Yo, what’s up! We have all be dialed into the whole Allen Iverson statue situation and the 76ers’ honorary “action figure.” First off, the reaction to A.I.’s statue being on the smaller side is classic internet—quick to judge without all the context. As has been pointed out, it’s consistent with the other statuette’s at “Legends Walk” at the Sixers’ practice facility. This is where the legends are honored in a subtler, but still impactful way. But, this running joke on the internet is a big deal in the city of Brotherly Love.
Now, onto the bigger story — the Sixers are probably moving into the heart of Philly with a new arena they will actually own. That’s massive, both literally and figuratively. Owning their space would give the Sixers much more control, not just over the building itself but over the entire surrounding area. This could lead to bigger and better things, like those larger-than-life statues you all want for A.I.
But, like you said, this move is not without its issues. The impact on the local community can’t be underestimated. Displacing people and institutions like Temple University is a huge deal. The construction and increased traffic could really shake up the daily lives of many. Plus, the controversy of inserting such a large sports complex in the middle of a densely populated city area is something to think about. It’s a delicate balance between growth and disrespect. Hopefully they are hiring the “hood.”
This is a scenario that could change the face of downtown Philly and redefine the Sixers’ presence in their home city. Definitely a situation to keep an eye on. What do you think the community’s response will be if the move actually happens? By the way, Allen Iverson was honored on Sunday again. Very dope.
Jeezy has intensified the ongoing custody battle for his daughter by filing for sole custody, branding his estranged wife, Jeannie Mai, an “absentee mother.” The legal move comes amid a high profile divorce between the two, as documents reveal Jeezy’s dissatisfaction with Mai’s parenting, attributing it to her hectic schedule as a television host.
The documents filed by Jeezy, claims his daughter, Monaco, has been primarily cared for by Mai’s mother and brother, not Mai herself. His concern is rooted in the claim that Mai’s commitments to “The Talk” have left her incapable of fulfilling her duties as a mother, resulting in inadequate attention toward their daughter.
Jeezy’s legal strategy now seeks to place Monaco under his exclusive guardianship, suggesting he’s better equipped to provide the day-to-day care Monaco requires. The custody dispute unfolds against the backdrop of a bitter divorce between Jeezy and Mai, which was first announced in September 2023. Allegations have flown from both sides, with charges of infidelity miring the proceedings. The tensions have only escalated with disagreements over the care and custody of their daughter.
Jeezy has lamented the loss of his parental rights, claiming that Mai has obstructed his parenting time over the last couple of months. Despite the contentious legal battles and personal accusations, both Jeezy and Mai have vowed to remain publicly respectful toward each other. Jeezy has expressed the decision to part ways was neither quick nor easy, maintaining that he holds a degree of love and respect for Mai.
Conversely, Mai has focused on navigating the challenges of their divorce “day by day,” with special attention to their daughter’s well-being while continuing career obligations.
Jaden Smith and Justin Bieber linked up at Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in Indio, California this weekend—and now, a clip of their interaction is going viral.
In a video making the rounds online, Smith runs up to Bieber from behind and wraps his arms around him. Bieber, in turn, kisses him on the cheek. Naturally, the gesture raised a few eyebrows and people quickly ran to Twitter (X) to weigh in on the public display of affection.
Many, of course, jumped to conclusions and assumed their “intimate” moment meant they were somehow romantically linked. But Bieber has been married to Hailey Baldwin for five years and has had a string of high profile relationships with several women, including Selena Gomez and Kendall Jenner. Still, people couldn’t stop themselves from making jokes or expressing their confusion.
As one person wrote, “I’m sorry but this is not normal. No one is allowed to touch me like that if they are not my man, even my girlfriends don’t approach me like that.” Another asked, “Why TF Do I See Justin Bieber & Jaden Smith Hugging & Kissing On My Timeline??”
Jaden Smith and Justin Bieber’s friendship goes back decades. In 2010, they teamed up for Biebs’ single “Never Say Never” for the film The Karate Kid and, more recently, on 2020’s “Falling For You.” In 2018, Smith announced he was “sexually fluid” during an appearance at Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw carnival. He added, “I just wanna say Tyler, The Creator is the best friend in the world. And I love him so f###### much, and I wanna tell you guys something, I wanna tell you, Tyler doesn’t wanna say, but Tyler is my mother f###### boyfriend. And he’s been my mother f###### boyfriend my whole f###### life.”
Tyler was seen backstage laughing it off and ultimately flipping Smith the middle finger. But Smith has other things to think about. He’ll be hitting the road with Kid Cudi on June 28 as part of The Insano World Tour alongside Pusha T and EarthGang.
Universal Music Group (UMG) is actively seeking to extricate itself from a lawsuit filed by Liza Gardner, who asserts she was raped by Sean “Diddy” Combs and singer Aaron Hall in 1990.
The suit, which implicates UMG, MCA and Geffen Records, is currently under scrutiny as UMG challenges its validity. At the heart of the dispute is Gardner’s claim of being sexually assaulted in New York City at the age of 16 by Combs and Hall.
Gardner says she was good friends with members of the group Jodeci, who eventually introduced her to Combs and Hall at an industry event. She claims the pair applied her with liquor during the evening. After the event, they went back to Hall’s apartment, where she was allegedly raped.
“After Combs finished doing his business, Jane Doe laid in bed, shocked and traumatized. As she was in the process of getting dressed, Hall barged into the room, pinned her down and forced Jane Doe to have sex with him,” according to the original complaint.
Gardner alleges that her traumatic experience stems from the encounter with the two figures, both of whom were affiliated with the MCA Records label at the time. The lawsuit accuses UMG Recordings, Inc. of bearing responsibility for the actions of its signed talents, Combs and Hall.
In an attempt to dismiss the charges, UMG’s defense focuses on several points, principally the argument that the allegations are time-barred and the Adult Survivors Act (ASA) doesn’t apply due to Gardner’s age at the time of the offense.
The ASA’s provisions for reviving otherwise expired claims are conditional on the survivor being 18 or older at the time of the alleged assault, a criterion Gardner doesn’t meet.
Additionally, UMG disputes Gardner’s ability to establish a claim for vicarious liability, which is essential for her assault and battery claims against the corporation.
The defense further contends that Gardner’s complaint lacks the necessary allegations of duty and extreme conduct required for her claim of negligent infliction of emotional distress to proceed.
Further undermining Gardner’s legal action, UMG points to the inapplicability of the New York City Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law (GMVL) to her case, citing the law’s nonexistence in 1990. Even if it were applicable, UMG argues Gardner fails to substantiate her GMVL claim against the corporation. Lastly, UMG raises procedural issues, asserting improper service of the complaint due to lack of evidence supporting the process server’s affidavit of service and consequently suggesting the court should dismiss the lawsuit.
Todrick Hall has responded to the backlash he’s received for throwing a lavish birthday party after asking fans to donate to his family’s fundraiser.
The singer and dancer set up a GoFundMe page last week to raise $10,000 for his family after their house burned down and explained that he wasn’t able to “step up to the plate to help” himself as he is still recovering from the pandemic and last year’s strikes.
Todrick came under fire days later when he celebrated his 39th birthday and posted pictures of the lavish party on Instagram.
The performer addressed the backlash on Monday, insisting he didn’t pay for the birthday bash.
“I just want to be crystal clear, I would NEVER spend money that my fans raised during a traumatic time for my family on a birthday party,” he wrote on Instagram. “I wouldn’t under these circumstances spend my own money on a party either. Everything at my party was either gifted or sponsored and it was organized by someone very close to me who knows I’ve been going through a rough time and wanted to celebrate me on my birthday and going away party.”
Todrick shared screengrabs of text exchanges to prove he didn’t pay for the party as well as screenshots of racist and homophobic messages he had received amid the backlash.
“I know that I’m not for everyone, but the level of hate, death threats, racism, etc that I receive on a daily basis is just not acceptable and it’s dangerous,” he continued. “People swear I don’t pay for anything, until it fits their narrative to say I’d spend $20k on a birthday (which I have never done).”
Todrick concluded his statement by thanking his fans for donating to the GoFundMe, which has now reached its $10,000 goal.
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.
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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:
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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.
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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
