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From the Booth to the Bookstore: Sirr Jones Drops Urban Novel “The Kiosk”

By: Staff WriterCategory: News

Fresh off a #1 album in the U.K. and making noise as a filmmaker, Sirr Jones is back with a new kind of drop — this time, not on streaming platforms but on the page.

His debut urban fiction novel, The Kiosk, is already being called Snowfall meets The Wire in book form.
The story follows Malik Jordan, a hustler who touches down in Los Angeles with nothing but a duffel bag and a dream.

Instead of the block, Malik finds himself grinding in the mall at a shoe-cleaner kiosk, where survival means selling, scheming, and staying sharp.

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From late-night studio vibes to the chaos of mall hustle culture, The Kiosk captures the streets in a way readers haven’t seen before.

“This story is about ambition, survival, and the choices that define us. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s meant to feel like a movie on the page,” says Jones.

With film credits like Continuing to Win – The Ronald ‘BB’ Shavers Story and his own B3GTV Network pushing original urban content, Sirr Jones is building an empire across music, film, and now books.

The Kiosk proves his storytelling doesn’t stop at the booth or the camera — it runs deep through every medium.

The Kiosk is available now on Amazon.

For more info, visit www.thekioskseries.com and Follow Sirr Jones: @sirrjones909 Media Contact:The Kiosk Series📧 [email protected]

Ice-T Exposes Pain Behind Coolio & Michael K. Williams’ Overdoses

By: London JennnCategory: News

Ice-T reflected on the fentanyl epidemic and the personal toll it’s taken, especially after losing Coolio and Michael K. Williams to fatal overdoses ahead of a new documentary on the crisis.

The Hip-Hop pioneer and actor, now executive producer and host of the A&E special Fame and Fentanyl, said the deaths of his two friends made the crisis hit home.

“When it hit Coolio and it hit Mike, that was the nail in the coffin,” he explained. “That’s when you go, ‘Yo, this s###‑‑‑ is real.’ You know what I’m saying? It’s real.”

Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., died on September 28, 2022, at age 59, from an accidental overdose involving Fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamine. He was found unresponsive in the bathroom of a friend’s Los Angeles home.

Williams, best known for his role on The Wire, died on September 6, 2021, at 54.

His death was caused by a mix of Fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and parafluorofentanyl. He was discovered in his Brooklyn apartment by his nephew. Four men were charged in connection with the fentanyl-laced heroin that killed him. One of them, Irvin Cartagena, pleaded guilty and received a 10-year sentence.

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Reflecting on Coolio’s passing, Ice-T said, “Coolio was healthy. I know he didn’t want to die. He spoke freely about it, but that’s the thing. If you’re doing drugs recreationally, you’re not trying to take your own life. Recreation is a game, but this is no longer a game.”

He also shared his regret over never getting the chance to collaborate with Williams.

“We had never worked together, but we had planned to,” he explained. “I hoped to work with him. When people die of Fentanyl, it’s like they got hit by a car, like they got shot. This is a person who’s healthy, and tomorrow they’re outta there.”

The upcoming documentary Fame and Fentanyl, premiering Friday (August 25), aims to spotlight the growing danger of fentanyl abuse, especially among public figures.

The film includes personal accounts from families affected by the drug, as well as efforts by law enforcement to prosecute those distributing lethal doses.

“I don’t do drugs, but I never expected it,” Ice-T said, acknowledging how widespread and unpredictable the crisis has become. “Everyone has someone in their life who has been affected by Fentanyl. These are the narratives that everyone should be aware of.”

Southside Chooses Young Thug Over Gunna Amid YSL RICO Fallout

By: London JennnCategory: News

Southside made it clear he’s drawing a hard line when it comes to Gunna, telling the world he won’t be producing for the rapper again out of loyalty to longtime collaborator and friend Young Thug, following the fallout from the YSL RICO case.

“I ain’t making no beats for him,” Southside said on a recent episode of “Drink Champs,” shutting down any possibility of future collaborations with Gunna.

The producer’s stance echoes the tension that’s been simmering since Gunna accepted an Alford plea in 2022, a move that sparked accusations of betrayal from the Hip-Hop community and left his relationship with Young Thug in limbo.

“Right is right, wrong is wrong, I’m a street n#### at the end of the day,” Southside added, explaining that his decision comes down to personal code and street ethics.

The producer pointed to their deep-rooted friendship as the reason he’s siding with Thug.

“Slime been my friend. I made ‘Danny Glover’ for him, that blew him up. He has been my friend when he ain’t even have teeth in his mouth,” he added. “So I can never go against what he say.”

Southside emphasized that his loyalty is mutual. “If he feel some kind of way about it, that’s how he feel. He’s the same way with me. If I feel some kind of way about something with somebody, he just ain’t gonna f### with it.”

While he stopped short of labeling Gunna a snitch, Southside didn’t hide his disapproval. “But streetwise, I would have never did what he did,” he explained. “That’s just me. And if my brother did that to me, I’d feel some kind of way.”

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Young Thug & Gunna Trade Shots On Wax

Gunna and Young Thug once formed one of Atlanta’s most successful rap duos, dropping chart-topping records and symbolizing the success of the city’s Hip-Hop scene.

That bond began to unravel after both were indicted in the sweeping 2022 YSL RICO case.

Gunna’s Alford plea allowed him to maintain innocence while acknowledging prosecutors had enough evidence to convict, but it also led to widespread speculation that he turned on Thug.

Despite Gunna and his legal team denying any cooperation with prosecutors, Thug has taken aim at him in recent music.

On a leaked track from Lil Baby’s upcoming album The Leak$, Thug raps, “Only reason I f##### with you, Gunna, it was ’cause of Troup,” referencing their late mutual friend Keith “King” Troup.

Thug also posted and deleted a tweet that read, “Gunna stop acting like we friends on the internet, I don’t know u my guy.”

Gunna responded on his 2025 album The Last Wun, rapping in the track “Prototype,” “N#### had tweeted my name, musta had to be a typo.”

Aaron Pierre Reveals How He Avoided Getting “Cussed Out” By Teyana Taylor On Set

By: London JennnCategory: News

Aaron Pierre opened up about his admiration for Teyana Taylor during a conversation with Lena Waithe at the Amazon Music premiere of Taylor’s visual album “Escape Room,” praising her artistic drive and sharing how deeply personal the project became for him.

“For me, in regards to this particular project, first and foremost, for me it was always about serving Teyana and serving her, serving her vision, serving her visionary spirit, her artistry, her creativity,” Pierre said during the panel. “I’m sure everybody knows this, but I’m just I got to say it. Teyana is really one of one. Okay.”

The visual album, which dropped in August 2025, was directed and produced by Taylor herself and stars both Pierre and actor Lakeith Stanfield.

Blending music and film, “Escape Room” explores themes of emotional trauma, heartbreak and healing.

The project was created with Taylor’s all-women production team, The Aunties, and includes collaborations with Jill Scott, Tyla, Lucky Daye and Kaytranada.

It also features narration from Taraji P. Henson, Kerry Washington and Sarah Paulson.

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Pierre, who confirmed his relationship with Taylor in June 2025 after months of public speculation, said the film gave him a chance to tap into his own emotional journey.

He also joked about the dynamic on set, where Taylor wore both the director’s hat and the girlfriend title.

“And also, I was just trying to just listen to the director. I didn’t want to get cussed out,” Pierre said, drawing laughs from the audience.

Taylor and Pierre’s relationship first stirred buzz when they were seen chatting at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala in February 2025 and again at the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty in March.

Their chemistry on and off screen has since become a focal point of the “Escape Room” rollout.

Jadakiss Reunites With Beanie Sigel For Explosive Album Decades After Their Feud

By: London JennnCategory: News

Jadakiss and Beanie Sigel are putting decades of lyrical warfare behind them to team up on a collaborative album titled Kiss The Mac, with longtime Philadelphia staple Freeway serving as executive producer.

The project, slated for a 2025 release, reunites two Hip-Hop veterans who once traded some notorious diss tracks.

Freeway confirmed the news in a video alongside the duo, revealing that both The LOX and State Property will appear on the album.

“Don’t be scared,” Jadakiss said in the clip. “We gonna f### the world up.”

The announcement comes on the heels of their recent appearance together on “Motion Picture,” a standout track from Philly rapper D. Jones’s Still Counting Blessings, which also featured K. Gibbs.

That collaboration marked the first time the two emcees shared a track since their early 2000s feud.

According to Kiss, their rivalry, which became one of the most talked-about beefs in Hip-Hop history, ignited after Jay-Z reportedly took subliminal jabs at Jadakiss on the remix to R. Kelly’s “Fiesta.”

That move intensified tensions between Roc-A-Fella and The LOX, leading to a 2002 freestyle from State Property that targeted Jadakiss and his crew.

The diss nearly led to a violent confrontation, with Jadakiss allegedly wanting to bring a gun to Hot 97 after hearing the track.

Over the years, both rappers fired off a series of lyrical shots, with their back-and-forth widely regarded as one of the most skilled and aggressive exchanges in rap history.

The beef extended beyond the two artists, pulling in their respective crews and affiliates.

Now, more than two decades later, the two are channeling that energy into a joint album, with Freeway at the helm.

Beanie Sigel, who suffered a serious injury in 2014 that damaged his vocal cords, has also revealed he’s using artificial intelligence to help restore the voice that once defined his gritty delivery.

Snoop Dogg’s LGBTQ+ Movie Comments Stir Outrage Hours After AFL Defense

By: London JennnCategory: News

Snoop Dogg found himself in hot water Tuesday (May 14) after saying he felt “scared to go to the movies” because of LGBTQ+ content in a children’s film, just hours after the Australian Football League publicly defended him amid backlash over his upcoming Grand Final performance.

During an appearance on the “It’s Giving” podcast, the Hip-Hop icon explained how a trip to see Disney’s 2022 animated movie Lightyear with his grandson left him feeling caught off guard.

The film includes a same-sex couple and a brief kiss, which led to a moment that clearly rattled him.

“Papa Snoop? How’d she have a baby with a woman? She a woman!” his grandson asked, according to Snoop.

Snoop responded bluntly, “Aww s###, I didn’t come here for this s###. I just came to watch the g##### movie.”

He said the questions kept coming.

“I’m scared to go to the movies now. Y’all throwing me in the middle of s### that I don’t have an answer for,” Snoop added. “These are kids. We have to show that at this age? They’re going to have questions. I don’t have the answers.”

The comments quickly drew backlash online, with critics pointing to his history of controversial remarks.

One user wrote, “Snoop Dogg was homophobic in the 90s and then became pro-Gay when Obama legalized gay marriage to avoid backlash, and now it’s socially acceptable to hate gay people again so he just went back to how he always was. Biggest sellout in Hip-Hop.”

Another added, “Snoop Dogg has a murder trial and prison sentences in his past but he’s worried about……explaining the existence of lesbians.”

AFL CEO Defends Snoop Dogg Following Upcoming Performance Backlash

The timing of the controversy added fuel to the fire, as it came just hours after AFL CEO Andrew Dillon defended the league’s decision to book Snoop for the Grand Final in September, despite concerns over his past lyrics and public statements.

“We cannot vouch for every lyric in every song ever written or performed by any artist who has appeared on our stage — Australian or international,” Dillon said.

He continued, “It is also important to remember that we engaged Snoop Dogg in 2025 as the person he is today. He has spoken publicly about his past, he has changed, and today he is a grandfather, philanthropist, he helps rehabilitate youth and is a global entertainer who has performed at both the Super Bowl and the Olympic Closing Ceremony to audiences of more than 100 million people.”

Drake Trolls Journalist Rob Markman But Ends Up As Target Of Viral Clapback

By: London JennnCategory: News

Drake took a swipe at Rob Markman on Sunday (August 24) after a resurfaced video showed the music journalist fumbling the final bar of a Lil Wayne verse during an interview with Tory Lanez.

Drake couldn’t hide his disdain, taking a swipe at Markman. “Of course this Goof Markman couldn’t finish the bar,” he wrote. “Free Tory.”

However, Markman didn’t let it slide. He fired back in the comments, writing, “But if I start calling you names you gonna sue.” He later posted the exchange on his Instagram Stories with a simple “SMH.”

The jab wasn’t random. Markman’s response referenced Drake’s ongoing defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, filed in January 2025, over the promotion of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”

The suit alleges UMG helped amplify lyrics that Drake claims falsely labeled him a pedophile and incited violence, including a shooting at his Toronto home that injured a security guard.

Rob Markman Claims Drake’s Team Reached Out For Positive Coverage Of Kendrick Lamar Battle

Markman had previously spoken out about the lawsuit and claimed that during the height of the Kendrick vs. Drake battle, he was approached by people connected to Drake’s OVO camp.

“I was approached during the battle by a team connected with the OVO side,” Markman said. “[They] asked me to show the boy some love. Again, I was being as unbiased as possible. I was calling it like I see it, but they asked me, ‘Yo, we know you’re unbiased.’ Really said it. ‘We know you’re unbiased and we like that you’re unbiased and you really try to call it straight, but can you show the guy some love.’”

He clarified, “No money was offered, absolutely no money was offered. But they kinda offered some things, some information, some access, and said, ‘Yo, and we’ll make it so that you can play his songs in your videos. We’ll whitelist it.’ Ultimately, I declined for my own personal reasons. I just feel like my allegiance is to y’all.”

BigXthaPlug’s Lawyer Vows To Vigorously Fight Gun Charge After Release Party Derailed

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

BigXthaPlug had his album rollout cut short by flashing lights and handcuffs after a traffic stop in southeast Dallas led to his arrest on misdemeanor charges just hours before a planned celebration.

The Dallas rapper was taken into custody early on August 22 after police pulled him over for lacking a front license plate.

Officers said they detected the smell of marijuana and later discovered a firearm and a small amount of cannabis in his vehicle.

The arrest occurred during a police operation targeting street takeovers.

BigXthaPlug was booked into Dallas County Jail on two counts: unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of marijuana under two ounces. His attorney insists the charges are minor and are being exaggerated.

“We’re going to wait to see the PC affidavits, but we’re going to work vigorously for our client because it just is what it is,” his Valerie Baston lawyer told CBS News 11. “It’s two misdemeanors, and people are trying to make it a felony.”

Despite the legal setback, BigXthaPlug wasted no time returning to his music. After posting bail, he shared a video on social media flashing six plaques—three gold and three platinum—while promoting his newly released country-influenced rap album I Hope You’re Happy.

The arrest derailed a scheduled album release event at a local Wingstop and followed a party the night before at a Deep Ellum nightclub.

In his celebratory post, BigXthaPlug did not mention the arrest; instead, he focused on his chart success and the momentum behind his latest project.

“Got out that cell to 6 plaques (3 gold 3 platinum)🙏🏾 2 new custom pieces And a fresh fade,” BigXthaPlug wrote.

This isn’t the first time the rapper has faced similar charges. Earlier in 2025, he was arrested in Arlington, Texas, under comparable circumstances involving marijuana and a firearm.

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LMG Wade: Harlem Hip-Hop’s Next Voice

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Breeding Ground

Harlem has always been a breeding ground for Hip-Hop greatness. From the sharp lyricism of Big L to the flamboyant wordplay of Cam’ron and Dipset, the relentless energy of DMX and polished storytelling of Ma$e, Harlem has continuously pushed the culture forward. Even rappers like A$AP Rocky and Dave East have carried that Uptown torch into new generations, proving Harlem’s DNA is permanently etched into Hip-Hop’s blueprint.

Now, emerging from Uptown Harlem is LMG Wade, an artist unafraid to balance grit with vulnerability. His latest project, Love Drunk Psycho, showcases his ability to step outside drill’s dominance and create something both melodic and raw, music for the streets but also for the heart. Tied to a comic book narrative and animated visuals, Wade has built a unique world around his artistry, introducing fans to “Pure Heart,” a character that reflects his own layered storytelling.

In this exclusive AllHipHop sit-down with DJ Thoro, Wade talks about Harlem’s influence, breaking away from copycat sounds, building his brand through animation and merch, and proving his range with bars and melodies alike. For Wade, this isn’t just rap. This is a mission to change the game.

DJ Thoro: I got family in the building—not even a special guest, family. Introduce yourself.

LMG Wade: I’m LMG Wade. I’m from Uptown Harlem.

DJ Thoro: Uptown!

LMG Wade: Exactly. That’s a fact. I just do amazing sh*t, man.

DJ Thoro: As you should. Let’s get right into it. Musically, what are we promoting? What do we have out?

Love Drunk Psycho

LMG Wade: Right now, I got the project Love Drunk Psycho. It was an EP, but it gives you album vibes. Ten records. It’s a hopeless romantic type vibe. I wanted to step outside the box—everybody doing drill, I wanted to make music for the females.

DJ Thoro: So, sexy drill?

LMG Wade: (Laughs) Some songs give you that vibe, but I’m stepping outside even more.

Why Step Outside the Drill Wave

DJ Thoro:
What made you go this direction? Everybody’s stuck on drill right now.

LMG Wade:
I feel like it’s repetitive. It’s dope, but it’s too much of the same. I wanted to do something different. So I tied the project to a comic book. The main character is “Pure Heart.” That’s me building a storyline visually and musically.

DJ Thoro:
I saw that rain-walking animated video. That stood out. You’re standing out.

LMG Wade: Facts. I just put my best foot forward.

Harlem Roots & Early Influences

DJ Thoro: Growing up in Harlem, what was playing in your household?

LMG Wade: My brother was always playing music. I’m a heavy Jay-Z fan, DMX fan. Cam’ron too—one of my favorite songs is “D Rugs.” I grew up on hip-hop but also loved melodies. Music is about emotion. I can go from gangster rap to R&B.

DJ Thoro: That’s real. Too many artists now sound the same, no identity. Glad you’re breaking the cloth.

Visuals, Merch & Range

DJ Thoro: The visuals are crazy, animation mixed with real life. You did that yourself?

LMG Wade: Yeah, I do the animation and my own merch designs. My little brother inspired me. He loves cartoons. I wanted to give him something motivational and creative.

DJ Thoro: Dope. How do you describe your style?

LMG Wade: Range. I’m LMG Wade, aka Worldly Wade. I can do it all, songs for the ladies, pain music, drill, storytelling, bars. Nothing I can’t do musically.

Bars & Freestyle

DJ Thoro: Simple question—can you rap?

LMG Wade: Yeah, I can rap.

DJ Thoro: All right, let’s hear it.

DJ Thoro: That’s the standard right there. Don’t come up here playing! You make me proud, bro. There’s hope for the future.

LMG Wade: Appreciate that. A lot of people doubt me ‘cause I do melodic music, but like LL and Fab proved, you can make songs for the ladies and still spit. That’s called range.

Goals in Hip-Hop

DJ Thoro: Ultimately, what’s the end goal for you?

LMG Wade: To change the game. With my team at GMen Global, I want to shift how artists are viewed, get plaques, and build longevity. Even if there was no money, I’d still do music. It’s passion.

DJ Thoro: That’s the right mindset. Passion brings the money.

Dream Collaboration

DJ Thoro: Hypothetical: one artist, dead or alive, any genre—who would you do a track with?

LMG Wade: Big L. Uptown Harlem legend. Bars still relevant today. He never got enough love.

DJ Thoro: Big L is my favorite rapper! Salute. Rest in peace.

What’s Next

DJ Thoro: What can people check out right now?

LMG Wade: Single “Phone Calls”…video coming soon. “Tiffany’s” is already out, featuring Method Man’s daughter Sha in the video. Follow me @LMGWade on Instagram and TikTok.

DJ Thoro: Good music, dope vibes, talent. Remember the name, LMG Wade.

LMG Wade: Facts.

For more, check out LMG Wade at @LMGWade

Rampage Jackson Reacts After Son Almost Kills Wrestler With Unscripted Violence During Match

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Rampage Jackson found himself in the middle of a disturbing controversy after his son, Raja Jackson, violently attacked pro wrestler Syko Stu during a live-streamed event on Kick in Los Angeles, leaving the wrestler hospitalized and sparking renewed scrutiny over the platform’s content policies.

The August 23 incident unfolded at a Knokx Pro Wrestling show, where Raja, a trained MMA fighter, was involved in what was supposed to be a choreographed moment.

Instead, viewers watched in horror as Raja slammed Syko Stu — real name Stewart Smith — to the mat and delivered more than 20 punches to his head while he lay unconscious.

The stream was broadcast live on Kick before other wrestlers intervened. Rampage later issued a public statement attempting to explain what happened.

“I want to clear up the misinformation about my son Raja. I’ve been confirmed that the wrestler (Stewart Smith aka Syko Stu) is awake and stable. Raja was unexpectedly hit in the side of the head by him moments before Smith’s match. Raja was told that he could get his ‘payback’ in the ring, I thought it was apart of the show. It was bad judgement, and a work that went wrong,” he said.

The brawl reportedly began after Syko Stu struck Raja with a canned beverage backstage. Raja was then told he could retaliate in the ring — a move Rampage believed was part of the performance.

But when Raja unleashed real blows instead of staged ones, the situation spiraled.

“Raja is a MMA fighter not a pro wrestler and had no business involved in an event like this. I don’t condone my son’s actions AT ALL! He suffered a concussion from sparring only days ago and had no business doing anything remotely close to physical contact,” Rampage added.

The Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy called the incident an “egregious act” and said nothing like it had occurred in their 17-year history. Kick has since banned Raja from its platform, and criminal charges could be pending.

“As a father, I’m deeply concerned with his health AND the well being of Mr. Smith. That being said I’m very upset that any of this happened, but my main concern now is that Mr. Smith will make a speedy recovery. I apologize on his behalf and to KICK for the situation,” Rampage said.

This violent outburst comes just days after French streamer Jean Pormanove died during a 12-day Kick livestream, further fueling criticism of the platform’s lax moderation.

According to CNN, Pormanove’s content often featured real violence and humiliation, a trend that has become increasingly common on Kick.

The platform has promised to review its policies.

Syko Stu remains hospitalized but is awake and stable as of August 24.

OldBoy Rhymes Confronts Childhood Trauma On Latest Strange Famous Album

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Music

OldBoy Rhymes has returned with raw, emotional and personal revelations on his sophomore album, Curly Head, which arrived Friday (August 22) via Strange Famous Records.

The 12-track project, produced entirely by Ariano, dives into the duality of the OldBoy Rhymes persona—balancing childhood trauma, global adventures and fatherhood.

“I have very curly hair, and so does my son,” he said. “When I was a little kid in Alaska, bullies called me ‘curly head.’ I’ve shaved my head since I was 10 years old, which is when I moved to Jakarta. A dichotomy exists within me between the nerdy curly head and the troublemaker who’s fought his way through a lifetime of extreme experiences.”

The album follows his 2024 debut, The Sane Asylum, which offered a wide-angle view of his life. Curly Head narrows the focus, unpacking stories of violence, healing and family.

“This album explores that duality, telling some of the stories I didn’t detail in my debut album The Sane Asylum — from a stabbing, to a home invasion, to my son’s medical challenges, to personally searching for and finding my wife’s biological mother in the Philippines,” he explained.

OldBoy dedicates the album to his younger self, his son, his wife and two close friends. “I dedicate Curly Head to my friend Aaron M, who knows what it’s like to fight for a childhood dream and achieve it and David J who has always taken the time to understand and support me when others didn’t. David was the one who found me after the home invasion I detail in the song ‘Interpol.’”

Strange Famous Records, founded by Sage Francis, emerged in the late 1990s as a platform for independent Hip-Hop artists. Known for its DIY ethic and lyrical depth, the label has become a home for artists who value creative freedom over mainstream formulas.

Find the album and tracklist below.

  1. Curly Head
  2. Rage
  3. Serenity (Interlude)
  4. Survival State
  5. Pediatric Ward
  6. Dr. Choy
  7. Promise It Will Be Ok
  8. Sari Club (Interlude)
  9. Interpol
  10. Tiny Pills
  11. Never Leave Me
  12. Monarch 333

Masta Ace Debuts New Musical “The Falling Season” At Rooftop Cabaret Event

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Features

Nicole Duncan-Smith delves deep into the creative force known as Masta Ace, who now leaps into the world of theater.

In a culture where reinvention is survival, few have mastered the art of evolution quite like Duval Clear, better known to the Hip-Hop world as Masta Ace. The Brooklyn wordsmith, a breakout star on “The Symphony” and delivered a catalog of lyrical genius with five acclaimed albums, is now setting his sights on a different kind of stage. This is one where the fourth wall meets the cipher, and Hip-Hop storytelling gets the Broadway treatment.

At a recent event he called the Rooftop Rewind, Ace unveiled his latest creative endeavor. The Falling Season, a musical that promises to do for urban theater what Hamilton did for American history, flipping the script entirely. But where Lin-Manuel Miranda painted founding fathers in contemporary hues, Ace is mining deeper, more personal terrain. His play is about a brilliant young Black man navigating the treacherous waters between the Brooklyn streets and his education.

The narrative follows a young protagonist caught in that familiar urban paradox, raised by his grandmother, academically gifted with dreams of Morehouse. There is a massive “but.” He’s also surrounded by the seductive pull of corner economics and the allure of neighborhood girls. It’s In the Heights with more authentic grit, a story that doesn’t sanitize the hood experience but excavates its complexity.

In Ace’s hands, this becomes more than entertainment; it’s anthropology set to beats.

“This wasn’t really as much of a departure as people think,” Ace explains about his transition from booth to stage. “I have been telling stories my entire 30+ year career. I had to write scripts for the characters on my albums. This is just a more elaborate extension of what I was already doing.”

Anyone familiar with Ace’s discography understands this evolution was inevitable. From the cinematic narratives of A Long Hot Summer to the conceptual arc of Disposable Arts, his albums have always functioned as audio theater.

The production boasts a cast that bridges Hip-Hop credibility with theatrical talent. Jeremiah Packer takes on the central role of Avis, while Angella Katherine embodies June, and rapper Dutchess brings Lisa to life.

Singer Leschea steps into the role of Evie, with Torae channeling Rock’s energy and Wyld Bunch representing the streets as Gunna. The ensemble is rounded out by vocalists Carolynn “Ce Ce” Kline and Emerson “E. Smitty” Smith, while Ace himself handles both narration duties and the character of Fatz—a fitting role for the master storyteller orchestrating this urban symphony.

What makes The Falling Season particularly significant is its timing. Hip-Hop theater has been gaining momentum, from the groundbreaking Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk to the cultural tsunami of Hamilton. Yet many attempts have either borrowed Hip-Hop aesthetics without understanding the culture or celebrated the music while sidestepping its social commentary. Ace, however, comes from within—a culture bearer translating the cipher for theater audiences.

“This musical will further bridge the gap that exists between Hip-Hop and traditional theater,” Ace notes. “This show lets theater audiences get a glimpse into the lives of characters they have never met on a stage before.”

The fusion of song and traditional emceeing promises to create something authentically hybrid, not Hip-Hop dressed up for Broadway consumption, but genuine cultural translation. In an era where Hip-Hop’s influence permeates everything from fashion to film, theater remains one of the final frontiers.

For an artist who has spent over three decades refusing to be pigeonholed, The Falling Season represents both natural progression and bold departure. Masta Ace has always understood that the best stories emerge from the margins—and now he’s ready to bring those margins center stage, where they’ve always belonged.

Perhaps this falling season might just be Hip-Hop theater’s time to rise.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/4hpkwqaiwezgczoqoqh9r/AEZ44izNlinRCaG9caf1twI?rlkey=rxxlj78nmkfdju8gsvrc1kmff&st=q2b81yqy&dl=0

Photographs: Gary Dean Clarke @garydeanclarke

50 Cent Transformed Into “Leslie Jones” In Viral A.I. Photo—But That’s Not All

By: Brxton LeeCategory: News

50 Cent and Eminem became the center of online laughter after digitally altered images reimagined them—and several other rap icons—as women, sparking a wave of jokes and comparisons across social media.

A viral A.I.-generated photo series transformed 50 Cent, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Gucci Mane, The Notorious B.I.G., Drake, 2Pac and Lil Wayne into female versions of themselves, and the internet wasted no time roasting the results.

One user wrote, “Eminem looks like she fresh out of an AA meeting,” while another said, “50 Cent looks like the comedian lady who was in Coming to America 2 and Ghostbusters.” That “comedian lady” is widely believed to be Leslie Jones, and the resemblance had commenters in stitches.

Of Kendrick Lamar, someone joked, “Kendrick looks like he about to ‘Set It Off’ with Queen Latifah and Jada.”

The images, which appear to have been created using a face-swapping or gender-swapping A.I. tool, quickly circulated on X and Instagram, with users comparing the altered rappers to everything from sitcom characters to relatives at a family reunion. The digital makeover of 2Pac drew fewer jokes but still got attention for its uncanny realism, while Lil Wayne’s transformation had people saying he looked like someone’s auntie who sells plates on Sundays.

This isn’t the first time artificial intelligence has been used to poke fun at celebrities. Over the past year, A.I. tools have been used to reimagine public figures in bizarre or humorous ways—from turning actors into Renaissance portraits to aging pop stars 50 years into the future. The trend has become a form of digital parody, with creators using A.I. to remix celebrity images for laughs, satire or just plain curiosity.

While some view these creations as harmless fun, others have raised concerns about the ethics of altering real people’s likenesses without consent. Still, the internet seems more amused than outraged—at least for now.

Controversy Erupts Over Snoop Dogg’s Planned Performance At Australia’s Biggest Sporting Event

By: Nolan StrongCategory: News

Snoop Dogg is set to headline Australia’s biggest sporting event next year, but his upcoming AFL Grand Final performance has ignited controversy following Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine’s suspension for using a homophobic slur.

The announcement of the Hip-Hop icon’s appearance at the 2025 AFL Grand Final drew sharp criticism from LGBTQI+ advocates and some in the public, who questioned the league’s decision to feature an artist with a history of misogynistic lyrics and past homophobic remarks.

The backlash intensified after Rankine was handed a four-game ban on Thursday for using a slur during a match.

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon addressed the growing criticism, defending the league’s choice and promising the performance would be suitable for all ages.

“We cannot vouch for every lyric in every song ever written or performed by any artist who has appeared on our stage — Australian or international,” Dillon said.

“What I can say is that our pre-match entertainment on AFL Grand Final day will be family-friendly and consistent with the audience at the MCG and those watching the broadcast.”

Dillon emphasized that the decision to book Snoop Dogg was based on who he is now, not who he was.

“It is also important to remember that we engaged Snoop Dogg in 2025 as the person he is today,” he said. “He has spoken publicly about his past, he has changed, and today he is a grandfather, philanthropist, he helps rehabilitate youth and is a global entertainer who has performed at both the Super Bowl and the Olympic Closing Ceremony to audiences of more than 100 million people.”

Snoop Dogg will take the stage at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025, as the headline act for the Telstra Pre-Game Entertainment.

It will be his first live performance at the MCG and is expected to draw a crowd of 100,000 attendees and millions more watching on television.

Snoop Dogg was previously banned from entering Australia in 2007 due to his criminal record, but was later granted a visa and allowed to perform after 2008.

Eddie Murphy Stunned After Being Called “Old Man” On Set

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Eddie Murphy got an unexpected reality check while filming Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F and The Pickup when younger co-stars ad-libbed lines calling him an “old man” during action scenes.

The actor told Variety the off-the-cuff comments during fight sequences left him momentarily stunned.

“When I had fight scenes, during the fight scene, the actors, they were improvising and they were two young guys and both of them said, ‘Come on, old man!’ I almost said cut. I was like, ‘Who are they talking to?’ It’s like I’m the old guy in the fight scene,” he said.

The 64-year-old comedian, known for The Nutty Professor and voicing Donkey in Shrek, admitted the remarks caught him off balance.

“It’s strange. It caught me off guard. There was another scene and he was like, ‘You a crazy old man!’ I was like, ‘Hey!'”

Despite the jabs, Murphy insists he doesn’t feel his age. “I feel like me still – just a little stiffer,” he joked.

Murphy made his long-awaited return as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, the fourth installment in the action-comedy franchise, which dropped last year after a three-decade gap.

He also co-stars with Pete Davidson and Keke Palmer in The Pickup, a heist flick released earlier this month.

And he’s not slowing down. Murphy is set to reprise his role as Donkey in Shrek 5, which will also include a spin-off centered on the wisecracking character. He’s also stepping into the shoes of Inspector Clouseau for a new Pink Panther film.

The Pickup premiered in early June, marking another addition to Murphy’s growing list of recent projects.

EPMD’s Erick Sermon Credits Clipse With Highlighting Hip-Hop’s Age Bias

By: Brxton LeeCategory: News

Erick Sermon is applauding Clipse for reigniting the conversation around age and artistry in Hip-Hop, crediting the Virginia duo’s return as a cultural shift that challenges the genre’s long-standing ageism.

“Y’all have to thank the Clipse,” Sermon said in a recent video. “The Clipse came at the right time for Raekwon to come, for Ghostface to come we needed the Clipse to do what they did at 52 and 48 years old it doesn’t matter the age if you make great material…”

The Clipse reunion album, Let God Sort Em Out, released in July, marked their first full-length project in 16 years. Produced entirely by Pharrell Williams, the album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and topped the Independent Albums chart. Critics praised the duo—Pusha T and Malice—for their “lyrical versatility” and “inspired” production, noting how they blended their signature grit with a more seasoned perspective.

Sermon said their return helped open doors for other veteran MCs like Raekwon, Ghostface Killah and Nas all of whom have released recent albums through Mass Appeal.

He also criticized the genre’s tendency to label older artists as “old school,” a term rarely used in other genres. “We’re the only genre to talk about age, they don’t say old school Madonna, old school Paul McCartney, old school Barbra Streisand or old school Cher,” he said.

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Public Enemy also addressed ageism on their latest project, Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025, released earlier this year. Chuck and Flavor Flav used the album to challenge the notion that Hip-Hop has an expiration date, asserting that experience should be celebrated, not dismissed.

Sermon announced his next album, Dynamic Duos, will arrive in September.

Gloria & Emilio Estefan Planning Lawsuit Over Diddy Freak-Off Claims: “They’re Gonna Have To Pay”

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio Estefan are preparing to sue over what they call “ridiculous” and “fantasy” claims after being falsely named in a dismissed lawsuit alleging a secret tunnel linked their Miami home to Diddy’s property for human trafficking.

The Estefans were dragged into an April 2025 civil complaint filed by Manzaro Joseph, who accused them of facilitating his transport through an underground passage to a 2015 party at Diddy’s Star Island residence.

Joseph claimed he was drugged and sexually assaulted during the event, which he alleged included celebrities like Jay-Z, Beyoncé and LeBron James — all of whom denied being in Miami at the time.

Speaking to TMZ, Emilio Estefan dismissed the entire case as fiction.

“I’m so glad they threw the whole thing out of the court because it was ridiculous. Number one, they mentioned that Beyoncé was there, Jay-Z was there, LeBron was there. None of them was in Miami. And we was not in Miami. We was here in New York,” he said.

As for the alleged tunnel, Emilio added, “You cannot have a tunnel in Star Island because it’s all water. It’s an island.”

The now-dismissed lawsuit also accused Gloria Estefan of witnessing Joseph’s condition and attempting to call for medical help, only to be stopped by Emilio — a claim both have rejected outright.

Gloria told TMZ, “Well, I’m pleased, but they are going to have some explaining to do. We have nothing to do with any of that. And it’s just sad that because we’re neighbors, you get thrown into stuff. Music will always rise to the top. And the truth.”

The Estefans are now considering a defamation lawsuit against Joseph and his legal team, claiming reputational harm and potential financial fallout.

“We’re going to have to put a lawsuit against them because, you know, we work hard to develop a reputation for many years,” Emilio said. “They’re gonna have to pay, you know, probably do like an apology and tell that all that was a set-up, try to make money.”

Joseph’s attorney, Travis R. Walker, has not publicly responded to the Estefans’ legal threats.

Diddy, who denied all wrongdoing, was acquitted of two sex trafficking charges earlier this year but convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution on July 2, 2025.

He’s set to be sentenced on October 3.

Ice Cube Got His Goodyear Blimp Moment—And It Was Legendary

By: Brxton LeeCategory: News

Ice Cube got his lyrics quite literally up in the air, when a Goodyear Blimp flew over Orlando with the phrase “Ice Cube’s a Pimp” emblazoned on the airship to celebrate his BIG3 basketball league’s championship weekend and honor his classic 1992 track “It Was a Good Day.”

The moment marked a real-life nod to a line from the song: “Even saw the lights of the Goodyear Blimp/And it read, ‘Ice Cube’s a pimp.’” A petition had circulated online urging Goodyear to bring the lyric to life, and the tire company finally made it happen—while also supporting a charity for at-risk youth.

The rapper-turned-league-founder acknowledged the moment on social Instagram, writing, “Even saw the lights of the\@‌goodyearblimp championship weekend is just getting started. Tune in Sunday at 2 PM ET on @‌cbssports for all the action.@‌iheartradio.”

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The blimp’s flyover wasn’t just a tribute to a Hip-Hop milestone—it was also a promotional move for the BIG3, the 3-on-3 basketball league Ice Cube co-founded in 2017. The league features former NBA players and global talent competing in a half-court format. It’s known for its fast-paced games and has grown into a summer sports staple, attracting both sports fans and music heads.

The Goodyear collaboration was a joint effort between Ice Cube, the company and the public, who helped push the idea into reality. The blimp flew over Orlando during BIG3’s championship weekend, which wrapped up on Sunday (August 24).

Drake Buys Tupac Shakur’s Rare Death Row Pendant & People Lose Their Minds

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Drake flexed hard on the timeline after showing off a rare Tupac Shakur Death Row pendant that now lives in his collection.

The Canadian rap star dropped a photo on Instagram holding the iced-out piece and tagged Alexander Bitar, the collector behind the site We Sell History.

Bitar also posted a pic alongside Drake, confirming the deal went down. The pendant was once listed on Bitar’s site, but the final price hasn’t been revealed. It’s safe to say that it probably wasn’t cheap.

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Back in late 2023, a bunch of Death Row Records chains hit the auction block at GottaHaveRockAndRoll.com. Those included diamond-heavy pendants worn by Shakur and Snoop Dogg, initially made by Suge Knight for the Death Row elite.

The top-tier pieces were estimated to fetch anywhere from $500K to $1 million, but Drake’s piece is even more rare.

The pendant Drake bought features an engraving that reads “All Eyez on YOU,” giving it a personal twist that fans instantly picked up on. It’s one of the rarest Tupac Shakur’s pieces out there.

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This isn’t the first time Drake’s dropped big bucks on Shakur’s memorabilia, either.

In July 2023, he copped Tupac Shakur’s custom gold crown ring at a Sotheby’s auction for $1.01 million. That piece—decked out in diamonds and rubies—was engraved with “Pac & Dada 1996,” a nod to Tupac’s then-fiancée Kidada Jones.

Shakur wore it during his final public appearance at the 1996 MTV VMAs, just days before he was killed. Some people online weren’t thrilled about Drake owning another Tupac piece.

“Pac would’ve hated Drake as much as DMX did,” one user wrote. Another added, “This is gonna send a lot of folks into a spiral.”

And of course, the Kendrick Lamar chatter popped up again.

One user said, “Little dude not gon like this one,” clearly referencing Kendrick and his track “Not Like Us,” where he name-dropped Tupac, which ended up pushing Drake to hit UMG with a lawsuit for defamation.

Vanessa Bryant Posts Tear-Jerking Message To Late Husband Kobe Bryant On 47th Birthday

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Vanessa Bryant marked what would have been Kobe Bryant’s 47th birthday on Saturday (August 23) with a heartfelt tribute that blended grief and gratitude, posting a nostalgic photo and message on Instagram to honor her late husband and their daughter Gianna.

“We love and miss you and Gigi so much,” Vanessa wrote alongside a photo of her planting a kiss on Kobe’s cheek. Sending our love to you. Happy Birthday, baby.”

The post comes more than five years after the NBA icon died at age 41 in a helicopter crash that also claimed the life of their 13-year-old daughter and seven others.

The tragedy, which occurred on January 26, 2020, continues to cast a long shadow over the Bryant family and the sports world.

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Vanessa, who shares three other daughters with Kobe — Natalia, 22, Bianka, 8, and Capri, 6 — has continued to honor her husband’s legacy in both personal and public ways.

Just last month, she shared a side-by-side image of their youngest, Capri, mimicking Kobe’s signature basketball stance. The caption read, “Like father, like daughter,” offering a glimpse into how the youngest Bryant is already channeling her dad’s athletic spirit.

In May, Natalia paid tribute to her father during her graduation from the University of Southern California by incorporating his iconic sheath logo into her commencement robe. The subtle yet powerful gesture was a nod to Kobe’s enduring influence on his family.

Kobe and Vanessa’s story began in 1999 when they met on the set of a music video. At the time, she was 17 and he was 20. The couple got engaged within six months and tied the knot in April 2001.