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Rising Rapper West Talks “Euro$tep,” Remaining Independent And His New Single “Checks”

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Breeding Ground
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West is here to prove that you can live out your dreams of being a recording artist, without needing to sign to a major label. Originally born in New York, raised in the Bay Area, but now residing in sunny Los Angeles, the rising star lists music as his biggest passion… and he spends his waking hours in the lab perfecting his craft.  

Born to a traditional immigrant family, the Asian American rapper graduated from UCLA in 2015, and began his career working in Management Consulting. In 2019, he took a leap of faith to commit to music full-time. 

West states, “I wasn’t too happy with it. I didn’t derive a whole lot of happiness or purpose from my job, So in 2019, I decided to quit and go for what I wanted. That’s basically 99% of my life, is my career in music right now.”

Most recently, West unveiled the official music video for his biggest song to date, “Euro$tep.”

On the chorus, he spits, “I do not miss. Started in Cali and now I got b###### in Europe singing my s###. Remember it’s never the critic who counts, that’s just the way it is. Tell me, why would I listen to you on this s### when you never could do what I did?”

“Euro$tep” holds fans over until the release of his newest single “Checks,” which arrives on July 7th.

AllHipHop caught up with West in downtown Los Angeles, moments before he headed to the golf course. Read below as we discuss his background, his love for music, his parents support, his name, the making of “Euro$tep,” new single “Checks,” studio essentials, and more!

AllHipHop: Have you been making music your whole life?

West: My whole life. I was singing, playing piano and guitar since I was a kid. But it wasn’t something that I thought was all that realistic. But once I had gotten the job that I thought I wanted, it didn’t make me happy so I went for it. I had already written around 200 songs at that time. My friends had this intervention and said “you need to start doing this.”

AllHipHop: Those are real friends! When did you fall in love with music?

West: Since before I can remember. Since I was kid, I always had a pair of wire earphones tucked behind my ear, so I was constantly listening to music since I was a kid.

AllHipHop: What artists made you fall in love with music?

West: It was probably what my parents would play. They played a lot of Nat King Cole. They played a lot of Simon & Garfunkel, Chinese music, classical music. When I first started being autonomous and having an mp3 player, it was stuff like Green Day, Eminem, 50 Cent.

AllHipHop: How would you describe your sound?

West: Honestly, just a hodgepodge of everything that I like. I’m a melody enthusiast, I love melodies. So a mix between rap, Hip Hop, and pop. 

AllHipHop: How are parents responding to the music? Are you full Chinese?

West: I am. They’re my biggest supporters. When we talk about the future, my dad is very matter-of-fact about my success like “oh, yeah, just make sure you take care of your health.” We’ll talk about the future when I play Madison Square Garden or something. My dad’s the type to be like “it’s just a matter of time before that happens for you. Just make sure you get enough sleep” type thing.

They’re super supportive. In the beginning, they were worried of course. But always supportive. Never not supportive. We have a great relationship so when I told them that I was going to do this, they trusted me. 

AllHipHop: Were they worried when you quit your job? 

West: Yeah, like any good parents would be.. I would be worried too if my kids did the same thing. I reassured them and let them know that within two years, you should be able to see some results. Now, they’re on board for sure.

AllHipHop: Do they listen to your music?

West: They do. [laughs] My dad doesn’t use headphones, so he plays them on his iPhone speakers. We’ll be in the gym, he’ll sit here and play it on his iPhone. My mom loops my music 24/7. She’s always trying to give me some more streams, it’s hilarious.

AllHipHop: How’d you get your name? Is West your real name?

West: No, my real name’s Eddy. West was something that just came to me. I’m sure you can relate, our families come from the Far East. In my household at least, my parents immigrated here. Growing up, the idea of the West and the Western Hemisphere represented a destination that provided a better life. That concept of the West was synonymous with being successful, being stable, providing a better life for your family. It has a cultural meaning, but also for me personally, my roots come from the Far East, but my life has led me over here to the West. The sun rises in the East and sets in the West, so it mirrors my life path, and represents completion and where you’re going.

AllHipHop: Talk about your biggest song, “Euro$tep.” I love the video, I always want to steal a golf cart and drive around.

West: The song had gone viral long before we had released the video. It went on Instagram first, but I was feeling pressure from everyone saying “you gotta put together a video and put it out.” I didn’t want to dilute the intention of the song by coming out with a stereotypical flashy video with a bunch of cars in front of a mansion, it had to be real for us. We want it to be something where, let’s go to the actual golf course that we play at, with our friends. It’s gotta be real, and that’s the only way people will resonate with it. 

“Euro$tep” was a song that I had written the hook for, then I posted a 5 second clip on Reels. The next day when I woke up, the video had 3 million views. But the song wasn’t done. I’d just written 3 lines of the hook. I’m like f###, I gotta finish the song and take advantage of the virality.

AllHipHop: What do you think made it go viral?

West: I don’t know what it is. I think the drop played a big part of it. People liked the “3, 2, 1,” how hard the beat was. Maybe the hook had a mixture of rap and singing. Not singing, but sing-rapping. It went viral and the next morning I’m like, well I don’t have a song to put out. I had to finish it. I ended up finishing it that night, then releasing it 2 weeks later. I released it, and initially it performed pretty steadily. But it didn’t pop off until about 4 months later when Manchester United and Premier League soccer posted it on Reels.

AllHipHop: Just organically?

West: Yeah. I don’t know anything about soccer, so I didn’t know it was a big deal. It was more people would tag me or send it to me, so I knew it was big. But it wasn’t anything… if the NBA had posted it, I’d probably flip out more. 

AllHipHop: Talk about the independent grind and why you want to remain independent? 

West: First and foremost, I do music because I love it. Art in its most successful and purest form is a form where no one can tell you what to write or what to do or how to move. That’s how it resonates most with people, so I value creative control in doing whatever the f### I want, when I want, over money or anything else. Also, that’s the road to financial stability in this industry. If you own your masters, you own all your stuff, you’re going to make money if you’re successful. I want to build leverage and fanbase and get to the point where no one can tell me what to do. Eventually, I will sign with a major when the time is right. That time is not now. Independence and self-sufficiency is really important to me.

AllHipHop: Talk about your new single “Checks,” what’re you most excited for?

West: I’m excited. For me, whenever you write a song, you get really excited about it initially, then you have to wait so long for other people to hear it. It’s been a month, so I’m excited for people to finally hear it. It’s another song I wrote in one night, it’s 100% me. It’s one of those songs where 90% of the lines are some form of clever bar, but they also mean something, and there’s no filler. I’m proud of the message that it represents. Every line is like, oh that’s the truth. It’s another step towards where I want to go. I’m excited for people to see a video to the song.

AllHipHop: What can we expect from the video?

West: Hopefully something unique. Something cool, but the video wasn’t supposed to be the video. We were shooting short form content for TikTok and Reels. We ran 3 takes of 7 different songs. We came back and saw this one, were like “this is really good.” It was super natural, we were having fun. We ended up turning it into a music video.

AllHipHop: What is it you want fans to get from your story? 

West: If people can listen to my music and have some form of positive messaging or inspiration. Specifically what I like to preach in my music is always be yourself. Be confident, don’t give a f### what other people are saying. If you believe it, you can do it. Through consistency, hard work, confidence and a relentless attitude. There’s two ways to go through life. You can either go through life thinking “oh I’m not that good, I don’t know if I can do it”, or you can be like “I’m the s###.” If my music helps them think like the latter, then that would be for me, a career well spent doing music.

AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio at all times?

West: A candle. Some kind of gummies, I usually go for Welch’s fruit snacks. And palo santo, I have to burn that.

AllHipHop: What do you like to do for fun, when you’re not working? 

West: I like to golf, workout and cook. Lots of Chinese food, lots of Korean food. 

AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself? 

West: Yeah, to be the biggest artist in the world. Put the music on the biggest stage possible, to affect as many people positively as possible. To take care of my family, so they never have to worry about anything. To live my life out through my purpose, which is to make music at the highest level. On the other side, on the personal side, to keep improving myself as a man. Become the most disciplined, generous, moral, capable, rich, kind person that I can be.

AllHipHop: What can we expect next?

West: Lots of new music. I’m gonna be around forever so for me, it’s a marathon. Constantly releasing new music, new content. Maybe in a year or so, going on tour. Hopefully that will come soon. More music, just on a bigger scale.

Tupac Shakur’s Stepfather Mutulu Dead At 72 Following Recent Prison Release

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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Tupac Shakur’s stepfather, Mutulu Shakur, died on Thursday (July 6) after a long illness. The family made the announcement via Instagram the following day using an illustration of the 72-year-old. The caption read: “Our beloved Mutulu joined the ancestors this morning at home with family. Please bless him on his path and we will share more soon. Rest in power and love.”

Mutulu’s death comes just seven months after he was released from prison. The Black liberation elder served more than 36 years behind bars for his alleged involvement in a 1981 robbery that led to three fatalities. He was granted a compassionate release in November 2022 due to his bone marrow cancer diagnosis.

In May 2022, a Bureau of Prisons doctor revealed Mutulu had less than six months to live. It wasn’t until after a hearing last October that the federal parole commission admitted the dying man posed zero risk to society. He’d previously made the request for release at least 10 times, held a clean institutional record and was considered a mentor to many.

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A post shared by Dr. Mutulu Shakur (@mutulushakur)

Mutulu Shakur was gravely ill with terminal cancer in April 2022, when the same parole commission denied his release. Medical reports pointed to his decline in physical function, confusion and hallucinations. It was only then he was granted release. He spent his remaining days in Southern California with his family.

Mutulu was convicted of racketeering conspiracy charges alongside several Black liberationists and leftist allies for his involvement in the 1981 robbery of a Brink’s armored truck. A guard and two police officers were killed during the melee. He took responsibility for his actions and expressed remorse for the lives lost.

Prior to his incarceration, Mutulu was a member of the Black nationalist organization Republic of New Afrika. He was a renowned acupuncturist and central figure in the movement to bring holistic health care and self-determination to Black residents in the Bronx during the ’70s. In 1975, he married 2Pac’s mother, Afeni Shakur. They had a daughter, Sekyiwa, but divorced in 1982.

AllHipHop sends its condolences to the Shakur family.

6ix9ine & Anuel AA Fight On Instagram, Allegations Of Pedophilia, Domestic Abuse Fly

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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6ix9ine has found himself in the midst of rap beef once again. On Wednesday (July 5), the “Gooba” rapper took to social media to criticize Anuel AA’s parenting skills after the Puerto Rican star posted a picture of his daughter.

“You’re a rat,” 6ix9ine wrote. “It’s not my place may God forgive me for this comment but you crossed a line uploading that picture knowing that yailin wasn’t ready.

“She is your daughter [and] you have all the right but you haven’t done anything in 3 months. Papers, rent, milk, clothes… to the world you can sell the dream that you’re Real but I know you [and] you’re the definition of a rat.”

He continued, “That’s why you only have a picture of her from the hospital because you haven’t seen her since [and] have made yourself seem like a great father on social media.”

Anuel AA responded in his Instagram Stories.

“You turned out to be a pedophile and accepted the guilt,” Anuel AA wrote on a post, before asking in Spanish how could a “real mouse” call him “a rat.”

Anuel AA Bombs on Tekashi IG Stories
Anuel AA Bombs on Tekashi IG Stories

In the translated response, Anuel AA asked, “Is the world coming to an end or something? It has to be!”

Anuel AA Bombs on Tekashi IG Stories

Anuel AA admitted the two were once friends and that he offered support before he went to court with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.

Anuel AA Bombs on Tekashi IG Stories

“I offered you help a million times before you went to jail. I told you that those who stole from you were who they were and that I knew what you wanted to do, but you got nervous and said nothing,” Anuel AA wrote, adding, “So, we let you handle it your way and look what you did.”

He also called out 6ix9ine for acting like they were friends, posting his videos and telling the fans that he “ate with” his mother.

“You must be in love with me or something,” he continued. “You say you ate with my mom … you have never met my mom face-to-face. You are a liar!

“Saying that I don’t pay for diapers, a miserable person whose child’s mother is everywhere claiming the same thing about you and she says you haven’t seen your daughter in 2 years, YOU’RE THE ONE WHO ABANDONED YOUR DAUGHTER!!!! DON’T SAY THAT I DO WHAT YOU DID TO YOUR DAUGHTER, YOU MISERABLE!!!!!!!”

Anuel AA Bombs on Tekashi IG Stories

At this point, Anuel AA shifts the conversation to speaking about 6ix9ine’s 2015 sexual abuse charges.

“WITH WHAT FACE DO YOU TALK ABOUT ME?” he asked. “IN 2015 YOU ALSO HAD ANOTHER CASE OF PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEOS OF A 13-YEAR-OLD MINOR. WITTTTHHHH WWHHAAATTT FFAAACCCCEEE DOOOO YOUUUUUU TAAALLLKKK ABOUT MEEEEEE?????”

6ix9ine then called him a “hypocrite,” saying he had the same statutory rape allegation on him.

Much of this energy is centered around Yailin la Más Viral, a Dominican artist who shares a child with Anuel AA and is rumored to be dating 6ix9ine.

According to 6ix9ine, Yailin told him all that he knows about Anuel AA and has screenshots to expose Anuel AA if he keeps going at him.

“Double Standard!” 6ix9ine said. “You always show the world you are a hypocrite and we are going to divulge one more subject to the public.

“If we are going to bring things to light, tell the world that the reason that Yailin does not want to hear from you it’s because you hit her when she was 4 months pregnant. I have the messages.”

Yailin and 6ix9ine aren’t peaking now, because he posted inappropriate pictures of her online.

Flavor Flav Slams Press For Claiming A “Crackhead” Inspired His Iconic Clock: “Get It Right!”

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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Flavor Flav is doing some damage control after a misleading headline about his iconic clock went viral. On Friday morning (July 7), the Public Enemy legend shared a screenshot with the headline: “Flavor Flav Says Iconic Clock Necklace Was Inspired By A ‘Crackhead.'” He laid into the person behind the misinformation and quickly corrected it.

“FROM FLAVOR FLAV HIMSELF,” he wrote in the caption. “Whoever wrote this headline is a complete A##HOLE!!! If you read the story, I never said the crackhead inspired the clock. I said THAT
MY BOY BAZERK PUT THE CLOCK AROUND MY NECK AS A JOKE!! that’s were the inspiration came From. NOT THE CRACKHEAD you a##hole writer GET IT RIGHT.”

 

Flavor Flav has told a similar story before. For this particular interview, Flav sat down with Roxanne Shanté at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame from the SiriusXM studio in Cleveland as part of her “Have a Nice Day” show. He and Shanté chopped it up about Hip-Hop’s 50-year anniversary and his career, which included the story behind his iconic clock chain.

“So one day, as a joke, this crackhead came through my projects, you know what I’m saying, selling these shower clocks that she stole from a place called Fortunoff,” he remembered. “She went to Fortunoff, stole this big box of shower clocks and came through our projects selling them. So my boy, Son of Berserk, took the stopwatch off my neck and put the clock around my neck. Everybody was laughing. It was a big joke.

“So they dared me to wear that clock on stage but during the show. So when we went to open up for the Beastie Boys in Passaic, New Jersey, 1986, I wore the clock, Roxanne. And then the next day on the front page of Newsday, New York Times, New York Post, the look of the clock was dope.”

It’s unclear who initially misconstrued his words, but Flavor Flav certainly isn’t happy about it. The issue could possibly strike too close to home. Over the last few years, Flavor Flav has been on the road to sobriety, and it seems to be something he’s extremely serious about.

On June 16, Flavor Flav opened up about his recovery journey. He mentioned not only has he stopped smoking cigarettes, but he’s also creeping up on three years sober from alcohol.

“I’ve changed,” he wrote. “Today I am 3 years clean from cigarettes that I started smoking when I was just 6 years old. Soon I’ll be 3 years sober from alcohol. And I’ve been 15+ years sober from drugs. I’m proud to share my sobriety journey and Thankx to my friends and family and those who support me.

“To everyone out there struggling with addiction, it is a real battle you fight every day. But I’m still here and you know what..I DID IT.. and if I can do it..anyone can do it!!!”

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A post shared by Flavor Flav ⏰ (@flavorflavofficial)

Jfuego: “A Force For Future Heat & Future Artist”

By: Staff Writer Updated Category: Music
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New up-incoming artist JFUEGO starts the month off with his new hit single Vibe City, showing the fans his infinity stones of talent for music.

JFUEGO just dropped Vibe City on July 4th, giving the fans new music to vibe to during their Independence Day. Recently JFUEGO announced that he’ll be doing a show on July 23rd in New Jersey with famous Hip-Hop artist Rowdy Rebel, who is big in the music scene with hit songs like Computers.

JFUEGO will perform Vibe City along with other songs and other artist during the show. This wouldn’t be the first time JFUEGO was performing with Famous Hip-Hop artists, earlier in the year he performed with FatBoy SSE and before that Lil T-Jay. Since then JFUEGO has done over ten different shows with more on the way.

JFUEGO started his buzz in high school freestyling at lunch tables and park benches to Performing Studio Recorded Music at his latest shows. In the past year Justin Ildefonso Jr best known as JFUEGO has torn through upstate New York, going show to show and making hit after hit. JFUEGO’s Music style is a cross between Drake and Playboi Carti meets Kendrick Lamar with melodic tunes like his last hit song Dreams. JFUEGO is a force for future heat with future artists and the next Artist to lead the future generations of Hip-Hop.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.ildefonso.14?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Distrokid: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/jfuego2/vibe-city?fbclid=PAAaZdxQxAY7yxPso9vRUJlsDzk4MRMLxuqvx8BnwYR2929qi3lspJjS84UNw_aem_AU0RHo3aLmHSc0njCI8eiMtmR-R67cvD3H6XgCCVPOjuCQdZHaYRxcAHeB2A40k4BpI

Twitter: https://twitter.com/therealjfuego/status/1674067973126889478?s=46&t=ZT4iQkjDKqoxJXBGVQi4og

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jfuegofilms777
Instagram: https://instagram.com/j.f.u.e.g.o?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therealjfuego?_t=8dXuIBQkOUt&_r=1

Email: [email protected]

Erica Banks Shades 1501 Record Label On “Real Rap B#tch” Track

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Erica Banks claimed she parted ways with 1501 Certified Entertainment last month. And now, a new record from the Texas native appears to blast the Houston-based label founded by former MLB player Carl Crawford.

Banks premiered an official music video for her “Real Rap B#### (Poppin It)” track on July 5, shot and edited by 6k Jefe. One section of the song seems aimed at Crawford’s company.

“Don’t give a f### about that label, they see me/And they owe me some money, they greedy,” Banks rhymes on “Real Rap B#### (Poppin It).”

Erica Banks released the Diary of the Flow Queen album in June 2022 via 1501 Certified/Warner Records. The DeSoto-raised rapper also put out several mixtapes and EPs, like 2022’s Class In Session, under the 1501 Certified banner.

Warner signed Banks to a major label deal two years ago. At the time, Carl Crawford stated, “Texas has such rich culture for music, and I’m happy for us to play a role in its continued evolution alongside the Warner Records team.”

This is not the first time Carl Crawford and 1501 Entertainment faced accusations of conducting bad business with an artist. Fellow Texas native Megan Thee Stallion is currently entangled in a legal battle with the label.

Blueface’s Mom Defends Rapper’s 6-Year-Old Son & “Booty Cheeks” Controversy

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Blueface hasn’t had the most positive relationship with his mother. However, Karlissa Saffold came to her son’s defense over some controversial videos posted to Blueface’s Instagram Stories.

Blueface shared clips of children in one room and scantily-dressed women dancing in another room. Then the “Thotiana” rapper supposedly catches his son, Jayvaughn, searching for snacks in a pantry, while a sexually explicit video shoot takes place in the home.

“Son, come here,” Blueface said. “It’s booty cheeks out here and you’re in here looking for chips and Slim Jims. You ain’t gay is you?” After Jayvaugh shakes his head, Blueface responds, “My man! My dawg!”

His behavior led to widespread backlash on social media. Some people referred to the situation as blatant abuse and demanded child protective services get involved. Blueface’s mom suggests the situation was harmless.

“False alarm, false alarm,” Saffold said. “He ain’t going crazy. He ain’t see nobody’s ass. I checked it out. I went off, and they said he was not present to watch nobody’s ass.

“He’s not watching nobody twerk. He ain’t seen no naked ass. [Blueface] covered up his eyes, like this, while he took him to the pantry. So he didn’t see no nakedness. He ain’t see no booty cheeks. False alarm, false alarm. Everybody go home.”

In addition, Saffold insisted Blueface has several nannies and family members who were “on duty” to watch the kids. As this problematic scenario makes headlines across the internet, Blueface must also prepare for his on-again-off-again girlfriend Chrisean Rock to give birth to his next baby.

Drake Calls Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” Overrated

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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There’s been below-the-radar competitive energy surrounding two of the most successful multi-hyphenates in Hip-Hop history for a while. It appears a rivalry between Drake and Childish Gambino has made its way to the forefront.

In July 2014, Childish Gambino (AKA Donald Glover) called out some of his rap peers during a freestyle performance in Sydney, Australia. In particular, Gambino made it a point to say he sings better than Drake.

Later that year, Childish Gambino discussed taking shots at the Canadian performer. Glover said, “I think he’s a really good writer and rapper. Right now, I definitely think I’m better than him, but only because I’m working harder than him right now.” 

Gambino then revealed in a recent GQ interview that he originally intended to use his 2018 single “This Is America” as a way to make fun of the OVO Sound leader. The Atlanta series creator said, “It started as a Drake diss, to be honest, as like a funny way of doing it.”

Drake apparently fired back at Childish Gambino during his It’s All a Blur Tour stop in Chicago on Wednesday (July 5). According to Billboard, a headline titled “The overrated and over-awarded hit song ‘This Is America’ was originally a Drake diss record” scrolled across the stage.

“This Is America” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks. It also led the Hot Rap Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. As of press time, the track’s official music video has amassed more than 885 million views on YouTube.

The Ludwig Göransson-produced single also won four Grammy Awards at the 61st annual ceremony in 2019. Gambino took home trophies for Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Music Video.

Drake’s “God’s Plan” also received Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year nominations in 2019. The Scorpion track lost against “This Is America” at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. “God’s Plan” did win Best Rap Song that year.

Ice Spice Teases Upcoming Collab With Central Cee

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Ice Spice and Great Britain’s Central Cee have proven to be chart-busting acts in recent years. Could fans see an official collaboration between the two up-and-coming stars in the near future?

Ice Spice recently joined Capital XTRA Breakfast with Robert Bruce and Shayna Marie for an interview. The 23-year-old New Yorker spoke about nearly working with London-born Central Cee on her breakout hit.

“So the funniest thing ever is like he got on ‘Munch,’ and I had sent it to him and I was like, ‘I want you to write, like, remix it,'” she said. “He’s the first artist I thought of to remix ‘Munch’ because I was like, he would just fit perfectly on here.”

She added, “[Central Cee] sent his verse back like two hours later and it was fire but it just never came out. Right, so that’s the tea on that but then we linked up again a couple of months ago and we have started a new record… I don’t know if we’re gonna finish that record or do something else but we’ve been trying to put something out.”

Ice Spice released “Munch (Feelin’ U)” in August 2022. The track eventually earned a gold certification from the RIAA. Spice went on to appear on Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 songs with PinkPantheress, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift.

Central Cee landed in the United Kingdom’s Official Singles Chart’s Top 10 with records like “Commitment Issues,” “Obsessed with You,” and “Doja.” The 25-year-old peaked at No. 1 in the U.K. with the Dave-assisted “Sprinter.”

Tupac-Designed Ring To Fetch Up To $300,000 At Sotheby’s Auction 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Sotheby’s is auctioning a ring designed by the late Tupac Shakur and worn by the rapper during his final public appearance. 

The yellow gold crown piece is encrusted with 10 carats of cabochon rubies and nearly five carats of diamonds. 2Pac wore the ring at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 4, 1996 in New York, just three days before he was fatally shot. He died from his injuries less than a week later, on September 13 at age 25.  

The ring is engraved with “Pac & Dada 1996″ in honor of the rapper’s engagement to Kidada Jones, daughter of Quincy Jones. The bespoke piece is expected to fetch in the range of $200,000 to $300,000. 

Sotheby’s

The ring is currently owned by Yaasmyn Fula, adviser to 2Pac and close friend of his mother, Afeni Shakur. Fula, who’s also the mother of Outlawz group member Yaki Kadifa, recalls ‘Pac designed the ring with painstaking attention to detail over several months.  

He was inspired to craft a ring after the crowns of medieval European kings after reading Niccolo Machiavelli’s political manifesto, The Prince. He adopted the “Makaveli” moniker and designed the ring in “an act of self-coronation.” 

The Sotheby’s lot description notes Fula taught a young 2Pac the following mantra: “You are our Black prince. You are my miracle, and you will make Black people proud.” 

The auction house also highlights the rarity of the item. As far as they know, the ring “is the only piece of jewelry,” belonging to 2Pac to hit the market “with direct provenance.” Sotheby’s also claims it is “certainly the only piece designed by him to have been offered for sale.” 

Offset Thirsts Over Cardi B Twerking In Racy “Point Me 2” Music Video  

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Offset and Cardi B appear to have put the cheating rumors behind them after a public social media spat. The rap super couple were all smiles during their outings at Paris Fashion Week earlier this week. They were pictured hand-in-hand in Paris on Tuesday (July 4) or tenderly embracing in other footage.  

On Friday (July 7), Cardi B, who was recently likened to Jay-Z for spotlighting rising talent artists, shared her new single with FendiDa Rappa, “Point Me 2.” When Offset saw a clip of the visuals, he couldn’t hold back his response. 

In the video, Cardi B puts on a racy cheek-shaking display while wearing a pink thong bodysuit. Shortly after the single dropped, Cardi took to Twitter to share a gif of her booty-clapping skills. She captioned the post, “Mood.” 

Unlike Keke Palmer’s significant other, Offset was a fan of his wife’s bare booty display, reposting the clip to his timeline while hinting at his own mood. “Digg in that,” he wrote alongside a cat emoji. 

Offset made headlines after accusing Cardi B of infidelity during a furious online row last week.  

“My wife f##### a n### on me gang,” Offset wrote in a since-deleted post. “Yall n####s know how I come.” 

Meanwhile, Cardi confronted the allegations during a Twitter Spaces, telling her fans not to “pay attention to the country man.” She also said she would be exposed immediately because of her celebrity status, adding, “Please boy, stop acting stupid.” 

DJ BATTLECAT Collabs With Stan Sheppard & KB ThePlaymaker To Launch New Label 11th Power Entertainment

By: Staff Writer Updated Category: Music News
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Multi-Platinum Artist/Producer & West Coast Icon “DJ BATTLECAT” joins with Stan Sheppard & KB ThePlaymaker to launch and develop the new Rap/R&B label founded by Stan Sheppard called: “11th Power Entertainment”. 

The new label will focus on “street-edged REALISM MUSIC” that focuses on REALITY IN THE STREETS and not the ignorance and bold-faced lies that are told by the artists that are currently being released in the marketplace. The incredible song produced by DJ BATTLECAT off of the upcoming album “BLACK PAIN,” titled, “KNOCK KNOCK” will showcase the new style sound. 

The song will describe a story of a young child whose father has been sentenced to life in prison. The young child obviously doesn’t understand what is going on as the child’s mother takes him to visit his father behind prison walls.

What major label will support this positive movement?

Drake Halts Concert After Fan Throws Bra Onstage: “Let Me See What You’re Working With” 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Drake’s hilarious reaction to a fan throwing her bra on stage was one of the highlights of Chicago’s It’s All A Blur Tour stop. 

While he brushed off a phone thrown at him with a flick of the wrist without skipping a beat, Drizzy reacted differently when fans tossed their bras in his direction, stopping the show to inspect the bra before shouting out breasts of all sizes. 

“Let me see what you’re working with,” Drake said while checking the size of one black bra. “Who threw this? That’s you?” he asked, pointing to a fan in the audience. “36 double D. That’s some knocks, I ain’t gon’ lie.”

Before continuing, Drake clarified that he doesn’t “discriminate” and has time for women of all sizes. “Shout out to all the girls with the small t######. Shout out the girls with the big b######, little b######, you know. All races, all faces, all places.”

Drake then returned to his onstage bra collection, saying, “Thank you again. This is perfect,” as he picked up another bra, this time a white one. “It’s like Yin and Yang, you know,” he added while holding up the bars as the crowd cheered wildly.  

https://twitter.com/oliviabeger/status/1677155831727415296?s=20

Drake Brands One Fan “Nasty” After Bra Throw

In another clip, Drake jokingly remarked “nasty” after a different fan launched her 38 double D bra at him.  

@ivyy__2

We will nevaaa forget this moment🦉🦉 #drake #itsablurtour #unitedcenterchicago #wednesday

♬ original sound – Ivy22

While the OVO honcho had all the time in the world to address the bra missiles, phones are a different story. Despite being struck in the wrist by the object, Drake refused to react and continued crooning to the crowd.  

Drake is the latest celeb to be struck by objects fans throw onstage. Pop star Bebe Rexha sustained a black eye when a concert goer threw a phone at her head last month. Meanwhile, P!NK was left baffled when a fan allegedly threw his mother’s ashes at her during a performance and Lil Nas X narrowly avoided being hit by a flying sex toy.

Blueface Blasted After Asking Six-Year-Old Son If He’s Gay For Choosing Chips Over “Booty Cheeks”  

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Blueface is facing hefty backlash after questioning his six-year-old son’s sexuality when the little boy left a room with half-naked dancers to find some snacks. 

The “Thotiana” rapper shared the video on his Instagram Stories, where it was swiftly clipped and circulated on Twitter. In the clip, Blueface is filming a music video with the mother of his two children, Jaidyen Alexxis, before looking for his son, who he finds in the pantry. 

“Son, come here,” Blueface told the little boy. “It’s booty cheeks out here and you in here looking for chips. You ain’t gay is you?” 

The six-year-old appeared confused at the question and was more interested in the snacks he was about to eat. He simply shrugged, saying, “I have so many Slim Jims!”  

A second video begins with Blueface repeating the question: “You ain’t gay, right?” When his son shook his head in response, Blueface stuck his hand out for a high five. “My man, my dawg!” he added. 

Once the video surfaced on Twitter, Blueface was heavily criticized, with users slamming the rapper’s inappropriate behavior. Others called him out for bashing his pregnant ex Chrisean Rock, claiming he’s the one who poses a threat to his kids.  

“Blueface & Jaidyn Alexis has their son around STRIPPERS, while telling him to come look & asking him is he gay ?? & he says Chrisean won’t be a good mother,” read one response. “Yet you’re taking your son’s innocents away so early. Tryna make a kid look at adult sexual content is p### behavior.” 

Another added, “Blue face need to be in jail! Asked his damn son if he’s gay bc he was looking for snacks and not looking at strippers.”  

Check out some of the reactions below. 

https://twitter.com/lissamariee19/status/1677133128463273984?s=20

Was Druski Vs. Birdman “Beef” Real Or Not?

By: Houston Williams Updated Category: Rumors
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Here’s the question: is this a skit or is it real? Honestly, I’m not sure, and it seems like most people are in the same boat. (This is all covered in our news section, by the way.) Our own London Jenn definitely gave the facts. Judging by Birdman’s intense reaction in the video, it would take some serious acting skills for him to fake this level of anger. I believe he might genuinely be upset.

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This whole incident gives me vibes similar to Charlamagne Tha God’s encounter with Birdman’s anger. I think it’s a skit.

MF DOOM Death Fallout: Hospital Admits It Failed To Provide Proper Care

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust apologized for its inadequate treatment of MF DOOM, who passed away in 2020.

According to The Guardian, the trust acknowledged it didn’t provide sufficient care to MF DOOM at St. James Hospital in Leeds. The trust’s investigation into his death uncovered “missed opportunities” to help him when he was treated for angioedema in 2020.

“I would like to offer our sincere condolences to [MF DOOM’s] family, friends and fans at this difficult time,” the trust’s chief medical officer Dr. Hamish McLure said. “I apologize that the care he received was not to the standard we would expect. Following his sad death, we undertook a serious incident investigation and the report has been shared with [MF DOOM’s] family. As a result, we have put in place a number of actions and the wider learning from what happened is to be used as a teaching topic in a number of different clinical specialties. We also support the coroner’s recommendation for clearer national guidance and awareness in this area.”

MF DOOM, who was dealing with several medical conditions, underwent kidney dialysis in July 2020. He experienced trouble breathing after taking a new medication and ended up at the emergency department of St. James Hospital in October 2020.

The rapper’s tongue and throat began to swell due to the medication. He suffered a rare reaction that sometimes affects people of African-Caribbean descent and smokers.

MF DOOM’s condition appeared to improve after he was given adrenaline, oxygen and steroids. But things quickly took a turn for the worse, resulting in doctors putting him on a ventilator. He died on October 31, 2020.

Assistant coroner Janine Wolstenholme determined there was an insufficient care plan for MF DOOM. The trust admitted doctors didn’t seek input from an immunology expert regarding his condition. The coroner didn’t say if doctors could have prevented the late artist’s death.

RZA Gives His Honest Reaction To Rihanna And A$AP Rocky’s Baby’s Name

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA appreciated Rihanna and A$AP Rocky’s decision to name their son after the legendary rapper/producer.

RZA shared his thoughts on the baby’s name in an interview with CNN. Bobby Digital felt honored to inspire the name of Rihanna and Rocky’s firstborn.

“[It’s] a great honor to know that there’s another generation that’s not even of my own household that feels the strength and the inspiration of that name,” the original RZA said. “It’s an honor and I salute her and A$AP and their family. All the blessings in the world from me.”

Rihanna gave birth to her and Rocky’s baby boy RZA in May 2022. The child’s name wasn’t revealed until May 2023.

Earlier this year, fans learned Rihanna was pregnant with her second child when she performed at the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show. Her due date hasn’t been publicly announced.

The elder RZA stayed busy in the first half of 2023 with the third season of his Hulu series Wu-Tang: An American Saga and the debut of his first ballet. The multihyphenate’s label 36 Chambers also started working with Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s son Weather Park, who spoke to AllHipHop about his relationship with RZA.

“I applaud him for [mentoring me] because the time that he took just to talk to me was enough to let me go back and read a book, you know what I mean?” Weather Park said. “And not just because I’m around the Abbot. It’s more about I have to continuously be teaching myself something. So I don’t know, I guess that’s the perfect way to word it. Yeah, just very impactful. I would say his relationship in my life is very impactful.”

Check out the rest of AllHipHop’s interview with Weather Park below.

Kanye West Lawsuit Reveals How His Dislike Of Windows Caused Mess At Donda Academy

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Kanye West was hit with another lawsuit over the poor conditions at his Donda Academy.

According to Billboard, former Donda Academy gym teacher Isaiah Meadows sued Kanye West in Los Angeles on Thursday (July 6). Meadows claimed he was fired after trying to get to the school to address pay issues as well as health and safety concerns.

The lawsuit accused West of refusing to allow glass windows at the school. The lack of glass left the building exposed to rain, creating a hazardous environment for students and employees.

“In the middle of the main classroom, a skylight was left without glass inevitably allowing rain to fall directly inside, where water would soak into the floor, which would lead to a moldy smell for the next few days,” Meadows’ attorneys contended. “The skylight was intentionally without glass because West expressed that he did not like glass.”

Meadows’ lawyers cited wiring issues that caused an electrical fire at Donda Academy. The lawsuit also said West’s school was plagued with plumbing troubles, which caused “a terrible smell.”

Earlier this year, former Donda Academy employees sued West over similar allegations. Meadows’ lawyer Ron Zambrano referenced the other employees’ case when announcing his lawsuit for breach of contract and violation of California labor laws.

The Donda Academy closed in 2022. West said the previous lawsuit against the school was “meritless.”

Chrisean Rock Says She’s Not A Fugitive After Oklahoma Wanted Poster Surfaces

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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The Oklahoma Department of Corrections issued a wanted poster for Chrisean Rock, who addressed her legal issues on Thursday (July 6).

Chrisean Rock’s wanted poster surfaced on social media, prompting her to clarify her situation in an Instagram livestream. The reality star claimed she wasn’t a fugitive and downplayed her trouble with the law in Oklahoma.

“I am not wanted,” she explained. “They just wanted some f###### money. I’m gonna give it to ‘em.”

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections listed two charges against Chrisean Rock in Craig County. She was charged with distribution of a controlled dangerous substance/possession with intent to distribute and failure to display a tax stamp on a control dangerous substance.

Chrisean Rock’s wanted poster said she was absconding probation. The flyer urged anyone with information about her to contact (405) 425-2570 or (866) 363-1119.

Last month, Blueface swore he accepted a plea deal in a Las Vegas shooting case to protect Chrisean Rock from charges in a separate case. She was allegedly involved in an altercation at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Blueface caught a robbery charge for his role in the casino incident.

“I’m only on house arrest cuz I took all the charges for Rock y you think [there] is no warrant for her arrest,” he wrote on Instagram Stories. “Y would I let her stay in my house when I’m stuck in another state [and] I got my BM ready to drive to me with the kids.”

Blueface agreed to plead guilty to a felony count of firing a gun into a vehicle and misdemeanor battery in connection to a 2022 shooting in Las Vegas. Prosecutors dropped the robbery charge stemming from the 2023 incident at the Palms.

Lil Meech Denies Getting Alleged Side Piece Pregnant: ‘B#### Why Are You Lying?’

By: Niki Gatewood (@THE_NikiG) Updated Category: Rumors
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Why has Lil Meech’s name become synonymous with drama? Here’s some tea. As of late, the emerging actor has openly denied getting an alleged side piece pregnant.

In fact, let social media tell it. Apparently, a New York model is the one who started these salacious allegations—and they must have been disturbing to Summer Walker who’s romantically linked to the rising star.

The purported pregnant lady seemed desperate to contact the performer. According to an Instagram conversation, she boldly reached out to Walker.

The woman claimed she’d been dating the BMF heir for only four months. Although the alleged tryst was short, it may have been long enough for a life to be conceived.

Curiously, the woman didn’t have a direct way to contact Lil Meech, which is why she chose to slide into his DMs (bless her heart).

After getting becoming pregnant, being ghosted and getting blocked, the nameless individual went searching for answers. Luckily, Walker seemed kind enough but got Lil Meech’s attention.

Following a request for “proof,” Walker appeared to get her man involved. However, Lil Meech refused to bite his tongue. “B#### why are you lying?,” he began.

Overall, Lil Meech didn’t mince words. He went on and curtly declared, “u don’t know me.” While this chat may have veered off the rails, the woman remained steadfast.

Ultimately, she claimed to have receipts. Whatever the case, people are talking. Stay tuned.