Donald Glover was tempted to try out his new stand-up material at the Comedy Cellar while shooting “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” but it “didn’t feel right.”
Glover’s “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” co-star Maya Erskine revealed in a joint interview with The Hollywood Reporter that the “Atlanta” actor “almost” returned to stand-up “every time” they went back to New York for the action comedy series.
Donald Glover admitted that he went to the Comedy Cellar with the intention of trying out new jokes but he never got up on stage.
“I thought I would,” he explained. “It didn’t feel right. I still write jokes down and I think about it. I asked (fellow comedian) Bill Burr where to go, and I had a list, and I was just like, ‘Is it something that I feel like I need to do right now?’ Maybe it’s just a nice thing that’s there that you can try to do again if you want.”
The 40-year-old, who released his last stand-up special, Weirdo, in 2012, added that he has been considering getting back into comedy since his conversation with Chris Rock.
“(I’ve) thought about it,” he noted. “Chris Rock had said, like, ‘When are you going to do it again? No one gets really good at it until their 40s, except for Eddie (Murphy).'”
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ high-powered lawyers are taking another shot at getting a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a Jane Doe, who claimed she was gang raped by the mogul and his pals.
Jane Doe made explosive allegations claiming a crack-smoking Harve Pierre forced her to give him oral sex in a bathroom in Detroit before she boarded a private jet bound for Diddy’s studio Daddy’s House, where she was raped again by the Bad Boy boss, Harve Pierre, and another unidentified man.
On February 20, the mogul filed court documents denying the claims while labeling the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Act unconstitutional, thus making the lawsuit a violation of his constitutional rights.
In a supplemental memorandum of law filed on behalf of Sean Combs on February 23, Daddy’s House Recordings, Inc., and Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc. once again argued for the dismissal of the civil action brought against them by Jane Doe.
According to the memorandum, the lawsuit, which alleges a single cause of action under New York City’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence (VGM) Protection Law, has caused irreparable harm to the defendants’ reputations.
“The lawsuit…has resulted in them becoming victims of the ‘cancel culture’ frenzy in the courts – well before any evidence has been presented, and on the basis of rank, uncorroborated allegations,” Diddy’s lawyer Jonathan Davis groused.
In his second attempt, Diddy wants to dismiss the case because the plaintiff’s claim is time-barred thanks to a separate ruling by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, which was made one day after Diddy’s initial response.
Diddy’s lawyer maintains that the claim-revival provision of the VGM is preempted by the adoption of the Child Victims Act (CVA) and the Adult Survivors Act (ASA) by the New York State Legislature.
These acts revived claims related to sexual offenses committed against individuals under the age of 18 and individuals aged 18 or older, respectively. The lookback window for both pieces of legislation has closed.
Under Judge Kaplan’s reasoning, Jane Doe’s claim, brought under the VGM’s claim-revival provision, is preempted by the CVA and ASA and therefore, must be dismissed with prejudice.
The defendants argue that the claim-revival provision of the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law cannot be relied upon by the plaintiff because it is inconsistent with the state statutes.
Diddy’s lawyer adamantly denies the allegations made by Jane Doe and argues that the claim is time-barred because the alleged misconduct occurred in 2003 and the statute of limitations expired in 2010.
The defendants argue that this decision provides another basis for dismissing the case and that the preemption ground applied by Judge Kaplan is interrelated with their retroactivity argument and should be considered in deciding the motion to dismiss.
Diddy and his lawyers want the court to grant an order dismissing the complaint with prejudice.
Busta Rhymes was ending up becoming a stand-in bouncer at French Montana’s album release party, much to the dismay of an up-and-coming artist.
On Saturday (February 24), footage of a scuffle surfaced online, uncovering a madhouse dogpile following the initial altercation. According to TMZ, Busta Rhymes was in attendance for the event celebrating the release of Montana’s 126-track mixtape, Mac & Cheese 5(Versions). The man involved in the altercation with Busta Rhymes has been identified as 23-year-old rapper Nizzle Man and can be seen in the video physically tussling with both the rapper and his security detail team.
Busta Rhymes and his crew got into a physical altercation with rapper Nizzle Man at French Montana's album release party pic.twitter.com/yU8zB9bIZt
It all went down at Harbor New York nightclub, however, neither Busta Rhymes nor French Montana has commented on the incident. In a recent interview, French Montana did breakdown how Taylor Swift inspired him to release the mixtape, which includes features from artists such as Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Westside Gunn, Rick Ross and many more.
Check out the full interview below for more details.
Pharrell Williams claims his new track with Miley Cyrus is “coming soon.” The songwriter released a snippet of the song on Instagram but didn’t give an official release date.
The track, which is believed to be called “Doctor,” includes Miley Cyrus singing the lyrics, “I could be your doctor and I could be your nurse/I think I see the problem, it’s only gon’ get worse/ need my medication just show me where it hurts/I need to rock you baby before your body burns.”
The song was first heard as part of Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Fall-Winter 2024 Collection presentation in Paris last month. It’s thought the song was a throwaway from Cyrus’s 2013 album, Bangerz, and has been rewritten and recorded since the original version. Pharrell Williams, of course, produced the song, too.
Freddie Gibbs and JPEGMAFIA are embroiled in yet another online beef, this time after the Baltimore-bred artist started calling Gibbs a “p####” on Twitter (X). The online exchange kicked off on Friday (February 23) and carried into Saturday (February 24), with both parties sending petty shots in each other’s direction.
According to fans on Reddit, the discourse between Gibbs and JPEGMAFIA began when they were staying at the same hotel while working on Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s collaborative album, Vultures 1. Not long after JPEGMAFIA tweeted, “If stand on business was a person,” Gibbs—who recently had graphic photos of himself leaked on the internet—responded with, “My ass got more promo than your album.” He then clowned JPEGMAFIA for supposedly not showing up in the hotel lobby and recorded himself having the “longest breakfast ever” to which JPEGMAFIA replied, “your baby mama got the longest throat ever.”
Gibbs also posted a video of himself waking up in his hotel room, soaking in the scenery, eating a delicious breakfast and smiling at the camera. It was soundtracked to Mr. Rogers’ theme song, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” Gibbs captioned the clip, “Howdy neighbor.”
Gibbs took several other shots at JPEGMAFIA, saying things like, “You know a n#### old when he got one earring.” JPEGMAFIA, meanwhile, went on a whole rant in a series of tweets, writing, “And we at the same hotel this n#### so p#### lmao. Bald head p#### b#### ima f### ya mamma n####. Cry harder. I’m still in Milan btw waiting for some gangsta s### to happen. Gang members talking tuff and getting snuffed. Gangsta peg. Never got shot and did nothing, never got beat up, never spread my a## online, baby got no dick dent. I guess I’m the gansta now.”
JPEGMAFIA added, “Spreadie Gibbs too p#### to talk to me like a man. Ye saved u milk dud.” His next video was recorded on the plane and he continued to make fun of Gibbs’ troubles over the years.
Once people began telling him to calm down, JPEGMAFIA went after his white fanbase, saying, “White people misunderstand things and start projecting, why none of this energy in real life? Why wait til im gone to dance in your room. Grown men support n#### who spread they a##hole online and im the corny one lmao yall white kids are losers and your parents money saves u from failing at life.”
He continued, “Your entire race is dense and violent, and stupid as f### why would not talk about the one group of people that f##### up the entire world? How many people have died historically from white mens insecurity. Guess.”
Freddie Gibbs, who’s a master at trolling (just ask Akademiks), seems to have moved on and is back to promoting his work on Vultures 1.
Kim Kardashian has been criticized for listing a ‘very dirty’ used handbag.
The Skims founder listed her exotic alligator-skin Hermes Birkin bag for sale on her family’s resale website, Kardashian Kloset, with a $69,995 asking price.
But fans have questioned Kim’s decision to sell the bag in its current state, noting that while it is described as being in ‘good’ condition, photos of the designer accessory show what one described as “very dirty” markings all over it.
“This is so embarrassing,” wrote one fan on Reddit. “Why don’t they get it restored by H (Hermes) before selling it?”
Another pointed out that apart from any staining, the bag was also damaged elsewhere.
“The hardware is all scuffed and dull, the edges are worn and slightly frayed, and it’s discolored from makeup/tanner,” they wrote, noting that perhaps Kim did not “restore it or have it stored properly.”
Others noted that the bag, made of rare matte-grey alligator skin, does not come accompanied by a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, certificate, which is often required to import or export certain rare animal hides.
“It does say there’s no certification with it,” wrote one.
Plies is evidently ashamed of how Donald Trump is spewing racist rhetoric on his path to re-election directly in the faces of the same people he’s currently pandering to—the Black community.
On Saturday (February 24), Plies unloaded on Trump in a series of Instagram posts, sharing clips of the former president’s most unsavory remarks from his recent speech at the Republican Primary in South Carolina. In the initial post, Plies remarked on his belief that Trump appeared to attempt to relate to Black people by generalizing individuals of the community as criminals, just like him, in the clip he speaks about being indicted four times.
“(They Criminals Just Like Me) I’m Not Even Gone Lie I’m Starting To Like The Casual Racism He Gives,” Plies wrote in part. “U [clown] Keep Treating Them Like ‘Tim Scott’ Trump!!! They’ll Jump Even Higher For U!!! I Know I Know Trump 2024 #Plies.”
In another post, Plies addressed the blatant racism in the viral clip circulating on social media, where Trump appears to allude to only seeing “the Black ones” in the crowd, which he claims wasn’t properly lit.
“No It Gets Even Better!!!” he wrote. “‘The Black Ones’ Before The Election He Gone Flat Out Call Them A ‘N*gga’… I Guarantee It & His Numbers Gone Go Thru The Roof!! This Is Why He’s Loved By His Base. Cause He Saids The Quite Part Out Loud!!! Keep Proven Who America Really Is!! I Know I Know Trump 2024 #Plies.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/C3u7IUiONKd/?hl=en
In the third and final post, Plies seemingly lost it and began trolling Trump’s remarks in which he inferred he was partially indicted because of the service he was providing Black people.
“This The Last One I Swear!!” he wrote. “Black People He Got Indicted FOR U. He Stole Classified Documents FOR U, He Tired Stealing A Election FOR U, He Started A Insurrection FOR U, He Frauded New York FOR U, He Paid Hush Money Payments FOR U, He Assaulted/Raped Eugene Carroll FOR U!! Yep He Think Y’all Is This Stupid & In Most Cases He’s Right!!!! Yep He Did It All FOR U!!!! #Plies.”
Masta Ace weighed in on the “Is Drake Hip-Hop?” debate in an interview with AllHipHop’s Chuck Creekmur. The respected rapper viewed Drake as an artist who went the pop route yet maintained bona fide rap credentials.
“This is what I’ll say about Drake: his sensibilities are still there,” Masta Ace explained. “He’s still the same guy. He just got introduced to the music industry. He had a hit record. He saw what that looked like. He was like, ‘Oh, this is easy. So, I don’t even have to get super lyrical really. I can do this and win.’ And so, of course, some artists are gonna chase that and some artists are gonna run from that. I was more of an artist that kind of ran from it.”
Masta Ace recalled his own experience with a hit single, noting how he shied away from radio-friendly music after the success of his song “Born to Roll.” The legendary Juice Crew member did not want to sacrifice his artistry, but he did not begrudge Drake for pursuing a different path.
“’Born to Roll’ blew up and it was all over the radio and all of that,” Masta Ace said. “And I didn’t want to chase that. I wanted to stay within the artistry of what I was trying to do. I could’ve just started making radio records like crazy. But it just didn’t feel right to me. I understand why he did what he did. But for me as an artist, what it comes down to is this: can he rap or not? The answer is yes. Kid is nice, period. You might not like all the songs. It might be too much singing, too much Autotune. Listen, I don’t like every little ditty bop song that he makes. But when he goes in and he goes bar work, it’s quality. So, that’s my take on Drake.”
Masta Ace teamed up with his go-to producer Marco Polo to release their album Richmond Hill in January. The two discussed the project and much more in their conversation with AllHipHop.
Boosie Badazz has responded to the negative backlash he received from Rick Ross ex-partner Tia Kemp in connection to his ongoing feud with Kodak Black.
On Wednesday (February 8), Boosie Badazz appeared to respond to Kemp’s recent livestream, though he did not call her out by name. The Baton Rouge-bred rapper tweeted his earnest explanation regarding his previous comments about Black, which Kemp took issue with.
“LADY I SAID ONE THING ABOUT KODAK N THAT WAS A MINUTE AGO,” Badazz exclaimed. “I BEEN LET THAT S### GO. EVER SINCE THEN HES BEEN HAVING MY NAME N HIS MOUTH FROM INTERVIEWS TO SONGS N IM NOT GO SAY NOTHING TO THAT OTHER DUDE N NEVER WILL.DONT TRY N MAKE IT LIKE IM KICKING SOMEONE CAUSE THEY LOCKED UP . I KNOW THAT PAIN I WOULD NEVER.”
LADY I SAID ONE THING ABOUT KODAK N THAT WAS A MINUTE AGO‼️I BEEN LET THAT S### GO. EVER SINCE THEN HES BEEN HAVING MY NAME N HIS MOUTH FROM INTERVIEWS TO SONGS‼️N IM NOT GO SAY NOTHING TO THAT OTHER DUDE N NEVER WILL.DONT TRY N MAKE IT LIKE IM KICKING SOMEONE CAUSE THEY LOCKED…
Kemp recently criticized Boosie Badazz for expressing his disapproval with Black’s seven-figure collaboration with rap’s scapegoat snitch 6ix9ine, in addition to being “old” like her during a rant on Instagram Live.
“I came over here to get your s##t together dog,” Kemp said. “You look too old to be beefing with these little boys man. Every time I turn around, you got Yak name in your mouth. Somebody name in your mouth bro. You do too much dog. I’m an old hoe your age bro.”
Check out the original clip from Kemp’s live below.
Wendy Williams’ guardian has filed a lawsuit against Lifetime’s parent company ahead of the channel’s upcoming documentary. According to reports, a woman named Sabrina Morrissey, who identified herself as the former talk show host’s temporary guardian, filed a lawsuit against A&E Television Networks.
She also requested a restraining order.
While details of the legal action are under seal, it is believed Morrissey is trying to prevent Lifetime’s two-part documentary “Where is Wendy Williams?” from airing in the U.S. on Saturday.
“The new lawsuit appears to be filed as an attempt to prohibit the airing of the upcoming documentary,” a source with knowledge of the case said. A judge has ordered the documents to remain temporarily under seal, however, a hearing on this matter will be held next week.
https://youtu.be/OjJDhf5ll70
Mark Ford, the executive producer of the documentary, recently claimed that Wendy Williams approved of the program, which follows her and her family from 2022 and 2023 and details her life under her guardianship after the cancelation of “The Wendy Williams Show.”
“The film was signed off on by Wendy, her management, her attorneys, the guardianship,” he said. “They were aware of the filming all the way through. So, we did go by the book and get all the permissions that we needed to get.”
According to the report, the TV personality claimed in the documentary that her guardian had stolen money from her, but she did not provide evidence to support the allegation. Her family also alleged the guardian is the only person who has easy access to Williams.
The 59-year-old entered a facility in April 2023 to be treated for “cognitive issues.” Her team announced that she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) last year.
In the realm of drill music, where beats hit hard and lyrics cut deep, Roi Wes emerges as a force to be reckoned with. His new single, “Infidel,” is more than just another track in the genre; it’s a testament to Roi Wes’s journey, his resilience and his unwavering commitment to his craft.
“Infidel” is a sonic marvel, blending the signature elements of modern drill with Roi Wes’s distinctive lyrical prowess. The track pulses with energy, driven by a pounding beat and punctuated by Roi Wes’s razor-sharp delivery. It’s a song that demands attention, leaving an indelible mark on listeners long after the final notes fade away.
However, we all know to understand the music is to understand the man behind it. Roi Wes’s upbringing was far from conventional, shaped by a nomadic existence courtesy of his military parents. This constant state of flux instilled in him a sense of adaptability and resilience that would prove invaluable on his journey through life and music.
Yet, it wasn’t just his upbringing that shaped Roi Wes; it was also his personal struggles and triumphs. From periods of homelessness to inner turmoil, Roi Wes faced challenges that would have broken others. But instead of succumbing to despair, he turned to music as a form of expression and catharsis.
In 2023, Roi Wes emerged from the shadows, armed with a newfound sense of purpose and a determination to succeed. With “Infidel,” he not only announces his arrival on the drill scene but also offers a glimpse into the depths of his soul. It’s a song that resonates on multiple levels, speaking to the struggles, triumphs and resilience of its creator.
Roi Wes is more than just a drill artist; he’s an anomaly, an outlier and a testament to the power of perseverance. With his music as his medium, he invites listeners to join him on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. And as his star continues to rise, one thing is clear: Roi Wes is here to stay.
The Kid Laroi’s surprising life story has been revealed in a new docuseries. The Australian rapper’s rapid rise to fame is outlined in Amazon’s new docuseries, “Kids Are Growing Up: A Story About A Kid Named Laroi.”
“Nobody would believe where I was only three years ago,” the Hip-Hop artist said in the trailer for the show.
The series closely examines Kid Laroi’s life, from his hardscrabble beginnings in Sydney, Australia and the Australian outback to sold-out world tours and collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry.
“I can’t wait for audiences to see this behind-the-scenes portrayal of my journey, which perfectly encapsulates some of the most rewarding and challenging years of my life and career so far,” he said.
The series trailer included footage of The Kid Laroi talking about his former mentor, rapper Juice Wrld, who died in December 2019 from an overdose of oxycodone and codeine. The Kid Laroi was with him when he passed away.
“As bad as things got in the personal life, the music was starting to go (up),” the rapper said.
In 2021, an email from Justin Bieber was the catalyst to global stardom, with the pair’s collaboration “Stay” spending 14 weeks at the top of the American charts and achieving 2.2 billion streams on Spotify.
“Kids Are Growing Up: A Story About A Kid Named Laroi” will be available to stream on Amazon Prime on February 29.
Malcolm X died at the age of 39. MLK died at the age of 39. Today, we have a pair of 50-plus-year-old Hip-Hop dudes (Benzino and Wack 100) going at it, blow for blow on social media. We have literally seen it all. Here is the thing: why? I don’t even know why!
Here’s what Wack had to say about Zino.
I am not about to go and research what Benzino said about him on Drink Champs. But, I am sure it is as silly as Wack 100 thinking most people want to see another man crawling on the ground drunk out of his mind. I really do not need to see it!
I also do not need to see theses dudes without clothing on for any reason. Lest we forget that somebody leaked Wack 100’s backside on a bed at one point? Thank God for Photoshop! I have never seen an unedited version of that image. I want to die in peace knowing I never witnessed that.
This is a significant time in our lives. We have an election year in front of us. They are literally dismantling all our gains. The ultra rich are taking advantage of our collective ignorance. And our elders are poppin’ it like its hot. And did I mention the sell-outs and raccoon a## ninjas that will literally do something like wear Trump sneakers for clout?
I guess this is all entertainment. It definitely ain’t Hip-Hop. And, the reality is….these brothers are not King or X. Let me go watch something meaningful on TV. LOL!
Bradley Cooper has recalled catching Jay-Z watching Judge Judy.
The actor and filmmaker has revealed that he once walked in on the rapper/record producer watching the reality show while visiting Beyoncé.
“I went to Beyoncé’s house, and Jay-Z was watching Judge Judy,” Bradley said with a laugh in a recent interview with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. “I still remember. I’m not kidding. And I was freaking (out).”
Bradley then explained that he met with Beyoncé to pitch her “A Star Is Born,” attempting to cast her as his leading lady before the role went to Lady Gaga.
“It was crazy,” the “Maestro” actor recalled of the meeting. “(Beyoncé) was incredible, and so was (Jay), and we developed it for, like, a year together.”
Bradley added, “I mean, she’s one of the greatest people of all time.”
“The Crazy In Love” hitmaker reportedly dropped out of the project because she wanted more money than she was being offered, but this has not been confirmed.
“A Star is Born” – which Bradley co-wrote, directed and starred in – was released in 2018 and won several awards, including an Oscar.
The musical/romance film is the fourth American adaptation of the story, following the original 1937 film and its 1954 and 1976 remakes.
Hip-Hop’s burgeoning power couple Blacc Zacc and Renni Rucci are set to take over. In a recent convo, Blacc confirmed the swirling rumors about their relationship but also shed light on their dreams, challenges, and their bond.
Yes, folks, it’s official: they are the king and queen of South Carolina, a name that Blacc Zacc swears by. The world of “Love & Hip Hop” might have brought Rucci into the limelight, but don’t expect to see Zacc gracing the reality TV screens. “No. Hell no,” he told AllHipHop’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur. He did say that he’s fine with her doing it.
Zacc also said their situation is just like everybody else’s situation. “It’s cool, just like any other relationship… We be arguing sometimes. Sh#t, I be getting in my moods.” He also said that trolls can be annoying. “Yeah. F##k them though.”
He did not rule out a joint tour with his boo or an album together. “Yeah, if the money there, let’s do it,” he said, being about his business. Yet, it it clearly is not all about business. The discussion touched on the complexities of relationships within the rap game. Fame is a sword with two edges.
Check out their talk, which takes place around the 14-minute mark.
Flau’jae is a killer on the basketball court and now, she’s here to prove she’s a killer on the mic, too. The LSU Tigers basketball star has been surrounded by music her entire life thanks to her rapper father, Camoflauge. Revered as a Savannah, Georgia legend (best known for his song “Cut Friends”), his life was cut tragically short at just 21.
But Flau’jae is determined to carry out his legacy. At age 13, she even appeared on The Rap Game, a Lifetime reality show hosted by Jermaine Dupri. One year later, she had the opportunity to perform on national television, showcasing her talents on America’s Got Talent.
This year, Flau’jae is releasing her newest project, 4 WAVE, created with producer Babywave. The four-track EP sees Flau’jae and Babywave bringing to life the beauty and power of collaboration.
AllHipHop spoke with Flau’jae virtually to discuss her favorite artists, carrying out her father’s legacy, her new project, collaborating with 2Rare, her love for Spitta and more.
AllHipHop: What was the moment you fell in love with Hip-Hop?
Flau’jae: I found out when I was very young, my dad was a rapper. He made music, so that led me to want to make music and continue his legacy. I’ve been in love with music since I was a baby.
AllHipHop: Favorite artists coming up?
Flau’jae: My dad. When I was younger, I liked 2Pac. I liked Nicki Minaj when I was younger. I ain’t gon’ lie, I was a real Barb when I was younger. I listened to a lot of Nicki Minaj.
AllHipHop: What’s your favorite Nicki Minaj song?
Flau’jae: “Bed of Lies,” probably. That whole Pinkprint album is crazy.
AllHipHop: Did the music or hooping come first?
Flau’jae: I’d say basketball started first, because I played on the basketball team before I started rapping. But they always coincided because when I was seven years old, I started making music. Music was in my blood. My dad was a rapper and he was cold. He signed a deal with Universal and had his own buzz going in Savannah. He was a Southern legend. Music’s been in my blood, but when I could walk, I was dribbling a basketball. When I was seven years old, I started really rapping.
AllHipHop: How do you find time to do both?
Flau’jae: I’ve got really good time management skills, it’s just about staying on track. It’s hard, but if it was easy, everybody would do it.
AllHipHop: What do you feel when you rap compared to when you hoop?
Flau’jae: I get that same feeling. It’s like a little trance you go in. For basketball, it took me a lot longer to get locked in. For music, I have to get in the zone to be able to write music. It’s the same feeling though. When I’m performing and when I’m playing, it’s the exact same. When I’m in the gym, putting in my reps, it feels like when I’m in the studio. So it’s all the same, I swear.
AllHipHop: Congratulations on the release of 4 WAVE. How are you feeling?
Flau’jae: Thank you. I’m feeling good. My EP just dropped, and people are loving it so I’m super excited. It’s the first time that I’ve dropped music in a long time. I’m just trying to start the new year off strong.
AllHipHop: What does it mean to have this out? Because I know you were working on it for a minute right?
Flau’jae: Yeah, it means a lot. I worked on it in my apartment. I did all the songs in my room, so it’s very personal for me. I built a studio setup and got to work. This has been an incredibly personal EP, I put a lot of my heart into it. Everybody asks, “Who broke your heart?” I’m like nobody. [laughs] I was able to express myself in a way that I haven’t been able to before. This EP means a lot to me and I hope that people receive it well.
AllHipHop: Talk about your chemistry with the producer Baby Wave. You say you guys are like Kobe and Shaq?
Flau’jae: Yeah, I feel like that. We both are young and turnt. I felt it was destined for us to meet. He’s so good at what he does, I’m so good at what I do. We just complement each other. I found my guy. In the music industry, it’s hard to find a person that you have good chemistry with. But I have that with Wave.
AllHipHop: What do you want fans to take away from the project?
Flau’jae: This project is different, it feels like no other female rapper in the game. This EP right here sets me apart. You don’t even need to say female artist, there’s no artists that are coming with the music I’m coming with. Lyrics and the overall sound separate me from the pack.
AllHipHop: What’s your favorite song on the project?
Flau’jae: Probably “Hold On.” That’s a lot of people’s favorite song, but that’s really my favorite song. Or “Feel Your Pain,” I like both of them. But “Hold On” is magical.
AllHipHop: How was it linking with 2Rare on “Karma”? That looked so fun.
Flau’jae: That was fun. I had the song and OG Parker sent me a pack, it was upbeat and I was like, “He’s dope.” I loved his beats. I recorded it in one night and I didn’t really do it again. Somebody said “Flau, you need to put this out. This is different, you ain’t ever do nothing like this.” I’m like damn, I gotta get 2Rare on this. We linked up when I went to New York. He came to the studio, it was good vibes. He also came down to Atlanta, and shot a video with me. It was a great experience. That’s my bro, we are super tight.
AllHipHop: Three things you need in the studio at all times.
Flau’jae: My phone, a candle, and the lights off. I need the lights off at all times.
Flau’jae: Oh yes Spitta, that’s my man. Shout out to Mousa (President of Jet Life), and shout out to Jet Life. Those are some really solid guys that I met when I came down here to Baton Rouge, they always show me love. Mousa’s been helping me with my merch. Mousa and Spitta built Jet Life into a successful company. I met Spitta through Mousa, I’ll always show up to what they have going on. Spitta’s a great guy. He’s a comedian. We were recently kicking it courtside at the Pelicans game. That’s a good guy, he’s someone good to have in your corner.
AllHipHop: You gotta make that record for him to hop on!
Flau’jae: I know. It’s going to happen. Whenever I go down to New Orleans again and we get in the studio, we gon’ make it happen.
AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself at this point?
Flau’jae: I’m truly hopeful that this EP will reach the heights I believe it’s capable of. I see it as a gateway to building a genuine fanbase, one that connects with me through my music rather than just my basketball skills. It’s about establishing a bond with listeners who appreciate the artistry in my work. The feedback I’ve received so far is encouraging. People are telling me that my music resonates with them, and that’s exactly the impact I aim to achieve.
AllHipHop: How are your basketball peers responding to it?
Flau’jae: Oh, they like it too. They’re like “Damn Flau, it’s different. You’re singing on here, you are doing all types of other stuff.” Yeah, that’s what it’s supposed to give. At first, things are different. People are like, “I don’t know if I like this.” Then it’s like “Whoa, I really like this.” I’m on track for the response that I want to get from this project.
AllHipHop: Anything else you want us to know?
Flau’jae: I’m about to drop a two-song project, a little two-pack R&B project. Be on the lookout for that. In the meantime, you can watch my “4 Your Love” live performance from the project.
AllHipHop: Is it love songs?
Flau’jae: Yeah, it’s R&B. I’ll be singing and everything.
Saweetie returned this week with new music. The Sacramento, California-raised rapper/actress dropped her “Richtivities” single via ICY/Warner Records on Friday (February 23).
“Richtivities” arrives after “Do It for the Bay” with P-Lo dropped in January. Saweetie’s latest song comes before the 30-year-old recording artist makes her debut in the 50 Cent-produced crime drama BMF.
Previously, Saweetie earned RIAA-certified platinum plaques for tracks such as “Icy Grl,”“My Type,” “Tap In” and “Best Friend” featuring Doja Cat. The Single Life EP creator has also collaborated with Tyga, YG, Jhené Aiko, Gwen Stefani, H.E.R. and others.
Saweetie joins season three of BMF as former college athlete Keeya. She previously acted in the Freeform sitcom Grown-ish and the Peacock drama Bel-Air. Fellow rap stars 2 Chainz and Lil Baby took on guest roles for BMF as well.
Starz’s BMF tells the story of the real-life 1980s/1990s-era Black Mafia Family drug organization. Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr. plays his father, Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory. The cast also includes Da’Vinchi, Russell Hornsby, Michole Briana White and La La Anthony.
The next installments of BMF begin streaming on Friday, March 1 at midnight on the Starz app. Viewers can also watch the season three premiere on the Starz television network at 8:00 pm ET on that day. 50 Cent executive produces BMF through his G-Unit Film and Television production company.
Wendy Williams has broken her silence after being diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia and aphasia. Wendy, 59, underwent a series of tests last year that led to her diagnosis.
“I want to say I have immense gratitude for the love and kind words I have received after sharing my diagnosis of Aphasia and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD),” Wendy Williams said in a statement released today.
“Let me say, wow! Your response has been overwhelming. The messages shared with me have touched me, reminding me of the power of unity and the need for compassion. I continue to need personal space and peace to thrive. Please just know that your positivity and encouragement are deeply appreciated,” Wendy Williams said.
According to her reps, Wendy can still “do many things for herself” and has maintained “her trademark sense of humor” while undergoing treatment.
In 2018, Wendy confirmed that she had been battling Graves’ disease after she fainted in the middle of an episode of her talk show. The following year, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with lymphedema.
“The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances,” her representative added.
Wendy is best known for hosting The Wendy Williams Show from 2008 to 2022. During her time on the show, she publicly battled various health issues.
Shout out to Jack Posobiec, a well-known radical on the extremely far Right.
This man known for his conspiracy theories and undying fidelity for Trump, made headlines this week with his remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). He flat-out said he wanted to overthrow democracy.
Speaking during a panel hosted by Steve Bannon, Posobiec’s comments,”Welcome to the end of democracy. We are here to overthrow it completely. We didn’t get all the way there on January 6, but we will endeavor to get rid of it and replace it with this right here.”
Now some people tried to tell me this was just a tongue-in-cheek statement, while others expressed concern or staunch criticism. Posobiec returned fire, reacting with sarcasm and dismissiveness. Just like a MAGAT. Donald Trump is expected to speak soon.
Check out the vid and tell me what you think?
Jack Posobiec at CPAC: “Welcome to the end of democracy. We are here to overthrow it completely. We didn’t get all the way there on Jan. 6, but we will endeavor to get rid of it.”
— Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) February 22, 2024
Here is a bit more for you to gnaw on.
BREAKING: At CPAC, Trump’s spokesman says Donald Trump will eliminate marriage equality. Retweet to ensure all Americans know about Trump’s backward plans. pic.twitter.com/xiY99FEVXX
“I had a powerful presence on social media, but I came into the real world and put boots on the ground. I became a real person. And a lot of these people are not willing to put in that type of work.”
– Grand Master Jay to Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur
Grand Master Jay, already known for his activism and leadership within the Black community, took a dramatic turn in the aftermath of Ahmaud Arbery’s death. Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man, was jogging in Brunswick, Georgia when he was hunted and fatally shot by Gregory McMichael and his son Travis McMichael. The McMichaels claimed they believed Arbery was a suspect in recent break-ins and were attempting a citizen’s arrest. This incident, occurring on February 23, gained national attention and outrage, especially after a video of the murder was released to the public.
Grand Master Jay, real name Dr. John Fitzgerald Johnson, was one of the very first people on the ground in Brunswick after the murder of Arbery. He immediately formed the NFAC (Not F**kin’ Around Coalition) in response to the modern-day lynching. The group, comprised of Black military veterans and former U.S. military personnel, was not only a reply to the Georgia incident. It was a stern response to the killing of unarmed African Americans by police or wanna-be vigilantes like George Zimmerman and the McMichaels.
Immediately after Arbery’s killing, I interviewed Grand Master Jay, who no longer helms the organization. He had not even taken his mask off. That was only three years ago, in 2020. The nation was a hotbed of racial strife and was still dealing with a global pandemic. At that point, the NFAC’s formation emphasized the group’s commitment to self-defense and protecting Black communities. He stressed that state-sanctioned violence was as American as stars and stripes. In 2024, everything has changed.
Today is the fourth anniversary of Ahmaud Arbery’s disgusting, shameful murder by three cowards (the driver included). Not only are villains The McMichaels and driver William “Roddie” Bryan in prison, but so is Grand Master Jay. He has a lot to say about the current state of affairs as well as the slow, seemingly deliberate erasure of his then-revolutionary actions and more about the condition of Black leadership. Here is an edited transcript of the conversation we had.
AllHipHop: Okay, great. I wanted to mention something. My barber, his name is Skilz, he mentioned you last time I got my hair cut without my prompting. He asked me how you were doing. So I thought that would make you feel a little bit about that there are people out there.
Grandmaster Jay: I know for a fact that there are people out there who are doing what they’re supposed to do. What I’m saying is, it’s amazing to me that some of the books that I’ve had that have made it to me, because I get a lot of books. There’s a book called “The Second,” where they talk about the Second Amendment Movement in the United States in the last 5 or 10 years. There’s a lot of books that I’ve read where they write about the summer of 2020 and they talk about all of the high-profile cases like Elijah McClain, your [inaudible], they talk about Emanuel Nine [This refers to the Charleston Church Massacre, an anti-Black mass shooting in Charleston, SC on June 17, 2015]. They’ll talk about these things, but they purposely skip over certain facts. I’m like, “What is going on here?” That’s what I’m talking about.
Grandmaster Jay: When I watched the special that CNN did, where they looked back on the summer of after the quarantine and they showed all of these protests and they showed all of this stuff and they even show some of the footage, but they gloss over it.
And I’m going like, “What are you all doing? Are you all trying to put America to sleep? Do you all not want them to realize that history repeats itself? Is there a reason?” I told you, in Michael Eric Dyson’s book, Long Time Coming, he actually goes on to make a quote that I thought was very interesting because he talks about us but he talks about us in the context of… Matter of fact, the quote is, “During the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2020, a new pro-gun, a Black self-defense militia, the Not Effing Around Coalition emerged. Team members decked out in military [paraphernalia] and supporting semi-automatic weapons agitated many white folk while drawing greater acclaim in some Black circles because of their attendance, their protests.” Okay, so we know that we hit on some points that were well received, but where is that in the course of the discussion of the aftermath of what has happened? Like you said, “Look at where America is today.”
Grandmaster Jay: Look at everything that’s crazy that’s going on. Y’all got administrative amnesia. What is it going to take for y’all to realize that you can’t ignore history? History is going to be told either by you all or when I come home to write the book. One way or the other, you’re going to have to deal with the truth. That is almost as if you all were afraid to admit what has happened or become so complacent that you just accept things that are just the way it is.
Grandmaster Jay: When I hear about brothers… You talk about Skilz and guys like that, I know there are guys out there that miss me ’cause I get letters. I get letters. That’s something you didn’t ask me about. I get tons of letters. As a matter of fact, I get more mail than anybody. Daily. Some people I know, some people I don’t. Cards, pictures, well wishes, commissary, articles, even people trying to help out legally. So, it’s not like they’re ignoring me. It’s just like I said, in the course of the discussion of where we are today, it just disturbed me by those who are out on the forefront of the discussion who act like nothing’s happened since Malcolm X.
Grandmaster Jay: Listen, the building brick of any community is the family. And until we start to rebuild the family, you’re not going to rebuild any communities. That’s what makes… Family is the most powerful element of a community. And so we got to start right there. People act like I fell out of love with the Black race. I love the Black race, but I also love humanity. And humanity is based on family. We have to reestablish our own identity and stop letting other people define us. So, my advice is, y’all got to get together, get around the table, stop having all these meaningless conversations. Come out with a roadmap for three to five years, break down those areas, politics, finance, culture, education, infrastructure, farming, food, the whole nine yards, do for self but also learn to work along with other groups so that everybody got something to bring to the table right now. What are you bringing to the table as a people?
And matter of fact, when somebody say, “Well, what are you bringing to the table?”…tell them “I’m the table. What you talking about?”
AllHipHop: Technology seems to play a big role in where we are right now as well. The social media apps and other things, other platforms. The phone even has, seems to me, derailed us. I could be wrong, but I think even our leaders “Are chasing likes and views.” And when I say-
Grandmaster Jay: You have to remember something, Chuck, I was light years ahead of everybody on social media, phone, and technology, mostly because of what I do in my civilian world. But at the end of the day, I believe that you’re right. I think people are now getting caught up in a cyber world that’s not the real world without realizing that that too is a construct to control you.
AllHipHop: Mm-mmm.
Grandmaster Jay: Okay, information is power, and power is knowledge, but at the end of the day, the wrong information will have you making the wrong decisions and rob you of your power. I don’t believe that people realize just like what I used to do. Yeah, I had a powerful presence on social media, but I came into the real world and put boots on the ground. I became a real person. And a lot of these people are not willing to put in that type of work.
The rising generations born into this technology don’t know how to socialize with people anymore. Everything they do is electronic. They don’t have those skills anymore. You have got to bring that back. What is it going to take a moratorium on social media, a moratorium on phones? You can’t. That’s what our society is now built on. Eat, sleep, and breathe. That’s why one of the books that I told you, the Hidden History of Big Brother in America, those systems are allowed because those systems collect information, and information is bought and sold to control.
And at the end of the day, I think that a lot of folks don’t realize that those are wonderful tools-that control you.
AllHipHop: Right.
Grandmaster Jay: And I showed everybody how to balance that and some people, and I made it look easy, but it wasn’t, was not a long shot. That’s why I got the attention of the US government because I was able to balance technology and reality into a mixture where we were getting results. And that’s something that as long as you just live in cyberspace, you’re harmless.
AllHipHop: Yeah, that’s true.
Grandmaster Jay: You can have 125,000 followers online, but how many will show up when you say, “I’m trying to raise funds for this, or trying to do something, a political drive or…” How many going to show up? Remember before we had this technology, you had to put your feet on the road, you had to knock on doors. The Jehovah’s Witness came over every Saturday morning and knocked on your door. There was no social media for Jehovah’s Witness.
