J. Cole is officially in roll-out mode, teasing his seventh studio album, The Fall Off, with the release of a vlog titled Might Delete Later, Vol. 1.
The “The Secret Recipe” hitmaker shared the 10-minute video from a burner account named after the project. The vlog also includes an unreleased song and features behind-the-scenes snippets from the It’s All A Blur – Big As the What? Tour with Drake.
Other footage from the Smack DVD-style visual features cameos from Drizzy and the recent tour addition, Lil Durk. J. Cole also revealed he’s been in the studio with Metro Boomin, which might indicate what to expect on his highly anticipated upcoming album.
Cole’s Dreamville Records shared a clip from the Might Delete Later vlog, while teasing the project.
“This new J. Cole is sounding CRAZY,” the caption read. “’The Fall Off’ on the way.
Check out some of the reactions at the end of the page.
During a 2021 interview for his cover story with SLAM, J. Cole explained he’s been working on The Fall Off since 2016.
“I found the phrase in 2016, actually, early 2016 when I was working on 4 Your Eyez Only. I found a phrase, I did the hook to the song and I was like, Oh, this is the phrase that sums up this whole chapter for me. And that’s when I started working on The Fall Off.”
J. Cole's rollout has officially started, he is back with a new snippet during a tour vlog video called 'MIGHT DELETE LATER Vol 1' teasing his The Fall Off album
"there's not a rap n*gga breathing that can outlast, The Fall Off is like Hov dropping Reasonable Doubt last" pic.twitter.com/zYEXiq5OFc
A J. Cole new album rollout isn’t just a moment, it’s a reason to breathe. A reason to get up and go to work every morning to put food on the table for my kids. There isn’t anything else I have in life to look forward to. Thank you J. Cole
Tiffany Haddish is responding to the backlash over her visit to Israel to learn about the ongoing war.
The comedian and actress, who discovered she was Jewish later in life and had her Bat Mitzvah at 40 in 2019, faced criticism after revealing her fact-finding mission to the war-torn region.
Actor and comic Tiffany Haddish is headed to Israel.
Haddish, who is Jewish, says she’s going to Israel “to learn and see with my own eyes.” pic.twitter.com/71HdcWFP5a
During an interview with TMZ Wednesday (February 21), Tiffany Haddish doubled down on her reasons for traveling to Israel, repeating, ” I can’t believe everything I read.”
When asked about the backlash directly, Haddish responded to reactions to her joking about looking for romance on the trip.
“I saw a headline today that I’m out here trying to find a man,” she said. “That was a little joke that I cracked. I’m out here to be informed, I want the true education. I think the best way to learn is to be present in a place and see for yourself. Don’t believe everything the media tells you because a lot of times the media only tells you half the truth.”
When asked her opinion on the “scope of the retaliation by Israel” and the deaths of “30,000 Palestinians“, Haddish replied, “Yes, I’m going over there too. I just been here for a few hours.”
She also explained that she learned a lot since arriving, before becoming emotional regarding the human suffering in the region.
“I care about both sides; I care about humanity. Human beings,” Haddish said. “I know there’s a lot of religious stuff going on, a lot of control of the land, ‘No Jews here, no this there’ whatever… that’s neither here nor there with me. It’s about the human life, human beings. Human beings, man! That’s what I care about. That’s why I’m here.”
Tiffany Haddish is getting a lot of backlash for going to Israel, but @TiffanyHaddish came on TMZ Live to explain why she's decided to go see what's happening for herself. pic.twitter.com/Vfdu7WZg0L
Kodak Black was released from Broward County jail Wednesday afternoon (February 21) but may find himself in trouble with the law again after lashing out at reporters as he walked out of the facility.
The rapper’s attorney had announced his impending release earlier on Wednesday, and a local news crew were outside the jail waiting for Kodak Black to emerge. However, when he finally did, Black reportedly threatened to punch Local 10 News reporter Rosh Lowe. He then throws a rock at the photographer.
Black is seen milling about outside the jail, telling reporters, “I been hibernating, chilling bro.”
However, things soon take a turn for the worse after Black allegedly threatened to punch the reporter, who threatened to call the cops.
Black is then caught on camera throwing a rock at the photographer. “These rocks hit my reporter right in the ribs. This is serious,” Lowe explained.
According to Local 10 News, the photographer wasn’t injured. However, a report was filed with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
Hours before his release, the rapper’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, revealed that Black would be released by the end of the day. He also said his client pleaded guilty to just one count of failure to report police contact, and his federal probation is now over.
Cops arrested Black in December after finding him asleep at the wheel of his vehicle. Officers allegedly discovered a “white chunky substance” during a search. He was initially booked for cocaine, but prosecutors charged him with possession of oxycodone last month. Cohen filed to dismiss the charge, claiming the drug was prescribed to Kodak Black.
In Washington D.C.’s vibrant creative scene, Aishaetu Gullattee emerges as a prominent figure, merging her love for fashion design and music into a notable career. From her educational roots at Dunbar High School and Howard University, Gullattee has masterfully intertwined these passions, making significant strides in both arenas.
Her Start: From Dunbar to Design
Aishaetu Gullattee’s journey began with her education in Washington D.C., laying the foundation for her diverse career. Launching her fashion career in 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina, she has seen her brand, Tutu’s Boutique, grow from its initial focus to become a celebrated name in D.C.’s fashion landscape.
Her Clothes: A Testament to Tailoring and Taste
Gullattee is renowned for her exceptional special occasion gowns, showcasing her skill in alterations, garment reconstructions, and children’s wear in D.C. Her website, www.tutusboutique.com, not only displays her craftsmanship but also reflects her dedication to sharing her fashion knowledge. As the go-to designer for custom gown services in D.C., Gullattee’s creations are celebrated for their bespoke beauty, perfectly aligning with each client’s vision and style. Her adeptness in sewing ensures every piece is impeccably crafted, highlighting her meticulous attention to detail.
Her Services: Sewing Lessons and Beyond
Beyond designing, Gullattee is passionate about education, offering sewing lessons to those eager to learn the craft. Her services extend to providing expert alterations in D.C., garment reconstructions, and creating personalized children’s wear, making her a versatile figure in the fashion industry. Through Tutusboutique, she empowers aspiring designers and clients alike, sharing her expertise and love for fashion with the D.C. community.
Her Music: A Soulful Symphony
Parallel to her fashion career, Aishaetu Gullattee has carved a niche in the music industry as a rapper and singer. Following the loss of her mother, Dr. Alyce Gullattee, music became a therapeutic outlet for her, allowing her to express her deepest emotions and experiences. Her background in the Union Temple youth choir and her evolution as an artist exemplify her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.
A Multifaceted Journey
Aishaetu Gullattee’s evolution from a dancewear designer to a leading figure in Washington D.C.’s fashion and music scenes underscores her relentless pursuit of growth and excellence. Her dual career serves as an inspiration, proving that with dedication and talent, it’s possible to make a significant impact in more than one creative field. Gullattee continues to inspire with her commitment to her crafts, encouraging others to explore and pursue their artistic passions.
Aishaetu Gullattee’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and versatility, making her a standout personality in Washington D.C.’s thriving artistic community. Whether through her bespoke gowns or her heartfelt music, she leaves an indelible mark on all who encounter her work. Learn more about Aishaetu Gullattee here
Tyler, The Creator unveiled the first images of the collection he designed for Louis Vuitton and thanked Pharrell Williams for the opportunity in the process.
On Wednesday (February 21), Tyler shared a post on Instagram featuring images from his first-ever capsule for Louis Vuitton Men’s collection with the French fashion house. In the caption, Tyler expressed gratitude to Williams for helping him realize a dream he revealed he’s been preparing for since he was 13 years old.
“A Louis Vuitton collection by TYLER OKONMA,” Tyler wrote in the lengthy post. “hand drawn craggy monogram. chess board is my favorite thing ive made. thank you @pharrell i love you, you keep throwing me the keys. the @louisvuitton team thank yall for allowing these ideas come to life. thank you @darrenvongphakdy we really ran in there like we ran the place. and @missrazavi and @luisperezdop we the trio for real [heart emoji]. ive been making clothes since i was 13, sheesh.”
Tyler, The Creator described his meticulous and hands-on process while designing the collection in a follow-up post.
“hand drawn monograms, wavy soles, waffle and butter sandles, dogs, pastel colors all that,” he wrote. “i wanted to mix my style and louis vuittons codes together in a way that felt slightly whimsical but could still be worn to the gas station on a tuesday. what an experience being in that office, imagination running wild. have you seen that chessboard?!!!! i had a real late night editing these photos, im happy to finally share this collection and lookbook with you guys. still cant believe it. collection out March 21st.”
Hip-Hop, rap and R&&B stars showed up in droves in the comments section of Tyler’s post to offer their support to the Odd Future innovator.
“I told you I told everyone I screamed it from the rooftops I knew you were gonna do this one day bro you inspire us like some s### I’ve never seen before in life,” Jaden Smith wrote in the comment section. “im like I don’t even know what to say bro you’re genius aggghhdghdjdjsjgs!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Imma rob you when I see you.”
Tyler, The Creator’s close friend and collaborator Solange Knowles also congratulated the CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST lyricist, commenting, “oh u 8 that sisss,” while ScHool Boy Q added “FresH.”
In a statement to GQ, Williams explained how he and his “Cash In Cash Out” collaborator’s connection through music and design naturally blossomed into the collection for LV.
“Tyler has been my close friend and collaborator for years and we’ve always connected on music and design,” Williams said in an email. “This collaboration is unique to Louis Vuitton because it’s a natural extension of our LVERS philosophy, building on our network of incredible artists and creatives. There are so many elements specific to Tyler built into these pieces and it’s been inspiring to see him hone in on his craft and collaborate with him for this Spring collection.”
Officially kicking off the Spring 2024 campaign, the collection features many of Tyler’s touches, including his own hand-drawn take of the iconic LV monogram, which he has the “Craggy Monogram.” The collection also offers a warming take on pastel hues and charming beige and vanilla tonal colors, along with an assortment or hard luggage like the €68,000 Courrier Lozine 110 trunk he previously designed for LV for his live shows.
Check out additional images of the collection below.
The highly-anticipated 17th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024, and the prestigious event will once again celebrate the achievements of trailblazing Black women in Hollywood.
Grammy Award-winning rapper, actor, and entrepreneur Method Man will host the event as ESSENCE shines light on women who are making an undeniable and indelible mark in film and television.
This year’s entertainment industry trailblazers include Academy Award-nominated actress & Grammy Award winner, Danielle Brooks, six-time Grammy-nominated singer and leading actress, Halle Bailey, acclaimed screenwriter and showrunner of All American, All American: Homecoming and Found, Nkechi Okoro Carroll and industry powerhouse & President of Original Programming for STARZ, Kathryn Busby.
Through the lens of cinematic achievement, the 2024 awards ceremony will both honor and explore the multifaceted strength that defines the essence of Black women, with emphasis on their role as pillars of resilience and determination even in the face of industry adversity.
The 2024 theme of Essence Black Women in Hollywood is “Radiant Power”- spotlighting the strength, grace, and influence of Black women in television and film following the turmoil of the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strike. The awards ceremony will air on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network.
High school teachers in North Carolina are being retrained after a racially insensitive incident concerning Black History Month (BHM) sparked a nationwide debate.
West Charlotte High School’s recent decorations, ironically in celebration of BHM, were promptly removed after photos of double doors in the school featuring “Colored” and “White” entrance labels went viral on social media.
Hundreds of users on Twitter (X) remarked on the images, engaging in back-and-forth discussions with each other over whether the display was constructive or disrespectful.
While some users argued there was a sense of meritocracy added by the display, others countered with the fact that regionally, racism is still a major issue across America.
I hear you but we haven't come that far at all,in the recent years in austin texas,st louis missouri and somewhere else that escapes me at the moment,whites only stickers were plastered across businesses, said to be a so called joke but a joke that was painful to many ya know🤦🏿♂️💯 pic.twitter.com/dO0coboI5v
— BeͤrͬrͬyꙷDaⷶrͬkᷜMeͤlᷝaⷶnᷡiͥnᷡDeͤeͤpᷮ (@berry_deep) February 21, 2024
People also discussed if it was actually causing more division.
“That’s really bad,” a user wrote. “That feeds racism. How about we quit dividing ourselves. Hate and division is taught and pushed.” Another user added, “Hate to break it to you because it sounds like you live under a rock, the black folks don’t like us even more now than before.” The user added, “It’s them that want separation. Whites dying at the hands of blacks everyday.”
Hate to break it to you because it sounds like you live under a rock, the black folks don't like us even more now than before. It's them that want separation. Whites dying at the hands of blacks everyday.
Ebony Caldwell, daughter of the teacher responsible for the display, says her mother was “very hurt” by the backlash and claims her mom wasn’t informed the decorations, which were removed on Valentine’s Day, would be taken down.
A New Jersey judge gave U.S. Marshals the greenlight to take DJ Envy’s former business partner Cesar Pina into custody, adding to Pina’s legal troubles. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Judge Rosemary Gambardella ordered the arrest of Cesar Pina and his wife Jennifer Iturralde Pina on Tuesday (February 20).
The judge found Pina and his wife to be in contempt of a December 2023 court order, which compelled them to produce documents in a bankruptcy case. The Pinas ignored the order. DJ Envy seemingly complied as he was also hit with a subpoena related to Pina’s bankruptcy in December 2023.
Judge Gambardella directed U.S. Marshals to arrest the Pinas on or after February 23. The court held a hearing on a contempt motion in January. A Chapter 11 trustee was “permitted to submit an order” for the arrest of Pina and his wife for failing to turn over documents requested in a subpoena. The court determined the Pinas did not comply with a contempt order after receiving “good and sufficient notice,” paving the way for their arrests.
Judge Gambardella instructed U.S. Marshals to deliver the Pinas to her courtroom in Newark. The judge said authorities were allowed to “use reasonable force to execute this order” and “arrest any person who impedes its execution.”
Last year, Pina filed for bankruptcy amid Ponzi scheme allegations. He was charged by complaint with one count of wire fraud in connection to a multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme.
“Pina exploited celebrity status and social media to develop a devoted following of potential victims,” U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. “Promising returns that were too good to be true, Pina allegedly defrauded dozens of people of millions of dollars.”
DJ Envy was sued for his alleged role in the scam. He avoided criminal charges despite his ties to Pina’s business.
Machine Gun Kelly discussed his new tattoo, Megan Fox’s miscarriage and much more on his new single titled “Don’t Let Me Go,” which dropped on Wednesday (February 21). The Interscope Records artist admitted he struggled with suicidal thoughts as he detailed trauma in his life.
“Lately my thoughts eating me alive/Laid in the bed thinking maybe the hate’ll finally go away if I’m not alive/Wish I didn’t listen just wished they would understand me one time/I had a breakdown and tatted my entire body except one line/Everything is just fine,” he rapped.
Machine Gun Kelly said he inherited many bad qualities from his dad on the track. MGK revealed he was still running from secrets dating back to his childhood and claimed he was supposed to die at birth.
The rapper/rocker suggested he has just been playing a character who’s “broken” and “lost.” He mentioned medicating himself with “something he cannot pronounce” before reflecting on Fox’s miscarriage.
“How can I live with the fact that my hand wasn’t on her stomach when we lost the baby/I don’t got no one to turn to ‘cause everyone’s dead in my life that was trying to raise me,” he rapped.
Last year, Fox disclosed the miscarriage in her poetry book. Fox talked about how it affected her relationship with MGK while promoting her book on Good Morning America.
“I’ve never been through anything like that in my life,” she said. “I have three kids, so it was very difficult for both of us. And it sent us on a very wild journey together and separately, and together and apart, and together and apart, and together and apart, trying to navigate, ‘What does this mean? Why did this happen?’”
Yung Miami defended herself after a security guard put the rapper on blast on social media. The City Girls member responded to a TikTok video posted by a user known as Famous Lex, who claimed the rapper was “mean” to her at the 2024 Super Bowl Experience. The video was reposted on a gossip outlet’s Instagram account and caught Yung Miami’s attention on Wednesday (February 21).
“How tf I’m suppose to hear you if one I’m on the phone,” Yung Miami wrote in an Instagram comment. “2. You WHISPERED that’s my ‘good sis Caresha’ like you’re literally whispering in the video! where in the video or where’s the audio of you trying to get my attention. How much they paying yall for this hate train I wanna sign up?!”
Famous Lex was working as a security guard at the Super Bowl Experience. She tried to get Yung Miami’s attention at the event, but the rapper walked by without noticing the woman.
“If people try to get you, if fans try to jump on you, I’ma let them,” the security guard said after receiving no response from the Quality Control Music artist. “F### outta here.”
Famous Lex’s video included footage of her getting ignored by Yung Miami. The TikTok user ultimately got her wish as she wanted the City Girls rapper to view the video.
“I end up meeting Caresha and Ari [Fletcher] at the Super Bowl Experience, and let me tell you chile, Caresha is mean as s###,” Famous Lex said. “I’m like, ‘Hi girl, my sis Miami.’ She just not acknowledging me. Mind you, I’m security. I’m not no regular guest, so you can fake look up and address me like, ‘Hey girl.’ She just left me hanging … Miami is not so Miami. I hope you see this video too.”
The time I was working the Super Bowl experience and saw yung Miami and Ari, Miami wassssss mean as s### I saw her 3 different times funky acting😭😭😭 Ari saw me once and was mad nice and friendly 🥹🥰 #superbowl#yungmiami#arifletcher#fyp#contentcreator#blacktiktok
50 Cent called out his frenemy Floyd Mayweather over questionable comments about Diddy, who’s facing multiple allegations of sexual assault. Mayweather proclaimed he would not speak ill of Diddy despite the accusations, prompting 50 Cent to mock the undefeated boxer on Wednesday (February 21).
“They didn’t even ask him about this,” 50 Cent wrote on Instagram. “Champ is you stupid or is you dumb? Get me the f### out ya head, you sound like a hater. DIDDY DO IT? COMING soon.”
Mayweather discussed Diddy’s sexual assault allegations on an episode of the Pivot podcast. Hosts Ryan Clark and Channing Crowder did not ask Mayweather for his opinion on the Diddy controversy, yet Mayweather went on a tangent about not judging the Hip-Hop mogul’s “mistakes.”
“I’m not going to speak bad about P. Diddy ’cause he’s still a Black man,” Mayweather told Clark and Crowder. “Mistakes happen. I can’t say if it is or it’s not a mistake. But things happen in life. And P. Diddy business is P. Diddy business. It’s not my job or anyone else’s job to go on the internet and stomp him and kick a man while he’s down. My take on it is it’s not my business. I don’t think it’s right at all. And I don’t condone it. Even if that happened to my daughter, I would be hurt. But that’s a choice that my daughter made. So, I don’t wanna kick nobody while they’re down.”
Last year, Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie sued him for rape and years of abuse. The two quickly settled out of court, but more women filed lawsuits against the Bad Boy Records founder. Two women’s lawsuits accused Diddy of sexually assaulting them in the ‘90s. A woman identified as Jane Doe also sued him for allegedly gang-raping and sex trafficking her when she was 17 years old. Diddy denied the allegations.
Kodak Black is expected to be released from a Florida jail as early as Wednesday night (February 21). According to an Instagram post from the rapper’s attorney Bradford Cohen, Kodak Black pleaded guilty to just one count of failure to report police contact and his federal probation is now over.
As he explained in the caption, “Federal Probation terminated with time served. In the Southern District of Florida Judge Martinez dismissed all substantive counts and Kodak plead to sole violation of failure to report police contact. Time served and he should be released by tonight. With my co counsel @skywriter.esq @kodakblack.”
Broward County officers arrested Kodak Black in December 2023 after they found him asleep at the wheel of his vehicle. Officers allegedly discovered a “white chunky substance” during a search and claimed it tested positive for cocaine. Kodak Black was originally booked for cocaine possession, but prosecutors didn’t pursue the charge. Instead, they charged him with possession of oxycodone last month, but Cohen filed a motion to dismiss the charge, saying his client had a prescription for the drug.
“It’s oxycodone that Kodak had a prescription for and not an illegal substance,” Cohen wrote on social media. “Knowing that the officer substantially misrepresented his observations, the Broward State Atty Office still filed the charge. Unbelievable and it will not be tolerated. This level of abuse of power by the arresting officer is disgusting.”
Earlier this month, Kodak Black convinced a Florida judge to dismiss the drug charge. During the hearing, Judge Barbara Duffy said prosecutors failed to “refute or negate the material fact that the defendant had an oxycodone prescription filled by a pharmacy.”
Cohen reacted to Duffy’s decision on Instagram, posting a photo of the judge’s order with the caption, “Motion to Dismiss @kodakblack new case for possession of ‘cocaine’ that was actually oxycodone….GRANTED. I will leave that right here. We have moved to have his bond reinstated. With my friends for over 20 years, @skywriter.esq and Fred Haddad.”
Gunna will head out on the road beginning in May. On Tuesday (February 20), the Atlanta rap star announced the dates for his Bittersweet North America Tour.
The current schedule has Columbus, Ohio hosting the opening night of the trek. Gunna will also travel to other cities such as Detroit, Chicago, Houston, Boston, Miami, and his hometown.
Flo Milli will serve as an opening act for the Bittersweet North America Tour. The product of Mobile, Alabama earned her first Hot 100 hit with the “Never Lose Me” single. That 2023 song peaked at No. 18.
Last week saw the arrival of the “Bittersweet” single. The Dystinkt Beats and 1SREAL-produced track appeared to reference Gunna’s seemingly estranged relationship with his “Drip Too Hard” collaborator Lil Baby.
A Gift & a Curse opened at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, giving the 30-year-old performer his fifth Top 10 entry on the weekly chart. He previously led the Billboard 200 with 2020’s Wunna and 2022’s DS4Ever.
Plus, Gunna is part of the star-studded lineup for the Philadelphia-based Roots Picnic taking place in June. The southerner joined the festival bill that also featured Lil Wayne, André 3000, Jill Scott, Nas, Victoria Monét, and more.
Kelly Rowland has been offered a chance to return to Today with Hoda & Jenna. The singer/actress reportedly left a previous episode of the morning program over concerns about a dressing room.
Several outlets claimed Kelly Rowland left the February 15 episode of Today before taking on a planned guest host role. On Tuesday (February 20), the talk show’s regular hosts, Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, addressed the situation with the Mea Culpa star.
“I just want to say this. I have great love and admiration for Kelly Rowland,” Hoda Kotb stated. The veteran television personality continued, “I adore her, and I want her to come back on our show, and I want her to host again.”
Jenna Bush Hager also added that Rowland is welcome on the show anytime. Hoda Kotb then referenced the reported backstage issues by saying, “She can share my dressing room. We’ll be in it together.”
Hoda says she has ‘great love’ for Kelly Rowland: ‘She can share my dressing room!’ pic.twitter.com/ax5ZEtv8aP
Kelly Rowland’s alleged disappointment about her preferred green room being occupied by This Is Me… Now album creator Jennifer Lopez made national headlines. Comedian Marlon Wayans defended his The Curse of Bridge Hollow co-star on Instagram.
“Y’all stop with these false narratives,” Marlon Wayans stated. “I’ve worked with @kellyrowland as a star/producer. I will honestly say she was nothing short of AMAZING. Sweet, kind, professional. On time, great energy, impeccable manners and professionalism.”
Wayans continued, “She was nice to EVERYONE on set. Not one diva moment. S### happens in Hollywood. Get both sides before you castrate anymore legends. Love this woman. Y’all stop this BS. This woman was nothing short of a humble, loving queen… PERIOD.”
Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em” made it to the top spot of the latest Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. That feat gives the Houston-raised singer a historic accomplishment.
According to reports, Beyoncé became the first Black female recording artist to lead the Hot Country Songs rankings. She also made history by being the first act to score a No. 1 single on seven specific genre charts.
Queen Bey has now led the Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, Hot Gospel Songs, Hot Latin Songs, Hot R&B Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. “Texas Hold ’Em” currently sits at No. 2 on the Hot 100.
In addition to “Texas Hold ’Em” finding success on the Hot Country Songs chart, Beyoncé’s other newly released “16 Carriages” placed at No. 9 on that tally. “16 Carriages” debuted at No. 38 on this week’s Hot 100.
There appeared to be some initial rejection of playing “Texas Hold ’Em” and “16 Carriages” on certain country music stations. However, mass media corporation iHeartMedia confirmed “Texas Hold ‘Em” will get a radio push.
Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” will likely live on the tentatively titled Renaissance Act II studio album. Both surprise singles premiered during the Super Bowl LVIII broadcast on February 11. Act II will arrive on March 29.
In a new conversation with AllHipHop, rapper Blacc Zacc and producer Neeko Baby discuss the essence of their latest project, 48 Hours, an album recorded entirely over just two days. Throughout the interview with AHH’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur, they offer insights into their backgrounds, the influential forces behind their artistry, and their navigation through the complexities of the music industry.
On top of it all, they reveal where they are headed. Blacc Zacc shares his ambitions for his label, Dirty Money, aiming to cultivate a roster of top-tier artists, while Neeko Baby discusses his passion for producing and his strategic approach to re-entering the rap scene after achieving a hit record. Both men explain their deep devotion to family and how that interacts with their relentless pursuit of the music. They explain why the South’s dominance may never cease in Hip-Hop.
Blacc Zacc And Neeko Baby Discuss Their New Album
Neeko: it’s just really a vibe though, man, with our engineer, who had engineered all the songs, and I just… I don’t know, I just thought about like 48 Hours and I just called him. I’m like, “Bro, we need to do that. That’s fire.” And then bro was like… He just really pushed the button for real as soon as I told him. As soon as I told him, the next day he was just like, “We’re going to the studio. I just booked the studio.”
How The Process Works Without Writing Down Raps
Blacc Zacc: I just always felt like, if you going to write it, you might as well just say it. I don’t feel like nothing wrong with it. I feel like you probably can make better music if you write it because you take your time. But just the new culture, that’s just how it is. When you write, yeah, it kind of takes away from the natural because you can write something one day and if you don’t go record it right away, I’ll be feeling a whole different way by the time it’s time for me to record it.
How Blacc Shifted From Sports To Making Money With Music
Blacc Zacc: I always made money, but at the time, we was playing basketball, played football a little bit, but that was too much of a contact sport for me and you can’t do nothing about it if you get slammed like that. You know what I’m saying? But I loved basketball and s### like that and baseball. We played baseball, too, at the time, but other than that, it was just, s###, get some money coming up.
Blacc Talks About Dirty Money, His Label
Blacc Zacc: It always started, I feel like, with me. So I just had to keep branding myself. And then, as me branding myself, I got into learning the business like bro saying. There’s more to it than just making a song. So learning the business and then just being a fan of the music and then went from that to finding artist and just investing.
His Biggest Business Lessons
Blacc Zacc: The biggest lesson…I guess sometime at the beginning I used to kind of believe everything…people said. Not everything a person say in this industry, but I guess have my expectations too high for certain people.
Blacc And Neeko Reveal The Goats They Looked Up To
Blacc Zacc: Coming up, I was coming up off Gucci, Jeezy, Boosie. Who else? And then it got to the other era to like the Migos, Rich Homie Quans, and all them type people. That was hard back then too. But now, I don’t really… I just listen to us now. I ain’t going to lie.
Neeko Baby Explains His Beat Making Process
Neeko Baby: Man, my process is really just… With music with me, I think it’s just a vibe thing. So even if I make something from scratch or if I use a loop, if it don’t catch my attention the first three seconds, I’m going to just start something new. Feel me? So that’s really my process. It’s a vibe with me. That’s how I operate. And even when I play beats for him, if his head not nodding instantly, I’m going to go to the next beat. You feel me? That’s just how I operate.
Five Things They Need To Create that Vibe In The Studio
Neeko Baby: Patron. I need some Patron. We need some wings-
AllHipHop: Okay. Wait, wait, wait. I need specifics on the wings.
Neeko Baby: Lemon pepper, all flat.
AllHipHop: I’m a connoisseur of wings.
Neeko Baby: Lemon pepper, all flats.
AllHipHop: I’m a drum man.
Neeko Baby: I’m a all flat type of guy.
Neeko Baby: I like cookies for sure. Cookies and milk.
AllHipHop: Okay. I’m a specifics, what cookies?
Neeko Baby: Chocolate chip. Chocolate chip.
AllHipHop: Okay. That’s four.
Neeko Baby: I think about some vibes.
AllHipHop: No girls, though?
Neeko Baby: That’s the vibe.
AllHipHop: Oh, that’s the vibe. Okay. The girls is the vibes. All right, I got you. I got you.
Neeko Baby: Because they a part of it too.
Blacc Zacc: I ain’t going to lie, I just need smoke, the engineer and s###, Neeko there. That’s it.
Blacc Zacc Discusses Being A Mixtape King and His Secret To Success
Blacc Zacc: Most def. Just staying consistent, always dropping. That’s where it started, because when I first started doing music, it was the mix tape area. It was more like hard copies and s### like that so we was just out passing it, me and bro. Even back then, we was outside at Side by Side where it’s like, passing out hard copies of the music and just really just touching the people that way. Then, the digital side came with all the other s### like the streaming and s### like that and we just got in tune with that and switched it over.
What They Hate Most About The Rap Game
Neeko Baby: Fake. That’s why I was telling you earlier, with me and Blacc project, it was organic. You feel me? I already know what’s up with bro. You feel me? So even you see how you asking him about who we deal within the industry, you can’t really name too many people because it’s not organic. It just be cap, for real. Somebody always want something. You know what I’m saying? So it be weird to me.
And you had said something earlier too about the lesson. I just feel like, with my lesson, keep your eyes on your own paper type s###, because if you ain’t paying attention, somebody’ll pull one over you. You know what I’m saying? With the industry, I’m pretty sure y’all know how it go. You can get one pulled over you off of not paying attention, you know I’m saying? So I had to learn that, with me personally.
The Dynamic Duo Discusses If The South’s Dominance Will Ever Wane
AllHipHop: What about the South? The South is a huge region. It’s massive. But it seems like the South’s been running Hip-Hop for about at least 20 years, maybe more. Do you think it’ll ever end?
Blacc Zacc: Like come back up North?
AllHipHop: Like, Yeah.
Blacc Zacc: Nope.
AllHipHop: No? Why not?
Blacc Zacc: I just feel like the kind of vibe that… The kind of music that’s being made now, it’ll never really probably go all the way back to… Because around that time, I feel like it was more serious. People was really taking music more serious. It wasn’t probably too much freestyling and stuff until Jay came or whatever, but people was really probably taking it more serious and it was just a different style.
Nicki Minaj delivered a message to the world about her diehard fans known as the Barbz. On Tuesday (February 20), the “FTCU” rapper praised her supporters for their devotion to defending her and attacking her foes.
“I be tryna tell y’all nobody is exempt,” Nicki Minaj tweeted. “ANYBODY CAN GET IT. It don’t matter WHO start it, the Barbz ALWAYS finish it. I been doin this s### for a long time now & [every time] I ever tried to warn [people] that the Barbz are different, they had to learn the hard way.”
The 41-year-old rapper then listed six things she claimed to have learned about her Stans since joining X (formerly Twitter) in 2009. Minaj posted:
They NEVER Forget [unamused face emoji]
They don’t care how long it take to get a OPP bakk
They NEVER stop once they start. They’ll be in that ass #ForLife (moment 4 Life voice)
They beat everyone @ their OWN game while laughing & supporting Onika.
They make a fun sport out of giving ppl a taste of their own medicine. So if you do something, they will patiently wait for their turn & chiiiiiiii. WooWEE [face with open eyes/hand over mouth emoji]
It’s never business with the barbz. Once they feel that line is crossed, it’s personal.
😂🤣 I be tryna tell y’all nobody is exempt. #ACGI ANYBODY CAN GET IT. It don’t matter WHO start it, the barbz ALWAYS finish it. I been doin this s### for a long time now & every-time I ever tried to warn ppl that the barbz are different, they had to learn the hard way.
In addition, Nicki Minaj alerted any potential adversaries about her parasocial relationship with the Barbz. She added in the tweet, “I’m not their fave, I’m their family. Know the difference & then… Play @ your own risk.”
Minaj has been involved in several high-profile feuds with other celebrities. Throughout her career, the Pink Friday 2 album creator publicly clashed with Lil Kim, Remy Ma, Cardi B, Latto,Megan Thee Stallion and others.
Previously, Nicki Minaj instructed her Barbz not to attack people. In November 2023, the Young Money crew member shared an open letter on Instagram. She wrote, “Dear Barbz… Be sure to never threaten anyone on my behalf. Whether on the internet or in person. Whether in jest or not. I don’t & never have condoned that.”
Trigger Warning with Killer Mike debuted on Netflix in 2019. The docuseries has recently become a topic on social media again after an old clip from the show began making the rounds.
In an episode of Trigger Warning, Killer Mike addresses a classroom of children. The scene features one Black student talking about wanting to be “a president” in the future.
“You owe your parents not to dream big. You owe it to your parents to dream practical and start making money as soon as you can. You’re not going to be able to be president,” Mike told the young boy.
The black community is filled with dream killers and haters
Everything is about being “practical/realistic” . Imagine telling a young black boy that he’s not gonna be president , but instead just get a trade and that’s it pic.twitter.com/pAQ3pqwB00
Killer Mike Reacts To Complaints About His Trigger Warning Comments
Those comments from the Atlanta-raised Michael album creator did not sit well with many social media users. For example, one self-described educator called out Killer Mike on X.
“Did this man tell a Black child and other Black children in the room that he didn’t owe their parents to dream big?!!? Don’t ever tell [me] what he is doing for the community again! I’m so livid right now that if I said what I truly wanted to say, I would be banned!” read a tweet from the Thee Shawn Roberts account.
Killer Mike responded, “Ohhh Shawn b4 u get ya self banned lemme say ‘Thank U for being an educator.’ It is truly a noble profession. Lastly, as an educator, it is important u know all the facts. That beautiful Black boy is Canadian and he can NEVER be POTUS however he can be Prime Minister of Canada.”
Did this man tell a Black child and other Black children in the room that he didn't owe their parents to dream big?!!? Don't ever tell what he is doing for the community again! I'm so livid right now that if I said what I truly wanted to say, I would be banned!😡😡😡 https://t.co/dufMAYjwTS
Ohhh Shawn b4 u get ya self banned lemme say "Thank U for being an educator". It is truly a noble profession. Lastly as an educator it is important u know all the facts. That beautiful black boy is Canadian and he can NEVER be POTUS however he can be Prime Minister of Canada. https://t.co/Mj8BU4LX5T
Netflix Pitched Trigger Warning As An Examination Of Cultural Taboos
Another X user named Dane Weeks wrote, “[Thoroughly] engaging with a white child about their future while lecturing Black children not to dream big, is nasty work.”
Those remarks also got a response from Killer Mike. He tweeted, “Gotta get u hooked up with the white folks that saw my engagement with the white as bad for him [because] of my allusion to his privilege. That way all u ‘stupid s####’ can learn about ‘Satire’ together.”
Trigger Warning with Killer Mike ran for six episodes on the Netflix streaming service. The expressed purpose of the series was to examine cultural taboos and explore the human condition using nontraditional approaches.
“Not everyone will agree with my methods (and some of what we’re putting out is f###### crazy), but this show is about embracing your freedom to challenge societal expectations and conformity. This show is if an anarchist determined the status quo,” Mike explained in 2019.
Thorougly engaging with a white child about their future while lecturing Black children not to dream big, is nasty work.
Gotta get u hooked up with the white folks that saw my engagement with the white as bad for him becuz of my allusion to his privilege. That way all u "stupid s####" can learn about "Satire" together. 😄 ❤️🙏🏾 https://t.co/0er9PvXHWd
Digga D jumped on Instagram Live as armed police executed a raid on his home in the early hours of Wednesday morning (February 21).
The U.K. drill trailblazer could be heard shouting from inside the home as cops attempted to force entry to his residence.
“What do you lot want? he yelled repeatedly as thudding sounds, and the shattering of glass is heard in the background. “I am here! Stop! What are you lot doing?”
He attempted to communicate to police stating, “I am on the floor.” Digga continued pleaded with them to stop as more breaking glass was heard off camera.
As officer shouted, “Armed police!” Digga D replied, “I’m coming! Why are you lot doing that – yes I heard you.”
The cop commanded Digga to “Come to the front door with your hands up,” before the stream was cut.
It is unclear what led to the raid or whether Digga D was arrested or detained following the incident.
The West Londoner, who recently made history after becoming first drill artist and the youngest rapper headline London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall, is subject to strict restrictions imposed by a criminal behavior order (CBO) in 2018.
The order, the first of its kind in the U.K., restricts where he can go and who he can meet. Additionally, he must also submit any lyrics to police within 24 hours of releasing them in song. Authorities also banned him from performing specific songs and have removed his videos from YouTube.
Digga D On Criminal Behaviour Order Restirctions
In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, Digga D explained the “headache” he endures as a result of the CBO, which expires in 2025. He insisted, “They’ve got me banned from areas and people I don’t even know.”
Digga D’s lawyer Cecilia Goodwin, added, “Everything in his life has changed, apart from the CBO. He is not the same person – yet he is still the subject of this order that hasn’t moved with him, that hasn’t adapted to his life, or his success. So is it necessary?”
Nicki Minaj is putting the finishing touches on her upcoming Pink Friday 2 tour and needs the “funniest man in show business” Katt Williams to join her.
The “Barbie World” hitmaker hopped on Instagram Live on Tuesday (February 20) before heading off to rehearsals. After recently adding Monica to the North American leg of her tour, she decided that she needed to add a touch of humor to the show.
“I know that this is the busiest man in show business, ok?” she told her viewers. “I know that he’s rich, and I know that he’s the funniest man in showbiz. Can y’all hit up Katt Williams and ask him what would be his price…to be a part of the Pink Friday 2 Gag City Tour.”
A fan in the chat told Nicki Minaj that Katt Williams was currently on his own comedy tour, but Nicki Minaj was undeterred. She revealed she has a “big bag” to persuade him to join the tour at some point.
“He ain’t got to come out every day,’ she replied. “But I would like to know if on one of his off days, if I could slide him a little bag, I mean a big bag and then have him come out. Can y’all imagine if Katt Williams was in Gag City for like a few minutes? Tell him to holla at me.”
Fans React To Nicki Minaj’s Invitation To Katt Williams
However, some fans questioned Minaj’s motivation for inviting the comedian, who recently went viral following his infamous Club Shay Shay interview.
“Nicki tickets must not be selling if she trying to convince Katt Williams to perform on her tour,” One X user wrote. “like the man ain’t announce he was on his own tour this year.”
Nicki tickets must not be selling if she trying to convince Katt Williams to perform on her tour like the man ain't announce he was on his own tour this year.
