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Rapper Earns Donald Trump’s Praise At Rally

Former President Donald Trump took a moment to highlight MAGA rapper Forgiato Blow, thrusting the artist into the spotlight in front of a fervent crowd. The move underscores the blend of politics and entertainment that has punctuated Trump’s career, both in the Oval Office and beyond.

Forgiato Blow, a rapper whose music fervently supports Trump and his policies, has carved out a niche within the political sphere, merging his musical talents with his political beliefs in a way that has garnered both support and criticism for songs like “Boycott Target,” “Let’s Go Brandon,” and “My President.”

His presence at Trump’s rally not only solidified his status among Trump’s base but also showcased the former president’s continued influence on culture and entertainment.

During the speech, Trump lauded Blow for his dedication to the “Make America Great Again” movement.

“So many celebrities that I’m not going to introduce, because I’m just going to get myself in trouble if I do that, because I’ll leave out most of you. But we have, this is a room chock full of incredible, talented people, like some of the guys standing right in front of me,” Trump said according to OK Magazine. “Right? Big, big futures. Big fat, beautiful futures. Ohhhh, I’d love to be your age. I’d pay you a lot of money to be your age.”

This shout-out was a calculated recognition of the power of cultural influencers in modern-day politics.

Forgiato Blow’s music, with its politically charged lyrics, has become a soundtrack for Trump’s movement, where Blow is known as “The Mayor of Magaville.”

Trump’s acknowledgment of Forgiato Blow during such a pivotal moment speaks volumes about the shifting dynamics of political engagement and the role of artists in galvanizing support.

As Trump continues to hold rallies and make public appearances, the question remains of how much influence cultural figures like Forgiato Blow will continue to wield within the political landscape.

However, one thing is clear: the intersection of politics and entertainment will likely remain a staple in Trump’s strategy, drawing both fans and critics into a sprawling, often controversial, dialogue.

SZA Highlights Breast Cancer Risk in Decision to Remove Implants

SZA opened up about her decision to remove her breast implants in a candid revelation on the S.H.E. MD podcast.

The acclaimed singer cited a high risk of breast cancer and an ongoing battle with fibrosis as key factors in her choice.

The 34-year-old artist, known for her chart-topping hits and soulful voice, detailed her personal and family health history, underscoring the influence they had on her medical decisions.

SZA’s journey began when she opted to enhance her figure with breast implants, a decision she later regretted due to unforeseen health implications.

“When I got my boobs done, my doctor took out some of my fibrosis, but… there was so much fibrosis, it was crazy,” SZA said during her interview with S.H.E. MD podcast hosts Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thais Aliabadi.

Despite early interventions to remove fibrotic tissue, the situation became further complicated, leading SZA to reconsider her choice.

The Grammy-award-winning artist delved deeper into her familial ties to breast cancer, revealing that both her mother and aunt faced their battles against the disease.

Such revelations pushed SZA to consult spiritual and medical guidance before making the profound decision to have her implants removed.

“I have markers in my breast, like metal markers in my breast for these fibrosis, for these lumps or whatever, I’m not supposed to be getting breast implants….,” she confessed, shedding light on the inherent risks involved.

Reflecting on her initial decision to undergo breast augmentation, SZA admitted her regret in not consulting Dr. Aliabadi sooner, a choice made out of a desire for autonomy over her body but ultimately guided by a need for health and well-being.

“So basically, I put them in. They ended up hurting me,” she shared, emphasizing the painful consequences of her implants, including excessive scar tissue and discomfort.

In the end, SZA’s story is one of empowerment, health awareness, and the importance of making informed medical decisions. By sharing her experience, the artist hopes to educate and inspire others facing similar challenges.

Why Was Kelly Rowland Texting In Excel? She Explains Memorable ‘Dilemma’ Moment

Nearly two decades after its release, Kelly Rowland’s choice of communication in the “Dilemma” music video, where she infamously texts via a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, continues to stir conversations and amusement among fans and viewers.

The scene, intended to depict a message sent to her collaborator Nelly, has become an iconic moment of early-2000s pop culture quirks, often receiving a mix of bewilderment and nostalgia.

During a recent appearance on the cooking web series “Mystical Kitchen’s Last Meal,” Kelly Rowland humorously addressed the longstanding joke.

“Do you know how much flak I get from that?” she expressed to host Josh Scherer, who had brought up the scene for discussion.

Scherer’s attempt to apologize was met with Rowland’s lighthearted dismissal, indicating she has grown accustomed to the teasing over the years.

Kelly Rowland reflected on the oversight during the video’s production, jokingly criticizing the crew for not catching the apparent technological misstep.

“No, and I’m actually mad at them that they didn’t because they made me look nuts,” she quipped.

In the video, Rowland’s frustration mounts as her message to Nelly, “WHERE YOU AT? HOLLA WHEN YOU GET THIS,” goes unanswered, a comedic outcome she later attributed to the nature of the “text.”

“What did you expect?” she laughed during the interview. “Because it’s just a draft, my dear.”

Nelly himself has come to the video’s defense in the past, remarking during a 2016 appearance on Australia’s “The Project” on the technological context of the time.

“That was the thing at the time,” he explained. “That was the new technology at the time. It looks a little dated now, I can see it.”

The conversation around this memorable video snippet underscores the evolution of technology and communication in pop culture, as well as the endearing moments of nostalgia that continue to connect artists with their audience years after the fact.

Over $1M On The Line As Chrisean Rock Faces Fresh Assault Lawsuit

In a fresh wave of legal turmoil, artist and reality TV personality Chrisean Rock is embroiled in a significant lawsuit alleging assault, with the victim seeking over $1 million in damages.

The case deepens the legal quagmire for Chrisean Rock, who has found herself repeatedly in the spotlight for reasons far from her music and television career.

The lawsuit stems from an incident purported to have occurred at a high-profile entertainment event where Irby Lashala, the plaintiff, claims to have sustained considerable harm due to Rock’s alleged actions.

According to filed court documents and by The Blast, Lashala is accusing Rock of assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, negligent hiring, supervision, and retention, as well as premises liability.

These allegations are not isolated, as history reveals Chrisean Rock has previously faced similar legal challenges filed by Lashala in a previous lawsuit.

In another instance, actress Rama Montakhabi filed a complaint against Rock and the ZEUS Network, accusing them of battery, assault, and various forms of emotional distress.

Montakhabi’s account details a harrowing encounter with Rock at an after-party for a major awards event, underscoring a pattern of behavior that has increasingly seen Rock entangled in controversies beyond her control.

Rock’s personal life and relationship with Blueface are constantly embroiled in controversy, mirroring the tumultuous nature of her professional mishaps.

EXCLUSIVE: Government Rejects NBA YoungBoy’s Challenge To Gun Possession Law

The feds have staunchly opposed the effort by NBA Youngboy to dismiss charges related to gun possession in a move that could have significant implications for firearm regulation and individual rights under the Second Amendment.

The legal battle ensues over the controversial statute, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1), which NBA Youngboy claims infringes upon his constitutional rights following a 2021 charge for possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

The charges stem from an incident during a music video shoot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where the rapper and 15 others were apprehended.

According to federal prosecutors, the arrest was the result of a broader investigation into illegal activities in the Baton Rouge area.

Police reported recovering 14 guns, $79,000 in cash, and various illegal drugs from the scene. Among the seized firearms were a .45 caliber pistol and a 9mm handgun, both reportedly in NBA Youngboy’s possession.

NBA YoungBoy With Guns On Video Shoot (1)

Given his status as a convicted felon due to a previous robbery and assault conviction, his involvement with these firearms constitutes a federal offense.

NBA Youngboy’s initial argument centers on the assertion that the statute, which prohibits felons from possessing firearms, violates the Second Amendment’s safeguarding of a citizen’s right to keep and bear arms.

This argument was put to the test against existing Fifth Circuit precedent, which has historically maintained the legality of restricting firearm possession among convicted felons as a lawful regulatory measure.

The U.S. government’s memorandum, responding to NBA Youngboy’s motion to dismiss, highlights the Fifth Circuit’s consistent rejection of challenges to the statute based on the Second Amendment.

Citing numerous cases and historical evidence, the memorandum supports the notion that restrictions on firearm possession by felons align with the longstanding tradition of firearm regulation, emphasizing the intent to disarm individuals deemed irresponsible or a danger to public safety.

Moreover, the government contends that even if the court were to reassess the constitutionality of the statute under the framework endorsed by the recent Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n, Inc. v. Bruen, it would still withstand scrutiny.

The decision in Bruen, which refined the legal standard for applying the Second Amendment, underscores the historical precedent of regulating firearm ownership, thereby bolstering the government’s position against NBA Youngboy’s motion.

2Rare’s Night Out Ends In Cybertruck Chaos At Beverly Hills Hotel

Rapper 2Rare was identified as the individual involved in a high-profile accident that resulted in a Cybertruck colliding with the sign of a renowned Beverly Hills hotel last weekend.

2Rare, who had been celebrating acquiring his new Tesla Cybertruck earlier that day, apparently lost control of the electric vehicle, leading to the crash.

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2Rare took to his social media handles to address the incident, expressing regret over the accident.

“Iknoo i F#^ked that money upp yall iknoo,” 2Rare captioned a post showcasing the crash.

Witnesses at the scene described a scene of chaos but confirmed that the rapper emerged from the ordeal without serious injuries.

The Beverly Hills Police Department confirmed their involvement, stating that an investigation into the incident was underway, but declined to provide further specifics, including whether alcohol or reckless driving were considered factors.

The aftermath of the accident saw the damaged Cybertruck and the iconic sign of the Beverly Hills hotel cordoned off as officials and onlookers gathered.

Images and videos quickly spread across various social media platforms, with many expressing relief that the incident did not result in significant harm.

“I drove by that night and got a video of it as well…Be carful champ,” Ty Dolla $ign said.

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Charles Barkley Questions Democratic Engagement With African Americans Between Elections

In a candid and charged commentary, Charles Barkley, NBA Hall of Famer and outspoken media personality, has unleashed a volley of criticism targeting President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party, accusing them of neglecting the African American community except during election cycles.

Barkley’s remarks, delivered on his provocative CNN talk show “King Charles,” have ignited a fervent discussion on social media about the political allegiance and advocacy within the Black community in the United States.

Barkley, known for his no-holds-barred approach to commentary, argued that the Democratic Party’s engagement with African American voters has been sporadic and opportunistic, echoing a sentiment of disillusionment felt by some segments of the community.

“They show up at our doorsteps when the elections are on the horizon, but where are they in the years in between?” Barkley questioned, voicing a critique that has become increasingly prominent in political discourse.

Despite his criticism of Biden and the Democrats, Barkley also offered a glimpse into his own voting history, revealing a pragmatic approach to his choices at the ballot box.

Without tying himself down to a single party, Barkley underscored his past support for candidates across the political spectrum based on their policies rather than their party affiliation.

This disclosure adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about Black voters’ allegiance to the Democratic Party and the complex factors that influence their political preferences.

EXCLUSIVE: Cesar Pina Banned From Social Media, Barred From Opening Bank Accounts & Having Guns

Following a court session earlier this week, accused real estate swindler Cesar Pina faces new conditions attached to his bail.

Authorities began investigating Pina’s operations following numerous complaints from individuals who claimed they were victims of his schemes. It is alleged that Pina and his associates were involved in a complex scam, promising high returns on real estate investments that never materialized.

Unfortunately, some victims were reportedly persuaded to invest their life savings into what was pitched as a fail-proof opportunity to secure their financial future in what ended up being a multi-million dollar Ponzi-like scheme, according to the feds.

The scheme reportedly involved manipulating property values, falsifying documents, and exploiting investors’ funds for personal gain. Pina was charged with with one count of wire fraud, which could send him to prison for 20 years in prison.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Edward S. Kiel ordered Cesar Pina to adhere to stricter constraints, including a complete ban on social media interaction and an obligation to surrender all firearms and ammunition in his possession or at any residence he occupies.

The adjustment to Pina’s bail conditions arises amidst allegations of his involvement in a real estate scheme, a matter that has also embroiled popular radio host, DJ Envy. While Pina has already been indicted on these charges, DJ Envy remains uncharged.

Pina’s legal representation confirmed the deactivation of his client’s social media accounts and committed to comprehensive compliance with the court’s directives, even though some older accounts appearing to be associated with him still exist.

Under these new conditions, Cesar Pina is barred from creating or using any social media profiles without prior notification and approval from Pretrial Services, including the submission of usernames and passwords.

Additionally, the court’s order mandates the removal of all firearms and ammunition from Pina’s residence within 24 hours, alongside the surrender of any firearm-related identifications and permits to Pretrial Services.

The stipulations extend to financial restrictions, prohibiting Pina from opening new bank accounts or lines of credit without explicit permission from Pretrial Services.

This development marks a significant legal challenge for Cesar Pina, as he navigates the repercussions of his indictment and the intense scrutiny of his real estate dealings.

Camila Cabello On Allegedly Dating Drake: “I Love Him & His Music”

In a recent interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Camila Cabello addressed the circulating rumors about her and Drake, sparked by their shared vacation in Turks and Caicos in December 2023.

The “Havana” singer, while laughing and sharing light-hearted moments with host Alex Cooper, clarified the nature of their relationship and the trip that set the rumor mill into overdrive.

Cabello, responding to Cooper’s query about the vacation, humorously noted it wasn’t purely leisure, hinting at a mix of work and pleasure.

“Oh gosh… First of all, I wouldn’t say like straight-up vacation. It was vacation plus some work,” she remarked, followed by an exchange that suggested there was more to their relationship than meets the eye.

The 27-year-old singer expressed her profound admiration for Drake, describing him as “so generous” and “so kind.” She also opened up about how their connection formed over a mutual respect for each other’s work.

When Cooper probed further into the nature of their relationship, asking if they were more than friends, Cabello playfully teased, “Have I ever had a beautiful artist collaboration with him? I may or may not have.”

The former Fifth Harmony member detailed how she reached out to the rapper about her upcoming album, believing he would appreciate it.

“I love him so much and I really listened to him a lot during my writing process for my album, and I really felt like he would like my album, and so I DM’d him and I was like, ‘I would love to play you my album because I honestly think you would really love it,'” Cabello recounted.

The outcome was a shared appreciation for music and a reinforced friendship, transcending into a unique, unforgettable experience.

In the end, Cabello left the nature of their relationship intriguingly ambiguous, emphasizing her joy and love for Drake and his positive influence on her creative process.

The Truth Behind Eminem’s “My Name Is” Classic Video Unveiled

Was Eminem high on ecstasy in his classic video “My Name Is”?

This has been a lingering question among fans, who might have noticed something peculiar in the rapper’s eyes during certain scenes.

The iconic rapper Eminem navigates through these rumors and more as he takes viewers behind the scenes of the official music video for “My Name Is,” in the latest installment of Vevo Footnotes.

The release comes in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Eminem’s major-label debut single in 1999. Eminem shares fascinating insights into how the song and the video came to life.

He details his first-ever studio session with Dr. Dre, where a simple action of Dre dropping the needle on a record led Eminem to spontaneously start saying, “Hi, my name is,” over the beat. This session marked the inception of a song that would soon take the world by storm, reshaping Eminem’s career.

Delving into the making of the music video, Eminem recounts his experience with humor and appreciation.

He highlights the challenge of finding tall individuals for a specific ventriloquist scene, and how delighted they were when Gheorge Murasan, standing at 7 feet 7 inches, agreed to participate, bringing both his towering stature and a great sense of humor on set.

Eminem reflects on the production of the video, emphasizing the enormity of the project.

“This video was the first big budget thing I had ever done,” Eminem recalls, pointing out the vast learning curve he faced while being part of such a large-scale production for the first time.

Addressing the rumors head-on, Eminem hints at a particular scene where viewers speculated if he was under the influence of ecstasy.

“If you look closely at my eyes during the scene where I was dressed like Bill Clinton, it may look like I was high on ecstasy during that part of the shoot…but that’s just a rumor,” Eminem clarifies.

Eminem takes pride in how “My Name Is” served as the perfect introduction to his music career and admits, while he enjoyed the creation and filming process, he was not high on ecstasy, debunking the long-standing myth.

Alicia Keys & Pharrell Williams Dragged To Hell Over Saudi Arabia Performance

Alicia Keys and Pharrell Williams are facing severe backlash for their decision to perform at the Saudi Grand Prix in Jeddah.

Amidst swirling criticisms, human rights campaigner and former politician Peter Tatchell has specifically criticized the artists for lending their star power to an event in a country known for its harsh stance against human rights.

The critique centers around Saudi Arabia’s treatment of women, LGBT communities, and various minority groups.

Saudi Arabia, a nation often in the spotlight for its human rights issues, including the imprisonment of women under strict laws and the heinous killing and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has attracted negative attention with the involvement of global music icons in its Grand Prix event.

Tatchell’s condemnation extends to Alicia Keys’ role in hosting Jeddah’s Women To Women, an event pegged to International Women’s Day, labeling it as “total hypocrisy” given the country’s oppressive regime against women advocating for equality.

“I’m shocked that Alicia Keys is colluding with this whitewashing of Saudi misogyny,” Tatchell expressed, outlining a broader disdain for any celebrity engagements with the Kingdom without a clear stance against its human rights abuses.

The call to action from Tatchell suggests that artists should either decline performances in Saudi Arabia or utilize their platforms to advocate for significant changes, including demanding the freedom of women and the release of all political prisoners.

As the story unfolds, both Alicia Keys and Pharrell Williams have yet to respond to the criticisms of their participation in the Saudi Grand Prix, leaving many to ponder the implications of international figures participating in events sponsored by regimes with questionable human rights records.

In spotlighting the intersection of entertainment, politics, and human rights, the controversy raises important questions about the responsibilities of celebrities in acknowledging or challenging the socio-political contexts of their engagements.

Jacquees & Deion Sanders’ Daughter Confirm Pregnancy After Dreezy Drama

Jacquees and Deiondra Sanders, the daughter of Deion Sanders, announced they’re expecting a baby on Friday (March 8). The two disclosed the pregnancy a month after their relationship was put on blast by Dreezy, who exposed embarrassing texts from Jacquees.

“Even though this was not planned nor expected, this is still something God allowed to happen,” Sanders wrote on Instagram. “I’m not having my baby to keep a man. I am having my baby for all the times I was told I wouldn’t be able to. I’m having my baby for the 4 myomectomy surgeries I have had. I am having my baby for all the years I stayed on birth control even though it gave me breast tumors.”

She continued, “I’m having my baby for all the Doctors that told me I wouldn’t make it out the first trimester. I’m having a baby for the 7 current fibroids that surrounds my uterus to this day. I’m having a baby for all the high risk moms that was scared everyday thinking they would miscarry. I’m keeping my baby for the 3 Months I continued to bleed everyday after I found out I was pregnant. I’m having this baby to give hope to all the other women that may be in my situation. No matter what Doctor’s say, GOD HAS THE FINAL SAY!”

Jacquees shared several photos and a video of himself with Sanders to celebrate the pregnancy.

“My definition of real LOVE,” he wrote in the caption.

The R&B singer also commented on Sanders’ Instagram post.

“I love you and I got you,” he wrote. “BLESSINGS OTW. THANK YOU JESUSSSS.”

Jacquees faced jokes on social media due to his past interactions with Dreezy. Last month, Dreezy revealed he asked her to let him impregnate her in private texts. The messages surfaced when Dreezy and Sanders exchanged subtweets over Jacquees.

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Mary J. Blige Reveals Past Struggles With Voice & Self-Image On National TV

In an emotional revelation during a recent appearance on “TODAY with Hoda & Jenna,” music icon Mary J. Blige discussed the personal journey toward self-acceptance and embracing her unique sound.

The Grammy-award-winning artist, known for her soulful voice and moving lyrics, admitted to previously disliking the sound of her own voice, a sentiment that has taken years to overcome.

“I do now, I didn’t used to. I didn’t like the sound of my voice,” Blige stated, opening up about her past struggles with self-image and confidence.

This candid admission comes as a surprise to many, given Blige’s successful career spanning over three decades, marked by her signature vocal style that has garnered a devoted fan base and critical acclaim. Despite her initial discomfort with her vocals, Blige has grown to appreciate her unique sound, describing a significant shift in how she perceives her music.

“But now I listen to my music and now I love everything about me, I do. I used to hate everything about me. The sound of my voice, the sound of my speaking voice. And I used to just be afraid to hear any music back,” she explained.

This transformation highlights not only her journey to self-love but also the resilience and strength required to overcome personal hurdles. Blige, affectionately known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, reflected on the importance of self-love and being one’s own biggest supporter.

The 53-year-old artist shared insights into how she has learned to celebrate her accomplishments and inner beauty.

“We grow up thinking we couldn’t boast or brag or love on ourselves, and now I’m doing all that,” Blige remarked, emphasizing the joy she finds in being her own friend and champion.

The interview sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by public figures in reconciling their inner doubts with external perceptions.

For Mary J. Blige, the path to loving and accepting her voice has also been a journey of personal growth and healing, allowing her to connect with her music—and herself—in ways she once thought impossible.

Future & Metro Boomin Announce Two Collaborative Albums

Longtime musical partners Future and Metro Boomin plan to release multiple joint efforts. The Atlanta-raised rapper and the St. Louis-raised producer will drop two albums over the next five weeks.

After Future first met a 17-year-old Metro Boomin over a decade ago, the two Hip-Hop stars worked together on singles such as “Karate Chop,” “Where Ya At,” and “Mask Off.” They have now officially joined forces on full-length projects.

Future X Metro Boomin’s We Don’t Trust You is set to arrive on Friday, March 22. The duo will then drop another body of work on Friday, April 12. A 44-second trailer for We Don’t Trust You hit YouTube on Friday (March 8).

Metro Boomin has been hinting at a collaborative album with Future for months. The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards featured the beatmaker/recording artist telling the television audience, “Me and Pluto album on the way.”

Previously, Metro Boomin collaborated with 21 Savage and Offset for 2017’s Without Warning. He also linked up with 21 Savage for 2016’s Savage Mode EP and 2020’s Savage Mode II LP. Metro’s 2022 solo album, Heroes & Villains, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.

Future appeared on the Heroes & Villains tracks “Superhero (Heroes & Villains)” with Chris Brown and “Too Many Nights” with Don Toliver. The Freebandz leader’s I Never Liked You became his eighth Billboard 200 chart-topper in 2022. He also created collaborative projects with Zaytoven, Drake, Gucci Mane, Young Thug, Juice WRLD and Lil Uzi Vert.

Rick Rubin Labeled As Trump-Supporting, Right-Wing Conspiracy Theorist By Boots Riley

Rick Rubin established himself as a music industry icon. According to filmmaker Boots Riley, the Def Jam Recordings co-founder is also a far-right conservative and Donald Trump supporter.

On Friday (March 8), Boots Riley went on social media to call out Rick Rubin for his alleged extreme views. The Sorry to Bother You director claimed Rubin tries to enlist other celebrities to conspiracy theory-based political movements, including Kanye West.

West has openly backed Trump, even referring to the MAGA leader as a father figure. The polarizing Vultures 1 artist also teamed up with right-wing political commentator Candace Owens.

“Now is as good a time as any to tell people that Rick Rubin is a behind-the-scenes rightwinger who tries to recruit music industry folks to Q-anon type stuff and is who (according to Kanye) convinced Kanye to meet Candace Owens and endorse Trump,” Riley tweeted.

As far as Rick Rubin, the 60-year-old producer of popular tracks for acts like LL COOL J and JAY-Z has reportedly retweeted alt-right figures such as Mike Cernovich in the past.

Boots Riley identifies as a communist. The lead vocalist of the Oakland-bred, left-leaning political Hip-Hop band The Coup admitted to joining the Progressive Labor Party at the age of 15. Riley viewed his Sorry to Bother You social satire as an analysis of capitalism.

Drake’s High-Roller Move Flops: Betting Big On Francis Ngannou Results In Massive Loss

Drake’s bold bet on Francis Ngannou against Anthony Joshua resulted in a six-figure loss, adding to the fabled “Drake curse.” On Friday (March 8), reports began circulating of the massive bet Drake placed with Stake in favor of Nigerian UFC sensation winning over the British boxing icon during their anticipated match-up in Saudi Arabia.

In an Instagram post, Drake shared the details of his bet, firmly standing on his belief that Ngannou was the more formidable opponent featured in the bout in the process.

“Betting on a scary man,” Drizzy wrote in the caption of the screenshot of the @stake bet he placed, which would’ve flipped his bet into a staggering $1,906,500 had Ngannou emerged victorious.

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Drake ended up eating his words, along with a $615,000 loss, after Ngannou was knocked out in the second round. The former UFC heavyweight champion’s demise sequence was quite the spectacle to watch as well, as Ngannou took a tumble to the canvas following an ill-timed jab and an eight-second count from the referee.

Upon regaining his balance, Ngannou was knocked directly off of his feet immediately by a major right-hand blow Joshua dealt to the head. Ngannou, known for his formidable knockout power in the UFC, boasts an impressive record of 17 wins, 12 by knockout, with only three losses.

Ngannou’s professional boxing record is not nearly as impressive, as he’s currently zero and two due to his previous loss to heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. While Ngannou lost to Fury, his loss came as a decision rather than a knockout.

On the other side, Anthony Joshua, a former two-time unified world heavyweight champion, carries an almost surgically accurate record, highlighted by 24 wins, 22 of which came by knockout, and only three total losses. Drake’s confidence in Ngannou could stem from the fighter’s recent departure from the UFC, following a contentious contract dispute, and his expressed desire to test his mettle in boxing.

Joshua also may have been the underdog, despite his record, having faced a disappointing loss to Oleksandr Usyk in their rematch last August. The latest bet adds to the narrative of the so-called “Drake Curse,” a phenomenon where teams or athletes that the Canadian rapper publicly supports often fail to win their contests.

Professional boxer Jake Paul blamed Drizzy for his lost to Tommy Fury last year. Fans of Ngannou and sports bettors alike will be watching closely to see if Drake’s backing breaks the curse or adds another chapter to its folklore.

Check out the knockout below.

Mike Epps Admits He Abused Cocaine Despite Ice Cube’s Pleas To Stop

Mike Epps revealed he was high on cocaine during the 2002 filming of his movie All About the Benjamins with Ice Cube. The comedian discussed his drug use on an episode of Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson’s All the Smoke podcast.

“I’ve been on drugs, I’ve been through hell,” Epps told Barnes and Jackson. “I did most of the movies on cocaine. All About the Benjamins, I was—man, I used to sit in Ice Cube’s trailer in the morning and be crying tears. He like, ‘Mike, wipe your face, man. You a king, n####. Stop doing this s### to yourself.’ I’m sitting there wiping myself ‘cause I was really, really, really—I had survivor’s remorse.”

Epps noted he used drugs to appeal to his old friends. He recalled how they rejected him when he was doing well but showed him love when he was struggling with cocaine abuse.

“I was so sad that I left all them n##### here in the city and I was famous,” Epps said. “And when I would come home, I wanted them to be happy for me. And they was mad at me. So, I said damn I gotta destroy myself for you to like me. I was like damn, my favorite n####, it seemed like he liked me more when I’m coming down off coke and I’m crying and I hate myself.”

Ice Cube and Epps starred in All About the Benjamins after working together on Next Friday, the sequel to the beloved comedy Friday. Epps portrayed Craig’s cousin Day-Day in Next Friday. Day-Day became one of the lead roles in the Friday franchise once Chris Tucker opted to not reprise his role as Smokey.

Epps currently stars in the Netflix series The Upshaws, which premiered in 2021. The sitcom was renewed for a fourth season in 2023.

J.PERIOD’s “Story To Tell (Chapter Two)” Album Redefines Hip-Hop With Dave Chappelle & Others

In an industry often criticized for its lack of innovation, Grammy Award-nominated DJ/producer J.PERIOD shatters expectations with his latest album, heralded as a musical odyssey. The album, Story To Tell (Chapter Two), threads together historical narratives, contemporary issues and futuristic sounds, showcasing the Brooklyn-based artist’s unparalleled ability to blend genres seamlessly.

“For me, music is a storytelling medium,” J.PERIOD said during an exclusive interview with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur. “With this album, I wanted to push the boundaries further than I ever have. It’s not just about beats; it’s about painting pictures with sound and letting the listener experience history, present, and future all at once.”

The album boasts collaborations with a proverbial constellation of stars ranging Dave Chappelle, Andra Day and Joss Stone to Aloe Blacc and Mumu Fresh. Musically, the opus delves into different music realms, including Hip-Hop, reggae and soul, emphasizing the diversity of influences. “Collaboration is the heart of creativity. Bringing together voices from different genres was essential in creating a sound that transcends time,” he explained.

J.PERIOD’s goal with this album is clear: to provoke thought, inspire change and educate through music. “There are tracks that directly address social and political issues facing our world today,” he noted. “Music has the power to change minds and hearts, and I’m harnessing that power.”

Reflecting on the journey of creating the album, J.PERIOD said, “It’s been an incredible challenge. There were moments of doubt, but also moments of pure magic. This album is the culmination of years of work, and I believe it’s my most important work to date.”

He believes in the strength he has access to through music. As he concluded, “I’ve always been fascinated by the power of music to connect eras and genres. This album is my love letter to that power. It’s a journey I can’t wait for the world to join me on.”

Listen to Story To Tell (Chapter Two) below.

Busta Rhymes Reunites Flipmode Squad For New Album

Busta Rhymes announced the return of Flipmode Squad on Friday (March 8). The platinum-selling rapper previewed a song from the group’s first album in more than two decades on Instagram.

“I gotta unveil something to y’all because it’s coming,” he said in the video. “It’s time. Flipmode album is coming! 26 years later. Yeah! Yeah!”

Busta shouted out fellow Flipmode Squad members Rah Digga and Baby Sham in the clip. Rah Digga and Baby Sham were part of Flipmode Squad’s debut album The Imperial, which dropped in 1998.

“I WILL NEVER STOP TELLIN’ Y’ALL, THE BLESSINGS [DON’T] STOP SO WE WILL NEVER STOP!!” Busta wrote on Instagram. “BRAND NEW FLIPMODE SQUAD ALBUM IS COMIN’!! 26YRS LATER!! STAY TUNED S### BOUT TO GET A DIFFERENT TYPE A DANGEROUS OUT THIS B####!! ALBUM TITLE COMIN’SOON!!! EVERYDAY IT’S MORE SMOKE.”

Flipmode Squad’s lineup changed over the years, raising questions about which rappers will be involved in the reunion album. Rah Digga and Baby Sham appeared to be on board for the project based on Busta’s teaser.

Arguably the best-known iteration of the group featured Busta, Spliff Starr, Rah Digga, Rampage, Lord Have Mercy and Baby Sham. These six members formed the group for The Imperial, Flipmode Squad’s only album to date.

Busta revealed the new Flipmode Squad album after unexpectedly canceling his 2024 Blockbusta Tour, which was supposed to begin on March 13. Fans were not informed of the reason for the cancellation.

“Unfortunately, the Event Organizer has had to cancel your event,” a Ticketmaster notice for the tour read. “No action is required to obtain a refund. It will be processed to the original method of payment used at time of purchase, once funds are received from the Event Organizer, which is usually completed within 30 days.”

Busta planned to tour in support of his Blockbusta album, which dropped in 2023.

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Did Druski & Young MA Get Into A Freak Off?

Druski may have just revealed he was once intimately involved with Young MA. In case you missed it, Druski took over Kai Cenat’s Twitch channel for a special Coulda Been Records live stream. It was all fun and games until Druski appeared to slip up and reveal he and the Brooklyn rapper were much closer than they appear.

“You hating, I hit the biggest stud in the game n###a,” Druski started off. “Young MA, f###ed that—you can’t name another stud better than that.”

Things took a kinky turn as Druski began describing the lewd actions in graphic detail, saying “I f###ed it, I took it.”

Seemingly bewildered, Kai Cenat questioned Druski, “You took it—took what? You took that Ooouuu,” referencing MA’s#### track “OOOUUU” from 2016.

The likelihood that Druski is cappin’ is fairly high—but the possibility he’s telling the truth is nearly as plausible. The pair have linked up on multiple occasions to shoot content, previously connecting in 2021 for an episode of Druski’s Revolt series geared toward sustainability. They also connected for one of those viral blind date videos for his YouTube channel in 2022.

Check out the insane clip above and revisit Druski and Yung MA’s blind dates YouTube segment below.