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Ice Cube’s Son O’Shea Jackson Jr. Talks Boo’ing Hulk Hogan With Wale & Comedian Eric Andre

Award-winning actor and son of West Coast Hip-Hop legend Ice Cube, O’Shea Jackson Jr., has shed some light on what it was like to be in the building when wrestling legend Hulk Hogan was boo’d at an arena in Los Angeles.

On Monday (January 13), Jackson Jr. appeared in a new interview on Sway’s Universe, during which he hit on a number of topics including his new 50 Cent-produced film Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera and his childhood hatred for Adam Sandler, among other things. One of the most eye-brow raising points he made arrived at the intersection of he and Sway Calloway’s conversation about the incident involving former WWE star Hogan at the recent WWE Monday Night Raw broadcast in Los Angeles at Intuit Dome.

As the pair dissected the monumental boo’ing treatment Hogan was met with upon his entrance to the show apart of the New Day branch of Raw streaming on Netflix, Jackson Jr. made some palpable statements about the elderly wrestling figure. For starters, Jackson Jr. revealed he and wrestling aficionado Wale and comedian Eric Andre were among the attendees who boo’d the crap out of Hogan.

“I’ll show you the video,” Jackson Jr. said proudly with a devious chuckle underneath his breath present.

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He continued, “Me, Eric Andre, and Wale was giving it to him.”

When pressed to clarify why his trio directed such aggression to Hogan, Jackson Jr. simply replied, “Uh, the n*gga hatin’.”

However, as he clarified his strong initial statements, Jackson Jr. further uncovered the deepening rift between one of the sport’s most beloved figures and its massive Black fanbase. In particular, the Straight Outta Compton star explained the bad taste in his mouth as a result of Hogan’s racist 2008 rant had never truly left his taste buds even to this day — making it hard to stomach him in any sort of dose.

“The racism, bro,” he said in part before adding, “It’s just hard to forget how detailed that rant was.” He added, “And if you look up his rant, it’s very, you know, it’s very detailed.”

As Jackson Jr. concluded, he addressed the discourse online that Hogan received unfair treatment by shutting down the notion in the first place—suggesting Los Angeles shouldn’t have been the venue to introduce him and expect a standing ovation. “And you know, I get a lot of people online who are like, ‘Oh, well, you know, he would be mad if he found out about that whole generation’, yeah, well, when I find out, I’ll be mad,” he said. “But like right now, bringing them out here. What’d you think was going to happen in LA?”

He added, “That’s a pivotal moment in wrestling history—You know, I’m glad I was there.”

Jackson Jr.’s remarks are especially potent considering they follow Hogan’s own fellow wrestling peer, former WWE star Mark Henry revealed he unsuccessfully attempted to advise the Hulkster on how to fix his reputation as a racist.

Check out the clip below of Hogan being boo’d by thousands the moment he entered the arena in the post below.

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How Social Casinos Attract New Players: What You Should Know

Today’s digital entertainment world is a completely different place than it was ten years ago. Now, social casinos dominate the market, a combination of gaming and virtual communication. Today, the platform has taken things to a new level, and they’re connecting with gamblers way better by leveraging comments and images shared by social media users. 

The companies that started out trying to attract people to these casino-style games are now at the forefront of this newly merged entertainment industry. They used simple arguments, strong points, and emotional triggers.

The Basics of Social Casinos 

Social casinos have a distinctive position in the field of digital games and casino-style gambling, as they are the main attraction for players having fun with casino games with no real money involved. Websites like Facebook have optimized strategies to maximize interaction with minimal investment. The best social casino sites are well-suited to driving innovation while the entire industry continues to be re-invented with new features and engagement modes.

The Art of Engagement

By their nature, social casinos cater to the fundamental desires of humanity related to accomplishment, friendship, and entertainment. They are schooled in game theory and psychology and can generate a cycle of rewarding the players with progressive rewards and recognition. 

Companies such as Playtika and Big Fish Games lead the field in developing such experiences, and the social gaming industry is growing with more interactive and action-adventure games for the web, social networks, and mobile devices.

These platforms clearly show participants how their gaming experiences are designed to exploit human instincts. They are aware of the fact humankind is both competitive and social. 

Thus, they create such conditions where users can dare their friendships online through a leaderboard, friend list, and sharing features. A friend could easily inform a fellow friend about the success they’ve achieved or let them in on the chance to participate in a friendly competition.

The Power of Free-to-Play 

One of the most appealing sides of social platform games must be their gameplay-for-free approach. Newcomers dive directly into the ocean without any need to invest finances, which means there is no barrier to entry, as one would face going to a physical casino. 

While still having fun with the casino games, players can avoid the risks that are usually involved with wagering. While bait in the form of free, initial chips or credits captures players’ attention with promises of action and potential regarding the games, they also tend to feel that a sense of virtual success is luring. 

Deeper into the gameplay, players then find carefully thought-out mechanisms that balance reward generosity with subtly inspiring them to pay for more virtual money or special feature purchases.

Social Integration and Community Building

Modern social casinos transformed the art of community building into a higher and better one. They are the creators of vivid ecosystems where players can interact, compete, and collaborate. Often, they include in-game chat systems, clubs or guilds, and events that link players together.

The social aspects, with the availability of chat functions, groups, and events, are beneficial in many ways: better player engagement, a sense of belonging, and a network effect that makes the platform more valuable as more players join.

Innovation in Game Design

Social casinos, on the other hand, remain at the forefront of innovation by applying different game mechanics inspired by various gaming genres. They mix classic casino game mechanics with progressive and challenge systems, as well as achievement tracks. 

This combination allows players to participate at multiple levels, starting from some immediate pleasures like winning a round-up to the feeling of fulfillment that comes from the accomplishment of collecting sets or reaching new levels.

The games generally have some incredible visuals, interesting movements, and a very atmospheric sound design element to them. In fact, these production values give you a feeling of playing a mainstream video game, just on a mobile app. That’s a kind of feeling that is unmistakably premium, and it’s actually a free one, too. This is one of the perks of winning the industry’s “Best Social Casino Product” award.

Data-Driven Engagement 

Behind the scenes, these casinos use the power of advanced data analytics to deeply understand and set in order player behavior. They measure many different aspects to form their offering. For example, the average time a player plays a certain game versus the number of people using the most popular features.

This way, they can produce exciting games and offer content that is focused on particular groups of players.

The Role of Rewards and Recognition

Apart from this, virtual casinos have also learned how to keep players coming back by rewarding them in various ways. The idea of a player being rewarded for logging in on a daily basis, loyalty programs, and achievements inspire the commitment of multiple touchpoints to keep the user engaged. 

All these options let the player be in complete control, and they get the most out of it with their rewards. The platforms quite often have virtual VIP programs just like the ones in brick-and-mortar casinos, but these virtual ones allow for the existence of virtual benefits and status symbols that the most loyal players can get.

Mobile-First Experience 

First, the explosion of mobile gaming made quite an impact on the social casino world. With the facilities provided by these platforms through designing their software for mobile devices, players in today’s world can play games from any location. 

The mobile experience is what enables players to play anywhere and at any time, mainly due to the convenience of mobile access, while push notifications and time-restricted content add to the player interactions at various times of the day.

In closing

Social casinos are a form of entertainment that is a mix of the latest technology and behavioral psychology. What are their main points of attracting people and keeping them? They lie in a comprehensive understanding of human motivation and the careful use of game design principles. 

Although they are closely related to the classic style of dynamism in casino games, their main feature is social interaction where no money is to be played with, and innovation continuously offers an entertainment style that is not only novel but also a good match for more than a million players around the world.

These platforms are going to take such a path of modification that they most probably will adopt new software and techniques of keeping people engaged with them but still retain the main features they are offering: a safe way of enjoying casino-style games without financial risk and an opportunity to meet new friends. 

This will, on one end, provide the players with insight into the operation of such platforms in a bid to assist them in making sound decisions during interactions with advanced systems supporting these experiences.

LiAngelo Ball Reportedly Signs Def Jam Deal Worth Up To $13M

LiAngelo Ball may no longer be in search of an NBA contract, based on reports surrounding his future as a mainstream artist.

Following the surging viral popularity of his latest banger “Tweaker” the former G-league hooper has reportedly signed an incredibly lucrative record deal with two of the biggest names when it comes to major labels in the music industry.

The ink appears to be all but dry on the deal as NBA Reporter and ESPN correspondent Shams Charania issued a tweet breaking the news on Monday, (January 13). In addition to millions guaranteed, the deal could potentially be worth tens of millions and additionally offers ball a substantial amount of autonomy over his music, which will be backed by Def Jam and Universal Music Group.

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In a tweet, Charania wrote, “LiAngelo Ball has signed a deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group, a representative from his label Born2Ball Music Group says.”

He added, “Sources said the deal is worth as much as $13 million, with $8 million guaranteed, and gives Ball full ownership of music and his own record label.”

Charania normally reports on blockbuster free agency and trade deals, such as Jimmy butler’s recent request for a trade from the Miami Heat, throughout the NBA season and off season. The fact that Charania felt the need to get on the news first is alone a testament to the validity of the rumor. While it initially appeared as though Lonzo was seemingly high on his brother, the remark her recently made with his podcast crew about LiAngelo, aka G3, being newcomer of the year in the industry is seemingly coming true. However, rather than just competing against Lil Baby amongst the ears of his peers, the stakes will be much higher now as LiAngelo will now be put up against his fellow rap and Hip-Hop contemporaries, as well as stars from other genres such as pop, country and R&B. Additionally, based on the terms that LiAngelo will be the rightful owner of the music he creates, it will be interesting whether or not his brother Lonzo Ball will be a part of the process — considering he’s listed as a writer on “Tweaker” and currently experiencing a resurgence following his return to the Chicago Bulls after years of prolonged injury.

Not to mention if the figures of his new contract are in fact spot on, this will be a bit of an upgrade on what LiAngelo would’ve made had he signed a contract with an NBA franchise today. Based on his two years of experience in the G league playing for the Charlotte Hornets affiliate team the Swarm, LiAngelo would likely be eligible to sign an NBA veteran minimum contract worth about $2 million.

Revisit the initial reaction to “Tweaker” through the lens of social media via the post below.

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Khloé Kardashian Called Out For Hypocrisy After Criticizing L.A. Mayor Karen Bass Over Fires

Khloé Kardashian is getting called out after criticizing Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s handling of the wildfires ravaging the city, despite previous reports the reality TV star and her famous family previously ignored local water-conserving mandates. 

The Good American founder called Bass “a joke” over alleged cuts to the Fire Department budget in an Instagram Story post.  

Kardashian reported a video of a news segment featuring LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley claiming, “The fire department needs to be properly funded,” but “it’s not.” 

The Calabasas resident wrote on the clip, “I stand with YOU Chief Crowley!!!! You spoke the truth and you had tears in your eyes because I can tell you didn’t want to say that but it was THE TRUTH!!!! Mayor Bass you are a joke!!!!” 

However, social media users quickly referenced reports from June 2022 accusing Khloé Kardashian and her sister Kim Kardashian of massive excess water consumption.

Yvette Nicole Brown Reacts To Khloe Kardashian’s Criticism Of Mayor Bass

Act Your Age actor Yvette Nicole Brown blasted Khloé Kardashian on Instagram. She shared a Rolling Stone report from August 2022, branding the Kardashians “among L.A.’s worst water wasters.” Kim and Khloé racked up a combined overuse of 333,000 gallons above the county limit.  

“This is from 2022 when Los Angeles was in the midst of a drought,” Brown wrote in the caption. “Every citizen was asked to conserve for the good of everyone else. Y’know because of fires? This is how some citizens responded to the ask.” 

Referencing Khloé Kardashian’s criticism of Mayor Bass, Brown added, “Is THIS a joke @khloekardashian?” 

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Khloé Kardashian has yet to respond to the backlash or Brown.  

Meanwhile, Kim is speaking up for incarcerated firefighters risking their lives to fight the inferno. She called on Governor Gavin Newsom to pay the inmates more than the measly $1 an hour they are currently getting.

Former Bad Boy E. Ness Is Back With Another Humdinger: “Beastie Boys Were Culture Vultures”

Former Bad Boy rapper E. Ness is back.

You might remember when we interviewed him last year, because we went viral multiple times over it. He’s known for being an outspoken MC/battle rapper, who never bites his tongue.

I will say that Ness has recently evolved into a content creator who raps. But make no mistake—he still has BARS. I recently watched his new interview with us, and it was quite comical.

The interview kicks off with some incendiary comments about one of Hip-Hop’s most beloved groups, the Beastie Boys. The Beastie Boys broke down barriers in the ’80s and ’90s with their signature brand of Hip-Hop.

They ran with the Kings of Rock, Run-DMC, and opened doors for other white rappers. However, Ness alleges they were “culture vultures.” That’s a harsh term, but he does back up his claim. You gotta watch, because it’s at the very beginning of the interview.

Beyond that, Ness has plenty to say about his former boss, Diddy, who’s currently jacked up in the game. You might recall that in last year’s interview, Ness claimed there was a “smear campaign” against the Big Bad Boy. This time, he doesn’t go quite that far but does reflect on his previous statements, acknowledging that things weren’t as clear back then.

One of the most intriguing parts of the interview is his take on his relationship with Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, Dylan. OK, that wasn’t necessary— but Da Band lives on!

In our last interview, Ness went viral for revealing that Dylan didn’t show up when Dave Chappelle was taping his infamous sketch. That absence, according to Ness, made Chappelle parody Dylan. Dylan boldly claimed that was a lie. This time, Ness maintains that they simply have different points of view. You’ll have to watch the interview to fully understand the dynamic.

There’s plenty more to unpack in the interview, especially when it comes to Ness’s thoughts on music. He dives into the current state of the industry, why he’s still around and what he’s got cooking with a lineup of legendary collaborators.

And here’s the last interview, should you want to see it.

King Harris Claims Baby Mama Doesn’t Mind Him Dating Other Women

King Harris is issuing a PSA to the ladies, assuring them that although he’s just had a son, his baby mama has no problem with him spending time with other women.  

The son of T.I. and Tiny Harris became a first-time father last November, welcoming a little boy, King Jr., with his apparent partner J’Nijah “Nana” Epps.  

However, King isn’t ready for an exclusive relationship, and it appears Epps is on board. On Sunday night (January 12), the rapper took to Instagram to set the record straight.  

“Just know my baby mama don’t care,” King told his followers, warning there’s no point trying to contact Epps to “get one over” on him. 

“It’s not nothing special,” he said of the women he’s talking to. “We just kicking s### and having [a] good time. You know what I’m saying. My baby mama don’t mind, so you can’t try to be, like, extra messy.” 

He continued, explaining that he was “not a bad baby daddy,” and so gets extra privileges.

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King then went off on a fan who disagreed with his take.   

“I ain’t got no baby mama problems,” he replied. “My baby mama is one of the most playa baby mamas known to mankind. So, b#### what the f### is you talking ‘bout?”  

He added, “Man, beat it. Don’t try to talk to me like I’m one of them lame-ass baby daddies that get yelled on and beat on when they come in they house. No, that’s not me. We got s### running very smooth over here. No problems.” 

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Fans Question King Harris’s Open Relationship

His remarks caused a stir online, with fans stating, “She definitely doin the same,” and “This not a flex, she don’t care cuz she don’t really like you.” 

Others suggested it was “Learned behavior,” arguing King Harris was copying father T.I.’s actions. 

“Welp…Didn’t he see his daddy do this to his mom constantly and she accepted it?” one person said. “So this is normal behavior and as long as the baby mother is taken care of and the child is she probably is cool with it cause her financial needs are met. It is what it is.” 

Madlib Loses Everything In Los Angeles Fires—Including “Decades Of Music”

In what seems like an ongoing nightmare with no end in sight, the Los Angeles wildfires continue to wreak havoc on Southern California.

As some of the smoke starts to clear, more and more members of the Hip-Hop community are stepping up to help their fellow creatives, including Pete Rock and DJ Spinna. On Monday (January 13), both veteran producers shared a fundraising link for Madlib, who just lost everything he owns to the massive blazes.

“We are reaching out with heavy hearts to ask for your support in helping legendary producer Madlib and his family rebuild after losing their home, decades of music, and equipment in the devastating LA fires,” the description reads. “Your donation, no matter the amount, will provide essentials, temporary housing, and tools to help Madlib continue creating the music that has touched so many lives. 100% of your donations are tax deductible and will go directly to Madlib and his family. LOVElikeWATER, is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that supports artists through life’s challenges.”

Rock added, “Say less,” while DJ Spinna wrote, “Please help my brother @madlib. Any amount, large or small. #spreadtheword #thishurts #prayforla.”

 










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Madlib is among the many who are in the midst of not only staying safe but having to accept the harsh reality that everything he’s worked for has been destroyed. DJ Premier recently called on the Hip-Hop community to help fellow beatsmith Jazimoto, who lost her family home in Altadena.

“My dear friend and fellow Producer Jazimoto (Jasmine Morris) just lost her family home in Altadena, California due to the ongoing fire,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “She’s a classically trained Pianist and Violinist and has worked with M.O.P. and recently our joint album with @teflon_m.o.p ‘2 Sides To Every Story.’ Her Father is renowned Jazz artist Wilbur Morris and her 80 year old Mom is Mari Morris, a former art professor.

“Not only did the fire claim her home, she lost all of her musical instruments, computers, a massive record collection including a piano gifted to her by her Dad. I put a GoFundMe link in my bio. Any contribution is appreciated. Extreme prayers up for everyone going through this chaos.”

Madlib and Jazimoto’s stories will be all too common in the coming weeks as the extent of the damage is slowly uncovered. As of Monday morning, the most destructive fire, the Palisades Fire, remains at just 14 percent contained, while the second biggest fire, the Eaton Fire, is contained at 33 percent.

Recording Academy Makes Decision On 2025 Grammy Awards Amid L.A. Wildfires

The Recording Academy has decided to move forward with the 67th annual Grammy Awards taking place on February 2 at the Crypto.Com Arena in downtown Los Angeles. Industry folks were holding their collective breaths as the powers that be deliberated on whether to move forward with the ceremony.

Recording Academy/MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason jr. passed down the decision on Monday (January 13) with a letter addressed to Recording Academy members. He explained the event will double as a fundraiser for victims of the numerous wildfires decimating the City of Angels.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles,” Mason wrote. “This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days.

“In response to this crisis, the Recording Academy and MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort last week with an initial $1 million donation to support music creatives and professionals. Thanks to additional contributions, we have already distributed over $2 million in emergency aid to those most in need – and we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing ongoing assistance.”

 










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Mason continued, “In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th GRAMMY Awards telecast on CBS on February 2nd will proceed as planned. This year’s show, however, will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.

“In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else. The GRAMMYs will not only honor the artistry and achievements of our music community but also serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines this great city of Los Angeles.”

The Recording Academy and MusiCares pledged $1 million in aid last week and, as Mason noted, doubled their goal.

As of Monday, the biggest threat, Palisades Fire remains at just 14 percent contained, while the second biggest fire, the Eaton Fire, is contained at 33 percent. The Hurst Fire is contained at 95 percent, while the Sunset, Lidia and Kenneth Fires are 100 percent contained. At least 24 people have died and the death toll is expected to rise.

DJ Premier Needs Help For Producer Jazimoto After L.A. Fires Destroy Family Home

The thousands of firefighters currently on the frontlines in Los Angeles have made significant progress in the last few days but still have the most destructive blaze, the Palisades Fire, to contend with. As of Monday morning (January 13), it remains at just 14 percent contained, while the second biggest fire, the Eaton Fire, is contained at 33 percent.

The music industry, which is heavily centralized in the Los Angeles area, is getting hit left and right, with numerous artists, executives, publicists and their families losing everything.

Producer Jazimoto is one of them. A friend/collaborator of DJ Premier, Jazimoto is experiencing a heartbreaking loss. Now, Preemo is calling attention to a GoFundMe erected in her name, with a goal of raising $150,000.

“My dear friend and fellow Producer Jazimoto (Jasmine Morris) just lost her family home in Altadena, California due to the ongoing fire,” he explained in the caption. “She’s a classically trained Pianist and Violinist and has worked with M.O.P. and recently our joint album with @teflon_m.o.p ‘2 Sides To Every Story.’ Her Father is renowned Jazz artist Wilbur Morris and her 80 year old Mom is Mari Morris, a former art professor.

“Not only did the fire claim her home, she lost all of her musical instruments, computers, a massive record collection including a piano gifted to her by her Dad. I put a GoFundMe link in my bio. Any contribution is appreciated. Extreme prayers up for everyone going through this chaos.”

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The GoFundMe description reveals Jazimoto’s family home in Altadena was destroyed by the Eaton Fire on January 8.

“The fire claimed not only her home but also a lifetime of treasured possessions and essential tools of her craft, including her piano, gifted by her father, her electric violin, gifted by her mother, the rare Stradivarius violin she used to audition for the Juilliard School in Manhattan, New York, over 3,000 records, including original music recorded for films, commercials and collaborations, an MPC1000, JUNO G Keyboard, MIDI keyboard, studio monitors, Apple computers, Sony headphones, essential software like Reason and ProTools and music archives from years of work with artists such as Teflon, Planet Asia and M.O.P.

It continued, “She has not only lost her personal belongings but also the tools that enabled her to create and share her gift with the world. Rebuilding her life and career will require immense effort, and we are asking for your help.”

Speaking to AllHipHop in 2023, DJ Premier talked about their collaborative work on 2 Sides to Every Story, which marked the first time he’d ever split production duties.

“Jazimoto is a classically trained musician, so she has unlimited space to bring a sound of her own into the Hip-Hop world that sets her apart from everyone else,” he said at the time. “She’s decisive about how she wants her music sound and her ear for detail is meticulous. She call me on the phone to have me fix something that doesn’t sound right. Nothing is getting past her [laughs]. That’s 100 percent how producers are, including myself.

“Splitting the production duties was simple because when you blend only two producers together and mix all of the songs up in the sequence of the album. The scenes change so smoothly because our sounds are so different every time. It sounds like an album instead of a compilation.”

To donate to Jazimoto’s GoFundMe, head here.

Cam’ron Dismantles Jim Jones’ Harlem Roots & Dipset Leadership Claims In Explosive Rant

Cam’ron is back from vacation and going scorched earth on Jim Jones

The Dipset rappers have been engaged in a war of words following Capo’s recent incendiary interview.  

During the conversation with Justin Laboy, Jones claimed he grew up with Ma$e and Cam, and both of them lived at his grandmother’s house at one time or another. He also said Ma$e treated Cam poorly, causing issues between them all.  

While Cam fired off a few shots on social media, he hinted at an explosive on Monday’s episode of his “It Is What it Is” podcast, and he did not hold back, opening the show with a scathing rant.  

“You’re a guardian angel and designer, n####,” Cam’ron blasted Jones. “What the f### is you talking about, my n####? You are from the Bronx, bro. You are not from Harlem. Why do you keep thinking that you are from Harlem, bro?” 

He dismissed Jones’ claims that they saw each other from “time to time” but never grew up together before painting Capo as a “fan, who “begged” to be around them once Children of the Corn began taking off.  

“We were super-duper popping in the street prior to the internet,” he said. “Everybody knew we was about to get a record deal. Everybody knew this. It wasn’t no secret.” 

He continued, “You were fanned out and you begged n##### to come to your house after you heard all these mixtapes. That’s how you got in.” 

Cam’ron then shared clips of Jim Jones admitting Ma$e taught him how to rap, before questioning some of his recent claims.  

“We taught you how to rap, n####,” he continued. “How you ran the whole organization? How you made Diplomats? N####, you ain’t make none of this up, you was a fan. I put you down cuz you had a free crib and you was a nice guy. That’s how you got down, originally.” 

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Cam explained that he would have stayed silent if Jones hadn’t accused him of “dick riding,” over his recent 50 Cent interview.  

“But I didn’t think it’d be a big deal,” Cam’ron added. “Because you make up with every n#### that put hands on you.” 

Cam then reeled off a list of names, including C-Gutta, Tru Life and Mendeecees, claiming Jones mended fences with them all even after things turned physical.  

“You tried to chase French Montana out the game,” he asserted. “That ain’t work out, y’all got cool. So cool that you go to his movie. You sitting in the crowd, watching his premiere and they dissing you in the movie.” 

However, Cam claimed Jones doesn’t extend the same grace when the pressure is off.  

“But I see the pattern now,” he said. “If a n#### agree to disagree with you and don’t want to take it that route ‘cuz they got some genuine love for you, you keep going on and on and on.” 

Cam also brushed off Jones’ claims that he stood by while Jones was jumped by eight men in Harlem, firing back with his own allegations.  

“Do you ever hear me talk about when you ran on me when BMF pulled up?” he asked. “When you ran in the hotel? They chased you to the beach.” 

Before concluding, Cam fired off one more shot, accusing Jones of failing to help his friends get off the streets.   

“Stop tricking n##### out their freedom bro. ‘Cuz n##### get around you to put they self in better situations bro. Not to be in worse situations than they was before they met you,” he said. “But then you send them on dummy missions and trick them out their freedom.” 

While Jim Jones is yet to respond, Cam’ron vowed never to address the matter again. 

“Michael Jackson Called Me Every Day:” Sean Garrett Reflects On Working With Music Stars

Sean Garrett, known as “The Pen,” has achieved monumental success in the music industry. Without question, he’s one of the most influential songwriters and producers of our time. Born in Atlanta and raised partly in Europe, Garrett signed his first record deal at just 14 years old.

He soon transitioned into songwriting. His first major hit was USHER’s iconic song “Yeah!,” which was followed by Ciara’s breakout track “Goodies.” From there, he was off to the proverbial races with numerous collaborations, including Mario (“Break Up” with Gucci Mane).

He also helped Nicki Minaj gain traction with her debut single, “Massive Attack.” His collaborations span across genres and generations, including work with J. Cole on “Feel Love” and his latest single, “Baddie” with Jacquees.

Despite feeling under-appreciated at times, Garrett continues to find inspiration in life lessons from his late mother and is looking ahead with an album that features Hunxho and Plies.

For the full, in-studio interview with DJ Thoro, watch the video from WonWorld Studios.

Michael Jackson: A Career Highlight

“Working with Michael Jackson was the highlight of my life. He would call me every morning to discuss creative ideas. He was so gracious and down-to-earth. We worked on three tracks together, and those moments are something I’ll cherish forever. Michael’s passion for music was unmatched, and just being in his creative space was inspiring.”

USHER’s “Yeah!”: A Game-Changer

“Petey Pablo had the beat first, but I had a vision for it. Usher’s team didn’t see the potential at first, but when the song leaked, it went crazy. When Usher finally recorded it, he gave it 150 percent. That song was a defining moment for me and solidified my place in the industry.”

Future & Tems and SZA & Travis Scott: The New Inspirations

“That song ‘Wait For U’ by Future and Tems is one of those timeless records,” Garrett said, praising their collaboration. He also spoke highly of SZA and Travis Scott’s “Love Galore”: “The emotion in that track is incredible. It’s the kind of music that stays with you.”

Shoutouts to Producers

Garrett’s admiration for producers who’ve shaped the industry was evident. “Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, Dr. Dre—these guys push the boundaries of what’s possible in production,” he said. “They’re innovators who inspire me to keep evolving.”

Sean Garrett’s Top 5 Dead or Alive Producers: Quincy Jones, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Dr. Dre and Teddy Riley.

A Love for International Artists

“Working with BoA, one of Korea’s biggest artists, was incredible. She invited me to perform at the Japanese MTV Awards, and the experience was unforgettable. International artists bring so much respect and collaboration to the creative process.”

Jacquees, Slim Thug & “Baddie”

Garrett’s latest single, “Baddie” featuring Jacquees, drew inspiration from his time in Houston. “Shout out to Slim Thug and the Houston culture,” he said. “I soaked up the vibe, and it inspired the record. The video just dropped, and I’m excited for everyone to see it.”

Final Thoughts

“Every artist I’ve worked with has brought something unique to the table. Whether it’s Michael Jackson’s passion, USHER’s energy or Future’s innovation, these collaborations have made me the creator I am today.” –

Blueface’s Mom Claims Incarcerated Rapper Too “Rich” To Fight L.A. Fires 

Blueface’s mother is facing hefty backlash after claiming her son is too “rich” to join hundreds of incarcerated people helping to fight the destructive Los Angeles fires. 

More than 900 inmates have been working around the clock to slow the spread of the devastating blaze, which has left thousands of Southern California residents homeless and claimed at least 24 lives.  

Meanwhile, Blueface has been behind bars since January 2024 after violating his probation in a California assault case. Last September, he was transferred to the North Kern State Prison in Delano, California.   

During an Instagram Live session over the weekend, a fan asked Blueface’s mother, Karlissa Saffold, if the “Thotiana” rapper would join the incarcerated firefighters tackling the inferno.  

“They don’t make rich n##### go fight fires in jail,” she replied. “They might make your son fight the fire though, not mine,” Saffold added, with a laugh. “But they might make yours.” 

She continued, claiming Blueface is in “jail rehab and “paying his taxes to be in there.”  

When someone commented that Blueface’s sentence could be reduced for assisting the fire relief efforts, Saffold doubled down.  

“He don’t need none of his time knocked off,” she said. “We will not be taking off no time for the cause.” 

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Blueface’s Mom Criticized On Social Media

Her comments were met with backlash from social media users. Fans criticized her, leaving remarks such as, “Every time Blueface’s mom speaks, I’m reminded why I’m not surprised he turned out the way he did.” 

Another added, “With parents like these he stood zero chance to ever be on the straight and narrow.” 

A third said, “This just reminded me that we’ve been Blueface free for months now.” 

The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for severe fire conditions as firefighters prepare for another wave of Santa Ana winds expected to persist through Tuesday and possibly into Wednesday.  

Thousands of homes have been destroyed, and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble as the death toll rises to 24 as of Sunday (January 12).   

Both Kim Kardashian and Chris Brown have called on officials to pay incarcerated firefighters more money for putting their lives on the line for $1 an hour. 

Kendrick Lamar Rumored To Join Pusha T & No Malice On Upcoming Clipse Album 

Kendrick Lamar fans are going wild over a rumor the Compton MC is set to join Pusha T and No Malice on the upcoming Clipse album. 

On Sunday (January 12), a TikTok user shared a theory after posting a video featuring a snippet of a track Pusha T previewed at Pharrell Williams’ Louis Vuitton debut in 2023. TikTok subsequently removed the sound due to a Universal Music Group copyright violation. 

According to the creator, the removal notice stated the track was titled “Chains & Whips” featuring Kendrick Lamar.  

The duo is gearing up to drop their first project, produced entirely by Pharrell Williams, following a 15-year hiatus. Last August, Pusha T revealed the Clips album was finished save for one special feature, which many at the time believed was either Kendrick Lamar or JAY-Z. 

The fevered speculation began last week when a Hip-Hop blog page shared a side-by-side image of some clips alongside a dot. Now, fans are convinced K. Dot is on the album, intensifying the anticipation for the long-awaited project, especially given Lamar and King Push’s highly publicized feuds with Drake. 

Pusha T confirmed the album was “done” during an interview with AllHipHop last October.  

“We just [handling] all the logistics right now,” he explained to Chuck Creekmur. “It’s ready. So, as soon as it’s ready, y’all getting it. That’s it.” 

Malice added, “It’s time. The album is ready. The album is right. I feel it’s something that Hip-Hop has been missing. And we got it, so we ready.” 

Pusha T Weighs In On Kendrick Lamar Vs. Drake

Meanwhile, Pusha T recently voiced his opinion on Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s battle.  

“I think that Kendrick is a lyricist and a lyricist that talks to your soul,” Pusha explained. “Like, you can be clever … you can say cute things, you can do things in cadences, and so on and so forth, right, but the truth really hurts, and the truth, I mean, the truth like cuts deep.”   

He repeated his assertion that K. Dot won the battle and addressed the fallout, including Drake’s recent lawsuits.  

“I think what Kendrick was doing was really talking to his soul,” he added. “I believe that, and I believe that’s, you know, that would cause you to tap out, that’ll cause you to sue, that’ll cause you to do a lot of things. It’s crazy.” 

The upcoming Clipse album has no release date as yet. However, Pusha recently cleared his Instagram grid, and fans believe the project is imminent. 

Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Donates $2.5M To Aid L.A. Fire Victims 

Beyoncé has announced her BeyGOOD charity foundation has donated $2.5 million to help aid the Los Angeles fire relief efforts as wildfires continue to devastate Southern California. 

The fund is dedicated to assisting families who have lost their homes in Altadena and Pasadena, as well as supporting churches and community centers addressing the immediate needs of those displaced by the wildfires. 

The fires erupted on January 7 and swiftly swept through the region, fuelled by strong gusts of wind. The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for severe fire conditions as firefighters prepare for another wave of Santa Ana winds expected to persist through Tuesday and possibly into Wednesday. 

Thousands of homes have been destroyed, and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble as the death toll rises to 24 as of Sunday (January 12).  

At least 16 people remain missing, with authorities warning that the number is likely to grow. 

Last week, Beyoncé’s mother Tina Knowles, her cherished Malibu bungalow was among those destroyed by the blaze.  

“It was my favorite place, my sanctuary, my sacred Happy Place,” she shared on Instagram. “Now it is gone!!” 

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Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley called on residents to avoid entering fire-ravaged neighborhoods. 

“There are still active fires that are burning within the Palisades area, making it extremely, extremely dangerous for the public,” Crowley said during a briefing Sunday. “There’s no power, there’s no water, there’s broken gas lines, and we have unstable structures.” 

According to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, 150,000 people remain under evacuation orders. Officials said most of the orders in the Palisades area were unlikely to be lifted before the red flag warnings expire Wednesday evening. 

FireAid Benefit Concert To Support Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery Efforts

Irving and Shelli Azoff, two influential forces behind the scenes in the entertainment world, have unveiled plans for FireAid, a star-studded charity concert designed to aid communities ravaged by the recent Los Angeles wildfires.

The event will take center stage on January 30 at the cutting-edge Intuit Dome in downtown Los Angeles, promising an evening of music and unity for a region still reeling from disaster.

With just weeks to prepare, FireAid is poised to rally essential support for neighborhoods scorched by flames that forced thousands to flee areas like the Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Pasadena.

Proceeds from the night will directly fuel recovery efforts — from rebuilding infrastructure to assisting displaced families and funding advancements in fire prevention technologies.

“Our community is hurting right now,” the Azoff family said in a joint statement as they announced the concert. “We hope this brings some healing and much-needed resources as we look toward recovery.”

Though performers have yet to be announced, the timing of FireAid couldn’t be more strategic.

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Scheduled to happen just three days before the Grammy Awards, the event’s lineup is expected to feature some of the biggest names in music rolling into town for the highly anticipated awards weekend.

The Azoffs, known for their influence in the industry, are teaming up with Live Nation and AEG Presents to ensure the night delivers both on stage and behind the scenes.

The venue — the state-of-the-art, newly christened Intuit Dome — will echo with performances while also symbolizing resilience as Southern California commits to fighting and recovering from wildfire outbreaks that have become more frequent and devastating.

Los Angeles has witnessed significant destruction in recent weeks as fires erupted across multiple neighborhoods.

Communities have been uprooted, family homes lost, and already stretched local resources pushed to the brink.

The Azoff-led FireAid initiative brings hope to those struggling and emphasizes the importance of preventive measures to minimize future calamities.

Cardi B Wanted In China—But Not In The Way Fans May Think

Several rappers, including Cardi B and Travis Scott, have been invited to perform on the southern Chinese island of Hainan following the massive success of Kanye West’s two sold-out shows in September 2024, which generated millions in visitor spending.

Tourism officials in Haikou, the provincial capital, are now targeting top-selling U.S. rappers after West’s performances at the Wuyuan River Stadium, with a second show added due to overwhelming demand.

“Haikou aims to position itself as one of the world’s premier performing arts cities, embracing a highly open and inclusive spirit,” Wang Ke, head of the city’s tourism, culture, radio, film and television bureau, said during a government meeting on Friday (January 10).

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Cardi B hasn’t always been the household name she is today. Before being cast on the VH1 reality show Love & Hip Hop: New York, she had gained a small following thanks to her unfiltered personality and viral presence on social media platforms like Vine and Instagram. But in 2017, she was catapulted to superstardom with the release of “Bodak Yellow.”

The track became a cultural phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart and establishing her as a force in the rap world. Since then, she’s achieved remarkable success, earning Grammy Awards, multiple chart-topping singles and accolades for her albums, including her debut, Invasion of Privacy. She has yet to release a follow-up.

As for Travis Scott, he released UTOPIA in 2023, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with more than 496,000 total album-equivalent units moved in its first week. More recently, he filed a $100 million lawsuit against Show Motion Engineering, which he said failed to deliver a custom stage set for the UTOPIA tour and later exploited his name and likeness without his permission.

According to documents obtained by AllHipHop, the company failed to assemble the set for inspection, a contractual obligation required before final payment. When Scott’s team withheld further payments, Show Motion reportedly refused to release the set, rendering it unusable for the tour. The suit further alleges that Show Motion failed to deliver and profited from Scott’s brand by showcasing his name, likeness, and prior tour performances on its website.

The Weeknd Preparing To Drop Stage Name

The Weeknd is hinting at a farewell—not from music entirely but from the persona that made him a global phenomenon.

The artist, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, shared in an insightful sit-down with Variety that his upcoming sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, could mark the end of his journey under the moniker that catapulted him to stardom.

“It’s a headspace I’ve gotta get into that I just don’t have any more desire for,” he said. “I feel like it comes with so much. You have a persona, but then you have the competition of it all. It becomes this rat race: more accolades, more success, more shows, more albums, more awards. It never ends until you end it.”

The revelation from the “Blinding Lights” chart-topper sparked immediate buzz among fans and music insiders. The Weeknd’s comments suggested a deep introspection about the identity he’s inhabited for nearly a decade and the relentless pressures of fame.

The Weeknd’s reflections appear to stem, in part, from a deeply personal moment during his 2022 performance at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on his After Hours Til Dawn Tour. At the show’s outset, his voice gave way completely, forcing him to halt the concert and issue ticket refunds with a promise to reschedule.

In the aftermath of that night, The Weeknd recalled a profound moment of self-awareness.

“Part of me was thinking, ‘You lost your voice because it’s done; you said what you had to say. Don’t overstay at the party—you can end it now and live a happy life,'” he added. “When is the right time to leave, if not at your peak?”

While The Weeknd’s remarks suggest a personal evolution, Hurry Up Tomorrow could serve as a grand finale for the enigmatic persona that has dominated the charts and delivered era-defining music.Though he’s not fully stepping away from recording or performing, The Weeknd’s possible retirement as an alter ego hints at a major personal and artistic shift in the making.

Sada Baby Blames Police For Recent Arrest: “My Truck Got Profiled”

Sada Baby was arrested Thursday (January 9) on a warrant following a traffic stop in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Now, the Detroit rapper claims police profiled his vehicle and the incident—which took place at 4:30 a.m. local time—has been overblown.

In a video posted to Instagram, Sada Baby alleged, “My truck got profiled because of where I was at the time of night.”

But according to Sterling Heights police, Sada Baby was traveling on Mound Road Thursday, when a patrol officer noticed the black Dodge Ram he was driving had illegally tinted windows. After he was pulled over, officers observed and seized unspecified “illegal contraband” from the pickup truck but didn’t divulge the specifics.

The responding officer checked the license plate of the vehicle, which is registered to Sada Baby, and discovered he had a 2023 warrant for driving without a license. The officer was ultimately able to confirm the driver of the Ram was the registered owner.

Sada Baby was transported to the Macomb County Jail, where he was booked. He quickly posted a $200 bond and was released. He later shared his own mugshot to his Instagram account and boasted in the caption, “Been outta jail two whole days ago was courtside last night kickin game wit my Big Dogs. Super good.”

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The original driving without a license for three years complaint was filed in June 2023. Sada Baby, as part of his video, slammed online reports, saying, “You all gotta do better with the believing and everything.

“If you read the fine print, I know a lot of you can’t read, but if you read the caption instead of just seeing Sada Baby is jailed or arrested. It says my truck had tints. My truck got profiled. A lot of you drive fishbowls and don’t need your windows tinted, so you never had to go through like this before.”

Sada Baby is confident he’ll beat the case. His next court appearance on the expired license charge is scheduled for January 24 in 41A District Court.

The Game Steps Up For L.A. Wildfire Victims: “This Is Not About Me”

The Game is putting his celebrity status to good use by stepping into the frontlines of relief efforts for Los Angeles County residents grappling with catastrophic wildfires.

As the death toll rises to 16 and with roughly 180,000 people evacuated, The Game is bringing hands-on assistance and heartfelt words of encouragement to those affected.

“Me & my team have been down here with the brave men & women fire fighters on the ground day in & day out assisting anyway I can to make their days a little easier,” Game shared on Instagram, reflecting on the staggering impact of the fires. “The hearts & level of humility in each & every soul down here is a beautiful thing to witness & be a part of.”

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The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire have collectively burned over 37,800 acres and have already caused over $150 billion in damages. The fires are only partially contained, with weather conditions complicating firefighting efforts.

Despite evacuating his own home, The Game has been seen distributing essential supplies like water and food, helping clean fire trucks and arranging temporary housing for displaced families through Airbnb partnerships.

“This is not about me—this is about making sure people know they are not alone,” Game added. “To everyone calling me…stay locked in to my page as I’ll be posting information, links, etc. to get everyone in a position to assist.”

President Biden declared a major disaster in Los Angeles, and firefighters from across the U.S. and beyond have joined the fight. The Game’s presence hasn’t gone unnoticed, with many first responders thanking him for his support.

“They kept thanking me for being here,” he said. “And in my mind, I’m like, ‘No, THANK YOU!’ for doing the unimaginable in a time of pure terror & despair.”

 

SIGNS: Near-Fatal Argument Erupts Over 10 Cent Soda Bottle Deposit At Detroit Gas Station

A Wayne County official is facing charges after a gas station store brawl.

The incident happened at a Detroit BP on January 1, when Larry Bradford, the husband of Wayne County Parks Director Alicia Bradford, lost his temper over a $.10 bottle deposit he thought was tax. A customer waiting in line behind Larry pointed out the clerk had proof on the receipt, which Larry clearly didn’t appreciate.

Surveillance video shows Larry push the man before they began to grapple and Larry begins hitting the man with the pop can in his hand. He then throws the man into racks of merchandise and mutters, “Let me get my pistol.”

Larry returns, still yelling at the man, and says, “Get on your f###### knees, say you’re sorry.” The man apologizes, but Larry hits him on the head and demands he finds his ring while holding the gun.

Alicia storms in and asks Larry if the man tried to rob him, to which the man replies no. Larry continued, “I should kill you. I should blow your m###########’ brains out.”

Alicia, with her gun drawn, says she’ll call the police while the man stayed in a kneeling position.

“You’re going to stay down there,” Alicia said, before asking the man what happened. “We got into an argument over the price of pop,” the man says, to which she responds, “What are you getting in it for, what does that have to do with you. I could do something to you. I’m calling the police.”

After she backed out of the store, a female voice can be heard saying “I’ll kill you.”

But when the police arrived, the arrested the Bradfords—not the man or employee behind the counter. Both have been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and felony firearm. Fox 2 News attempted to talk to Alicia, but she walked away without comment.

She’s been suspended from her job per the Wayne County Public Information officer, who offered in a statement, “We will not be providing further comments while the matter is under investigation.”

The couple was arraigned and given a $50,000 personal bond. Both are due in court on Monday (January 13).