Quando Rondo’s legal woes got worse when he was busted for driving under the influence and reckless driving in Georgia on Tuesday (February 6). His latest arrest occurred while out on bond in state and federal cases.
The DUI and reckless driving charges were misdemeanors. Quando Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Bowman, posted a $4,600 bond.
“Our overall comment on the incident is ‘no comment,'” Quando Rondo’s rep told the Savannah Morning News. “It’s an old incident and Mr. Bowman turned himself in compliant as soon as he was made aware that he had warrants and took care of the situation.”
According to multiple reports, Savannah Police arrested Quando Rondo for a July 2023 incident. He was involved in a car crash and exhibited signs of an overdose. Authorities said he required sedation at a local hospital after he started acting hostile to the staff.
At the time, Quando Rondo was out on bond on state drug and gang charges. Prosecutors urged a judge to revoke his bond, but he was allowed to stay out of jail. His bond was modified to prevent him from driving and required him to take drug tests.
Quando Rondo was one of 19 people indicted in a state drug and gang case in June 2023. He was charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia’s Controlled Substances Act, participating in criminal activity in association with a street gang and illegal use of a communication facility.
Months later, Quando Rondo faced more trouble when the feds arrested him. He was charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in December 2023.
The 24-year-old rapper was released on a $100,000 bond after spending more than a week in jail. A judge placed him on house arrest while he awaits trial.
The relationship between hip-hop and smoking has always been intertwined. Across generations, hip-hop artists have often used smoking to showcase their street credibility or promote their brand. But with the advent of vaping, the relationship between hip-hop and smoking has changed. In this blog post, we’ll explore the evolution of hip-hop’s relationship with tobacco, from blunts to balm, and the growing influence of vaping in this genre.
Blunts, which are cigar wraps filled with weed, emerged as a popular choice among hip-hop artists, particularly in the vibrant era of the ’90s. These tightly rolled creations not only served as a means of indulging in a smoking experience but also became a striking symbol of street culture. It was expected to see influential figures in the hip-hop scene, such as Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill, and Notorious B.I.G, gracefully holding a cigar between their fingers, effortlessly blending the worlds of music and smoking. The act of smoking itself became intertwined with hip-hop culture, with artists often incorporating references to the smoking lifestyle in their lyrics and visuals, further solidifying its significance in the art form.
The transition to bongs
In the early 2000s, a significant transformation occurred in hip-hop culture as bongs emerged as the preferred smoking tool. This shift was not only evident in the lyrics of rap songs but also in the lifestyle choices of influential artists like Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, and Kid Cudi, who openly embraced and celebrated the use of bongs. These artists became known as bong enthusiasts, promoting a new wave of appreciation for this smoking apparatus.
The appeal of bongs over traditional smoking methods, such as blunts and joints, lies in the enhanced smoking experience they offer. With their water filtration system, bongs deliver cooler and smoother smoke, reducing the harshness often associated with other methods. This not only provides a more pleasant smoking experience but also allows for a deeper inhalation, resulting in a more intense high.
The rise of dabbing
With the legalization of marijuana in several states, a new smoking trend emerged – dabbing. Dabbing, a method of consuming cannabis, involves inhaling vaporized concentrates. This is typically done through a small handheld vaporizer called a dab rig. Dabbing gained popularity alongside the rise of trap music, with artists like Future, Migos, and Young Thug often referencing it in their lyrics. Dab pens, which are discreet and user-friendly, also became popular among enthusiasts. As the trend grew, dabbing culture expanded, with enthusiasts exploring different concentrates, experimenting with various techniques, and even attending dabbing events and competitions.
In recent years, vaping has emerged as a new trend among hip-hop artists, captivating the attention of both fans and industry insiders. With its rise in popularity, vaping has become the new symbol of coolness, replacing traditional smoking as the preferred choice of trendsetters. Renowned artists like 21 Savage, Travis Scott, and Post Malone have embraced the vaping culture, often seen effortlessly flaunting their sleek vape pens in music videos and public appearances.
Not only is vaping considered trendy but This phrase could be humanized as: “It’s also praised for the health benefits people believe it offers. As more and more people seek healthier alternatives to smoking, vaping has gained traction as a preferred option. With the rise of cannabis-related products and the increasing acceptance of marijuana, hip-hop artists have found a unique platform to showcase their own branded vape products. This fusion of music, culture, and entrepreneurship has created fresh opportunities for artists to engage with their fans and promote their brand of cannabis-related products, further fueling the vaping phenomenon within the hip-hop community.
Vaping beyond smoking
Hip-hop’s relationship with vaping goes far beyond just smoking. It has become a significant influence not only in the music industry but also in the beauty industry. Vaping has made its way into the world of cosmetics, with cannabis-infused balms, oils, and lotions gaining tremendous popularity. Renowned rappers like Cardi B and Rihanna have taken advantage of this trend and even launched their line of cannabis-based beauty products. By incorporating the trend of vaping into their brand, they have showcased their entrepreneurial spirit and tapped into a growing market that merges the worlds of music, beauty, and cannabis culture. Additionally, products like the THC Pen from TRĒ House exemplify how vaping technology continues to intertwine with various aspects of contemporary culture, including hip-hop’s influence on consumer preferences and lifestyle choices.
Conclusion
The relationship between hip-hop and smoking has always been intriguing and ever-evolving. Throughout the years, hip-hop culture has seamlessly adapted to the shifting trends in smoking practices. From the classic blunts to the rise of balm, the influence of smoking on hip-hop has been undeniable.
However, with the growing popularity of vaping, a new chapter has emerged. Hip-hop artists are now embracing and promoting a healthier approach to smoking through the use of vape pens and cannabis-infused beauty products. This shift highlights hip-hop culture’s adaptability and reflects a conscious effort to prioritize well-being.
NBA YoungBoy’s attorneys filed a motion to dismiss his federal gun charges on February 2. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, his lawyers argued the charges were unconstitutional.
The Motown Records artist, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, was indicted for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm in 2021. NBA YoungBoy’s lawyers claimed the charges, which stemmed from his 2020 arrest in Baton Rouge, violated his Second Amendment rights.
“The government has not alleged that Mr. Gaulden was observed to be holding a firearm by any law enforcement officer (or any other witness), nor have any allegations been made that Mr. Gaulden was using a firearm in any unlawful way at the time of his alleged offense,” NBA YoungBoy’s legal team wrote. “Rather, the government merely alleges that music video footage shows Mr. Gaulden possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony and for possessing a firearm which is not registered in the national firearms registration and transfer record.”
They continued, “The government does not allege that Mr. Gaulden was posing a threat to anyone and cannot even allege that the suspected firearms observed in the video were functional or loaded when the video was recorded. This prosecution seeks to restrict and deny Mr. Gaulden’s Second Amendment right to possess a firearm based solely on his status [as] a felon and his alleged failure to comply with bureaucratic regulations requiring the registration of firearms into a national database.”
NBA YoungBoy’s lawyers said his alleged possession of a firearm in a public area was protected by the Second Amendment. They disputed the legality of banning convicted felons from possessing guns.
“Scholars and courts alike have previously recognized the lack of a clear historical continuity between the firearm laws in effect when the Second Amendment was ratified and the modern lifetime ban on possessing firearms for anyone convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for term exceeding one year which is currently in effect,” the attorneys wrote. “The Fifth Circuit has acknowledged that ‘the federal felony firearm possession ban bears little resemblance to laws in effect at the time the Second Amendment was ratified, as it was not enacted until 1938, was not expanded to cover non-violent felonies until 1961 and was not re-focused from receipt to possession until 1968’ … In other words, the blanket lifetime ban on the possession of firearms by every individual convicted of a crime for which they could have been sentenced to a term exceeding one year did not exist until 1968.”
The lawyers pushed back against felony-based disarmament. They contended the government “cannot provide the historical analogues to show that felony disarmament comports” with the tradition of firearm regulation in the U.S.
NBA YoungBoy remains on house arrest awaiting trial in his federal gun case. The 24-year-old rapper’s trial is scheduled to begin in July if Judge Shelly Dick rejects his request to dismiss the charges.
Vince Staples is offering a complimentary screening of his upcoming Netflix series in Los Angeles following a recent outcry from his fans. On Tuesday (February 6), the Long Beach rapper announced his plan on Twitter (X), revealing fans could sign up for tickets to view the premiere of his series at Braindead Studios in L.A.
Staples’ explained the move was in response to the overwhelming number of his fans complaining that they can’t watch because they aren’t users of the streaming giant.
”The streets saying they don’t have @Netflix accounts but don’t you fret. We doing a FREE screening for the trenches of Los Angeles !!! Follow the link to link and build. AND WE GOT POPCORN,” Staples wrote in the tweet.
The streets saying they don’t have @Netflix accounts but don’t you fret. We doing a FREE screening for the trenches of Los Angeles !!! Follow the link to link and build. AND WE GOT POPCORN ❗️ https://t.co/IQvYBKkbh5
DJ Akademiks has expressed being a fan of Playboi Carti’s music and marketing skills. However, the outspoken Rumble streamer was not a fan of the Atlanta native’s recent outfit.
“It’s like a onesie. You basically button it at the bottom which means Carti gotta button the s### under his balls. This s### is wild,” Akademiks stated during a livestream.
Ak then said, “The onesie is even worse than the thong, bro. Like, my n#### actually walked out of the store like he was on some Ice Spice s###. Like he was just shaking ass in the deli.”
DJ Akademiks went on to call Playboi Carti a “non-binary vampire.” Additionally, the Off the Record podcaster brought up Iggy Azealia, the mother of Carti’s 3-year-old son Onyx.
He said, “This n#### not doing a m############ thing but playing with [Iggy Azealia’s] makeup, painting his face, trying on women’s clothes. Doing all types of s### that she’s supposed to be doing.”
Akademiks also suggested the viral pictures could be part of an intentional Playboi Carti rollout. The 27-year-old recording artist is expected to release the follow-up album to 2020’s Whole Lotta Red in 2024.
Whole Lotta Red became a commercial success. The AWGE/Interscope-backed project debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart with 100,000 first-week units. Plus, Whole Lotta Redearned gold certification from the RIAA.
G Herbo will make a bold declaration with his upcoming music project. The Chicago-bred recording artist has a new mixtape on the way with a very striking title.
TMZ caught up with G Herbo at Los Angeles International Airport late last month. After talking about getting new teeth to change his image and self-assurance, Herbo revealed the name of his next body of work.
“It does something mentally to you, too. It makes you feel good about yourself, like confident,” Herbo stated about his modified smile. He also said, “I got new music coming, a new mixtape coming called Best Rapper Alive.”
G Herbo will add Best Rapper Alive to a discography that already contains mixtapes such as 2014’s Welcome to Fazoland, 2015’s Ballin Like I’m Kobe and 2023’s Strictly 4 My Fans 2.
His debut studio LP, Humble Beast, dropped in 2017. That album was followed by Still Swervin in 2019, PTSD in 2020, 25 in 2021 and Survivor’s Remorse in 2022. Herbo also teamed with producer Southside for 2018’s Swervo collaborative effort.
Drake became a day-long trending topic on Tuesday (February 6). Alleged footage of the Canadian superstar playing with his private parts went viral.
The video of a man resembling Drake caused a lot of conversation on social media. Apparently, plastic surgeon/internet personality Michael “Dr. Miami” Salzhauer received a lot of messages about male-centered cosmetic procedures.
“Yes, penis enlargement surgery exists,” Dr. Miami posted on X. He later added, “It’s not called a DDL but everyone kept tagging me for some reason so I answered did not know what was going on [loudly crying face emoji].”
Dr. Miami also suggested his response as a “medical professional” to questions about penis enhancement was not meant to be “shady” toward anyone. However, many commenters assumed Drake inspired his tweet.
Jay-Z earned praise from many 2024 Grammy Award viewers for his acceptance speech at the ceremony—but not everyone was impressed.
On Sunday (February 4), the Recording Academy honored Jay-Z with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. While addressing the audience, he criticized the Grammys on behalf of his wife, Beyoncé.
“I don’t want to embarrass this young lady [Beyoncé], but she has more Grammys than anyone and never won Album Of The Year,” Jay said. “So even by your own metrics, that doesn’t work.”
Soon after the event aired, veteran journalist Roland Martin expressed disappointment in the Roc Nation founder. Martin took issue with the way Jay-Z handled his call for change at the Grammys, which he discussed on his Roland Martin Unfiltered digital show.
During the Unfiltered segment about the Grammys, Martin pointed out that Killer Mike’s victories this year in the rap categories took place in the un-televised portion of the event. The former TV One host then offered Hov some advice.
“Jay-Z, if you want the Grammys to change, you should’ve said, ‘I will not accept this award nor will I attend until y’all put one of the rap categories on the televised broadcast,” Martin stated. “Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, y’all make it clear, whoever they want to give the award to next year, you make it clear we ain’t showing up unless y’all make the rap album of the year part of the broadcast.”
Roland Martin concluded, “I guarantee you it’s gonna cause some folks to say, ‘We better do it or we’re gonna lose the star power… You pull the star power, ratings go down. When ratings go down, they lose money. We know in America, when they lose money, stuff changes.”
Boosie Badazz became the target of a disrespectful Kodak Black line on the recently released “11am In Malibu” track. Kodak has now gotten a reaction from the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native on social media.
“And n##### been scared of me from ever since I remember, that’s what the streets tell me. I don’t even care about that s###, though, I’m tryna get rich, ho. Who Boosie think he is? Who you n##### think you being?” Kodak Black rapped on the “11am In Malibu” song.
Badazz responded to the Florida-bred rhymer with an Instagram post that read:
WHO BOOSIE THINK HE IS? [face with tears of joy emoji] SOMEONE U WILL NEVER BE #facts YOU MUST BE STILL MAD ABOUT WHAT I SAID CAUSE YOU KEEP BRINGING MY NAME UP. @kodakblack U GOTTA BLAME YOURSELF. YOU GAVE YOUR CAREER A BLACK EYE. I DIDN’T DO IT YOU DID IT. U POSE TO BE FOCUS ON GETTING BACK OUT HERE WITH YOUR FAMILY N GETTING HELP‼️ I WISH U THE BEST N I WISH U FREEDOM #NEWALBUM 2/9
Florida law enforcement officials arrested Kodak Black (real name Bill Kapri) on drug possession charges in December 2023. The 26-year-old When I Was Dead album creator was released on $5,000 bond before being detained again for a probation violation.
Boosie Badazz and Kodak Black reportedly began feuding after Boosie took issue with Kodak collaborating with rapper-turned-government witness 6ix9ine. The Brooklynite born Daniel Hernandez testified against his co-defendants during a federal racketeering trial.
The 2023 “Ungrateful” track seemed to include Boosie’s response to the bad blood with Kodak Black. Previously, the two southerners worked together on the “Slayed” single off Kodak Black’s 2016 mixtape Lil B.I.G. Pac.
British grime legend Flowdan is reflecting on making history after becoming the first artist from the subgenre to win a Grammy Award.
The U.K. rap scene experienced a resurgence in 2023, with rappers breaking records and topping the charts with No. 1 albums. 2024 has got off to a good start, with a Grammy win for pioneering grime artist Flowdan.
On Sunday (February 4), Flowdan achieved a major milestone for the U.K. grime scene. He won the Best Dance/Electronic Recording Grammy for “Rumble,” alongside Fred again.. and Skrillex.
He opened up about the award’s significance during an interview with fellow Roll Deep crew legend DJ Target on his Radio 1Xtra show.
Flowdan also dropped off a freestyle over a classic grime instrumental from 2014. Stormzy later popularized the beat with his 2015 banger “Shut Up.”
“When you talk about doing music, this is probably the most proud way I can speak about it,” he explained. “Now I can have some confidence whenever I’ve explained I’m not talking gibberish when speaking about grime.”
Furthermore, Flowdan says the Grammy award will open doors to people unfamiliar with the subgenre.
“Obviously if you don’t know about the culture, you might not know what grime music is,” he said. “When I say I’m in the top 10… I’ve got a Grammy, the conversation has just been made very short.”
After a two-decades-plus-long career that began on pirate radio stations, Flowdan hopes his new-found Grammys success will bring new fans to grime culture.
“The UK is a gem in itself, our way of thinking, talking and how we put things together,” he added. “It’s like no other place.”
Missy Elliott changed the landscape of Hip-Hop in the late nineties and early noughties with her new sound and eclectic style accompanied by a series of iconic music videos.
On Tuesday (February 6) the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer reminded old fans and introduced new ones to some of her most memorable visuals. Elliott upped the nostalgia factor by recreating her distinctive looks with the original fits she wore the first time around.
“I found all my ORIGINAL outfits I wore in some of my most ICONIC videos,” Missy revealed. “I decided to see what I would look like in these fits in the year 2024.”
The video montage features fits for five unforgettable videos going back nearly 30 years, including “The Rain” (1997), “Hot Boyz” (1999), “Sock it To Me” (!997) “Beep Me 911” (1998) and “Gossip Folks” (2002).
“I went back in time WOW,” Missy Elliott added in the caption. “Heavenly Father I thank you! I’ve come along way!”
Meanwhile, Missy Elliott fans can expect some new music videos as she has been back in the studio working with Timbaland. Last year, the super producer revealed they’ve been working on a new sound.
“We’ve got a lot of songs we’re gonna start recording soon,” he said in April 2023. “I know how Missy works: It’s got to be new and fun — or maybe not so much new as kind of underground, and everything is upbeat.”
Later this year, Timbo is set to join Missy Elliott in the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the 2024 Induction and Awards Gala on June 13.
Kanye West is planning a major tour but claims he’s struggling to book venues seemingly over his antisemitic rants.
Ye took to Instagram Tuesday (February 6) to complain about the issue, revealing he had no problem selling tickets to an upcoming Chicago listening party for his and Ty Dolla $ign’s new album, Vultures.
According to Kanye West, United Centre was the only establishment willing to work with him over the last 12 months.
“We just sold out the United Center in seven minutes,” he claimed in the video. “It’s the only arena that I had access to in the past year.”
West also asked for assistance in making a booking, insinuating he’s blacklisted because of his antisemitism controversies.
“When I call, people say there’s no avails for me, and you know why that is,” he added. “So if there’s anybody out there that can help with this, please do.”
Damn, Kanye said he needs help getting booked into other arenas after selling out the United Center in 7 minutes pic.twitter.com/QtubFgfbTJ
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) February 7, 2024
Kanye West followed up with a post on Instagram, comparing himself to Elvis.
“I have not been allowed to perform in a year,” he shared. “Feels like the Elvis Presley movie.”
Kanye West Considering Great Wall Of China Performance
It appears Kanye West’s PSA was successful, as he posted screenshots of multiple subsequent offers. One features an exchange with Freddie Gibbs to arrange a show at Petco Park in San Diego.
“I’m glad I put that video up talking about how they not giving me stadiums,” Ye said to Gibbs. “It will sell out like united centre,” Gibbs replied.
West plans to take the tour overseas as his messages with YesJulz reveal. She shared a list of “iconic international venue options that would love to have you.” The trio of landmark locations included the Great Wall of China and the Giza Pyramids. Another suggestion was the Brazilian mountain Corcovado, the home of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue and the open-air Maracana Stadium.
Meanwhile, last week, Kanye West joined Travis Scott onstage on his Circus Maximum tour. He and Scott surprised fans at the Orlando show, performing some of their best-loved songs.
Beyoncé is expanding her business empire, launching her new brand hair care line Cécred.
The Superstar songstress teased her new venture back in May last year, revealing the brand will honor her mother’s legacy as a hairdresser.
On Tuesday night (February 6), Beyoncé took to Instagram to unveil her new brand with an exciting trailer. The video includes a clip of Beyoncé mid-hair wash and another of her as a smiling child alongside her mother, Tina Knowles.
“Hair is sacred,” the caption reads. “The journey begins Feb 20.”
The Cécred website reveals Beyoncé’s new hair care line blends science and ritual. Images from the site indicate that Queen Bey may incorporate honey into her products.
Back in 2020, Beyoncé revealed that she keeps two actual beehives with 80,000 bees at home.
“I’ve had them at my house for a while now,” she explained when Vogue asked for a little-known fact about the 32-time Grammy winner.
“I have around 80,000 bees and we make hundreds of jars of honey a year,” she added. “I started the beehives because my daughters, Blue and Rumi, both have terrible allergies, and honey has countless healing properties.”
Beyoncé shared her inspiration for the line in an Instagram post last May.
“How many of y’all knew my first job was sweeping hair in my mama’s salon?” Beyoncé began.
“Destiny’s Child got our start by performing for clients while they were getting their hair done,” she continued. “I was exposed to so many different kinds of entrepreneurial women in her salon.”
Ice-T wants nothing more than some lovin’ between Benson and Stabler.
The rapper and actor, who has starred in “Law & Order: SVU” since its second season in 2000, spilled all during a photoshoot to mark the hit cop show’s 25th anniversary on air. After more than two decades of watching the sexual tension between his co-stars’ characters build, Ice-T is ready for the pair to just get together, already.
Ice-T told Entertainment Weekly he wants nothing more than for Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler, played by Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni respectively, to finally give into the passionate romance he believes they should be sharing.
“(On) my social media, people think this show’s real,” Ice-T explained, adding the show creator Dick Wolf is the man in charge.
“They’re like, ‘Yo, tell Chris to come back.’ I’m like, ‘I’m not Dick Wolf. I can’t tell Chris just to come… that’s not how it works!’” he said. “But yeah, I’m waiting. Fans are waiting. My fans are like, ‘Tell Mariska to go over to OC and give Chris some lovin’.
Sadly for Ice-T’s dreams, it seems they may go unfulfilled – at least, for now.
In the show’s most recent season the pair came close to a kiss, but both pulled away, with Mariska’s character admitting, “I want to, but I can’t.”
Steph Curry gave Lindsay Lohan an adorable gift for her new baby, Luai.
The basketball legend had not publicized his relationship with the new family, but Lindsay’s recent Instagram post revealed Steph is, in fact, her son’s godfather.
Featuring a photo of one of Steph’s Golden State Warriors jerseys, the post was quite the revelation: not only did the jersey have Steph’s autograph on it, but it also included the words, “To Luai” and “Your godparents love you!”
Steph Curry gifted Lindsay Lohan his game-worn autographed jersey after scoring 60 points 👏
One of Steph’s game-worn jerseys from last season, where he scored 33 points, sold for $36,000
Steph Curry, 35, gifted the jersey to Lindsay, 37, and her husband, Bader Shammas when they came along to a Warriors game to support the team.
Lindsay’s connection with the Curry family arose after she and Steph’s wife, Ayesha, worked together on the upcoming Netflix movie, “Irish Wish.” Luai was born in 2023, with Lindsay’s reps confirming the news in July
Lindsay Lohan and Bader are raising their son in Dubai, with the actress telling Allure magazine she found the city far more peaceful than her hometown, New York
“I guess you would say it happened organically,” Lohan said. “Dubai gives me that space to have my own vision of what I need to do next.”
Jonathan Majors sentencing has been postponed to April. The Marvel actor was due to appear in a New York courtroom on Tuesday to be sentenced after being convicted of reckless assault and harassment in December last year.
The sentencing has now been postponed until April 8 after the actor’s lawyer filed several motions with the court.
Majors, 34, was originally scheduled to attend the sentencing in person in the Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday morning but ended up appearing virtually for the session, which reportedly lasted less than 10 minutes.
The “Loki” actor faces up to a year in prison after being found guilty of one count of third-degree assault and one count of second-degree harassment. The actor was acquitted of aggravated harassment and a separate assault charge. Jonathan
Majors was arrested in Manhattan in March last year and charged with assault and aggravated harassment in connection with an alleged domestic dispute with his former girlfriend, British choreographer Grace Jabbari.
He pleaded not guilty to the four charges leveled against him and continued to maintain his innocence. In January, the actor opened up about the verdict during an interview with Good Morning America on Monday.
“This has been very very very hard, and very difficult and confusing in many ways,” Majors said at the time, insisting he was “reckless” with Jabbari’s heart but “not with her body.
“My hands have never struck a woman, ever,” he declared.
A Pennsylvania man is in police custody after it was discovered he murdered his father, beheaded him and presented his decapitated head on social media.
The gruesome occurrence was discovered on January 31, when authorities say a man named Justin Mohn was arrested with a gun at a National Guard base. Mohn is accused of murdering his father and uploading a video on YouTube hours later, during which he claims his father was a traitor, criticized the Joe Biden administration and declared himself the new acting U.S. President under Marshall Law. Mohn also briefly presented the remains of his father’s head in a plastic bag on camera during the rant.
Apparently the victim’s wife, Mohn’s mother, was the one who alerted authorities an emergency dispatchers of her husband’s death after finding him fatally wounded in the bathroom. A machete and a large kitchen knife were reportedly found in the bath tub at the scene of the incident. The victim, Michael Mohn, worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District, according to CNN.
The video managed to circulate for hours and attract more than 5,000 views before it was taken down. Mohn, 32, is being held without bond on charges of abuse of a corpse and other crimes.
T-Pain has revealed that his experience working as a songwriter for country recording artists has been both gratifying and traumatizing. The Tallahassee-bred artist recently shared an earnest video to his Instagram page that detailed his love for music genres other than Hip-Hop.
”Good music is good music I don’t care where it comes from, IDGAF where it comes from or what style it comes in,” T-Pain started off in the video. “All the people I know, like, feel like it’s not cool to listen to other genres of music. Country music is where I get all of my harmonies from. Country and gospel music that’s where all of my harmonies come from.”
However, T-Pain’s remarks took a rather bleak turn, though, when he began talking about the backlash he received when being credited on country music releases.
“I done wrote a lot of country sounds and I’ve stopped taking credit for it. As cool as it is to see your name in those credits and stuff like that, the racism that comes after that is just like…I’ll just take the check. Don’t put me on that s###,” he said.
T-Pain recently made waves earlier this month after covers he did of country singer Chris Stapleton’s fan favorite hit “Tennessee Whiskey” and Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” went viral upon the release of his new live performance album. His rendition of the song was so moving, it earned him props from Osbourne himself.
Metro Boomin has expressed his concern with the music industry’s shift toward a formulaic approach to creating social media ready releases.
Metro recently addressed his frustrations about the current climate of music on Twitter (X). In his sandwich method style tweet, the St. Louis-bred producer coupled his likes and dislikes about the impact of TikTok on artists at-large.
“I love the creativity and appreciation the kids show for the music on TikTok but I don’t like the forced pandering from artists and labels that results in these lifeless and soulless records,” Metro wrote.
I love the creativity and appreciation the kids show for the music on TikTok but I don’t like the forced pandering from artists and labels that results in these lifeless and soulless records.
Metro Boomin’s comments follow Universal Music Group’s announcement their artists’ music will no longer be available on TikTok after failing to renegotiate their contract with the social media platform. A UMG spokesman told Reuters all of its music will be pulled from TikTok—this would include songs from some of the world’s biggest artists, including Drake, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Eminem, The Beatles, Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj, SZA and many more.
UMG also accused TikTok of engaging “obvious” tactics to “hurt vulnerable artists and try to intimidate us into conceding to a bad deal,” and also claimed TikTok attempted to “intimidate” them during contract negotiations “by selectively removing the music of certain of our developing artists, while keeping on the platform our audience-driving global stars.”
RoccStar has 10 Grammy nominations to his name—and that doesn’t even begin to cover the scope of his talents. Having produced and co-written some of music’s biggest hit records, including “Fine China” and “X” for Chris Brown, “Zack and Codeine” for Post Malone,” “Acting Like That” for Jennifer Lopez, RoccStar is a true definition of a hitmaker, someone who sees no boundaries to his art and continues to reach new heights.
Now, he applies that same knowledge and skillset to his own artistry. RoccStar recently dropped his highly-anticipated debut project, Savage Behavior. In fact, he released it on his own birthday, fully celebrating his transition from behind-the-scenes to in front of the scenes as a recording artist.
Additionally, he’s excited as ever to be executive producing Chris Brown’s forthcoming EP, 11:11, dropping on November 11. He’s also a father, a mogul, and a proud businessman with multiple businesses in the tech space.
AllHipHop spoke with RoccStar in downtown Los Angeles to discuss his relationship with Chris Brown, the new project and his sound, his tech businesses, and more!
AllHipHop: What was the moment that you realized you could do music as a profession?
Roccstar: Probably when I started battle rapping, realizing the reaction from the crowd. Because you got a crowd around you, either what you’re saying is amazing or not.
AllHipHop: What about the moment that put you on?
Roccstar: Honestly, the moment thing changes for me. Probably was when Chris Lighty started managing me, and I signed my first artist to Epic Records. That was the first pivotal moment. The second pivotal moment would be when “Fine China” came out and the world realized I was the genius behind it.
AllHipHop: Best memory from the “Fine China” studio session?
Roccstar: The authenticity, the level of genius and creativity man. We had a Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones moment type vibe. Rod Temperton type thing.
for sure. I respect that. Well, you know, obviously, you have nine Grammy nominations, what are some of the more?
AllHipHop: You have 9 Grammy nominations. What are the most meaningful records you’ve done?
Roccstar: For me, the X album was huge for me. Definitely the X album, because that was the album that changed my life. The Mary J. Blige album being up for Album of the Year, that right there was big. The Good Mornin, Gorgeous album. “Fine China” of course. The Post Malone album I did, Beerbongs & Bentleys was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Album as well. The Post Malone moment was big for me too, because I’ve been knowing him since way back.
AllHipHop: What sparked the transition from producer and songwriter to artist?
Roccstar: Just having that Kanye moment where the frequency that I’m creating, it’s proven. I can either create this energy for other people the whole time, or I can express my own art.
AllHipHop: What is it about RoccStar as an artist? What is the sound you’re curating?
Roccstar: It’s very aggressive. The album’s called Savage Behavior. It’s very authentic and aggressive. It’s motivational music, theme music for the gods. Very motivational, you gon’ do a couple of extra reps working out. You gon’ really go after what you’re going for, listening to this level of frequency. I studied frequency, so war drums. There’s certain frequencies that have never been tampered with, like a waterfall or ocean waves. I studied frequency therapy. I made sure that the drums and certain things got the right frequency.
AllHipHop: You studied that in school?
Roccstar: Not in school, but I really studied the masters of frequencies. The Einsteins, really which Hertz is love. Which Hertz is anger at. I engulf myself ain frequency therapy, to the point where I created a frequency therapy for PTSD programs for the military in augmented reality. I really study frequencies.
AllHipHop: Let’s touch on your tech endeavors? What is RocEye?
Roccstar: RocEye is an AR company, an AI company, and a hologram company in partnership with Third Eye. For the last 27 years, Third Eye has been creating technology for the military and government. The AR glasses we have came from actual military, where the first responders were able to look through your lens and help somebody. Basically save somebody’s life through AR, through those goggles. They walk you through it. Some of the technology in the goggles can show you the heart rate, what’s happening. All kinds of stuff, it’s crazy.
We took that and we made an entertainment version, which is where RocEye came in. We did the whole thing, which is a little more digestible for the public. Other s### is high tech. You put on and you can see what the opps are wearing and know where their armor is from. “Oh, it’s Russian.” Stuff like that.
That’s one thing, then I have RoccStarWireless. Our partner is T-Mobile. RoccStarWireless is the new cell phone company. You know Ryan Reynolds just sold Mint Mobile for $1.4 billion, but we’re moving them out the way right now. I got some partners. I brought in Lil Kim and Flo Rida, a bunch of different people to tag team. We’re going crazy on the cell phone service as well.
AllHipHop: What did it mean to drop Savage Behavior on your birthday, Halloween?
Roccstar: Shoot, it’s my gift to myself and everybody else. [laughs] Here’s a new frequency man, check this vibe out. That’s the play. Everything has to have some type of significance to it.
AllHipHop: What is Savage Behavior?
Roccstar: Savage Behavior is something that you can rock with to turn up your savage. A lot of people aren’t naturally confident, a lot of people aren’t naturally in that vibe. A lot of people are in a shell, so this is something to bring you out your shell. Spark up that savage. That might be the energy you need to get that deal closed or get you that promotion, or get you that confidence to tell whoever, whatever. Savage Behavior!
AllHipHop: Three things you need in the studio at all times?
Roccstar: Weed, some huge speakers or a lot of sound. And I like lights. All red or all blue.
AllHipHop: Talk about executive producing Chris Brown’s upcoming EP, 11:11?
Roccstar: I came in with Mark Pitts. Obviously, I did CB’s last five albums with him. But this album, him and Mark and everybody came to me and said “Yo, I want you to help me really cultivate this sound on some Quincy Jones stuff, with me for the first time.” CB don’t really mess with people too hard. He don’t like people, he don’t rock with people. He be in his own shell, his own world. The fact that he trusted me to come in and make sure the frequency was tuned to where he’s going, in life and with tech, with different things. Where everybody’s going all the way around the board was big for me, so I came in to go crazy on this album. I did 11 of those songs myself.
AllHipHop: How did you and Chris meet initially?
Roccstar: I met Chris through the dance world, briefly krumping. I used to be a a krump dancer in the krump world. I used to be doing krump arenas, all that s###. That’s when we first met, him and his brother who was also a krumper I used to battle. After that, I used to run into him in different clubs. Supperclub. When it turned into the business vibe, alright let’s sit down and really see who who is, that’s when Mark Pitts brought me in to do the X album. That’s how I ended up doing “Autumn Leaves,” “X,” “Fine China,” all of them records. So Mark Pitts really introduced us.
AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself at this point?
Roccstar: Of course, I have a lot of goals. I’m really on building an empire that people ain’t seen yet. But that’s a bridge between tech, music, lifestyle and forward-thinking everything. Forward thinking sounds, forward-thinking technology, forward-thinking movements, all the way down to housing. The way housing is set up forward-thinking wise. I’m doing the small housing thing and all this other stuff.
My goals is to have multiple companies with exit strategies built into them, that ended up on NASDAQ or whatever. Basically having an empire of successful businesses and continuing to sell hit records and making sure whatever we drop just goes.
