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Gromo & Chevy Woods Discuss Stepping Out Of Their Comfort Zones To Make New Sounds

By: Shirley JuCategory: Breeding Ground

Chevy Woods is an OG in the rap game, best known for being part of Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang imprint. Not only was he able to go on tour this past summer with Wiz Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Too Short, and Berner, but he’s also been focused on his forthcoming album titled 1998, paying homage to the era of Hip-Hop we all know and love.

Beyond rap, Chevy Woods recently unveiled his first ever EDM collaboration with the producer Gromo. The two worked together to release “Protagonist,” an uptempo, bass house record that blends the genres of Hip-Hop and dance music, featuring Chevy’s distinct vocals. This is the perfect example of two creatives stepping outside of their comfort zone, coming together to create a melting pot of sounds.

Hailing from New York, Gromo is a producer, DJ, and musician, who’s a veteran performer at ULTRA Worldwide events. After studying at NYU’s prestigious Clive Davis Institute, Gromo went on to shut down stages all around the world, performing Ultra events in Miami, Europe, and Asia. 

Gromo states, “I’m adopted from Guatemala, came to the city. Immersed in the New York culture, became an instant Hip Hop head. Got thrown into a lot of different things. Because in the city, there’s not one genre. You’re able to mix into a bunch of things. I got into Hip-Hop, I got into electronic music, I got into rock music. That all bleeds into my music, which is cool with this new track “Protagonist” that Chevy and I worked on. It was one of the ones where everything came together. It really represents all my influences coming from NYC.”

“Protagonist” is the second single off Gromo’s forthcoming EP titled The Vortex, following the project’s self-titled track released back in July. 

AllHipHop spoke with Chevy Woods and Gromo to discuss their love for Hip-Hop, collaborating on “Protagonist,” Gromo’s forthcoming project, Chevy writing country songs, and more!

What was the moment you guys fell in love with Hip Hop?

Chevy Woods: I’m creating a project right now that’s called 1998, it’s an ode to that. I used to always listen to music of course, but breaking it down: bars, stories, flow patterns, content and topics — around 1998 is when I really fell in love with it. The project I’m about to drop soon, it’s all boom bap raps. I’m not looking for a single, none of that stuff. I just wanted to bring the essence.

1998, who was the most poppin’ artist at that time?

Chevy Woods: For me around that time, I’ll listen to a lot of No Limit, old Cash Money. A lot of Capone-N-Noreaga. 41st Side, Queensbridge stuff. Big L had passed that year or the year before, so I was listening to Big L before that. It was super East Coast of fluence. But at the same time, we had to sprinkle that New Orleans in there a little bit. Just for the thugs. [laughs]

Gromo: 1998 is when I was born. [laughs] 

Chevy Woods: What?? You just dated me bro.

Gromo: I was a ‘98 boy. A lot of dope albums came out, I remember DMX’s album came out that year. For me, I really got introduced to Hip Hop through Mac Miller. That was my introduction, from his style and how his originality was so different from everyone else. But the moment I really fell in love with it was when I heard 36 Chambers. That was the album where I’m like, this is it. From that, I got into Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga, all those hardcore New York artists. Really fell in love with that gritty, grimy sound that’s really signature. Also, A Tribe Called Quest is another group that really opened my ears to how special and important Hip Hop is to all of us.

So how did you guys tap in for “Protagonist”?

Gromo: We both have our own separate teams and people we work with. The cool thing about this is we were able to combine our teams. Someone on my team knew Chevy, and someone from Chevy’s team knew someone on mine. We decided hey, how about we combine our forces and make something really dope happen? And that’s what happened.

Chevy Woods: I always wanted to do something like that. There were a couple people that pitched me records that I said eh, maybe. Or I did something that I wasn’t in love with. When I heard this beat, then I heard what I could do to it: okay, this can be something else. After he gets in his hands and does what he does to it. When he sent it back, g######! S###. Let’s go to Vegas bro.

Both: [laughs]

And this is the first time you guys are meeting?!

Gromo: Yeah, literally. That’s how a lot of it is these days with collaborations. Since the pandemic, it’s been harder to get into the studio with people and people’s schedules are busier than ever. A lot of us are finding in the writing world that it’s easy to connect virtually, then throw stuff back and forth. At least going in with Chevy, we’re talking to Chevy Woods here. This has to sound like something Chevy’s gonna get on. I did not want to give them something that sounded off his lane. Coming from that HipHop background, there’s a certain edge that needs to be there. That’s something I want to make sure on my end that I did. At the same time, I want to highlight everything great that Chevy does as an artist and as an MC.

Chevy Woods: To add to that: what he sent me didn’t change me, like he’s saying. It was a perfect fit for me to do what I need to do. It wasn’t “oh, I need you to do this or that.”

Chevy, is this the first time you hopped on an EDM beat?

Chevy Woods: I have some in my hard drive that I didn’t release, but this is the first time that people are getting to hear me like that for sure. Besides the homies, they know I have these records. But it wasn’t at this level with everything: with the lyrics, with the track, with the camaraderie of our teams knowing each other. When I did it for other people, it didn’t have an organic feeling. It was “yo, throw something on here and I’ll do this.” Okay, then what? Him following up, getting the artwork created and gone, that means he’s really behind the record. 

What inspired the visualizer?

Gromo: For the visualizer, that was a really important thing for me to highlight. With any kind of dance track, the one thing for me is there are not enough stories. For me, what was important with the visuals was to tell a story. The “Protagonist” video was inspired by my struggle with prescription drugs. I was prescribed a medication when I was young, which was a high dose and it ended up having a bad impact on my life. 

With this video, I wanted to show that there’s really not too much of a difference between the pharmaceutical companies who make these drugs and give them to people than the so-called drugs that are illegal. The visualizer was created for you to ask questions. Why are certain things legal or illegal? For me telling stories is just as or even more important than the music itself and that’s what I tried to do with the visualizer.

Is there going to be an official music video coming?

Gromo: I’m down for that.

Chevy Woods: He got the answer. I don’t got the answer? If he wants to do it, I’m down.

Gromo: Chevy if you want to do it, man I’m totally down to do it. 100%. NYC to LA, LA to NYC.

Chevy Woods: It needs that. For me, when I listened to it, I listened to it when I was tipsy off of drinking. Off of smoking weed of course. But you know what the best is? Off the mushrooms. It’s so good. The visualizer’s so good to watch and listen when you’re off shrooms. I don’t know if you’ve experienced — when I listen to music, there’s certain places I need to go. That’s where it takes me. Oh yeah, let me do some mushrooms and listen to this s###. See what I feel like. It gives you a good dance feeling. That cool drug, not the other side.

How was the creative process, doing it virtually?

Chevy Woods: We didn’t really sit down and do it, it was sent out via email. We were using emails and Instagram. Like he said, people are still trying to climb back from the pandemic and get into a comfortable space. People think it’s going to happen with the snap of a finger, but we’re two years removed from it and it’s still in its same place right now. It’s going to be cool, but also getting stuff done like this — because I didn’t start either with my setup. I didn’t stream or do none of this stuff until the pandemic came, that’s when I really got into it. It was easy connecting through emails, Instagram, and socials, because that’s the realm we were in a couple years back.

Gromo: We literally started the track just after the summer in 2020, it was still hot in the pandemic and we were still locked up. It was very much shooting ideas back and forth. That’s something I’ve been doing for most of my career with different artists. Where I grew up, there really weren’t no creative people so I’ve used the internet to my benefit. I went on SoundCloud and Spotify, found different talent and reached out to people to collaborate. With Chevy, it was cool. You have some other people who can happen and help assist put all this magic together. It’s great that with technology, you’re able to connect with people from all over the world. From different places and make it happen. This is one of those scenarios where it all worked out.

What can we expect from The Vortex?

Gromo: The Vortex is an emotional experience. I wanted to create something that’s really going to mean something to people. The main thing I want to address with The Vortex is depression, mental health, and suicide awareness. For me, I struggle with depression. It feels like a vortex where every day goes on and on and on. You’re sucked into those bad thoughts. I wanted to create a project that can be therapeutic to me, but then therapeutic to other people. 

Because music is incredible. I don’t know what it is but when I’m going through something and I put on some good music, it goes away. The special thing is as artists, we’re able to channel that in and put it into the music. Other people, they don’t have that outlet. I wanted to provide an outlet for other people who are struggling right now. To get off the internet, get off social media, sit down and tune out. Listen to some music, wherever you are. That’s the important thing for the project. 

I also want to highlight all my influences from rock to Hip Hop to dance music, to film and score, all that stuff. Create an experience for people so it’s not so one-dimensional where you’re listening to a song on Spotify. You have a visual, you have a story, you have a message, you have artwork that grabs you. I want to create a whole package for people to really connect with and use this as a launching ground to keep building over the next couple of years.

Chevy Woods: Love that.

Are you guys going to collaborate on another record?

Chevy Woods: Oh yeah, the start is the base point. We like what we just did, so why not? You might hear an EP, you never know. 

Gromo: I’m always open to any collaboration, videos. When something works out — and it’s so hard with artists to really have a natural vibe. Sometimes when you work with people, it’s hard. But with Chevy and I, we clicked instantly. Things just happened. He knew exactly what to do with the record, and I made sure I knew what to give what was most comfortable for Chevy to hop on.

Chevy’s been in the rap game for a minute. What do you like about Chevy and his music?

Gromo: Chevy’s energy, he has such a strong command on the mic. He really believes everything he says, he owns it. Sometimes when I listen to people, I don’t believe what they’re saying. When Chevy says something, I know he’s saying it and he’s putting you in the room. That’s such a hard thing. The best MCs can put the listener into the room, Chevy puts me into the room and I know what’s going on. He’s picking every little setting of the room and what’s happening in that setting.

Chevy Woods: I appreciate that brother, because that’s what I aim for real. I’m not gonna lie. I want to give people a feeling of themselves in me. When they listen to my music, it’s a reflection. If I give you the message, then you may be going through these things. If I give you an album of things that’s content-driven and topics, then it’s helping somebody in the world. That’s what I go for. I can go for singles and do that s### all day long, make the biggest blah blah blah. 

But what is the message? What’re you trying to tell people? What’re you trying to get across? How are you trying to make people feel and think? It’s not just going into rap for me, it’s never been that. Maybe the first two years way back when, I was trying to show off. But after that, yo this has a real meaning because it’s grabbing people. Now I gotta watch and pay attention to what I need to say to the people, and what I need them to hear.

Were you on tour with Wiz and Snoop this past summer?

Chevy Woods: I was, it was crazy. Wiz, Snoop, Berner, Too Short, Warren G. 

What was the highlight?

Chevy Woods: We’re friends with Snoop. For me, I seen this commanding energy that wasn’t aggressive. Not to us, but even to his team. “Go do this, or I need this.” His camaraderie really helped that run smoothly. Of course, he grew up with Warren G, Too Short, and everybody. But his kids love Wiz, and he ended up loving us. We’re in his gaming community, with the Gangsta Gaming League that he does. All of that stuff was easy and family going.

Then you got Berner. Berner’s the first person I’ve seen bring his f###### weed plant on the tour bus, and grow it. All that stuff was meshed in one. It was really a family vibe. The way that Snoop brings everybody together, that’s what that’ll do. This brings everybody together as well. You combine those two, you win.

How much weed was smoked on tour?

Chevy Woods: Too much. There’s lot of times, I left the room. You know what? I’m good bro. How much higher can you be? I’m cool alright. Go to sleep now.

Every time I’m around y’all, it’s spark up. Spark up. Spark up. It never ends.

Chevy Woods: The funny thing is you won’t see me do that. I do smoke my weed but once they get to doing that, you know? I’m cool. [laughs]

Anything else you guys are excited for?

Chevy Woods: I’ve been writing country songs lately. I really want to tell people: music is music. But there’s so many different genres and so many different ways you can go with it. You have to find what you love, what you like. I like storytelling. Once I started writing the country music, this is perfect. I don’t gotta do punchlines. I can tell the story, build it up start to beginning. Give people more of a feeling in the music. I know you get feeling from rap music, but country music, R&B is emotional. Emotionally driven. The country music that I’m writing is some s###. 

Gromo: That’s so sick. I’m ready for some Chevy country for real.

Chevy Woods: Yeah man, I got you. I’ve been back and forth to Nashville with writers. Doing certain stuff on the low, preparing myself for what I think is going to be a good thing.

Gromo: Right now, it’s kind of the same. I’m really going to start tapping into my rock background. I used to play guitar for 10 years before I got into DJing and production, so I’m getting back into that. After 10 years of producing other artists, now I’m going to force myself to become the artist. Write the lyrics and perform on my tracks. Because certain parts of my story, it’s hard. You can’t always give it to other people. I have to tell this story. 

Right now, I’m working on developing my next project. Do some more band music, get back to my roots but then still have it be very much heavy bass within distortion and all that. Synths, guitars, and crazy vibes. I miss in the late 90’s when you had metal bands combining Hip Hop. Limp Bizkit collaborating with Method Man, Ice Cube with Korn, that type of stuff. I miss that. I want to bring back that energy. 

Chevy Woods: I love that. Blink 182 and Jay Z, I love that.

Gromo: Exactly!

Long Before Ghostwriter, An A.I.-Generated Travis Scott & Kanye West Song Fetched $200,000

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: Rumors

It’s tough to determine if this is a major L or W for popular streamer Adin Ross, but I’m sure someone from Kanye West or Travis Scott’s team will be in touch with him soon.

If you were late or missed his recent Kick stream, Ross claims he purchased one of the first Artificial Intelligence-generated songs years ago while attempting to buy an unreleased Kanye West and Travis Scott record. In addition to confirming he spent $200,000 on the track, Ross claims the purchase was made years ago when he was just a “young kid” getting to the money. Either way, this might be the biggest finesse since Ghostwriter’s fake Drake and The Weeknd song went viral this summer.

While it’s unclear why Ross was convinced that a $200,000 investment into a song he owned no rights to, it’s no secret he’s consistently burning through money for no reason. He allegedly just lost a $10 million real estate bidding war to Inter Miami’s internationally renowned player, Lionel Messi.

Check out the full breakdown of the incident and peep the snippet of the unreleased jam in the video clip below.

DJ Khaled Reveals Why He’s Treating ‘Til Next Time’ Like His Last Album; Teases Next Venture

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

DJ Khaled has Hollywood aspirations as he prepares to drop his next album Til Next Time. The music industry veteran discussed his mindset for his 14th studio album and plans for the future in a Rolling Stone cover story.

“I’m treating it like it’s my last album,” he told Rolling Stone. “But it’s not a goodbye. You’re going to start seeing and hearing about all these new things that I’m doing. I’m going to be doing more TV and film. We taking over the TV and film. That’s what Til Next Time is — it’s like, I’m going to give you an incredible album, but also while I’m giving you that incredible album, you’re going to see all these big new moves that I’m doing and new categories that we going to take over.”

DJ Khaled has not announced a release date for Til Next Time. The album will be his first project since his departure from Epic Records.

Earlier this year, DJ Khaled signed a deal to return to Def Jam Recordings. He previously worked as an A&R for the label.

“This new chapter marks a special time for me,” he said. “The energy at this point in my career is at an all-time high and I’m grateful to Sir Lucian Grainge for allowing me to join his empire at this stage in my journey. Together, we will achieve even greater heights and take it to the next level. I feel blessed and so inspired with renewed energy. I’m excited to not only partner but to come back home to Def Jam.”

DJ Khaled’s deal included an executive position at Universal Music Group. He became the company’s Global Creative Consultant, a newly created role at UMG.

YNW Melly Retrial: Prosecutors Seek Delay, Claim Rapper’s Not Ready For Trial

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Florida prosecutors filed a renewed motion requesting a reset of the commencement date for YNW Melly’s murder retrial on Monday (November 6). According to court documents obtained by Bryson Paul, the prosecution insisted the rapper was not ready for his retrial to start despite his demand for a speedy trial.

Prosecutors wanted more time to sort out pending motions and conduct depositions. They argued YNW Melly already contributed to delays with his own motions, such as his efforts to get former lead prosecutor Kristine Bradley removed from the case.

“Throughout the defendant’s 20+ pleadings and in court hearings, the defendant complains of the number of witnesses that must be deposed as well as the many motions that must be heard,” prosecutors wrote. “The defendant complains that the state has filed motions after the court’s discovery cut off, yet the defendant himself has also filed motions after this date. Several of the state’s motions are a result of the defendant’s new criminal activity.”

They added, “It is abundantly evident that the defendant is not ready for trial.”

Jury selection for YNW Melly’s retrial began in October. Prosecutors proposed two ways to handle jury selection while settling the various motions and potential depositions.

“Continue with jury selection until a panel is found and then return them in mid-to-late February for the commencement of testimony,” prosecutors suggested. “This will allow time to litigate all motions and allow for all depositions of witnesses the defendant desires. Or contact the currently sworn jurors that have been time-qualified and have them begin to return on January 8, 2023, to continue jury selection with testimony to start two weeks after a panel is found.”

YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, remains in jail awaiting his retrial. He was previously tried for murder this past summer. The proceedings ended in a mistrial.

Prosecutors accuse YNW Melly of killing his friends YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser in 2018. The rapper pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.

Tupac Shakur Murder Case: Keefe D Learns Start Date For Trial

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

A Las Vegas judge scheduled Keefe D’s trial for Tupac Shakur’s murder at a hearing on Tuesday (November 7). Judge Carli Kierny intended to begin the trial on June 3, 2024.

Keefe D, whose real name is Duane Davis, was arrested for his alleged role in Tupac’s death in September. Earlier this month, Keefe D pleaded not guilty to murder with a deadly weapon with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang.

Judge Tierra Jones initially presided over Keefe D’s case. The Tupac murder case was transferred to Judge Kierny after Keefe D entered his plea.

Keefe D’s next court date is scheduled for January 9, 2024. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, his lawyers have roughly two months to file a petition to contest their client’s murder charge.

Robert Arroyo and Charles Cano were appointed as public defenders in the case. Attorney Ross Goodman previously appeared poised to represent Keefe D. Those plans fell apart when Keefe D was unable to meet the terms of an agreement with Goodman.

Prosecutors accuse Keefe D of orchestrating Tupac’s murder. Authorities claim Keefe D was the “shot caller” of the group behind the crime but concede he was not the triggerman.

Tupac was infamously shot in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996. He died from his injuries on September 13, 1996.

Jordan Poole Addresses Rumor He Spent $500,000 For Date With Ice Spice

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

NBA star Jordan Poole has addressed the claim he spent $500,000 on a date with Ice Spice. During a recent meet-and-greet, a bold young fan asked Poole if the rumor was true and Poole replied, “Definitely not.”

The chatter started in May after Cam’Ron propelled the rumor forward during an episode of his podcast, It Is What It Is.  Co-host Mase brought up Poole, prompting Cam’Ron to say the former Golden State Warrior was “pissing me off.” He added Poole had been “stinking it the f### up” and hasn’t been playing well in the playoffs.

“Jordan Poole, you spent $500,000 on an Ice Spice date,” he began. “You’re a munch and you’re playing like a f###ng munch. This is not you from last year, bro. Go back to Milwaukee and figure it the f### out and get back in the playoffs ’cause you look crazy. ‘Cause I had your back last year! You got n####s out here talking ’bout, ‘What was all that Jordan Poole you was poppin’?’ You f###in’ a munch. Nah, he’s a munch, ’cause I had his back.”

He added, “Jordan Poole was in the G League and then he had the comeback, and I’m like, ‘Yeah, n###a got his just due.’ Now, you a munch. I better see a f###ing difference. … I’m sicking of that n###a.”

Cam’Ron then claimed if it was actually dating Ice Spice, it could have an impact on his performance. He continued, “What happens is this: When you start dating the Ice Spices and the people, they say, ‘Boo watching, boo watching, let me get all crazy.’ She don’t give a f###, she from the Bronx, bro. Fordham Road, have you been to Fordham Road? Jordan Poole, next time you go to New York, go around Fordham Road, Concourse, Highbridge, South Bronx. You gone see what you spent $500,000 on and be like, ‘Yo, I was wilding.’”

Find the audio clip of Poole denying the Ice Spice date below.

Fugees’ Pras On Overturning Federal Conviction: “I Trust The Process”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

A federal jury found Prakazrel “Pras” Michel guilty of 10 criminal counts in April. The Fugees MC hopes to get a new trial in the conspiracy case. The United States government accused Pras of conspiring with Malaysian national Low Taek Jho (aka Jho Low) and others to orchestrate an unregistered, back-channel campaign for the Vice Minister of Public Security for the People’s Republic of China.

“Mr. Michel sought to use his celebrity and access to influence U.S. government officials on behalf of undisclosed foreign interests,” Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division said. “This is an affront to the rule of law, and we will use the full range of tools at our disposal to hold accountable those who would covertly aid foreign actors seeking to interfere with our democratic system of government.”

The feds alleged Pras personally submitted a false declaration to the FEC in order to commit money laundering and to make false statements to financial institutions. Prosecutors also argued that the Brooklyn native allegedly attempted to cause witnesses to make false statements and withheld information from law enforcement officials about the scheme. 

However, Pras claimed his attorney at the time, David Kenner, damaged his case by using experimental artificial intelligence to write parts of his closing statement for the trial. Pras has reportedly hired Peter Zeidenberg as his new lawyer.

“I trust the process,” Pras told Billboard about his pending legal situation while backstage at the Los Angeles stop of the Lauryn Hill and Fugees’ reunion tour. He also added, “Obviously there’s been a little bit of progress, so we’ll see what happens.”

Pras was convicted of conspiracy, concealment of material facts, making false entries in records, witness tampering, and serving as an unregistered agent of a foreign power. He faces 20 years in federal prison if convicted. 

Lauryn Hill announced The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour with fellow Fugees members Pras and Wyclef Jean in August. The L.A. stop of the North American trek included surprise appearances by Lil Wayne and Nas.

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Security Guard Reportedly Sues Migos Rapper Offset For Alleged Assault

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

A security guard has accused Offset of assault, battery, international infliction of emotional distress and negligence. Online reports claim Daveon Clark claims to have suffered serious physical injuries from a violent incident at ComplexCon in 2021. He apparently worked as private security at the event in Long Beach, California.

According to the lawsuit, another rapper by the name of YRN Murk spit on Clark and attacked him over not getting access to the venue. The suit alleges Offset then struck the guard as well.

Other individuals also allegedly got involved in the incident. Daveon Clark insists the situation allowed Offset and YRN Murk to “continue their physical attacks while Plaintiff was prevented from protecting himself.”

Supposed footage of the fight at ComplexCon 2021 made its way to the internet. The video showed Offset running around at the scene, but it’s not clear if the Migos member actually hit the security guard in question.

“I wasn’t fighting at ComplexCon,” Offset said at the time. “I stepped in to break up a fight caused by a booth’s security. The story is false and overshadows why I’m a regular at ComplexCon. I was there to support the culture and emerging brands and designers. I’m focused on that. I’m in a positive space. Appreciate the concern.”

Finesse2Tymes Reacts To Backlash Over Saying He’s Converting To Islam

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Religion is a very touchy subject at the moment as the Isreal-Hamas conflict in the Middle East sparks division around the world. Finesse2Tymes experienced some online heat for discussing the Muslim faith on social media.

Yesterday (November 6), Finesse2Tymes took to his Instagram Story to deliver a message about his potential future. The Memphis, Tennesse native posted, “After this album, I’m converting to Muslim🤲🏽.”

Say Cheese TV shared Finesse’s IG Story post which led to some commenters criticizing the “Back End” rapper for not properly referring to Islam as the religion. Others called on him to accept Jesus Christ as his savior.

“Y’all always making fun and laughing when a person [is] trying to get [their] life together,” Finesse2Tymes wrote in response to the backlash. “If [you’re] struggling and wondering why, it’s because [you] look down on everybody and [you’re] still down yourself.”

The 31-year-old Atlantic recording artist continued, “[You] don’t get blessings having a sour heart, I’m graduating from the streets, I outgrew the old me, I’m seeking knowledge and wisdom more, financial literature, parenting skills, etc.”

Finesse2Tymes then addressed the effect online critiques can have on someone’s mental health. He also directly responded to anyone who complained about his use of the word “Muslim” and not “Islam” in his original post.

“Me, personally IDGAF, I’m strong mentally, but this message is for the ones who laugh at people who actually have problems, and come to the internet for help because no one else is helping them. Mental health awareness is real,” he stated.

Finesse2Tymes concluded, “And converting to Islam, Muslim, it’s all the same, but y’all look for any flaw to laugh at someone who’s successful or doing more than you, I understand, god bless u people, inshallah 🤲🏽.

Meek Mill Believes Young Thug Will Beat The YSL RICO Case

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Jury selection has been finalized in Jeffery “Young Thug” Williams’s racketeering and corruption trial in Georgia. Fellow rap star, Meek Mill, thinks the YSL label founder will ultimately walk away a free man.

Last week, Superior Court of Fulton County judge Ural Glanville took issue with the prosecution in the case. According to a video circulating online, Glanville chastised prosecutors for adding more witnesses to their list.

“Your witness list has grown by two-thirds since then. And I don’t know why. You’d better have a dang good explanation on the 16th because if you don’t, I’m going to exclude it,” Glanville stated.

The University of Georgia graduate also added, “This is ridiculous! There is no plausible explanation I’ve gotten that would suffice. You just keep dribbing and drabbing out evidence.”

A clip of Glanville addressing the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office made its way to the X platform. Meek Mill took the opportunity to react to that courtroom exchange on the social media site.

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“Jeff gone beat this case it’s too messy!” tweeted Meek Mill on November 6, referring to Young Thug by his birth name. The Philadelphia-raised rapper’s post collected over 1.9 million views and 15,000 likes.

Authorities arrested Thug, YSL recording artist Sergio “Gunna” Kitchens and more than two dozen other suspects in May 2022 on RICO charges. Gunna pled guilty to a single charge of racketeering and was released from jail.

Several other defendants also took plea deals. However, Young Thug has remained detained in custody while awaiting the start of his trial. Opening statements will likely begin on November 27. 

Meek Mill (born Robert Williams) served time in a Pennsylvania prison for a firearm and drug possession case in 2008. Earlier this year, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf pardoned the “R.I.C.O.” performer for those convictions.

Snoop Dogg & Son Cordell Broadus Launch Death Row Games To Support Minority Creators

By: London JennnCategory: News

Snoop Dogg and his tech entrepreneur son, Cordell Broadus, have launched Death Row Games to support minority creatives and artists. The venture uses Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) to design, develop and publish content into the Fortnite ecosystem. 

The father and son duo aim to “broaden the narrative” for future audiences and provide opportunities for creators who might otherwise have been overlooked. Cordell Broadus explained “it’s an honor” to work with his father, adding that Death Row Games “brings together” some of their greatest passions.

“Our vision for Death Row Games is to provide access and opportunity to diverse creators to empower them as well as broaden the narrative around what gaming is and can become,” he said in a statement. “We are still in the early stages but my team and I are excited to start building on the UEFN ecosystem where we believe the next generation of audiences are.” 

Both Snoop Dogg and Cordell Broadus have previous experience in the gaming industry. The West Coast rap legend has several collaborations with Call of Duty, while his son has impacted the metaverse as his Bored Ape NFT, Champ Medici. 

“I think it’s dope for a father and a son to be working together for one, and for two he’s 51 years old,” Broadus said during an interview with AfroTech. He explained that while Snoop “may be out of touch with some of these things,” he’s always there to keep his father “up to speed.” 

He added, “It’s just dope to see that we both can empower each other on new information. And he can empower me on just giving me access to you, all his resources, and his IP.” 

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Tasha K Clowned By Roland Martin Over Viral Fight Video By Mentioning Cardi B

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Veteran journalist Roland Martin is best known for currently hosting his Roland Martin Unfiltered digital series. While he mostly focuses on politics, the cultural critic decided to share his thoughts on controversial YouTuber Tasha K as well.

According to reports, Tasha K got into a physical altercation at a party in Miami. Footage of the melee spread across the internet. The We In Miami Podcast posted the video on Monday (November 6).

Hollywood Unlocked picked up the story and reposted the brawl video to the outlet’s Instagram page. Roland Martin jumped into the blog’s comment section to give his take on Tasha K’s filmed skirmish.

“She’s trying to land a show on @thezeusnetwork to pay @iamcardib that $4M!” Roland Martin wrote about the UnwineWithTashaK host.

The Houston-bred journalist’s comment referred to Tasha K losing a nearly $4 million defamation lawsuit to Cardi B. A Georgia jury sided with Cardi in the now infamous 2022 court case.

Tasha K has repeatedly taken aim at other celebrities in addition to Cardi B. She recently had a highly-publicized feud with rapper-turned-podcaster Joe Budden over an unreleased interview for his show.

For his part, Roland Martin has also publicly blasted several rap figures for various reasons. The former CNN contributor has called out Lil Wayne, Diddy, Busta Rhymes and Waka Flocka Flame in recent years.

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Blueface Mom Threatens Legal Action Over Family Holiday Photo: “I Know I Got Rights” 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Blueface’s mother is so determined to get a holiday photo with all her grandchildren that she’s threatening legal action if things don’t go her way. 

The “Thotiana” rapper’s mom said that taking photos with her children and grandchildren is a holiday tradition and insisted she won’t be denied her photoshoot. Karlissa Saffold took to Instagram Monday (November 6) to reveal she intends to turn up to see all three of Blueface’s whether she has permission or not. 

According to Saffold, “I know I got rights” because “I been talking to the white people.” She also claims she can get the photographs done in less than six minutes. In a video, Saffold explains that she plans to pull up on both Chrisean Rock and Jaidyn Alexis with the cameras rolling for her upcoming reality TV show just in case the mothers cause any problems for her.  

“So you can go back and tell those muthafuckas the momma coming,” she said in the video. “We riding it ‘til the wheels fall off.” Watch it below. 

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A post shared by Watch Live Bitez (@livebitez)

Last week, Blueface’s mom called her son’s new fiance a “snake.” She also claimed Chrisean Rock could still end up with her son despite the rapper recently proposing to Jaidyn Alexis.  

“You still gotta chance,” Saffold said of Rock during another Instagram Live discussing the family drama. “But you gotta calm your s### down and stick to the facts… Just try to be cordial… I don’t see my son with [Jaidyn], past their kids maybe in high school. I don’t see John nowhere near here in the future cards.” 

City Girls’ Yung Miami Reveals Her “Secret” To Getting A Man Like Diddy 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Yung Miami is giving away the secrets to bagging a man like her music mogul boyfriend, Diddy. The City Girls rapper opened up about how to bag a man like Diddy during a recent interview. According to Yung Miami, the secret to pulling a Diddy is to be your authentic self.  

She advised listeners to ignore the naysayers, adding that although people said she and the Bad Boy Records founder were incompatible, she proved them wrong.  

“People said that I wasn’t Diddy’s type,” she said during a recent interview with Catrise J. of Billboard. “But clearly I am so I think that you just gotta be yourself.” 

Yung Miami believes people are attracted to authenticity, something she has in droves.  

“Because people, they gravitate to what’s real,” she continued. “So many people try to be something they not. You just gotta be yourself.” 

Ultimately, the “Good Love” hitmaker declared, “I’m’ just myself and I’m just that b####. That’s how you just bag a n####.” 

Over the weekend, Yung Miami celebrated Diddy turning 54 with a series of intimate photos of them together. She wrote in the caption, “Happy birthday. There’s no other place I’d rather be! I love to rock with you.” 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzPFnFmv-ic/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

However, one fan saw the celebratory post as a reason to tell Yung Miami not to end up like Diddy’s former girlfriend Cassie. The model and actress was in a decade-long relationship with Diddy, but the pair never settled down.   

“You ain’t learning from Cassie sista!” one person wrote in the comment section.    

“I think you under the wrong b.tch page LMAOOOOO,” Miami clapped back.  

NBA YoungBoy Accused Of Ordering Vicious Assault On Son’s Mom While She Held Their Child

By: London JennnCategory: News

NBA YoungBoy is accused of ordering two women to assault another woman named Arcola, the mother of one of his sons, in a vicious attack that took place while she was holding their child. On Monday (November 6), Arcola took to social media alleging that the rapper had two women beat her up and pistol whip her. She claims the attack was so brutal that even her son’s clothing was left covered in blood.   

“Watch who you have kids by,” she wrote on X. “My son dad let his w##### yes w##### with an S cause it was 2 of them weak a## hoes. He gave them an order to get me lol you know b###### who never came from s### gone do it. My son was in my hands. His dad just sat back and watched smh.” 

Arcola says NBA YoungBoy was “p#####” because she asked him to keep their son Kaell for another two weeks. “I just feel like if you ain’t gone help me financially you gone help physically,” she wrote.  

After the two weeks passed, she says YoungBoy told her she can now visit Kaell on weekends. “LMFAO them drugs got his mind gone,” Arcola stated. “He then blocked me so I told him I’ll be out there Wednesday but nah I booked my flight last night got a rental and drove to his house.” 

She claims she got past YoungBoy’s security to enter his house, trying to find their son. “I was calm and respectful I asked where is kaell like 30 times! I finally found him and his w##### was trying to take my son out of my hands smh I cannot make this up,” she added.  

Arcola Claims The Attack Left Her Needing Five Stiches

Arcola also shared a graphic photo of her bloodstained face and another of her and her son, seemingly in the hospital.  

“I would be wrong if I pressed charges on yall for doing me like this with my baby in my hand,” she captioned the photo. “But karma gone eat yall a#### up. I got my son back I’m happy that’s all that matters fr. 5 stitches later. And her punk ass fist ain’t do that shorty had sum.” 

She said , “They kept trying to take kaell from me” adding that she “cried so hard I even screamed so loud like you’d thing I was mental. I was holding my baby sooooo tight I was never letting my son go to swing on you low life w#####. I came for my son and left with him.” 

X/Arcola

In a follow-up video, Arcola claims NBA YoungBoy sat back and watched the assault, even as she was hit with a gun. She said that the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native has “an entity in his body,” calling him “evil” and “cursed” and vowed he will never see his son again.

https://youtu.be/2PEjlHE0ILo?si=HvWr7pktzlPtljKK

Meanwhile, last week, AllHipHop.com exclusively reported NBA YoungBoy petitioned the court for adjustments to his house arrest terms. He cited a decline in mental health after almost two years of confinement to his Utah residence while awaiting trial.  

Machine Gun Kelly Says He “Hates” Being In Public After Awful Interview

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Machine Gun Kelly has defended himself after being criticized for his awkward interview at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The rapper was approached by Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle for a grid walk interview before the Formula One race on Sunday.

After giving short, awkward answers, Machine Gun Kelly asked Martin to do the air piano while he played the air guitar, but the former racing driver declined. The music star gave a thumbs-down gesture to the camera and then walked away, with Martin joking, “Something tells me I won’t be on his Christmas card list.”

Kelly was blasted on social media for the “excruciating” exchange and he subsequently defended himself on X/Twitter after a user called his vibe “the worst.”

“My vibe is ‘the worst’ how?” he replied. “Because someone put a microphone in my face essentially forcing me to do a random interview when i was just trying to enjoy an event? because car engines were so loud i couldnt hear him? please tell me more about why im the worst.”

The 33-year-old later added, “My anxiety has won. i hate being in public.”

The incident comes almost four months after Cara Delevingne was roasted on social media for refusing a grid walk interview with Martin at the British Grand Prix.She defended herself on X/Twitter by insisting an F1 representative told her to turn down the chat.

Soulja Boy Apologizes To J. Cole After Nicki Minaj Intervenes

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

A conversation with Nicki Minaj stopped Soulja Boy from attacking J. Cole on social media. Soulja Boy issued an apology less than an hour after harshly criticizing the Dreamville co-founder on Monday (November 6).

“Nicki just told me I took what he said wrong,” the outspoken rapper wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “And that he was showing love. So I’m gonna let it go. My bad y’all I really thought dude was hating on me.”

He added, “My bad dawg. @JColeNC sorry for the confusion. keep doing your s### we from two different worlds. I stand on what I stand on, it’s hard coming from where I did man. I dealt with a lot of hate my whole career so it was just messed to think it would come from you.”

Soulja Boy was upset over comments made by J. Cole on Lil Yachty’s A Safe Place Podcast. The “Crank That” creator mistakenly thought J. Cole dissed him. In actuality, J. Cole recalled how he was initially resistant to artists such as Soulja Boy before developing an appreciation for them. Soulja Boy apparently missed the full context of the story and assumed he got insulted, resulting in a multi-day tirade on social media.

“You a b#### @JColeNC f### you and ya fans,” he wrote on Monday. “N##### will slap the s### out you, f### your opinion dirty stank dreads having ass b#### @JColeNC. P#### n#### I wrote and produced a #1 record at 17 in 2006 drake just gave you your first #1 this year sit the f### down n#### u not all that @JColeNC u don’t got a #1 solo record I do.”

He continued, “F### clout. F### fame. F### streams. Don’t want me replying to s### don’t speak on me @JColeNC you a b#### and it’s stamped keep my name out your mouth. I’m not one of them. I don’t care what you was trying to say.”

Soulja Boy realized his anger was misguided thanks to his chat with Nicki Minaj. The two talked on Instagram Live, clearing up his confusion over J. Cole’s remarks.

https://twitter.com/souljaboy/status/1721674611820204462
https://twitter.com/souljaboy/status/1721675628053971244

Travis Scott Faces More Legal Trouble With Another Astroworld Tragedy Lawsuit

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

A company joined the various families and victims suing Travis Scott over the 2021 Astroworld tragedy. According to The Blast, Ceremony of Roses filed a lawsuit against the rapper for the “substantial financial harm” it allegedly suffered from the infamous festival.

Ceremony of Roses claimed it sustained a significant loss from its investment in the festival. The company provided carnival games and amusements for the event, which ended in chaos when a crowd crush left 10 people dead and hundreds injured. Ceremony of Roses blamed Travis Scott for the event’s lack of safety, leaving the company with no way to recoup $700,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.

“At the very minimum, Defendants owed COR a duty to exercise ordinary care in maintaining a safe and secure environment for COR’s business activities and Festival attendees,” the lawsuit argued. “Defendants negligently and willfully breached this duty in numerous respects.”

Live Nation was also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Ceremony of Roses sought an undisclosed amount in damages.

Ceremony of Roses’ lawsuit added to the legal woes of Travis Scott, who’s dealing with multiple civil cases stemming from the Astroworld tragedy. He avoided criminal charges in connection to the deadly event when a Texas grand jury declined to indict him in June.

Joe Budden’s Alleged Attacker Claims He Was Trolling After Taxstone Rumor Spreads

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

The man who took credit for punching Joe Budden stirred up the rumor mill by suggesting Taxstone played a role in the attack. Instagram user @jj_selfmade_cpm tried to downplay his insinuations of Taxstone’s involvement after the alleged attacker’s posts caught the attention of social media bloggers and websites on Monday (November 6).

“I was trolling y’all lol,” Joe Budden’s supposed attacker wrote on Instagram Stories. “Free my brothers tho! Now leave me alone.”

He added, “I ain’t talk to no one. Idk where them n****s getting [their] story from! Free my brothers tho.”

The alleged assailant fanned the flames of the Taxstone rumor by reacting to a video posted by Zip With The Trip, who claimed multiple people jumped Budden at a club. The self-professed culprit responded by saying he was Budden’s lone attacker and shouted out to Taxstone, who’s serving a 35-year prison sentence for the infamous 2016 shooting that left Troy Ave’s bodyguard dead.

“I beat on him dolo we ain’t jump him,” the man wrote. “Free Taxstone!”

He also hinted at Taxstone orchestrating the attack on Budden. The alleged attacker referenced past comments by Budden, who called Taxstone a “worker.”

“When a WORKER could get a BOSS touch that’s tough!” the man wrote in an Instagram post. “#FreeMyBrothers.”

Several social media accounts connected the dots and assumed the man was saying he attacked Budden on Taxstone’s behalf. The alleged attacker attempted to dispel the rumor after seeing it gain traction online.

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

Rick Ross And Meek Mill Give Fans Chance To Win $50K In ‘Too Good To Be True’ Sweepstakes

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Maybach Music Group unveiled a special promotion for Rick Ross and Meek Mill’s Too Good to Be True album on Monday (November 6). Rozay’s label announced plans to give away $50,000 in cash to the winner of a sweepstakes named after the duo’s upcoming project.

U.S. residents can participate in the Too Good to Be True sweepstakes at www.toogoodtobetrue.co. The sweepstakes is limited to one entry per person. Entrants must be at least 18 years old.

Fans enter the sweepstakes by selecting seven lucky numbers and pre-saving the Too Good to Be True album. Entrants must provide their name, birthday, phone number and email address for a chance to win $50,000.

The Too Good to Be True sweepstakes ends on November 16. Rick Ross and Meek Mill will reveal the drawing at a later date via Instagram. The winner will be selected at random.

Rick Ross and Meek Mill’s Too Good to Be True album drops on Friday (November 10). The two released “Shaq and Kobe” as the first single for the joint project in September. NBA star Damian Lillard a.k.a Dame D.O.L.L.A. joined the Maybach Music Group duo for a remix of the track in October.

Check out the music video for “Shaq and Kobe” below.