Machine Gun Kelly’s partner, Megan Fox, may want to keep an eye on Joe Exotic, even if he’s incarcerated. On Thursday (February 22), the eccentric character expressed his lust for Machine Gun Kelly and his new tattoo on Twitter (X) with a pair of suggestive tweets. The former Tiger King star kicked things off rather explicitly, seemingly bribing Kelly with a drug-induced sexual encounter.
”Anyone remember that line from Tiger King?” Exotic wrote in the tweet tagging Kelly. Exotic made sure to make his intent of flipping MGK’s sexuality during the presumed proposed hook-up clear in the remark, of course.
“A tiger and a bit of meth, I can make MGK gay,” the caption on the photo of MGK’s new read.
As if that weren’t enough, Exotic decided to take it further, seemingly suggesting he could be a better lover to Kelly than Fox, writing, “Once you go Tiger King you’ll forget about the Fox.”
Joe Exotic also seemed pretty hellbent on getting a tiger and meth involved into the mix because he also left a comment of the same nature on Kelly’s original post in Instagram.
It could be a while before Exotic gets a chance to even remotely make his Machine Gun Kelly fantasy become a reality. In 2020 he was sentenced to 22 years in prison following his conviction on charges that included violating an Endangered Species Act and murder-for-hire.
Benzino retained his ill will for Eminem despite crying over their beef on an episode of Drink Champs. Benzino lambasted Eminem when asked about the emotional breakdown in an interview with the Art of Dialogue.
“’Rap Elvis’ already destroyed him,” Benzino said. “I already killed him with ‘Rap Elvis.’ Where’s he at? Where’s the response? I want to battle him face-to-face. I think he’s overrated. I think he sucks as a rapper. And it’s f### anybody that’s with him. I bombed on him. I’m gonna continue to bomb on him. I’m gonna continue to expose him. At the end of the day, people are waking up to his b#######.”
He continued, “I’m going to go down in history as the Eminem slayer. But right now, it’s f### Eminem. I stand on everything I said. I stand on everything I’ve been saying. And ‘Rap Elvis’ destroyed him. I’m still waiting on the response. If he don’t, I’m gonna drop another one.”
Benzino often argued with Eminem’s fans on social media, yet the former co-owner of The Source minimized their trolling in his latest interview.
“As far as Eminem’s fans, they the softest, most cuddly Hip-Hop fans out there,” he said. “They ain’t no threat. Who they a threat to? Teddy bears.”
Benzino did not regret crying during the Eminem conversation on Drink Champs. He told the Art of Dialogue it was healthy for him to cry.
“I’ve cried before, s###,” he said. “I got no problem crying. I need to cry because it helps from probably not hurting somebody. It probably helps me from not hurting myself or people around me.”
Earlier this month, a drunken Benzino said he had “nothing against Eminem” on Drink Champs while breaking down in tears. Their feud, which started more than two decades ago, bubbled up again when they exchanged diss tracks in January.
Bradley Cooper nearly got a chance to work with Beyoncé and one of the most well-known actors in Hollywood before teaming up with Lady Gaga.
On Wednesday (February 21), footage from Cooper’s recent interview with Sag-AFTRA Foundation Conversation series began circulating after the Beyhive found out the pair of Grammy Award-winners nearly teamed up on the film A Star Is Born. Cooper revealed that before Lady Gaga was set to star in the film, he was visiting JAY-Z and Beyoncé at their home in Los Angeles, developing the motion picture. Although, he also wasn’t attached as the director yet either.
”It was a movie that Clint Eastwood was going to direct with Beyoncé and he asked me to do it as an actor, before ‘American Sniper,’ I’d done ‘Elephant Man,’ for a year on Broadway,” Cooper said in part.
As he continued, Cooper revealed that it wasn’t until after he turned down Eastwood’s offer to act in the film and offered to produce it that he and Queen Bey began working on the film together.
“It was crazy,” he recalled. “She was incredible and so was he, and we developed it for like a year together. I mean, she’s one of the greatest people of all time. Then that fell through.”
According to one of the film’s producers, Beyoncé got pregnant, then Eastwood decided to do another movie, and that’s essentially what made things fall apart, in a more finite sense.
Check out the full interview above. Cooper starts talking about working with Beyoncé around the 40-minute mark.
Boosie Badazz ranted about transgender athletes competing in high school sports on Thursday (February 22). The opinionated rapper was outraged after watching a Fox News story, which claimed a transgender basketball player injured girls on the opposing team during a game in Massachusetts. Boosie quoted Fox News host Jesse Watters, who referred to the player as “Female Rodman,” in the diatribe.
“THE FEMALE RODMAN ‘IS HURTING ALL THE GIRLS ON THE BASKETBALL COURT N MASSACHUSETTS,’” Boosie wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “2 MONTHS AGO A TRANS KNOCKS A GIRL TEETH OUT HER MOUTH ‘LIKE WTF’ PARENTS NEED TO STOP LETTING THEY KIDS PLAY AGAINST MEN (FEMALE RODMANS) SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY NEED TO FORFEIT EVERY GAME.”
He continued, “THIS IS NOT FAIR TO OUR KIDS N THIS NATION. THIS IS SICK. THEY SAY HE HAS A FULL BEARD OMG PARENTS WE HAVE TO FIGHT FOR OUR KIDS DREAMS N RIGHTS‼️ KNOCKING OUR DAUGHTERS TEETH OUT‼️ PARENTS WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SIMPLE IS THAT‼️ ITS UNFAIR‼️ THEY NEED THEIR OWN LEAGUE.”
According to The Daily Item, Collegiate Charter School of Lowell forfeited its girls basketball game against KIPP Academy on February 8. Several outlets, including Fox News, suggested the forfeit was due to a transgender athlete injuring players on College Charter School of Lowell’s team. The school’s athletic director Kyle Pelczar seemingly downplayed the player’s role in the forfeit.
“Coach [Kevin Ortins] knew [about the player] going into the game already because we had them at home the first game of the year and nothing happened then, so he knew going into the game,” Pelczar said.
The coach forfeited the game to manage his team’s health ahead of a playoff game.
“He felt that his girls were getting injured, basically, all game,” Pelczar said. “He has a playoff game on Monday, so he didn’t want to have any more of his girls go down.”
The player at the center of the controversy has reportedly been on KIPP’s girls basketball team since the beginning of the season. KIPP’s athletic director Anthony Grimaldi declined to comment on whether or not their player’s gender identity factored into the forfeit. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association prevents students from being “excluded from participation on a gender-specific sports team that is consistent with the student’s bona fide gender identity.”
THE FEMALE RODMAN “IS HURTING ALL THE GIRLS ON THE BASKETBALL COURT N MASSACHUSETTS “ 2 MONTHS AGO A TRANS KNOCKS A GIRL TEETH OUT HER MOUTH “ LIKE WTF” PARENTS NEED TO STOP LETTING THEY KIDS PLAY AGAINST MEN (FEMALE RODMANS)SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY NEED TO FORFEIT EVERY… pic.twitter.com/TSPsBZAjfR
Wendy Williams’ care team disclosed information regarding her health struggles on Thursday (February 22). The former talk show’s team revealed she was diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
“In 2023, after undergoing a battery of medical tests, Wendy was officially diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD),” they said. “Aphasia, a condition affecting language and communication abilities, and frontotemporal dementia, a progressive disorder impacting behavior and cognitive functions, have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life.”
Williams’ team praised specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine for properly diagnosing her, allowing her to get the medical care she needed. Her caretakers also provided a positive update despite the grim realities of her health.
“Wendy is still able to do many things for herself,” her team said. “Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”
Williams’ team publicized her diagnosis in hopes of helping others.
“The decision to share this news was difficult and made after careful consideration, not only to advocate for understanding and compassion for Wendy, but to raise awareness about aphasia and frontotemporal dementia and support the thousands of others facing similar circumstances,” they said. “Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioral changes but have not yet received a diagnosis.”
They continued, “There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with dementia will be eliminated, and those affected will receive the understanding, support, and care they deserve and need.”
Williams’ team shared the diagnosis ahead of the premiere of Lifetime’s Where is Wendy Williams? documentary. The two-night event is scheduled to air on February 24 and 25.
BOA QG is the newest artist signed to Quality Control, and he’s ready to take the rap game over. Hailing from Waycross, South Georgia—a small town four hours from Atlanta—the rising star exploded onto the scene with his viral smash “Voodoo,” which caught the attention of his dream label. While BOA QG was locked up, he manifested his deal with QC, the only label he wanted.
BOA, who describes himself as a “very soulful artist and a grinder,” says his name stands for Brothers Over Anybody, a testament to his morals and what he stands on both personally and professionally. This spills directly into his newest single called “Been Gone,” a message to the people who are calling his line but weren’t there for him when he was down bad.
AllHipHop spoke with BOA QG up his return from Memphis. He discusses his background, getting locked up, “Voodoo” going viral, manifesting signing to Quality Control, new single “Been Gone” and more.
AllHipHop: You’re from Waycross, South Georgia. How far is that from Atlanta?
BOA QG: Like four hours. It’s two opposite sides of Georgia.
AllHipHop: I know it’s small town. Are you the first person to get poppin’ out of there?
BOA QG: Yeah, mos def. There ain’t nobody from there, I’m the first person. People have been trying to do it for 20 years, but I’m the first person. I’m familiar with the Atlanta scene, my mama stayed there for 12 years. I moved around a lot, I was on like a state kid. A DFACS kid, so I moved around a lot. But that’s my hometown though, Waycross.
AllHipHop: When did you fall in love with music? Favorite artists?
BOA QG: I always liked music since a kid. I like a lot of R&B artists. I like a lot of Jagged Edge. I like a lot of Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill. I like Michael Jackson. That’s my favorite artist in the whole world. As far as rapper, I’m a big Outkast fan. I’m a Lil Wayne fan, 50 Cent fan, Eminem fan. That type of branch. I’ve liked music my whole life though. It’s always been music, that’s all I have.
AllHipHop: How long were you locked up for?
BOA QG: The last time, I was in for six months. But the time before, I was locked up for two and a half years.
AllHipHop: What’d you learn from being behind bars?
BOA QG: Man, it’s a book I can write about what I learned behind bars! The main thing I learned is it’s up to you what you do in life. Ain’t nobody’s fault when you’re in jail but your own. At the end of the day, you’re making the decision that you’re making. It’s up to you, your life is in your control.I also learned that you don’t want to be controlled 24/7. You want to have freedom to do what you want to do in life, and it’s up to you. Jail really taught me a lot of lessons, to stop blaming everybody else for your problems.
It taught me the value of freedom. It’s things that I appreciate everyday that I didn’t appreciate before. I enjoy being able to go to my refrigerator and pulling out a bottle of water, being able to use that when I want to without having some guy right there. Right here while I’m using the bathroom. Walking back and forth, smoking a cigarette looking at me. You have no privacy.
I appreciate freedom and being free. Not being caged in and seeing people getting stabbed in the face, getting robbed by the food and stuff. It’s crazy. You be in certain places and it’s crazy, it’s really inhumane. When you go to jail, be prepared to be an animal. I learned from jail that I don’t want to be a regular human like everybody else. I don’t want to be caged up like an animal.
AllHipHop: How did that make you go turn up with the music?
BOA QG: Jail changed my whole style. When you in the streets, you listen to a lot of other rappers. You have a lot of influences from different rappers because this is what you’re listening to throughout the world. But when I was in jail, I didn’t have no music. Only thing I had was my bunk where I was beating on to make a beat and me rapping. I didn’t have any influences over those two years that were influencing my sound, so only thing I’m hearing is myself off the beats that I’m making literally off my bunk.
I ended up reaching a whole different pitch and tone in my flow and in my voice. Jail helped me create my sound because I was isolated and I wasn’t hearing any other rappers. I had no choice but to create my own sound over that time. The isolation and acoustic that I got in that cell over those two years, it did something to my voice. It put a snap in me. I was just rapping, and the more I rapped, people started coming to my cell like “what the hell was that?” I started noticing oh yeah, people messing with it. So I kept going with that approach. Now, the COs is like “boy when you get out of here, you better do something with it.” I never really looked back.
AllHipHop: That’s hard.
BOA QG: I knew I was going to be signed to QC when I was in jail. How I’m having an interview right now with you, inmates were asking me: “So who are you going to sign to when you get out?” This that and the third. “What made you start doing music?” Man, get out my face with all that. [laughs] But I never thought I’d really be doing this forreal, at that time.
AllHipHop: How’d you know you were going to sign to QC?
BOA QG: Because that’s my dream label. I always knew if I was going to sign to a record label, I’d sign there. That’s always been my favorite label since I was kid, from when they first came out with the Migos to everything after that. Even every character from YRN, from Jose [Guapo] to Rich The Kid to Skippa Da Flippa to the Migos. There’s so many more, their whole campaign was crazy. The way they had with Yachty, Lil Baby, City Girls, it’s so many different chapters with QC that I was in love with ever since they came out.
With me being from down south Georgia or being a Georgia boy period, you gotta imagine the effect they had over the state period. It’s like that’s gon’ be me, hands down. For us, it’s 1017 or QC. I’ve always been a QC fanatic, so I always knew I was going to sign to them.
AllHipHop: How did they reach out to you? It was when “Voodoo” went crazy right?
BOA QG: Most definitely. When he hit me up, I wasn’t even into social media at the time. Man, I’m trying to get signed to QC. We in the studio, all these labels hitting me up. But QC ain’t hit me up. I said somebody from QC hit me up, but I want P to hit me up. I’m looking at it and they’re like, “Are you slow? You don’t know how to read Instagram? This is QC P right here!” I’m like nah, for real?!
So I text him back like “wassup.” He shoots me the number and we go to talking. He said, “I’m going to take a flight. I’ll be back in the A in two weeks, I’m finna leave some time tonight.” I said I can meet you right now, it’ll take me four hours. I ain’t trying to wait till you get back two weeks later.
AllHipHop: Good for you!
BOA QG: I went, and we met that day. We kicked it a few more times, we kicked it a lot more times before I signed. Feeling the temperature, and everything was what I thought it was going to be. I was starstruck when I seen P. I’ve never been starstruck with too many people I’ve met. But him, I was starstruck because this is who I’ve been wanting to meet my whole life. It was crazy. It was wild.
AllHipHop: How much did they turn you up?
BOA QG: They changed me, I can’t even lie. I was a country guy, on God. It’s a lot of stuff that I’ve seen, but this is a different level. It changed my whole mindset for the better. My mindset was messed up too. Every day I woke up, I thought about murder murder kill kill. But now, my mindset is so different. Every day I wake up, I think about my next move and my next source of income. Elevating, my mind is so far gone from what it used to be. I used to be straight street. Now my mind is on something totally different. You can’t even pay me to get involved in no BS. I’m just tunnel vision.
AllHipHop: Did you anticipate “Voodoo” would go crazy?
BOA QG: Yeah, I can’t even lie. It was few songs that I knew would go crazy. I was putting out the other songs, those songs were going viral before “Voodoo.” But it built up a fanbase for the attraction. Once I dropped “Voodoo,” I already had all those people watching me from the other acapellas I was doing. They’re like ”this right here the one.” I already knew that was gonna go crazy though. Because when I made it, I’m like yeah, I done tapped into something.
AllHipHop: I saw NLE Choppa commented.
BOA QG: I know. He hit me up too. I’m tryna keep that on the low.
AllHipHop: Who else cosigned the record?
BOA QG: It was a lot of people. Tee Grizzley hit me up, The Game. Melly hit me up from jail, his team reached out. There’s a lot of people. Me and The Game, he did a remake putting my chorus on his album for a song he did on there.
AllHipHop: I’m on the West Coast, you know The Game is legendary right?
BOA QG: That’s why I did it. A lot of people reached out to me about doing a remix. Melly reached out, then The Game. I let The Game do it because I’m a big fan of him, since a kid. Come on, you a legend. That’s crazy.
AllHipHop: “Been Gone” out now. You say you been MIA, where you been?
BOA QG: Working. I’ve been working, I’ve been grinding. The lifestyle that I used to live, you can’t pay me to get into that. People be calling my phone, but none of y’all were there for me. Ain’t nobody helped me do nothing. People be asking, “What you got going on?” I’ve been gone. Riding around the city, I’ve been trying to get it. I’ve been gone for a minute yeah. I ain’t hit your phone in a minute yeah.
I’m focused. This is the song describing how life’s been going. Really, all these people hitting me up. Y’all was not there for me when I was going through what I was going through, so now I’m focused on me. I’m focused on my life and getting what I need to get better. It’s that type of song. This my inspiration song. I’m leaving this all behind me and I’m focused on bigger and better.
AllHipHop: Best encounter you had with a fan?
BOA QG: I’ve had some crazy encounters with my fans. I love my fans. Y’all coming to the shows to come see me, that’s crazy. What? Y’all pay to come out here to see me? Y’all done fill this b#### up, damn. That’s a crazy feeling for me. I have a fan grab my neck, hold me and cry. “I can’t believe this. You remember me?” I’m like yeah, I remember you. [laughs] You crying to see me? That’s wild.
AllHipHop: That’s love.
BOA QG: That’s real love! Fans from across the world hitting me up. A fan hit me up the other day for a feature and we ended up working out the feature. He was OD happy because he said, “I’m so glad I got this feature with you, and I got a Priority beat too!” Man, this is crazy. He’s from Belgium. It be folks from Africa, Australia, Ghana, London, all over the place hitting me up. It’s amazing for me. Having fans across the world, knowing that my music is heard in these places, that’s one of the most amazing things for me. I’m from down South.
AllHipHop: What can we expect from your mixtape 3Teen?
BOA QG: 13 is when I hopped off the porch forreal. That’s when I got outside. I got kicked out my mom’s house when I was 13. A few months later, I seen my dad get killed the front of me. I’ve been on my own since I was 13. I’ve been an orphan, in and out of group homes since I was 13. In the streets since I was 13, that’s when I stepped into manhood.
AllHipHop: Does that mean it’s going to be super vulnerable?
BOA QG: Vulnerable is a vulnerable word. You could say so. It’s going to have some touchy standpoints on there. Because I got a song like “Grandma’s Heart”, that’s a vulnerable song. That came from out the heart for real. I got “All I Breathe” on there, that came from out the heart. So you can definitely say that.
AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let the people know?
BOA QG: Be looking for a 3Teen, this project is coming. On the way! Look for it this month and we lit. Be looking for me, see me a lot around. I’m coming and I’m back, so let’s get it.
In 2022, a federal jury found Jamal “Mayhem Mal” Knox guilty of conspiracy to distribute Fentanyl. According to reports, a judge has sentenced the Pittsburgh-area rapper and alleged Hustlas Don’t Sleep gang associate to 24 years in federal prison.
Authorities accused Jamal Knox of supplying fentanyl to the HDS drug trafficking organization. Twelve other individuals also faced charges related to the case. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force’s investigation led to the prosecution in Pennsylvania.
“This investigation and prosecution of the HDS gang is the result of sustained, coordinated work by federal, state and local law enforcement working together,” then-U.S. Attorney Scott W. Brady stated in 2019.
The Pennsylvania State University School of Law graduate also added, “As long as there are neighborhoods in western Pennsylvania terrorized by gang violence and drug dealers, we will continue to fight for you and your families.”
Jamal Knox Previously Appealed State Conviction On First Amendment Claims
Jamal Knox made national news in 2019 after the United States Supreme Court rejected his case over First Amendment rights. Hip-Hop stars such as Killer Mike, Chance The Rapper, Meek Mill, Yo Gotti, Fat Joe and 21 Savage supported Knox’s artistic expression when creating a track titled “F### the Police.”
A 2012 arrest for gun and drug charges led to Jamal Knox and Rashee “Souja Beaz” Beasley recording “F### The Police.” Knox’s song included lyrics that mentioned killing the two Pittsburgh police officers who arrested him.
The following year a Pennsylvania state jury convicted Jamal Knox of committing terroristic threats. The jurors disregarded the rhymer’s argument that the First Amendment shields “F### the Police” as protected speech. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld that conviction.
Boosie Badazz has shared his thoughts on Dr. Umar Johnson’s opinion of Eminem. The Baton Rouge-raised rapper spoke about the celebrated Caucasian MC during a recent interview.
Last year, Johnson claimed Eminem cannot be considered one of Hip-Hop’s greats because of his race. The self-described Pan-Africanist stated, “No non-African can ever be the best of anything African. It is an insult to the ancestors, it is an insult to the race and it is an insult to every Black person.”
Cam Capone News asked Boosie Badazz to comment on what Dr. Umar Johnson had to say about Eminem. The “Wipe Me Down” hitmaker explained why Em does not place high on his personal greatest of all time list.
“Where I’m from, we don’t listen to Eminem. I’m from the trenches. I never heard nobody come in my projects playing Eminem. I’m gonna keep it real. When I hear him, I say, ‘He can rap.’ I always say that,” Boosie stated.
The outspoken internet personality also added, “I used to like that song [“My Name Is”]. But where I’m from, I never heard Eminem not one time in the speakers in my projects. I gotta be honest. None of my friends never said, ‘Put Eminem on.'”
Eminem’s career as a recording artist includes five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, 10 No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart, 15 Grammy Awards, and an Academy Award. In addition, he ranks among the top 20 certified artists in history with 61.5 million RIAA units.
Boosie Badazz also talked about how people judge greatness in different ways. He expressed, “You’re gonna have some people say Eminem’s Top 5. You’re gonna have some people say he’s not. Because everybody’s music touches you in a different way.”
Any fans hoping to see Kid Cudi and Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino) collaborating on content may end up disappointed. Cudi let one of his supporters know that possible collaboration does not seem to be in the cards.
“You and Gambino gotta work on something whether it’s TV, movies or music. We’d love to see/hear it! Your guys’ song ‘Warlords’ needs an official release!” one person tweeted to Kid Cudi on Wednesday (February 21).
The Cleveland-raised rhymer simply replied, “I’m cool.” Nearly one million Twitter (X) users viewed Cudi’s response tweet which collected more than 300 replies and 3,000 likes on the social media platform.
Kid Cudi and Childish Gambino have similar careers in the entertainment industry. Both men create alternative-style Hip-Hop music. The two stars also work as actors and executive producers in Hollywood.
Gambino released the Grammy-nominated studio albums Because the Internet in 2013 and “Awaken, My Love!” in 2016. The five-time Grammy winner also won directing and acting Emmy Awards for FX’s groundbreaking Atlantatelevision series.
Kid Cudi scored a Grammy Award for his contribution to “All of the Lights” by Kanye West. His Entergalacticmusic television special on Netflix won Outstanding Individual Achievement In Animation at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards.
Cam’ron made it clear he has no interest in being with Erykah Badu. The It Is What It Is podcaster spoke about the Queen of Neo-Soul on an episode of his sports talk show.
At one point, fellow It Is What It Is host Ma$e asked Cam’ron to “rate” female celebrities Amber Rose, Draya Michele and Lori Harvey by looks. Cam’ron praised Rose before mentioning the mother of André 3000’s son, Seven Benjamin.
“She’s a homie too, but I told n##### she can’t get nowhere near me with that p####,” Cam’ron said about Erykah Badu. “That s### she be doing to n##### is crazy. N##### be regular until they f### her.”
The so-called “Badu Box” has been a topic of conversation in Hip-Hop circles for decades. Throughout her career, the Dallas-bred songstress has dated rappers André 3000, The D.O.C., Jay Electronica and Common.
“Yeah, the ‘Badu Box’ is real,” Common acknowledged in 2014. “It can take you to another universe. But seriously that’s when you meet somebody that’s real special and you’re like, ‘Man, this woman got… she got something else man.’”
Additionally, the Electric Circus album creator said, “It ain’t just the sex. It ain’t just the looks. It’s like something that’s kind of like spirit-wise where you’re like, ‘This woman got something else.’”
Members of the public speculated for months about Halle Bailey potentially carrying DDG’s child. The celebrity couple chose to keep the news private.
DDG recently sat down with Jason Lee for the celebrity blogger’s program. The Jason Lee Show conversation included the YouTuber talking about not revealing Halle Bailey’s pregnancy.
“I feel like she always wanted to be a mom. We always kind of just give off that energy, and I always wanted a kid. So, from there we just made the decision to go through with it,” DDG told Jason Lee.
The “Moonwalking in Calabasas” rapper also added, “I think it was more so like people were already giving us negative vibes. So it’s like, why let them know and then let them make her pregnancy stressful?”
DDG has faced criticism from some Halle Bailey fans for supposedly not being on the same level as The Little Mermaid star. The Epic recording artist pushed back against his online haters.
Halle Bailey, 23, and DDG, 26, went public with their relationship in 2022. The Color Purple actress announced the birth of baby Halo in January of this year with an Instagram post.
Bailey wrote, “Even though we’re a few days into the new year, the greatest thing that 2023 could have done for me, was bring me my son… Welcome to the world my Halo… The world is desperate to know you.”
Drill rapper DigDat has reportedly been arrested for attempted murder and other firearms offenses.
The South London-based artist also faces multiple firearms charges. He is accused of attempting to kill a man in West London on November 20, 2023, per British outlet This Is Local London.
The outlet reports DigDat, real name Nathan Tokosi, appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court earlier this week (February 19).
DigDat is charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life/enable another to do so. In addition, he is accused of possessing three 9mm Parabellum caliber bullets.
Official details surrounding the case are scarce, but DigDat’s rumored victim is a rival rapper from drill collective CGM, Striker. In a video from December, Striker recounts his experience of being shot eight times on November 20, 2023, although he does not name the alleged gunman.
In another video, Striker is seen dancing in the hospital following the incident.
DigDat who began making waves in the U.K. drill scene following hit breakout hit “Air Force” is no stranger to legal issues and has reportedly had multiple stints behind bars. Meanwhile, the Deptford native’s fellow CMG artist Digga D was arrested following a police raid in the early hours of Monday morning. He took to Instagram Live to capture the raid as cops attempted to gain entry to his home.
According to Daily Mail, police confirmed Digga D “was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs. He remains in custody.”
Wendy Williams is working on her health issues after fans shared concerns about the media maven following Lifetime’s new documentary.
Titled Where Is Wendy Williams?, the doc sees Williams break down at various points as she discusses her struggling with her mental health and memory loss since leaving her beloved show in 2021. The two-part series also covers her ailing physical health and her battles with alcoholism and financial issues.
In a new interview on Wednesday (February 21), Wendy Williams’ family reported that she is making improvements at a facility to address cognitive issues.
“I spoke with her yesterday and I speak with her very regularly when she reaches out to me,” Williams’ sister, Wanda Finnie, told People. “She is, from what I understand, in a wellness, healing type of environment.”
While the family can’t contact Williams directly, she can reach out to family members. “She is in a healing place emotionally. She’s not the person that you see in this film,” Finnie added.
Williams’ niece Alex Finnie, an executive producer on the Lifetime documentary, said her aunt appears to be turning her life around.
“She sounds really great,” she added. “To hear my aunt now in terms of just how clear she is, just how focused she is on the importance of family and the reality in terms of facing and understanding where she’s at physically and mentally and emotionally, it is like a 180.”
J. Cole is officially in roll-out mode, teasing his seventh studio album, The Fall Off, with the release of a vlog titled Might Delete Later, Vol. 1.
The “The Secret Recipe” hitmaker shared the 10-minute video from a burner account named after the project. The vlog also includes an unreleased song and features behind-the-scenes snippets from the It’s All A Blur – Big As the What? Tour with Drake.
Other footage from the Smack DVD-style visual features cameos from Drizzy and the recent tour addition, Lil Durk. J. Cole also revealed he’s been in the studio with Metro Boomin, which might indicate what to expect on his highly anticipated upcoming album.
Cole’s Dreamville Records shared a clip from the Might Delete Later vlog, while teasing the project.
“This new J. Cole is sounding CRAZY,” the caption read. “’The Fall Off’ on the way.
Check out some of the reactions at the end of the page.
During a 2021 interview for his cover story with SLAM, J. Cole explained he’s been working on The Fall Off since 2016.
“I found the phrase in 2016, actually, early 2016 when I was working on 4 Your Eyez Only. I found a phrase, I did the hook to the song and I was like, Oh, this is the phrase that sums up this whole chapter for me. And that’s when I started working on The Fall Off.”
J. Cole's rollout has officially started, he is back with a new snippet during a tour vlog video called 'MIGHT DELETE LATER Vol 1' teasing his The Fall Off album
"there's not a rap n*gga breathing that can outlast, The Fall Off is like Hov dropping Reasonable Doubt last" pic.twitter.com/zYEXiq5OFc
A J. Cole new album rollout isn’t just a moment, it’s a reason to breathe. A reason to get up and go to work every morning to put food on the table for my kids. There isn’t anything else I have in life to look forward to. Thank you J. Cole
Tiffany Haddish is responding to the backlash over her visit to Israel to learn about the ongoing war.
The comedian and actress, who discovered she was Jewish later in life and had her Bat Mitzvah at 40 in 2019, faced criticism after revealing her fact-finding mission to the war-torn region.
Actor and comic Tiffany Haddish is headed to Israel.
Haddish, who is Jewish, says she’s going to Israel “to learn and see with my own eyes.” pic.twitter.com/71HdcWFP5a
During an interview with TMZ Wednesday (February 21), Tiffany Haddish doubled down on her reasons for traveling to Israel, repeating, ” I can’t believe everything I read.”
When asked about the backlash directly, Haddish responded to reactions to her joking about looking for romance on the trip.
“I saw a headline today that I’m out here trying to find a man,” she said. “That was a little joke that I cracked. I’m out here to be informed, I want the true education. I think the best way to learn is to be present in a place and see for yourself. Don’t believe everything the media tells you because a lot of times the media only tells you half the truth.”
When asked her opinion on the “scope of the retaliation by Israel” and the deaths of “30,000 Palestinians“, Haddish replied, “Yes, I’m going over there too. I just been here for a few hours.”
She also explained that she learned a lot since arriving, before becoming emotional regarding the human suffering in the region.
“I care about both sides; I care about humanity. Human beings,” Haddish said. “I know there’s a lot of religious stuff going on, a lot of control of the land, ‘No Jews here, no this there’ whatever… that’s neither here nor there with me. It’s about the human life, human beings. Human beings, man! That’s what I care about. That’s why I’m here.”
Tiffany Haddish is getting a lot of backlash for going to Israel, but @TiffanyHaddish came on TMZ Live to explain why she's decided to go see what's happening for herself. pic.twitter.com/Vfdu7WZg0L
Kodak Black was released from Broward County jail Wednesday afternoon (February 21) but may find himself in trouble with the law again after lashing out at reporters as he walked out of the facility.
The rapper’s attorney had announced his impending release earlier on Wednesday, and a local news crew were outside the jail waiting for Kodak Black to emerge. However, when he finally did, Black reportedly threatened to punch Local 10 News reporter Rosh Lowe. He then throws a rock at the photographer.
Black is seen milling about outside the jail, telling reporters, “I been hibernating, chilling bro.”
However, things soon take a turn for the worse after Black allegedly threatened to punch the reporter, who threatened to call the cops.
Black is then caught on camera throwing a rock at the photographer. “These rocks hit my reporter right in the ribs. This is serious,” Lowe explained.
According to Local 10 News, the photographer wasn’t injured. However, a report was filed with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
Hours before his release, the rapper’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, revealed that Black would be released by the end of the day. He also said his client pleaded guilty to just one count of failure to report police contact, and his federal probation is now over.
Cops arrested Black in December after finding him asleep at the wheel of his vehicle. Officers allegedly discovered a “white chunky substance” during a search. He was initially booked for cocaine, but prosecutors charged him with possession of oxycodone last month. Cohen filed to dismiss the charge, claiming the drug was prescribed to Kodak Black.
In Washington D.C.’s vibrant creative scene, Aishaetu Gullattee emerges as a prominent figure, merging her love for fashion design and music into a notable career. From her educational roots at Dunbar High School and Howard University, Gullattee has masterfully intertwined these passions, making significant strides in both arenas.
Her Start: From Dunbar to Design
Aishaetu Gullattee’s journey began with her education in Washington D.C., laying the foundation for her diverse career. Launching her fashion career in 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina, she has seen her brand, Tutu’s Boutique, grow from its initial focus to become a celebrated name in D.C.’s fashion landscape.
Her Clothes: A Testament to Tailoring and Taste
Gullattee is renowned for her exceptional special occasion gowns, showcasing her skill in alterations, garment reconstructions, and children’s wear in D.C. Her website, www.tutusboutique.com, not only displays her craftsmanship but also reflects her dedication to sharing her fashion knowledge. As the go-to designer for custom gown services in D.C., Gullattee’s creations are celebrated for their bespoke beauty, perfectly aligning with each client’s vision and style. Her adeptness in sewing ensures every piece is impeccably crafted, highlighting her meticulous attention to detail.
Her Services: Sewing Lessons and Beyond
Beyond designing, Gullattee is passionate about education, offering sewing lessons to those eager to learn the craft. Her services extend to providing expert alterations in D.C., garment reconstructions, and creating personalized children’s wear, making her a versatile figure in the fashion industry. Through Tutusboutique, she empowers aspiring designers and clients alike, sharing her expertise and love for fashion with the D.C. community.
Her Music: A Soulful Symphony
Parallel to her fashion career, Aishaetu Gullattee has carved a niche in the music industry as a rapper and singer. Following the loss of her mother, Dr. Alyce Gullattee, music became a therapeutic outlet for her, allowing her to express her deepest emotions and experiences. Her background in the Union Temple youth choir and her evolution as an artist exemplify her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.
A Multifaceted Journey
Aishaetu Gullattee’s evolution from a dancewear designer to a leading figure in Washington D.C.’s fashion and music scenes underscores her relentless pursuit of growth and excellence. Her dual career serves as an inspiration, proving that with dedication and talent, it’s possible to make a significant impact in more than one creative field. Gullattee continues to inspire with her commitment to her crafts, encouraging others to explore and pursue their artistic passions.
Aishaetu Gullattee’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and versatility, making her a standout personality in Washington D.C.’s thriving artistic community. Whether through her bespoke gowns or her heartfelt music, she leaves an indelible mark on all who encounter her work. Learn more about Aishaetu Gullattee here
Tyler, The Creator unveiled the first images of the collection he designed for Louis Vuitton and thanked Pharrell Williams for the opportunity in the process.
On Wednesday (February 21), Tyler shared a post on Instagram featuring images from his first-ever capsule for Louis Vuitton Men’s collection with the French fashion house. In the caption, Tyler expressed gratitude to Williams for helping him realize a dream he revealed he’s been preparing for since he was 13 years old.
“A Louis Vuitton collection by TYLER OKONMA,” Tyler wrote in the lengthy post. “hand drawn craggy monogram. chess board is my favorite thing ive made. thank you @pharrell i love you, you keep throwing me the keys. the @louisvuitton team thank yall for allowing these ideas come to life. thank you @darrenvongphakdy we really ran in there like we ran the place. and @missrazavi and @luisperezdop we the trio for real [heart emoji]. ive been making clothes since i was 13, sheesh.”
Tyler, The Creator described his meticulous and hands-on process while designing the collection in a follow-up post.
“hand drawn monograms, wavy soles, waffle and butter sandles, dogs, pastel colors all that,” he wrote. “i wanted to mix my style and louis vuittons codes together in a way that felt slightly whimsical but could still be worn to the gas station on a tuesday. what an experience being in that office, imagination running wild. have you seen that chessboard?!!!! i had a real late night editing these photos, im happy to finally share this collection and lookbook with you guys. still cant believe it. collection out March 21st.”
Hip-Hop, rap and R&&B stars showed up in droves in the comments section of Tyler’s post to offer their support to the Odd Future innovator.
“I told you I told everyone I screamed it from the rooftops I knew you were gonna do this one day bro you inspire us like some s### I’ve never seen before in life,” Jaden Smith wrote in the comment section. “im like I don’t even know what to say bro you’re genius aggghhdghdjdjsjgs!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Imma rob you when I see you.”
Tyler, The Creator’s close friend and collaborator Solange Knowles also congratulated the CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST lyricist, commenting, “oh u 8 that sisss,” while ScHool Boy Q added “FresH.”
In a statement to GQ, Williams explained how he and his “Cash In Cash Out” collaborator’s connection through music and design naturally blossomed into the collection for LV.
“Tyler has been my close friend and collaborator for years and we’ve always connected on music and design,” Williams said in an email. “This collaboration is unique to Louis Vuitton because it’s a natural extension of our LVERS philosophy, building on our network of incredible artists and creatives. There are so many elements specific to Tyler built into these pieces and it’s been inspiring to see him hone in on his craft and collaborate with him for this Spring collection.”
Officially kicking off the Spring 2024 campaign, the collection features many of Tyler’s touches, including his own hand-drawn take of the iconic LV monogram, which he has the “Craggy Monogram.” The collection also offers a warming take on pastel hues and charming beige and vanilla tonal colors, along with an assortment or hard luggage like the €68,000 Courrier Lozine 110 trunk he previously designed for LV for his live shows.
Check out additional images of the collection below.
The highly-anticipated 17th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024, and the prestigious event will once again celebrate the achievements of trailblazing Black women in Hollywood.
Grammy Award-winning rapper, actor, and entrepreneur Method Man will host the event as ESSENCE shines light on women who are making an undeniable and indelible mark in film and television.
This year’s entertainment industry trailblazers include Academy Award-nominated actress & Grammy Award winner, Danielle Brooks, six-time Grammy-nominated singer and leading actress, Halle Bailey, acclaimed screenwriter and showrunner of All American, All American: Homecoming and Found, Nkechi Okoro Carroll and industry powerhouse & President of Original Programming for STARZ, Kathryn Busby.
Through the lens of cinematic achievement, the 2024 awards ceremony will both honor and explore the multifaceted strength that defines the essence of Black women, with emphasis on their role as pillars of resilience and determination even in the face of industry adversity.
The 2024 theme of Essence Black Women in Hollywood is “Radiant Power”- spotlighting the strength, grace, and influence of Black women in television and film following the turmoil of the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strike. The awards ceremony will air on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network.
High school teachers in North Carolina are being retrained after a racially insensitive incident concerning Black History Month (BHM) sparked a nationwide debate.
West Charlotte High School’s recent decorations, ironically in celebration of BHM, were promptly removed after photos of double doors in the school featuring “Colored” and “White” entrance labels went viral on social media.
Hundreds of users on Twitter (X) remarked on the images, engaging in back-and-forth discussions with each other over whether the display was constructive or disrespectful.
While some users argued there was a sense of meritocracy added by the display, others countered with the fact that regionally, racism is still a major issue across America.
I hear you but we haven't come that far at all,in the recent years in austin texas,st louis missouri and somewhere else that escapes me at the moment,whites only stickers were plastered across businesses, said to be a so called joke but a joke that was painful to many ya know🤦🏿♂️💯 pic.twitter.com/dO0coboI5v
— BeͤrͬrͬyꙷDaⷶrͬkᷜMeͤlᷝaⷶnᷡiͥnᷡDeͤeͤpᷮ (@berry_deep) February 21, 2024
People also discussed if it was actually causing more division.
“That’s really bad,” a user wrote. “That feeds racism. How about we quit dividing ourselves. Hate and division is taught and pushed.” Another user added, “Hate to break it to you because it sounds like you live under a rock, the black folks don’t like us even more now than before.” The user added, “It’s them that want separation. Whites dying at the hands of blacks everyday.”
Hate to break it to you because it sounds like you live under a rock, the black folks don't like us even more now than before. It's them that want separation. Whites dying at the hands of blacks everyday.
Ebony Caldwell, daughter of the teacher responsible for the display, says her mother was “very hurt” by the backlash and claims her mom wasn’t informed the decorations, which were removed on Valentine’s Day, would be taken down.
