There are many Hip Hop aficionados who would placeBig Daddy Kane on their list of the culture’s all-time greats. But which emcees make BDK’s Mount Rushmore?
Big Tigger recently spoke to Big Daddy Kane for V-103’s The Big Tigger Morning Show on Audacy. The conversation included the “Ain’t No Half Steppin'” performer naming his personal Top 4 rappers in history.
“If we’re talking during that era of late 80s, early 90s, I would say myself, [KRS-One], Rakim, and [Kool G Rap]. It changes with each era,” said Big Daddy Kane. He added, “There are artists that did great things in their era, so I acknowledge them that way. I mean going all the way back to Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Caz, those cats.”
Big Daddy Kane rose to prominence in the 1980s. The New Yorker released the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Gold-certified studio albums Long Live the Kane in 1988 and It’s a Big Daddy Thing in 1989.
Marley Marly’s classic 1988 posse cut “The Symphony” featured Masta Ace, Kool G Rap, Craig G, and Big Daddy Kane. That song became extremely influential in Hip Hop with later rappers incorporating elements of “The Symphony” into their own music.
Big Daddy Kane took part in the show-long celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary at the 2023 BET Awards. The 54-year-old Golden Age representative shared the stage with Kid Capri, The Sugarhill Gang, MC Lyte, and D-Nice.
“To get another 50, I believe that we need to bridge that gap between the older generation and the younger generation,” Kane told Big Tigger. “We had our shot, we did our thing, we’re still around, and we have a fan base that supports us for our catalog. So we’re not trying to threaten the younger generation, not trying to replace them.”
BDK also stated, “I would love to sit down with the likes of like Lil Uzi Vert or Kodak Black or Migos, any of these cats, just to build. I think that’s what’s important when there can be a connection where the past generation can talk with the future generation and give them game.”
BET held its annual award show on Sunday, June 25. With a celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop anchoring the program, the 2023 BET Awards nearly brought in 3 million television watchers.
According to a press release from the network, this year’s BET Award amassed 2.8 million total views across nine Paramount channels. Around 1.8 million viewers watch the ceremony on BET.
“The audiences have spoken: Culture’s Biggest Night is now Hip Hop’s biggest night,” says Connie Orlando BET EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy.
Orlando adds, “We couldn’t have done it without our amazing production team and the talented group of artists who came together to give Hip Hop its flowers, and all the lovers of the culture who watched live that tuned in across every platform to make this year’s BET Awards 2023 another great success.”
Rap Stars Like Lil Uzi Vert, Latto, Offset & Quavo Performed At The 2023 BET Awards
R&B legend Patti Labelle honored Tina Turner, the music icon who passed away on May 24, with a rendition of Turner’s “The Best” song. New York City-bred emcee Busta Rhymes received the Lifetime Achievement Award as well.
Additionally, the Sugarhill Gang, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, Trick Daddy, Trina, Jeezy, T.I., Master P, Erick Sermon, Keith Murray, Redman, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Fabolous, Styles P, Ja Rule, Swizz Beatz, Kid ‘n Play, Soulja Boy, and many others performed.
The 2022 BET Awards drew3.2 million viewers for last year’s simulcast. Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson hosted that show. Performers included Lizzo, Jack Harlow, Brandy, Lil Wayne, Chance The Rapper, Joey Bada$$, Roddy Ricch, Latto, Mariah Carey, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mary J. Blige, Lil Kim, and Jodeci.
Sources associated with Pete Davidson are blaming Kanye West for triggering his PTSD.
The comedian had a whirlwind romance with Kim Kardashian, West’s now ex-wife. The dalliance took place while Kardashian was still married to Ye, sparking a very public outburst.
West created a catchy nickname for Davidson, Skeet. He had to carry the weight of being publicly ridiculed, while an animated version of Davidson was beheaded in one of Ye’s videos.
Perhaps the time the funny man previously spent with Yeezy’s fam helped to soothe his troubled mind. Well, these purported sources didn’t have much to say about that, but we are focused on the struggling thespian.
Keep in mind, the self-proclaimed “King of Staten Island” has been open about his mental health issues. During an interview with actress Glen Close, Davidson detailed his ongoing struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder.
His vulnerability has been on full display. More recently, he drove over a fire hydrant and smashed through a random house. But Pete Davidson has regularly sought therapy for an array of mental health issues.
The actor is currently being treated at a Pennsylvania facility, the same place that helped his homeboy, John Mulaney, who wrestled with alcohol and drug issues.
Page Six says someone close to Davidson said he’s “taking a well deserved break so he can focus on himself and learn to better deal with his PTSD issues.”
But the question remains, did Kanye West trigger Davidson’s PTSD?
Some people are apparently upset Drake got a key to Shelby County. Memphis is the county seat of that Tennessee locale. One fan even complained on behalf of Memphis rap stars such as GloRilla.
Drake spent summers as a child in Memphis. His father, Dennis Graham, is from Tennessee’s second-most populous city. Throughout his career, Drake paid homage to his “second home” in his music and videos.
Footage of Drake receiving the key to Shelby County went viral on social media. One Twitter user reacted by tweeting, “This [is] so disrespectful to [Young Dolph], Key Glock, GloRilla, [Three 6 Mafia], Yo Gotti, [Moneybagg Yo]… need I go on?!”
GloRilla quote-tweeted that critic and added her own thoughts on their complaints about Drake accepting a key to Shelby County, Tennessee. The “Tomorrow 2” rapper posted, “I got this key almost a year ago.”
“Most definitely. We’re gonna try to make it work,” GloRilla said about potentially making music with the five-time Grammy winner. GloRilla’s “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” earned a 2023 Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance.
Additionally, GloRilla picked up six nominations at this year’s BET Awards which took place on Sunday, June 25. She also performed “Lick or Sum” at the ceremony. Glo did win Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards.
Has Erica Banks left 1501 Certified Entertainment? According to the Texas native, Carl Crawford’s company is no longer her record label home.
Banks reportedly signed with 1501 Certified Entertainment in March 2019. The “Buss It” rapper dropped her self-titled mixtape in 2020 and her 2022 album, Diary of the Flow Queen, on the imprint.
However, Banks informed a social media user she’s moved on from the Houston-based label. After previewing snippets of unreleased music, the 24-year-old Southerner shared some news with her followers.
“I just think she [needs] a new label!! 1501 don’t know what [they’re] doing!! The girl [is] hard. 1501 [is] for TikTok kids. Lord, hope she [drops] them, bet she [comes] up more,” someone commented under Bank’s post.
Banks wrote in response, “I’m not with them anymore.” A Corey Dennard-produced single by Banks titled “Aint Got Time” landed on DSPs in April with 1501 Certified Entertainment credited as the song’s distributor.
Has Erica Banks Left Warner Records Too?
Erica Banks was also signed under the Warner Records banner. As of press time, the major label’s website doesn’t list Banks as part of its roster. In addition, Warner Records doesn’t appear in the official credits for the “Aint Got Time” song.
“My gift for recognizing talent put Erica Banks on my radar, and I knew I wanted her to be a part of what we’re building at 1501 Certified Entertainment,” Carl Crawford expressed in 2021 after Banks inked a deal with Warner.
1501 Certified Entertainment also helped introduce the world to Houston-bred rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The relationship between the “Savage” hitmaker and 1501 turned sour when Megan sued the company over contract issues.
Earlier this year, MTV announced Banks had joined the eleventh season of the Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta reality television series. The latest batch of episodes premiered on June 13. On starring in the program, Banks said, “It’s not my first time on TV, but it’s my first time being a part of the cast. I’m excited. You gotta tune in and watch the show.”
Business Is Business, the new album by currently incarcerated rapper Young Thug, will likely miss the top spot on next week’s album chart. The latest sales projections have the project debuting at No. 2.
Initial estimates had Business Is Business opening with 95,000 to 110,000 first-week units. That range would have put Young Thug in possible contention to overtake Morgan Wallen’s One Thing At A Time for the pole position.
However, an updated report fromHitsDailyDouble forecasts Young Thug’s Business Is Business will land at No. 2 with 87,000 units in its first week of release. Wallen will probably hold onto No. 1 for the fifteenth nonconsecutive chart.
Many Hip Hop fans have been paying close attention to the commercial success of Business Is Business because of the legal situation involving Young Thug and his YSL Records signee Gunna. Local authorities arrested both Atlanta-raised rappers in connection to a RICO case in Georgia.
It Looks Like It Will Be A Tight Race Between Young Thug & Gunna For The Top Selling Album
Gunna pled guilty to a racketeering charge and confirmed in open court that YSL is a gang. That led to many rap fans and other rap artists labeling him as a “snitch.” There were questions about whether those allegations would hurt Gunna’s album sales.
“Thanks to my fans, [I love you],” posted Gunna on June 16. A Gift & a Curse arrived without any features. In contrast, Young Thug’s Business Is Business contained numerous guests. Drake, Future, 21 Savage, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, and more made contributions to the album.
Last year, Fulton County, Georgia prosecutors charged Young Thug, Gunna, and twenty-six other people associated with YSL in a 56-count Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act case. Thug remains in jail as trial preparation continues.
Jewelry is one of the most popular and expressive accessories for men. The men’s chain https://www.fjewellery.co.uk/en/chains-men/ adds strength, style, and personality to an outfit and is a great way to express your uniqueness. They are made from various materials such as gold, silver, or steel. A wide choice of styles and designs is available. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different options for men’s chains and share tips on choosing them to help you find the best piece.
One of the most common materials in a large assortment is gold. Gold models from FJewellery are crafted from 24k solid gold or alloys with lower gold content, such as 18k gold or 14k gold. Gold exudes brilliance and prestige, while alloys provide enhanced durability at an affordable price.
Silver products are also popular among men. Silver possesses a discreet and elegant look, making it a superb addition to various clothing styles. Items crafted from this material exude sophistication and versatility.
Steel chains have become trendy and modern options for men. They are strong and durable and are usually available in bold and modern designs. Additionally, this option is inexpensive.
In addition to the material, products come in various styles and designs. They feature thin and delicate chains with small links, or thick and substantial chains with large links. Different types of links, including Cuban, braided, or textured, are incorporated as well.
Men’s chains are versatile accessories that wear regularly or reserved for special occasions to enhance the overall appearance and showcase personal style and individuality. Your choice relies on preferences and style, and it becomes an exclusive piece that highlights individuality.
Top 4 Popular Designs
The Figaro design consists of a series of long and short links. This style is considered classic and always relevant. The model has an elegant and stylish look that is suitable for various casual and special occasions.
The mariner waiving is inspired by nautical elements such as anchors and ropes. This style gives the chain a masculine and adventurous look. This design is ideal for lovers of sea adventures and will add an interesting accent to their style.
The Cuban Link is one of the most popular designs. As you see in the photo, the links are closely adjacent and create a square shape. The Cuban Link chain looks powerful and elegant and is a great choice for expressing style and strength.
The Rope Chain has an expressive and patterned look, reminiscent of a fabric woven from thin ropes. This design gives an interesting texture and makes it stand out from others. The model is a great style addition for both casual and special occasions.
The choice of item design depends on the individual preferences and style of each man. Compare and choose the best option, from classic to modern. Each of these designs offers a unique look and an opportunity to express your personality.
When it comes to choosing the type of weave, there are a few guidelines that help you make the right choice:
Consider your style. Different types of weaving give the chain different looks. Consider your own style and preferences when choosing a weave. If you prefer a classic and elegant look, then a model with a simpler and more delicate weave, such as Singaporean or Venetian is the appropriate choice. If you desire a bolder and more masculine look, then a cubic weave or Figaro might work.
Pay attention to the thickness and width of the chain links. Thinner and narrower links create a sleeker and more elegant look, while thicker and wider links give the item a bolder and more powerful look.
Convenience and comfort are also important aspects. Weaving with excessively thin or sharp links is unpleasant on the skin, especially if you wear the model for a long period of time. Pay attention to the weight and physical feel of the chain when trying it on.
Don’t forget to consider prices as well.
Following these guidelines, you will be able to buy the model that best reflects your style and emphasizes your personality. Men’s chains are not only stylish accessories but also expressions of masculinity, individuality, and style. The FJewellery catalog offers a wide range of designs, from classic to modern, allowing men to choose the one that best suits their tastes and preferences.
Jaden Smith says he’s become more empathetic toward his loved ones after his mother introduced him and the rest of his family to psychedelics.
The 24-year-old rapper made the disclosure during a panel at the Psychedelic Science conference in Denver, Colorado last week (June 19-23).
“I think it was my mom, actually, that was really the first one to make that step for the family,” Jaden explained. “It was just her for a really, really long time and then eventually it just trickled and evolved, and everybody found it in their own ways.”
Jaden says he was able to access a “deeper, deeper, deeper layer of a connection with nature” than he ever imagined before he discovered the natural medicine and “realized the effects.” He reflected on his first experience, which he deemed a turning point in his understanding of self and his connection to nature.
The “Icon” rapper also credits psychedelics with helping him foster a closer bond with his siblings, sister Willow, 22, and half-brother Trey, 30.
“Siblings can argue so much and fight so much, and lord knows me and my siblings have done so much of that in the past,” he said. “But the level of love and empathy that I can feel for them inside of the [psychedelic] experiences and outside of the experiences has been something that’s profound and beautiful.” Check out the clip of Jaden Smith at the Psychedelic Science conference below.
Jada Pinkett Smith Says Psychedelics “Changed My Life”
In November 2021, Jada Pinkett Smith discussed her experience with psychedelics in an episode of Red Table Talk.
“I struggled with depression for so long,” she said. “And the thing about the plant medicine is it helps you feel better but also solves the problems of how you got there in the first place.”
Nonetheless, Jada suggests prospective users should consult a professional before trying psychedelics.
“You have to really wanna do it, this is not for play,” she added. “You have to be willing to confront some hard stuff. It is very healing and it has changed my life.”
“Inflation is up but the bar is low. We’re being force-fed low-quality music and overwhelmed with false information there’s only so much that can hold my attention right now. Had to make a song for those who feel the same as I do.”
Jim Jones is opening up about rap beef in the 1990s, recalling how Dipset were inspired by famous rivalries from artists, including Tupac, which labels used as a “marketing tool.”
Amid his own beef with Pusha T, the NYC icon joined a panel discussion exploring the legacy, influence and future of the mixtape hosted by Roc Nation. The conversation turned to the role rap beef played at the height of the mixtape era.
“It’s not a mixtape thing, it’s a Hip-Hop thing,” Jim Jones explained, adding rap beef was not confined to the mixtape era. According to Capo, rap rivalries are inevitable. Especially when you put artists with “a lot of ego put in the same room.” He referenced the famous beef between Kool Moe Dee and LL Cool J as an example. That particular feud erupted in the late 1980s.
However, he conceded mixtapes “heighted a lot of different situations because now it’s an ongoing thing.”
The host then brought it back to Jim Jones and Diplomats’ place in mixtape beef history. Wayno pointed to Juelz Sanatana going at Nas on the 2002 Diplomats Volume 3 tape.
However, Jim Jones said they were just imitating the bigger artists at the time after seeing their popularity soar because of rap rivalries.
“We was watching Tupac and how successful they was getting off of going crazy on everybody,” he said. “This was a whole era right there where this was a marketing tool that was working for major labels and artists that had the upper hand at the time.”
He mentioned the famous beef between Jay-Z and Nas, adding that Dipset were simply “following suit.” Jim Jones continued, “We wasn’t having nothing. If that’s what it’s going to take for n##### to get on, we in.” Watch the video below.
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have welcomed their fourth child into the world via surrogate, a little boy named Wren Alexander Stephens.
The proud father took to Instagram Wednesday (June 28) to share photos of the adorable newborn. “Our new love,” John Legend wrote in the caption after revealing his name. The trio of photographs includes one of the singer surrounded by all four of his children. Another shows the proud parents cradling their son shortly after his birth. The final image is a close-up of baby Wren, which reveals a full head of hair.
Chrissy Teigen reflected on their surrogacy journey in a lengthy Instagram post, revealing she has wanted four children for “as long as [she] can remember.” In the emotional note, Teigen admitted she thought she was unable to “carry any more babies on my own” after the couple lost their unborn son Jack in 2020.
However, while undergoing the surrogacy process, she decided to try getting pregnant “just one more time.” The cookbook author was successful, and Esti was born in January.
Chrissy got to witness the “most beautiful woman, my friend, our surrogate,” give birth “just minutes before midnight” on June 19. The surrogate also had the honor of giving their son his middle name, Alexander.
Teigen concluded the lengthy post by thanking their surrogate for the “incredible gift” she gave their family. “Our hearts, and our home, are officially full. And to our Jack, we know both their angel kisses are from you,” she added.
Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland are reportedly giving back to their hometown, joining Harris County to tackle homelessness in Houston.
The Houston Chronicle reports the Destiny’s Child members are launching a permanent housing complex in Houston’s midtown area. County leaders announced their plan to build 31 new permanent supported housing units for unhoused locals with $7.2 million in funds provided via the American Rescue Plan.
The housing project known as Knowles-Rowland House is set to break ground in October. In addition to the housing units, the scheme will provide support to residents. This includes mental health, physical and behavioral health support and other specialized services.
Additional funding comes from other groups, including Rice University. The total cost of the initiative is estimated at around $8.4 million.
An even “bigger launch” is expected when Beyoncé comes to Houston for her Renaissance Tour later this year. She’s set to perform at NRG Stadium on September 23 and 24.
At a press conference Tuesday (June 27), Judge Lina Hidalgo praised efforts in reducing homelessness in the area by 20 percent amid the pandemic and beyond.
She also highlighted Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland’s involvement, noting the Houston natives “have been supportive of the community for a very long time.”
Rudy Rasmus, a local Pastor and executive director of Bread of Life, where the units will be located, shared his gratitude for the project. He said the Destiny’s Child trio inspired the Knowles-Rowland Project after they used money from their hit single “No, No, No” to build a youth center in the city.
Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five member Melle Mel has been accused of domestic violence by a woman named Jori Jordon. As reported by Rolling Stone, the pioneering rapper was arrested on Monday (June 26) but bonded out just hours later. Jordon said the incident took place after the 2023 BET Awards at the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles.
Jordon told police he struck her in the eye but then in a Facebook video, admitted it was already injured from an accident a month prior that had required surgery. Melle Mel denied ever hitting Jordon, saying, “Something did happen to her eye, but I didn’t punch her. Her eye was never healed from the surgery.”
Jordon and Melle Mel’s relationship dates back decades and, at one point, they lived together. In a text message obtained by AllHipHop, Jordon tells Melle Mel he’s the “love of her life.” Over the years, they grew apart but reconnected in Los Angeles over the weekend. Melle Mel was hesitant to meet up with her at first but ultimately decided to hang out after she promised via text she’d be “good.”
Then things took a turn back at Melle Mel’s hotel room. Knowing he had a flight to catch in two hours, he asked Jordon to leave. When she wouldn’t, he suggested she call the police in hopes that would usher her out the door. As Melle Mel was trying to pack his suitcase and get her out, “something” happened to her eye during the chaos. That’s when the police showed up and Jordon made the assault allegations. Melle Mel was arrested and escorted to Los Angeles County Jail.
Melle Mel, however, insists the woman is lying and notes she has a history of mental health issues. AllHipHop reached out to Van Silk, who’s known Melle Mel for 40 years. He issued a statement that read: “He has never displayed this kind of behavior toward a women. I spoke to him about his situation, and he was very adamant he didn’t put his hands on her.”
More specifically, let us talk about Jonathan Majors and the recent events surrounding him. Earlier this year, the talented actor found himself in MUCH trouble when he was arrested in New York City. He was accused of domestic abuse by his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. So, It’s important to note that Jonathan has consistently – without wavering -maintained his innocence throughout this whole ordeal. Unfortunately, this incident caused him to lose NUMEROUS industry connections and even projects. What added more to his drama, the PR firm repping him even ended their relationship with him! They all assumed him to be guilty!
Song break:
Breaking news happened today, because According to Newsweek, he recently scored a major win after providing evidence to the NYPD. His lawyer has said on the record that Majors recently had a meeting with the NYPD, where he presented them with evidence to share his true on the night in question. “Within hours of viewing the evidence, and conducting their own thorough investigation, the NYPD found probable cause to arrest Grace Jabbari for assaulting Jonathan Majors,” she said. “Considering this development, we extend our gratitude to the NYPD detectives for their efforts.” She expressed appreciation for the swift action taken by the NYPD detectives in thoroughly examining the evidence and conducting their own investigation. They found probable cause to arrest Grace Jabbari for assaulting Jonathan Majors.
So, why isn’t this new breaking and all over the media like before?
You know why! And he knows why too!
Back in March, Majors was arrested and charged with two counts of third-degree assault, aggravated harassment, and attempted assault against a woman. But now, it seems like the tables have turned. Kang the Conqueror has now filed an NYPD domestic violence cross-complaint against his accuser, ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari – boom! Jonathan’s attorney, Priya Chaudhry, confidently stated that the NYPD reviewed the evidence and conducted their own investigation, leading them to find probable cause to arrest Grace Jabbari for assaulting Major King.
In her report to the police, Jabbari claimed that Jonathan had hit her face, causing her significant pain and a cut behind her ear. She also alleged that he grabbed her hand and neck, resulting in bruises and discomfort. However, after Jonathan’s arrest, Jabbari sent him multiple texts admitting her responsibility for the altercation and stating that the NYPD had informed her he wouldn’t face charges.
Majors is scheduled for another court appearance on August 3, regarding Jabbari’s accusations. Now, we have ate see how things unfold, especially considering the possibility that the NYPD now has probable cause to arrest Jabbari. Unlike many reports, she has NOT BEEN ARRESTED YET.
She has NOT been arrested. The NYPD – per JONATHAN MAJORS lawyer – has found "probable cause to arrest her." https://t.co/gOTrOchKyp
— CHUCK JIGSAW CREEKMUR (@chuckcreekmur) June 29, 2023
Rumors have been swirling about the impact this situation might have on Jonathan’s role as Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, there hasn’t been any official confirmation about him being replaced. Reports suggest that he has already filmed his scenes for the second season of Loki, so it seems he’ll be returning to the role for now. Marvel and Disney are likely keeping a close eye on the case.
I hope this is all some standard, historical regular Karen stuff with Grace Jabbari. Hopefully, he can move on soon. Godspeed.
Kid Cudi canceled the 2023 Moon Man’s Landing Festival, but Cleveland’s mayor provided hope for the event’s return on Wednesday (June 28).
Mayor Justin Bibb offered to help the festival continue after Kid Cudi announced the cancellation on Tuesday (June 27). The rapper/actor spoke with the mayor via phone on Wednesday. The two discussed ways for the event to proceed in Cleveland in 2023.
“Just had a great call w @MayorBibb about the festival, Stay tuned,” Kid Cudi wrote on Twitter. “Workin fast to find a solution to still do it this year! Thanx Justin for making yourself available brother #ClevelandAllDay.”
The 2023 Moon Man’s Landing Festival was scheduled to take place at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland on August 19. Kid Cudi originally intended it to be an outdoor festival, but logistics forced him to book it at an arena.
“I know u guys wanted an outdoor festival, and so did I, but the city wouldn’t approve,” he explained on social media. “And instead of canceling the whole thing I decided to have it at the arena because I still wanted to bring something cool to the city, but I know u guys weren’t feeling it.”
Mayor Bibb said the city never received a permit application for the Moon Man’s Landing Festival. He reached out to Kid Cudi as both sides hoped to see Cleveland host the festival at some point in 2023.
A crime scene reconstruction expert testified in the YNW Melly murder trial on Wednesday (June 28).
Sgt. Christopher Williams told jurors YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser were shot by someone inside the same car. Williams refuted the idea there could be multiple shooters, identifying three rounds fired by one person who was in the vehicle.
“[YNW Sakchaser] was not even aware he was about to be shot,” Williams explained. “And when [YNW Sakchaser] was shot, [YNW Juvy] puts up his hands and is shot and then is shot again. There is no time for anybody to switch a firearm. If there were, I believe one of those individuals would be alive.”
Williams also explained how evidence proved it was not a drive-by shooting. His testimony supported the prosecution’s case, which claimed YNW Melly staged a drive-by shooting after the murders.
“My determination was that this is not a drive-by shooting,” Williams said. “All of these rounds are done—all but one is at a stationary position. The shooter is at a stationary position when all but one of these rounds is going in.”
Prosecutors accuse YNW Melly of killing YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser in 2018. The rapper pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.
A toymaker sought $6 million after winning a legal battle against T.I. and Tiny Harris.
According to Billboard, MGA Entertainment wanted the couple to repay the company for money spent on a lawsuit over the toymaker’s OMG Dolls. T.I. and Tiny claimed MGA ripped off their group OMG Girlz to create the dolls in a dispute that began in 2021.
A Los Angeles jury sided with MGA at a trial in May. Jurors determined the toymaker did not steal the name and likeness of the T.I. and Tiny’s OMG Girlz.
MGA demanded repayment for its legal fees in a court filing on Monday (June 26). The company said the OMG Girlz dispute was an “exceptional” case where judges can order the losing party to cover the winner’s legal bills.
“Both in the manner the OMG Girlz litigated this case, and the weakness of the substantive claims and theories the OMG Girlz presented (as confirmed by the jury), the Court should conclude that this case stands out from others,” MGA argued in a filing obtained by Billboard.
MGA cited January’s mistrial as an example of what made the case exceptional. T.I. and Tiny introduced inadmissible testimony at the original trial in January, forcing the lawsuit to be relitigated in May. MGA believed the couple’s “litigation tactics, over-reaching claims and misconduct” justified an award of more than $6.1 million.
Detroit seems to be the hub for today’s hottest artists in the rap game, from mainstream acts such as Eminem and Big Sean to more recently the newer cats, such as Tee Grizzley, Kash Doll, Sada Baby, Icewear Vezzo, Babyface Ray, Peezy and more.
InsertSkilla Baby, who’s proud as hell to be up next. In just two years, the rising star has already signed to a major label (Geffen), and collaborated with the biggest names to come out of the city. Having standout verses with Kash Doll on “OH BAY” and Peezy on the “2 MILLION UP” remix, Skilla Baby effortlessly inserts himself as a force to be reckoned with.
In describing himself, Skilla Baby states he’s “one of the youngest up and coming Detroit talents,” which is crazy to think that this is just the beginning. He explains, “Because I’m still working on myself. I feel like I can elevate my music. I don’t feel like my music has peaked. I still got a lot of work to do.”
And if there’s one thing you can expect from Skilla Baby, it’s that he lets his work speak for himself. Most recently, Skilla Baby linked up with Tee Grizzley on a joint mixtape titled Controversy, spearheaded by lead single “Striker Music.” The title of the project speaks volumes to the fact that no one expected Skilla to work with Tee, given Skilla’s friendship and working relationship with Sada Baby. Sada and Tee have previously had their differences in the past.
Additionally, Skilla Baby will be revealing the deluxe to his debut project We Eat The Most, and starring in a film called Outside on Tubi releasing June 10th.
AllHipHop spoke with Skilla Baby in downtown Los Angeles to discuss his sound, roots in Detroit, signing in two years, his relationship with Tee Grizzley, releasing their joint tape, collaborating with Kash Doll and Peezy, wanting a plaque, and more!
AllHipHop: How would you describe your sound?
Skilla Baby: I’m unorthodox sonically. I’m different. I got a lot of sides to me. I’m diverse, you can’t put me in a box. I make my music based on how I’m feeling. My music doesn’t sound like anything you’ll hear from somebody else because my whole process, the way I go about music is different.
AllHipHop: What does Detroit mean to you?
Skilla Baby: Detroit means real. If I was going to name a city that defines real, I’ll say Detroit. You never know what you’re going to get, it’s like a box of chocolates.
AllHipHop: Can you expand on that?
Skilla Baby: You got lame people, you got real people. You got street people, it’s multifaceted. You got musicians, you got athletes, we got everything. Bad b######, ugly b######, fat, tall. Anything you want is in Detroit.
AllHipHop: How was your upbringing there?
Skilla Baby: Like anybody else’s. It’s hard, but it was fun. I appreciate coming up in Detroit because the struggle made me who I am.
AllHipHop: Who were the artists that made you want to do music?
Skilla Baby: Lil Wayne, Anita Baker, Tupac, people like that. I got a lot of inspirations forreal.
AllHipHop: When did you realize you could do music for a living?
Skilla Baby: A year or two ago, when I started making money consistently off of it. Streaming, features, stuff like that. A lot of it is from streaming, there’s so many ways to stream. Once you learn the business, you can find out how easy it is to make money.
AllHipHop: Only two years in and you’re already signed, how’s that feel?
Skilla Baby: It’s really surreal, I’m still taking it in. It hasn’t hit me as hard as it should. I’m still working, so it ain’t hit me. I hadn’t had a chance to sit down and be like damn.
AllHipHop: Did you think it’d be this quick?
Skilla Baby: I never knew, I just always knew what my end goal was. Accomplishing one of my goals as being a signed artist, having recognition and notoriety for what I do, I appreciate it. I appreciate everything that comes with it.
AllHipHop: I know your name came from having skills on the basketball court, were you nice when it?
Skilla Baby: Yeah, I was a good talent. I was talented, but I always got in trouble in school. So that ain’t work out for me.
AllHipHop: What were you getting in trouble for?
Skilla Baby: Little silly stuff. I wasn’t a bad kid, I’ll just do silly stuff. Talk too much, stuff like that. Class clown type stuff.
AllHipHop: You just dropped the Controversy tape with Tee Grizzley. What does it mean to have this out?
Skilla Baby: It was big for our city. It was big for the culture forreal forreal. Me and Tee cracked Top 10 on Apple. We streaming really well, we getting a lot of good feedback. We broke the barriers for Detroit as far as people working together. That’s what I wanted out of it, more than anything.
AllHipHop: How did y’all first meet?
Skilla Baby: I met Tee in the studio in Atlanta. We just did a song. We got mutual people that we’re very close with, so they put us together. Our friendship been building up ever since. It’s been hard.
AllHipHop: What is the energy in the studio with y’all?
Skilla Baby: It’s different every time. One day we might talk about a girl, one day we might talk about some street s###. Depends on what we saying and how we feeling, how our conversation is going in the studio. Because when we in the studio, it’s not all about making music. It’s about making that connection with each other, really coming together. We trying to make hits, we trying to make plaques. So that’s what we try to come together and do.
AllHipHop: What was the moment y’all decided to do a project?
Skilla Baby: Probably two sessions in, the second session. We’re like, “bro, we sound so good together. Let’s just try this.” We did it, we started working on it again. It came out, sonically it sounded right to me and him. We gon’ go with it.
AllHipHop: Why the title Controversy?
Skilla Baby: Because there’s a lot of controversy. Us messing with each other is controversial. To the world’s eyes, we’re not supposed to be friends. But we’re friends, we’re cool. The thought of us being around each other, working with each other is controversial, so I decided to name the project Controversy.
AllHipHop: Was Tee one of the ones you looked up to out of Detroit?
Skilla Baby: He’s the one that started it for us, as far as on the street side. It was always Doughboyz Cashout Scooch x Team Eastside, but they ain’t break them barriers like he did. Kick the industry door for us, so you can’t help but respect it. We gotta give credit where it’s due, Tee one of them ones.
AllHipHop: Did he give you any advice in this music business?
Skilla Baby: Yeah, he says “take everything for face value. Business is business. Don’t look at who to make friends out of it. Don’t bank on everyone being your friend, it’s business at the end of the day.
AllHipHop: What is “Striker Music”?
Skilla Baby: “Striker Music,” if you know you know.
AllHipHop: How was it shooting that music video?
Skilla Baby: It was fire, whole bunch of people came together. We got a whole bunch of cars, pulled up in the hood. Spent the cars off, went to a tire shop. It was fun. The whole process of the project was fun: shooting videos, making the music, the conversations. The people we met, the ideas, the whole thing was fun.
AllHipHop: It was in Detroit?
Skilla Baby: Yeah. We did some of the music in LA and Atlanta. Making this one song, “Side Piece,” was fire. Just the ideas bouncing off each other, that was the memory.
AllHipHop: You shout out Sada Baby in the song, he respond to that line?
Skilla Baby: “I’ll let off shots, leave, return with the strap like Sada.” You know, me and Sada ain’t really talked about the project. Sada been busy, he been booked for shows and doing s### like that. We both been real busy so we ain’t have time. I actually seen them at Juan’s baby shower. We talk about life, we don’t really talk about the project. But he commented fire on them pictures so I know he knows it’s fire.
AllHipHop: You’ve worked all over. When you were working on McDonald’s, did you ever think you’d be here?
Skilla Baby: I hoped that I’d be here. I didn’t know I’d be here.
AllHipHop: How’d you land the collab with Kash Doll? “OH BOY” is fire.
Skilla Baby: That was fun. I heard the song, Joseph McFashion wanted me on it. He’s a blogger. He’s like the Shawn Cotton of Detroit. Like SayCheese, he got his blog. He signs rappers, do all that. He works with Kash Doll out a lot, so he asked me to be on the song. Kash Doll was rapping like a n*gga on there, she was rapping harder than a guy. I’m like yeah, I want to be on there fasho. At first, I told them I can’t even do this. She rapping too hard, she going too crazy! How am I gon’ go on there? It just came out, it came out good. I enjoyed working with her as well too. I always wanted to work with Kash Doll. She one of them people like Tee. She’s been doing this for a long time, we respect her at home.
AllHipHop: What didn’t mean to do the “2 MILLION UP” remix?
Skilla Baby: Peezy asking me to be on “2 MILLION UP” was fire for me too, these are all people I wanted to work with. I always say I wanted to work with them, these are staples in our city. Being asked to be on “2 MILLION UP,” as big as that song is, as fire as it is, how many streams it got, I was honored to do it. I was honored that somebody would ask me to be on there. Damn, they respect me. I’m respected by people that are solidified in this, so that was big for me.
AllHipHop: Did it boost your numbers or anything?
Skilla Baby: I didn’t really look at my numbers after the “2 MILLION UP.” But I know before the project dropped with Tee, my Spotify numbers went from 80K to 400K monthly listeners. In two weeks, it’s crazy.
AllHipHop: That must have felt nice?
Skilla Baby: Yeah fasho. Going from 80K to 500K monthly listeners was big for me. I didn’t know how big Spotify was, how important it was until the team told me. Everybody don’t got Spotify. So if somebody’s listening to you on Spotify, they really listening to you.
AllHipHop: What can we expect from your We Eat The Most Deluxe?
Skilla Baby: A couple of nice features that you’d want to hear. You gotta tune in to see, coming with a few good people y’all want to hear me with, that’s not from Detroit. Just good music. I’m trying to make good music at all times. I’m in a great space, so the music I’m pushing out means something to me. By meaning something to me, the listeners, the consumer will love it.
AllHipHop: You were shot before, how did that affect you? You get any trauma from that?
Skilla Baby: Not for real. I accept what being a street guy comes with. I think that was a million dollar bullet because after I got shot, I got rich.
AllHipHop: You got shot and you were in the club the next day. You weren’t hurting?
Skilla Baby: No, not forreal. I ain’t really feel it. I got shot in my side. I felt it a few weeks later when I started to get a bruise. But other than that, I didn’t really feel it.
AllHipHop: Best encounter with a fan?
Skilla Baby: I had a lot of good in college. When I went to the high schools in Detroit, I got chased out the school before. They chase me. Somebody told me I saved their life. I be having all types of great encounters with my fans, my fans love me. Young to old, I have real good encounters with my fans. Like little kids or a baby, I love when a baby comes up to me. If a baby knows, you know kids are real genuine. They either like you or hate you. They don’t like you, or they love you. When I get kid fans, they be rapping my music and parents happy to see me, that makes my day
AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself?
Skilla Baby: I want some plaques. Platinum plaques. I’m fiending. I’m in a rush. I need them. If I don’t get no Platinum plaque, I’ma feel unaccomplished. I’ma do anything and get my plaques, fasho.
AllHipHop: What’s the closest song you have, that’s approaching?
Skilla Baby: “Tay B Style.” “Icky Vicky Vibes.” I think the Tee project, I’ma get a Gold plaque pretty soon. Pretty fast.
AllHipHop: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Skilla Baby: I like playing sports, going to the gym. I like traveling, shopping. The normal stuff. Go to the hood, making money. I like anything to do with money.
AllHipHop: Anything else you’re excited for?
Skilla Baby: I got a movie coming out, it’s called Outside. It’ll drop on June 10th. It’s about being a street Prophet in Detroit. It’ll be on Tubi, I’m excited about that.
AllHipHop: You take acting classes for it?
Skilla Baby: Nah, I want to take acting classes though. Then I got some big features. I’m supposed to be going on tour with a couple of big guys, so I’ma see how that goes. I ain’t gon’ rush it and say nothing. But hopefully if it’s God’s plan, then it happens.
Cam’ron advised Pusha T to not drag the Harlem native into the Clipse rapper’s beef with Jim Jones.
Killa Cam admitted he had problems with Jim Jones in the past but showed support for his fellow Dipset member on Wednesday (June 28). Cam’ron encouraged Pusha T to respond to Jim Jones’ diss track without bringing up any Dipset drama.
“Naaa Push!!!” Cam’ron wrote on Instagram. “Me and capo definitely don’t be on the same page all the time. But I don’t go against the family (Harlem) don’t use no old problems we had to try and win a battle. Get in dat booth. U nice but @jimjonescapo got u on the ropes and u aint Ropa-doping!!”
But Cam’ron made it clear he had no desire to participate in the Pusha T and Jim Jones beef. The It Is What It Is host said he’s focused on his sports talk show.
“And I don’t care if y’all put me in y’all bars I quit,” he wrote. “I do sports.
Pusha T subliminally dissed Jim Jones in a Clipse song after the Dipset member scoffed at Billboard ranking King Push as one of the 50 greatest rappers of all time. Jim Jones fired back with a diss track titled “Summer Collection.”
Listen to the disses below.
new CLIPSE (Pusha T and Malice) from LV show – full song – first CLIPSE record in 13 years? pic.twitter.com/kd2M2BneUo
Photo credit: Getty for Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards
Hollywood Unlocked and its CEO and Founder Jason Lee hosted its third annual Impact Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
Evan Ross presented the Community Award to Vice President, Creative at BMI. Catherine Brewton. Tiffany Haddish presented Image Architect Law Roach with the Innovator Award. Actor Sarunas Jackson presented the Fearlessness Award to Chlöe Bailey. Macy Gray presented a recorded acceptance from Whoopi Goldberg who received the Social Impact award, which was followed by Tyrese Gibson who presented 12x Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Babyface with the Icon Award.
A recorded speech from Vice President Kamala Harris was played during the awards which she thanked Jason for his work in advancing and protecting the culture with the Impact Awards which honors leaders who shape our culture and our future.
Attendees were also treated to performances from Muni Long, Jonathan McReynolds and Chrisean Rock.
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, rapper Joyner Lucas presented the Culture Award to the influential late and great rapper Tupac. The icon’s sister Sekyiwa ‘Set’ Shakur accepted on his behalf.
CEO of Hollywood Unlocked, Jason Lee, also launched his Hollywood Cares Foundation, aimed at providing resources and assistance to communities in need, with a particular focus on youth services.
