Rappers such as Snoop Dogg, Lil Uzi Vert and Wale supported WWE over the years, but a new lawsuit may make them think twice about it. A former WWE employee sued the wrestling company’s longtime boss Vince McMahon for sexual assault and trafficking on Thursday (January 25).
The plaintiff, Janel Grant, accused McMahon of coercing her into a sexual relationship when she worked for the WWE. Grant’s lawsuit detailed McMahon’s “depraved” actions, including a disturbing allegation of him defecating on her in 2020.
“McMahon also subjected Ms. Grant to acts of extreme cruelty and degradation that caused Ms. Grant to disassociate and/or become numb to reality in order to survive the horrific encounters,” Grant’s lawyers wrote. “As one example of McMahon’s extreme depravity, on May 9, 2020, he defecated on Ms. Grant during a threesome, and then commanded her to continue pleasuring his ‘friend’— with feces in her hair and running down her back—while McMahon went to the bathroom to shower off. Upon his return from the bathroom, McMahon and his ‘friend’ actively resumed the threesome, which lasted over an hour and a half, while Ms. Grant remained covered in McMahon’s filth. When McMahon’s ‘friend’ left, McMahon ordered her to stay and to continue to sexually gratify him.”
Grant claimed McMahon sexually assaulted her on “numerous occasions,” per court documents obtained by AllHipHop. Grant said McMahon degraded, humiliated, objectified and trafficked her. The lawsuit cited McMahon’s position of power as a key factor in Grant’s abuse, noting how he created a culture of fear and secrecy in the WWE.
“Given McMahon’s omnipotent position at WWE, coercion was inherent in his increasingly depraved sexual demands,” Grant’s attorneys wrote. “Specifically, while McMahon was CEO of WWE and Ms. Grant was employed as an entry-level coordinator in the legal department, McMahon recruited individuals to have sexual relations with Ms. Grant and/or with the two of them, directed Ms. Grant to visit Defendant [John] Laurinaitis prior to the start of workdays for sexual encounters, and expected and directed Ms. Grant to engage in sexual activity at the WWE headquarters, even during working hours.”
Grant said she suffered emotional distress with “bouts of PTSD brought on by the conduct engaged in by McMahon.” She sought undisclosed damages and a declaratory judgment deeming her NDA as unenforceable.
WWE was named as a defendant in the lawsuit. UPDATE: McMahon resigned from WWE’s parent company TKO on Friday (January 26).
So you’re thinking about hitting up some mics and laying down tracks with dreams of being the next big thing in hip-hop? Hold up a sec. It ain’t all gold chains and champagne. Truth bomb: most wannabe rappers wind up as could’ve-beens – but why?
Now buckle up ’cause we’re peeling back the curtain on rap game realities. The road to rap stardom is jam-packed with potholes, and here’s the not-so-glam part everyone usually skips over when daydreamin’ of lighting up stages and streaming charts.
Hops and Bars: Mixing Complexity into Your Rhymes
When it comes to stirring up the potent brew that is a slammin’ hip hop track, there’s this concept worth borrowing from the world of beer brewing – ‘mash hopping’. It’s all about adding depth to your mix. The best brewmasters, like top-tier rappers, use advanced mash hopping methods to enrich their blend. But yo, seems like a ton of up-and-comers straight-up miss this memo.
It’s no secret: young guns in the rap scene often sprint towards that hooky chorus or that fire beat without sprinkling in layers of lyrical complexity or varied flow. They keep churning out tracks with similar tempos and cadences as if they’re stuck on repeat.
Think about it – when’s the last time you heard a newbie not just ride the beat but reinvent it? You gotta weave intricate wordplays, switch up delivery styles, and maybe stir in some storytelling finesse if you wanna stand out. Without mixing in these elements? Well, let’s just say your work might fall flat with more seasoned heads looking for those advanced mash hopping methods applied to music.
Mic Grip Slippin’: A Failure to Network
Grab the mic with confidence, but grip it too tight, and you might miss the chance to pass it along. That’s where many rising rapsmiths drop the ball – they forget about the power of networking.
For real though, spitting hot verses in your cousin’s makeshift studio is one thing, but making waves in an ocean of talent? That takes some serious mingling skills. To carve out a niche for yourself, you’ve got to be down to collaborate—sharing beats, verses, and credits like exclusive sneakers on drop day. Too often we see fresh talent hunker down in their own world thinking a dope track will just magically go viral. Spoiler alert: It rarely does without a network.
So here’s some straight talk: Get out there and mix it up with producers, DJs, other artists—even graphic designers and videographers can help amplify your brand. Aligning with folks who can propel your sound into new earbuds is crucial because lone wolves in this biz? They usually stay howling at the moon instead of hosting block parties under that spotlight.
Brand Building or Bust: The Promotion Pitfall
Building hype isn’t just a side quest—it’s the main event. Yet, so many rappers treat self-promotion like it’s some high school homework; done half-heartedly and last minute.
Here’s the raw deal: you can’t just drop beats and expect the world to come knocking. The rap industry doesn’t operate on a ‘build it and they will come’ vibe; more often than not, dropping tracks without promotion is like whispering your lyrics in the middle of Times Square—no one hears you. Your music needs to ride shotgun with solid marketing efforts.
This ain’t about spam-posting SoundCloud links until people block you. It’s crafting an image that sticks, swag that speaks volumes before your track even plays. It’s leveraging social media not just to showcase your music but to broadcast who you are as an artist and human being—creating that personal touch fans crave. Ignore this, and you’re merely wallpaper in a mansion full of Picasso pieces—you’ve gotta draw eyes (and ears) if you wanna be front and center on those streaming playlists!
Lyricism Lost in Translation: The Content Conundrum
Somehow, somewhere on the journey to rap greatness, a bunch of emcees got the wires crossed thinking viral dance beats trump telling a solid story.
Don’t get it twisted—bangers are tight, but if your lyrics are emptier than a politician’s promises come re-election time, folks will start tuning out. The greats didn’t just have flow and swagger; they had something to say that resonated with people’s lives. But nowadays? Some newcomers are pumping out generic verses like vending machines, and audiences can smell that lack of authenticity faster than a mic drop echoes in an empty hall.
It’s about striking that fine balance between catchy and meaningful. Can you make someone turn up their stereo while simultaneously nodding in deep thought? That’s when you know you’ve hit the sweet spot. Rhymes should be more than lyrical Tetris blocks fitting neatly into a beat—they ought to be storytelling with rhythm. Without that substance in your verses? Well, let’s just say your track might not age better than last week’s memes.
Beats Ahead of Business: The Savvy Shortfall
Let’s chat about the nitty-gritty nobody wants to deal with: business acumen. I mean, you can’t just be about dropping bars and hot beats without a hint of how to handle your paper.
Here’s the straight truth for all you rhyme-slingers—talent’s only half the hustle. The other part that many overlook? Learning the biz side like it’s your backhand in table tennis. Far too many rappers are out there thinking their flow is enough, but if you don’t know how to monetize those rhymes or protect your work legally, you’re practically serving up your art on a silver platter for anyone to swipe.
It’s crucial to get clued up on contracts, royalties, and branding strategies. Skipping this step is like stepping into the ring against a heavyweight with both hands tied behind your back—no matter how good you bob and weave lyrically, without business moves, you’re going down. Ignorance here is not bliss; it’s a one-way ticket to Obscurity Town. So hit them with books and resources hard because being savvy doesn’t dilute your music—it bulletproofs it.
The Last Word
So there you have the rap game reality check – it’s a savage mix of art, heart, and smart moves. Dodge these pitfalls, and you might just beat the odds stacked high against ya. Remember, crafting hits is cool but building a lasting career? That’s legendary. Keep grinding!
In the upcoming legal drama “Mea Culpa,” Kelly Rowland stars as the lead, a skilled criminal defense attorney. Kelly is beloved for her music career as a member of the iconic group Destiny’s Child and a successful solo artist, but here her acting abilities are on full display. She takes on the challenging murder case of enigmatic artist Zyair Malloy, portrayed by the charismatic Trevante Rhodes (“Moonlight,” “Mike,” “Birdbox”). As she delves deeper into the case, Mea (Kelly Rowland) confronts a web of deceit where the line between innocence and guilt blurs. Everybody has secrets in this one. Check out the trailer below.
Ice Spice’s breakout year in 2023 earned the New York City native a special honor at the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards. The 24-year-old musical starlet will be the Hitmaker Award recipient.
2023 saw Ice Spice score four Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She made it to No. 2 as a feature on “Karma” by Taylor Swift. “Boy’s A Liar, Pt. 2” with PinkPantheress rose to No. 3.
Spice’s union with Nicki Minaj also spawned two Top 10 collaborations. “Princess Diana” peaked at No. 4 and “Barbie World” peaked at No. 7. The latter record picked up two Grammy nominations as well.
In addition to Ice Spice, the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards will recognize Victoria Monét with the Rising Star Award. Tems will accept the Breakthrough Award and Young Miko will accept the Impact Award.
“We could not be more excited to celebrate these inspiring and dynamic artists from around the world, as they move our culture forward and inspire women everywhere to push boundaries and pursue their own dreams,” Billboard’s editorial director, Hannah Karp, stated.
Hannah Karp also added, “With the talented Tracee Ellis Ross as our host, this year’s Billboard Women in Music Awards will be an unforgettable evening.” The show takes place on Wednesday, March 6 at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles.
The Billboard Women in Music Awards have also honored Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé, Iggy Azalea, Missy Elliott, Cardi B, Janelle Monáe, Chloe x Halle, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, SZA and Summer Walker in the past.
Megan Thee Stallion will release her next single this Friday (January 26). Before “Hiss” hits DSPs tomorrow, the Hot Girl Coach presented a promotional video for the track.
“I just want to kick this s### off by saying, ‘f### y’all,’” Megan Thee Stallion declared in the teaser. “I ain’t gotta clear my name on a muthafuckin’ thing.”
Additionally, she said, “Every time I get mentioned, one of y’all b####-ass n##### get 24 hours of attention. I’m finna get this s### off my chest and lay it to rest. Let’s go!”
Megan Thee Stallion spent the past four years dealing with the fallout from being shot by Tory Lanez. In December 2022, a California jury convicted Lanez (born Daystar Peterson) on three felony charges connected to the shooting.
Many social media users, bloggers and media figures constantly questioned if Megan told the truth about being a victim of Tory Lanez’s assault. For example, Joe Budden and his podcast co-hosts challenged Lanez’s guilt before the conviction.
“Hiss” will be Megan The Stallion’s first lead solo single since “Cobra” dropped in November 2023. “Cobra” reached the Billboard Hot 100 chart’s Top 40 by peaking at No. 32.
Megan also linked with singer-songwriter Reneé Rapp for the “Not My Fault” collaboration. That song lives on the Mean Girls (Music from the Motion Picture) soundtrack.
GloRilla ignited a lot of conversation after sharing a controversial take earlier this week. The “Tomorrow 2” rapper even had professional boxer Adrien Broner react to her comments.
Is every man on the planet unfaithful? GloRilla had social media users across the globe answering that question over the last four days.
“Every n#### cheat. It’s not a faithful n#### walking dis Earth stamp dat,” Big Glo posted on Monday (January 22). Her tweet amassed over 2 million views on the X platform.
In addition, GloRilla tweeted, “I got cheated on 1 time in my whole life, so no dis ain’t got s### to do with me, I’m not da problem [face with tears of joy emoji].”
Every n#### cheat. It’s not a faithful n#### walking dis earth stamp dat
Adrien Broner decided to enter the chat by directly tagging GloRilla on his Instagram Story. The former WBC Lightweight Champion dismissed the Collective Music Group recording artist’s statement about men.
“@GloRillaPimp say every n#### cheat, but I’ve been fully committed in my relationship, I’ve walked a straight line, she lying bra bra,” Adrien Broner wrote. In response, Glo reposted Broner’s Instagram Story and added, “My DMs determined dat was a lie.”
21 Savage can claim to be the hottest rapper in the world. The London-born, Atlanta-raised artist recently released the chart-topping American Dream album.
Part of 21 Savage’s promotion for American Dream included a stop at Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast. At one point, Sharpe questioned Savage about his Her Loss collaborator Drake.
“Why people got beef with Drake? What [did] Drake do to anybody?” Shannon Sharpe asked. Savage responded, “I don’t know. I f### with Drake though. Drake’s my boy.”
Sharpe then suggested other people could be envious of 21’s relationship with Drake. The Slaughter Gang frontman also stated, “What you feel like a man is, if he’s jealous of how cool two other men are?”
American Dream debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with 133,000 first-week units. 21 Savage recruited Metro Boomin, Young Thug, Lil Durk, Travis Scott, Summer Walker, Burna Boy and more as guest features.
Coi Leray has a new label home. The 26-year-old rapper signed a deal with Island Records.
The official Island Records website lists Coi Leray on its artists page. She joins other acts such as Jessie Reyez, Sabrina Carpenter and Shawn Mendes.
Previously, Leray released her Trendsetter and Coi albums via Uptown Records/Republic Records. The Grammy nominee released “Wanna Come Thru” under the Island umbrella on Wednesday (January 24).
2022’s Trendsetter hosted “Blick Blick” with Nicki Minaj) and “No More Parties (Remix)” with Lil Durk. That project peaked at No. 89 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Leray’s sophomore studio LP had an even worse showing on the Billboard 200. 2023’s Coi never got past No. 102. The album opened with just 10,000 first-week sales.
However, Coi Leray did find success on the Billboard Hot 100 chart last year. “Players” became a Top 10 hit when it rose to No. 9 on the weekly rankings.
Coi Leray’s “Player’s” earned a Best Rap Performance nomination at the forthcoming 66th Annual Grammy Awards. She also landed a Best Pop Dance Recording nod for contributing to “Baby Don’t Hurt Me” with David Guetta and Anne-Marie.
Meek Mill is justifying his worth after being dragged online for revealing he charges up to $250K for a feature.
One critic called out the Dream Chasers Records founder’s “Music Industry Math,’ in a post on X. “If you spend $250,000 on a guest verse, you’d need to generate roughly 75 million streams just to break even on that expense — assuming you own 100 percent of the record,” the user wrote. “Add production and engineering costs and that break even line rise.”
However, Meek Mill replied, calling his strategy “brand swapping” before highlighting the potential benefits of a Meek verse.
“Some of these artist need others platform to get their point across and I offer them data and fanbase opportunities along with mass marketing,” he explained. “I have 50 millions followers with real engagement … you can get good playlisting with solid meek feat!”
Nah it’s brand swapping some of these artist need others platform to get their point across and I offer them data and fanbase opportunities along with mass marketing I have 50 millions followers with real engagement … you can get good playlisting with solid meek feat! 👍🏾 https://t.co/vvL4EBM5KW
However, another X user challenged Meek’s advice to followers to “Play dumb to dumb people … and act smart around smart people,” prompting a flurry of responses.
“I made over 100m in my life,” Meek Mill replied. “I feed my community my family and change laws that send black and brown men to prison systematically … and I been on a 10 year success rate of the 1% of black men … why should they listen to you lol.”
I made over 100m in my life…I feed my community my family and change laws that send black and brown men to prison systematically … and I been on a 10 year success rate of the 1% of black men … why should they listen to you lol https://t.co/0MzarWM5xo
Meek followed up with a call to “get the hatred out the black community!” before questioning, “Why are people so judgmental with nothing going on in their lives positive?”
Drake is calling out Judge Ural Glanville over the leak of an intimate jail visitation video call between Young Thug and Mariah The Scientist.
The embattled rapper went viral earlier this week after a nearly two-minute recording surfaced online featuring the couple exchanging affectionate phrases and pet names.
However, many criticized authorities over the leak, including Drake, who blasted the culprit and jail staff on social media.
“This gotta be some form of jail misconduct,” Drake wrote on Instagram under a post featuring a clip of the call. “You gonna drag this talented man then not be able to control your employees using his personal business for their own gain?”
Furthermore, Drake branded the entire RICO case “a wash” and called for Young Thug’s release.
“Somebody benefitted from this video even existing and that’s shameful,” he added. “Whole case is a wash just 3 the guy and let him come home and continue bringing light to Atlanta.”
Posting the comment to his IG Story, Drake addressed Judge Ural Glanville directly. Calling the affair “disgraceful,” he questioned, “is this a criminal case or atlanta social media promo?”
The leaked video call that got the OVO founder so heated appears to have been recorded around Christmas time. It features Thugger and his girlfriend exchanging sweet nothings.
Boosie Badazz is facing criticism online over his relationship with his 28-year-old fiancée, Rajel Nelson.
Addressing the backlash in an Instagram Live chat earlier this week, Nelson claimed she met the 41-year-old rapper when she was 18, but they began dating six years later.
“I met him at 18 and I started talking to him when I was 21, and I been dating him since I was 24,” she explained.
Nelson then lashed out at critics for concerning themselves with her private life.
“This is the person who I’ve been with all my twenties,” she continued. “Let’s talk about how many relationships you w##### have been in all y’all life. Y’all come on here messing with me for messing with somebody that’s older than me, but who cares?”
She also addressed the 12-year age gap, saying, “age don’t matter,” and slammed fans who “always try to make it seem like y’all life is perfect,” while acknowledging that Boosie has his flaws, like everybody else.
“Nobody’s perfect,” Nelson added. “Y’all keep talking about what he did. ‘He did this, he did that.’ Which man do y’all know is perfect?”
Meanwhile, earlier this month Boosie, who’s out on bond in a federal gun case, asked a judge to allow him to communicate with Rajel Nelson, ahead of their April wedding. The court ordered him to not communicate with any witnesses in the case. Prosecutors told the judge that they might call Nelson to testify.
However, on January 12, Judge Cathy Ann Bencivengo refused to modify the conditions of his pretrial release. She ordered Boosie to not contact Nelson for another 60 days.
50 Cent is addressing the speculation surrounding his recent weight loss after a selfie sparked concern over his new look. While social media users posed multiple theories for his slimmer appearance, including Fiddy shedding the pounds for an upcoming movie role or taking weight loss drugs, the G-Unit founder said it’s just good old-fashioned hard work.
He took to Instagram to address the rumors in a video posted Wednesday (January 24).
“You wanna talk about weight loss?” 50 Cent asked. “I was in the gym, I was working the f### out, man. And they gone’ say it’s Ozempic? I was running, I was running, I was doing what I had to do. You seen me on tour.”
According to 50 Cent, he’s lost 40 pounds after months of working out and “running around” on tour.
“I was 253 lbs, I came down, I’m 210 right now,” he explained.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2gOspetvkH/
Meanwhile, earlier this month, 50 Cent announced some major lifestyle changes for the year ahead.
“My new idea is so big, I don’t have time to be distracted,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m practicing abstinence, I have been meditating and focusing on my goals. I hope this New Year helps you excel to the next level.”
It appears 50 Cent is sticking to his plan, and it’s working for him. The multi-hyphenate mogul took to IG this weekend to recommend the practice to his followers.
“I’m focused man, practicing abstinence is helping me train harder,” he shared. “I feel great I think more people should try it.”
Gucci Mane’s wife, Keyshia Ka’oir, is clapping back against allegations she slept with Rick Ross while Gucci was in prison.
The model and entrepreneur took to her Instagram Stories Wednesday (January 24) to deny the rumor.
“Ain’t neva had no dealings with Ross PERIOD!” she wrote. “Keep my MF’n name out y’all mix up! Ross & my husband are friends! WTF!!! How dare y’all! B#itchezzz pressed & mad! Medication needed.”
The allegation came from the drama between Rick Ross and the mother of his eldest child, Tia Kemp, who has been airing out the MMG founder in a series of online rants.
“Gucci Mane, he f##### Keyshia Ka’oir while you was in prison,” Kemp said on Instagram Live earlier this week. “I seen her pulling out from his studio house in that Rolls-Royce she was driving. It was a white one. It was a white one. This the truth though, allegedly, and it’s the truth. I ain’t gotta lie.”
Keyshia Ka’oir found herself in the middle of the online war of words between Kemp and Rick Ross’ current girlfriend, Cristina Mackey. According to Kemp, she’s writing a tell-all book to expose Rozay, and she’s not holding back.
However, Rick Ross fired back, claiming his ex needs to heal from her “botched surgery.” Ross also claimed that he only tolerates her antics because she’s having a rough time.
“Every time you get on TikTok, I know you see a new release from Tia. But listen, we all gotta imagine what she’s going through. She’s going through a lot,” he said on Instagram. “Her mother, who’s a 30-year recurring crack addict, she’s back addicted. Tia’s dealing with it … So that’s why you won’t see me cut her IG page off or none of that because you gotta let her express herself.”
Mariah The Scientist and Young Thug’s recent leaked jail visitation video call is providing some insight into the dynamic of their relationship. On Wednesday (January 24), video began circulating on social media of what appears to be footage from Mariah’s visit with Thug either on or around the 2023 Christmas holiday.
Throughout the nearly two-minute clip the pair exchange a number of affectionate phrases and pet names, and Mariah thanked Thug for the custom jewelry he recently gifted her.
”What’s up baby? Merry Christmas [kisses camera],” she said. “I love you. I miss you and I love you. Thanks or my gifts. I like it a lot. I’m very appreciative.”
Mariah was clearly missing Thug and couldn’t help but express it to her man repeatedly during their visit.
”I miss you,” she continued. “I wish that you could be at home with me and you could put it on me. I miss you.”
Young Thug, who at first appeared unhappy with the “weight” of Mariah’s newly gifted Cuban link chains, seemingly broke his stoic demeanor and complimented the singer’s look.
“I miss you too, you look beautiful with that s### on,” Thug said. You look like a rapper now,” to which she replied, “If I had a rap name what would you like it to be? I liked that you called me Tiger Lily last night.”
As the time begins to run out on the clip, Mariah upped the cuteness ante on Thug by posing a devilish question while batting her eyelashes at him.
”Daddy, [clears throat] am I your baby?” she asked while batting her eyes.
Metro Boomin isn’t convinced that the grade school claim to fame 21 Savage recently gushed about in an interview actually occurred the way he recounted it.
On Wednesday (January 24), the multi-platinum producer trolled his frequent collaborator by reposting a clip from his conversation with Shannon Sharpe for his Club Shay Shay podcast. In particular, Metro appeared to take issue with 21’s claim that he won both his school-wide spelling bee and math competitions in fifth grade.
“We was just talking about this last night,” 21 Savage said. “We was playing the game, and they was like, ‘Umm spell supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,’ and it was crazy because I won the spelling bee in fifth grade spelling that same word, and I won the math competition that same year too.”
Metro Boomin actually called 21 out about the claim in a video response of his own, which he shared in a tweet he wrote, “Knowledge is power.”
Metro further criticized 21 Savage in the caption: “You probably read 3000 books a year too huh @21savage,” before ripping into him in the video he shared.
”Salute Uncle Shay Shay on the podcast man, but, n###as sit on his couch and just feel like they could say anything,” he said. “Look at this n###a just looking, lookin’ for a lie to tell—look at this,” he said in the clip. This n###a Sid he won the spelling bee in fifth grad spelling supercalifragalisticexpialadoscious.”
Veteran East Coast MC/producer Termanology has signed Nim K. to his ST. Records label. To commemorate the occasion, Term and the Boston-based artist have dropped her first single off her upcoming untitled album, “Living My Best life.” The The duo expertly trade bars over a silky Jake One-produced beat, lending a certain mood to the ethereal track.
“I knew Nim K. was special when I found out she was doing three shows a night, in different venues with wardrobe changes and all,” Term tells AllHipHop. “That was something that really stuck out to me and made me want to work with her. I love the fact that she has her own style. She raps with a unique cadence and sings beautifully as well. Being versatile like that really has it’s advantages, so I think that could take her far in today’s industry.”
As for the beat, that was almost like a happy accident. He explains, “I actually found this beat on a popular website named beatstars.com. I knew as soon as I heard it, I wanted to hear her on it. I love how it came out and I am thrilled with the end result.”
Nim K. was also featured on the deluxe version of Paul Wall and Termanology’s latest collaborative album, Start, Finish, Repeat. She appears on the song “Money Motivation” produced by Statik Selektah.
“Living My Best Life” was accompanied by a limited merch drop of blue hats and tees matching the cover art. They were distributed to DJs, fans and supporters at the release party at Hidden Tiger in New York City on January 18. Listen to the single via YouTube below and cop it here.
Tory Lanez has become a trending topic following a bizarre exchange with his followers in a fan group chat. On Wednesday (January 24), screenshots of a message thread between Lanez and a group of his followers who had previously created an Instagram chat with him began circulating online.
Based on the brief exchange in the thread, the Canadian crooner appeared to address the Instagram users out of the blue, without previously being warranted. In his initial message, Lanez appeared grateful for the continued support of the individuals in the chat despite his incarceration.
”All the Goats in here I see,” Lanez wrote in his initial greeting. “I be seeing y’all post like crazy s### be killin me dawg [crying laughing emojis]. Appreciate y’all for real.”
It appears as though the moderators of the discussion may have gotten carried away and forced Lanez into a premature exit after one of the users asked how he got a phone in jail in the first place.
”That‘s my Que I’m out,” he wrote before vanishing like a thief off in the night.
Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison in August 2023 for shooting Megan Thee Stallion and is currently housed in Delano. Check out the hilarious and brief exchange below.
Snoop Dogg’s daughter Cori Broadus is heading home from the hospital after suffering a stroke. Broadus updated fans on her health in an Instagram Stories post on Wednesday (January 24).
“My ct scan of my chest came back normal and I’m going home today,” she wrote. “I can prolly cry omgggg thank you thank you for the continuous prayers, love, etc.”
Broadus revealed she suffered a stroke on January 18. Snoop Dogg’s daughter said she started crying when doctors told her what happened.
“I’m only 24 what did I do in my past to deserve all of this,” she wrote last week.
Snoop briefly spoke about his daughter’s recovery at the premiere of his movie The Underdoggs on Tuesday (January 23).
“She’s doing a little bit better,” he told PEOPLE.
Snoop was asked if his daughter’s stroke put life in perspective for him.
“Yeah, yeah,” he said. “Something like that.”
Snoop attended The Underdoggs premiere a few days before the film’s January 26 release on Amazon Prime Video. The famed rapper portrays Jaycen “Two Js” Jennings, a washed-up football star coaching a Pee Wee team, in the movie.
Drumline and Paid in Full filmmaker Charles Stone III directed The Underdoggs Snoop stars alongside Tika Sumpter and Mike Epps.
Snoop’s movie isn’t the only sports-related project he’s involved in this year. He will also be part of NBCUniversal’s coverage of the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
“I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris,” he said. “It’s a celebration of skill, dedication and the pursuit of greatness. We’re going to have some amazing competitions and, of course, I will be bringing that Snoop style to the mix. It’s going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned and keep it locked.”
Revisit Snoop’s past commentary on the Olympics below.
Donald Glover and Caleb McLaughlin will not star in the 21 Savage biopic because the film doesn’t exist. 21 Savage revealed his American Dream movie trailer was strictly part of his album promotion in an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast.
“Nah, that was a parody,” he said when Sharpe mentioned the movie.
Sharpe asked if 21 Savage ever wanted to make the film a reality. The Slaughter Gang rhymer liked the idea, but he thought the general public would initially reject it.”
“I feel like it could be one day,” he said. “They’ll hate it on now though. ‘Cause they gonna be like, ‘What the f### 21 Savage deserve a story for, a movie ‘bout him for? What he did?’ You know how they do.”
Later in the conversation, 21 Savage discussed his love of R&B. Sharpe inquired if the rapper would ever make an R&B album.
“With me singing?” 21 Savage responded. “Hell nah, man! I’d have to go get a vocal coach. I love R&B though. I listen to that s### more than anything. I don’t even listen to rap like that.”
But 21 Savage had visions of curating an R&B album. He named Beyoncé, Usher and many more artists as people he’d like to work with on such a project.
“Summer Walker, that girl – she hard as a m########### – Coco Jones, H.E.R.,” he said. “I’ma go get Avant wherever he at. We gonna get the boy Joe. We gonna see where Joe at.”
He continued, “K-Ci and JoJo. I’ma go get Jagged Edge. I’ma bring them back together. I’ma go get SWV, get them to come back out. I love Kut Klose. If they still somewhere singing, I’ll get Kut Klose … I’ll probably make the hardest collaboration R&B album of all time if I could just get all them artists.”
Yung Esckimo is here to inspire and motivate the masses all around the world. Hailing from the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, the rising star fondly remembers falling in love with music at the age of nine. Thanks to his first album, 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’, Yung Esckimo was empowered to memorize all the lyrics and perform them in front of the mirror before eventually rapping them during lunch at school.
Yung Esckimo claims he’s “the coldest trapper in the city.” He adds, “[I’m] really the most inspirational and motivational artist that the youth or anybody that’s going through tough times and hardship should tap in with.”
Through his upbringing in New York, Esckimo always carried a hustler mentality that bled into both his personal and professional life. Priding himself in making music that’s authentic to him, it wasn’t long before his song “Never Broke Again” would light the streets on fire, serving as his first record to reach one million streams.
Fast forward to 2024, Yung Esckimo is excited as ever to be unveiling his newest EP, Blue Magic. The project is spearheaded by lead singles “The Code” and title track “Blue Magic.”
AllHipHop spoke with Yung Esckimo virtually, who was posted up in Atlanta after enjoying the food at Magic City. Read below as we discuss his background, new releases, the meaning behind Blue Magic, studio essentials and more.
AllHipHop: How would you describe your sound?
Esckimo: It’s definitely inspirational. It’s a breath of fresh air, it’s brand new. I don’t sound like anything out on the market right now.
AllHipHop: Being from Washington Heights, what was that like growing up?
Esckimo: It was tough. It was hard. It turned me into what I am today. Washington Heights is a mixture of all blacks, Hispanics. Anything you looking for, you can find in Washington Heights.
AllHipHop: What was the moment you fell in love with music?
Esckimo: I fell in love with music young, when Get Rich or Die Tryin’ came out. As soon as I put that 50 Cent tape in, it was over. I was hooked.
AllHipHop: Favorite 50 Cent song?
Esckimo: Prolly “Many Men.” “Many Men” for sure.
AllHipHop: At what point did you realize you could do music for a living?
Esckimo: When I hit my first million views. I knew alright, maybe I could turn this into a profession. “Never Broke Again” by Yung Esckimo, go stream that now!
AllHipHop: How does it feel to hit those numbers independently?
Esckimo: It felt amazing. The fact that they used it for the NBA Finals was really a special moment.
It definitely kept me wanting to keep going. It felt exquisite.
AllHipHop: How did you get your name?
Esckimo: Growing up in Washington Heights, my friends used to call me Escko. The Eskimo just came from all the ice and all the extra curricular activities that we had going on.
AllHipHop: Were you hustling? How were you getting this paper?
Esckimo: Of course man, we hustling in all ways and forms. I was 12, 13 years old. When they had them summer school job programs, I was hustling. We started from nothing, we started from zero. I’ve been hustling all my whole life to be honest.
AllHipHop: You just dropped “The Code,” what were you on recording this one?
Esckimo: “The Code” is doing immaculate as well. A lot of the culture and a lot of the youth have lost the codes that we came up on, and the value of certain things. I wanted to implement this song called “The Code” to give the youth a certain guidance. We live by a certain code, we move a certain way. It’s really the code to life when you think about it.
AllHipHop: Where’d you shoot the video?
Esckimo: I shot the video in different parts. I shot some of those scenes in the Bronx, I shot some of the scenes in Harlem. I shot some of the scenes in Jersey, all over the city.
AllHipHop: What is the code?
Esckimo: It’s the code of life. It’s living by a certain code, living by a certain standard. You heard the song. They not living by the code anymore, so they gotta get in tune. Never give that money to — you know what I’m saying? Make sure you got that money for that lawyer tuck, that’s part of the code baby.
AllHipHop: What can we expect from Blue Magic dropping?
Esckimo: What you could expect from Blue Magic is the harsh reality of the things that we gotta go through in life to be successful. It’s more of a breakdown of how hard things could get, but it’s also inspiring and motivational for you to keep going and see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. That’s what Blue Magic is.
AllHipHop: Is that name significant?
Esckimo: It came from American Gangster, the movie. From Frank Lucas, Blue Magic was what he used in order for him to get to the top. But I’m giving you Blue Magic from Yung Esckimo, what Yung Esckimo used to get to the top. It’s in my own way.
AllHipHop: Talk about launching your own label, SCAM.
Esckimo: Success Comes After Manifestation is what it stands for. I’m launching my own label because I felt there’s a lot of artists and there isn’t enough CEOs in the game, that’s able to put young artists and young entrepreneurs in position to win. I wanted to create a platform that one day, it’ll be big enough in order for me to bring out the next artists and the next generation that’s coming up behind me.
AllHipHop: What’s the “Money Talk”?
Esckimo: It’s that money talk! Baby we don’t do drill, we let the dummies talk. The music I make is more of a motivational music for you to want to be successful. For you to want to reach certain limits and certain goals in life. The youth is rapping about drill drill drill. Not that there’s nothing wrong with it. If you’re an artist and you getting paid, you made a name for yourself, God bless. But you gotta understand that as an artist, you’re putting out a message. And the youth takes that in like a sponge, they trying to do what you do because you’re a role model. So “Money Talk” is more we don’t do drill, we let the dummies talk. $200,000 on me, that’s that money talk. I’m trying to guide you in an entrepreneurship way. Get that money. Forget about that drilling and killing, let’s get to the money. Let’s get to the generational wealth.
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio at all times?
Esckimo: I need the temperature to be right so the vocals can be right, I need the coldest beverage on the planet, and I need Alpha and we ready to go.
AllHipHop: Best encounter you had with the fan?
Esckimo: Matter of fact, I was coming home from the airport here in Atlanta, I had a gentleman that was working in the airline that recognized me. He said, “Yo Yung Esckimo, I follow you on the Gram. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” That was a good feeling because I feel I’m spreading out into other other states and all that. Coming from New York.
AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself at this point in your career?
Esckimo: Definitely, I have several goals. We definitely want to make the right impact. We definitely want to start packing out arenas and certainly shows, but we take the right steps in order to get to where we going. But definitely, we got a whole bunch of goals in tact.
AllHipHop: Who’s your dream collab?
Esckimo: My dream collab will probably be Jay-Z, coming from New York City. But being a rapper in the 21st century, I might want to throw Lil Baby in there as well.
AllHipHop: So $500,000 or dinner with Jay-Z?
Esckimo: It’s that “Money Talk!” Let me get that money [laughs]. Listen, Jay-Z told me to pick the money. He said, “Listen. If you want the game, go get all the albums for $10.99 and I’ll give you the game that you need. Take the money.”
AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let the people know?
Esckimo: Blue Magic coming soon. Maybach & Millions out now, go download that. Go stream that. We definitely got a couple surprises for y’all coming in 2024. Stay in tune with the brand, SCAM Inc. Yung Esckimo, and we coming.
