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Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign’s “Vultures” Album Pushed Back Again, New Release Date Revealed

At first, fans anticipated Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s Vultures would drop on December 15. Then reports claimed the album would arrive on December 31. The duo, collectively known as ¥$, pushed back the project again.

A representative for Kanye West told Billboard that Vultures is now scheduled to come out on January 12. The long-running music publication previously reported the album had a December 31 release date.

The rollout for Vultures has been rocky. Issues with sample clearances reportedly caused some delays. An apparent unauthorized Backstreet Boys interpolation also raised questions about the potential final product.

Ty Dolla $ign shared a list of songs for Vultures on an Instagram post dated December 8. The Backstreet Boys-inspired “Everybody” does appear on the tracklist. ¥$’s “Everybody” interpolates BSB’s “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” from 1997.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C0nBsoTLcM4/?hl=en

According to Ty Dolla, Vultures will also contain “New Body.” That song originally featured Nicki Minaj. However, Minaj said she turned down Kanye West’s request to approve her vocals for the record.

“That train has left the station, OK?” Nicki Minaj stated. “No disrespect in any way. I just put out a brand-new album. Now why would I put out a song that has been out for three years? Come on guys.”

In addition, Kanye West made headlines in recent days for a 10-minute diatribe that went viral. The 46-year-old rapper/producer ranted about Jesus, Adolf Hitler, Zionists, Donald Trump, Jay-Z, Drake, Adidas and more.

West faced widespread backlash in 2022 for making anti-semitic remarks and praising Hitler. He also aligned himself with white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Before those controversies, Ye angered some of his supporters by promoting White Lives Matter shirts and spreading conspiracy theories about the death of George Floyd.

Ice-T Shows How “The Player” Was Born With Series Of Epic Throwback Photos

Ice-T is one of Hollywood’s biggest success stories. From running the streets and enlisting in the Army to immersing himself in Los Angeles’ electro scene, becoming an early pioneer of gangsta rap and playing Detective Odafin Tutuola on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for more than 20 years, he’s the definition of a hustler. But before he became the Ice-T we know and love, he was Tracy Morrow, just another student at Crenshaw High School in South Central.

On Thursday (December 21), Ice-T shared a throwback photo from his high school days. He wrote in the caption, “Crenshaw High School South Central LA. Class of 76 Fro was on point. Sharp as Steak Knives. Young Iceberg.”

But Ice-T wasn’t done there. He also shared another high school yearbook photo with the caption, “Young ICE, 9th grade year book. Fro, sweatshirt.. Take the Fn picture.” He followed up with a third photo that captured his evolution from street kid to player. He added, “From a Fro to the Perm… The Player was born.. ‘My smoothe personality is a Trap’ ICEBERG.”

Ice-T was among the presenters at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on November 3. The Original Gangster was on deck to induct Rage Against the Machine, who joined Sheryl Crow, DJ Kool Herc, Link Wray, Al Kooper, Chaka Khan, Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, The Spinners and Gorge Michael in the 2023 class.

The ceremony was streamed live for the first time in the Rock Hall’s 38-year history thanks to Disney+, which provided for some colorful moments. Beforehand, Rock Hall Chairman John Sykes addressed the media room, which included AllHipHop, and suggested he was slightly nervous about what could go wrong. As it turned out, Sykes did have one thing to worry about—a barrage of cuss words. Throughout the evening, presenters and inductees alike kept letting “f-bombs” and other expletives slip. Ice-T let at least one “muthaf###in” out but kept it pretty tightened up otherwise.

Tom Morello was the only member from Rage Against the Machine to attend the ceremony. He proceeded to deliver a passionate acceptance speech, which—true to Rage form—challenged the current systems put in place.

“The world is worth fighting for,” he said. “Dream big and don’t settle. Don’t wait for us. Rage is not here, but you are. You’re the ones who must testify.” He ended with, “History is like music—it’s not something that happens, it’s something you make.” Backstage, he posed for photos in true Rage fashion with a sign that read simply, “Cease fire,” a reference to the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict.

Vin Diesel Denies Sexual Assault Allegations

Vin Diesel faces a sexual battery lawsuit. His former assistant, Asta Jonasson, claims the actor assaulted her in 2010. Diesel’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, issued a statement about those accusations.

“Vin Diesel categorically denies this claim in its entirety,” Freedman stated. “This is the first he has ever heard about this more than 13-year-old claim made by a purportedly 9-day employee. There is clear evidence which completely refutes these outlandish allegations.”

Asta Jonasson filed her lawsuit under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act. The 2022 law established a one-year window for plaintiffs to sue alleged abusers even if the statute of limitations has expired.

According to court documents, Jonasson alleges Vin Diesel (born Mark Sinclair) assaulted her in an Atlanta hotel suite during the filming of the Fast Five movie. She accuses the star of motion pictures such as XXX and Find Me Guilty of groping and kissing her without consent.

Asta Jonasson also claimed Vin Diesel forced her to touch his penis before he began masturbating. In addition, she suggests Diesel’s sister fired her hours after the assault allegedly took place.

“It was clear to her that she was being fired because she was no longer useful — Vin Diesel had used her to fulfill his sexual desires and she had resisted his sexual assaults,” Asta Jonasson’s lawsuit reads.

Yung Miami’s Reality Show Reportedly Headed To BET

Yung Miami is taking her talents to the small screen for a new reality show. According to a new report, one-half of the City Girls duo will showcase her life on a cable channel.

The Jasmine Brand published an article on Thursday (December 21) claiming Yung Miami’s upcoming series will air on BET. A Day In The Life of Miami has been floated as a title for the program.

“I got a reality show coming out, the City Girls dropping an album, my podcast. Just everything,” Miami told Billboard on the red carpet of the September 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.

Yung Miami hosts Caresha Please. The “Act Up” performer’s podcast won Best Hip-Hop Platform at the 2023 BET Awards in June. Caresha Please has featured interviews with Trina, Summer Walker and more.

During an October interview with The Breakfast Club, JT confirmed that she will not be a major part of Yung Miami’s reality show. The other City Girls member expressed wanting to focus on music instead.

City Girls released their third studio album, RAW, on October 20. The 18-track project only collected around 10,000 first-week units, which led to some social media users making fun of the QC-backed group.

While Yung Miami’s reality series has apparently found a network home, Hulu recently dropped her boyfriend’s pending reality series. The streaming service scrapped Diddy’s show after numerous sexual misconduct and abuse allegations against the mogul came to light.

Ice Spice’s Debut Album In The Works, Says Producer RiotUSA

Ice Spice took the music world by storm in 2023. The Bronx-bred rapstress let loose her Like..? EP in January. It looks like her official studio LP will arrive in the coming months.

Billboard spoke to Ice Spice’s frequent producer, RiotUSA, about working with the Hip-Hop neophyte. According to the beatmaker, additional tunes from Spice are in the works. 

“Fans should know I produce and record too, so look out for my music,” RiotUSA stated. “Also, look out for new classics with Ice in 2024. We’re working on her debut album as we speak.”

RiotUSA crafted some of the biggest hits of the year. He provided the sounds for Ice Spice’s “In Ha Mood” and “Deli” as well as the Nicki Minaj-assisted “Princess Diana” and “Barbie World.”

In addition, RiotUSA served as an executive producer for Like..? That project peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Top Rap Albums chart.

Ice Spice’s successful 2023 earned the 23-year-old recording artist four Grammy Award nominations, including a nod for Best New Artist. She already won Best New Artist at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.

This year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards also crowned Ice Spice as the Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist. Plus, Billboard named her as the 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie Of The Year. Spice was among the top trending searches on Google as well.

U.K. Rapper Ghetts Vows To Ditch Explicit Lyrics After Tongue-Lashing From Mom  

Ghetts has vowed to clean up his act after getting a talking-to from his mother following the release of his latest single.  

The East London rap icon is a lyrical force to be reckoned with, but he could only muster up an apology when his mother scolded him over his explicit lyrics.  

Ghetts took to Instagram earlier this week with a screenshot of a DM from his mom, who had somehow gotten hold of a preview of his latest single, “Twin Sisters.” 

“Which one of you lot showed my mum twin sisters?” he asked in the caption. According to her text, it’s not the first time Momma Ghetts has reprimanded her son over his raps.  

Writing in Patois, his Caribbean mother reminds him that she already told him to “cut out di bad word dem” in his songs. She then urges him to take her advice before warning him not to make her repeat herself again.  

“Apologies mum,” he replied to his mom. “Basically moving forward it’s all clean cut,” he vowed, sharing the post on X.  

Despite his mom’s objections to the lyrics, Ghetts released “Twin Sisters” featuring fellow London rapper Skrapz on Wednesday, December 20.  

“Twin Sisters” is set to appear on Ghetts’ fourth studio album, On Purpose, With Purpose, expected early next year. The project follows his critically acclaimed offering, Conflict of Interest. Released in 2021, the MOBO Award-winning LP debuted at No. 2 on the official U.K. Top 100 chart and No.1 on the U.K. Hip Hop and R&B Charts.     

Watch Stephen Colbert’s Hilarious Response To Nicki Minaj In Freestyle Battle Rap Segment 

Nicki Minaj is on a whirlwind press tour to promote her Pink Friday 2 album, and with so many interviews, the NYC icon is pulling out all the stops to entertain audiences. 

On Wednesday (December 20 Nicki Minaj stopped by The Late Show for a sit-down with Stephen Colbert. While discussing the album, Colbert asked Minaj to drop a freestyle, who challenged him to spit some bars of his own. 

Drumming on the desk, Minaj flipped lyrics from Pink Friday 2 cut “FTCU,” rapping, “High heels on for Stevie/If I marry Stevie, he ain’t ever gon’ leave me,” before challenging Colbert to respond.  

“High heels or not, Nicki/You better hope you never meet my wife Evie!” the host fired back at a stunned Nicki Minaj.  

“Did you realize we just battle rapped each other?” the “Barbie World” hitmaker asked before shouting out Mrs. Colbert.  

While The Barbz have had a while to process the record-breaking Pink Friday 2, Nicki Minaj is still adding to the project. She recently released two new bonus songs, “Beep Beep,” her first collab with fellow NYC icon 50 Cent, and “Love Me Enough,” with R&B songstresses Monica and Keisha Cole.   

However, she also teased a possible Rihanna PF2 feature. “The full gag city deluxe ain’t coming out until Queen Rih send her vocals. POW” Minaj wrote alongside a video of Rihanna dancing to “FTCU.” 

Cassie’s Friend Speaks On Diddy Abuse Allegations: “This Guy Is Dangerous” 

Cassie Ventura’s longtime friend is speaking out in support of the singer’s allegations against Diddy. 

In a new interview with NBC News, Grammy Award-winning songwriter Tiffany Red, who met Ventura in 2015, claimed she witnessed Diddy’s verbal abuse, and her friend confided in her about other alleged assaults. The sit-down chat follows her open letter to Rolling Stone magazine earlier this month.  

According to Red, Diddy confronted Ventura during her 29th birthday party in 2015 and demanded a “freak-off.” She claimed Diddy had Cassie “backed into the corner and he was like, cussing her out with his hand in her face.” 

Things escalated later that evening when Red woke up at Ventura’s house to the sound of Diddy yelling. She recalled, “I felt like I was in the presence of his monster inside.” Red said Cassie appeared “sedated,” although she had never seen her high before.  

“And he says, ‘Tell your girl she wants some birthday dick,’” she added. “He’s saying this to me and I’m like, ‘Well, she doesn’t have to have sex with you if she doesn’t want to.” Red recalled realizing, “This guy is dangerous.” 

Elsewhere in the interview, Red claimed Cassie Ventura recently explained what “freak off” involved Diddy hiring male sex workers to sleep with her while he watched.  

“She told me the only time he was willing to work on her music or go through any plans, any of that, was when she had a freak off,” Red stated. “To find out that like, I spent all these years writing these songs for him to rape my friend to? It’s just disgusting.” 

Cassie Ventura filed a bombshell lawsuit against Diddy on November 16, accusing him of rape and physical abuse, among other startling accusations. The former couple settled out of court less than 24 hours after the news broke, but multiple other women filed lawsuits in the following weeks.  

Chrisean Rock Previews Blueface Diss Hours After He Threatens Restraining Order 

Chrisean Rock has previewed a new Blueface diss hours after her the “Thotiana” hitmaker threatened to file a restraining order against her. 

The former couple’s toxic relationship continued to play out on social media Thursday (December 21). After accusing him of punching her in the face while she held their baby, Chrisean Rock shared a snippet of a new Blueface diss on the remix of Sexyy Red’s “Bow Bow Bow (F My Baby Dad). 

Rock sat in her car alongside her new man K Suave while she rapped about making her baby daddy babysit “while my new n#### give me backstrokes.” 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1I9ElRrrWn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Chrisean Rock Claims Blueface Wanted Sexyy Redd On A Jaidyn Alexis Diss Track

The track comes after Chrisean Rock claimed Blueface tried to get Sexyy Red on a track that featured his fiancé Jaidyn Alexis was throwing shots at Rock.   

“He tried to pay Sexyy Red to hop on a verse with Jaidyn, knowing damn well Jaidyn diss track is against me and knowing damn well me and Sexyy ride for each other. That’s my sister,” Rock said on Instagram Live earlier this month. “For real, from another mother and father. So he tried to politic in the industry… Bro, somebody pray for Blueface, bro. He need prayer.” 

Meanwhile, Blueface took to social media following their altercation. He again denied being Chrisean Rock. Jr’s father and warned he would take legal action against his ex.  

“Finna put a restraining order on her an the dam baby,” he wrote. “B#### drove to my house talm bout she not leaving till her ride get here this the typa b#### yall believe fr that don’t even make sense.

https://x.com/bluefacebleedem/status/1737965922156183630?s=20

“Stop showing up to my house knocking on the door every other day crying talm bout let me in this yo baby,” he added. “That baby looks nothing like me idk why she keep forcing this on me that’s not my child scientifically proven already.” 

T.I.’s Spreads Cheer With Harris Community Works’ 8th Annual Holiday Caravan

T.I.‘s nonprofit organization Us or Else forges ahead with generosity and community spirit as the Harris Community Works held its 8th Annual Holiday Caravan this past week.

The award-winning multi-hyphenate-turned-philanthropist personally stepped out to give out gifts and also give wisdom to attendees, demonstrating his commitment to his community.

“When you’ve been blessed as I am, it’s important to give back to those who may need a little extra assistance. I look forward to these events every year and will continue to serve my community as long as I’m able to,” T.I. stated.

The week-long caravan commenced on December 13 (Wednesday), at the DTLR at Camp Creek Marketplace in Atlanta. Mentees from the Next Level Boys Academy diversion program were allowed to shop for clothing. Gary Davis, Founder and CEO of the Academy said, “For many, this is their Christmas. T.I. and Harris Community Works have been longtime supporters of us, and we appreciate all they have done and continue to do for us.”

In addition to their shopping sprees, the young men received Hawks drawstring bags and tickets to a Skyhawks game, courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks.

The caravan continued its mission on December 15 (Friday), at My Sister’s House, a shelter for homeless women and families affiliated with the Atlanta Mission. This organization not only offers food and shelter but also programs to help families transition into their own homes.

Katrina Dangsm, Director of Program Support Services at the Atlanta Mission, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “When we have community partners like Harris Community Works come in and give Christmas gifts, it allows our children to feel safe and dream child-sized dreams.”

T.I. and his wife Tameka received a positive welcome. They also had breakout sessions for teens and mothers. T.I. shared words of wisdom with the teens about the challenges they face. Tameka and Congresswoman Nikema Williams addressed the mothers about the trials of being working parents and how to overcome adversity. The women were surprised with Visa gift cards.

The caravan’s last stop on the same day was the graduation ceremony for students in the Project Pinnacle Diversion Program. T.I. personally handed out diplomas to the graduates and delivered an inspirational speech about resilience and giving back. This program provides first-time, non-violent juvenile offenders with an alternative to a prison sentence, focusing on anger management, life skills, and a supportive network for their future. Judge Asha Jackson, Founder of Project Pinnacle, praised the graduates, stating, “These amazing young men and women are ready to embrace all their life goals while leaving the criminal justice system behind.”

See more from Harris Community Works (HCW) below.

Quando Rondo Released On $100K Bond—With A Catch

Quando Rondo received an early Christmas gift as he was able to get out of jail in Savannah, Georgia on Thursday (December 21). According to local news outlets WJCL and WTOC, the Atlantic Records artist posted a $100,000 bond but was placed under house arrest in a federal drug case.

Earlier this month, authorities arrested Rondo on federal drug charges. A partially unsealed indictment accused him and several other defendants of participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Savannah area.

“The indictment in USA v. Grant et al. alleges that the defendants conspired starting at least as early as January 2021 to possess and distribute illegal drugs including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia said in a press release. “A conviction on the conspiracy charge carries a statutory sentence of up to 20 years in prison, along with substantial fines and penalties, followed by a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.”

Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Bowman, was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He pleaded not guilty at his court date on December 12.

The 24-year-old rapper was previously arrested on state charges in June. He was charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia’s controlled substances act, participating in criminal activity in association with a street gang and use of communication facility in commission of a felony involving controlled substances.

Prosecutors claimed Rondo was the leader of the Rollin’ ’60s Crips street gang in Savannah. The prosecution objected to releasing him on bond in the state case, but he was able to secure his release. He was out on bond for several months before the FBI busted him on federal drug charges.

Vin Diesel Accused Of Assaulting Woman And Then Masturbating

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI6eAFH-rY0Vin Diesel has been accused of sexual battery by his former assistant. Asta Jonasson filed a lawsuit against the “Fast and Furious” actor in which she claimed he forced himself on her in his suite at the St. Regis hotel in Atlanta, Georgia in September 2010.

Jonasson, who was hired to be Diesel’s assistant while he filmed “Fast Five,” claimed the incident occurred after all the women he had brought back from a nightclub left his suite and they were alone.

Diesel allegedly “grabbed Ms. Jonasson’s wrists, one with each of his hands, and pulled her onto the bed,” according to reports. She allegedly asked him to stop, escaped his grasp and waited by the front door of the suite. The 56-year-old actor allegedly began to g#### her breasts and kiss her chest, despite her asking him to stop.

“Ms. Jonasson was afraid to more forcibly refuse her supervisor, knowing that getting him out of that room was both crucial to her personal safety and job security,” the legal action reads. “But this hope died when Vin Diesel dropped to his knees, pushed Ms. Jonasson’s dress up toward her waist, and molested her body, running his hands over Ms. Jonasson’s upper legs, including her inner thighs.”

When Diesel allegedly tried to pull down her underwear, Jonasson screamed and ran down the hallway toward the bathroom. She claimed he then pinned her to the wall, placed her hand on his penis and masturbated. Hours after the alleged incident, Samantha Vincent, Diesel’s sister and the president of his One Race production company, allegedly called Jonasson and fired her after less than two weeks of employment.

In addition to sexual battery, the former assistant is also suing for discrimination based on sex/gender, intentional infliction of emotional distress, hostile work environment, wrongful termination and retaliation.

Diesel, real name Mark Sinclair, has yet to address the allegations.

Method Man Demands To Be Left Out Of 50 Cent Versus Diddy Beef

Method Man would prefer 50 Cent keep his name out of his mouth when it comes to Diddy. On Thursday (December 21), the rapper-turned-television mogul shared an Instagram clip of the Wu-Tang Clan legend recalling a conversation with a man who said, “‘F### Kanye West. I hate that n####. Plus I seen that n#### at one of Puff’s parties sucking dick in the bathroom.'” The text across the video read, “Method Man Says He Seen Kanye Do What At Diddy’s Party?”

50 Cent wrote in the caption: “This has not been confirmed, but ya see why I stayed away from the man’s party’s WTF.” Method Man quickly hopped in the comment section to chide 50 Cent for dragging him into his feud with Diddy. He wrote, “This video fake 5.. you and Diddy keep me out of this s###. The real vid is on YouTube .. (method man bossip).. do your research .. yall fallin for the remix.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C1H2e2UOFm_/

50 Cent has been one of Diddy’s most outspoken critics since Cassie Ventura filed her bombshell lawsuit against her ex on November 16. His mockery of the Bad Boy Records founder has been relentless ever since. He’s also promising a new documentary called Diddy Do It.

Earlier this month, after two more sexual assault lawsuits (one involving a minor) were filed against Diddy, 50 Cent expressed his shock, writing, “My God 17, was no one off limit. This documentary is gonna blow you away! Diddy do it, or Not coming soon !!”

Diddy, former Bad Boy Records president Harve Pierre and a third man were accused of gang rape and sex trafficking. The alleged victim, identified as Jane Doe, said the trio sexually assaulted her at Diddy’s studio when she was a teenager. According to the lawsuit, the three men “plied Ms. Doe with drugs and alcohol” until the then-teenager was inebriated. They allegedly took turns raping the 17-year-old girl. The sexual assault left her barely able to stand. Diddy denied the allegations in a statement. He accused Jane Doe and his other sexual assault accusers of seeking a quick buck.

“Enough is enough,” he declared on Instagram. “For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy. Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”

EXCLUSIVE: Bow Wow Dodging “Scream Tour” Lawsuit, Jermaine Dupri’s Dad Claims

Jermaine Dupri’s father Michael Mauldin accused Bow Wow of refusing service of legal papers in a trademark infringement lawsuit in Georgia. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, the music industry veteran requested more time to serve Bow Wow in a motion filed on Tuesday (December 19).

Mauldin sued Bow Wow, whose real name is Shad Moss, and the Black Promoters Collective for using Mauldin’s trademarked name “Scream Tour” without permission in September. JD’s dad needed to serve Bow Wow with a notice of the complaint within 90 days of filing but was unable to do so over the past few months. Mauldin’s attorney asked for an extension, blaming Bow Wow for avoiding service of the complaint.

“The extension of time would aid in timely locating and serving defendant, who has been thus far unattainable since the initial filing of the complaint on September 21, 2023 due to the refusal of service by defendant’s counsel and the refusal of service at defendant’s address in Atlanta, Georgia,” Mauldin’s lawyer Christopher Chan wrote. “The extension of time would also prevent further delay in the case by avoiding a dismissal without prejudice and subsequent refiling of the Complaint. The proposed extension of time to serve the Defendant would extend the current deadline from December 20, 2023 to March 19, 2024.”

Earlier this year, Bow Wow acquired an ownership stake in a new Scream Tour launched by the Black Promoters Collective. He was part of the first Scream Tour, which took place in 2001.

Mauldin, who created the original Scream Tour, accused the rapper and promoter of injuring his brand. Mauldin said Bow Wow was “unquestionably familiar” with the trademark due to their close relationship. JD’s father sought damages and an injunction to stop Bow Wow and the Black Promoters Collective from using the “Scream Tour” name.

From 50 Cent To 2Pac: Here Are 5 Frankie Beverly Songs Sampled By Hip-Hop Artists

Beyoncé introduced a new generation to the titan soul group Frankie Beverly and Maze after she flipped their “Before I Let Go” on 2019’s Homecoming: The Live Album.

Others might know the group, particularly “Before I Let Go,” as a backyard barbecue classic that might be a staple in their parents’ or grandparents’ party playlist. Who can resist when people play the jam at a family function and people not only bust out the electric slide but join each other in the chorus?

Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx, who also DJs on the side, said Beverly’s songs are important to the culture, uniting people of all color.

Beverly and the group have transcended generations, class, race and other categories without even trying. Whether talking about the original songs or songs that many R&B and Hip-Hop artists have sampled, their music is steeped in Black music’s DNA.

Check out five of Frankie Beverly and Maze’s#### songs that have been sampled and crossed generations below.

5) “I Need You,” 1978

Over the last three decades, quite a few rappers have discovered the musicality of this ’70s gem. It made its way into three of the street’s most beloved grooves: 50 Cent’s “Hustler’s Ambition,” Jeezy’s “Talk to Em,” and Boosie and Webbie’s “I Need U.”

4) “Happy Feelings,” 1977

A little over a dozen major recording artists have tapped this vibey song to create a new track for their catalog. However, when Tupac Shakur flipped it in 1995 with his song “Can U Get Away” it was something special for the ladies on Me Against The World.

3) “We Are One,” 1983

When this song came out, it was an anthem to unify the community and became a go-to sample for a few members of California’s most elite ’90s MCs, including WC and Tha Dogg Pound.

WC dropped the sample in his “Better Days” song featuring the smoothed out Jon B, who always seemed to find himself on a chilled-out West Coast rap song. Tha Dogg Pound members Daz Dillinger and Kurupt used it on the track “Hittin’ Donutz in Tha Streetz” and Kurupt, on his solo dolo vibe, got busy on the song titled “Under Pressure,” which also sampled it.

2) “Joy And Pain,” 1980

“Joy And Pain” was sampled at least 13 times, but the most popular use of the song has to be Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s 1988 jam with the same name. The song featured vocalist Omar Chandler on the iconic chorus, who effortlessly mimicked Beverly’s hearty voice.

1)“Before I Let Go,” 1981

Yes, “Before I Let Go” was covered by Beyoncé, introducing it to millions not familiar with the tune. But before Queen Bey went into the vocal booth to add her spin to it, it’d been sampled by a few heavy hitters.

Steady B rocked it on his joint “Use Me” as did 50 Cent, Big Daddy Kane, Nate Dogg, Fat Joe, Kool Keith, Ice-T, Uncle Murda and Doug E. Fresh, who sampled it twice on his joints “Back in the Dayz” and D.E.F.”

Three songs that really stand out are Keith Murray’s “The Rhyme,” Funky 4+1’s “Do You Want to Rock” and K-Solo’s “Your Mom’s in My Business.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDmVFvGvOeE&t=15s

At 77, Frankie Beverly remains a cross-generational beacon. Beverly and Maze are still performing. The group is currently on their I Wanna Thank You Tour, a winter white affair, on Saturday (December 23) at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall. Tickets are available here.

They will be joined by The Isley Brothers, another group deeply influential in the Hip-Hop world— just peep Ron Isley’s run as Mr. Biggs in the ’90s and Erykah Badu and André 3000’s “Hello” remake.

T-Pain Announces New Album To Coincide With 2024 Las Vegas Residency

T-Pain is gearing up to release a new album ahead of his 2024 Las Vegas residency. On Wednesday (December 20), T-Pain unleashed his hour-long YouTube exclusive performance entitled “On Top Of The Covers.” Derived from the Florida vocalist’s three-night run at The Sun Rose Ballroom in Hollywood last March, the footage of his intimate performance captures never-before-heard renditions and covers of a diverse group records such as Smino’s “Klink” Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It” and Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me.” In a message on Twitter (X), T-Pain shared a clip from the performance of his soulful take on Chris Stapleton’s#### record “Tennessee Whiskey” and revealed he’ll be releasing an album to coincide with the visual performance.

“Smooth as Tennessee Whiskey [drink emoji],” he wrote. “Not only is the video available now on my YouTube, I’ll be releasing an album version across streaming platforms this Friday [star emoji] Presave now https://music.empi.re/ontoplive.”

The album news comes just days after he announced his residency at Zouk Nightclub and Ayu Dayclub at Resort World Las Vegas. In celebration of joining artists such as Wu-Tang Clan to announce residences in Sin City ahead of the New Year, T-Pain shared a post on Instagram inviting his fans to the first show in February.

“Full speed towards 2024 [racing flag emoji]” T-Pain wrote in the caption of the post. “I’m proud to officially announce that I’m kicking off my FIRST EVER Vegas residency at @zoukgrouplv and @ayudayclub Catch my very first show on Thu, Feb 8 at #ZoukNightclub – Tickets are live, join me for a ride you won’t forget [race car emoji].”

Check out the full video of T-Pain’s performance below.

Drake & Kanye West Could Beef Over Theory About Adonis & North West’s Rapping

Drake and Kanye West may have something else to beef over based on a new theory about why Adonis’ rap debut was outshined by North West’s.

In a lengthy tweet shared on Twitter (X) recently, a user outlined a litany of reasons why North’s song was much better than Adonis’. According to the tweet, North’s use of literary devices such as double entendres and an impressive combination of improvised internal and rhyme schemes giver her the edge when putting their tracks side-by-side. Bro even broke down how North was flexing her brother’s soccer obsession and recent link up with Lionel Messi in her verse.

While it’s hard to believe North was referencing the “sociopolitical effects” of a 2011 volcanic eruption in her verse, it isn’t hard to tell that her bars are catchy as she raps, “It’s your bestie, Miss Miss Westie.” In the same breath, social media users have long championed Adonis for his in-pocket flows on “My Man.”

North definitely has to catch up when it comes to making public appearances with her dad—because Adonis and Drake are killing her and Ye in that department. Between the court side NBA games and their recent NOCTA x Nike campaign with Kehlani, the father-son duo from The 6 is really outside at the moment. Anyway, check out the insane theory below.

Chrisean Rock Says Blueface Assaulted Her As She Held Their Baby

Chrisean Rock accused Blueface of assaulting her and showing no regard for their baby’s safety on Thursday (December 21). The reality TV star described what allegedly happened on Instagram Live.

“I pull up on the n#### Blueface ‘cause he act like he wanna see his son,” Chrisean said. “This n#### is socking me in my stomach, in my face. Telling me, ‘Get out the car, pig’ … The n#### literally socking me. I’m trying to get out the car with his son. He’s punching me while I got our son in my hand.”

Chrisean livestreamed the drama with Blueface while parked in his driveway. He stood outside the car filming her and tried to get her to leave, but she insisted on staying because she wanted the cops to show up and arrest him.

“Your hands is already bloody,” she told him. “Show ‘em your bloody hands … N#### really tryin to sock me in my s### … I’m leaving when the cops get here and lock your b#### ass up, b#### … You getting locked up today, bro … Don’t act like you need to see your son just to sock me, n#### … It’s cool, Blueface, you going to jail today.”

The livestream became chaotic when Chrisean exited her vehicle. She was somehow able to get a hold of Blueface’s phone then fled the scene. The screen went black, but viewers could hear her driving. She eventually parked and continued talking to her Instagram Live viewers.

“I’m trying to wait there ‘cause I’m tired of just letting this n#### slide,” she explained. “He set me up. Told me pull up, started socking me in the face with my kid in my arms.”

Blueface claimed Chrisean showed up at his place without warning. According to him, Chrisean did not have a car seat for their child.

Watch Chrisean’s Instagram Live below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wstCsQBpzck

DJ Envy Threatened With Arrest For Alleged Cesar Pina Scam—See Subpoenas

The Breakfast Club co-host DJ Envy is facing more legal trouble due to his business relationship with Cesar Pina, who was busted for wire fraud. According to court documents, a New Jersey judge threatened Envy with arrest if he didn’t hand over all documents requested by a trustee in Pina’s bankruptcy case.

Judge Rosemary Gambardella ordered Envy (real name Raashaun Casey) to produce copies of the documents by January 8, 2024. Pina and his wife Jennifer were given the same instructions.

“Should Cesar Pina, Jennifer Iturralde Pina and/or Raashaun Casey fail to provide full and complete responses to the requests on Schedules A, B, and C as directed in decretal paragraph one above, the Trustee shall file a notice of default with the Court, at which time the Court may convene a hearing to address appropriate sanctions against Cesar Pina, Jennifer Iturralde Pina and Raashaun Casey for contempt of this Court’s order, including, but not limited to an order for arrest to bring the parties to the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of New Jersey, 50 Walnut Street, Newark, New Jersey to appear for a Rule 2004 deposition,” Judge Gambardella wrote.

Cesar Pina Subpoenaed - Turn Over Documents Or Faces Arrest In Relation to Bankruptcy

Pina’s company Whairhouse LLC filed for bankruptcy amid pressure from eight investors in August. A judge appointed a trustee to oversee Whairhouse at the behest of the investors, who said Pina used the company “to operate a real estate Ponzi scheme.” Envy’s promotion of Pina’s real estate deals allegedly convinced people to invest in Pina’s scheme, but they never saw a return on their investments.

Authorities arrested Pina for running a multimillion-dollar Ponzi-like investment fraud scheme in October. He was released on a $1 million bond.

Envy wasn’t charged with a crime but faced intense scrutiny for his business partnership with Pina. Several parties have sued Envy for his alleged role in Pina’s scam.

St. Louis Producer TurnMeUpB Follows Cardi B, Trey Songz, Dave East & Sexxy Red Collabs With New Single”Fellen”

Today East St. Louis producer and artist TurnMeUpB returns with a new single titled “Fellen,” deliberately misspelling “felon” with a St. Louis eye dialect to resonate with the street slang of his hometown of East St. Louis, Illinois. 

“Fellen, I am one. I am a felon. With the duct tape on the cover I don’t speak about it. I never been a rat. I hold my own. I spelled it like that because that’s the ebonics way and I could spell it with the ‘o’ and I just thought the hook is talking street stuff and it’s just a bunch of felons getting to the money and I came across it. And it just worked.”

Stepping out from behind the boards, TurnMeUpB’s new effort is geared towards the discovery of his well-respected sound.  Continuing to make waves in the music industry with his extraordinary talent and notable collaborations, TurnMeUpB boasts an impressive resume that includes working alongside chart-topping artists like Cardi B, Dave East, and Trey Songz. It also includes forming strong connections with fellow St. Louis artist and rising female rap sensation Sexyy Red and her team. There’s no question TurnMeUpB has solidified his position as a mainstay producer on the St. Louis scene for years to come as the streets are watching for all his next moves.

“Early on I was signed to Rap-A-Lot after J Prince called me himself.  They took me under their wing and I learned a lot. I was working on the Rap-A-Lot/Warner deal with Raw Reece, then came JR and we ended up taking a meeting with Def Jam and we worked with Trey Songz,” he said.  “Then I moved to Detroit and worked with Kevin Liles. I built a reputation with Trey, and then I became independent and was putting money behind artists. So even before pushing my artist BRB Loopy I was in the game and I’m trying to teach that to these younger rappers.” 

TurnMeUpB eventually built a reputation for crafting innovative beats and producing tracks that resonated with audiences worldwide while also working with artists at home like BRB Loopy. His unique style and creative vision earned him recognition among the music elite of his city and beyond. 

In addition to his work with established artists, TurnMeUpB has also formed a dynamic partnership with one of the most buzzworthy female rappers in the game, Sexyy Red. Their collaborations promise to deliver groundbreaking music that pushes boundaries and challenges the status quo in the Hip-Hop game. Sexxy Red’s unmatched energy and lyrical prowess combined with TurnMeUpB’s unparalleled production abilities create a synergy that is set to dominate the music charts and captivate audiences worldwide.

TurnMeUpB is not only known for his remarkable musical contributions but also for his dedication to nurturing emerging talent like BRB Loopy. Through mentorship programs and workshops, he is helping aspiring artists and producers hone their skills and navigate the complexities of the music business and the streets of St. Louis. 

“I’m always playing in the background in the shadows as a label owner and producer but I was born and raised in East St. Louis. I started off as a rapper and then once I realized I couldn’t rap I made beats and started buying equipment, working little jobs. When most people were clubbing I was getting my craft together and created a studio in my momma’s basement. The rest was history, after started giving them beats out.”

Fans and industry insiders alike eagerly anticipate TurnMeUpB’s upcoming releases, expecting nothing less than groundbreaking music that will leave a lasting impression on the music landscape.

For more information about TurnMeUpB, please visit or follow him on social media @TurnMeUpB618.