights of his earlier mixtape, Coloring Book.

Critics pointed to its sprawling length and perceived lack of cohesion as factors contributing to its lukewarm reception. This experience may be influencing Chance’s current meticulous approach to Star Line, ensuring it resonates with his audience as intended.

Legendary New York City DJ Chuck Chillout Back Home After Near-Death Experience

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

(UPDATE) Sources close to AllHipHop can confirm DJ Chuck Chillout is back home and resting after a serious medial emergency put him in the hospital last week. While we aren’t at liberty to discuss what specifically happened, we can say it was related to his heart. We send all our support to Chuck Chillout as he recovers.

Legendary New York City DJ Chuck Chillout, who started his career in 1982 with WRKS 98.7 Kiss FM, suffered a major medical crisis last week. Social media posts that read “prayers for Chuck Chillout” started popping up on Thursday (August 1), the same day he was to host his 40th Radio Anniversary Party in the Bronx.

Those close to Chuck Chillout weren’t willing to go on record to discuss his condition, but Chuck D provided an update on Chuck Chillout’s current status on Friday (August 2). Taking to Twitter, the Public Enemy frontman explained why Chuck Chillout is so important, not only to hum but Hip-Hop at-large. His tweet arrived just a day after Chuck D celebrated his 64th birthday.

“A sincere thank you to everyone on this App that wished me a Happy Birthday,” he wrote. “My phone imploded and a spent a majority of my time with my HipHop hero @djchuckchillout who is going through major surgery today. Prayers up for Chuck a man who first made Public Enemy known and so many others. The first DJ who played us.

“Coincidentally I visited Chuck for 5 hours with another Radio hero Fred Buggs in the very SAME hospital I was BORN in 64 years to the DAY. Booth Mem Queens . Think God DID that . No mystery. Thank you all and im doing a special tribute show tonight for my bro @CHINOXL on AndYouDontStop! Life flows on.”

Further updates on Chuck Chillout’s Facebook page indicate his surgery, which is heart-related, went well, but he’s still not out of the woods. As one person wrote, “Good news. Chuck Chillout is now in the recovery room located within the ICU. We enter the golden 24…. Prayers warriors needed.”

As Chuck D mentioned, Chuck Chillout was instrumental in breaking many Hip-Hop artists during his time as a radio DJ in the 1980s and 1990s. Some of the notable artists he helped introduce to a wider audience include Boogie Down Productions (KRS-One and DJ Scott La Rock), Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, LL COOL J, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, EPMD, A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul, artists who benefited from the exposure and support provided by DJs like Chuck Chillout.

Sauce Walka Accuses Drake Of Appropriating Houston Culture

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

Sauce Walka is doubling down on his claims that Drake appropriates Houston culture without giving back to its purveyors following the Toronto rapper’s beef with Kendrick Lamar.

The Houston-bred rapper recently aired his grievances on The Breakfast Club and passionately questioned Drake’s commitment to the city that he claims to love, posing the question of why he’s seemingly less willing to work with Houston artists and instead, chooses Atlanta artists.

“You said it wouldn’t be no Drake without Houston, right?” Sauce Walka questioned Charlamagne Tha God rhetorically. “Why did Drake not have no bunch of records with Houston artists? You been doing it with Atlanta. It’s 7, 8, 9, 15 artists that you got songs with in Atlanta.”

In contrast, Sauce Walka feels that Drake has exploited Houston for its “market share” without contributing meaningfully to its music scene.

“It’s a long California, it’s a long list of artists from The Bay all the way to LA—they got Drake songs,” he remarked. “So how did Drake love Houston so much at that time and not have music with artists that you are uplifting from this community? “

Sauce Walka continued to emphasize the need for fair exchange in the music industry, especially when an artist like Drake uses a city’s culture to boost his own career. As a result, he urged for efforts that genuinely uplift the Houston music economy and provide more opportunities for local artists.

“F##k me, I don’t care,” he said. “It is bigger than me. I didn’t care about the song with me. Doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me what I’m saying, but from then to now, Travis Scott is the only rapper that still got a song with Drake, Travis Scott. Again, what I just said earlier, it makes sense because it’s a equal trade.”

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Considering Sauce Walka’s take is gaining traction, Drake’s affiliates are already chiming in with their two cents. Drake’s longtime producer Boi1da became drawn into the discussion in the comments section of a post on Instagram in which a user was defending Drizzy’s commitment to working with Houston artists.

“Travis, Bun B, Pimp C, OG Ron C, DJ Screw, Multiple Houston producers etc…the sense of entitlement is crazy though,” the user wrote.

Boi1da obliged, adding, “Selective memory,” in his reply to the comment.

This isn’t the first time Drake has faced such criticism for aligning with a particular region or cultural sub-pocket of Hip-Hop. During his beef with Kendrick Lamar, the West Coast rapper referred to Drake as a “colonizer” in his “Not Like Us” diss track, accusing him of relying on Atlanta artists to generate buzz and profits throughout his career. And in fact, this isn’t even the first time Sauce Walka called him out, considering he spoke about this same issue on his almost 10 years ago on his song “Wack 2 Wack.”

Watch the clip above to hear Sauce Walka out.

YSL Trial Halted After Lil Woody’s Lawyer Suspended Over Misconduct In Child Support Case

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Another dramatic delay hit the YSL trial involving rapper Young Thug on Tuesday when key witness Kenneth Copeland, known as “Lil Woody,” learned mid-day that his attorney, Jonathan Melnick, had been suspended.

The Georgia Supreme Court issued a six-month suspension for Melnick due to misconduct in a separate 2017 child support case, throwing another wrench in what has become Georgia’s longest-running trial.

Lil Woody was briefed about Melnick’s suspension early in the morning but only grasped the full extent at lunchtime.

Taking to Instagram Live, he aired his frustrations and stressed his need for new legal counsel.

Later, he clarified to Judge Paige Reese Whitaker that he would only continue testifying with proper representation.

Judge Whitaker, acknowledging Lil Woody’s confusion over his immunity deal, preemptively arranged for a new attorney, Mr. Engelberger, to take over the case.

According to 11Alive, the trial adjourned early, with Judge Whitaker labeling the delay as a “scheduling and procedural hiccup” before dismissing the jury for the day.

This minor interruption adds more length to Young Thug’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) trial, already marked by an array of controversies and delays.

The rapper, along with 27 other alleged members of the YSL gang, faces charges of racketeering, gang conspiracy, and weapons possession dating back to May 2022.

Complications have marred the trial from the start.

Jury selection stretched over ten months due to numerous excuses from potential jurors.

Even after seating the jury, troubles continued: one juror was jailed for recording inside the courtroom, and another gaffe occurred when a courtroom camera inadvertently revealed jurors’ faces.

Missteps didn’t stop there.

One lawyer was jailed for bringing drugs into the courtroom. Meanwhile, Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, faced contempt charges after refusing to disclose how he discovered a secretive meeting between a key witness, the prosecution, and Judge Ural Glanville.

The latter issue led to Judge Glanville’s recusal after intense motions and clashes from the defense about handling Lil Woody, who was deemed a hostile and unreliable witness.

The trial came to a standstill until the appointment of a new judge.

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker has since stepped in. These cumulative delays have increased the trial’s complexity and duration to unprecedented levels.

Piscapo Releases New EP “Enuff” While On Tour With Missy Elliot

By: Staff WriterCategory: Music

Piscapo’s new EP, “ENuff,” is a masterful body of music offering listeners a unique, innovative, and immersive experience.

This versatile five-track project is enthusiastic and witty, a testament to Piscapo’s versatility, music education, and background, as well as his ability to seamlessly blend different genres and styles.

Piscapo has the support of various platinum-selling artists, including Missy Elliot and Trina, to name a few.

You may notice Piscapo from his previous musical works with Miami counterparts, Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, and Trina.

Formerly known as C.O., Piscapo is noted for his legendary lyrics and participation in hits such as “Take It To The House,” “Shut Up,” and more.

Piscapo is a 4-time ASCAP Award winner, producer, and creative, to name a few of his respected titles.

Track Breakdown:

  1. Florida King
    The EP kicks off with “Florida King,” a clever double entendre that highlights Piscapo’s Floridian roots while also referencing the luxurious Florida King bed. The track sets the tone with it’s smooth, confident vibe, underscoring Piscapo’s claim that his love is unmatched.
  2. Interlude: The Transition
    This interlude features a live performance from Piscapo’s 2023 showcase, marking his transition from traditional rap to a more melodic Hip-Hop sound. It provides an intimate glimpse into his artistic evolution and sets the stage for the subsequent tracks.
  3. Stuck On You
    A soulful, melodic joint, “Stuck On You” incorporates elements of Miami and Jersey House music, creating a rich, rhythmic tapestry. This track exemplifies Piscapo’s ability to blend different musical influences into a cohesive and compelling sound.
  4. Interlude: Trina’s Take
    The next interlude features an expressive moment with the artist Trina, who shares her admiration for the title track “ENuff.” She speaks candidly about her own experiences with heartache and how this song resonates with her, declaring it the “song of the summer.”
  5. ENuff
    The title track “ENuff,” is a soft, melodic piece with aggressive lyrics that convey the frustration and resolve of ending a toxic relationship. Piscapo’s emotive delivery and poignant lyrics make this a standout track on the EP.
  6. Richer Than Kanye
    The EP closes with “Richer Than Kanye,” a powerful track that was released last year. This song boasts a live version orchestrated by the renowned super producer Big D, adding a dynamic and grandiose finish to the project.

What sets “ENuff” apart is the innovative structure of each track. Each song on the EP is a two-in-one experience, transitioning seamlessly into a different perspective or melody. This creative approach not only showcases Piscapo’s versatility but also keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.

Plies Unimpressed By “Rich White Men” Following Donald Trump & Elon Musk Interview

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

Plies is essentially not drinking the Kool-Aid when it comes to the lore that’s associated with entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Donald Trump.

The “Shawty” rapper expressed his opinion while reacting to Musk and Trump’s recent interview on the Teslaf founder’s Twitter (X) social media platform. In a candid Instagram video, Plies didn’t hold back as he shared his unfiltered opinion on the fascination with wealthy white men like Musk and Trump.

“My Response To The ELON TRUMP Sit Down!!” he wrote. ‘I’m Just One Of The Few People Who Isn’t That Impressed By The Rich White Man’…. I Respect It But I Don’t Salivate Over The Rich White Mans Success!! Hope I Didn’t Offend Anyone! Thoughts? #Plies #KingCircleHat.”

In the lengthy video, Plies broke down point for point why the success of these figures doesn’t resonate with him, highlighting the advantages they’ve had from the start — especially in light of Musk and Trump’s recent conversation.

“Ask me what was my opinion on the whole Elon Trump sit down over there on Twitter X last night,” Plies began. “And I don’t mean this in a racial way, it’s just really how I feel. I think I’m one of the few people who are really not that impressed by the rich white man. Whether you was one that dad gave you 25,000 startup money, or in this case over here, your dad left you with 300 or 500 million. And lemme be clear, I ain’t trying to discredit them having successful supportive fathers in their life. I think that’s something we all wish and hope for.”

Plies explained, making it clear that his perspective isn’t rooted in resentment but in a deeper understanding of the factors at play. in doing so, he shifted the focus to the stories that do inspire him, such as NFL quarterback Lamar Jackson, who recently made headlines with a massive contract that his mother negotiated on his behalf.

“I’ve always respected people who look like me and come from where I come from,” he shared. “Whether you Lamar Jackson, the kid from Pompano who had to navigate the system and now is in a situation where you just did a deal for a quarter billion dollars, 200 million. Mom is the one who negotiated the deal for you. They didn’t have that kind of money in their twenties and their thirties. He ain’t go to Stanford, he ain’t go to UPenn.”

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Jackson’s journey, from a public school kid to one of the NFL’s highest-paid players, exemplifies the rags-to-riches narrative that Plies finds truly impressive. However, Plies did go on to admit that recipients of generational wealth do deserve credit in one major aspect concerning their fortunes.

“The only difference between them and us, it’s what you do with the money,” he said. “That’s the only difference I do give them credit for.”

Plies conceded, acknowledging that while billionaires like Musk and Trump might be savvy with their investments, they don’t earn his admiration simply for their financial success.

“It’s not that they have the money, they just have convinced other people to give them their money,” he said. “So for me, I don’t knock what they do, I just don’t salivate over the success of the rich white man because I understand we are ahead of the curve now, and it all boils down to what we do with the money.”

Plies’ criticism of Musk and Trump is not at all unsolicited. He has been outspoken about his disdain for the former president for quite sometime and most recently alleged that Musk purchased Twitter (X) for the sole purpose of influencing the election in favor of Trump.

Check out his full and uncut appeal above.

Flavor Flav’s Bronze Clock Gift For Jordan Chiles Gets Her Mother’s Attention

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

The bronze medal Jordan Chiles was awarded at the 2024 Paris Olympics was recently stripped from the gymnast over a score dispute. Upon hearing the news, Flavor Flav—the official sponsor for the U.S. women’s water polo team—vowed to gift her a bronze clock.

“Ayyy YOOOO @ChilesJordan, imma make you a BRONZE CLOCK NECKLACE, and that’s something NO ONE else has!!!” he wrote on Twitter (X). “Hit me up my girl, I gotchu!!!” In record time, Flavor Flav delivered on his promise, saying, “USA gonna Fight the Powers that be for our girl Jordan Chiles, but in the meantime between time, I gots ya this one of a kind Bronze clock. Thankx to @ROCK’N STONES for creating this gem so quickly!!!”

Meanwhile, Chiles is justifiably taking time away from social media as she focuses on her mental health. Par for the course, she’s been a victim of cyberbullying since the whole debacle kicked off. Her mother Gina, on the other hand, did happen to see Flavor Flav’s posts and responded kindly, “Thank you. Means the world. She’s not on socials right now, as you can imagine. I’ll share it with her.”

Chiles had initially finished fifth in the competition on August 5 before U.S. coach Cecile Landi successfully lobbied that Chiles’ difficulty score had been undercredited. Officials on the scene agreed and adjusted her score by 0.1 points to 13.766, which elevated Chiles above two Romanian athletes. Consequently, Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said he’d refuse to attend the Olympic closing ceremony in protest.

Nearly a week later, the International Olympic Committee said it would abide by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which ruled that Landi’s protest was made 64 seconds after scores were posted—while the deadline for such debate is one minute.

Chiles’ bronze medal, which she won for her floor exercise routine, was ultimately stripped by the International Olympic Committee and given to Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu. The decision caused an uproar on social media, with many calling it “deeply anti-Black.”

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee filed an appeal, but it was denied.

Flavor Flav’s involvement in the Olympics began when he saw a social media post from the U.S. women’s water polo team’s captain, Maggie Steffens, seeking financial support. Moved by their dedication, Flav decided to sponsor the team for five years, providing both financial backing and energetic support.

In addition to cheering from the sidelines, he joined the team during training sessions, bringing his trademark enthusiasm to boost the players’ morale. His involvement has also helped bring more attention to water polo, particularly among communities that traditionally haven’t engaged with the sport​.