Sean “Diddy” Combs has reportedly returned his symbolic “key” to New York City at the request of Mayor Eric Adams. In a letter written to the embattled Hip-Hop mogul, Adams noted how “deeply disturbed” he was seeing the video of Diddy assaulting Cassie Ventura.
He continued, “I strongly condemn these actions and stand in solidarity with all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. Our city has worked tirelessly to make sure survivors are heard and seen by our administration. The Key to the City of New York is presented to individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement, and who act as a model for fellow and future New Yorkers.
“After internal deliberations, the Key to the City of New York committee recommended nullifying and rescinding Mr. Combs’ Key. I have accepted their recommendation, and am requesting that Mr. Combs immediately return his Key to the City to New York City Hall, Office of the Mayor.”
TMZreports the letter was fired off on June 4 and Diddy returned the key on June 10. Last month, Mayor Adams said a revocation was under consideration in an interview with PIX11 News.
“I think all of us were deeply disturbed by watching that chilling video of the young lady being assaulted by him,” Adams told the outlet. “The committee and the team — we’ve never rescinded a key before — but we are now sitting down to see what the next steps forward are going to be.”
Diddy received the key to the city in September 2023, just a few months before Ventura sued him for sexual and physical assault. Ventura’s lawsuit detailed an incident in which the Bad Boy Records founder assaulted her at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. CNN released surveillance footage from the hotel on May 17, corroborating her allegations.
Diddy responded to the assault video by apologizing in an Instagram post. He claimed to be “truly sorry.”
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” he said on Instagram. “I was f##### up. I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.”
Ventura’s lawyer later criticized Diddy’s apology, calling it “disingenuous” and full of “pathetic desperation.”
Diddy and Ventura settled her lawsuit out of court in November 2023, causing a flood of similar allegations by multiple women. The feds raided his homes as part of a sex trafficking investigation in March.
A new documentary film delves into mixtapes’ vital role in shaping Hip-Hop, featuring conversations with notable figures like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and DJ Drama.
“Tale of the Tape: How the Mixtape Revolutionized Hip-Hop,” from executive producer DJ Envy, legendary journalist Kim Osorio and acclaimed producer Malik K. Buie, has debuted on Amazon, Verizon, Spectrum, and Red Summer TV.
The documentary dives deep into the mixtape culture, showcasing how DJs and mixtapes gave Hip-Hop artists a platform before they hit mainstream success.
The film portrays a raw and authentic snapshot of artists such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Wiz Khalifa, and Future during their early careers, capturing their formative years.
Kim Osorio and Malik K. Buie, both deeply rooted in Hip-Hop culture, have spent several years meticulously crafting this project.
“Mixtape culture has influenced Hip-Hop infinitely. The biggest artists today, the greatest DJs ever—mixtapes are the connective tissue. Through my years of storytelling, it always kind of just came up and I was like, I have to tell this story. It has to be told our way,” Osorio told AllHipHop.
The documentary highlights gender disparity within Hip-Hop and stresses the contributions of female DJs and industry professionals.
Osorio made a significant effort to promote female representation, featuring interviews with DJ Diamond Kuts, Vash, and Karen Civil.
The film educates viewers on the cultural and historical importance of mixtapes and urges a deeper dive into authentic storytelling in Hip-Hop.
“I want people to start getting into the nuances of storytelling and Hip-Hop, going deeper into the history of the culture, into people that aren’t as celebrated but that were really the foundation of what we see as a billion-dollar business today,” Osorio emphasized.
Despite its comprehensive scope, “Tale of the Tape” acknowledges the need for further exploration, particularly concerning regional influences like the South and West Coast.
Osorio and Buie are already planning future installments to cover these areas, and they remain committed to documenting Hip-Hop culture.
Osorio remains active in television production and is working on new projects and series.
Buie, alongside Osorio, is set to produce more documentaries under the “Tale of the Tape” banner, each delving into different aspects of Hip-Hop history.
“If you aren’t going to tell your own story, somebody is going to tell it for you. The next time we call you for an interview, come do the interview because you will have to have your own voice to be able to say what your piece is. And I think that’s just part of storytelling,” Osorio urged the Hip-Hop community.
“I want people to understand and appreciate the legacy and history of what mixtape DJs have contributed to the culture. Your biggest artist, your favorite artist, this is truly where they come from,” Buie added.
Mos Def is being linked to one of the latest rising stars, thanks to fans of the growing trend in live performance content platforms.
It’s possible that you may have either seen clips or heard audio from the viral performance the artist producer did for OnTheRadar last month, due to her bop “Not My Problem” stealing the show. And now, social media users are in belief Laila! is the daughter of Mos Def aka Yasiin Bey.
After a Twitter (X) user reached more than 2.6 million viewers with a single tweet featuring a clip of Laila’s performance with the caption “streets saying that’s Mos Def kid,” an apparent all-out internet investigation began.
In a follow-up tweet in the thread, another user appeared to unearth a vintage photo of her with her alleged father and mother.
“WAITTTTT’” the user wrote in part. “I had to dig for this but I have a photo from one of his old concerts & his kids were there. This is so paparazzi lmao but it absolutely looks like the same girl omg.”
Another user dug up a Instagram post featuring a photo of Laila! with her mother, speculating she was in the initial concert photo opposite of the Black Star MC. Then, another user chipped in and deduced the fact that Laila! shares the same last name as Def, whose given name is Dante Terrell Smith. Not to mention, it’s hard mot to see the likeness between the young girl in the photo with Def and the obvious photo of Laila! with her mom.
But whether or not the deep seated fan theory of true, Laila! is bound to create a legacy of her own. Making it well known she produces her own music, because it’s in her social media bio, she clearly has the vocal talent and ambiance of a star already. To be frank, her music reminds me of early SZA stuff like “Teen Spirit”. Especially her viral single “Like That” which has taken over social media in somewhat of the same way SZA’s did in the 2010s. Maybe it all runs in the family, maybe not, I don’t really mind either way way—but still kind of cool if so. Messy, I know!
WAITTTTT. I had to dig for this but I have a photo from one of his old concerts & his kids were there.
Rihanna and ASAP Rocky’s journey into parenthood has been marked by memorable milestones and a shared love for their growing family.
Their first son, RZA, entered the world in May 2022, with the name later revealed.
Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime show in February 2023 added another layer of excitement when she used the platform to announce her second pregnancy.
By August 2023, the couple welcomed their second son, Riot Rose Mayers.
Rihanna has often expressed that motherhood is all-encompassing, stating she can’t recall life before having children.
And now, she is hoping for more children with the rap star.
During an interview with ET, Rihanna touched on her personal life, responding to whether she and her partner, A$AP Rocky, plan to expand their family.
“You know what, I hope so. I do. I’m not pregnant if that’s what you’re asking,” she said.
As for ASAP Rocky, he regards their children as their “best creation” and calls his partnership with Rihanna their “best collaboration.”
Despite their duties as parents, Rihanna is still focused on business.
In addition to launching Fenty Hair, Rihanna dismissed rumors of her retirement when she announced her plans for a new album and assured fans the slogan on her t-shirt, “I’m retired,” was merely a joke.
“Music, for me, is a new discovery. I’m rediscovering things,” Rihanna told ET. “I have been working on the album for so long that I put all that stuff aside, and now I’m prepared to go back in the studio.
“So, I’m now prepared. I’m gonna start. So, you know, give me a second. Yes, I’m starting over, but I don’t wanna neglect the songs that I have. I wanna listen to stuff with new ears, with my new perspective, and then see what still applies and what I’m still in love with.”
Rihanna’s last album, Anti, hit the charts in January 2016, making it a long eight years since its release.
Antonio Brown called out JAY-Z over his lack of participation in Hip-Hop 50 events last year.
The former National Football League star recently made his feelings crystal clear in a social media post, re-sharing a video of the Roc Nation mogul’s surprise performance at Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony on June 12.
He wrote, “Jay didn’t perform at any Hip-Hop 50 concerts last year where the fans would have known every word to his songs, but he makes time to ignored by rich white folks. smh.”
Jay didn’t perform at any Hip Hop 50 concerts last year where the fans would’ve known every word to his songs, but he makes time to get ignored by rich folks smh. #CTESPNhttps://t.co/DZjbl8x5n9
Tom Brady was officially inducted into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame, becoming the 35th member to receive this honor. The ceremony, which took place inside Gillette Stadium for the first time, attracted thousands of fans eager to celebrate Brady’s legendary career.
The event featured speeches from Patriots owner Robert Kraft, former head coach Bill Belichick, and former rival Peyton Manning, each highlighting Brady’s unparalleled contributions to the team and the sport. Notably, Kraft announced that Brady’s iconic No. 12 jersey would be retired, ensuring no other Patriot will wear the number.
JAY-Z’s relationship with the NFL began in 2019 when Roc Nation entered into a partnership with the league. The collaboration focuses on advising the NFL on live music events, including the Super Bowl halftime show, and supports the league’s social justice initiatives through the “Inspire Change” program.
The move was controversial, given the NFL’s previous handling of player protests against racial injustice, particularly those led by Colin Kaepernick. JAY-Z’s involvement was intended to bring a fresh perspective to the league’s entertainment offerings while also pushing for systemic changes within the organization.
JAY-Z’s partnership with the NFL has sparked discussions about his broader ambitions, including potential part-ownership of an NFL team, which would align with his long-term goals of increasing Black representation and influence within major business sectors.
Despite initial backlash from some fans and activists who viewed the partnership as a betrayal of the protest movement, JAY-Z has emphasized the importance of moving from protest to actionable change. By leveraging his influence, JAY-Z aims to address social issues from within the establishment, promoting inclusivity and advocating for substantial reform.
Tiffany Haddish recounted her peculiar yet positive experience inside a Beverly Hills jail following her DUI arrest in November 2023.
Appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” the 44-year-old actress narrated the events leading up to her detainment, which surprisingly began with a noble effort to serve Thanksgiving meals to the homeless.
Tiffany Haddish had been awake since 5 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day and spent her morning volunteering.
Following a family celebration, she intended to deliver leftover food to a friend who was in a bind due to a chef’s absence.
Jokingly reflecting on the situation, Tiffany Haddish said, “I’ve learned a valuable lesson. I should have sent it in an Uber or asked someone else to take it, but I wanted to deliver it myself because I saw an opportunity to talk business. I did have a drink, and I was very sleepy.”
Although the incident was serious, Haddish lightened the mood by discussing her lighthearted outlook on the arrest.
“I’m gonna tell you right now, if I ever commit a crime ever in life, I’m only doing it in Beverly Hills,” she quipped.
Tiffany Haddish confessed that the Beverly Hills police station was “the most beautiful police station I’ve ever been in in my life.”
Haddish, who hinted at prior encounters with jail in her younger years, humorously described her surprise at the Beverly Hills facilities.
“Oh, this is nice!” she remembered exclaiming, noting the impeccably clean cells, respectful officers, and even “sparkling water” from the sink.
Despite facing a serious charge of drunk driving for the second time in two years, Haddish turned the negative experience into a humorous tale.
“I’ve definitely learned something valuable from this experience,” she said.
Bebe Rexha’s unapologetic comments about G-Eazy ignited some drama in the Hip-Hop world when the 34-year-old singer confirmed she stood by her incendiary Instagram rant.
Last week, Rexha labeled the 35-year-old rapper an “ungrateful loser” and hinted at lingering tension from their past collaboration.
Taking to X, Bebe Rexha explained her decision to delete her Instagram story, criticizing G-Eazy.
“Someone from my team had me take down my Instagram story. I decided to remove it because it felt very negative and toxic. Sometimes trauma can lead us to react that way, and that period of my life was traumatizing,” she wrote on X.
Someone from my team had me take down my Instagram story. I decided to remove it because it felt very negative and toxic. Sometimes trauma can lead us to react that way, and that period of my life was traumatizing. I am writing this because I regret taking it down and I want to…
However, she made it clear that she still holds the same sentiments.
“I regret taking it down and I want to say that I still stand by what I said,” Rexha fumed.
The kerfuffle began when Bebe Rexha posted a screenshot of a group chat from her team, inquiring if she would collaborate with G-Eazy again.
Her response was swift and sharp: “You have my number. Why don’t you text me and ask me yourself you stuck up ungrateful loser. You’re lucky people are liking you again. Cause I could go in on all the s**tty things you’ve done and how you treated me after giving you your only real hit.”
She curtly concluded, “Btw the answer is no. Hope you good.”
In another jab, Rexha shared a photo of herself with singer Halsey, captioning it, “Bebe Rexha and Halsey talking about how they carried G-Eazy’s career.”
Bebe Rexha and G-Eazy collaborated on the 2015 track “Me, Myself & I” but it looks like their once-successful partnership has turned sour.
A Georgia cop had no clue who Lil Baby was when the officer stopped the Quality Control Music artist for illegally tinted windows in 2020.
Old bodycam footage of the rapper’s humorous interaction with the cop surfaced on Friday (June 14).
“Man, I’m a celebrity,” Lil Bay told the officer after learning he was pulled over for tinted windows. “Man, nobody can’t see me. Give me my ticket, let me ride.”
The cop responded, “I don’t know what celebrity you are.”
Lil Baby was unfazed. He urged the cop to give him a ticket, fearing someone would spot him on the street.
“It don’t matter,” he said. “Give me my ticket. Let me ride home. I can’t have nobody seeing me right here. I’ma let my window up … Give me a ticket.”
Later, Lil Baby joked about getting a ticket while the economy was suffering.
“Appreciate ya,” he told the cop. “Have a good day.”
But the cop was still wondering about Lil Baby’s celebrity status.
“Now, who are you?” the officer said.
The Billboard chart-topping artist replied, “My name Lil Baby.”
He also tried to justify his need for tinted windows.
“You gotta have tints in Atlanta,” he said. “These folks crazy. I’ll talk a ticket [rather] than somebody follow me home.”
A production company sued Lil Uzi Vert, the Georgia-based Uzivert LLC and the rapper’s manager Amina Diop for breach of contract and unjust enrichment on Wednesday (June 12). M99 Studios accused Uzi of failing to pay the company for services rendered for festival performances and a European tour in 2023.
M99 said Uzi “maintained a long-standing relationship” with the company. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Uzi “relied heavily on M99 for all of his creative ideas, production, and staffing for all tours, shows and performances.”
The lawsuit described M99 as a “fixer” for Uzi. The company noted how it had to cover various concert-related expenses for Uzi because the Atlantic Records artist’s credit cards were often declined.
“Uzivert and Artist regularly failed to maintain functioning credit cards or sufficient funds in Artist’s travel account to book necessary travel for crew, forcing M99 to front all travel costs for Artist’s tours and performances,” M99 claimed. “While Artist’s account would work from time-to-time, his credit card would frequently be declined while on tour, making it impossible for M99 to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew without covering the expenses itself. At all times relevant, Diop was aware of these issues and relied on M99 to provide Uzivert and Artist with interest-free loans, regularly taking advantage of M99’s goodwill and financial support to run Artist’s touring business.”
Problems arose when Uzi stopped paying M99’s invoices in 2023. The company’s reputation allegedly suffered due to the lack of payment.
“Uzivert and Artist also regularly fell behind on M99’s invoices leaving M99 in the unfortunate position of being forced to cover Artist’s expenses for future shows and performances without being paid for past-due invoices,” the lawsuit read. “This created a cycle of cash flow issues for M99 and, when M99 would request payment for its services, it was met with excuses or promises that it would be paid at future dates that were frequently breached and pushed back. Uzivert and Artist’s behavior and way of conducting business has strained relationships with some of M99’s biggest partners in the industry and has caused significant reputational damage with companies and vendors M99 has worked with for the past several years.”
M99 sought no less than $533,499.81 in damages. The company also requested all applicable late fees, statutory interest, and attorneys’ fees and costs. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution was the first to report on the lawsuit.
NASAAN has ambitions of carrying on his father’s legacy. As the son of late D12 rapper Proof, NASAAN has managed to cultivate his own unique style, sound and aesthetic. In fact, he directs and edits all of his music videos himself, just one example of how hands-on he is when it comes to his own artistry and branding.
“ I’m super creative, I feel like I’m a creative genius,” he says. “I’m a renaissance man, without the credit yet. Super eclectic artist. The word ‘artist’ or ‘rapper’ doesn’t do me justice. I do so many things.”
When it comes to his music, NASAAN prides himself on trying to have fun, while still making stuff purposeful. He describes it as “wild and obnoxious, with moments of introspectiveness.”
Most recently, NASAAN unveiled his EP, Error 404. The project is anchored by lead singles “Devil To Atlanta,” “Goated” featuring Royce Da 5’9 and “CULLINAN GANG” with Icewear Vezzo. “Goated” was featured in the NBA playoffs as part of a partnership between ESPN and the NBA. It marked a full circle moment for NASAAN, given he used to hoop before finding his footing in music.
AllHipHop caught up with NASAAN in downtown Los Angeles to discuss Lil Wayne being his intro to Hip-Hop, connecting with Royce Da 5’9 and Icewear Vezzo, losing his father at age seven and more.
AllHipHop: There’s such a dope Hip-Hop scene in Detroit. What was your introduction to Hip-Hop?
NASAAN: My earliest introduction to Hip-Hop I can remember is standing in front of my cousin’s TV, and watching Lil Wayne with his shirt off performing. It was the “Fireman” video, I was obsessed. I’d put a tank top on and roll it up, keep taking it on and off and try to perform like him. I did a little candle thing over the fire like he did in the video, that was the earliest memory I had of Lil Wayne. It’s funny because full circle back, 10 years later, I started rapping because of Lil Wayne.
AllHipHop: How long ago did you start rapping?
NASAAN: Alright, so there’s different moments. But rapping and not taking it super serious, probably at 13/14. Around that time, I was in late middle school, early high school, he had released this project called Dedication 4. That was the reason I wanted to start rapping.
AllHipHop: Knowing your dad’s legacy and what he did, did that impact you at all?
NASAAN: You know what’s funny? Because my father rapped, I tried to stay away from it. He had it, that’s your thing. Growing up, I wanted to be a computer engineer when I was young. I wanted to be a basketball player. I didn’t want to be in the NBA until early high school, then decided I wanted to rap forreal.
AllHipHop: Were you nice with the hoops?
NASAAN: Oh man, yeah. I’ll f### people up today. Can I curse? I’ll f### whoever up.
How are you enjoying this rap thing?
NASAAN: It’s super fun. It’s the busiest I’ve ever been as far as music. I actually feel like a rapper, I keep telling my friends that. Every other hour is something I have to do. It’s a commitment. A lot of people don’t realize it’s really a full-on job. I’ve gained a newfound appreciation even for interviewers and journalists, the things that you guys do. Because y’all have to take time out to do research, it’s a full-on job. Kudos to you too.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIrC66bLcao
AllHipHop: You just released “Devil To Atlanta.” Talk about your roots in ATL.
NASAAN: I grew up there. After my father passed, I was seven in 2006. We moved to Atlanta from Detroit. I grew up there, and I just recently moved back to Detroit. “Devil To Atlanta” to me is about the necessary evils that make Atlanta what it is. Me growing up: it’s people scamming, selling drugs, girls backdooring guys and stealing from them. All these things.
A lot of people in the comments were mad as f### because they felt I was f###### off with religion. A lot of people saw it as me selling my soul. Because in the video I’m dressed as the devil, but I guess when people see imagery of that, they think of the worst f###### case scenario ever. But it’s not even like that. Me dressing up as the devil is supposed to represent this evil force.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oXWVluTp44
AllHipHop: I love that you connected with Royce Da 5’9 on “Goated.” Why are you “Goated”?
NASAAN: “Goated” to me is confidence. “Goated” is knowing everything is going to go your way and you’re chosen. It’s more of a mental thing. It’s almost like you believe it, you are it. Then Royce man, that’s the big homie. Originally, I wanted DJ Drama to speak on that part where he raps. But then I looked at the project in totality and was like, “Damn, it’s so Detroit.” A lot of the features on there are people from Detroit. I said, “Yo Royce, can you speak on it?” He sent it back, but he was rapping. I’m like, “Oh wow, what the f###?” Shout out to him.
https://nasaan.lnk.to/CullinanGang
AllHipHop: Talk about connecting with Icewear Vezzo on “CULLINAN GANG.”
NASAAN: Vez, we connected through… we have this big homie/OG. His name is Street Lord Juan, he’s a legend back home in Detroit. He just got out of prison. He was somebody that Icewear Vezzo looked up to, but he’s an uncle to me. Him and my dad had a great relationship, so we’d both be up under his wing when he got home. Me and him were able to form a relationship, that turned into what it turned into. He hopped on one of my songs, shout out Vezzo.
AllHipHop: Obviously with Proof being your dad, do you have a lot of mentors and OGs watching over you?
NASAAN: Oh for sure, I think so. I know so. My dad died very soon, in terms of his career. He was just starting to blossom and trying to do his own thing, as far as his solo career wise. Unfortunately, he passed. But he left marks and a bunch of relationships for me to foster on my own. He almost metaphorically laid out this red carpet for me, I had to take whatever’s mine and grab it. There’s a lot of people in my corner because of him.
AllHipHop: Are you hip to the height of D12? When I tell you Eminem is the reason I fell in love with Hip-Hop…
NASAAN: Wow really? I didn’t form an appreciation for that stuff until I was way older. I didn’t get it.
AllHipHop: It was definitely an era.
NASAAN: Yeah, that thing too. 2022 is when I started trying to deep dive into some of their discography, D12 and Eminem in general. My pops. I was like, “Ohhh, this s### is fire. It’s carefree as f###, it feels really good.” I can’t even imagine what it was like back then. Everybody has said everything in the world now, so back then it was probably crazy.
AllHipHop: Was it hard growing up without a father?You were only seven…
NASAAN: Definitely. Well…it’s yes and then no. Because you don’t know what you don’t know, if that makes sense. Until you look at things and be like oh, this is where having a father figure makes sense. Or this is where having that person in my life would serve purpose. It’s something I had to grow up and look at in retrospect, like, “Oh OK.” Oftentimes, I wonder what conversations with my pops would be like, or what our dynamic would be like. Would we like each other? I’m sure we would. Or how hands-on would he be? What would I be doing? If I had a dad. Just all these questions.
AllHipHop: He’d be hella proud to see you rapping, doing these videos yourself. Getting signed! That’s not easy.
NASAAN: Right, thank you.
AllHipHop: How was that moment?
Nasaan: Super fulfilling. Because it’s my second time, but I bust my ass for it to happen though. I was working day in, day out. Editing, sitting at my computer. Long ass hours, trying to make s### happen for myself. With the process a lot of times, it’s one knowing that s### can happen, then two, putting in all the necessary work for the s### to happen. So it’s just fulfillment for me.
https://nasaan.lnk.to/ERROR404IA
AllHipHop: What can we expect from your project, Error 404? 404 for Atlanta?
NASAAN: Yeah, exactly.
AllHipHop: So you reppin’ Detroit or Atlanta?
NASAAN: [Laughs] Man, it’s hard. Both. That’s why all the features are pretty much Detroit, but then the s### itself is about Atlanta. I’m somewhere in between both. I’m rooted in Detroit, but I spent all my most important years growing up in Atlanta. As far as expectations for my project, I tell people all the time: it’s my what. It’s not who I am forreal, it’s what I am. What they expect from me. There’s wittiness, there’s silliness. There’s cleverness. All those things that make me what I am. It’s the outline of my character, but nothing is shaded in yet. I plan to go there in the future, about my story.
Ice Cube prevented rap fans from hearing a Shaquille O’Neal song titled “That’s Gangsta” produced by Dr. Dre. Shaq and Ice Cube reminisced about the latter shelving the track on The Big Podcast.
“Cube was executive producing one of my records,” Shaq said. “And he put me in the studio with Dr. Dre. I did a song called ‘That’s Gangsta.’ Cube heard it and was like, ‘Nope. We’re not releasing this.’ Dre did the beat.”
He continued, “I thought it was nice … And then I played it for Cube … He was like, ‘Shaq, you’re a f###### Laker, bro. I don’t want you talking about nothing gangsta. We not doing none of that s###.’ And it never came out.”
Ice Cube thought Shaq and Dr. Dre’s collaboration was good, but the BIG3 co-founder didn’t think it made sense for the NBA star to release a gangsta rap song.
“Shaq is a dope MC, but I just felt the record was off-brand for him because, to me, he’s more than just gangsta,” Ice Cube said. “He’s loved by millions, loved by kids. He already established that. And why go backward when you’re already forward? You’re already a household name.”
In the end, Shaq was grateful for Ice Cube’s decision.
“That taught me, Cube, stay true to who you are,” Shaq said. “‘Cause I ain’t gonna lie. You guys wanna be basketball players, I wanted to be y’all growing up.”
Listen to the two discussing the song around the 39-minute mark below.
Tinashe is beaming with pride and unapologetic confidence as she continues to reach new heights in her career following her departure from a major label.
On Thursday (June 13), the “Nasty vocalist spoke with TMZ about her first Billboard Hot 100 hit ahead of her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. While expressing how joyous the occasion is for her, given that achievement was accomplished as an independent artist, Tinashe took time to speak about her former label, RCA.
While speaking on her time at RCA, she didn’t mince words.
“Oh my gosh, it’s so exciting,” Tinashe started off. “This is my first billboard entry by myself, no feature. Period. They said you couldn’t do it but you can!”
As she continued, Tinashe addressed the narrative circulating that RCA may have mismanaged their opportunity with her when she was signed to the label.
“We didn’t need them,” she replied, adding, “All you need is hard work, good fans, talent. I know they’re gagging.”
Before rushing off to rehearsals, Tinashe dished on her plans to follow her latest win as a solo artist, which include a tour and, “New music, remixes, the full album,” she said.
Tinashe’s sultry, ear-warming hit has become a staple on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, leading up to its debut at No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Serving as her fourth overall appearance on the charts, the commercial victory marks a triumphant return for Tinashe who last appeared on the set in 2016 as a featured artist on Britney Spears’ single “Slumber Party.” It also doubles as her second entry in a leading role, stacking up alongside her 2014 hit “2 On” featuring ScHoolboy Q.
LL COOL J returned with his new single “Saturday Night Special” featuring Fat Joe and Rick Ross on Friday (June 14). The Q-Tip-produced gave fans a taste of what to expect from the iconic rapper’s upcoming album, which is due out later this year.
“Saturday Night Special” received its fair share of praise following its release. DJ Premier was one of the notable names endorsing the track.
“Man this new LL Cool J, Rick Ross, Fat Joe joint Produced By Q-Tip is so dope!!!” DJ Premier wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Dope Beats and Dope Rhymes. Hip Hop always cuts thru the corny.”
Man this new LL Cool J, Rick Ross, Fat Joe joint Produced By Q-Tip is so dope!!! Dope Beats and Dope Rhymes. Hip Hop always cuts thru the corny.
Every Hip-Hop legend wasn’t digging the track though. Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five member Rahiem criticized the song in a Facebook post.
“I’m not feeling the new LL Cool J song with Fat Joe & Rick Ross,” he wrote. “To me it’s mediocre at best…I do like the track though. This topic isn’t something LL is known for and in my humble opinion, it sounds like he’s trying too hard to be accepted by the streets and that’s definitely not his lane!”
Rahiem was thrown off by the single’s subject matter and verbiage.
“Then there’s the boss player, he got a shrewd intellect/He thinking big picture, he patient with disrespect/He always keep his word, but there’s pressure when he collect/He keep the blicky close, he smart when he invest/Stay away from his hoes, that’ll keep you out the mess/He act like you treat him cold, but that is just a test/Keep your jokes to a minimum when wifey is around/Remember he’s the man, and f### how it sounds/Give you the shirt off his back/Cross him, that’s that,” LL COOL J rapped on the second verse.
LL COOL J hasn’t announced a release date for his first album since 2013’s Authentic. AllHipHop was told the album would be the iconic rapper’s best to date, a bold claim since his discography includes Radio and Mama Said Knock Out.
Scar Lip faced backlash for twerking in the music video for her new single “She’s Hot.” The hardcore rapper responded to fans who believed she was succumbing to industry pressure to take a “sex sells” approach.
“I know a few days ago y’all saw me shaking my booty on the internet,” she told fans. “I wanna say I apologize to all y’all and anybody I offended. I did not mean to. Now, I know everybody’s like, ‘No, we don’t want you doing that’ … I understand that, right? I’m not just out here just wilding.”
She continued, “Let me tell y’all one thing — no one is forcing me to do anything. [I] promise that. I come up with these things in my head, these crazy ideas.”
Scar Lip assured fans she wasn’t abandoning her roots. She asked her supporters to be more accepting of her trying new things as an artist.
“I want you guys to grow with me,” she said. “Don’t put me in a box. I’m always gon’ give y’all that street s###. I mean, I’m the best to do it, right? [Laughs] And we all know that. So, don’t ever worry about that. I’ma always give y’all what’s needed. I’ma always feed the streets because the streets are hungry. But I want to tap into what’s in me and let it out. It’s something in me that just wants to come out!”
Scar Lip insisted “She’s Hot” was her idea. She wanted to create a song with a “feel-good summer vibe” and thanked her team for embracing her creative choices.
“Shout out to my team and my label,” she said. “I wanna say I appreciate Swizz, Swizz Beatz, and my label for allowing me to explore as an artist [and] having creative freedom to just do what I want. “
Freeway Ricky Ross, the notorious former drug kingpin, recently took to the airwaves to share his grievances about rapper Rick Ross appropriating his identity.
During a candid conversation on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Freeway Ricky detailed his frustrations, recounting the legal battles over his name.
The rapper Rick Ross transitioned from a corrections officer to a Hip-Hop heavyweight, collaborating with some of the industry’s most recognized names despite a past marred by allegations of misconduct in his former profession.
“He was a corrections officer… but when he got some money, they all forgot about it,” Freeway Ricky Ross said. “You got gangsters doing records with him… people who say they hate snitches doing records with the police officer.”
During an interview with AllHipHop, Freeway Ricky Ross said the rapper visited him in prison and asked for his blessings to use his name.
When Freeway Ricky Ross refused permission to the rap star, he simply took the name.
Freeway Ricky expressed outrage at the rapper for adopting his moniker without permission or acknowledgment.
“Anytime I’m around, he disappears,” Freeway Ricky Ross said about how the rapper Rick Ross avoids him. “How would you take my name and not have the decency to ask me? He won’t even admit that he stole the name.”
Freeway Ricky sued the rapper for $10 million but lost the case due to his criminal background.
Freeway Ricky Ross could not legally trademark his name because he became popular due to “illegal activity.”
As a result, Freeway Ricky was required to cover the rapper’s legal fees, totaling approximately $1 million.
“I owe them a million dollars,” he revealed. “Got a million-dollar judgment against me because I had to pay their legal fees.”
During the podcast, Freeway Ricky also reminisced about his past, speaking on his involvement in the drug trade and the controversial ties with the CIA’s role in the crack cocaine crisis during the Iran-Contra affair.
The story was chronicled in “Freeway: Crack in the System,” a documentary that tells the story of how Rick Ross became a major drug kingpin in Los Angeles during the 1980s crack cocaine epidemic.
Odell Beckham Jr. is catching heat online after posting a video of him dancing enthusiastically to Drake’s “Family Matters.”
On Thursday (June 13), the NFL star shared a TikTok of himself vibing to the track, Drizzy’s penultimate offering in his epic battle with Kendrick Lamar. In The video, OBJ sings along while performing his own dance routine, making wild hand gestures.
While the wide receiver can’t get enough of the track, considered by some as the best among the diss tracks, although not the most effective, social media users had a field day. Some called him out for being so vocal about his support for the battle’s loser, and others simply roasted his passionate dance moves.
“He definitely got a drake poster,” one person wrote in Odelle’s comment section. “Bro was about to twerk till he remembered he was recording,” another added.
The video was clipped and shared on X (Twitter), where the jokes continued flying.
“’m stuck on him “shaking his ass” for Drake. “He really not even trying to hide it lol,” joked one user. A different person called Odell, “The baddest b#### Drake ever bagged.”
Meanwhile, last week, Problem, who now goes by his government name, Jason Martin, revealed K. Dot’s reaction to “Family Matters.” According to Problem, after hearing the track, he told Lamar, “it’s time to step on his head.”
Lamar replied, “Say less,” and uploaded “Meet The Grahams,” within an hour of Drake dropping.
Jim Jones is back with an annual PSA ahead of Father’s Day and this year, he’s encouraging fathers to ask for a “me-some.”
Father’s Day is just days away and Capo believes dads should speak up and ask for what they want from their loved ones, specifically suggesting they request a “me-some” from their partners.
On Thursday (June 13), Jones took to Instagram with some advice for fathers.
“Seems like y’all be forgetting us and we put in a lot of work to make sure everybody’s okay,“ he began.Jones said there’s a “slight chance that they might ask you what you want,” and that, according to Jim Jones, is a Father’s Day “me some.”
“Look her directly in the eyes,” he recommended. “Say, ‘This is something I been wanting to do with you for so long, but I don’t wanna cause no problem in our relationship and I don’t want you to think I’m disrespectful. I would like to have a me-some with you.”
Jones explained a “me-some” as a day devoted to fulfilling a father’s every desire, from spending sprees to breakfast in bed and any and everything in between. “We gotta put our foot down,” he wrote in the caption.
Meanwhile, back in 2022, Jim Jones said he was taking “a stand” for Father’s Day and demanding special treatment.
“This Father’s Day situation been bad ever since I was little. They’ve been s####### on Father’s Day talking about ‘F### this.’ Enough is enough, man. I’m a great father, and I need to be compensated for this s###,” he complained. “Treat me. I want to go to the spa you heard? All that fly s### y’all be talking about, let me get mine.”
An Arizona man planned to target African Americans at a rap concert mass shooting to incite a race war ahead of the elections.
On Tuesday (June 13), a federal grand jury indicted Mark Adams Prieto following a months-long investigation, per NBC News. He was arrested last month on charges of firearms trafficking, transfer of a firearm for use in a hate crime, and possession of an unregistered firearm.
Last October, FBI Phoenix received a report of Prieto’s race war plans. According to an affidavit, a source told them they met Prieto at gun shows over the years when he began “advocating for a mass shooting,” targeting Blacks, Jews or Muslims.
The confidential source stated, “Prieto believes that martial law will be implemented shortly after the 2024 election and that a mass shooting should occur,” beforehand. He also approached the source, asking if they were “ready to kill a bunch of people.”
Bad Bunny Concerts A Possible Target For Mass Shooting
The FBI began surveillance on Prieto in January this year, and he asked the source and an undercover agent to help him carry out his plan. He intended to target African Americans in a mass shooting at a rap concert in Atlanta, possibly Bad Bunny’s concerts on May 14 and 15.
According to legal filings, Prieto said: “The reason I say Atlanta. Why, why is Georgia such a f——up state now? When I was a kid that was one of the most conservative states in the country. Why is it not now? Because as the crime got worse in L.A., St. Louis, and all these other cities, all the [N-words] moved out of those [places] and moved to Atlanta. That’s why it isn’t so great anymore. And they’ve been there for a couple, several years.”
Prieto chose a rap concert, predicting high numbers of African Americans, and intended to leave Confederate flags after the attack. The flags sent a message that “we’re going to fight back now, and every whitey will be the enemy across the whole country,” and to shout “whities out here killing, what’s we gonna do” and “KKK all the way.”
Authorities arrested Prieto in May. He admitted discussing an attack with the undercover agents and the source. However, he claimed he did not intend to go forward with the attack,” per the affidavit.
The family of the late Texas rapper Enchanting has broken their silence to share a message to the public.
The Texan artist passed away on Tuesday (June 11) at the age of just 26. On Thursday, family members posted on Enchanting’s Instagram Stories, paying tribute and thanking her fans for their support.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our sweet and beloved daughter,” the post began. “She was so much to so many but she was our daughter. She lived her life with grace and blessed so many with friendship, laughter and love. We also appreciate everyone’s respect of our family’s privacy as we continue to navigate through this difficult loss.”
The family also confirmed, “The cause of death has not yet been determined,” despite rumors circulating in the days since her passing.
On Monday, reports that Enchanting was fighting for her life in the ICU following an overdose surfaced online. Her manager, Jimmy Jackson seemingly confirmed the rumors in an Instagram post.
“Right when we was about to shock the world. This s### my head all f##### up,” he wrote alongside a photo of Enchanting. “Dam mane. Don’t give up. Keep fighting. God got the last word.”
After Enchanting’s death, a representative of her management team said, “She came to my house the last four days to get clean. She tried her best and I did everything I could to help her, she tried.”
Gucci Mane paid tribute to Enchanting, who signed to his label, 1017 Records, in 2020
“So sad to have to say R.I.P to such a great young lady a true star we gone all miss you Chant @luvenchanting,” Gucci wrote on Instagram.
The ongoing feud between Boosie Badazz and Yung Bleu got heated after the pair exchanged harsh words online, even dragging their kids into the spat.
On Thursday evening (June 13), the Baton Rouge native unleashed on his former friend in an explosive rant. Boosie claimed Yung Blue is washed up and claimed his “squatting’ in a house bought with money stolen from Boosie. He also took aim at his friend-turned-foe’s son.
“Dont get mad cause you aint booked every weekend across the country like your ceo,” Boosie began. According to Boosie, Yung Bleu has become “miserable“ because fans are tired of his music, which lacks direction. “U dont know if u wanna be a rapper, rnb, country, [or] rock n roll artist,” he added.
After repeating his gripe about stolen money, Boosie came for Bleu’s family. “Maybe my kids can come over n help yo retarded ass son count to five,” he said.
N#### DONT GET MAD CAUSE YOU AINT BOOKED EVERY WEEKEND ACROSS THE COUNTRY LIKE YOUR CEO LOL DO U EVEN HAVE SHOWS? U STOP YOUR TOUR CAUSE U COULDNT SELL OUT THEATERS lol R DID I STOP YOUR TOUR .NOW YOU MAD CAUSE NOBODY WANT TO HEAR YOUR MUSIC ANYMORE‼️THEY WANT YOU TO PAY UP N DO…
Boosie was responding to a post Bleu shared the day before, accusing him of being “obsessed” after Boosie mocked his sales during a recent interview. He also mentioned Boosie’s family in his since-deleted post.
“Boosie got my nuts in his mouth every interview,” Bleu wrote on Wednesday (June 12). “That n#### obsessed. I dropped a rap album with one week promo and no singles just to get out my deal, and did 17x more than you.”
Referring to the “Wipe Me Down” hitmaker’s recent home expansion, “Boosie Town,” which includes homes for his children, Bleu continued. “Them kids dnt wanna live on your plantation,” he said. “Buy them kids a house.”
Yung Bleu calls out Boosie for talking about him in another interview: “Boosie got my nuts in his mouth every interview that n-gga obsessed” pic.twitter.com/ujSIkszJHm
The feuding artists spent much of 2023 airing out their issues online. Yung Bleu was originally signed to Boosie’s imprint Bad Azz Music Syndicate. When he left to join Empire, Boosie alleged he was screwed out of millions of dollars and claimed his signature was forged to facilitate the deal.
