Drake and Rick Ross are currently embroiled in a feud sparked by the release of Future & Metro Boomin’s We Don’t Trust You single “Like That” featuring Kendrick Lamar. After the OVO Sound boss fired back with “Drop and Give Me 50” on Saturday (April 13), Ross wasted no time and returned with his own Drake diss, “Champagne Moments.” At one point in his verse, the Maybach Music Group founder accused Drake of getting a nose job to avoid looking like his Black father, Dennis Graham.
But on Sunday (April 14), Drake shared a text exchange between himself and his mother in which he denies going under the knife. The exchange begins with his mother writing, “Aubs-the internet is saying you got a nose job?? You looked the same to me in the kitchen today. I can’t believe you would get one without me cuz you know I always wanted one. Don’t tell me you got tattoos without me and now this, too?”
Drake replied, “I would have got us a 2 for 1 deal if I went ma. It’s coming from Rick Ross the guy I did songs with he’s gone loopy off the Mounjaro he hasn’t eaten in days and it’s turned him angry and racist he’s performing at proms for money it’s bad don’t worry we’ll handle it.”
In addition to Rick Ross, “Drop and Give Me 50” included digs at Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd and Future, among others. But many initially thought it was generated by A.I., sparking a debate online. The song attacks Lamar’s smaller stature, including his shoe size, mentions his fiancée by name and suggests his pop collaborations have made him soft.
“How the f### you big steppin’ with a size seven men’s on?” he raps in part. “This the bark with the bite, n####, what’s up? I know my picture on the wall when y’all cook up/Extortion baby, whole career you been shook up/’Cause Top told you drop and give me fifty like some push-ups, huh.”
He then turns his attention to Rick Ross with: I might take your latest girl and cuff her like I’m Ricky’/Can’t believe he jumpin’ in, this n#### turnin’ fifty/Every song that made it on the chart, he got from Drizzy/Spend that lil’ check you got and stay up out my business/Worry ’bout whatever goin’ on with you and (Uh).”
J. Cole, who was also caught up in Kendrick Lamar’s barbs, dropped a surprise project last week called Might Delete Later. The twelfth and final track, “7 Minute Drill,” found the Dreamville founder taking aim at Lamar’s catalog.
“I came up in the Ville, so I’m good when it’s tension,” he rapped. “He still doin’ shows, but fell off like The Simpsons/Your first s### was classic, your last s### was tragic/Your second s### put n##### to sleep, but they gassed it/Your third s### was massive and that was your prime/I was trailin’ right behind and I just now hit mine/Now I’m front of the line with a comfortable lead.”
Just days later, J. Cole ended up apologizing for the lyrics, telling the Dreamville Festival crowd it was “the lamest, goofiest s###.”
Chris Rock might be a comedic genius, but even he can’t escape the infamous friend zone.
Amber Rose firmly placed him in the category of “just friends” amid swirling dating rumors.
The model and actress cleared the air about her relationship with Chris Rock, emphasizing that their bond is strictly platonic and has been for over a decade.
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, Amber Rose addressed the speculation head-on.
“It was not (a date),” Amber stated with conviction, referring to the outing that set tongues wagging. “I’ve been friends with Chris Rock for, like, 13 years,” she elaborated, offering a timeline that predates much of the gossip.
The meet-up between the pair, which occurred in New York City and was widely publicized, was nothing more than two old friends catching up over coffee.
“We met for coffee. We talked some crap to each other. He made me laugh because he’s hilarious, and that’s our friendship. Just friendship,” she explained.
Despite the innocence of their encounter, the paparazzi and public speculation quickly wove a narrative of romance—a perspective that Rose was quick to refute.
“We were not holding hands, and we were obviously very separate. It just becomes unfair sometimes,” she lamented, pointing out the unfair assumptions made by onlookers and the media.
Responding to why she chose not to broadcast their meeting on social media, Amber shared, “Well that’s the whole interesting part about it, probably why I never posted like ‘Hey, me and Chris Rock are getting coffee,’ ’cause I just didn’t want that narrative. I just was like I’m going to value my friendship and just leave it at that.”
Amber Rose also reflected on her personal life, confirming that she is “definitely very happy raising my children and having my own schedule.”
With two children, Sebastian with Wiz Khalifa, and Slash with ex Alexander AE Edwards, Rose’s priorities are firmly set on her family and friendships rather than navigating the dating scene.
Killer Mike has revealed he kept his marriage to wife Shana secret from everyone for nine years.
During Wednesday’s episode on the “Off Menu” podcast with hosts Ed Gamble and James Acaster, the Grammy-winning rapper recalled marrying his wife Shana in Las Vegas in 2006.
“Within the first two weeks (of dating) I asked her to marry me and she was like, ‘Get the f### out of here. You’re a rapper.’ So, after about four or five years, we got really high in Vegas, and really drunk, and I pled my love to her, and we got married in a f###### drive-through marriage thing with our cab driver as our witness, and then we didn’t tell anybody we were married for nine years,” Mike told Ed and James.
“We’ve been married seventeen years now. So, for nine years no one knew, and then we finally had to tell her family – because her family is from Hilton Head Island (in South Carolina) and they’re very traditional… a tight-knit Black family, similar to mine,” Killer Mike said.
Mike explained that during those nine years, Shana’s family members would often ask him when they were going to get married.
The couple finally decided to tell their family about their marriage after asking for help to build a property.
“We were talking about building on some land here, we’d like to put a house here, and they were like, ‘Nah, you’re just f###### on our niece. What are you gonna do to take it seriously?'” the Run the Jewels star remembered. “I was like, ‘Well, we’re already married.'”
In the end, the family was “fine” with Shana’s secret marriage to the rapper. “No one really likes going to weddings,” Mike joked on the podcast. “The food is usually s#####.” Mike and Shana have four children.
Psychatron, the visionary behind the multimedia organization 29 Skyy Entertainment, is revolutionizing the music industry by creating unprecedented opportunities for content creators and emerging artists. Utilizing his sharp business acumen, Psychatron leads 29 Skyy Entertainment, a forward-thinking company that prioritizes organic growth and fosters meaningful engagement with consumers.
Psychatron and ’29 Skyy Entertainment’ are collaborating to bring about a transformative change in the music industry, providing artists with a platform to flourish and capitalize on their talents in a highly effective manner. This innovative approach not only empowers individual artists but also fuels the overall progress and advancement of the music industry as a collective entity. Through their steadfast devotion and unwavering pursuit of excellence, Psychatron and ’29 Skyy Entertainment’ are spearheading the evolution of the music landscape.
In a groundbreaking collaboration with RADIOPUSHERS, ’29 Skyy Entertainment’ has recently introduced an innovative music monetization platform. This platform aims to elevate artists’ visibility by offering them authentic marketing channels and boosting their conversion rates among subscribers. By harnessing the power of this cutting-edge platform, artists can propel their careers to new heights and attain financial prosperity.
The groundbreaking music monetization platform offers artists a comprehensive range of interactive services that span over a period of 60 days. These services encompass:
The chance to have a specially curated press release, comprising 200 words, published in a prominent media outlet. The selected outlets include esteemed publications such as STUPIDDOPE Magazine, ALLHIPHOP, or LA WEEKLY.
An exclusive livestream visual podcast interview lasting 30 minutes with the highly respected Kareesh Forreal on the KULTURE BUZZIN Podcast. This interview provides artists with an invaluable platform to share their stories and connect with a wider audience.
The privilege of having their music reviewed by the renowned and accomplished 2X Grammy Award Winning producer, Drummaboy Fresh. This expert evaluation not only provides artists with valuable feedback but also opens doors to potential collaborations and industry recognition.
An exceptional opportunity for 60 days of radio airplay on iHeartRadio, one of the most influential radio platforms globally. This exposure ensures that artists’ music reaches a vast and diverse audience, affording them the chance to cultivate a dedicated fanbase.
The advantage of having their music featured on YouTube playlists powered by Google Ads for an extensive period of 60 days. This strategic promotion maximizes visibility and engagement with potential fans, ultimately boosting the artist’s presence in the digital landscape.
Comprehensive visual branding building and coaching over 60 days by the expert A&R team at RADIOPUSHERS. This invaluable guidance assists artists in refining their image and creating a strong brand identity that resonates with their target audience.
The ’29 Skyy Entertainment’ campaign is an innovative endeavor that aims to empower artists by granting them unparalleled access to these transformative services. Its objective is to equalize the opportunities and foster an environment for artists to prosper in the constantly evolving music industry.
The latest episode in an ongoing saga involving rap heavyweights is now between Rick Ross and Drake. Ross is firing back at Drake’s recent diss track, “Drop and Give Me 50,” with “Champagne Moments,” ending a longstanding history of collaborations that has produced several hit tracks over the years.
The genesis of their conflict can be traced back to the release of Future and Metro Boomin’s We Don’t Trust You album, which featured “Like That” with Kendrick Lamar.
Just before the album dropped, Metro Boomin tweeted, “once you pick a side stay there. #WEDONTTRUSTYOU.”
Rick Ross sided with Future, Metro and Kendrick Lamar by unfollowing Drake on Instagram, which signified his position in the escalating lyrical war. Drake’s response to Rick Ross’s unfollow was nothing short of audacious. He invited Ross’s ex-girlfriend Cristina Mackey to one of his concerts.
Drake also sent several shots at Rick Ross on “Drop and Give Me 50,” which prompted an immediate response from the Maybach Music Group boss.
With “Champagne Moments,” Rick Ross delivers a stinging rebuttal to Drake’s and draws a line in the sand, marking a new chapter in their relationship.
“Gettin’ bullied, don’t walk up on me ’cause the clip is fully/N##### p####, don’t want to push me, I’m like, “Really, would he?/Like his moves, but he never had to fight in school/Always ran, another n#### had to write your grooves/Flow is copy-and-paste/Weezy gave you the juice/Another white boy at the park wanna hang with the crew
“Champagne Moments” is a clear play on words, referencing Drake’s “Champagne Papi” nickname.
It symbolizes the end of their collaborative era, which once produced chart-toppers such as “Aston Martin Music,” “Lord Knows,” “Stay Schemin,” “Lemon Pepper Freestyle” and others.
The track solidifies Ross’s allegiance to Kendrick Lamar, Future, Metro Boomin and their camp following the subtle and not-so-subtle jabs thrown between the parties involved.
At the end, Rick Ross drops in a clip of Drake claiming Rick Ross is his favorite rapper. Ross also explained why he stopped following Drake.
“I unfollowed you because you sent a cease and desist to French Montana,” Rick Ross claimed while also saying Drake got a nose job.
50 Cent believes Drake “smoked” Kendrick Lamar and an assortment of famous rappers with his latest diss track, “Drop & Give Me Fifty.”
In addition to Kendrick Lamar, Drake goes after other notable figures such as Future, Metro Boomin, The Weeknd and 50 Cent’s mortal enemy, Rick Ross.
The release from the Canadian rapper is a fierce addition to the ongoing rivalry between some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop.
Their beef was reignited by Kendrick Lamar’s song “Like That” from Future and Metro Boomin’s album We Don’t Trust You.
“Drop & Give Me Fifty” is officially out via OVO Sound, confirming that the fierce lyrics and pointed jabs weren’t the product of AI, as some fans initially thought.
In this track, Drake calls out Kendrick Lamar over his TDE contract while insinuating that Drake has bolstered Lamar’s success. He also doesn’t hold back on mocking Rick Ross’s age, calling him out with, “Can’t believe he’s jumping in, this n*gga turning 50.”
Speaking of 50, the G-Unit boss excitedly chimed in, approving Drake’s new diss record.
“All you [ninja emoji] got smoked by a light skinned Ni66a. 😳🤭LOL YALL BETTER GET HIGH AS A MOTHER FVCKER AND COME UP WITH SOMETHING!” 50 Cent said.
Fans praised Drake, while some clowned J. Cole over his recently released “7 Minute Drill” diss track from his project Might Delete Later, which included diss verses aimed at Lamar.
J. Cole infamously apologized for his lyrics, characterizing the diss track as disruptive to his spiritual peace.
However, Drake has chosen to confront the issue head-on with “Drop & Give Me Fifty.”
Fans’ and critics’ reactions to Drake’s diss track vary. Some praised Drake for his bars, while others argue that the effort falls short of making a significant impact.
Additionally, conversations around J. Cole’s apology to Kendrick Lamar persist, with some fans dragging Cole for what they see as a backtrack on his part.
Xzibit’s new luxury cannabis store is now the premium destination for cannabis consumers in Bel Air.
Xzibit has expanded his entrepreneurial endeavors in the cannabis industry by opening the first cannabis store and delivery service in Bel Air, Los Angeles, known as Xzibit West Coast Cannabis (XWCC).
The venture finally brings high-quality cannabis to the upscale neighborhood.
Securing the sole dispensary license in Bel Air marks a significant milestone for Xzibit as he bridges his illustrious career in the music industry with the burgeoning cannabis market.
XWCC aims to offer more than just premium cannabis; it seeks to provide an experience that resonates with the values and lifestyle of the West Coast.
From fast and reliable delivery service to a customer-centric approach, XWCC is set to redefine the cannabis retail landscape.
“The West Coast is more than just a term that describes where we live, it stands for the culture of everything that represents us,” Xzibit said.
XWCC is his latest effort to give back to the community, which has played a significant role in his career.
Other West Coast legends, including Snoop Dogg and DJ Quik, have shown their support for Xzibit’s new venture, highlighting the sense of community and camaraderie among artists in the region.
The grand opening of XWCC on Sunday, April 28, promises to be a celebration of this community spirit, with a block party featuring live music, local food vendors, and more.
As he continues his tour with Ice Cube and prepares to release his new album KINGMAKER, XWCC Will open a new chapter for the rapper as the next big cannabis entrepreneur.
Ludacris is finally back in the studio working on the follow-up to Ludaversal. The 46-year-old, whose last album was released nine years ago, explained to Billboard that he needed to take a “step back” and live life before he was able to make music again.
“When you put out so many projects as an artist, you gotta step back a little and live a little bit of life to give the right injection again because artistry pulls from real life,” he said. “But in order to properly give the fans what they need, I gotta take a step back for a second. Now that time has passed, it’s time for more music.”
Ludacris also explained that the delay in releasing a new album was due to the freedom he had to pursue different creative avenues depending on his mood, thanks to his diverse career.
In addition to his rap career, the “Stand Up” hitmaker is also an actor, best known for the “Fast and Furious” franchise, and an awards host, having recently emceed the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
During the interview, Ludacris explained that he likes being able to switch between his different roles whenever he wants to.
“I think I just want to have numerous options and choices depending on how I feel,” he shared. “If I wake up and say, ‘I wanna put out some music today,’ I’ll put it out. If I wake up and say, ‘I wanna do a movie’ – it’s all art. It’s all entertainment.”
Organized Noize has issued a statement regarding the shocking death of founding member Rico Wade. On Saturday (April 13) as the tragic news continued making the rounds online, Sleepy Brown and Ray Murray shared a photo of the trio alongside Goodie Mob, Outkast and other members of the Dungeon Family to their Instagram account.
The caption read: “We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade. The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend. Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team.
“Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period. Rico’s presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world.”
AllHipHop learned of Wade’s death through an email from one of his reps early Saturday morning. Killer Mike confirmed the news on Instagram, writing, “Killer Mike, part of the Dungeon Family, took his grief to Instagram, where he wrote, “I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all. I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood.
“Idk where I would be without ya’ll. This is a part of the journey. You told me ‘It ain’t been hard throughout the journey, it’s been a Journey.’ The journey ain’t gonna be the Same Journey without U. Like U say tho Umma ‘Stay Down on it’….we all are.”
Wade had experienced some health issues in recent years but was seemingly on the mend. He spoke with AllHipHop last month about seeing Andrê 3000 perform his latest album, New Blue Sun, and what he’d been going through.
“My heart had ruptured a valve and it was dripping, and they just rerouted it,” told AllHipHop in March. “I have heart conditions on my father’s side. I didn’t really know it. On my mom’s side, she’s got alcoholism. A lot of the Outkast success was great, but after that, I got into a little bit of a depression or whatever, so I was drinking a little bit more than I was supposed to. And I was doing it over 10, 15 years. And eventually, I couldn’t blame anything else for the negative in my life so I cut it out. I feel like I’m so much more clear and confident, and that’s the person that I want to be for the past 20 years.”
No cause of death has been disclosed. Rico Wade was 52.
The ongoing war of words between Drake and Kendrick Lamar allegedly continued on Saturday (April 13), when the OVO Sound boss appeared to drop a K. Dot diss titled “Drop and Give Me 50.” It also included digs at The Weeknd, Rick Ross and Future, among others. But the scathing track has raised several red flags, with many arguing it was generated by A.I.—not Drake.
“Pipsqueak, pipe down,” Drake (or AI Drake) raps, “You ain’t in no big three/Travis [Scott] got you wiped down, [21] Savage got you wiped down.” The lyric is a direct response to Kendrick Lamar’s barbs on the Future x Metro Boomin track “Like That,” which arrived on their joint album We Don’t Trust You earlier this month.
Lamar raps: “F### sneak dissin’, first-person shooter, I hope they came with three switches/I crash out like, “F### rap,” diss Melle Mel if I had to/Got 2TEEZ with me, I’m snatchin’ chains and burnin’ tattoos, it’s up/Lost too many soldiers not to play it safe/If he walk around with that stick, it ain’t André 3K/Think I won’t drop the location? I still got PTSD/M######### the big three, n####, it’s just big me.”
As for the Drake track, the rest of the song attacks Lamar’s smaller stature, including his shoe size; mentions his fiancée by name and suggests his pop collaborations have made him wack: “Maroon 5 need a version, better make it witty/Then we need a verse for the Swifties.”
So far, J. Cole is the only “Big Three” to legitimately respond to Kendrick Lamar’s verbal assault. Last Friday (April 6), he dropped a surprise project called Might Delete Later. The twelfth and final track, “7 Minute Drill,” found the Dreamville founder taking a swipe at Lamar’s catalog.
“I came up in the Ville, so I’m good when it’s tension,” he rapped. “He still doin’ shows, but fell off like The Simpsons/Your first s### was classic, your last s### was tragic/Your second s### put n##### to sleep, but they gassed it/Your third s### was massive and that was your prime/I was trailin’ right behind and I just now hit mine/Now I’m front of the line with a comfortable lead.”
Just days later, Cole ended up apologizing for the lyrics, telling the Dreamville Festival crowd it was “the lamest, goofiest s###,” sparking yet another debate online. As of publishing time, Drake has yet to claim “Drop and Give Me 50” or do any promoting. Still, the debate is in full swing on Twitter (X).
After all, this isn’t the first time A.I. has been responsible for a Drake track. In April 2023, an A.I.-generated track called “Heart on My Sleeve” stirred up controversy after The Recording Academy CEO appeared to suggest it could be in the running for a Grammy in an interview with the New York Times. He later clarified his statement, saying it was, in fact, not eligible.
A notorious gang leader in Haiti is being called out for leveraging the popularity of TikTok to bolster his influence and recruit members.
Johnson Andre, commonly known by his alias “Izo,” is amplifying his grip on Haiti’s turbulent underbelly through the virality of TikTok.
Izo, the notorious leader of the “Five Seconds Gang,” has morphed his platform from mere digital exhibition to a recruitment and intimidation tool, boasting over 227,000 followers before facing bans.
His content, rich in bravado and menace, includes raps extolling violence against law enforcement, flaunting high-caliber armaments, and mocking the political figures of Haiti.
Such activities have not gone unnoticed – Izo and his gang are under global scrutiny with allegations spanning murder, rape, and narcotics trafficking tied to their name.
The United Nations, US government, and Haitian police point fingers at Izo for orchestrating heinous crimes across Haiti, a country already grappling with severe political and humanitarian crises.
Recently, Izo’s gang was implicated in the sensational hijacking of a rice cargo ship earlier this week, an operation leading to a fierce shootout with the Haitian National Police.
This confrontation marked a rare win for the law enforcement agency amidst their uphill battle against gang dominion in Port-au-Prince.
The cargo heist symbolizes the advanced operational capabilities and audacity of gangs like the Five Seconds and their rivals, the Taliban gang, challenging national stability.
Despite a concerted crackdown on his digital footprint, including the shutdown of his YouTube account which once celebrated his reach with a silver plaque for his raps, Izo’s influence persists.
Alternate accounts continue to propagate his content, signaling the complex web of enforcing digital sanctions against individuals entrenched in both the virtual and criminal worlds.
The resilience of Izo’s online presence amidst widespread criticism and legal actions reflects a stark reality – the glamorization of gang culture persists, finding new life in the age of social media, complicating the fight against organized crime in Haiti.
The phenomenon of criminals utilizing social media isn’t unique to Izo or Haiti.
Authorities worldwide are contending with the digital dimension of crime, where platforms can as easily serve as bastions for illegal activity as they do for entertainment or socializing.
For Haiti, the implications are particularly dire, as the merger of gang violence and online influence campaigns fuels a cycle of intimidation, recruitment, and unrest that further destabilizes the nation.
A new legislative effort aims to significantly support creatives in their pursuit of a sustainable career in the arts.
The initiative was announced during the unveiling of Congressman Maxwell Frost’s CREATE Art Act in Washington D.C..
The CREATE Art Act proposes establishing new grant programs to aid artists in covering costs related to their craft, a move that has garnered backing from BMAC and various other esteemed organizations.
The Act, brought forth by Congressman Frost alongside Congress members Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Greg Casar, and Dan Kildee, aims to foster equity, diversity, and opportunity within the arts community.
It has attracted a strong support network, including endorsements from the Recording Academy, the American Association of Independent Music, the National Independent Venues Association, and many others.
Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Co-Founder/CEO/President of the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC), delivered compelling remarks about the importance of supporting and investing in the creative community.
Highlighting the pivotal role of artists in society, Stiggers emphasized the need for greater support.
“Artists write the soundtracks to our lives. They score the moments that define who we are,” Stiggers said.
He further addressed the dilemma faced by many creatives, stressing that the phrases “starving” and “artist” should never be synonymous.
Echoing Stiggers’ sentiments, SONA’s Executive Director, Erin McAnally praised the CREATE Art Act for recognizing the invaluable contribution of songwriters and creators to daily life and the economy.
“This Act has the power to create opportunities for burgeoning songwriters and ensure that working songwriters can continue to create.”
In addition to endorsing the CREATE Art Act, BMAC continues to champion economic empowerment for artists through initiatives such as the BMAC x ACM OnRamp Guaranteed Income Program, aimed at supporting Black emerging artists and music industry professionals.
The CREATE Art Act represents a significant step toward creating a level playing field for creators in the U.S., aligning with BMAC’s mission to foster access, equity, and opportunity within the music industry.
For additional details on the proposed legislation, visit Congressman Frost’s official website.
Nicki Minaj has announced the launch of her first sneaker collection and the barbs are going wild over her latest business venture.
The rapper/mogul took to Instagram on April 12 to announce the launch, sharing pics of the collection captioned simply: “LØCI sneaker collection available now.”
Nicki Minaj has teamed up with Loci, a sustainable sneaker and clothing brand, to release a collection consisting of 11 designs.
Her signature pink features heavily, but there are also other colorways, including blue, red and white.
The Nicki Minaj x Loci collection “epitomizes Nicki’s bold and vibrant style,” according to a statement on the brand’s website.
Period! The fact you make your stuffs affordable is everything. Unlike some other artists who will milk out their fans😭🤣
Available in men’s and women’s sizes, it blends “high-fashion chic” with a street-style aesthetic.
The sneakers are made from non-food grade corn and other recycled materials. Prices range from $185 to $200 and each shoe features a Nicki Minaj stamp on the tongue.
The various designs are inspired by Minaj’s debut studio album Pink Friday, and her latest release, Pink Friday 2.
The 12-time Grammy-nominated musician first teased her sneaker collaboration in late March.
Alongside a clip shared to her Instagram page, she wrote that designing her own line was “an absolute dream come true.”
Nicki Minaj recently made history by hitting the milestone of the highest-grossing tour by a female rapper of all time with her “Pink Friday 2” tour.
The tour has officially grossed a record-setting $34.9 million from fewer than 20 shows.
Egyptian Lover performed a sold-out show at the Hi-Dive in Denver, Colorado on March 29, bringing his electro-Hip-Hop brilliance to the stage.
Opening with Kraftwerk and peppering artists like Melle Mel and Duke Bootee, Twilight 22, Sugarhill Gang and, of course, songs from his own catalog into his set, the Los Angeles electronic music pioneer delivered.
Backstage, Egyptian Lover had a few moments to chat with AllHipHop about the fascinating connection between himself, Prince, Dr. Dre and Ice-T.
For the uninitiated, Egyptian Lover has been making records since the early 1980s. His first single, “Dial-A-Freak” with Uncle Jamm’s Army, was a local club hit and “Egypt Egypt” soon became a cult favorite, particularly among breakers—but it all started with Prince.
“Prince did a song called ‘Controversy’ and at the end of the song, he did this chant rap: ‘People call me rude, I wish we all were nude/I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules,'” he explains. “I was like, ‘Damn! That’s brilliant.’ He’s not rapping, he’s chanting like a monk or this freakish kind of thing, right.
“So I said, ‘OK, I gotta write something like, ‘Give me a freaky kinky nation…’ so it’s more of a chant rap than a rap, rap. So, I kinda got that style from his vocals and the beats from ‘Planet Rock’ and [Kraftwerk’s] ‘Numbers,’ married those together and came up with the Egyptian Lover sound. [Afrika Bambaataa’s] ‘Planet Rock’ and [Twilight 22’s] ‘Electric Kingdom’ were the number one songs at the clubs in L.A.”
Egyptian Lover’s debut album, On The Nile, was released in 1984. True to his newly established sound, it came with a lot of “uh uh, uh uh’s,” as evidenced on songs such as “And My Beat Goes Boom” and “Girls”—yet another element inspired by Prince.
“I got the ‘uh uh, uh uh’ from Prince’s ‘Sexy Dancer’ and I made it my own,” he says. “All the vocal stuff, all the style came from Prince. The song ‘The Alezby Inn’ came from a song Prince made called ‘Bambi,’ which was about a girl liking girls. A lot of the vocals were inspired by Prince and the feel of the music. He changed my life. I was graduating when he was coming out with all those records. That was entire world. I was born and raised with it then.”
Egyptian Lover was also making his own mark on Dr. Dre, who was frequenting the same L.A. clubs. Before Dr. Dre became a trailblazing member of N.W.A, he and DJ Yella were part of World Class Wreckin’ Cru. The group’s biggest single, 1985’s “Surgery,” was unmistakably influenced by Egyptian Lover.
“When I first heard ‘Surgery’ and heard him breathing, I was so mad,” Egyptian Lover says with a chuckle. “Like, ‘That’s my s### right there. Oh nooooo! That’s the Egyptian Lover style! Not West Coast!’ But then somebody said, ‘You copied Prince. It’s a form of flattery.'”
Meanwhile, Ice-T—who was in the Army at the time—was anxious to get back to L.A. and start throwing dance parties like Uncle Jamm’s Army. In 1983, the same year Egyptian Lover and Uncle Jamm’s Army released “Dial-A-Freak,” Ice-T dropped the electro-flavored “The Coldest Rap (Part 1)” and “The Coldest Rap (Part 2)” via Saturn Records, a drastically different sound than the gangsta rap that made him famous.
“When Ice-T came on the scene, man, there was only a handful of people doing street rap, which they now call gangsta rap,” he says. “So the first one I heard was Mix Master S####. And then I had a record in high school, and me and Mix Master S#### switched tapes. I heard his rap and he heard mine. But then I didn’t want to keep doing street rap, I wanted to do more of a party rap. I got out of it and just did all party rap, no more street rap.
“Then I heard Ice-T do it. And then there was a few others around the neighborhood that was doing it. So they were taking the style of like ‘Rappers Delight’ but only doing it in a gangster style, street style, and I thought that was brilliant for what it was, but I couldn’t see myself playing that at a party. When I saw Ice-T got signed, it was incredible. I hustled my a## off for a record deal. He talked his way into that record deal and it worked out.”
Uncle Jamm’s Army and the World Class Wreckin’ Cru, including Dr. Dre, The Unknown DJ, Egyptian Lover, Ice-T and Kid Frost went on to define the early West Coast Hip-Hop sound throughout the 1980s. After several albums like 1989’s King of Ecstasy and (more recently) 2021’s 1986 and multiple world tours, he has the kind of career longevity that’s growing increasingly rare these days.
“Forty years later,” he says with a sense of bewilderment. “Hell no I didn’t think I’d still be doing this. The first record I did, I did it just ’cause it was fun. Then I did my solo project, ‘Egypt, Egypt.’ I put my name on the record so they’d know what my name was when I DJ’ed at the party. That was the Egyptian Lover sound, so I just stayed true to that sound.”
Egyptian Lover also credits his father, whose expansive record collection broadened the young Egyptian Lover’s musical horizons.
“My father had a record collection and one day, I grabbed a Dean Martin record,” he recalls. “I saw this movie called Dean Martin: Matt Helm and he was like a James Bond kind of guy, right? And I’m like, ‘Who’s Dean Martin?’ He’s kind of sexy singing, right? He wasn’t singing singing, but he was singing like with a sexiness. So my dad said, ‘I got his records over there.’ So I put one of them on, then I took another album, I put that on.
“I took a third album and said, ‘They all sound the same.’ That’s Dean Martin’s style. I knew if I ever was a singer, I would do the same thing. I would create my style and then continue to make records in that style. So I created the Egyptian Lover style and to this day, I’m still doing music that way.”
Rico Wade, one-third of the legendary production team Organized Noize and founding member of the Dungeon Family, has died. AllHipHop confirmed the tragic news with his representative. He was 52 years old. Condolences from the Hip-Hop community started flying in on Saturday morning (April 13), with Little Brother MC Phonte among them. He wrote simply, “Rest in Peace Rico Wade.” Juicy J, Speech of Arrested Development (another Atlanta Hip-Hop trailblazer), Alchemist and many more shared similar sentiments.
Killer Mike, part of the Dungeon Family, took his grief to Instagram, where he wrote, “I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all. I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll. This is a part of the journey. You told me ‘It ain’t been hard throughout the journey, it’s been a Journey.’ The journey ain’t gonna be the Same Journey without U. Like U say tho Umma ‘Stay Down on it’….we all are.”
Rico Wade co-founded the Dungeon Family collective alongside Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown in the early ’90s. Members included Big Boi, André 3000, CeeLo Green, Khujo, Big Gipp, Big Rube and later, a young Future (Wade’s cousin). Wade, who set up a makeshift studio in his mother’s basement called The Dungeon, helped craft the Atlanta Hip-Hop sound with albums such as Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik by Outkast (1994) and Soul Food by Goodie Mob (1995).
Organized Noize found insurmountable success outside of the Dungeon Family as well. In 1995, they produced “Waterfalls” by TLC, which went on to spend seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also was nominated for two Grammy at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards in 1996 for Record of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Wade had experienced some health issues in recent years but was seemingly on the mend. Just months ago, he spoke with AllHipHop about seeing Andrê 3000 perform his latest album, New Blue Sun, and was in great spirits. He also touched on what he’d been going through.
“My heart had ruptured a valve and it was dripping, and they just rerouted it,” he told AllHipHop in March. “I have heart conditions on my father’s side. I didn’t really know it. On my mom’s side, she’s got alcoholism. A lot of the Outkast success was great, but after that, I got into a little bit of a depression or whatever, so I was drinking a little bit more than I was supposed to. And I was doing it over 10, 15 years. And eventually, I couldn’t blame anything else for the negative in my life so I cut it out. I feel like I’m so much more clear and confident, and that’s the person that I want to be for the past 20 years.”
AllHipHop sends our condolences to Wade’s loved ones.
He and Organized Noize played SUCH a prominent role in shaping the sound of Southern hip-hop, notably with OutKast and the Dungeon Family collective. Can’t deny the TLC factor also. 🫶🏼 pic.twitter.com/2b5XYom8n4
Billy Dee Williams believes actors should still be allowed to wear Blackface.
The “Star Wars” legend made the candid remark on Bill Maher’s “Club Random” podcast during a discussion about Laurence Olivier wearing Blackface to play Othello in the 1965 film of the same name.
“When he did Othello, I fell out laughing,” the 87-year-old said of Olivier. “He stuck his ass out and walked around with his ass, you know, because Black people are supposed to have big a####… I love that kind of stuff.”
When podcast host Maher noted that white actors would never be allowed to “do that” nowadays, Williams replied, “Why?”
A shocked Maher responded, “Blackface?” and Williams stated, “Why not? You should do it. If you’re an actor, you should do anything you want to do.”
The comedian then noted that the “Batman” star once “lived in a period” where he “couldn’t play the parts (he) should’ve played” because white actors in Blackface portrayed them.
“The point is that you don’t go through life feeling like, ‘I’m a victim,'” Williams explained. “I refuse to go through life saying to the world, ‘I’m p##### off.’ I’m not gonna be p##### off 24 hours a day.”
Earlier in the conversation, the veteran actor discussed feeling confined as “a Black person” in Hollywood.
“If I’m going to be creative, let me be creative as an individualist,” he shared. “I don’t want to do anything based on this whole idea that you’re a Black person, you’re a white person and things of that nature. I’m an artist. I’m a creative entity in this life.”
NLE Choppa has responded to rumors circulating about his sexuality. Simultaneously, he’s enlisted Drake, DDG and more for a new social media challenge amid the rollout of his upcoming single, “S### Me Out 2.”
On Friday (April 12), Choppa shared a post on Instagram in promotion of the impending track while announcing the “Thrust Challenge” for social media users. In addition to nominating his rap peers DDG and Drake, along with streamer Kai Cenat and Warner Records labelmate 2Rare, Choppa introduced his new moniker “Sir F##k A Lot” and explained why the challenge wasn’t meant for the fainthearted.
“Hey man, say man this is a PSA from Sir F##k A Lot himself,” he said in part in the video. “Hey man I got an inspiring challenge for all the real n###as, the confident n###as, not the insecure n###as that want to uphold a thug image all day and be dry and don’t want to have fun like Black men used to have fun back in the 70s and the 80s. This not for you.”
As he continued, Choppa revealed the challenge was inspired by GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion’s “Wanna Be” challenge, which is currently taking social media by storm.
“This for the real men,” he said. “I got a challenge for y’all inspired by Megan and GloRilla because women know how to have fun. Sexyy Red, all y’all having fun. So to all my real n###as that’s ready to have fun, I got a new challenge for y’all. I call it the ‘Thrust Challenge.'”
NLE Choppa then demonstrated the proper technique for the challenge, which he says is as simple as “winding them hips” in the same sort of fashion one does when they’re “hitting that little b###h booty hole from the back.”
Prior to announching the Thrust Challenge, NLE Choppa addressed his two million followers on Twitter (X) on April 11 in a tweet in which he cleared up speculation about his sexual preference. In his brief message, Choppa attempted to break down how the self-love he projects to the world could be misconstrued as sexual fluidity, when in fact, it’s the exact opposite.
“I understand me being in love with myself as a BLACKMAN is so RARE to the point some people try putting the homosexual jacket on my name but with all due respect I love ALL, but my intimacy lies with women only,” NLE Choppa wrote in the tweet stamped with a prayer hands emoji.
I understand me being in love with myself as a BLACKMAN is so RARE to the point some people try putting the homosexual jacket on my name but with all due respect I love ALL, but my intimacy lies with women only. 🙏
Prior to issuing the challenge, Choppa released a snippet of “S### Me Out 2,” which he previewed during the Rolling Loud California last March on his Instagram page in a reel. The clip racked up more than three million views.
Outside of his suggestive mirror dance moves, it appears the lyrics from the snippet helped the reel gain traction. Similar to the viral live performance Canadian rapper Eric Reprid delivered in February for his single “Suki” in which he raps about “Bussy” (apparently known as “boy p###y), NLE Choppa’s latest snippet is home to a questionable one-liner.
“Ummmmmm, smell like badussy/I’m tryna eat that a### and p###y,” NLE Choppa raps at the top of the clip.
Check out the post above and watch full music video for “S### Me Out 2” below.
J. Cole’s controversial Might Delete Later seemed to be on pace to open at No. 1 on next week’s Billboard 200 chart. However, the latest projections have the Fayetteville native losing the top spot to Beyoncé.
According to HitsDailyDouble, Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album will remain at No. 1 with 131,000 units in its second week of release. Might Delete Later is set to debut in second place. J. Cole’s mixtape looks to rack up around 118,000 units.
HDD previously reportedMight Delete Later‘s first-week projections at 140,000 to 160,000 equivalent album units. Cole currently has six Billboard 200 chart-toppers. The final official sales numbers for those weekly rankings come out on Sunday.
Might Delete Later generated a lot of buzz in the Hip-Hop world because of the closing track. J. Cole used “7 Minute Drill” as a response record to Kendrick Lamar’s viral diss verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That” single.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter became the music icon’s eighth Number One when the studio LP launched at the pinnacle of the Billboard 200 chart. Cowboy Carter set the 2024 record for best first-week opening with 407,000 album-equivalent units.
Music education, commonly viewed as an addition to traditional academic fields, possesses inherent worth that goes beyond simply enjoying melodies and rhythms. It provides a wide array of advantages that play a crucial role in the comprehensive development of individuals. The article examines the value of music education, examining its impact on cognitive, social, emotional, and academic advancement, and how it equips students to navigate various life situations.
Enhancing Cognitive Abilities
Boosts Brain Development
One of the primary merits of music education especially in the USA is its capability to boost brain development. Interacting with music, whether through listening, singing, or playing instruments, engages parts of the brain linked to language, memory, and spatial-temporal aptitude. This stimulation contributes to the holistic development of cognitive functions and strengthens learners’ proficiencies in non-musical academic fields.
In environments where academic and musical education intersect, American services like AssignmentPay writing service can be particularly beneficial. For students juggling their music practice with academic obligations, such services offer support that allows them to excel in both areas without compromising on quality.
Improves Memory and Attention
Music education benefits cognitive functions such as memory and attention. The act of learning to play an instrument or sing demands the recollection of melodies, lyrics, and complex note sequences, bolstering short-term and long-term memory. Moreover, the focused nature of music training amplifies students’ attention span and concentration, addressing the query “how does music benefit students?” by demonstrating its broad cognitive advantages.
Supporting Academic Achievement
Academic Benefits of Music
Research has consistently shown that students who participate in music education perform better academically. The discipline and focus required in music study translate into improved performance in subjects such as mathematics, science, and languages. This correlation underlines the academic benefits of music, suggesting that music education may contribute to higher SAT scores and GPAs.
The academic rigor associated with mastering musical concepts and instruments often leads students to seek additional support for their schoolwork. Utilizing a cheap writing essay service can provide the necessary assistance, allowing students to maintain their academic performance while dedicating adequate time to their music education.
Enhances Language Skills
Music education holds a pivotal position in improving language proficiency and reading abilities. The auditory sensitivity and discrimination skills sharpened through music are applicable to language learning, aiding in pronunciation accuracy, vocabulary acquisition, and comprehension development. For students who are primarily dedicated to music, employing tools and services alongside a request for do my homework for me message can be important in reconciling their academic workload with their dedication to music. In this context, EssayPay offers an economical solution for students seeking rapid, college papers, guaranteeing that their academic achievements stay high while they persist in their pursuit of musical education. This assistance enables students to thrive academically while pursuing their musical passions, emphasizing the correlation between music involvement and academic success.
Fostering Social and Emotional Growth
Builds Social Skills
Group music activities, such as choir, band, or ensemble work, require cooperation, communication, and teamwork. Participating in such groups helps students develop vital social skills, including empathy, leadership, and the ability to work collaboratively towards a common goal.
Promotes Emotional Well-being
Music education offers significant emotional benefits, providing an outlet for expression and creativity. Engaging with music allows students to explore their feelings, manage stress, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others. This emotional engagement contributes to overall mental health and well-being.
Encouraging Lifelong Learning and Creativity
Inspires Creativity
One of the most significant benefits of music education is its capacity to spark imagination. Crafting, spontaneously creating, and deciphering music fosters creative problem-solving and innovative thought processes. This creative involvement nurtures a receptive mindset toward learning and challenges, advantageous in every aspect of life. Furthermore, this inventive talent honed through music education provides students with the adaptability to thrive and innovate in an ever-evolving global environment, guaranteeing their competitiveness and versatility in future pursuits.
Prepares for Future Success
Music education not only enhances students’ lives academically but also equips them for future success across diverse fields. The competencies honed through musical instruction, such as discipline, perseverance, and the skill to offer and receive constructive feedback, are highly regarded in employment settings. Moreover, the cooperative aspect of numerous musical endeavors boosts cooperative aptitude, teaching students how to unite harmoniously with others towards common objectives and aspirations, a vital resource in every professional setting.
Conclusion
What are the benefits of music education? Far more than mastering notes or playing an instrument, music education encompasses vital cognitive, academic, social, and emotional benefits, fostering the comprehensive development of individuals. It champions creativity, bolsters academic achievement, amplifies cognitive capabilities, and enhances emotional well-being. As students traverse their educational paths, blending music into their curriculum, while also leveraging academic support services, furnishes a well-rounded and enriching learning experience. This holistic approach not only readies students for immediate academic challenges but also lays a robust foundation for lifelong success and fulfillment.
O.J. Simpson’s death rekindled rumors about Khloe Kardashian’s paternity. Kardashian was the butt of jokes on social media due to claims that Simpson was a real father.
Simpson, who died on Wednesday (April 10), had a complicated history with the Kardashian family. Khloe’s father Robert was Simpson’s friend and part of the defense team in the former NFL star’s infamous murder trial. Simpson was found not guilty of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, a friend of Khloe’s mother, and her friend Ronald Goldman in 1995.
Rumors of Simpson fathering Khloe began more than a decade ago. Kris Jenner, Robert’s first wife and Khloe’s mother, admitted she had an affair in her 2011 memoir. A year later, Robert’s second wife Jan Ashley claimed he admitted Khloe wasn’t his child.
“Khloe is not his kid,” Ashley said in a 2012 interview. “He told me that after we got married. He just kind of looked at me and said [it] like it was a matter of fact. He said, ‘Well, you know that Khloe’s not really a Kardashian, don’t you?’ And I said, ‘OK,’ and that was it.”
Robert passed away in 2003. Jenner and Simpson denied rumors regarding Khloe’s paternity.
Khloe ignored the trolling after Simpson’s death. She celebrated her daughter’s birthday on Friday (April 12).
“My baby girl is six today,” she wrote on Instagram Stories. “My sweet, silly but serious, sensitive but strong, kind, beautiful, loving little Tutu. You changed my life forever and I love every part of who you are. Your smile, your laugh, the sass you get when you dance, your independence (even though that also makes me insides cry lol), the way you love. Love me, love Tatum, love your cousins, love Lovey, love your daddy. You are love. My love.”
Check out some of the Khloe trolling below.
I text my sister to see if she saw the Juice had gone to glory…her response:
Kris Jenner turning O.J Simpson death into a spin off series of Finding Khloe where she figures out he is her dad but can’t build a relationship because he’s dead. 🔥😮💨 pic.twitter.com/jxldiNMdxV
Imagine losing the man they told you was your father, the one that stepped up and raised you only to become a second mother, and then your real father. Khloe Kardashian has bad luck with Dads. pic.twitter.com/IuclOrBhOE
— DeVOLish Disaster 🍊🏈⚾🏀 (@ratchetassnurse) April 11, 2024
