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D.C. Rapper Taliban Glizzy One Of 16 Indicted In Multi-State Robbery Spree

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News

Washington D.C. rapper Taliban Glizzy was among 16 defendants named in an indictment unsealed by federal authorities on Wednesday (August 30). According to the Daily Voice, the defendants stand accused of robbing at least nine jewelry stores as far south as Florida over the course of a year. Most were family-owned and operated, including Paradise Jewelry Store in Paterson, Virani Jewelers in Iselin and Chintamanis Inc. in Franklin Park. 

FBI agent James Dennehy explained, “Those charged “took part in take-over style armed robberies meant to terrify and overwhelm store owners and employees. They gave no thought to the people who could have been seriously injured or even killed.”

Taliban Glizzy and his co-defendants also “committed multiple armed carjackings, armed robberies, money laundering and firearms offenses” in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida, according to a release issued by the office of U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Matthew M. Graves.

The release reads in part, “Disguised in dark clothing, masks, and gloves, armed with a gun, one or more of the defendants used various vehicles, including stolen vehicles, to commit and flee from the robberies.” 

Glizzy, in particular, is also accused of conspiring to launder the proceeds of the holdups. As previously reported by AllHipHop.com, the rapper was arrested last December following more than a year of surveillance.

A previously convicted felon, Glizzy allegedly left five guns in a Lyft, including two AR-15-styled rifles, a semiautomatic Ruger and Glock-styled ghost gun. Federal agents also seized diamond earrings, a Rolex watch and more than $17,000 that Glizzy happened to be carrying at the time.

Glizzy is facing charges of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce (known as Hobbs Act) robbery, interference with interstate commerce by robbery, using a firearm in a violent crime, conspiracy to commit carjacking, and money laundering conspiracy.

Logic Clowns People Who Thought Edited Photo Of Him Was Real

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News

Logic laughed after seeing a photoshopped image of himself go viral. The former Def Jam artist mocked social media users who did not realize the photo was doctored on Wednesday (August 30).

“I’m literally dying at all the people that are so f###### stupid that they think this is real,” Logic said in a brief clip. “You guys are f######—so stupid.”

The rapper shared his altered selfie, which made him look like he gained weight, via Instagram on Monday (August 29). The Twitter/X account Drama Alert reposted the image the same day with the post receiving more than 14 million views. The post was eventually tagged to note the photo was edited.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwk7E1Tq0Rx/?hl=en

Logic went viral a month after selling his music catalog to Influence Media. The platform previously acquired much of Future’s publishing catalog in 2022.

“Making music has always been a creative outlet and a form of therapy for me, and I’ve been humbled by how deeply it has connected with people around the world,” Logic said. “It’s important to me that the positive messages of my music continue to reach new audiences, and I’m excited to partner with Rene [McLean] and the Influence Media Partners team to make a further impact through creativity.”

Earlier this year, Logic dropped his first independent album College Park. The project featured collaborations with RZA, Bun B, Redman, Joey Bada$$ and more.

Meet Lazaris, The Buzzing MC Out Of South Bronx

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Breeding Ground

The Bronx is not only the birthplace of Hip-Hop, but home to a slew of buzzing and mainstream talent. Insert Lazaris, who’s here to prove why he’s one of the best to come out the city. 

Lazaris is much more than just an MC or rapper, he’s a mogul, philanthropist, entrepreneur and humanitarian. Describing himself as “the savior of Hip-Hop in the Bronx,” the East Coast spitter prides himself in his cinematic, rapid-fire flow. And when it comes to his lyrics, you can always bet he’s rapping about something with substance.

His sound has been compared to the likes of Jadakiss, Big Pun, and Kool G Rap all wrapped into one. Having started rapping at the young age of eight, Lazaris was a part of the supergroup called The Army. To date, he’s worked with all the legendary producers including COD, Lord Finesse, The Beat Phonatic, and Da Inphamus Amadeuz.

Following a string of singles including “Somo Latino” and “Last Night,” Lazaris is currently working on his forthcoming album, slated to be released this winter. 

AllHipHop spoke with Lazaris to discuss his roots in the Bronx, his name, new music, businesses and more!

AllHipHop: You’re from the Bronx where Hip-Hop was born. What was the moment you fell in love with Hip-Hop?

Lazaris: Ever since I was 8 years old, listening to all forms of music being played in my household. I come from a musical dynasty and family of legendary singers. My uncles, Aresino Rodriguez and Alfredo ‘Chocolate’ Almentros both have streets renamed after them in the Bronx and Harlem. The music they created broke the barriers of Afro-Congo Hip-Hop sounds. My mother used to play my uncles music and I got to hear it, this was around 1994/1995. That’s when I fell in love with music.

AllHipHop: Biggest influences?

Lazaris: Big Pun, Jadakiss, KRS-One, Kool G Rap, and Eminem.

AllHipHop: When did you first hear yourself on the radio?

Lazaris: When I was 15 years old, I made a song called The Don that got played on Hot 97 and it sent a shocking vibration to the South Bronx community that there was a new artist on the rise. 

AllHipHop: What was the inspiration behind your name?

Lazaris: I come from a family of Dons, all I did was add the Top Don to my first name Lazaris to carry on the family tradition.

AllHipHop: What inspired “Last Night” featuring DeParris729?

Lazaris: That was a creative idea we had in the studio, we were reminiscing on the times we were outside performing at bars and clubs thinking, “how many people wonder how we made it home last night?” We decided to put out that real question as a song.

AllHipHop: What about “Somo Latino”?

Lazaris: This song is one of my most powerful songs ever created, we constructed this for the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop to represent our Latin culture and why we are part of Hip-Hop culture. I wanted to create a song showing Latin unity.

AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?

Lazaris:

  1. A great instrumental to get me in creative mode.
  1. Positive energy while I’m creating magic.
  2. Being in tune and having a bond with my recording engineer so they can match my work ethic, someone who knows my sound and voice tonality because I record and execute my songs fast.

AllHipHop: You’re an entrepreneur also. What businesses do you have?

Lazaris: I have a marketing company called Rich Family Marketing, LLC and I have a Record Label Called Top Don Empire. I also have my own publishing company as well.

AllHipHop: Best encounter you had with a fan?

Lazaris: At the Puerto Rican parade this year, I had a fan run over to me on the float and tell me that I give hope and inspiration to all the Latino contributors (in music and Hip-Hop), and as a Latino putting on for the Latin MCs.

AllHipHop: Goals yourself as an artist at this point of your career?

Lazaris: Right now, the goal is to release multiple multi-Platinum projects from myself and my other artist on my imprint Top Don Empire.

Lil Xan Regrets 2Pac Comments But Says He Started Good Conversation In Hip-Hop

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: Exclusives

Lil Xan reflected on his past comments about Tupac Shakur in a chat with AllHipHop’s Chuck Creekmur. The platinum-selling rapper, who overcame drug addiction, admitted he was not doing well when he called Tupac’s music “boring” in an infamous 2018 interview.

“That interview should’ve never even been aired ‘cause I wasn’t in a good place during the interview,” Lil Xan told AllHipHop. “I was angry at that time. And all that came down to was a result of me just trying to get the interview done quicker. I was like, ‘Next question. Next question.’ And then they just give me questions and I’m messing around.”

He continued, “I think Tupac is a legend. I don’t have to explain myself to anybody, but I grew on a lot of old school West Coast, a lot of old school East Coast. But after that, that was just a little mishap. It was the result of me not being as mature as I am today, inexperienced with interviews a lot too.”

Years later, Lil Xan saw a silver lining in his controversial interview. He believed his youthful dismissiveness helped start an important conversation in Hip-Hop.

“If you would ask me if I could go back and rewrite that, I wouldn’t though,” he said. “Because what that did, now that I’m seeing it, it started an interesting conversation in Hip-Hop. I did get a lot of backlash, of course, but as the years have gone by since that moment, it started what I think is a very good conversation in Hip-Hop. Why do these new cats in Hip-Hop that weren’t even born when someone like Tupac was around, why do they have to idolize them like the older people?”

Lil Xan added, “They can appreciate the craft and the music. It’s good. It’s amazing. It’s better than good. But if you think about it like that, that’s some hating stuff right there.”

Check out AllHipHop’s interview with Lil Xan below.

Boosie Badazz Confirms He Took Daughter Out Of His Will Amid Family Drama

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News

Boosie Badazz aired out more family drama after catching heat for dissing his daughter and baby mama on the song “Ungrateful.” The controversial rapper defended the track while streaming on Instagram Live.

“They just mad right now because I said some truthful things about her mother,” he said. “They mad. Everything I said was the truth … I told not one lie. Not one! One thing I ain’t gon’ do is lie. I told not one lie. What I said her mama did, she did. Ask her … And she probably—she mad about her brother. He playing spades with Tupac right now.”

Boosie’s song “Ungrateful” appeared on his latest album Goin Thru Some Thangs, which dropped on August 15. The track gained traction on social media after he dropped a music video for it.

“Baby mama, she done hit me with the child support/Ol’ dirty-ass b#### ’bout to lie in court/Well, that AMG Benz I’ma need that back/Won’t play it like that, you ain’t ’bout to keep that/Guess the b#### still mad ’cause her brother got whacked/This the same n#### f##### your little sister in the cat/You sucked Bleek dick while I f##### you from the back/You ain’t never been s### but a f###### hood rat/Your ungrateful ass,” he rapped on the song.

Boosie also mentioned cutting off his daughter for life on “Ungrateful.” The Baton Rouge native revealed he removed her from his will on Instagram Live.

“The level of disrespect she got?” he said. “It ain’t would, I did take her out my will. I did! I did! It has been done. I did whatever to raise that child right. Tried everything. The disrespect you have for your daddy? You ain’t gon’ get nothing when I leave here.”

Boosie’s daughter Torianna Hatch criticized him after the release of “Ungrateful.” Hatch admitted she wished her father was in jail.

Hatch played audio of a heated argument between her father and mother in which Boosie threatened to blacken his daughter’s eyes. Boosie stood by his comments.

“I told her I was going to black her eye out three or four times,” he said. “Hopefully, I instilled some fear in her. Look like it ain’t work.”

Watch Boosie and his daughter’s Instagram Live videos below.

John Mellencamp Has One Big Problem With Rappers

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News

John Mellencamp believes rappers should stop using the “N-word” in their songs, claiming it is a slap in the face to the freedom fighters who laid their lives down for Black people to enjoy their constitutionally granted civil rights. In a recent interview on the Bill Maher “Club Random” podcast, he said he’s been calling for it since the early 2000s.

“Me and Chuck D did a song 20 years ago,” he said. “We were talking about the ‘N-word.’ We were talking about how it’s not supposed to be used. That’s what I have against—not against, but why I’m not a big fan of rap music. You guys are selling out what the people stood up for and fought for, and you’re making money off of it selling it to white kids? I don’t like it.

“And so Chuck D and I did a song. I wrote the song and then he rapped in the middle of it, and he just said, ‘Die, N-word, die.’ That’s right.’”

John Mellencamp and Maher continued to go back and forth regarding racism and whether the conditions of Blacks in the nation had gotten any better.

While Maher insisted that things have gotten better, Mellencamp said he believes it hasn’t and that his son, who has a Black friend who was beaten down because of his race, is only one example of how unfair life still hard for people of color.

Coi Leray Throws Jab At Latto On “Isabel Marant” Single

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News

Coi Leray reignited her issues with Latto on the new EP Blue Moon, which dropped on Wednesday (August 30). The Republic Records artist took a shot at Latto and ex-boyfriend Trippie Reed on the single “Isabel Marant.”

“Yeah, I’m on they a##/Hop out on that couch and roll up Latto out the bag/I don’t need a stylist, they can’t f### with Coi Leray/Try to count me out and now I’m big as Trippie Redd,” she rapped.

Earlier this year, Latto’s song “Put It On Da Floor” upset Coi Leray. Latto’s “smoking on that gas, blunt big as Coi Leray” lyric did not sit well with the 26-year-old rapper, who lashed out on social media in April.

“Latto bye,” Coi Leray wrote on Twitter. “here you go taking about my body. Please do not come on here and talk about nobody BODY. Lol like seriously. Out of all things. Lmaooo ya blunt my size? Lmaooo this s### is never ending.”

She added, “These b###### wanna be like the n##### so bad. Y’all wanna have rap beef SOOOOOO BADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD. Anybody that talk about my body wants MY BODY!!!!!!!!!!!! Like real badddddd.”

Not long after the outburst, Coi Leray said she may have overreacted. She still disliked her name getting referenced on a song for “clicks and likes.”

“Mention b#tches you actually beef with,” she wrote. “Put it on the floor but leave me out of the bs.”

Latto and Coi Leray seemingly settled their problems a few days later, but the latter reiterated her frustration with the “Put It On Da Floor” lyric in a June interview with Apple Music.

“We’re not smoking on anything, it’s disrespect,” she said. “And where I come from I just don’t like that. And as a human being, I have every right to stay how I feel.”

Watch the music video for “Isabel Marant” below.

Bandman Kevo Tattoos Donald Trump’s Historic Mugshot On His Thigh

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News

Former president Donald Trump was arrested, fingerprinted and photographed by Fulton County law enforcement last week. Not long after, Bandman Kevo posted a video on Instagram of himself getting a tattoo of the historic mugshot on his thigh. The tattoo included Trump’s signature catchphrase “Make America Great Again.”

The 35-year-old rapper stated the tattoo was done by artist Gabriel Gonzalez at a studio in Hollywood, Florida. He shared pictures and videos of the process with his 3.3 million followers and initially captioned the video, “Make America Great Again or Sleepy Joe.” He later changed it to Make America rich Again or Sleepy Joe.”

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A post shared by BandMan Kevo (@bandmankevo)

As previously reported by AllHipHop.com, Trump was the first president to formally pose for a mugshot after being arrested for trying to overturn the election in Georgia. Trump later posted his mugshot on his social media, stating, “ELECTION INTERFERENCE! NEVER SURRENDER! I walked into the lion’s den with one simple message on behalf of our entire movement: I WILL NEVER SURRENDER OUR MISSION TO SAVE AMERICA.” 

Trump also asked people to give money to his upcoming presidential run, adding people should give “to evict Crooked Joe Biden” and “SAVE AMERICA.” He reportedly collected millions.

Dr. Dre & Jimmy Iovine Create Magnet Program At Atlanta’s Frederick Douglass High School

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News

Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine have partnered to give back to children in Atlanta. According to Atlanta News First, the two music industry executives linked with Dallas Austin to bring an Innovational Learning Center to Frederick Douglass High School. The program, which is called the “Iovine and Young Center,” offers the students a different learning model where they can focus on technology and leadership. Both Dr. Dre and Iovine introduced the program on Tuesday (August 29).

Students will be able to enroll in the program next school year. Caleb Mitchell, a sophomore, said he hopes to sign up in 2024, saying, “I think it will help bring out [the] potential of students and help them engage more… I think this will provide more opportunities for us.”

Iovine spoke at length about the incentive to create an alternative model of learning to these young people. He said they all have “superpowers” that need activation.

“We believe we’re going to give these kids an advantage, a different type of education,” he said. “So, you all can sell these kids, go out there and say you want these kids. Because the modern job needs these kids. That’s why.”

The Frederick Douglass High School, which counts Killer Mike, Kilo Ali, Lil Jon, T.I. and former mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as distinguished alum, will be the second high school Dre and Iovine have invested in over the years.

As previously reported by AllHipHop.com, they created a magnet program within Compton High School in 2022. Dr. Dre personally dished out $10 million of his own money to help fund the $200 million renovation the campus.

“Me and Dre think big,” Iovine added. “We think everybody in the world’s going to learn like this well, maybe! We never thought everybody in the world would wear our headphones, but they did.”

Trial Starts For Woman Charged With Killing Beyoncé’s Cousin

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News

The woman accused of fatally shooting Beyoncé’s cousin Martell DeRouen is finally going on trial two years after the incident.

As previously reported by AllHipHop.com, aspiring rapper Martell DeRouen, who went by the moniker Kardone, was murdered in January 2021. Sasha Skare allegedly shot the 34-year-old through the door of his apartment at The Towers following an argument, killing him with a single bullet.

On Tuesday (August 29,) jurors overseeing Skare’s murder trial were shown a startling video of the suspect walking to his apartment with a gun in one hand and phone in the other, as reported by the San Antonio Express-News. They also heard audio from a 911 call from a woman claiming to be the victim’s wife and stating she believed he was hurt or in danger but didn’t have a key to get into their apartment.

According to DeRouen’s actual wife, Joia DeRouen, it was not her voice on the recording. She said she believed it was the 21-year-old defendant. She said Skare, whom she knew, gave the dispatcher the wrong information.

“She pronounced the last name wrong,” DeRouen said. “My name starts with a J and not a G. He was not 28, he was 34. Not correct at all.”

An associate of DeRouen’s, Pedro Padilla, was called on the stand to testify. He said he actually saw DeRouen and Skare together a few times.

Padilla states his Ring doorbell camera captured the woman in a long blue-green dress walking barefoot down his hallway that night, holding the firearm and her cell. Near 9 p.m. local time, he said he heard what would later be determined to be a gunshot.

“I thought it was just a firework,” he told the jury. 

Caroline Eichman, who lived directly across from DeRouen, said she saw Skare banging on the victim’s door around the time of the shooting.

Jay-Z Makes Instagram Comeback To Promote Jeymes Samuel’s “The Book Of Clarence”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News

Jay-Z has managed to keep himself in the public eye without having a constant social media presence. But unexpectedly, Jay-Z made his return to social media on Tuesday (August 29). It appears the sole reason for Hov’s Instagram comeback centers around The Book of Clarence motion picture.

Jay-Z shared a trailer for the upcoming The Book of Clarence on his Instagram page. The caption for the teaser video simply read, “The Book Of Clarence. January 2024.”

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A post shared by @jayz

Jeymes Samuel directed the biblically-themed The Book of Clarence. The star-studded cast includes LaKeith Stanfield, RJ Cyler, Omar Sy, Anna Diop, David Oyelowo, Alfre Woodard, Teyana Taylor, Caleb McLaughlin, James McAvoy and Benedict Cumberbatch.

In addition, Jay-Z is credited as a producer for The Book of Clarence alongside Jeymes Samuel, James Lassiter and Tendo Nagenda. The Roc Nation founder pulled a similar Instagram move for a previous Samuel-led film.

Jay-Z joined Instagram in November 2021 to raise awareness about Samuel’s The Harder They Fall. That Western also featured the 4:44 album creator as a producer. He contributed to the movie’s soundtrack as well.

The Harder They Fall won several awards, including Outstanding Motion Picture at the 53rd NAACP Image Awards. That production also garnered Samuel several industry accolades like Best Director (African-American Film Critics Association) and Outstanding Director (Black Reel Awards).

Travis Scott Announces “The Circus Maximus Tour”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News

Hip-Hop superstar Travis Scott will hit the road beginning in October.

On August 29, Travis Scott took to social media to announce “The Circus Maximus Tour”. The Houston-bred recording artist also shared the official tour poster on X and Instagram.

Previously, Scott presented the “Astroworld – Wish You Were Here Tour.” That 57-stop trek in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom followed the release of 2018’s chart-topping Astroworld album.

“The Circus Maximus Tour” will support Scott’s latest studio LP, Utopia, which dropped on July 28, 2023. Utopia debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart by earning 496,000 first-week units.

Travis Scott managed to keep Utopia at No. 1 for four straight weeks. It became the first rap album to remain in the top spot for its opening month since Drake’s Scorpion in 2018.

Utopia features Teezo Touchdown, Drake, Playboi Carti, Beyoncé, Rob49, 21 Savage, The Weeknd, Swae Lee, Yung Lean, Dave Chappelle, Young Thug, Westside Gunn, Kid Cudi, Bad Bunny, SZA, Future and James Blake.

“The Circus Maximus Tour” will also be Travis Scott’s first official tour after the deadly disaster at his Astroworld Festival in 2021. Ten people, including 9-year-old Ezra Blount, lost their lives as a result of a fatal crowd crush at the event.

Michel’le Claims She’s “Fine” After Fans Express Concern Over Troubling Performance

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News

R&B singer Michel’le had some of her supporters worried. Footage from an appearance at a recent live show left some fans concerned about her well-being.

Video from the Los Angeles concert made its way to the internet. In the clip, Michel’le appears to be disoriented on stage as audience members can be heard questioning if she’s high or drunk.

Michel’le took to Instagram to respond. The “No More Lies” performer didn’t directly address the situation, but she did offer some relief to anyone concerned about her emotional state.

“I wanna thank [every one] of you who was concerned, or have inquired about my well-being,” Michel’le wrote. “I am FINE and looking forward to my next show. Blessings & love to you all. #Inevergiveup #yallknowimafighter.”

@billyrayvalentine7

Michelle’ le needs to leave that dope alone😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

♬ original sound – Billy Ray Valentine

The California native made it into the Billboard Hot 100 chart’s Top 10 region when “No More Lies” peaked at No. 7 in 1990. She scored Hot 100 entries with “Nicety” and “Something In My Heart” as well.

Michel’le entered the mainstream discourse again in 2016 following the release of the Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel’le biopic. The film covered her alleged abusive relationship with N.W.A member Dr. Dre. Surviving Compton also told the story of Michel’le’s struggles with substance abuse. The vocalist supposedly began drinking and taking prescription drugs in response to the physical violence she had to endure.

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A post shared by Michel'le (@michellemuzic)

Sexyy Red: “I Hate When They Say I Look Like Young Thug”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News

Sexyy Red quickly became one of the most-talked-about rising rappers this year. Her hit single, “Pound Town,” elevated the St. Louis native to national prominence.

Funny Marco recently sat down with Sexyy Red for a 25-minute interview on the Open Thoughts YouTube channel. At one point, Marco asked Red if there was a time she felt the need to respond to a fan’s comment.

“I hate when they say I look like Young Thug ’cause no the f### we do not look alike,” Red replied. Atlanta-bred rapper Young Thug currently awaits a RICO trial in the state of Georgia.

The clip of Sexyy Red talking about Thugger went viral. Red responded to the online attention by posting in The Shade Room‘s comment section. She wrote, “Yea, after I seen the video, we definitely twinnin.”

Meanwhile, Sexyy Red prepares to head out on her first headlining tour. The Hood Hottest Princess Tour starts on October 16 in Boston and wraps up on November 29 in San Francisco.

Concertgoers will likely get to see Red perform “Pound Town” at the live shows. That single peaked at No. 66 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 21 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Rap superstar Nicki Minaj hopped on “Pound Town 2,” which dropped in May. Sexyy Red’s The Hood Hottest Princess mixtape arrived on June 9 via Open Shift Distribution. The project also hosts the “SkeeYee” single.

‘LHHATL’ Star Erica Mena Catches Heat For Calling Co-Star Spice A Monkey

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News

A controversial episode of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta has a lot of people talking. A confrontation on the show between Erica Mena and Spice lit the internet on fire.

During an on-air verbal spat, Spice told Erica Mena that her son does not like his own mother. That comment led to Mena flipping over a table at the blue-haired Jamaican Dancehall artist.

Security officers attempted to break up the fight as Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta co-star Shekinah Jo also tried to get both women to stop. Mena, who is of Puerto Rican and Dominican ancestry, then took aim at Spice by using a racially insensitive insult.

“That b#### should’ve died!” screamed Erica Mena. Spice fired back, “Your son hates you, b####!” Mena could then be heard yelling, “You monkey, you f###### blue monkey!”

Many online commenters pointed out that calling a Black person a “monkey” has a long history rooted in racism that caused other celebrities to lose their jobs. For example, in 2018, ABC fired Roseanne Barr for referring to former U.S. government official Valerie Jarrett as “planet of the apes.” 

Erica Mena’s “blue monkey” clapback angered a large section of online fans. However, Spice also received backlash for mentioning Mena’s child. The Emancipated album creator addressed the negative reactions to her remark.

“Kids are off limits right??????? But I guess it’s only when I ask cause where’s the same energy when Scrappy and Stevie J talked about it, but now I’m a Monkey and should have died on the table? Ok, Erica,” wrote Spice on Instagram.

It has been a very newsworthy week for Erica Mena. The 35-year-old television personality was among three Love & Hip Hop cast members reportedly arrested on August 25 in Fulton County, Georgia following an alleged violent incident.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CwjYg43uSmB/?img_index=1

Stormzy Rekindles Maya Jama Romance With Lavish Greek Vacation Four Years After Split 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News

Stormzy has reunited with the love of his life, Maya Jama, whisking her away to Greece for a lavish late birthday celebration.  

Over the weekend, eagle-eyed fans began speculating the pair had rekindled their romance after noticing similarities in their social media posts.  

Stormzy and Maya Jama were careful to leave each other out of their vacation snaps. However, sleuths noticed they were posting from the same stunning luxury villa overlooking the sea. 

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A post shared by Maya Jama (@mayajama)

Then, fans of the couple who ended their four-year romance in 2019, finally got the confirmation they were looking for. On Monday (August 28), paparazzi spotted the U.K. Rap heavyweight and the U.K. Love Island host strolling hand-in-hand during their vacation. Stormzy and Maya Jama were also seen on a romantic boat trip together later that day.  

“Stormzy is mad for Maya and has spent huge amounts of money taking her on a luxury holiday,” a source told The Sun. “He chartered a private jet to Greece then they flew into the resort by helicopter. It’s all very romantic.” 

The insider also claimed, “She means the world to him and he wants her to be treated like a queen.” 

Stormzy addressed their split during an in-depth interview with Louis Theroux earlier this year. The “Vossi Bop” hitmaker admitted he’s “never loved anyone” like Maya Jama.  

“My break-up, that was probably the biggest catalyst for growth as a man,” he explained. “It was like, OK, you made a mistake and you lose someone you loved, someone you cared for, someone who is special to you.” 

He described the split as “probably the biggest loss a man can have,” aside from losing a loved one.  

“Like Snoop Dogg’s Living Room”: Players Complain As Weed Aroma Lingers Over U.S. Open 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News

Tennis players at the U.S. Open are complaining about the smell of weed on one of the courts, likening it to hanging out at cannabis connoisseur Snoop Dogg’s home. 

Court 17 has become somewhat notorious for its unmistakable odor over the years. Last year, Nick Kyrgios protested about the smell of weed, insisting he was struggling to breathe while playing on the court.  

After winning his opening match Tuesday (August 29), Alexander Zverev, the tournament’s 12th-seeded man, addressed the aroma. “Court 17 definitely smells like Snoop Dogg’s living room,” he said. “Oh my God, it’s everywhere. The whole court smells like weed.” 

On Monday (August 28), world No. 8 Maria Sakkari complained about the smell of weed on Court 17 during her first-round loss to Rebeka Masarova. 

“The smell, oh my gosh. I think it’s from the park,” she said, advising the umpire about the scent of weed.  

Despite the complaint, she did not blame her straight-set loss on the weed smell lingering over the U.S. Open.  

“We were practicing here yesterday, and it was the same,” she said in her post-match news conference. “It wasn’t the smell that affected the scoring. It was just a comment because it was smelling quite a lot, but it has nothing to do with the match.” 

She continued, “Sometimes you smell food, sometimes you smell cigarettes, sometimes you smell weed. I mean, it´s something we cannot control, because we’re in an open space. There’s a park behind. People can do whatever they want.” 

United States Tennis Association officials reviewed  video of the match and found “no evidence” of anybody smoking weed on Court 17. Like Sakkari, officials speculated the smell may have wafted over from Corona Park, which lies just outside the gates of Court 17.  

Tory Lanez’s Lawyer Finally Files Motion For Bail Amid Controversy Over Italian Trip 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News

Tory Lanez’s lawyers have filed a motion to get him out of jail on bail while he appeals his 10-year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion. 

The latest filing was reported by legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff, who has followed the case from the outset. According to Cuniff, the motion will be heard by Judge David Herriford at a hearing on Tuesday, September 5.  

The reporter also referenced her post last week. In it, she noted more than two weeks had passed since Lanez’s lawyer indicated a motion for bail was forthcoming.  

“No motion has been filed,” she wrote last Friday (August 25). “I’m not sure how much of a priority it is for Baez: He’s posting Instagram stories from Italy.” 

Tory Lanez’s Lawyer Addresses Bail Motion

However, Baez issued an update the following day, claiming he was “way ahead of schedule” in the appeals process. He also said that the delay in filing the motion was due to unfinished transcripts and clarified his Italian trip.  

“It has been brought to my attention that a blogger has claimed that Tory Lanez is not a priority because I’m allegedly in Italy,” Baez wrote on his Instagram Stories. “For the record I travel to Italy 2 to 4 times a year. I have both business interests as well as clients who have business in Italy. It is a beautiful country and a privilege to visit.” 

He also addressed Meghann Cuniff, branding her a biased “blogger” who lacks knowledge of legal affairs. 

“This blogger has had a clear bias against Tory and has attacked everyone associated with him as well as made numerous inaccurate assumptions,” he added. “In fairness to her, she has no legal training and has never worked in the court system, so her opinions have little to no merit whatsoever.” 

Tory Lanez was found guilty of assault with an automatic firearm, carrying an unregistered loaded firearm in a vehicle, and discharge of a firearm with gross negligence. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison on August 8. He’ll likely only have to serve 85 percent of his sentence under California law. 

Yung Miami Heads Back To School To Study Business And Finance 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News

Yung Miami may be a famous rapper, but that isn’t stopping her from upping her business acumen. 

Any City Girl worth her salt knows that getting to the bag is key, and Yung Miami is no exception. However, while many believe your average City Girl hunts down wealthy men to splash the cash on them, Caresha is turning the tables and heading back to school to learn business and finance. 

On Tuesday (August 29) Saucy Santana praised his friend for embarking on a new journey to boost her business savvy.  

“I’m so proud of Caresha!” Santana shared on X (formerly Twitter). “She studying finance & things involving her business.” 

However, while he is full of praise and encouragement, the “Material Girl,” hitmaker said she needs to find a new study partner. 

“She keep asking me about a cost of goods! Gross & net profit,” Santana said before declaring, “Baby, I sell cat!!! Idk! Get somebody else to do it.” 

Nonetheless, Young Miami remained grateful for the help. “Thanks for helping me study trick,” she replied.  

Meanwhile, earlier this week, Yung Miami told fans to back off her dad after she shared a clip of him dancing. The video led to inquiries about her father’s relationship status, which Caresha quickly shut down.  

“Y’all still inquiring about my dad because then I’m finna have to be cussing y’all hoes out, and doing all that,” she said in a video. “I don’t have to be doing all that with you, hoes. So just leave my daddy alone. Y’all don’t like older men anyway, ain’t it?”   

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Michael Jackson’s Daughter Paris Explains Why She Didn’t Post Her Dad On His Birthday

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News

Paris Jackson has shed light on why she did not post her father Michael Jackson on social media on what would have been his 65th birthday. 

In the years since her father’s death, the 25-year-old has received backlash for not paying tribute to her famous father on social media for his birthday. She addressed the criticism in an Instagram video on Tuesday (August 30th). 

“Social media is apparently how you express your love and affection these days,” Paris Jackson declared. She revealed that if she doesn’t acknowledge Michael Jackson on his birthday, “People lose their f###### minds and tell me to kill myself.” 

She added, “They’re basically measuring my love for my own father based on what I post on Instagram.” 

Paris Jackson explained that The King of Pop “used to hate” celebrating his birthday and wouldn’t even tell his kids when it was to avoid them throwing him parties.  

However, the American Horror Story actor encouraged fans wanting to “pay homage” to donate to a cause in Michael Jackson’s honor.  

“If you wanna do something that he would have loved,” she said. “My suggestion would be raising awareness for climate change. Doing stuff for the environment, animal rights activism. These were things that he loved and was very interested in.” 

Jackson also shared a video from her performance earlier in the day, where she paid tribute to her father.  

“It’s also my dad’s birthday, and he would have been 65 years old today,” she said onstage. “And he put 50 years of blood, sweat, tears, love and passion into doing what he did so that I could stand on stage in front of you to scream into a microphone. So I owe everything to him.” 

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Micheal Jackson’s Sons Birthday Tribute

Bigi Jackson (formerly known as Blanket), and Prince Jackson also celebrated their father’s special day. The brothers made a rare public appearance in Las Vegas for Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE show, per People.  

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