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Rap’s New Renaissance: Why Older Hip-Hop Artists Are Thriving

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Exclusives

Shad Reed has been listening to the vets in rap and had some clear conclusions about aging in rap.

Despite it being more than a decade ago, I still vividly remember speaking with DJ Jazzy Jeff for a piece I was writing and him explaining that parents DO understand when it comes to Hip-Hop now.

When I asked him to elaborate (mainly because my mother—God rest her soul—didn’t), he said that people who were parents now were the ’70s and ’80s kids who grew up with Hip-Hop as it fought for its rightful place in popular culture.

But, for a long time, Baby Boomers were the tastemakers, and among them, Hip-Hop was a completely foreign concept. However, by the 2010s, that was no longer the case, and Hip-Hop had firmly woven itself into American society.

The influence of rap music on people making corporate decisions was clear: things had changed. Popularity, time and commerce bridged the gap between the authenticity of Hip-Hop and the American business landscape, for better or worse. But ultimately, it was a gargantuan success in that rap went from bodegas to boardrooms and became a multi-billion-dollar industry.

In the ’90s and even the early ’00s, there was a mindset in the community that once people in Hip-Hop got to a certain age, they either died, “retired” or fell off. Until then, not unlike athletics, rap was seen as a young person’s game.

While many people could still flourish in conventional professions well into their 50s, that was not true for most professional rappers; they mostly faded into obscurity. Again, though, there has been a generational shift; just like how Hip-Hop eventually carved its lane in corporate America, it’s now making it more accessible and acceptable for older and established participants.

Multiple artists over 50 (Eminem, LL COOL J, Ice Cube, Redman, Snoop Dogg, Common & Pete Rock, Fat Joe, MC Lyte) released stellar albums in 2024 alone. There are also podcasts like Drink Champs and Questlove Supreme, which praise artists and people in the culture for their longstanding contributions.

Radio stations also post their interviews online, giving them infinite life, which certainly hasn’t always been the case. Then there are podcasts like WTF with Marc Maron and The Joe Rogan Experience, which, while hosting a wide array of guests from multiple arenas, haven’t shied away from Hip-Hop either and are among the most popular podcasts today.

Additionally, some Hip-Hop YouTube series entertain and educate new and old fans alike (e.g., DJ Premier’s So Wassup and stellar video essays by content creators like Clout Cancun and Brandon Shaw’s Digging the Greats).

There are no longer limitations on content regarding magazine space or predetermined airtime on television or radio slots. The internet provides limitless space for material to be posted and shared. And while there is much to sift through, the cream rises to the top, and dope content finds its audience. Ironically, this also includes content ripped from programs that once required appointment viewing (news clips, segments from television specials, etc.).

It’s also worth noting that older fans come from a time when they paid for music to a far greater degree than the average popular music consumer today. Artists from that era capitalized on that loyalty, delivering quality material with a more niche approach rather than aiming solely for digital streaming playlists or mainstream radio.

De La Soul’s 2016 album …And the Anonymous Nobody was fan-funded. After bouncing from labels, they launched a Kickstarter to fund the album. The group, who had been releasing music for more than a quarter-century at that point, reached their goal of $110,000 in just ten hours. By the campaign’s end, they had raised over $600,000, proving a bankable market existed for Hip-Hop outside its key demographic. Given the “here today, gone tomorrow” pace of popular music, many people could easily overlook something like that if they were only focused on chart-toppers.

Then, the Hip-Hop audience and its artists are aging, too. Plain and simple. When it was born on August 11, 1973, in the Bronx, Hip-Hop was a party thrown by young people [no “old people” liked this culture when it started, lol]. They loved the music, but they grew up, so the music had to change to retain that audience and the millions who fell in love with it since. And since time and tide wait for no one, inevitably, the emcees evolved too.

For a more modern example (at least relative to the ’70s), in 1999, JAY-Z said on his classic track “Big Pimpin’,” “Me give my heart to a woman? Not for nothin’, never happen/I’ll be forever mackin’.”

Eighteen years later, on the title track of his 4:44 album, he spits, “‘You did what with who?’/What good is a ménage à trois when you have a soulmate?/’You risked that for Blue?'” Jay’s growth, maturity, and strength in vulnerability are noteworthy.

Another instance of this comes from his formidable opponent in the second-greatest battle in rap history (just behind Kendrick Lamar and Drake): Nas. Mr. Jones went from “Oochie Wally [Remix]” in ’00 to posing on the cover of his 2012 classic Life is Good with his ex-wife’s wedding dress, closing out the album on “Bye Baby” with lyrics, “At least I can say I tried, plus enjoyed the ride/Plus, we got our little boy, my little joy and pride/He got my nose, my grill, your color, your eyes/Next go round, I hope I pick the truest type/And watch me do it all again/It’s a beautiful life, a’ight.”

These two all-time greats remained relevant and consistent for more than 20 years in rap (two of the very few to have achieved that). The success of those albums showed there was an audience for deeper introspection and a more adult take on life. Since then, artists coming up after Nas and Jay—or even before—have broken through barriers those albums shattered, proving “B-boys” and “B-girls” could become “B-men” and “B-women” and still be embraced by the Hip-Hop community. It was an important step, and I am happy to see many artists taking it now as they approach middle age.

As a 37-year-old man, while I can appreciate and respect a hyper-sexualized contemporary record like “WAP,” it doesn’t speak to me. I’m at a point where I’m more interested in relationships than just rolling in the sheets, and I’m grateful Hip-Hop has proven to have space for both. This inclusivity is how it will continue not just to survive but thrive. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Respect due.

Drake Just Revealed What He’s Working On Next

By: London JennnCategory: News

Drake dropped a surprise during a livestream with Adin Ross on Sunday night (April 14) when he casually confirmed he’s crafting a new solo album and promised, “It slaps.”

The Toronto rapper made the announcement while chatting live with Ross, sending the livestream’s chat into overdrive.

“Working on a new album right now,” he announced. “It slaps.”

Drake also clarified that the project is a solo effort, not another collaboration.

The reveal comes just two months after Drake teamed up with PARTYNEXTDOOR for the R&B-heavy joint album $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, which dropped on Valentine’s Day.

The 21-track project, featured appearances from Pim, Yebba and Chino Pacas. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 246,000 album-equivalent units.

It marked Drake’s 14th chart-topping album, tying him with Jay-Z and Taylor Swift for the most No. 1 albums by a solo artist.

While $ome $exy $ongs 4 U leaned into a softer, romantic sound, Drake’s upcoming solo release is expected to return to his signature style. It will be his ninth solo studio album and the follow-up to 2023’s For All the Dogs.

During the same livestream, Ross asked Drake if he’d ever consider stepping into the ring for a celebrity boxing match.

Drake quickly shut it down, saying he wouldn’t do it publicly and joked, “Behind closed garage doors.” When Ross hinted at Kendrick Lamar as a potential opponent, Drake laughed but didn’t take the bait.

The livestream marked one of Drake’s first public comments about new solo music since the release of his collaborative album. No release date has been announced for the upcoming project.

Megan Thee Stallion Delivers Show-Stopping Coachella Set But Gets Cut Off For Post Malone

By: London JennnCategory: News

Megan Thee Stallion lit up Coachella’s main stage Sunday night (April 13) with surprise guests and a not-so-subtle dig at Nicki Minaj before her set was abruptly cut short to make way for Post Malone.

Shortly after kicking off the show, the Houston rapper was joined by Hip-Hop royalty Queen Latifah, who performed her 1993 anthem “U.N.I.T.Y.” during Megan’s “Plan B.” The moment set the tone for a night centered on powerhouse women and bold performances.

Victoria Monét followed with a smooth transition into a temperature-raising performance of their joint track “Spin.”

Meanwhile, Ciara brought early-2000s nostalgia by joining Megan for “Roc Steady,” a track sampling “Goodies,” and performed her 2004 hit alongside Megan. 

The all-female lineup had the crowd roaring, with many calling it the most dynamic set of the weekend.

Elsewhere during the set, Megan appeared to throw shade at Nicki Minaj during her set by dancing in front of a performers dressed as Bigfoot—a clear nod to Minaj’s 2024 diss track that compared Megan to the mythical creature.

But the energy hit a snag when Megan’s mic wire slipped from her bustier and audio issues disrupted the performance after just 20 minutes. 

Just five minutes after her scheduled end time, organizers cut her mic entirely, forcing an abrupt end to the set before Megan could finish “Mamushi.” 

Despite the technical hiccups, Megan’s choreography, stage presence and costume changes kept the crowd locked in. Social media lit up with praise, and “Megchella” soared to the No. 1 trending spot on X (Twitter.)

Many questioned why she wasn’t the night’s headliner, especially after Post Malone followed with a country-heavy set that left some attendees underwhelmed.

Megan Thee Stallion is set to return for Coachella’s second weekend on Sunday (April 20).

“Poetic Justice” Actress Maia Campbell Breaks Internet With New Boo?

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Rumors

Former actress Maia Campbell is back. Let the hope begin. This is not exactly a return, but the picture below set the internet on fire. The In the House actress, who also turned heads in Tyrese’s “Sweet Lady” video made her mark in films like Poetic Justice and Seventeen Again. She’s back. Back in the day, she was everybody’s crush—and then things changed.

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A post shared by Maia Campbell (@maia_campbell)

The streets (and message boards) have been wondering where she’s been. This isn’t her first post, but for some reason, this hit different. I think it’s the addition of the man in the picture. But it could be us happy to see her happy. Maia has had very public battles with bipolar disorder and substance abuse. At one point,  LL COOL J, her TV co-star, tried to intervene. She wasn’t having it.

“Tell him to call me and organize a benefit concert for mental health,” she said in 2017, when he tried to help. That was a flex.

Fast-forward to now. A single picture!!! Before I go on, I want to discuss homie. In the pic, they look like a couple, but I don’t think that’s the case. I think he’s a hair stylist and she just got her hair done. What do you think? Here are a few pictures of him minus my one-time future wife, Maia.

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A post shared by Jayson Glenn (@mr.jglenn)

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A post shared by Jayson Glenn (@mr.jglenn)

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A post shared by Jayson Glenn (@mr.jglenn)

I’m thinking they’re just friends. He sure came up off her on this post. Good for them both.

Back to Maia. Fans are like, “We miss you,” “Love and light to you” and other stuff. A lot of celebrities came to the comments as well. Is Maia on the comeback trail? I don’t see any evidence of that. I think most people just want her well and healthy.

Now 48, is Maia really taking her time with showing us what she’s up to? Inquiring minds want to know. We can’t forget someone like Maia. She was every bit of ’90s Black girl magic before the phrase even caught on. The term “it girl” comes to mind.

Her past is no secret and we aren’t here to rehash all that. We want to see her rise, even if it’s slow, quiet and outside of Hollywood.

Good luck!

Charleston White Confronted By Island Boy’s Baby Mama For Calling Their Baby “Ugly”

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Charleston White found himself in a confrontation with a woman who was upset by comments he made about her baby. The woman, who happens to share the child with Island Boy Flyysoulja, took issue with the controversial social media personality calling the baby “ugly.”

As White was in the middle of the interview, she walked up and snatched the microphone out of his hand. But, as the woman spoke, White just laughed and smiled before she eventually backed down.

He then doubled down on his opinion, saying, “The baby still ugly! I don’t give a damn what she says. That don’t take away from what that baby look like. Just hopefully, the baby grow up to be something better than what his daddy look like. And behave much better. B#### f###### with me about her baby. She know what that baby look like. She made it, I didn’t.”

White’s early life was marked by significant challenges, including involvement in criminal activities that led to his incarceration at the Texas Youth Council from 1991 to 1998. Following his release, he transformed his life by founding the organization Helping Young People Excel (HYPE), which aims to steer at-risk youth away from crime and violence.

Through motivational speeches and digital content, White shares his story of redemption, inspiring others to make positive changes. His outspoken nature and unfiltered opinions have garnered him a substantial following on platforms like Instagram, where he addresses topics ranging from systemic racism to community reform.

Still, White remains a polarizing figure due to his controversial remarks and frequent legal troubles. He has faced criticism for provocative statements on social and cultural issues and arrests for offenses such as animal cruelty and aggravated assault.

In February, White was arrested in Fort Worth, Texas, on two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Then in October 2024, he was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and cruelty to non-livestock animals in Tarrant County. Records noted the cruelty charge was for killing, poisoning or causing serious bodily injury to an animal without the owner’s consent. He was previously busted for the same charges in 2023.

Kanye West Apparently Pays Highest Monthly Child Support In U.S. History

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Rumors

Kanye West shares four children with ex-wife Kim Kardashian—North, Saint, Psalm and Chicago. According to a recent tweet from the divisive rapper/producer, he pays more than $200,000 a month in child support payments, which is apparently the highest figure in U.S. history.

Sitting significantly below West is Alex Rodriquez, who was ordered to pay Cynthia Scurtis roughly $115,000 per month. Talk show host/singer Kelly Clarkson agreed to pay Brandon Blackstock $45,600 in monthly child support, while Nas was ordered to pay Kelis $44,000 in monthly alimony and child support.

Then there’s Nick Cannon, who pays out approximately $3 million a year to his 12 children with four different women, taking a non-traditional approach to child support.

West and Kardashian married in May 2014 but began facing significant challenges in their relationship by late 2020, leading Kardashian to file for divorce in February 2021. The split was reportedly amicable, with both parties agreeing to joint custody of their four children.

In addition to the $200,000 per month in child support, the divorce settlement included half of the children’s educational and security expenses.

Throughout the divorce proceedings, Kardashian opened up about her struggles with the marriage on Keeping Up With the Kardashians and its Hulu successor, The Kardashians. She described feeling overwhelmed by the need to “clean up” West’s public controversies and his relocation to Wyoming, which strained their relationship further.

Kardashian admitted that she wanted a more grounded partner who shared her interests and could be present for day-to-day experiences. Meanwhile, West publicly expressed regret over the split, even attempting to reconcile during his performances.

Most recently, West claimed he never wanted children with Kardashian and insisted she “sex traffics” them. But that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. West has fired several other outrageous tweets, including one about wanting to recreate the infamous Ray J sex tape that put Kardashian on the map.

Stephen A. Smith Says He Will Run For President If No One Else Steps Up

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Stephen A. Smith dropped a political bombshell and torched both the Democrat and Republican parties during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week.”

He revealed he’s seriously weighing a 2028 presidential bid after being approached by political insiders, billionaires and even his own pastor.

“I have no choice,” Smith said. “I’ve had elected officials and I’m not going to give their names… folks who are pundits… billionaires and others… talk to me about exploratory committees and things of that nature.”

The longtime ESPN personality, known for his outspoken takes on First Take, didn’t hold back when discussing his growing disillusionment with the current political landscape.

He took direct aim at the Democratic Party, accusing it of lacking leadership and direction.

“It’s not somebody big upping me,” Smith said. “It’s an indictment against a Democratic party that doesn’t have leadership and doesn’t have a vision. And it’s sad.”

Smith, who recently inked a new contract with ESPN, said he’s not actively campaigning but admitted he’s been urged to consider a run by people close to him, including religious leaders.

“People have walked up to me, including my own pastor for crying out loud, who has said to me, ‘You don’t know what God has planned for you… At least show the respect to the people who believe in you… to leave the door open.’”

He also called out Republicans, accusing them of hypocrisy when it comes to the Constitution, especially regarding efforts to push the boundaries of presidential term limits.

“You better be careful what you ask for,” Smith said. “Because some of the stuff that Trump and the right has been trying to get away with… like circumventing the 22nd Amendment… if any Republican supports that, I don’t want to hear a word out of their mouth ever again about following the Constitution.”

When pressed on whether he would actually run, Smith didn’t commit but left the possibility wide open.

“I would hope somebody else would step up that’s more qualified than me. But if it has to come down to me, it is something I would consider. Yes, I would.”

For now, Smith says he’s staying focused on his media career but made it clear he’s not closing the door on politics.

MC Sha-Rock Day Gets Instagram Bump From Grandmaster Caz

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

It’s getting to be that time of year again, when Hip-Hop purists gather for the annual MC Sha-Rock Day. On Sunday (April 13), Grandmaster Caz shared an Instagram video plugging the upcoming event, which is scheduled to take place June 7 at Gun Hill Park on Magenta Street in the Bronx from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

Caz was all smiles as he talked about the “luminary icon” known as MC Sha-Rock. The celebration, named in her honor, recognizes her contributions to Hip-Hop and the broader cultural impact of women in the genre.

It’s highlighted by concerts, awards ceremonies and other community events. Previously, her hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, recognized her with a Living Legends Award and declared May 17  Sha-Rock Day. Similarly, in New York City, the MC Sha-Rock Day Presents: Woman in Hip Hop Festival celebrates her legacy with live performances and panel discussions aimed at empowering women in Hip-Hop.

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A post shared by Caz Brown (@grandmastercaz07)

MC Sha-Rock is widely regarded as the first female MC in Hip-Hop history. Known as the “Mother of the Mic,” she grew up in the South Bronx as Hip-Hop was just beginning to crawl. Beginning as a B-girl, she transitioned to emceeing and became a member of the Funky 4 + 1, one of the earliest Hip-Hop groups to gain national attention.

The group made history in 1981 by being the first rap act to perform on Saturday Night Live. Sha-Rock’s innovative style and cadence influenced future Hip-Hop legends like MC Lyte and Run-DMC, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in a male-dominated genre.

Sha-Rock’s influence extends beyond her music career. She has been an advocate for preserving Hip-Hop’s history and promoting its cultural values. Through initiatives like co-founding the Universal Federation for the Preservation of Hip Hop Culture, she has worked to ensure that Hip-Hop’s roots are remembered and respected. Her legacy is celebrated not only through events like MC Sha-Rock Day but also by contemporary artists who continue to cite her as an inspiration,

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Snitching Allegations & Confessions: Big U Situation Gets Messier & Messier

By: Houston WilliamsCategory: Uncategorized

This is getting uglier than Shabba Ranks and Wanda from “In Living Color” having a baby.

Bricc Baby and Luce Cannon just lit a match under an already explosive case. Before I continue, let us establish who we’re talking ’bout.

Bricc Baby is a well-known rapper on the Los Angeles rap scene. He was born in 1988, one of the best years in Hip-Hop history. He uses social media extensively and also does a lot interviews—simply put, he does a lot of talking.

We’ll get back to that. Luce Cannon is basically the same thing, but let me skip all the formalities. 

Both Luce Cannon and Bricc Baby were arrested as part of a federal RICO indictment targeting the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips and presumed leader, Big U.

They are currently cellmates in a Los Angeles detention facility. This is crazy because of their prior beefs and the charges they face.

See where this is going?

There are loud whispers of snitching, accusations of extortion and one of the craziest RICO indictments the West Coast has seen in a while. The digital streets are burning and Big U is right in the center of it.

Bricc Baby’s name is getting tossed around in the ugliest of ways. Snitching is the accusation. People are pointing fingers, suggesting that somebody has had something to say to the feds.

Luce Cannon has denied being involved in the RICO, but he did something damaging to Big U’s case. He told the world about the day PnB Rock was killed.

“It was me and Big U sitting there when it happened… I wish I could have just told him like, ‘Bro just give up the jewelry and we get it back to you later,'” Luce said, adding that he knew the folks who “melt the ice.” Oh man.

What are the chances that ol’ U is going to be there at the same time that a defiant rapper is killed?

It doesn’t end there. The feds allege that the Rollin’ 60s aren’t just a gang. They charge they are an extortion network. They claim they pressure artists and others into buying back their own stolen goods. You should already know about the one murder case involving a young rapper named Ray Shaun Williams.

Bro was signed to Big U but was later found dead in Las Vegas. His body was dumped. The indictment paperwork says Big U tried to pay folks off to keep quiet.

READ ALSO: Big U Enters Not Guilty Plea In Massive Federal Case Tied To Crips

You already know where this is headed.

You guessed it. Nipsey Hussle’s death is slowly getting caught up in this. The streets say the tension between Big U and Nipsey was deeper than rap.

They say, “There’s rumors that Big U put the battery in people’s back” and that certain 60s felt Nip getting too big for the program. Did U create the environment that led to Nipsey’s death?

There is more.

Even Quando Rondo’s name popped up. His cousin reportedly got clipped over something 60s-related. A week later, Quando disassociated from the set. That man did something we never heard of—left the set.

Now, it makes some sense to me.

Big U has pleaded not guilty. and Big U has officially been charged with racketeering, one murder, and a stack of extortion-related offenses. And apparently, there’s a woman—a Grammy-winning one—somewhere in this case that the feds might be leaning on for a flip. Who could that be?

Stay tuned. The streets are watching, but the paperwork doesn’t lie. Or does it?

Mahershala Ali Faced His Biggest Acting Challenge Yet In “Jurassic World Rebirth”

By: Mike WinslowCategory: AHHplus

Mahershala Ali took on Jurassic World Rebirth not just for the dinosaurs or the spectacle but to challenge himself in a space far bigger than the indie dramas that made him a two-time Oscar winner.

“Doing something this big is very new to me,” Ali told Vanity Fair. “It’s a little bit of a test for me personally: Can I exist in a space this large, in something that is so much bigger than you and maybe your own specific talents? It’s just hard to pull it off. I think the bigger things are, the harder that can be.”

Ali plays Duncan Kincaid, a black-ops logistics specialist who works alongside Scarlett Johansson’s covert operative Zora and Jonathan Bailey’s paleontologist Henry.

Together, they infiltrate an island that once housed the original Jurassic Park research facility.

The Moonlight and Green Book star, known for his emotionally layered performances, said the role’s physical demands were a new kind of test.

“I was really going into it hoping to bring something special and buoyant to that character, to really bring an energy and heart to him,” he said.

“These big, blockbuster films, they’re not filmed in a way that’s necessarily going to set you up to feel that all the time because it’s so hard shooting these action sequences and running from a tennis ball and things of that nature.”

While Jurassic World Rebirth marks his first time leading a tentpole of this scale, Ali is no stranger to big-budget fare.

He’s appeared in Predators, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 and 2, and Alita: Battle Angel. He’s also been attached to Marvel’s long-delayed Blade reboot since 2019.

Still, Ali said he looked to past blockbusters for inspiration.

“But there were people in Jaws and in Jurassic Park, in Star Wars and these huge tentpole films that resonated with authenticity and a certain truth and purpose that made those films worth watching again and again.”

Jurassic World Rebirth is the seventh film in the franchise and opens in theaters on July 2. 

Travis Scott Wants Beats From Adrien Brody

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Travis Scott discovered Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody makes beats and wants to collaborate with him after a surprise run-in at a fashion show.

The Houston-born rapper opened up in his new Complex cover story about unexpected celebrity encounters, including one with The Pianist star, who apparently has a hidden talent for producing music.

“Did you watch The Brutalist? That movie is hard as f**k,” Travis Scott said, praising Brody’s latest film before sharing how their conversation took an unexpected turn.

“I ran into him at a fashion show recently, and I’ve always been a fan of his,” Scott said. “I sat next to him and I’m like, ‘I don’t even know if this dude knows who I am.’ And the first thing he tells me is, ‘Yo, bro.'”

That’s when Brody dropped the surprise.

“You know, I make beats and s**t,” he told Travis Scott, who was immediately intrigued. “I’m like, ‘You got to send me some beats!’ So we chopped it up. Man, that’s crazy.”

Brody’s interest in music production isn’t new. In a 2023 interview with the Los Angeles Times, he explained how his role in the 1994 film Angels in the Outfield led him into beat-making.

“That movie got me making beats because I hung out with some kids in The Bay in Oakland who were producing and rapping,” Brody said. “And I grew up in New York, in kind of like the birth of hip-hop, but I didn’t know that I could actually go make tracks. And I started producing tracks with these guys and learned how to do it and went back to LA.”

Lil Nas X Explains How Fame Brought Spiritual Clarity

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Lil Nas X said his rise to stardom and the chaos that followed led him to reconnect with spirituality and reevaluate his priorities.

The 26-year-old Hip-Hop artist told Paper magazine that fame didn’t pull him away from deeper meaning—it brought him closer.

“It usually works the opposite way around for other people, but it made me feel closer to everything around me and the synchronicities of life,” he said.

Known for his 2019 breakout hit “Old Town Road,” Lil Nas X admitted he once dismissed spiritual ideas as nonsense.

“There were all these things that I thought were ‘magical hoo ha’ for my entire life as a very sceptical young man growing up, but then I was like, Okay, this makes sense. I get this,” he said.

As his career evolved, so did his mindset. The “Industry Baby” rapper said he’s shifted his focus inward after years of trying to fix everything around him.

“In addition to that, after finding that spiritual side, I’ve kind of made a 180 in terms of thinking I need to heal the world all the time and towards coming back to myself,” he said.

That self-awareness has helped him recognize when he needs to step back.

“You have to have that balance, like, Okay, I need to focus on me right now,” he said. “I need to do my s**t. I’m obviously unwell, even though I don’t want to admit it. And the only way I can go back out there is if I can work with myself first. Now I’m tiptoeing back to the world again.”


Lizzo Lost Will To Live After Being Accused By Former Dancers

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Lizzo suffered a panic attack and spiraled into depression after returning to Los Angeles in October 2023.

Her bout with mental health came months after being hit with a lawsuit from three former backup dancers accusing her of harassment and discrimination.

The Hip-Hop artist, known for her chart-topping anthem “About Damn Time,” said the emotional toll of the allegations didn’t fully register until she landed back in the U.S. after a vacation in Japan.

“When I was in Japan, I was doing the best I can, but there was a huge scandal (and) I was dealing with a lot. When I touched down in Los Angeles, it didn’t hit me how deeply affected I was because I had been trying to be happy for everyone else (on holiday),” Lizzo said during an appearance on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast.

The lawsuit, filed in August 2023, accused the 36-year-old of sexual, racial and religious harassment, weight-shaming, disability discrimination and fostering a toxic work environment.

Lizzo has denied all claims and sought to have the case dismissed. But the emotional impact was immediate once she returned home.

“I got in LA and had my first panic attack ever. I was in the car coming home from the airport,” she said.

She described the moment as physically overwhelming.

“I had this thought, I was like, ‘Everybody hates me. Everybody hates me for something that isn’t true, but at the end of the day, because of the position I’m in, everybody hates me, and there’s nothing you can do about it,'” she recalled. “I got into the house, I could barely walk, and I collapsed by my bed and was like, ‘Oh s**t.’ I couldn’t breathe… from then on, I have been in a state of depression because I didn’t know how to fix it.”

Lizzo admitted her usual coping strategies failed her. The weight of public scrutiny combined with the legal battle left her feeling hopeless. At her lowest, she said she lost the will to live.

But a brief encounter with supporters during a rare public outing helped her begin to recover. She said the interaction was “life-saving” and inspired the title of her upcoming album, Love in Real Life.

A judge later dismissed the weight-shaming and disability discrimination claims in the lawsuit but allowed the other allegations to proceed.

Jermaine Dupri Explains Deep Connection With Scooter Braun That Led To New Deal

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Scooter Braun returned to his roots and reignited a decades-old bond by partnering HYBE America with Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def Recordings in a move that blends nostalgia with a modern music rollout.

The agreement gives So So Def full access to HYBE America’s distribution and marketing muscle, setting the stage for a new chapter that includes legacy re-releases and fresh signings like R&B duo DVSN.

But beyond business, the deal is personal — a full-circle moment for Braun, who got his first break under Dupri’s wing as a teenage club promoter and marketing intern.

“Everything I learned about the music business started with Jermaine,” Braun said. “He gave me my first shot when I was just a kid with a dream. I was blessed to witness genius up close — and now, years later, it’s an honor to return to where it all began and stand beside him as a partner.”

Dupri, who launched So So Def in 1993 and helped shape the sound of Hip-Hop and R&B in the ’90s and early 2000s, called the partnership more than just a strategic move.

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A post shared by Jermaine Dupri (@jermainedupri)

 “This isn’t just a business move — this is family,” Dupri said. “Watching Scooter build what he has built has made me incredibly proud. He learned the game inside So So Def, and now he’s in a position to open doors the way I once opened them for him. That’s what legacy is about.”

So So Def’s catalog includes some of the most influential artists of the last 30 years — from Usher and Mariah Carey to Bow Wow, Da Brat and Jagged Edge.

More recently, the label helped launch Grammy-winning singer Muni Long. Braun, now CEO of HYBE America, has built a reputation as one of the most powerful executives in the industry, managing global acts and shaping pop culture.

But even with his rise, he’s never lost sight of where it started.

“Jermaine Dupri isn’t just a legend — he’s one of the greatest producers and executives of all time,” Braun said. “He changed the sound of a generation. This deal is about giving him the modern tools and reach his legacy deserves and making sure the next generation hears what the last one already knows: Jermaine Dupri is a giant.”

New music from the partnership is expected to begin rolling out in the coming months.

Kash Doll Dragged For Picking Her Nose With $20 Bill

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Kash Doll used a $20 Bill to pick and wipe her nose courtside at a Pistons game and the Internet isn’t having it. Her inexplicable action has ignited a wave of online backlash over hygiene and wealth flaunting.

The Detroit rapper was caught on video dabbing her nose with the cash during the NBA matchup, where she was seated in prime front-row seats.

Her b##### picking prompted swift reactions across Instagram and X, with many viewers calling the move “corny” and “gross.”

While some defended the behavior as harmless or humorous, others pointed out the health risks of using paper money as a tissue.

Studies have shown that cash can carry many bacteria and viruses, including E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus.

Microbes can survive on bills for days, and because money changes hands so often, it’s considered one of the dirtiest everyday items.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long warned about the spread of germs through frequently touched surfaces and paper currency is rarely cleaned.

That’s one reason digital wallets and contactless payments have surged in popularity — they reduce physical contact and the risk of contamination.

Some users questioned why Kash Doll would use legal tender as a tissue, especially in a public setting. Others saw it as a tone-deaf gesture during a time when many are struggling financially.

The video, which continues to rack up views, has drawn mostly negative reactions online.

https://twitter.com//_BabyRyan/_/status/1911433027378389033

Bernie Sanders Hits Coachella Stage Revs Up Anti-Trump Crowd

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Bernie Sanders stunned a crowd of thousands at Coachella Saturday night with an unannounced appearance that interrupted a weekend dominated by Hip-Hop heavyweights and high-energy sets.

Just before indie artist Clairo took the stage, the 82-year-old senator from Vermont walked out to roaring applause.

His appearance caught festivalgoers off guard in the middle of a lineup that included Missy Elliott, GloRilla, Yeat, Three 6 Mafia, Machine Gun Kelly, Wiz Khalifa and Travis Scott.

Introduced by Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida, Sanders used his brief time on stage to deliver a pointed message about activism, inequality and the role of young people in shaping the country’s future.

“The future of what happens to America is dependent on your generation. Now you can turn away and you can ignore what goes on, but if you do that, you do it at your own peril. We need you to stand up and fight for justice. Fight for economic justice, social justice and racial justice,” Bernie Sanders said, drawing cheers.

The crowd erupted when Sanders mentioned former President Donald Trump, prompting loud boos.

Earlier that day, Sanders spoke with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a rally in downtown Los Angeles as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, which focuses on corporate greed, climate change and economic reform.

Travis Scott Headlines Coachella—And Fan Feedback Isn’t Great

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Travis Scott headlined the Coachella Valley Arts & Music Festival on Saturday night (April 12)—and apparently, people weren’t impressed.

Scores of people took to Twitter to express their opinions on the performance, which ranged from it was “so bad” and “this sucks” to calling it a “low key mess.” Scott was also 20 minutes late, upsetting those who’d gathered at the stage and were eager to see him take the mic.

Scott proceeded to deliver an hour-long performance alongside a 60-piece brass ensemble that opened the show. He also debuted two new songs alongside hits like “FE!N,” “SICKO MODE” and “Goosebumps.” Still, some people couldn’t get over the fact he was given the opportunity in the first place.

In 2021, several people lost their lives at Scott’s Astroworld Festival. The tragedy took place on November 5, 2021, during Scott’s performance at NRG Park in Houston, Texas. The crowd surged toward the stage, creating a deadly crush that resulted in 10 fatalities and hundreds of injuries.

Victims ranged in age from 14 to 27, with the cause of death for all 10 determined to be compression asphyxia. Despite visible signs of distress in the crowd and the event being declared a mass casualty incident at 9:38 p.m., Scott continued to perform until 10:15 p.m. The festival had been capped at 50,000 attendees due to safety concerns, but logistical issues such as inadequate crowd control measures and poor planning exacerbated the chaos.

Court documents later revealed that organizers had miscalculated the venue’s capacity and failed to account for un-ticketed individuals entering the premises.

The tragedy initially had profound consequences for Scott’s career and the music festival industry as a whole. Scott faced widespread criticism for his handling of the situation and his history of encouraging high-energy crowd behavior at concerts.

He became embroiled in numerous lawsuits, some of which were settled while others remain active. The incident also led to calls for stricter safety protocols at live events, with increased scrutiny on organizers like Live Nation and ScoreMore Holdings LLC, who were implicated in the failures that led to the disaster. While Scott expressed remorse and described his fans as “family,” the tragedy remains a defining moment in his career and opened Scott up to online scrutiny.

As one person wrote, “Travis Scott is responsible for the death of people at one of his own shows and he gets to headline Coachella? If he had been a woman he would never see a stage again.”

Check out some of the reactions to Scott’s Coachella appearance below.

 

Jeezy Hit With Countersuit From Ex-Manager Over Alleged Unpaid Debts

By: London JennnCategory: News

Jeezy is now facing a legal counterpunch in Atlanta after accusing his former manager of financial misconduct and being met with a scathing response that claims he was rescued from financial ruin.

Solomon Fornie, the rapper’s ex-manager, has fired back with a countersuit that paints a very different picture—one in which he says he saved Jeezy’s career and personal finances when the Hip-Hop star was “broke and facing lawsuits,” according to court documents obtained by The Jasmine Brand.

“I put my finances, my credit, and my reputation on the line to rebuild Jenkins’ career from the ground up,” Fornie stated in the filing. “He went from foreclosure to Forbes, and now he wants to pretend I was never there.”

Fornie alleges he paid off Jeezy’s homes, covered payroll for his businesses, and even borrowed $400,000 to keep operations running—money he says has never been repaid. 

He also claims he worked without commission for five years, surviving on a modest stipend tied to a deal with Avion Tequila.

Jeezy Accuses Managers Of Financial Deception

The countersuit comes after Jeezy filed a lawsuit in February, accusing Fornie and business associate Eddie Bridgeman of financial mismanagement and obstructing access to critical financial records. Jeezy claims the two made unauthorized deals and used his money for personal benefit.

Jeezy and Fornie co-founded Agency 99 in 2015 to manage the rapper’s earnings and expand his brand. Bridgeman’s SaiSai Group was later brought in to handle financial oversight. 

Jeezy now says he discovered Bridgeman was not a licensed CPA, raising concerns about the legitimacy of their economic practices.

The rapper also alleges that Fornie and Bridgeman blocked his access to Agency 99’s financial records, preventing him from fulfilling legal requirements under Georgia law to either reinstate or dissolve the company.

Fornie, however, says he was instrumental in negotiating major deals for Jeezy, including a New York Times bestselling book, partnerships with Avion Tequila and Naud Cognac, a FOX Soul talk show, and a $15 million publishing agreement with HarbourView.

The legal battle is ongoing, with Jeezy seeking damages and full access to the financial records tied to Agency 99.

Bounty Killer Blasts “Unscrupulous Persons” Trying To Scam Fans With Fake Performances

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Bounty Killer dismissed circulating rumors about an upcoming U.S. performance after misleading claims surfaced online.

Reps for the reggaeton legend clarified that he has not been booked for any stateside shows despite recently regaining his visa after a 15-year ban.

The Grammy-winning icon.is pushing back against unauthorized reports suggesting he’s scheduled to perform in the United States.

His team issued a statement slamming the claims as baseless.

“It however appears that unscrupulous persons are putting out misleading information on social media about his first performance stateside. These claims are false and unauthorized,” a representative said.

The artist, who recently regained his U.S. travel privileges in March 2025, emphasized that while discussions are ongoing, no official concert dates have been confirmed.

“Bounty is obviously eager to perform for his thousands of diehard fans, but again, no date has been confirmed as yet,” the rep added.

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A post shared by Rodney BOUNTY KILLER Price OD (@grunggaadzilla)

The clarification comes after years of visa complications that kept the dancehall heavyweight from performing in the U.S.

His travel ban began in 2010, reportedly tied to his alleged connection with Christopher “Dudus” Coke, a Jamaican figure who was wanted for drug and weapons trafficking.

Though the exact reasons for the revocation were never publicly detailed, Bounty Killer has previously suggested it may have stemmed from minor past offenses or his public image.

The visa loss dealt a significant blow to his career and personal life, with the artist describing the 15-year absence from the U.S. as a painful chapter.

With the visa reinstated, Bounty Killer is working closely with his manager, Paul “Bankey” Giscombe and a booking agent to plan his long-awaited return to the American stage.

He also expressed gratitude to those who stood by him during the ordeal.

Bounty Killer said he is “forever grateful” to his family, friends and global supporters “who have consistently supported him throughout this musical journey.”

As of March 2025, no U.S. concert dates have been confirmed.

Jonathan Majors Talks Building “New Universe” With Meagan Good

By: Houston WilliamsCategory: AHHplus

Jonathan Majors has shifted the focus from Hollywood chaos to control over his life.

In a candid conversation, the thespian offered a glimpse into what success means to him now as he movies into a new phase of his life, professionally and personally.

“Success looks like waking up in the morning rested kissing my wife, going to the gym,” Majors said. “Working my brain working my body coming home hanging out with my wife, out with my dogs and then make some art. Make some art that’s really going to touch people.”

Minus Hollywood validation, sought by so many, Majors has become something more grounded. His creative purpose and divine guidance have taken over he said.

“I feel like if God didn’t want me to do it he’d take the desire from me… just take the taste away. And all he’s done is enhance it.” Majors shared. “So I know something’s coming. I mean we got two things on deck so yeah I can’t wait to get back out there and give you guys something else.”

Majors told AHH about his two new projects. Merciless, a sci-fi thriller directed by Martin Villeneuve, delves into spiritual darkness, and True Threat, an action-packed revenge thriller helmed by Gerard McMurray. In AllHipHop‘s exclusive interview, Majors revealed he has started training for True Threat.

The man once known as Kang in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) might be stepping into a new franchise entirely, one built hand-in-hand with actress Meagan Good. The real-life couple are hinting at creative collaborations that extend far beyond date nights.

When asked about their professional chemistry, Majors didn’t hesitate.

“I’ve started the universe,” he said. “We do have a… yeah. Yeah. I’d do anything with her. I’m doing the best movie with her [in] life and we work well together. We work really well together. I’ve helped her with some stuff. She’s helped me with some stuff. I was like “Oh this is good. Oh yeah of course. It’s good.” You’re in love and each other and you believe in each other so yeah that’s definitely going to happen. I can call it. Yeah that’s going to happen.”

Jonathan Majors Talks Magazine Dreams, Kang The Conqueror, Marvel, His Comeback & Redemption

After a year defined by public scrutiny, Majors appears to be reclaiming his narrative one moment at a time.

Majors captivated audiences with his powerful performance in Magazine Dreams, the critically acclaimed film that earned him a Special Jury Award at Sundance 2023. The film explores the relentless pursuit of bodybuilding perfection and its dark psychological consequences. It has moved from theaters to streaming.

Magazine Dreams is now available for purchase on various outlets.