URL enjoyed a fairly quiet start to the year with no major event announcements, but they are making up for it in a big way with the news of their latest developments, including the return of Loaded Lux.
Over the weekend, the self-proclaimed “world’s most respected” battle rap platform told fans to tune into their app on Monday (March 4) “to be a part of history” for their debut live stream.
The broadcast, hosted by acclaimed battle rap media personality Jay Blac, marked the first time viewers could watch live content on the app.
However, that was just the start of the advancements. Blac soon announced URL will stream the upcoming Volume XI card live on the URLtv App.
Launched in 2019, billed as “the Netflix of battle rap,” the app, owned by URL, changed the way fans consume media. The technology has also helped develop new stars, provided licensing opportunities for smaller leagues to have their content shared, and created a video network for the culture.
In addition, URL also shared another exciting surprise. The highly anticipated battle between the legendary Harlem lyricist Loaded Lux and the “Alien” from Phoenix, Arizona, Rum Nitty is finally happening. After months of hype and demands from fans, Lux vs. Nitty is set to go down in the Spring.
Their inaugural URLtv App livestream will broadcast the stacked Volume XI event on March 16. The card is headlined by Tay Roc vs. Serius Jones. Check out the rest of the lineup below and watch the trailer at the end of the page.
The App is available on the URLtv website and across multiple servers. You can find it on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TV, XBOX and more.
URL’S SMACK VOLUME XI SAT MARCH 16TH 3PM EST ON https://t.co/K989dTUlaw WEBSITE OR ON THE URLTV TELEVISION APP ON AMAZON FIRESTICK, APPLE TV, XBOX, ROKU & SAMSUNG SMART TV’S $40 App Subscribers $60 Non Subscribers pic.twitter.com/VE8An9OxsP
Meek Mill believes America is designed to “tear Black men down” and wants dual citizenship with Ghana.
The Dream Chasers Records founder has dominated headlines over the past week. He’s faced ridicule from social media users reacting to allegations in the latest lawsuit against Diddy. The suit, filed in federal court, seemingly indicated the Hip-Hop mogul confessed to having sex with producer Stevie J. as well as Meek Mill and Usher.
On Monday (March 4), after days of lashing out at trolls and denying the allegations, Meek took to social media to announce his desire for Ghanaian citizenship.
“I wanna get citizenship in Ghana!!!! America made to tear black men down if you don’t follow orders!,” he shared.
I wanna get citizenship in Ghana!!!! America made to tear black men down if you don’t follow orders!
In a follow-up post, Meek declared, “Africa don’t got this s### I’m getting dual citizenship if they let me!”
Social Media Reacts To Meek Mill’s Ghana Plan
However, not everybody was as enthusiastic about the plan, with some commenters advising the Philly rapper to take a social media break.
“Stay off social media for a few days,” one fan replied. “Keep it with family and your p.r team then you come back bigger and stronger bro the last few post you been all over the place.”
Meanwhile, others used the opportunity to continue to troll Meek over the lawsuit allegations.
“Ghana would lock you up fam,” one person replied alongside a post reporting the nation’s parliament recently passed a bill to imprison members of the LGBTQ+ community for up to three years.
This isn’t the first time Meek Mill has considered a move to Ghana. He revealed his intention to buy a property there back in 2020 and has since visited the West African nation. Despite criticism over a video shoot in the presidential palace last year, the president thanked Meek Mill for coming to Ghana and “reforging the link.”
Meanwhile, Meek Mill recently shared his concerns over the dire state of safety and societal issues in America. He also vowed to investigate the “cyber attacks against black artist and leaders,” in the wake of the Diddy lawsuit controversy.
Bad Boys 4 filming has officially wrapped nearly three decades after Will Smith and Martin Lawrence starred in the first film in the iconic franchise.
In recent weeks, the cast has been in Miami shooting the highly anticipated movie, with Smith sharing updates from the set.
On Monday (March 4), Smith took to Instagram with the news fans have been waiting for. He shared an image of him and Lawrence fist-bumping in front of a Ferris wheel while announcing the Bad Boys 4 release date.
“WRAPPED!” he penned in the caption. “Nothin’ but Magic every time I’m with my guy. See y’all June 7 for @BADBOYS 4!!”
Lawrence reflected on the success of the franchise in a 2022 interview with Ebony.
“It was big,” he said of the 1995 movie that started it all. “For us to come together and prove that we can deliver, and we can pull people into the box office – that two Black stars, two sitcom stars, could make money at the box office [was huge]… I didn’t go to college, so I felt TV was my college years.”
He added, “I felt with movies, I had graduated; it was just different.”
Despite reports to the contrary, Sony chairman Tom Rothman denied Bad Boys 4 filming was put on hold after Smith infamously struck Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards.
“That was inaccurate,” he explained in 2022. “That was an example of a very good person having a very bad moment, in front of the world. I believe his apology and regret is genuine, and I believe in forgiveness and redemption.”
Last January, Smith finally confirmed filming was underway for Bad Boys 4.
“It’s about that time!” Will Smith declared in a video. “It’s official, y’all.”
Charles Barkley was so incensed by Donald Trump’s latest remarks about Black people that he’ll put hands on any Black person wearing the former president’s mugshot.
Trump sparked controversy the day before winning the South Carolina primary last week after suggesting Black voters “embraced” him following his arrest for attempting to overturn the 2020 election.
“’When I did the mug shot in Atlanta, that mug shot is No. 1,” Trump said during a speech at the Black Conservative Federation’s annual Honors Gala. “You know who embraced it more than anyone else? The Black population. It’s incredible. Black people walking around with my mugshots! You know they do shirts.”
The NBA legend reacted to the clip on his King Charles show with co-host Gayle King on CNN.
“First of all, I’m just gonna say this: if I see a Black person walking around with Trump’s mugshot, I’m [gonna] punch him in the face,” Barkley stated.
When King interjected to point out he would face arrest, Barkley remained steadfast. “I will bail myself out and go celebrate,” he added. “If I was at that conference, I would have got up and walked out. That was an insult to all Black people.”
He continued, “To compare Black history, when we’ve been discriminated against, to his plight—first of all, he’s a billionaire, and they’re prosecuting him for stuff he did wrong.”
Barkley added, “It’s not a fair comparison. He’s a billionaire, he’s had a great life. He’s been President of the United States. To insult Black people who have been discriminated against all these years, to put them in the same category. I was just offended.”
Charles Barkley is a one of one:
"If I see a Black person walking around with a Trump mug shot, I’m gonna punch him in the face." pic.twitter.com/Ib2Ca1bigk
— Wu Tang is for the Children (@WUTangKids) March 4, 2024
Like Charles Barkley, Plies also took offense to Trump’s comments. Read his reaction here at AllHopHip.com.
Meek Mill remains a trending topic after seemingly being implicated in the latest lawsuit against Diddy.
Equally headline-worthy was the Philly rapper’s reaction to the suit and the resulting internet chatter, a topic comedian Andrew Schulz made the butt of his jokes during a recent comedy Show in Meek’s hometown.
“I was gay happy; I was like Meek Mil,” Schulz said during his set. “I’ll be honest with you, I don’t think Meek is gay. But I do think he’s incredibly bad at proving he’s straight. He is maybe the worst in history of doing that.”
The Flagrant podcast host then referenced Meek’s social media meltdown in response to the rumors over his sexuality, including a post where the Dream Chasers Records founder declared his love for women.
“When I got a girl around me I’m f#%king her twice a day lol ask some of ya favorites … p#### don’t control me but it’s like a high,” he shared on February 28. “One love to the gay people but that juicy p#%sy do it for meeeeee I done ran red lights to get that feeling yall weird on here like devils lol.”
Schulz joked: “When someone accuses you of being gay, you don’t get on Twitter and say, ‘I love p#### so much it’s so juicy and wet, it’s my favorite thing to put my dick in.’ Meek was like, ‘I even had sex with a girl on her period, that’s how you know I love women.’ He tweeted that, and I was like, “Oh, he thinks that’s disgusting.’ And you know who else thinks that’s this disgusting? The gays!”
He then went on to commend Meek for his social activism before joking about why the REFORM Alliance co-founder works on “getting all them gay dudes” out of prison.
The Meek Mill roast continued in the caption. “Philly I love you,” Schulz declared. “Thank you for always holding me down… just like Meek would hold down Puf… JOKING. JOKING. Meek I love you brother!”
Meek Mill Responds To Andrew Schulz
The clip soon attracted the attention of Meek, but he was able to see the funny side.
He reposted the video alongside a series of laughing emojis with a gentle warning for Schulz.
“The first time I laughed at being gay,” he wrote. “But dont wit me in real life I May swing lol.”
In a move that has sparked both controversy and outright mockery online, a film inspired by the shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion and rapper Tory Lanez has been released, much to the discontent of some of her hardcore fans.
The film, provocatively titled “The Rapper Who Got Shot in the Heel,” has quickly become the subject of widespread criticism and jest across social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where the movie poster first went viral.
The production’s announcement comes amid an ongoing legal battle and public discourse concerning the July 2020 incident, where Megan Thee Stallion was shot in the foot, an event she alleges was perpetrated by Tory Lanez.
Tory Lanez has since appealed his 10-year prison sentence prison over the assault. Yet, the decision to dramatize these events into a movie has struck a nerve with many who view it as trivializing a serious matter.
On platforms such as X, fans and observers expressed their dismay through a barrage of comments and memes about the movie, which centers around the drama between Raven The Stallion (Ivy Christiana) and Cory Gainz (director, Alvin Gray).
“I really am that bored that I paid the $1.99 for that movie ‘The Rapper that Got Shot in the Heel.’ Yeah they got me 🥴🤦🏾♂️🫠 This s### is super trash,” one angry user wrote of the 51-minute movie, while another said: “Yes I chose to watch “the rapper who got shot in the heel..” I’m experiencing second hand embarrassment watching this.”
Critics argue that making light of the situation or seeking to profit from it disrespects Megan Thee Stallion’s experience and undermines the gravity of violence against women, especially Black women, in the entertainment industry.
Despite the backlash, the film’s production team has issued statements claiming the movie aims to bring awareness to the challenges female rappers face, including violence.
However, these intentions have done little to quell the outrage or the flood of sarcastic responses online since the full length film debuted on Amazon prime.
In a recent public service announcement, rapper Meek Mill took to Twitter, addressing the dire state of safety and societal issues in America.
Meek, known for his activism and social commentary through music In his reform alliance with Jay-Z, painted a grim picture of the challenges facing Americans today.
“Make sure you strap up in America it’s extremely dangerous on the streets! They have no control illegal immigrants everywhere… automatic guns flooded the inner city’s … fettynal poison in most drugs … opioids melting the brains of humans .. and algorithms mind control,” Meek Mill tweeted.
Make sure you strap up in America it’s extremely dangerous on the streets! They have no control illegal immigrants everywhere… automatic guns flooded the inner city’s … fettynal poison in most drugs … opioids melting the brains of humans .. and algorithms mind control
His tweet highlights a range of issues from gun violence, the opioid crisis, to the influence of technology on mental health.
Meek’s words resonate with many Americans who face these realities daily. .
Recent statistics corroborate Meek Mill’s concerns about gun violence. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been over 5,000 gun-related deaths in the United States so far this year alone, not including suicides.
In his hometown of Philly, there have been 51 deaths, which is actually a decrease of 30% compared to 2023.
This figure starkly illustrates the prevalence of gun violence in the country.
Meanwhile, the opioid crisis remains a public health emergency. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly 70,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses in 2020, a record number that underscores the deadly impact of this epidemic.
As Meek Mill shines a light on these urgent issues, it’s also noteworthy that he continues to express his creativity and activism through music.
The rapper just released his new EP titled “Heathenism” on Friday, further solidifying his role as a pivotal voice in both the music industry and social discourse.
However, some took issue with his opinions. Check out some of the replies below.
You think someone will immigrate just go be a thug? Most of them are looking for a better chance to make life happen. Don’t play into the fear monger games.
I however agree they must enter the country legally.
The late Prince has somehow been caught up in a battle between Sinéad O’Connor and former President Donald Trump for his unauthorized use of the song the “Purple One” wrote, the acclaimed 1990 hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” during his political rallies.
The action signifies not only a dispute over copyright infringement but delves deeper into matters of artistic integrity and respect for an artist’s values even after their death.
The song, originally written by Prince for one of his side projects, The Family, never gained much attention until O’Connor’s rendition catapulted it into worldwide fame.
Prince, known for his prolific songwriting and musical innovation, penned “Nothing Compares 2 U” as a deep expression of loss and longing, themes universally resonant yet deeply personal to O’Connor’s vocal delivery, which imbued the song with a raw emotional power that resonated with millions.
Sinéad O’Connor, who passed away in 2023, was a figure known not just for her musical talent but for her outspokenness, particularly on issues of politics and human rights.
Her estate, alongside Chrysalis Records, has expressed that the use of O’Connor’s version of the song by Trump—an individual whom O’Connor had explicitly criticized—contravenes the principles she stood for.
“Throughout her life, it is well known that Sinéad O’Connor lived by a fierce moral code defined by honesty, kindness, fairness, and decency towards her fellow human beings,” the estate and Chrysalis Records stated in a joint communication.
They further highlighted O’Connor’s own words from a 2020 interview with Hot Press, where she labeled Trump as a “biblical devil,” underscoring the stark opposition between O’Connor’s beliefs and the ideologies represented by Trump’s usage of her work.
In 2020, Sinead told Hot Press, “I actually do believe Donald Trump is the biblical devil, the f**ker….I know this may sound extreme – I don’t really give a flying f—k what everyone else thinks — but I am convinced the man is actually a Satanist.”
Meek Mill has vowed to carry out an investigation into recent “attacks” on Black artists and leaders, following his implication in one of Diddy’s recent sexual assault lawsuits.
On Monday (March 4), Meek revealed his plan on Twitter (X) in a series of tweets in which he both called out major corporations for the major power they have while also defending his sexuality.
”I just hired investigators to see to been starting these cyber attacks against black artist and leaders,” Meek wrote in part. “They making blogs post anything that destroys the black house hold and powering everything that level is down!”
I just hired investigators to see to been starting these cyber attacks against black artist and leaders … they making blogs post anything that destroys the black house hold and powering everything that level is down!
In a follow-up tweet, Meek Meek alleged the same companies behind the purported cyber attacks are also responsible for Kodak Black’s issues with mental health.
“A big company powered ‘I know the perc was fake but I still ate’ now we praying for yak mental,” he wrote. “Lil bru need his people … yall think this s### a game they have our people totally distracted! I will never be gay or a rat …. Ima die like that and ima forever step!”
A big company powered “ I know the perc was fake but I still ate” now we praying for yak mental … lil bru need his people … yall think this s### a game they have our people totally distracted! I will never be gay or a rat …. Ima die like that and ima forever step!
Prior to issuing his investigation announcement, Meek Mill reposted a video social media influencer Ariadna Jacobs created suggesting Hollywood was trying to “silence” him. The clip, which was created in response to a previous tweet Meek Mill shared, shows various media figures’ critiques of his involvement with American politics.
Nicki Minaj’s cult-leaning fanbase, The Barbz, have set their sights on a young male choreographer, who claims he was stiffed by the Pink Friday 2(PF2) lyricist.
The choreo in question, Danté Colley, went viral last December after posting a video of the routine he created to the standout PF2 track “FTCLU.” However, Colley’s moment in the limelight was quickly dimmed as he began being overshadowed by creators staking claim to the dance he created. Additionally, Colley revealed that members from Nicki’s team attempted to offer him less than $100 for his choreography to be used in her Pink Friday 2 Tour. Now, it should be noted that Nicki Minaj tweeted about getting him the recognition he deserved for his work.
“I thought a lady Zara made it up?” Nicki questioned in the tweet. “Thought she was an artist having fun w|it…? so glad barbz brought it2 my attention in time [making me proud as always] I’ll have Casper reach out to this VERY TALENTED & seemingly VERY sweet guy ASAP to figure out the best way to make him feel seen, appreciated & paid #PinkFriday2#GagCityTOUR.”
I thought a lady Zara made it up? thought she was an artist having fun w|it…? so glad barbz brought it2 my attention in time [making me proud as always]
I’ll have Casper reach out to this VERY TALENTED & seemingly VERY sweet guy ASAP to figure out the best way to make him feel… https://t.co/qVXdDDQzjK
However, Colley is now claiming nothing has been done to rectify the situation by the person Nicki Minaj left in charge to handle it.
“I was just looking for the opportunity to potentially collaborate and receive credit,” Colley said in a video addressing the incident. “Neither one of those options seemed possible and have been rejected.”
In a follow-up video posted on Monday (March 4), Colley also appears to refute the claims that he declined a meet and greet opportunity and concert tickets as a form of compensation.
On the flip side, The Barbz have begun attacking Colley, alleging he was in a similar predicament with Beyoncé’s camp prior to the current occurrence with Nicki Minaj—however, they claim he didn’t keep that same energy.
“100 dollars (if that’s even the real amount @BEAUcasperSMART and Nicki offered) is more than the amount your fav paid him,” an Twitter (X) user wrote in a tweet replying to Colley’s video. “Kelis and the Cuff It challenge people! Go start a GoFundMe since y’all care so much! Hiding behind Beyonce cuz the other two girls in your name is flopping!”
Conservatives are aghast after learning Robert Kennedy Jr. has joined forces with Hot Boys rapper Turk for a new campaign anthem. Turk infamously served nine years in prison for the attempted murder of a New Orleans police officer and some people apparently don’t think he’s the best choice for an endorsement.
The track, titled “Standing On Bidness” also features Drumma Boy, Boosie Badazz, Jazze Pha and Angela Angela Stanton King.” According to a press release, the song is intended “unite music lovers and voters alike under a message of community empowerment and political participation.”
It opens with Kennedy saying, “I’m Robert F. Kennedy Jr. You don’t have to believe the lies. You don’t have to take sides. You can help me heal the vibe. As President of the United States, I’ll be standing on bidness and helping the community.”
Turk, formerly known as Hot Boy Turk, was arrested in 2004 after he shot two police officers during a SWAT raid in Memphis. One of Turk’s victims, Chris Harris, underwent three surgeries and had bone taken from his hip to reconstruct his jaw. Harris sued Turk in 2006 for $10 million. He was ultimately convicted of second-degree attempted murder and released in October 2012. Needless to say, he did his time.
Boosie Badazz has a well-documented criminal record as well. In 2010, he was charged with first-degree murder in a separate incident but acquitted two years later. He also served prison time on drug charges.
Republicans were quick to point out “Standing on Bidness” isn’t Kennedy’s first controversial collaboration. In 2023, he hosted convicted child sex predator Scott Ritter on his podcast to discuss their mutual opposition to the United States’ support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) March 2, 2024
In any event, reactions to the song are mixed on social media. One person wrote, “Any candidate/incumbent that comes around Black folks with that stereotypical foolishness, and ain’t talkin’ about nothin important should be automatically disqualified. Lil Boosie & Turk should be ashamed of themselves,” while another said, ” love the track. your message was important at the beginning – Boosie and Turk both brought the heat! The truth is, music has been a part of most revolutions and political movements. You’re the first politician I’ve seen get directly involved, and it’s to push an important.”
Chilli became a grandmother on Saturday (March 2). The TLC member’s son Tron Austin and his wife welcomed their first child, a baby girl, over the weekend.
“She was scheduled for March 6th on a Wednesday but nope she wanted to come sooner!” Austin wrote on Instagram. “This morning my wife’s water broke at 7am and we immediately got packed as soon as we could and headed to the hospital which is a hour and thirty minutes drive from where we are btw. She went into an emergency C section at 1pm our nerves were high and our anxiety was through the roof but despite all of that she powered through and gave birth to a healthy beautiful baby girl!!”
He added, “I am so beyond proud of her bravery and courage to do this so off guard we literally expected 3 more days but God always has his plan first! Eternally grateful to say we have officially started our family! This is a dream come true we started dating on September 22, 2018 fast forward almost 6 years later we are married with our first child life’s journey has now truly begun!!!”
Chill’s son and her daughter-in-law went through a difficult stretch before the two were finally able to have a child. Last year, Austin revealed everything his wife faced during the couple’s efforts to conceive a baby.
“She went through: 2 HSG procedures, 1 hysteroscopy, removal of both tubes and scar tissue’s from hernia & appendicitis surgeries, 1 egg retrieval, 1 miscarriage,” he wrote on Instagram. “And still stayed strong through the whole thing!#IVF has tested us and blessed us through a year and a half journey.”
Austin’s wife gave birth to their baby girl in South Korea. Chilli, 53, has not posted about her new granddaughter on social media.
Usher caught flack for spending time with Russell Simmons, who’s been accused of sexual assault. Fans were frustrated after Simmons shared footage and photos of the two in Bali on social media.
“Morning flow with a bunch of really happy Bali friends the generosity of spirit exuded by my friend @usher was amazing,” Simmons wrote in an Instagram post. “Fyi people were / are always so happy to be in his presence …so when i / they practice with him its a honor and privilege but the presence and attention he gives to each person is a gift its tough to be present with so many of us ‘fans’ each one of us demanding presence and focus its rare that a person can give so much w/ out it draining his energy … His quote when asked about the energy needed to accommodate so many was God ‘Its not me giving its God through me so it easy.’ this is pure yoga.”
Usher hung out with Simmons just a few weeks after Drew Dixon, one of Simmons’ alleged victims, sued the Def Jam co-founder for defamation. Dixon claimed Simmons carried out a “malicious campaign to discredit” her for accusing him of rape.
Simmons denied various allegations of sexual misconduct. He insisted his past experiences with women were consensual in a December 2023 interview with Graham Bensinger. Drew referenced the interview in her defamation lawsuit.
Usher associated with Simmons at a time when the singer’s name became attached to a shocking lawsuit against Diddy. Producer Lil Rod claimed Diddy had sex with Usher, among others, in a complaint filed on February 26. Usher’s name was redacted in the court documents, but observers quickly figured out the allegations were referencing him due to identifiers in the lawsuit. Lil Rod said Diddy had sex with an R&B singer who performed at the Super Bowl and had a successful Las Vegas residency.
View some of the reactions to Usher chilling with Simmons in Bali below.
Russell Simmons is a r!pist and Usher has chosen to be in his presence as a friend. So it’s f### him too. And yes, this is a recent video! pic.twitter.com/AWg8Jxle36
I knew the day would come where Usher would publicly embarrass and disappoint me but right now n####? Like you deadass 4real?? pic.twitter.com/Tt6SNXKGcB
— The Neighborhood Publicist (@nhoodpublicist) March 4, 2024
Fulton County D.A. Fanni Willis — the same woman prosecuting Young Thug— is feeling the wrath from Donald Trump. The former president, who’s currently running for re-election, took his frustrations to Truth Social to berate Willis for her alleged affair with lead prosecutor on the Georgia election interference case, Nathan Wade. In an all-caps rant, Trump accused them of seeking a pay day and notoriety.
“WHERE DID FANI GET ALL THAT CASH?” he demanded. “NO WAY SHE PAID HER LOVER, ‘PROSECUTOR’ NATHAN WADE, BACK. SHE MADE UP THE CASH STORY WHEN SHE REALIZED THAT HER ‘SEXCAPADES’ WERE PAID FOR BY THE PEOPLE OF GEORGIA. AGAIN, WHERE’S THE CASH, AND WHERE DID IT COME FROM? THE FACT IS, THERE WAS NO CASH PAID, THAT WAS JUST AN EXCUSE SHE MADE UP AFTER SHE GOT CAUGHT. THE CASE CAN’T BE CLOSED UNTIL THIS IS DETERMINED.”
Trump continued, “In any event, they were lovers and friends long before this Witch Hunt was started. THEY WANTED MONEY AND FAME! Worked with [Joe] Biden’s DOJ (spent days with them in D.C.) in going after Crooked Joe’s Opponent, ME. Terrible stuff! THIS CASE MUST BE DROPPED — A GREAT EMBARRASSMENT TO GEORGIA!”
In a recent court hearing, an attorney representing one of Donald Trump’s co-defendants, Robert Cheeley, claimed Willis and Wade behaved like “love-struck teenagers,” exchanging thousands of calls and messages.
Willis and Wade brought several charges of racketeering against Trump and 18 other co-defendants, including Cheeley, for their alleged involvement in tampering with Georgia’s 2020 presidential election results.
Final arguments in Willis’ case were presented on Friday (March 1) and Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee announced his intention to deliver a verdict within the coming two weeks. Trump still has three other indictments to consider after the Georgia case is laid to rest. He currently faces 91 criminal charges in Georgia, Florida, New York and D.C., although he’s denied every single one of them and instead, says he’s the victim of a “political witch hunt.”
Rihanna’s recent commissioned performance is drawing the ANTI vocalist some flak due to critics suggesting her set was flat and subpar.
In case you missed it, RiRi recently took her talents all the way to India to fulfill a multi-million dollar performance booking for Anat Ambani, the son of one of the the richest men on the continent, billionaire Mukesh Ambani. Even though Rihanna trekked all the way to Jamnagar for the performance at the pre-wedding party, which was her first performance in eight years, the reviews of her set have been seemingly horrendous.
Once videos of her set, which included hits such as “Work” and Kanye West’s “All Of The Lights,” social media users honed in on moments that have since been categorized as “lazy” among other things and tee’d off on RiRi’s alleged $6.1 million performance.
“Bro, what is she doing,” one X user wrote.
In a reply in the thread, another user added, P##### because she was paid millions for this performance and she is giving such “damn here you go” energy [crying laughing enoji] she looks so beautiful but it’s not giving rehearsed for very long or really that invested in giving a professional well thoughtout performance.”
p##### because she was paid millions for this performance and she is giving such “damn here you go” energy 😭 she looks so beautiful but it’s not giving rehearsed for very long or really that invested in giving a professional well thoughtout performance
Despite all of the rigamarole, RiRi appeared to enjoy her experience in India and even took time to fraternize with guests at the weeding—so it couldn’t have been all bad. Not to mention, one X user pointed out that Ambani is set to acquire the rights to Sephora in India, which means Fenty Beauty will soon be available in the highest populated country in the world at 1.4 billion, according to BusinessInsider. Furthermore, India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world in 2024—making this a major money move for Rihanna in the long run.
Check out the clips of Rihanna kicking it with the attendees of the wedding below.
Ice Spice praised Nicki Minaj for the success of their collaboration “Princess Diana” in an interview with Billboard. The Capitol Records artist said “Princess Diana” was her favorite hit of 2023, noting how the Nicki-assisted remix helped bring more attention to a song that initially flew under the radar.
“’Princess Diana’ with Nicki because I felt like ‘Princess Diana’ was already my best song on [Like…?], but then it didn’t chart or anything until Nicki got on it,” Ice Spice said when asked about her favorite hit. “I was just so happy to have both of those worlds where I felt like it was culturally a great song, but also it charted. And then I had my dream collab fulfilled at the same time.”
Ice Spice also discussed what songs surprised her in terms of their commercial response. She named “Actin a Smoochie” and “Boy’s a liar, Pt. 2” as two tracks that did not perform the way she expected.
“I thought that ‘Actin a Smoochie’ would be a bigger song,” she admitted. “Every time I hear it, I’m just gagged that it’s not bigger. [But] ‘Boy’s a liar, Pt. 2,’ I never thought that song would be as big as it is. I knew it would be a big moment, but I didn’t think it would be triple-platinum.”
Ice Spice is working on her debut albumY2K, which is due out later this year. The hitmaker told Billboard she’s looking for “a really hard beat” in the creative process.
“If the beat doesn’t instantly move me — like if I don’t physically feel the beat of the speakers — then I’m just going to keep moving on to the next one,” she said. “But as soon as I know, I know I have that beat. It’s up from there.”
Revisit Ice Spice’s “Princess Diana” music video below.
Jamie Foxx has promised to disclose what exactly landed him in the hospital last year. Foxx made the declaration while accepting an award on Sunday night (March 3) at the African American Film Critics Association Awards in Los Angeles. During his speech, Foxx displayed a whole new appreciation for life.
“I’m emotional,” he said in part. “I get emotional to even music that I’m not supposed to be emotional to. I was listening to Sexyy Red like, ‘Skeeyee.’ Now look, everybody wants to know what happened, and I’m going to tell you what happened, but I’m going to do it in my way. I’m going to do it in a funny way. It’s gonna be on the stage. We’re going to go back to the stand-up roots, but I’ll tell you in my way. It will be called ‘What Had Happened Was.'”
He also vowed to address the clone conspiracy that dominated headlines following his mysterious disappearance from the limelight.
Jamie Foxx’s daughter, Corinne, announced her father had been hospitalized last April while he was filming, but it’s never been made public what happened. The 56-year-old addressed what Corinne described as “a medical complication” in an Instagram video last July.
In the clip, he credited his sister Deidra Dixon and his daughter, as well as “a lot of great medical people” with “saving (his) life.”
“I went through something that I thought I would never ever go through,” Foxx said in the video. “I know a lot of people were waiting, you know, wanting to hear updates, but to be honest with you, I just didn’t want you to see me … with tubes running out of me and trying to figure out if I was going to make it through.”
Foxx looks noticeably ill in the clip, sparking the clone controversy. Watch it below, while we wait on answers.
Is Outkast preparing to make a full comeback? Big Boi and André 3000 have some fans thinking there could be more music coming from the legendary duo soon.
On Sunday (March 3), Big Boi posted an 11-second video with André 3000 to his Twitter (X) page. That tweet surpassed 27,000 likes and 1.2 million views on the platform.
“I’m gonna do mine like them n####s on TikTok,” Big Boi said. “I’m here live and direct.” André 3000 then stepped in front of the camera before his longtime partner added, “F### you talking about?”
That public interaction between Big Boi and André 3000 sparked speculation of a possible Outkast reunion. One Twitter (X) user replied, “1 more album and tour?”
Another account tweeted, “Don’t even announce the album I know y’all working on. Just drop it one day and break the internet.” Many other tweeters just celebrated seeing the two MCs back together.
Outkast rose from local Atlanta talent to diamond-certified recording artists. Their 2003 project, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, became the highest-selling Hip-Hop album in history and was ultimately certified 13x-platinum.
Big Boi released three solo rap albums, including 2010’s Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. André 3000 released his first instrumental project, New Blue Sun, in November 2023.
Meek Mill has been a topic of conversation online over the last several days. The Philadelphia-bred rapper repeatedly responded to different controversies connected to his name.
In particular, Meek Mill took time to address a video showing various media figures’ critiques of his involvement with American politics. Social media influencer Ariadna Jacob’s post was in response to a previous tweet by the Hip-Hop star.
“Next I’m [exposing] who’s behind trying to kill the Black image of the most influential artist!” Meek tweeted on February 28. Ariadna Jacob quote-tweeted him and added, “Remember when Hollywood said they would try to silence Meek Mill in 2024? They weren’t playing.”
Today (March 4), Meek Mill addressed Ariadna Jacob’s montage clip covering the backlash over his comments about President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The REFORM Alliance founding partner reacted to Jacob by sharing some of his personal history.
“I’m very informed, I seen extreme poverty,” Meek tweeted. “Been caught [in the] prison system… lived the street life… became a millionaire with no degree… became a millionaire without going to college intentionally… been shot at 20 different times.”
I’m very informed I seen extreme poverty …. Been caught Prison system … lived the street life … became a millionaire with no degree … became a millionaire without going to college intentionally.. been shot at 20 different times … https://t.co/mAfVL27lxP
Supporters of the Dreams and Nightmares album creator launched the #FreeMeek campaign in 2017 after a Pennsylvania judge ordered the man born Robert Williams to return to prison for an alleged probation violation.
Jesse Luketa is a force to be reckoned with on the football field. Best known for playing linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals, Jesse brings that same energy into the recording studio. He recently released his debut single, “FEVA,” under the artist name Lu.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, Lu is an anomaly in both sports and music. His distinct sound is fueled by his endless inspirations, spanning genres of Hip-Hop, reggae, Afrobeats and more. He can also speak French fluently, which also contributes to his unique style.
Directly in line with his mission of creating feel-good music, “FEVA” is more than just a single—it’s an exploration of Lu’s artistic identity. “FEVA” is a testament to his ability to create a vibe, while standing his ground on creating music that’s both real and relatable.
“Playing at the highest level of football has been my dream since I was 7, but the one thing I’ve loved just as much since that time is music,” Lu shares.
As far as new music, Lu reminds fans this is just the beginning. He also boasts a standout cosign from hometown hero Belly, giving Lu the confidence to pursue his artistry even further.
AllHipHop had the pleasure of chatting with Lu virtually to discuss his background, love for music, debut single “FEVA” and his dream collab.
AllHipHop: Where are you located?
Jesse Lu: I’m originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, but I’m currently in Phoenix, Arizona. I play for the Arizona Cardinals.
AllHipHop: How’s that?
Jesse Lu: It’s been amazing. Recently just signed another deal, a one-year deal to be back here for this upcoming season. I’m extremely excited for that. It doesn’t get better than this: good weather, good vibes. That’s why I like to stay during the off-season as well.
AllHipHop: Your Instagram handle is @ottawasveryown. Talk about your roots in the city.
Jesse Lu: The city means everything for me. I’ve always been the type of person, doesn’t matter where I go, I want to shed some light ahead and put on for my city. Not too many people from my area get to make it. And when we do, trying to support and inspire the youth is important. We got guys like Belly, shout out to big bro! Upcoming rapper TwoTiime as well as other athletes. Such as Neville Gallimore, Marial Shayock from Ottawa, Ontario. We’re few in numbers, but we’re trying to continue to do big things on a larger scale for the city. For the country as well.
AllHipHop: When did you fall in love with music?
Jesse Lu: I’ve been in love with music for quite some time. Football has always always been the main thing, obviously. It allowed me to chase my dreams and get a great education. But at the same time, whenever I’d find free time, I’d be in the studio and writing music. That’s something I felt was good for me to express myself in another aspect. It’s funny because it got to a point where I’d be making all this dope music, but I’d gatekeep in the sense where I just send it to my peers, send it to a few of my teammates. But I got to a point where I got tired of hearing all these people telling me, “You gotta release this, you gotta release this.” I said you know what, I’mma do it.
AllHipHop: Do you remember the first artists you fell in love with?
Jesse Lu: Of course, being that I have such a diverse background. I speak French, English, Lingala. I listened to a little bit of everything growing up. From reggae, to rumba, to Hip-Hop as well as plenty of French music. I’ve drawn inspiration from Bob Marley, Burna Boy to Drake, obviously—a little mix of everything honestly. It allows me to find inspiration and and add difference pieces to my own art.
AllHipHop: How did you end up speaking so many languages?
Jesse Lu: My family’s originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. French being my first language, I ended up learning English at school. We speak Lingala back home as well, so I’m trilingual. Those are some of the things that even when I’m making my music, I could have a verse in French, might throw in a little English, then I’ll throw in a little spice from Lingala as well.
It blends culturally as well. Me deciding to go back to my roots, Afrobeats is the sound that’s taking over right now in the music industry. It’s the vibe, it’s the ambiance. Doesn’t matter where you are and the types of event you’re attending, it just fits. It’s good energy, good music. It only makes sense to hone in and tap into my roots.
AllHipHop: Did music or football come first?
Jesse Lu: [Sighs] That’s tough, because I grew up in the church. I was in the choir, so music came first. But once I fell in love with football, it took over and hit the forefront. But at the same time, I never lost that touch for the music.
AllHipHop: Definitely want to talk about your debut single, “FEVA.” How you feeling?
Jesse Lu: I’m feeling blessed. The love and the support has been insane. Seeing people, how they move to it, the vibe. It’s kind of cliché, a bunch of athletes say they want to make music, but the music that they make isn’t usually what you expect. It’s funny because I’ll share my music and they’ll say, “Yo, this is not what I was expecting.” It’s a good feeling, seeing that people are warming up to it and they’re really embracing it.
But aside from that, it’s a small milestone for myself. I’m a firm believer you have to celebrate the small things in life. It being my first, I’m extremely ecstatic. Proud, but even more excited because I know I got some more heat to follow up with. Trying to start to establish my own generic fanbase, people who appreciate my sound and are enjoying everything that comes with it.
AllHipHop: Who or what inspired this record?
Jesse Lu: What inspired this record is life, the type of things I’ve seen men encounter on a daily basis as they date in our generation. As raw as the lyrics may be it’s reliable and catchy! “Oh she got baby fever, but she praying that a n#### don’t go leave her.”
AllHipHop: There was a moment I was talking with my right hand man KJ Hamler about a similar situation and those same words kept being reiterated “Oh She got Oh she got baby fever” and I kind of just decided to take off from there!
AllHipHop: Talk about the Afrobeat vibes in there.
Jesse Lu: Afrobeats/Afrofusion is home for me, I’ve had moments where I would get in the studio and try sketching new but it just didn’t feel right. When it came to making Afro fusion is just felt right. It’s what I enjoy listening to on game day because it just places me in a different zone, as I continue to evolve with my music I hope to do the same for my audience.
AllHipHop: What can we expect from the music video?
Jesse Lu: It’s going to be something special. I’m currently brainstorming right now with two videographers. I’m thinking of taking a trip to Africa and shooting the video out there, so it’ll be something dope.
AllHipHop: Three things you need in the studio at all times?
Jesse Lu: When I go to the studio, I don’t like to be in there and waste time. I don’t go to a studio honestly until I’m ready to knock out two, three songs. I like to do a lot of the heavy lifting throughout the week. I fine tune everything, have the whole song recorded on my phone on voice notes. Then go in there and go lay down. Start perfecting it, tweaking it.
But three things I need in the studio: water. That’s for sure. I find myself getting parched in there. What else? I like being in there, working with a couple of homies, to bounce ideas and see what they think. That’s really it. I’m a simple man. I go in there and work, in and out. Lay a verse down, fine tune it with my engineer. That’s really all I need.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C2UpDxUM-FM/
AllHipHop: How was it being in Paris for Fashion Week?
Jesse Lu: It was my first time in Paris. I’ve taken the trip out to Germany last year, but first time at Fashion Week as well. Sitting down and planning how I wanted to do my rollout, music and fashion go hand in hand. Taking the time to go on that little music promo tour out there was beneficial for myself. Being able to network, being in the right rooms and continuing to push my brand.
Although yes, I’m a football player. I wanted to break out of that box of being labeled as an athlete, because I’m more than an athlete. It was a dope experience, definitely excited to be back next year. It was nuts, being able to sit from a lot of these shows. From Amiri to Kid Super, a whole bunch of shows, honestly. I can’t even tell you off the top of my head all the shows I attended. But it was a lot, the schedule was a whole lot of go go go and no rest. Definitely enjoyed it.
AllHipHop: Do you have a dream collab?
Absolutely, that’d definitely be with Burna [Boy]. I can definitely hear his voice on a few of my records. As for now I’m excited to build an organic fan base and continue to be a pioneer in breaking the barriers. More bangers to follow that’s for sure.
