A Twitter (X) post featuring a video of an empty venue popped up on Sunday (April 28) with the caption, “Dawg, Chris Brown pulled a 50 Cent & bought almost all the seats & tickets for Quavo’s show so his concert can be empty & it worked.”
Of course, plenty of people doubt Brown would pull such a petty stunt and instead believe Quavo simply can’t sell tickets. As one fan commented, “Except he didn’t do that. Quavo just that down bad.”
dawg, Chris Brown pulled a 50 cent & bought almost all the seats & tickets for Quavo’s show so his concert can be empty & it worked 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/vM6uF4kH05
The beef between Chris Brown and Quavo erupted earlier this month after the R&B singer fired off a diss aimed at the Migos member on the song “Freak.” The discourse appeared to stem from their shared dating history involving Karrueche Tran.
“OK, now f###### my old b###### ain’t gon’ make us equal,” he says. “Sipping that 1942 ‘cause I don’t do no Cuervo [Quavo]/Freak b####, she like Casamigos, not the Migos.” He followed up with some low blows on “Weakest Link” in which he brings up murdered Migos member Takeoff.
That was enough to get a response from Quavo, who promptly fired back with “Over Hoes & B######.” In addition to calling Brown a “junkie,” he insisted he’s nothing more than a “crackhead Michael Jackson.”
Brown and Karrueche began dating in 2011. Their tumultuous lasted a few years, but Karrueche obtained a five-year restraining order against Brown in 2017. She accused him of abuse and harassment, saying he threatened to kill her. The alleged incidents occurred while he was on probation for assaulting his ex-girlfriend Rihanna.
Quavo was romantically linked to Karrueche in 2017, which led to a heated confrontation involving Brown and Quavo at the 2017 BET Awards.
Sexyy Red may have really meant what she said when she rapped “f##k my baby daddy” based on one of her recent interactions.
Last week, a video of an informal fan meet-and-greet began circulating online in which Sexyy Red appeared to be flirting with a tall male fan. It all started as Sexyy Red seemingly called the fan over for the photo-op.
”Come on come take one with me,” Sexyy Red said in part before adding “It’s his turn.”
Sexyy Red even directed her security detail to allow the gentleman to get up close in personal with her as she said, “He can put his hand on me,” while seemingly melting in the unidentified man’s arms. And as if that weren’t enough of a blatant sign that Sexyy Red liked what she saw, she even appeared to slide her personal cell phone over to the man for him to “send the pictures” to her so she could post them.
But we all know she was gonna sneaky link bro later on that night. She later confirmed fans’ suspicions after the fact in a tweet in which she wrote, “He sexyy so I’m nervous [Wink face emoji, fingers pointing emoji].”
Who y’all think is the more lucky one, the fan or Sexyy?
Check out how slick she had ole boy slide her the digits in the post below.
Rapper Drake and Lil Zay Osama were named checked in a legal battle between gun manufacturer Glock and the City of Chicago.
A new lawsuit accuses Glock of contributing to a public nuisance by allowing their firearms to be altered into illegal machine guns, thus endangering the lives and well-being of Chicago residents.
The city’s documentation cites lyrics from rapper Drake and 21 Savage’s song “Jimmy Cooks” as evidence of the cultural embedding of such firearms, enhancing their appeal and accessibility.
In his statement, Stephen J. Kane emphasized the gravity of the issue by noting the ill effects of modified Glocks, which have been “used to cause chaos on public streets and roadways” across Chicago.
The City of Chicago argues that Glock’s marketing strategies and the specific design of their pistols facilitate these hazardous modifications, thus exacerbating gun violence in the city.
The lawsuit seeks decisive actions from Glock, including amendments to the pistol design to prevent such modifications and the introduction of clear warnings about the illegal nature of converting pistols into machine guns.
The city is determined to mitigate gun violence and hold manufacturers accountable for their part in firearm distribution and modification.
The lawsuit is part of a more extensive debate over gun control and industry accountability in the United States, particularly in urban areas like Chicago, which have been plagued by firearm-related incidents.
Ice Spice is facing allegations of colorism by a Twitter (X) user claiming to be her ex-best friend.
The user, whose handle is @babystorme_ Offered a series of tweets in which she detailed how I spice allegedly repressed her career in addition to aligned herself with other individuals of color in order to make herself more identifiable to the black community.
the next person to be exposed will be my ex “best friend,” Isis. or as y’all know her, ‘Ice Spice.’ pic.twitter.com/4XiOewWiiF
One of the main claims the user made was based on her theory that I spice positioned a woman to be her best friend within the public eye when in reality she was Frenemies with the woman, who allegedly served as her replacement.
“This is Cleo. the girl she chose to be her ‘best friend to the public.’ when in reality, it was me behind the scenes. Cleo & her are not really best friends. Isis has always hated Cleo. But she used her so she could appear “closer to blackness.” she also lied about being Nigerian. she stole that from me,” Baby Storme wrote in the tweet.
this is Cleo. the girl she chose to be her ‘best friend to the public.’ when in reality, it was me behind the scenes. Cleo & her are not really best friends. Isis has always hated Cleo. But she used her so she could appear “closer to blackness.” she also lied about being… pic.twitter.com/EMMBuh7M5Q
Another bombshell tweet, Baby Storme accused, Ice Spice of allegedly cheating on her boyfriend and Producer in 2022 with Lil Tjay, who previously gifted her a six-figure watch though he maintained they were just friends.
“EJ, ‘Riot’ is her producer and boyfriend since 2019. he was the real mastermind behind her career & the one who pushed her to rap. she cheated on him with Tjay & then rapped about it on their song together. if you don’t believe me, just go back & read the lyrics to ‘Gansta boo.’ but this time, read carefully. they were talking about him. she knows no loyalty. not even to the only person who has always been there for her. Riot,” she wrote in the tweet.
EJ, ‘Riot’ is her producer and boyfriend since 2019. he was the real mastermind behind her career & the one who pushed her to rap. she cheated on him with Tjay & then rapped about it on their song together. if you don’t believe me, just go back & read the lyrics to ‘Gansta boo.’… pic.twitter.com/1KpNNjcVpF
In a string of several tweets, she went onto accuse Ice Spice of fat shaming and being colorist and even referring to dark skinned people of color and Black people as the “Shea Butter Community.”
she is also fat phobic & many other things. and by the way, i’m only telling you guys about 1% of it. believe it or not, this is nothing. peep…. “shea butter community.” she is referring to dark skins. pic.twitter.com/YCR3f7RkT5
Several users accused Baby Storme of manufacturing drama as a publicity stunt to promote her upcoming release. It’s also worth noting that she was also posting conspiracy theories about the origins of LATTO’S career in addition to making bold claims about several other artists on via her account. Y’all think think the “Fart (Think You The S##t)” rapper is going to reply? Or is this just a whole bunch of madness?
Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh’s iconic track “La-Di-Da-Di” is now preserved for posterity as part of the 2024 National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress in Washington.
The National Recording Registry announced this distinguished recognition, which encompasses 25 influential recordings exemplifying notable cultural, historical, or aesthetic importance in America’s sound recording lineage.
Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden emphasized the selections as “audio treasures worthy of preservation for all time.”
Also included in this esteemed list are The Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready to Die, Blondie’s Parallel Lines, and other prodigious works that have shaped the music industry and left a mark on the cultural fabric.
Robbin Ahrold, chair of the National Recording Preservation Board, expressed enthusiasm about the selections.
“It is a great pleasure to join with the Librarian of Congress to recognize these influential works that represent the richness of our nation’s sound heritage,” Ahrold said.
The Board and its community actively partake in promoting these timeless pieces through various media, ensuring their longevity and continued relevance.
The inclusion of Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh’s early Hip-Hop classic “La-Di-Da-Di” stands out. It goes beyond just its musicality as it made seismic shifts in Hip-Hop culture.
The song’s pervasive influence is evident from its being sampled over 850 times and its lyrics being echoed in more than a thousand other songs.
Given its purely vocal composition featuring Doug E. Fresh’s beatboxing and Slick Rick’s narrative lyricism, it encapsulated the essential rawness and creative spirit of early Hip-Hop.
Highlighting the diversity in American music, classics like Gene Autry’s “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and The Cars’ debut album also made the registry, demonstrating the range and the eclectic nature of recorded sounds chosen for preservation this year.
By preserving these recordings, the National Recording Registry ensures that these cultural artifacts continue to educate and inspire future generations, offering insights into the pivotal moments and movements in American music history.
The 2024 National Recording Registry selections not only celebrate the achievements within the music sphere but also the shared heritage that sounds have contributed to the American experience.
River House Artists’ jiggy buckaroo and rising rap sensation Ryan Charles released his latest track, “Heartbreak Rodeo,” available everywhere now. With his signature Western flair, Charles fuses a fresh hip-hop sound with a country perspective, bringing the cowboy lifestyle to the rap scene. The song, a bop about getting your heart broken, will have the internet singing along in no time. The Jiggy Buckaroo has once again proven his prowess in delivering his signature twangy lyrics with the sounds of 2000s rap. Charles is also the master at presenting visuals that pair perfectly with his songs, and “Heartbreak Rodeo” is no exception. A cinematic official video, directed by Emma Kate Golden, accompanies the release.
Please don’t break my heart at this rodeo
Tryin’ not to fall apart every time she’s close
It’s been way too hard for me just to let her go
Darlin’ please don’t break my heart at this rodeo
“Heartbreak Rodeo is the song we all hum, heartbroken on the back of a horse, just trying to find some light,” says Charles.
Last year, Charles released a twangy banger of a track called “Turquoise Stones” accompanied by a stunning visual as well as his viral hit, “Cold Beer Diet,” which garnered attention from Lyrical Lemonade, XXL, The Source, Complex, and BET Jams. Earlier this year, his viral “New Boot Goofin’” video garnered over 9 million views and grew his social media channels by over 106,000 followers within a month.
Charles has been on tour opening for country acts like fellow Wyoming native Ian Munsick, Breland, and hip-hop sensation Atlus. Charles got his start on the inaugural season of American Song Contest, becoming a fan favorite with his original country-rap song “New Boot Goofin’.” The song, paired with Charles’s charismatic style, caught the attention of rap legend and show host Snoop Dogg. He also landed a coveted appearance on the Bobby Bones Show after the radio personality DM’d him on Instagram after seeing his performance on the show.
ABOUT RYAN CHARLES:
Western rapper Ryan Charles hails from the valley of Buffalo, WY. Like his hometown, once called the most lawless town in America, Charles brings a style all his own — meshing the cowboy lifestyle with the flow of 2000s rap. A natural-born entertainer, Charles quickly became one of the most skilled freestyle rappers on the school bus, eventually moving to Seattle, WA, to pursue his music career more seriously. As an artist, Charles has released singles, including the jiggy buckaroo bop “Gettin’ Western” in 2020, “Old Dirt Fancy” in 2021, “New Boot Goofin’” in 2022, and was featured on Ian Munsick’s single “Cowboy Killer.” Late last year, Charles released his singles “Turquoise Stones” and “Cold Beer Diet,” bringing his global career streams to 64+ million. Known for his signature fashion sense, light-hearted twang, and high-energy live shows, Charles continues to work on new music in Nashville, TN, kicking off 2024 with his take on a heartfelt love song, “Heartbreak Rodeo.”
Rihanna dazzled in a pale yellow Alexander McQueen dress during the launch of her new Fenty Beauty product line in Los Angeles, showcasing not only her fashion sense but also her latest venture into the beauty industry.
At the event on April 26, the acclaimed singer and business mogul introduced the Soft’lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation, expanding her beauty empire with a product designed for diverse skin tones.
Rihanna, complementing her elegant outfit with strappy stiletto heels and gold bracelets, also debuted sleek, blonde locks that added to her radiant appearance.
The new foundation from Fenty Beauty is available for purchase online and promises a naturally luminous finish. Priced at $40, it is offered in an inclusive range of 50 shades, ensuring that individuals of all skin colors can find their perfect match.
Rihanna’s consistent influence in fashion and beauty highlights her ability to remain relevant and innovative.
Her ventures range from music to business and her multifaceted career proves her ability to resonate with a broad audience.
Check out her amazing looks in the gallery below.
Rihanna x Fenty Beauty New Product Launch For Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation held at 7th Street Studios.
Featuring: Rihanna Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 27 Apr 2024 Credit: Abaca Press/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**Rihanna x Fenty Beauty New Product Launch For Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation held at 7th Street Studios.
Featuring: Rihanna Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 27 Apr 2024 Credit: Abaca Press/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**Rihanna x Fenty Beauty New Product Launch For Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation held at 7th Street Studios.
Featuring: Rihanna Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 26 Apr 2024 Credit: Abaca Press/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**Rihanna x Fenty Beauty New Product Launch For Fenty Beauty Soft’Lit Naturally Luminous Longwear Foundation held at 7th Street Studios.
Featuring: Rihanna Where: Los Angeles, California, United States When: 26 Apr 2024 Credit: Abaca Press/INSTARimages
Jeezy is currently dealing with an onslaught of allegations following the recent domestic claims from his ex-wife, Jeannie Mai.
On April 25, Jeezy denied domestic violence allegations in a statement released on his personal Instagram account after leaked court docs revealed Mai is claiming physical abuse. Jeezy described the allegations as “not only false but also deeply disturbing,” in his response.
Despite Jeezy’s attempt at maintaining his innocence, social media got a hold of the report and essentially sensationalized the alleged gruesome details. As a result, countless narratives began spiraling online as fans attempted to speculate the validity of claims in addition to rehashing Jeezy’s past of unconfirmed criminal activity. One theory on Twitter (X) appeared to accuse Jeezy of parading around his home on a regular basis with a semi-automatic rifle, otherwise known as an AK-47.
“Why was Jeezy walking around the house with an AK on a regular basis and leaving ammo around the home. He need to stay single if his mental health is in shambles,” the Twitter (X) user wrote in the tweet featuring a screenshot of CCTV home security footage.
Why was Jeezy walking around the house with an AK on a regular basis and leaving ammo around the home. He need to stay single if his mental health is in shambles. pic.twitter.com/Tr25pcvW6c
Though it’s completely unconfirmed, whether Jeezy is actually the individual photographed in the security footage, the tweet still attracted nearly eight million users and caused a divide.
”Are y’all aware of what he used to do before being a rapper,” one user wrote in the thread of the post while another countered, “That’s not Jeezy nor is that an AK, y’all just be saying anything on here [Crying laughing emoji].”
Again, though it’s yet to be determined if this photo has any sort of validity to the claim, it’s very telling of the battle Jeezy may have ahead of him concerning his image within the court of public opinion as divorce proceedings loom.
A legal battle over intellectual property rights involving prominent Hip-Hop producer Madlib and the “Lord Quas” character has erupted.
He initially created Lord Quas, aka Quasimoto, to experiment with his voice.
The legendary producer/rapper discovered that by altering the speed of his recordings, he could craft an entirely new character, Lord Quas, who could say things Madlib might not.
The voice character debuted on record in Madlib’s song “Styles Crews Flows Beats” in 1998. Griego claims the picture version of the character was created for Madlib’s 1999 “Microphone Mathematics” single cover.
In 2000, Madlib released the debut album with himself and the Lord Quas character, titled The Unseen.
Since then, Lord Quas has appeared on album covers and merch, and he even has his own Instagram account with almost 500,000 followers – more than Madlib himself.
Griego says the Lord Quas character belongs solely to him under copyright laws, even though he waited almost 20 years to claim the rights – he registered the album cover featuring the character with the U.S. Copyright Office on January 7, 2023.
Griego asserts that the producer’s actions constitute intentional copyright infringement and seeks monetary compensation and a judicial order to halt further misuse of the character.
In addition, he demands a declaration that the federal trademark for Lord Quas, obtained by Madlib Invazion LLC, be invalidated due to its unpermitted registration.
Ethan Jacobs, Griego’s attorney, emphasized the lack of permission and compensation concerning using the “Lord Quas” imagery.
“Mr. Griego was gratified to see that Madlib appreciated his Lord Quas character so much. At the same time, he was hurt that [Madlib] continued to use it without compensation, attribution, or permission,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs said that despite numerous communications, Madlib and his representation failed to justify or rectify the unauthorized usage.
Mary J. Blige, DMX, and jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald have been immortalized in a mural at Yonkers’ Palisade Towers as a tribute to their illustrious careers and contributions to the arts.
Mayor Mike Spano and artist Robin Alcantara unveiled the mural, marking another milestone in the city’s extensive public art initiative led by the Yonkers Housing Authority.
Named “Together,” the mural exemplifies the city’s vision of harnessing art to inspire and educate its residents.
During the unveiling, Mayor Spano emphasized the mural’s significance in fostering a sense of pride and possibility within the community, especially among its youth.
“We need to have the Arts if we want to be able to really give our kids not just more of an education but to give them that flare, to give them that extra bit of creativity that comes with music and art,” he said.
The artwork is part of a broader $2 million public art project to integrate art into public spaces.
The inclusion of Mary J. Blige is particularly poignant following the news that she will be an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The mural features a powerful visual metaphor—a rose growing from concrete—inspired by a poem by Tupac Shakur.
This imagery represents the potential for greatness regardless of tough beginnings, a theme resonant with Blige’s and DMX’s stories.
Through public art, Yonkers continues to celebrate its notable residents, offering beauty and inspiration to its community.
Ye’s brief romance with Julia Fox left the actress and model with a “sour taste,” she shared with InStyle in a recent interview.
Julia Fox, recognized for her role in “Uncut Gems” and now the co-host of “OMG Fashun,” expressed her displeasure over being overshadowed by her high-profile relationship despite their short-lived connection, which lasted only a month in 2022.
Julia Fox articulated her ambition to be acknowledged for her own merits rather than merely as someone’s girlfriend, highlighting a broader issue faced by women in the entertainment industry.
During the interview, Julia Fox revealed her ongoing struggle with public perceptions that tend to define women by the men they date.
“I don’t ever want to just be known as someone’s girlfriend. I know I’m so much more than that,” Julia Fox stated, voicing her frustration about the stereotyping often confining women to their partner’s identity.
She elaborated on how this standard narrative within the entertainment sector could box women into limited roles, glorifying them as partners or overshadowing their individual accomplishments.
“They’re only as good as their partner, or they can make a whole career off being some guy’s partner. But regardless, either way, it becomes their identity,” she said.
Additionally, Fox shared her future ambitions beyond the shadow of her past relationship.
With plans to write books, create movies, and continue her work in fashion and acting, Julia is determined to “break that mold” and establish an independent identity.
“I want to do everything,” she declared. “I want to write more books, I want to write movies. I still want to act, I want to do my fashion stuff. I want to do more art. … I’m never satisfied.”
Her determination to transcend the limitations imposed by external perceptions underlines her broader vision for her career and life.
Julia Fox and Ye captured public attention when their relationship commenced in January 2022 but went their separate ways shortly after, with their split confirmed by Fox’s representative a month later.
Despite the brief encounter, Fox’s impact lingered, propelling her to speak out against the reductionist views that tend to dominate tabloid narratives and public discourse.
Bankroll Freddie faced a federal court in Arkansas, where he was found guilty of multiple charges, including possession and distribution of marijuana and controlled substances.
There was some good news – the rapper was acquitted of several serious charges.
The conviction is part of an extensive federal crackdown on gun and drug crimes in Arkansas, which initially ensnared the rapper in 2022.
The charges stemmed from an extensive investigation into drug and firearms trafficking across the state, linking Freddie to illicit activities.
The federal operation revealed connections between several individuals, including Bankroll Freddie, whose real name is Freddie Gladney III, to a large-scale drug distribution network.
Alongside the drug charges, the indictment also covered the possession of multiple firearms, which were allegedly used to advance their drug trafficking operations.
For Freddie, this verdict marks a considerable downturn in his career and life, contrasting sharply with his public persona as a rising Hip-Hop star.
The federal investigations pinpointed two primary gangs, namely Every Body Killas and Loady Murder Mobb, suggesting these groups were integral to the narcotics distribution in the area.
The FBI reported that Freddie’s involvement was personal and familial, involving his father, Freddie Gladney Jr., and several siblings.
The conversations intercepted through wiretaps indicated a structured drug dealing operation managed by Freddie’s father, engaging his children in various roles within the trafficking enterprise.
Now, Bankroll Freddie faces prison time, reflecting the severity of the charges, which include multiple counts of drug possession with intent to distribute and firearms offenses.
Freddie is an artist signed to Quality Control Music, where his career saw a promising start. He was discovered by QC’s boss, Pierre “CEO P” Thomas, through an Instagram freestyle.
Despite these high-profile affiliations, his future in music now hangs in the balance as he deals with the repercussions of his involvement in criminal activities.
Keke Palmer and SZA, two powerhouses from different realms, are venturing into the cinematic world with an untitled buddy comedy under TriStar Pictures, a Hollywood-based production house.
Keke Palmer, known for her versatility in comedy and drama, and SZA, who is making a fresh transition from music to acting, are set to create an exciting venture for fans and newcomers alike.
As first reported by Deadline, “Insecure” creator Issa Rae will take on the producer’s role, while “Rap Sh!t” director Lawrence Lamont will helm the project, promising a talented team behind the scenes.
The coming film highlights the synergy between the two stars, evidenced during their recent appearance together on “Saturday Night Live,” and marks a significant milestone in SZA’s career as her debut in acting.
Details on the storyline remain tightly sealed, fueling audience anticipation and speculation.
Keke Palmer, acclaimed for her role in “Akeelah and the Bee,” has become a seasoned actress with numerous roles in film and TV.
She has further branched out with her new podcast, “Baby, This is Keke Palmer.”
SZA, whose music career soared with her debut album Ctrl achieving top rankings on Billboard’s charts, has explored the intersection of music and film before, notably with her Grammy-nominated collaboration “All the Stars” with Kendrick Lamar for the “Black Panther” soundtrack.
Legendary New York City DJs Cosi and Marc Smooth, responsible for The Freedom Collective, have led the charge in winning a major triumph for artistic freedom and intellectual property rights.
News of a federal court ruling recently emerged favoring DJs Cosi and Marc Smooth in their protracted trademark dispute. The ruling safeguards the duo’s use of their esteemed music collective, “The Freedom Party,” against claims of ownership by others. DJs Cosi and Marc Smooth expressed their elation and gratitude in a statement following the court’s decision.
“The NYC club music scene has long been a hotbed of innovation and cultural influence, yet Black and Brown creators have frequently faced undervaluation and exploitation. Countless instances of appropriation have undermined the power and legacy of our artistry,” the duo stated.
The victory, they continued, marks a pivotal moment for the music community, affirming the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and combating cultural appropriation.
“Today, we are thrilled to announce that we’ve won our landmark ‘Freedom Party’ federal trademarking case, canceling our former partner’s previous registration,” they declared.
The decision, delivered by an administrative judge in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) – Trademark Trial and Appeals Board, sets a precedent for safeguarding creative ownership in an industry often rife with challenges.
“This decision flips the script and is a resounding win for artists and music collectives everywhere,” remarked DJs Cosi and Marc Smooth.
At the heart of the dispute was Herbert Holler’s claim to sole usage and ownership of the Collective’s trademark and brand for his financial gain. However, through rigorous legal proceedings, the duo highlighted the importance of preserving artists’ creative integrity and ownership.
“We demonstrated unwavering resolve in protecting our intellectual property rights against appropriation and misuse,” they emphasized.
The victory holds significance not only for DJs Cosi and Marc Smooth but also for independent Black and Brown music collectives facing similar threats to their intellectual property.
“This win is especially significant for independent Black and Brown music collectives, which often operate with limited resources and face these threats in their partnerships,” noted the duo. “This decision will empower them to assert their ownership confidently and navigate the legal landscape more effectively.”
Acknowledging the support they received throughout the ordeal, DJs Cosi and Marc Smooth expressed gratitude to their loved ones, DJ colleagues, supporters, and the NYC Dope and Freedom Party family. They also thanked the legal team from the law offices of ArentFox Schiff for their dedication and hard work.
“This win is a testament to Black and Brown artists’ unwavering spirit and resilience,” DJs Cosi and Marc Smooth affirmed. “It’s also a win for artistic integrity, cultural heritage, and the future of Black and Brown music and businesses.”
The victory not only secures the rights of DJs Cosi and Marc Smooth but also sends a clear message about the importance of protecting artistic freedom and intellectual property rights in the music industry.
Check out the video of DJ Cori and Marc Smooth djing “The Freedom Party” with special guest Q-Tip in 2012 above.
Donald Trump, who’s currently embroiled in the now-infamous hush money trial, still has his presidential campaign to worry about. According to a recent article published by the Boston Herald, Trump is intent on winning over Black and Latino voters and thinks enlisting Black Hip-Hop artists and athletes will do the trick. Part of his plan includes a major campaign event at Madison Square Garden featuring Black artists.
Additionally, his aides said Trump has floated the idea of making appearances in Chicago, Detroit and Atlanta with leaders of color and “realigning American politics by flipping Democratic constituencies.”
Five months before the first general election votes are cast, Trump’s campaign appears too disorganized to pull off such a plan. The Trump campaign removed its point person for coalitions and hasn’t appointed a replacement. The Republican Party’s minority outreach offices across the country have been shuttered and replaced by businesses that include a check-cashing store, an ice cream shop and a sex-toy store. Campaign officials admit they are weeks away from rolling out any targeted programs.
“To be quite honest, the Republican Party does not have a cohesive engagement plan for Black communities,” Darrell Scott, a Black pastor and longtime Trump ally who co-founded the National Diversity Coalition for Trump in 2016, said. “What it has are conservatives in communities of color who have taken it upon themselves to head our own initiatives.”
While Trump has a loyal legion of supports, John Legend isn’t one of them. During an interview with former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki earlier this month, Legend said Trump has done little for Black people and is anything but an ally.
“He’s made it clear throughout his life that he believes Black people are inferior,” Legend said. “He believes that to his core, in his bones, he wouldn’t let us live in his buildings back in the day. But also, when you hear some of the stray comments he makes, he clearly believes in a genetic hierarchy of humanity, and it’s racially determined.
“So, he is a tried and true, dyed-in-the-wool racist. In the core of his being, he’s a racist. So, I don’t want to hear what he has to say about what he’s done for Black people. He’s done very little for us and he is at his core, truly, truly a racist.”
Rico Wade, one-third of Organized Noize and founder of the Dungeon Family collective, died unexpectedly on April 13. Just 52 years old, the proud Atlanta native had a heart valve leak that was supposedly repaired not too long ago, but it clearly failed.
Members of the Dungeon Family—including Sleepy Brown, Ray Murray and Killer Mike—attended a private memorial for Wade on Friday (April 26), showing just how close-knit the crew is. But it wasn’t always that way. As the Dungeon Family was beginning its ascent, albums such as Outkast’s Southernplayalisticadillacfunkymuzik and Goodie Mob’s Soul Food put Southern Hip-Hop on the map.
Soon, Organized Noize was one of the most highly sought after production crews in the music industry. The trio later found enormous success with TLC, En Vogue and Ludacris, which somewhat divided the crew. Even through all the ups and downs—which included Wade’s bouts with alcoholism—his health scare put things in perspective for everybody involved.
Decked out in André 3000 gear, Wade talked to AllHipHop about his current relationship with the Dungeon Family just weeks before his death. He had been to Three Stacks’ concert the night before and the enthusiasm in his voice as he talked about the experience was palpable.
“I just had heart surgery, where they had to put a stent in my chest,” he said. “This happened January 19 and I just felt like, ‘Man, I would have missed it [the concert].’ God didn’t want my life. He wanted my attention and he got it. It’s been blessings on blessings on blessings since then. Since that moment, I’ve been blessed in every way. It’s hard to not cry every time I think about it.”
Wade, who was instrumental in launching the careers of André 3000, Big Boi, Goodie Mob (including CeeLo Green), Killer Mike and many others, was moved by how many of the Dungeon Family members reached out following his heart scare, including his younger cousin Future.
“They all love and respect me,” he said with a smile. “They all look at me as a person that did it for them, especially after what I just went through. I’ve spoken to every last one of them, and it’s been like, ‘I want to hug you and I want to let you know how important you are to us. I’m glad you’re still here.
“I hate for it to take a life-altering situation, but even Future—that’s my cousin—he’s been so busy. But if I text him now, he texts me right back. I seen André last night at the show, and I was in the studio the other day seeing Boi Boi. Everybody can see that I’m clear and clean. They can see that I ain’t drinking and they can see my energy is on 1o.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Rico Wade talked about seeing Killer Mike sweep the rap categories at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards and his subsequent arrest.
“What’s crazy about that is that Killer Mike is one of the most articulate, intelligent people I know,” he said. “So sometimes—not purposely ’cause I wouldn’t say it was a conspiracy. But they were waiting for him or whatever, like because of something that happened at the Staples Center or whatever. Since then, the city has been so supportive.
“Other news outlets have been so supportive of giving him that platform to let him speak because not only did he sweep the Grammys, his album is really good. The song with André and Future [‘Scientists & Engineers] won Song of the Year. So it’s like, I’m happy that I’m here.”
Sentiments like these makes Wade’s death even harder to stomach for his friends, family and fans. But no matter what happens, the Dungeon Family has vowed to hold him down.
Joe Biden has revealed he contemplated suicide after his first wife Neilia and their infant daughter died in a car crash.
The United States President recalled how his mental health declined significantly after the tragic incident during an interview with Howard Stern on Friday.
“You don’t have to be crazy to commit suicide,” Joe Biden shared. “In just a brief moment, I thought about going to the Delaware Memorial Bridge and jump.”
Joe Biden ultimately dismissed the idea because of his sons, Beau and Hunter.
“I had two kids,” he said. “It wasn’t like I got to commit suicide. It was like I had been to the top of the mountain, and it’s never going to happen again. You’re never going to be OK.”
Biden’s first wife, Neilia Hunter, and 13-month-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident while out shopping days before Christmas in December 1972.
A tractor-trailer carrying corn broadsided the family’s Chevrolet station wagon. The President revealed he also considered numbing his pain with alcohol at the time.
“I used to sit there and just think I’m going to take out a bottle of scotch,” he added. “I’m going to just drink it and get drunk.”
His family history of alcoholism, however, stopped him from succumbing. Joe Biden found love again after the death of his first wife Jill, Biden, whom he married in 1977.
The pair expanded their family with daughter Ashley Biden in 1981.
Will 50 Cent successfully seize an embezzler’s property? That’s a question a Connecticut court is pondering as mogul 50 Cent attempts to seize the house of one of his former employees.
50 Cent is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with Mitchell Green over the potential seizure of Green’s house. The dispute stems from a $2 million embezzlement scheme from 50 Cent’s company, Sire Spirits.
Green’s admission of guilt to wire fraud charges and an arbitrator’s previous ruling against him regarding the embezzlement has only solidified Sire Spirits’ stance in pursuing strict penalties, including asset recovery.
The argument is over whether Green should be allowed to claim exemptions to safeguard his assets despite his admitted financial misconduct against the liquor business.
The heated legal conflict is unfolding at the United States Bankruptcy Court District of Connecticut, where Sire Spirits has challenged Green’s right to these exemptions after he filed for bankruptcy to protect his assets from Fif.
The dispute centers on the applicability of Connecticut’s homestead exemption, which typically allows a $250,000 protection, reduced to $75,000 in cases tied to acts of willful misconduct.
Sire Spirits argues that Green’s deliberate fraud should disqualify him from any protective exemptions, which could leave his residence vulnerable to being claimed to settle the financial damages he caused.
As the court deliberates on whether the reduced exemption applies, Green’s residential future hangs in the balance.
Moreover, Sire Spirits has raised an additional legal question concerning whether Green could exempt personal property purchased or enhanced through his fraudulent activities.
They posit that such properties should not be included in Green’s bankruptcy estate as they rightfully belong to Sire Spirits.
These court proceedings are pretty significant as they affect the involved parties and could set a precedent concerning how exemption laws are applied in cases of employee embezzlement and fraud.
The ultimate decision will reveal how much a creditor, such as 50 Cent, can recover assets from fraudulent activities against their business.
50 Cent has vowed to get Green’s assets. He claims Green’s scheme was part of a broader plan by key employees at Beam Suntory to overcharge Sire Spirits by as much as $6 million and cause the company’s collapse to conceal the fraud.
He even took to Instagram and talked about his changes to the residence, suggesting he would keep Green’s family pictures in the house.
2 Chainz must have been was extremely serious when he named his fifth studio album Rap Or Go To The League based on his aspirations for his son Halo.
On the heels of sharing his son’s enterprising, entrepreneurial elementary school hustle, which saw his boy and his younger brother selling acorns to fellow students, 2 Chains has revealed his belief that halo is ready for yet another business pursuit. In an Instagram post he shared of Halo’s youth basketball highlights, 2 Chainz repurposed the mixtape into a Nike “Just Do It” commercial, seemingly illustrating his poise and readiness to take his craft to the next level.
“Yo-Yo-Yo Halo I want you to listen up,” 2 Chainz said in part in his voiceover of the makeshift commercial.
“Check this out, today we are just talking about Basketball. We’re talking about overall commitment dedication and the mentality you need to get to the next level. You gotta have that beast in you. And I know you got it in you because I put it in you,” he added.
2 Chainz continued In the caption of the post, essentially putting the writing on the wall for Halo to monetize his name and likeness.
“I know Halo is confident talented and mature enough to have his own signature shoe,” 2 Chainz started off in the caption. He added, “I also believe he is goin to the league because he believes it ‼️ that’s all ‼️ and oh yeh who do you think should take the chance and give Halo his own shoes ?? Tag em.”
Considering LeBron James served as an executive producer on Rap Or Go To The League and has delivered 21 iterations of his own signature shoe with Nike, the possibility of Halo’s signature shoe feels realistically within reach. We can only hope that Halo’s signature shoe doesn’t turn out how the Ball brother’s original Big Baller Brand signature shoes did prior to Lonzo Ball being ousted from the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rapper Jeezy has found himself entangled in a serious legal and personal dispute as his estranged wife, Jeannie Mai, accused him of negligently leaving his AK-47 assault rifle unsecured in their home.
Jeannie Mai says Jeezy endangered their 2-year-old daughter, Monaco, in Los Angeles and Atlanta.
Mai’s allegations emerged within a contentious divorce and custody battle, heightening the concerns about their daughter’s safety.
According to the latest court documents, Mai claimed that Jeezy habitually carried the AK-47 around the house and often left it, along with other firearms and ammunition, in accessible places like kitchen counters and dining tables.
These alleged actions posed a general danger and endangered their toddler, who could have easily accessed such hazardous items.
Jeannie Mai substantiated her claims by providing the court with photos from their home’s security footage, showing the firearm placed carelessly next to a bed where their daughter could reach it.
In a distressing recount, Jeannie Mai mentioned that Monaco once found the rifle, an incident that could have had fatal consequences.
Jeezy previously denied all of Mai’s claims against him, which included physical abuse.
In his formal response, he described the allegations as “deeply disturbing,” framing them as a “malicious attempt to tarnish my character and disrupt my family.”
He emphasized his dedication to his family and expressed concern over the potential damage to his relationships and reputation from the allegations.
The allegations and the ongoing dispute are set against the backdrop of a divorce filing by the couple in September 2023.
Initially, Jeezy sought primary custody of Monaco, citing Mai’s extensive travel and its negative impact on their child.
However, he later modified his custody request to seek joint custody, highlighting his desire to share parenting responsibilities equally.
Jeezy is facing scrutiny after Jeannie Mai claimed he left his assault rifles laying around their house as their heated custody battle escalates.
