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Czarface—Inspectah Deck, Esoteric & 7L—Signs With Virgin Music: “They’re An All-Powerful Ally”

Inspectah Deck, Esoteric and 7L—collectively known as Czarface—have signed a deal with Virgin Music. After years of grinding independently, the trio is looking forward to having some muscle behind their upcoming new music. As Virgin Music President Jacquline Saturn said, “It’s an honor for all of us at Virgin Music to work with these legends to launch this exciting new project. We are looking forward to giving music fans around the world a first listen to this incredible music soon.”

Speaking to AllHipHop, Esoteric seemed equally enthusiastic, saying “With Czarface, the Danger Room stays open, and we’ve been training every day, keeping claws sharp and pens dipped. When an opportunity like this presents itself, you gotta leap on it. Virgin has shown us they speak the Czarface language fluently, and that what’s important to us, is vital to them. Visibility, vinyl, streaming, world domination, you name it….they’re an all-powerful ally in strengthening every facet of what we’ve built thus far.”

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Czarface initially formed in 2013 with the belief they’d do one mixtape together and call it a day. But their chemistry proved to be so innate, they just kept pumping out projects. From 2018’s Czarface Meets Metal Face with MF DOOM to 2019’s Czarface Meets Ghostface with Ghostface Killah, they’ve amassed a discography boasting 11 studio albums, two EPs and multiple singles.

More details on Czarface’s next project is expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

Bill Cosby Sued Again For Allegedly Drugging & Raping Woman In 1972

Bill Cosby, 86, is being sued for drugging and raping yet another woman. According to TMZ, a new lawsuit filed by lawyers of New Mexico resident Donna Motsinger claims the comedian took advantage of her in 1972 when she was a waitress at the famous Trident restaurant in Sausalito, California.

The alleged incident took place eight years after he married his wife, Camille Cosby, whom he met while studying at the University of Maryland. Motsinger suggests his marital status was not at all at the top of the successful actor’s mind when he assaulted her. He was thinking of the plan to get her drugged so he could have non-consensual sex with her.

Motsinger claims after meeting at Trident, he took her to a show at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos. While in his limo, she says he gave her a glass of wine and then took her to his dressing room.

The court papers contend Motsinger started to feel sick, so he offered her what she thought was an aspirin. After taking the pill, she started to slip in and out of consciousness. After some time, she was escorted back to the limo with Cosby. The last thing she claims to have remembered is a flash of light, waking up in her home with only her panties on.

As AllHipHop.com previously reported, Cosby was convicted of similar charges in 2018, which were thrown out because he made a deal with a past prosecutor. Over the last year, other women have come forth, painting him as an old-time creep or a freak, drugging and sexually assaulting women way back in the 70s.

Motsinger came forward about the alleged incident in 2014, but this is the first time she filed a lawsuit. The complaint says the former server “knew she had been drugged and raped by Bill Cosby.” Her attorneys are claiming the incident caused their client mental, emotional and physical distress— and hopes this civil claim will provide her financial relief for her injury.

Cosby’s camp released a statement regarding the lawsuit, saying, “No comment at this present time because this is utterly ridiculous and pointless.” People are clearly losing patience with him. Check out a couple of comments below.


Charlamagne Tha God Calls Colin Kaepernick’s Letter To New York Jets “Pathetic”

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick still wants to play in the professional football league, but The Breakfast Club‘s Charlamagne Tha God has taken issue with Kap’s recent plea for a job. During Wednesday’s (September 27) “Rumor Report,” Charlamagne Tha God blasted the ex-San Francisco 49er for his letter to New York Jets General Manager Joe Douglas, which was shared by J. Cole.

“I wish that letter was never written,” he said. “That letter was tragically sad and downright pathetic. Colin Kaepernick has let his setback become his identity, and I hate that for him. It pains to see that man still begging to be in a league that he called racist and he compared to a plantation.

“And I hate that he can never speak for himself. He always got somebody else speaking for him or putting out his message for him. That’s so wack to me. I wish Colin the best in all his endeavors but just begging these same people you called racist for an opportunity is pitiful.”

The New York Jets franchise lost its starting quarterback Aaron Rogers after the 4x-Most Valuable Player went down with an apparent Achilles injury in the first game of the season. Some fans wondered if the team would sign Kaepernick for the QB position, and J. Cole co-signed the alleged blackballed athlete’s desire to return to the field.

“I asked Colin @kaepernick7 if I could share this letter with the world,” Cole shared on Instagram. “He was reluctant. My argument was that I believe the people and all organizations should know the truth about how hard he works and how much he still wants to play. And always has. In the end, he agreed to let me.

“I wish the @nyjets organization luck. My boy @bas is a big ass fan so I saw the heartbreak of every Jets fan when Arod went down @richeisen Everyone from players, to coaches, to execs are feeling the pressure I’m sure. I hope y’all can turn it around, and I hope there’s a spot out there for my boy Kap. PEACE.”

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Offset, DaBaby, GloRilla, Sexyy Red & More To Perform At 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards

The 2023 edition of the BET Hip-Hop Awards takes place on Tuesday, October 10 at 9 pm ET/PT. This year’s show will highlight performances by some of the top names in the rap industry.

Offset, DaBaby, Fivio Foreign, GloRilla and Sexyy Red have been confirmed as performers for the upcoming event. Additionally, a deejay/producer tribute will feature Kid Capri, Kool DJ Red Alert, Scott Storch and Spinderella.

Verzuz creators Timbaland and Swizz Beatz will present this year’s cypher. DJ EFeezy and DJ Runna will spin the records as Bun B, Cassidy, Foggieraw, Gloss Up, Lady London, Lola Brooke, Scar Lip, and Symba provide the lyrics.

The digital cypher will feature DJ Hed, LaNell Grant, Maiya The Don, and That Mexican OT. Grammy-nominated New York City-bred artist Fat Joe will handle the hosting duties for the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards.

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Cardi B and 21 Savage head into the ceremony with the most nominations. Both stars earned 12 nods, including chances to win in top categories such as Hip-Hop Artist of the Year and Lyricist of the Year.

In addition to Cardi and 21 Savage, the Lyricist of the Year category contains André 3000, Burna Boy, Conway The Machine, Drake, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. Plus, Burna Boy, Drake, GloRilla, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar and Lil Uzi Vert are the other Hip-Hop Artist of the Year nominees.

Drake came in third place with 9 nominations. Burna Boy and DJ Khaled managed to score seven nominations each. J. Cole scored six nominations. Coi Leray, GloRilla, and Jay-Z are tied with five nominations.

“This year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards will mark the culmination of our year-long celebration of Hip-Hop’s storied creation and the art form’s sonic and cultural expansion,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy for BET.

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Drake’s D-Size Topic Of Recent Podcast: “The Man Gotta Missile On Him”

No Jumper host Adam22 has some purported details about Drake’s penis. Adam22 recently had a conversation about Drake’s member on “The Red Light District” episode of his show. For some reason, the 39-year-old YouTuber revealed he supposedly got a peak at a photo of the music superstar’s genitalia.

“I was around this girl and she just showed me Drake’s d### on her phone,” the man born Adam Grandmaison said. “Somehow this just randomly came up and she’s just showing me and I’m not believing it.”

Adam 22 added, “She still trying to prove it to me. She goes to the Instagram DM, shows me the f###ing full Instagram history… The man’s gotta missile on him like a baby arm.” However, Grandmaison also conceded Drake would have “plausible deniability” about the alleged picture.

Meanwhile, Drake is preparing to release his eighth studio LP in the near future. The For All the Dogs album will currently arrive on October 6. He dropped “Slime You Out” featuring SZA on September 15.

“Slime You Out” opened at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. That pole position debut gave Drake the twelfth No. 1 of his career. He now trails pop culture icon Michael Jackson (13) by one chart-topper on the all-time list.

For All the Dogs will join a Drake discography that already includes 12 No. 1 projects on the Billboard 200 chart. 2016’s Views remained in the top spot for 13 weeks. 2011’s Take Care surpassed 551 total weeks on the Billboard 200.

Plies Reacts To Brittany Renner Revealing Her Body Count: “35 Ain’t That Many”

Brittany Renner had a lot of people talking after her appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, Club Shay Shay. Recording artist-turned-internet personality Plies joined the online conversation about the social media influencer. According to reports, numerous male recording artists and athletes have been involved with Renner, which she talked about on the show.

“Because my dating pool is, I mean my god, impressive…expansive? I’ve had sex with 35 guys,” stated the Basketball Wives LA cast member. That revelation left Pro Football Hall of Famer Sharpe speechless for a moment.

When asked why she publicly shared that information, Renner replied, “Probably the same reason that I wrote a book, because I feel called to share. There are some things that maybe moving forward I would keep to myself. But I mean, I just told you I had sex with 35 guys, an updated number for people who have been following the number for years now.”

Social media users then began commenting on Brittany Renner’s self-admitted body count. On Wednesday night, Plies added his own unsolicited take about the much-talked-about sex partner count.

“35 Ain’t That Many!!” Plies tweeted. “That’s Like $35 Worth Of Gas Bih!! That’s Just A 1/4 Tank Of Gas!!!! Shiiiddddd U Got A lot Left!!!!!! 35 That’s A In The Middle Number!! That Like Being 35 Years Old! U In Your Prime Bih!!!”

In addition to having thoughts about Renner’s sexual history, Plies has also been enamored with a namesake of NBA player P.J. Washington’s ex-girlfriend. For months, the “Bust It Baby (Part 2)” performer’s Instagram account has been an unofficial shrine to Pop legend Britney Spears.

“Welcome To Rap City” Documentary To Feature Big Tigger, Charlamagne Tha God & More

BET will explore the history of one of its most iconic programs. The network’s celebration of Hip-Hop culture’s 50th anniversary includes airing a new documentary titled Welcome To Rap City.

Over three nights, Welcome To Rap City features appearances by past hosts of the program. Big Tigger, Big Lez, Chris “The Mayor” Thomas, Hans “Prime” Dobson, Prince DaJour, Joe Clair, Mad Linx, J-Nicks and Q4 are part of the docuseries.

“We are thrilled to commemorate Rap City, a series much like the genre that was ahead of its time, and proudly show viewers the impact this series had on music and culture over our three-night event,” said Sam D. Walker II, VP of Music Specials and Productions, BET.

Walker II also adds, “Hip-Hop is in the DNA of BET. With our esteemed partners at Mass Appeal, we can’t wait to showcase some historical gems from the longest-running rap show during the genre’s landmark anniversary.”

Rap City debuted on BET in 1989. Numerous historic moments played out on the showcase for Hip-Hop music videos and artist interviews. “The Freestyle Booth” became one of the show’s most popular segments.

Welcome To Rap City Will Lead Into The 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards

“As we celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th birthday, we also have to honor the programs that have documented and amplified our culture,” said Jenya Meggs, SVP Partnerships & Content Acquisition for Mass Appeal.

Meggs continued, “Mass Appeal is proud to partner with BET to produce Welcome to Rap City and illustrate how this iconic television series provided some of Hip Hop’s biggest artists with a platform to reach audiences across the country.”

In addition, Welcome To Rap City will also include sit-down interviews. The Breakfast Club host Charlamagne Tha God, Generation Now founder DJ Drama, 300 Entertainment founder Kevin Liles, and other industry insiders serve as talking heads for the documentary.

BET’s Welcome To Rap City premieres on Tuesday, October 10 at 8 pm ET/PT. The 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards will follow the first episode (“Building a City”). “The Notorious Bassment” premieres Wednesday, October 11. “A Changing City” premieres Thursday, October 12.

Timbaland & Pharrell Fight To Give Each Other Flowers Over Who Has Best Jay-Z Hits 

When two super producers like Pharrell and Timbaland come together, lively debate over their respective catalogs is virtually guaranteed, but a recent discussion about Jay-Z hits resulted in an unexpected outcome.

The duo recently got into a high-spirited dispute after joining fellow producing legend Swizz Beatz to celebrate his birthday at a gathering in France. However, when the pair began arguing over who has the better Jay-Z collabs, they were not fighting for themselves but instead trying to credit each other.  

“‘Dirt Off Your Shoulder’!” Pharrell declared, citing Hov’s Timbo-produced 2003 Black Album cut. “What are we doing?” 

Timbaland didn’t have an immediate response, replying, “I gotta think about you, because you’ve done so many.” 

Skateboard P fired back, “You know why you stuck? You’ve done so many classics that you’re just going through your Rolodex right now!”  

Timbaland insisted it was the other way around, adding, “No! I’m going through your Rolodex! It’s so many!” 

But Pharrell maintained Timbaland has “the greatest Jay-Z records,” before branding his fellow Virginia native “Timbo the king.” 

Despite other Hip-Hop heads listening to the debate, including Lil Durk alongside Swizz Beatz and his wife, Alicia Keys, nobody intervened, leaving the duo to go at it. 

Nonetheless Timbaland inadvertently ended the debate when he declared Pharrell “the prince” of Jay-Z cuts. 

“Hey! You heard what he said. He said prince, because he’s the king,” the Neptunes member said, concluding the discussion.  

Swizz Beatz shared a clip of the debate, calling their exchange one of the “highlights” of his birthday and “a true Hip Hop 50th moment.” Watch the clip below.  

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DaBaby Dons Lace Front Wig For New Self-Directed Music Video: “Can I Get Some Baby Hair?” 

DaBaby has a newfound level of empathy for women who wear hairpieces after donning a lace front wig to film a new music video. 

The “Suge” hitmaker decided to drastically change his look for the visuals, but it wasn’t easy. In a video shared on Instagram Wednesday (September 27), DaBaby winced and whinged as the hairstylists worked on him, complaining that the heat from the flat irons was too much for him. 

Nonetheless, DaBaby suffered patiently while getting his wig styled, at one point even asking for some extra details.  

“I don’t know how y’all do this,” he declared before jokingly asking, “Can I get some baby hair?” 

He took to the caption to tease the visuals, which arrive Friday (September 29) alongside a “new movie” directed by DaBaby himself.  

“I went THROUGH IT yesterday!” He added, “Ion know how the bad b*tches do it! y’all the truth!” 

Whatever look he was going for, fans couldn’t help but point out a very obvious comparison. Fans in the comments section were quick to point out that DaBaby, with his long locks and bright green shirt, bear a striking resemblance to Andre 3000 in Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” visuals. 

Check out DaBaby’s new hairstyle in the clip below. 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxsrsDFLM3s/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Meanwhile, if his music career doesn’t pan out, DaBaby might have a future in the NFL ahead of him. The Charlotte, North Carolina native recently shared a video flexing his skills on the football field, which caught the eye of Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders. 

“Quick feet good release and u stacked the DB,” Sanders replied on the post. “We know you’re a Dogg so You got a offer to play At COLORADO. Let’s go Baby.” 

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Snoop Dogg Backs Nia Long After Actress Calls Out Celtics And Names Ime Udoka’s Alleged Mistress 

Nia Long has called out her ex-fiancé Ime Udoka’s alleged mistress Kathleen Lynch, and the NBA coach’s former team, the Boston Celtics. 

The Boyz n the Hood actor received overwhelming support from fellow celebs, including Snoop Dogg, after naming Lynch by name for the first time, shading her and the NBA coach’s former team over the cheating scandal in an Instagram post on Tuesday (September 26). 

She shared a powerful video of writer Dr. Yaba Blay addressing how the world treats white women’s tears versus Black women’s tears on the We Can Do Hard Things podcast.  

“Y’all don’t respond to Black women crying the same way,” Dr. Blay notes.  

Nia Long addressed the Celtics in the caption, questioning the lack of awareness following Ime’s infidelity controversy. 

“Where was this level of awareness a year ago @celtics ???” she asked before adding, “ #kathleenlynch.” 

Long also expressed her gratitude to Dr. Blay in the comments section. “Thank you @yabablay for your fearlessness and speaking facts for all of us,” she wrote. “This is such an important conversation that needs to be heard and understood.” 

Check out the clip below and listen to the podcast episode here.

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Snoop Dogg Tells Nia Long: “Retribution Is In Order”

The comments were also littered with support for her many celeb friends, including Snoop Dogg who shared his backing for Nia Long.  

“Accountability to my sis and nefews,” he wrote, adding, “Retribution is in order.” Snoop also posted a red rose and prayer hands emojis stating, “I stands with u @iamnialong I. got ya bac.” 

Instagram/Nia Long

News of Udoka’s affair broke in September last year after it was reported the Boston Celtics coach had an improper relationship with a team employee. Although the team suspended Udoka, Nia Long claims nobody from the Celtics reached out to her to check she was doing okay in the wake of the very public scandal.  

During a December interview with The Hollywood Reporter Long explained her heartbreak at seeing her son’s face “when the Boston Celtics organization decided to make a very private situation public.” 

She added, “If you’re in the business of protecting women — I’m sorry, no one from the Celtics organization has even called to see if I’m OK, to see if my children are OK. It’s very disappointing.” 

Boosie Badazz Says He Can Make Up To $20 Million By Selling Half His Independent Catalog 

After a career spanning over two decades, Boosie Badazz is looking to the future and shopping half his discography to provide a nest egg for his children. 

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native claimed that while he gets paid “top dollar,” for his interviews, the long money lies in his music. According to Boosie, he can get up to $20 million for selling just half of his catalog. 

He opened up about his financial plans during a recent appearance on The Danza Project, revealing he still owns the rights to much of his music.  

“I’m finna do a deal on my independent catalog. I’m finna sell half of my independent catalog, most of the stuff that I own.”  

He continued, explaining that he wants to provide for his children’s future, and secure a lump sum right now.  

Boosie Says His Catalog is Worth Up To $20 Million “Easy”

“I probably got 22 albums that’s mine,” he added. “So I think I’m finna do a ten-album deal. That’s my catalog, you know, go get about $10, $15, $20 million right quick, easy. And you get it back in 20 years, you know. That’s when your kids need it, when they’re grown.” 

According to Boosie, he can get back the royalists after two decades, or “you can do it forever.” He added. “It just depends on how much money you want. They got real money out there. A lot of people are doing it.”  

Check out the clip below and watch the interview at the end of the page. 

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Despite his desire to provide for his children’s futures, Boosie is unwilling to compromise his staunch views on homosexuality and gender identity to make a buck. 

“I’ve been offered a quarter-million to go to perform at LGBT community things,” he explained elsewhere during the interview. “Big money. I told them I have nothing against it at all, but that’s not what I push and that’s not what I believe in.” 

Boosie Reacts To People Wondering If He Slept With Sexyy Red

Boosie Badazz shut down speculation about him getting in bed with Sexyy Red. The opinionated rapper spoke out after social media users thought he was the man in a photo posted by Sexyy Red on her Instagram.

“IM BLOCKING ALL U MFS N MY DAM ASKING IS THAT ME ON DA PICTURE WITH SEXY RED,” he wrote via X (formerly known as Twitter). “YAll SEE THAT AINT MY ANKLE SIZE R COLOR‼️FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO PLAY WITH. IM ON VACATION WITH MY DAUGHTER.”

Sexyy Red shared a photo of her legs draped over an unidentified man on Wednesday (September 27). The guy was wearing an ankle monitor.

“I like fckin wit drillaz… dread head killaz,” she wrote in the post’s caption.

Fans incorrectly guessed the mystery man was Boosie. His name seemingly popped up due to his affinity for Sexyy Red. Earlier this year, he pitched himself for a remix of her breakthrough single “Pound Town.”

“We need to do the rachet remix, Sexyy Red and Badazz,” he said. “I know you got one with Nicki [Minaj]. This the rachet remix!”

Boosie is coming off the release of his Goin Thru Some Thangs album, which dropped in August. He awaits trial in a federal gun case after a judge refused to dismiss the weapons charge.

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Sexyy Red Really Does Love Her Some “Dreadhead Hittas”— And Unapologetically So

Either Sexyy Red is a marketing mastermind commanding an elite team of media professionals meticulously orchestrating engagement-boosting pseudo-events—or she just lives what she raps about.

Whether it’s the former or latter, Big Sexyy continues to make her preference for “dreadhead” lovers known while promoting her recent viral smash, “Shake Yo Dreads.”

Aside from the countless social media challenge and parody videos flooding my feed following the release, another video in particular caught my eye and appears to be blowing up on the timeline as well. While it remains to be proven whether the video was taken recently or posted earlier elsewhere, a clip of a livestream video broadcast by instagram user @wu2euce appears to show Red cuddled up next to the individual fast asleep.

Again, there’s no telling how current the video is—especially since the clip circulating is the doctored one featured above that includes Red’s previous statement “I like f###in’ wit drillaz…dread head killaz.”

But it’s not like the math isn’t mathing here. We are speaking about the same woman whose incendiary hit “Pound Town” also references her love for men with dreads as she raps, “I’m tryna get my Cochise scratched/You know them dreadheads do it the best (yeah).” Something about the clip resurfacing right at this exact moment makes me think this is a coordinated move, but it also seems super authentic.

Whatever she’s doing, it’ working. It appears rallying up her dreadheaded troops are helping her climb the charts. Her recent project, Hood Hottest Princess, saw a 12-spot jump to No. 64 on this week’s Billboard 200 chart coincidentally.

Dreadheads, y’all boys up one on us braids/waves with the fade boys.

Megan Thee Stallion Reveals Why She Couldn’t Stop Crying Over Beyoncé Performance

Megan Thee Stallion admitted she was very emotional about performing with Beyoncé at the Renaissance Tour in Houston. The 300 Entertainment rapper explained why hitting the stage with Beyoncé meant so much to her in a TikTok post.

“Y’all don’t know how many times I cried this weekend,” Megan Thee Stallion said. “Y’all don’t understand. Beyoncé is my idol. I genuinely love Beyoncé with my whole f###### heart. I got on this camo because I will f###### go to war behind Beyoncé … Me and my momma are such huge fans of Beyoncé. My whole life I was like, ‘I wanna be the rap Beyoncé.’ And to get the opportunity to go onstage with the woman that I love. Like, the woman that it is the woman of all womens—I was up there with Beyoncé! Y’all got me f##### up!”

Megan Thee Stallion added in the caption, “Yall ive been ugly crying with my lace lifting all weekend lol i will never stop screaming about this moment! I have loved BEYONCE my WHOLE LIFE this means EVERYTHING TO ME! I love you BEY thank you for everything.”

Beyoncé played two sold-out shows at Houston’s NRG Stadium as part of her Renaissance Tour. Megan Thee Stallion joined the music superstar for both concerts to perform their “Savage” remix.

@theestallion

Yall ive been ugly crying with my lace lifting all weekend lol i will never stop screaming about this moment! I have loved BEYONCE my WHOLE LIFE this means EVERYTHING TO ME! I love you BEY 💙💙💙 thank you for everything

♬ original sound – Megan Thee Stallion

Drake’s “Nothing Was The Same” Album Meant To Be Played In Reverse?

Apparently, we’ve been listening to Drake’s cult-classic album Nothing Was The Same incorrectly for the last 10 years. I know this sounds crazy, but this TikTok fan theory seriously has me considering that there may be an entirely alternative approach to the listening experience of this project.

Drake supposedly laid out the entire ideology behind the intent of NWTS being played in reverse in a 2013 interview with VIBE magazine in which he revealed the deluxe version of the LP would “flip the whole tracklist” so that “Pound Cake” featuring JAY-Z and “Too Much” would serve as the opening tracks.

To be honest, I was nearly sold by this point, but then the deep-dive clip goes on to reference the cryptic nesteggs Drizzy baked into the outro on “Furthest Thing,” the second song in the original sequential tracklist.

Specifically during verse three when Drake raps: “How much time is this n### spendin’ on the intro/Lately I’ve been feelin’ like Guy Pearce in Memento.” By the way, Guy Pearce is the main character from the film Momento, in which the plot unfolds in reverse. With that Momento reference clicking, this is starting to seem less and less like a reach and more like a real deal urban legend that’s been solved.

Check out the theory below and let us know what you’re thinking.

@overtimesound

listen to drake’s nothing was the same in reverse, trust me 😏 #drake #nothingwasthesame #hiphop #raptok

♬ original sound – overtimesound

EXCLUSIVE: Bow Wow And Promoters Accused Of Stiffing Jermaine Dupri’s Dad, Stealing “Scream Tour” Name

Jermaine Dupri’s father Michael Mauldin sued Bow Wow and the Black Promoters Collective for trademark infringement, among other complaints. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, the lawsuit said Bow Wow and the promoters never received permission to use Mauldin’s trademarked name “Scream Tour” for a new tour launched in 2023.

Mauldin began using the “Scream Tour” name for live events in 2001. He recruited Bow Wow for the inaugural Scream Tour and subsequent tours. The lawsuit contended Bow Wow was “unquestionably familiar” with the Scream Tour trademark “given [his] close relationship as a client of Mr. Mauldin.”

The Black Promoters Collective and Gary Guidry’s G Squared Productions allegedly tried to trademark “Scream Tour” after promoting the Millenium Tour, which featured Bow Wow and others. Mauldin accused the promoters of doing so despite their familiarity with his brand and warnings about trademark infringement.

“Upon Mauldin Brand’s discovery of Defendants’ use of the Infringing Marks, Mauldin Brand sent some or all of the Defendants a cease and desist letter regarding their use of the Infringing Marks,” the lawsuit noted. “Despite receiving notice and having prior notice, Defendants chose to continue using the Infringing Marks and pursuing the U.S. trademark applications for the Infringing Marks.”

Bow Wow acquired an ownership stake in the Black Promoters Collective’s Scream Tour in 2023. Mauldin claimed this unauthorized Scream Tour caused problems when he tried to relaunch his Scream Tour.

“In May 2023, shortly after the United States government lifted its COVID-19 travel restrictions, Mauldin Brand hired a tour router and discussed plans for the next SCREAM TOUR™ live music performance events and tour with several entertainment and production companies,” Mauldin’s lawyer explained. “However, the Infringing Goods and Services being offered by the Defendants have sowed consumer confusion in the music industry and have disrupted Mauldin Brand’s plans for the next SCREAM TOUR™ live music performance events and tour.”

Mauldin asked a Georgia court to stop Bow Wow and the promoters from using the “Scream Tour” name. Mauldin insisted they would “cause irreparable harm, damage and injury” to his brand if the court did not intervene.

“Defendants’ unauthorized use of marks confusingly similar to the SCREAM TOUR™ Trademark has injured Mauldin Brand’s interests and will continue to do so unless immediately enjoined,” he argued. “Specifically, Defendants have damaged and threaten to damage Mauldin Brand’s rights and valuable goodwill in the SCREAM TOUR™ Trademark, and has injured and threatens to injure Mauldin Brand’s right to use and license the SCREAM TOUR™ Trademark as the exclusive indicia of origin of Mauldin Brand’s goods and services.”

Mauldin sought damages and an injunction against the defendants. He requested a trial by jury to settle the matter.

YNW Melly Lawyer Expects Lengthy Jury Selection For Retrial; Awaits Ruling On Motion To Dismiss Murder Case

YNW Melly appeared in a Florida court for a status hearing on Wednesday (September 27). Judge John Murphy said the court still intends to begin jury selection for the rapper’s retrial on October 9, but the judge will consider the defense’s motion to dismiss the double murder case.

As AllHipHop previously reported, YNW Melly’s lawyers filed a motion to dismiss his murder case due to alleged prosecutorial misconduct. Judge Murphy wanted to give prosecutors time to respond to the accusations.

If the motion is denied, jury selection will start as planned in October. YNW Melly’s attorney Stuart Adelstein said it will likely take weeks to seat a jury.

“We’ll be lucky to pick a jury before Thanksgiving,” Adelstein told Judge Murphy at Wednesday’s hearing.

This past summer, YNW Melly was tried for the 2018 murders of YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser. Jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict. Judge Murphy declared a mistrial in July.

Prosecutors quickly announced their intentions to retry YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons. The defense hoped to avoid a retrial, filing a motion for dismissal on Tuesday (September 26).

Defense attorneys accused the prosecution of withholding evidence concerning Detective Mark Moretti, the lead investigator in YNW Melly’s case. The lawyers believed the prosecution shelved an internal affairs investigation and a possible criminal investigation against Moretti to protect him as a witness in the first trial.

“The unfortunate stark reality is that the State intentionally withheld this information that would impeach Detective Moretti in order to gain a tactical advantage and to violate Mr. Demons’ due process rights as guaranteed by both the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution and the parallel provisions of the Florida Constitution,” defense lawyers contended.

YNW Melly remains in jail. He maintains his innocence in the murder case.

Geechi Gotti Recalls What Led Up To Battle Against Remy Ma & Eazy The Block Captain

Geechi Gotti is battle rap’s real “Algorithm Boul”—despite what others say. He proved that with his lightning round against Eazy the Block Captain at the “I Do What I Want” event on Saturday (September 16) in Philadelphia. The Compton native said he was dressed in his traditional Cali garb: navy blue Dickies, a matching shiesty and some blue and gray Gucci sneaks.

“I kept it hood and classy,” he said on his recent “Eazy Come Eazy Go” episode of his No Studio’n podcast.

Geechi Gotti also talked about what happens when he gets to the venue. First, he tells a hilarious story about parking around the spot and having to pay a local to keep an eye on his car.

“We walk to the stage—ask anybody that’s in the building—I’ve been on stage like 15 minutes,” he said. “‘m just waiting. I’m like, ‘Man where the f##k are they at?’”

He says he gets mic’d up but couldn’t locate Remy Ma or Eazy. He said he was waiting 15-30 minutes before they came in.

“We sitting there. We waiting. We waiting. Next thing you know …  man this that’s how … I seen it …  like this …  why I felt the fix was in.  Man, it was like the lights went out. There’s like a spotlight,” he vividly described. “I see like aura sprinkles … all kinds of s##t.”

He continued, “Then you hear like, ‘I’m conceited, I got a reason,’” he sings, imitating Remy’s 2006 hit song “Conceited (There’s Something About Remy).”

“Her and Eazy come in doing the bop,” he recalled. “They come in like this (doing the Diddy Bop dance).” Then they started doing the “Lean Back.”

“I’m like ‘What the f##k,’” Gotti said as his co-hosts crack up at his colorful recollection of the night.

He laughed as he tells the story, saying, “All this is happening. Lights, camera, action—they both hitting their moves at the same time. Their entourage behind them doing like this (he waves his hands, still bopping). They got choreographed moves and s##t.”

The Riot owner said he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. According to the West Coast rapper, by the time Remy and Eazy got to the stage, everything seemed normal and it was as if he was the only one that saw the event transpire like that—and he probably was.

“When the lights went out, all the people in the building couldn’t see this. Only me,” he explained. “I was the only one that could see this. It was like they blinded everyone so that I am the only one that could see. When the lights come on, they are on stage normal.”

While Gotti’s recollection might be a lot of hype, what was true is that his third round has been the talk of the town and introduced him to millions who would’ve never known his name. Outlets like Hot 97, Revolt and MTV have covered his round— with some radio stations playing it in full during their rap programming.

Chrome 23 released the video and within 24 hours, it was viewed by 541,000 people, with almost 10,000 people arguing in the comments on who won— overwhelmingly they gave the battle to Geechie Gotti.

EXCLUSIVE: YNW Melly Wants To Bar Witness Claiming He Owed YNW SakChaser Money

YNW Melly filed a motion to prevent any mention or testimony suggesting that Melly owed fellow artist YNW SakChaser money in his upcoming second murder trial. 

According to documents obtained by AllHipHop.com, the State is planning to present witnesses who will claim that there was an agreement between the rising rapper and YNW SakChaser “to share or split all of the money that Mr. Melly made through his musical pursuits.”

Melly’s lawyer claims that the State never offered a motive for why their client would want his friends dead in the first trial. Daniel Aaronson said that the State’s potential argument about a financial dispute between Melly and SakChaser is baseless and should not be admitted as evidence in the upcoming trial, scheduled for October 9.

The motion further elaborates that unless there’s concrete evidence, such as a “signed contract or agreement; a verbal acknowledgment by YNW Melly that he owed that money to YNW SakChaser, any reference to it would be “pure hearsay and conjecture.”

“The nature of the testimony referenced above would be brought in so that the State could argue there was motive, i.e. [YNW Melly] did not want to pay [YNW Sakchaser] the money. Before the State contends during opening statement that it will show this evidence, the Court needs to rule on the admissibility of this argument,” Aaronson explained.

The rapper has been in custody since 2019. 

He stands accused of the murder of his friends, YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser, in 2018. His trial started in June of 2023. Jurors could not reach a unanimous decision after several weeks of testimony, and as a result, Judge John Murphy declared a mistrial in July.

The artist’s legal team recently approached a Florida judge requesting to release him from jail as he awaits a retrial. This move was influenced by the judge’s earlier decision to grant a bond to YNW Bortlen, Melly’s co-defendant in the case.

YNW Bortlen believed to have assisted YNW Melly in staging a drive-by shooting to mask the murders, will be tried separately. Both YNW Melly and YNW Bortlen have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Amazon Music Honors 2023 Breakout Artist Lola Brooke With Hometown Mural

Life has changed swiftly for the Brooklyn rapper Lola Brooke over the past year. In 2022, the pint-size diva was just talking to AllHipHop.com about growing up in the County of Kings and wanting to put on for her city.

Lola Brooke has evidently made her borough proud, endearing herself to millions and earning the respect of other Brooklyn rappers such as Lil Kim, Foxy Brown, MC Lyte and even battle rap queen Babs Bunny.

Now, she’s getting some love back. Outside of the massive crowd eruption that breaks out every time she hits the stage, she’s been gifted a true monument of her success.

Amazon Music has made her its 2023 Breakthrough Artist, which comes a mural in her hometown.

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Lola Brooke posted her first time going to see the wall on her Instagram for her fans. The caption read, “Thank You @amazonmusic for my mural in Brooklyn, NY ! BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST 2023. I love it here #UhUhUhUhhhh.”

When she saw it, she squealed with joy and said it was bigger than her voice. Amazon Music jumped the comment section, writing, “Our queen #uhuhuhuh.”

A fan replied to them, “@amazonmusic Brooklyn’s queen too make way queen Lola has arrived New York hottest artist right now song is on fire from queens to Brooklyn.”

Now she joins the ranks of other Brooklyn rap legends like Biggie, Big Daddy Kane and Pop Smoke with her own dedicated art. The mural is located at 111 N. 12 Street in Brooklyn.