AllHipHop

homepage

Kevin Hart Says He’ll Never Host The Oscars: “Those Gigs Aren’t Good Gigs For Comics”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Kevin Hart was expected to serve as master of ceremonies for the 2019 Academy Awards. However, backlash over resurfaced social media posts about the LGBTQ community led to the comedian walking away from the job.

Will Kevin Hart ever host the Oscars in the future? According to the Lift star, he has no desire to take on that role. Hart spoke to Sky News about shunning hosting duties for award ceremonies.

“Those gigs aren’t good gigs for comics. It’s no shot to the Oscars, no shot to the [Golden Globes] or anything else. Those just aren’t comedy-friendly environments anymore,” Kevin Hart told the British media outlet.

At the same time, the 44-year-old entertainer championed celebrities-led award shows. He said, “It’s a collaborative thing, different people get to be responsible for act one, act two, act three, but you know, the days of it being a room for a comic, those days are done.”

Kevin Hart Gives Kudos To Other Stand-Up Comics’ Hosting Abilities

Before his homophobic tweets controversy, Kevin Hart hosted the 2011 BET Awards, the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards and the 2016 MTV Movie Awards. The Philadelphia native praised fellow comics like Chris Rock, Billy Crystal, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Ricky Gervais for their past hosting performances.

Critics panned Jo Koy’s recent job as host of the 81st Golden Globe Awards. A particular joke about pop singer Taylor Swift did not go over well with the live audience. In reaction to the bad reviews, Koy later admitted, “I’d be lying if [I said] it doesn’t hurt.”

Kevin Hart has also been in the news lately because Katt Williams lambasted the Real Husbands of Hollywood creator on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay. Williams accused Hart of being an industry plant. Hart fired back by suggesting Williams is bitter about his rival’s success.

Angela Rye Reacts To Backlash Over Her Comments About Joe Biden

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Angela Rye, Tiffany D. Cross and Andrew Gillum teamed up to host iHeartPodcasts’ new Native Land Pod. The first episode of the show has already caused controversy.

The inaugural edition of Native Land Pod debuted on Thursday (January 11). At one point, Angela Rye discussed President Joe Biden’s speech at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Some social media users called out Rye for presumably comparing Biden’s remarks about the Civil War to recent comments made by Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley. The former South Carolina governor failed to mention slavery when asked about the cause of the Civil War.

“I wanted that clip to role especially because Andrew was making this distinction between what Nikki Haley said [and] what Donald Trump said. It sounds like Joe Biden went right to the heart of what Nikki Haley said,” Angela Rye stated.

Angela Rye Defends Her Stance On Joe Biden & The Democratic Party

One X user complained, “[Angela Rye] only includes half of what #PresidentBiden said on the Native Land podcast, but I have the rest! According to Angela, the #President appears to be saying the same thing as #NikkiHaley, who we all know couldn’t say #slavery. President #Biden condemned not only slavery, but also #JimCrow. Please do better! I want this #podcast to win, but my side eye has been #activated!!”

Joe Biden did call Nikki Haley’s non-slavery answer a lie. In response to the backlash for seemingly omitting that part of the speech from the Native Land Pod segment, Rye tweeted, “This is an unfortunate and blatant mischaracterization of what *I* said. Run it back. And try again.”

Someone then directly asked Rye to clarify the misunderstanding. She responded, “I said he took it TO Nikki Haley where she was once governor. It is clear THIS clip was cut off. This speech from Biden was the strongest I’ve ever heard him on the condemnation of white supremacy and the confederacy. That is progress.”

Angela Rye went on to say she believes Joe Biden can do more to address white supremacy. The former CNN commentator also argued the right to demand more from the Democratic Party. She stated, “We are not the only ones sounding this clear alarm. There are more.”

Tiffany D. Cross Found Herself In The Social Media Crosshairs Too

Angela Rye’s Native Land Pod co-host Tiffany D. Cross also caught heat online this week. Some social media users blasted the former anchor for MSNBC’s The Cross Connection for comments she made on The Breakfast Club.

“I vote Democrat most of the time. But I am not a talking head for the party at all. I think they make horrific decisions. I think they summarily dismiss our communities the same way a lot of the cable news industry does,” Tiffany D. Cross told Charlamagne Tha God. She also declared, “I think they fail us at every point.”

That take by Cross sparked negative reactions as people began pointing out Democrat-backed policies that helped their lives such as the Affordable Care Act. The Say It Louder! author pushed back on the complaints directed her way.

“I was referencing the cable news industry. Not the party. I’ve spoken numerous [times] on policies that have been beneficial to both the community & me personally. I do, however, stand by that we are not loyal to a party but vote instead in favor of harm reduction. Thank you,” Tiffany D. Cross tweeted.

Michael Jackson Biopic Set To Hit Theaters In 2025

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Michael Jackson’s life story will play out in a biographical film. The forthcoming Micheal is scheduled to premiere in American theaters on April 18, 2025.

Lionsgate Films hired Antoine Fuqua (Training Day, The Equalizer) to direct the motion picture. The King of Pop’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson, will play the entertainment icon in the movie.

“I’m humbled and honored to bring my Uncle Michael’s story to life. To all the fans all over the world, I’ll see you soon,” Jaafar Jackson wrote on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jaafar Jackson (@jaafarjackson)

A synopsis for the feature film reads:

Michael will bring audiences a riveting and honest portrayal of the brilliant yet complicated man who became the King of Pop. The film presents his triumphs and tragedies on an epic, cinematic scale — from his human side and personal struggles to his undeniable creative genius, exemplified by his most iconic performances. As never before, audiences will experience an inside look into one of the most influential, trailblazing artists the world has ever known.

Michael will not present the first on-screen depiction of the 13-time Grammy winner. A five-hour miniseries titled The Jacksons: An American Dream debuted on ABC in 1992.

Furthermore, Showtime aired the highly-publicized Thriller 40 in 2023. That documentary highlighted the 40th anniversary celebration of Michael Jackson’s classic 1982 album Thriller.

Michael Jackson rose to international prominence as the lead singer of the pop/R&B boy band The Jackson 5. Throughout his solo career, Jackson released multiple studio LPs including 1979’s Off the Wall, 1987’s Bad and 1991’s Dangerous.

In addition to his 13 Grammy wins, Michael Jackson also received the Grammy Legend Award in 1993 and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. The MTV Video Music Awards also named its Vanguard Award after the “Beat It” hitmaker.

Kai Cenat Slams Lil Nas X’s “Christian Era” Rollout: “He Disrespected God Himself”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Lil Nas X returned today (January 12) with the new single “J Christ.” His pre-release promotion of the song did not sit well with some people like Kai Cenat.

“Y’all mind if I enter my Christian era?” Lil Nas X tweeted on November 29, 2023. Over the following months, the openly gay rapper posted videos of himself dressed as Jesus Christ. 

Kai Cenat appeared to have a problem with the use of religious imagery to promote music. The award-winning streamer blasted Lil Nas in a now-viral clip.

“No, f### that! Lil Nas X, you can eat my whole dick! I hate that n####, bro,” Kai Cenat screamed into the camera. He then stated, “God gonna handle you in the right way.”

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IUMHxdrapGc

Cenat continued his tirade against the Georgia-born recording artist. The New York City native also stated, “He disrespected God himself. He disrespected the whole culture.”

Professional boxer Ryan Garcia also recently railed against Lil Nas. In a now-deleted tweet, Garcia posted, “As someone who loves God and is Christian, I find this one of the most disrespectful and disturbing [things] someone can do.”

Lil Nas X addressed his critics on social media. A January 8 tweet read, “Jesus’s image is used throughout history in people’s art all over the world. I’m not making fun of s###. Y’all just gotta stop trying to gatekeep a religion that was here before any of us were even born. [Shut the f### up].”

Jay-Z Wanted New 9-Minute “The Book Of Clarence” Song To Be Even Longer 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Jay-Z fans were gifted another Hov verse on his new song “I Want you Forever” featured on The Book of Clarence movie soundtrack. 

The film’s director Jeymes Samuel released the project Friday (January 11). As well as the new Jay-Z cut, which also features soul icon D’Angelo, the soundtrack includes appearances from the likes of Lil Wayne, Doja Cat, Kid Cudi, Kodak Black and many others. Listen to “I Want You Forever” below and stream the project at the end of the page.  

Hov’s song clocks it at over 9 minutes and would have been even longer if the Roc Nation founder had his way. During a recent discussion about the movie and accompanying soundtrack Jay-Z admitted he wanted to keep rapping after recording his verse.

And it wasn’t just on “I Want You Forever” either. Hov’s original verse on DJ Khaled’s “God Did” was shorter than the epic four-minute soliloquy he eventually released.  

“You just got to obey your crazy,” Jay-Z said during a Spaces chat on X Thursday (January 11). “I didn’t start out to do “God Did” as a four minute verse, that’s not how that happened. It just kept going and kept unfolding and the story wasn’t told.” 

He went on to explain that he had a “beautiful time” recording “I Want You Forever” in Paris but initially felt unsatisfied with the end result.  

“I didn’t want to stop where I stopped,” he said. “Let me put a placeholder in this and finish this.” 

However, his mind was made up after vibing to the song. “You know what? It’s complete,” he added.

Sexyy Red Unveils Baby Daddy With Maternity Shoot Photos—Kind Of

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Sexyy Red chose her maternity shoot to reveal her baby daddy to the world. Fans have speculated about the father’s identity since the “SkeeYee” hitmaker announced her pregnancy last year. 

On Thursday night (January 11), Sexyy Redd shared her recent maternity photos, including some shots with her baby daddy. However, she made sure to conceal his face so the unnamed man couldn’t be identified. 

Sexyy Red seemingly instantly regretted her post. Shortly after unveiling her unborn baby’s father, she took the photos down and shared a message in her Instagram Stories. “Yal messy,” she wrote alongside a thumbs-down emoji.  

Sexyy Red Struggled To Hide Pregnancy On Tour

Earlier on Thursday, Sexyy Red opened up about hiding her growing bump while on tour with Drake.  

“When nobody knew I was pregnant, I’d be in the back room like tryna suck my stomach in or wear clothes to show that I wasn’t pregnant,” she explained to Billboard. “And I had to practice my breathing — like before I’d go on stage, I had to hold my stomach in and look at myself and be like, ‘Can they tell?’ Once I just was like, okay I can’t keep hiding it ’cause it hurt to just be on stage all day holding your stomach in, so I’m like, just forget about it.”  

She continued, “I was pregnant on the Drake tour and the Moneybagg [Yo] tour but nobody knew. People started suspecting it on the Drake tour because there was videos and pictures of me coming out. That’s the only reason I was hiding it because I just wanted me and my family and friends to know.” 

Last year, the St. Louis native caused confusion over her relationship status after previewing her song “Bow Wow Wow  (F My Baby Dad).” She tried to set the record straight, but her update did little to clear up the uncertainty.  

“If my baby daddy’s in jail and I always say ‘free my baby daddy,’ but now I’m saying ‘fk my baby daddy,’ do y’all really think I’m pregnant by a n#### in jail?” she asked. “Like, how do y’all think that works? We grown; I want y’all to use y’all antennas. Stop playing stupid. It’s getting annoying.” 

Ozzy Osbourne Heaps Praise On T-Pain: “Best ‘War Pigs’ Cover Ever” 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

T-Pain surprised a few fans with his cover of Black Sabbath’s classic hit “War Pigs,” including “The Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy Osbourne, himself. 

The song features on T-Pain’s latest album On Top of the Covers. The project dropped last March but the rapper and singer shared a live version of the album recorded at West Hollywood’s The Sun Rose. The heavy metal legend has only just caught wind of the project and he loves it.  

Earlier this week, Ozzy Osbourne took to social media to heap praise on T-Pain’s rendition of his song.  

He shared a clip of T-Pain performing the track on X while showing love. “This is the best cover of ‘War Pigs’ ever,” he shared. “Why didn’t you guys call me?” 

T-Pain replied, “You’re always invited. Top of the list, every time!! Thank you so much. Means a lot coming from the greatness himself.” 

On Thursday (January 11) an awestruck T-Pain shared a follow-up post 

“First thing I said was “wow”,” he revealed. “This is an honor and the greatest form of validation. Thank you brother @OzzyOsbourne.” 

The 22-track On Top of the Covers (Live From Sun Rose) and includes renditions of Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” Luther Vandross’ “Never Too Much,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin,’” Chris Stapelton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” and many more.  

T-Pain revealed he wanted to record the album for some time and called it a “gift” for his fans.  

“For all the people who wanted an album of me singing live, this is my holiday gift to you,” he wrote in December. “For the Tiny Desk & Masked Singer fans & everyone in between, you ain’t heard nothing yet Thank you all for supporting me through this wild journey.” 

21 Savage Drops First Solo Album In 6 Years With Young Thug, Lil Durk, Doja Cat & More 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

21 Savage just dropped his first solo studio album in six years, the highly anticipated american dream. 

The project arrived Friday (January 12), clocking in at 50 minutes. The 15-track offering is stacked with guest appearances from the likes of Young Thug, Lil Durk, Doja Cat, Burna Boy and Summer Walker, while Metro Boomin makes multiple appearances.  

21 Savage teased his third solo LP earlier this week with a series of adorable throwback photos of his featured artists as kids. The cover art is a picture of the 31-year-old rapper as a little boy and includes official information like his date of birth, visa application case number, and government name. Stream the project at the end of the page.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @21savage

The project serves as the soundtrack for American Dream: The 21 Savage Story, a biopic about his life. The movie stars both Donald Glover and Stranger Things actor Caleb McLaughlin as Savage at different stages of his life.  

On Monday (January 8) 21 Savage shared a four-minute trailer for the movie featuring McLaughlin playing the young 21 Savage while Glover portrays him as an adult. His 2019 ICE arrest is prominently featured in the teaser. The real-life 21 Savage is seen rapping in an interrogation room. 

American Dream: The 21 Savage Story is scheduled for release July 4.

Meanwhile, 21 Savage shared his first solo single, “Call Me Revenge,” last October after years of collaborating with other artists. The single followed his chart-topping album with Drake, Her Loss, and the tour that followed.  

Late last year, the London-born rapper performed his first show in his home city after settling the immigration issues that stemmed from his ICE arrest. He brought the house down at The O2 Arena in London on Thursday, November 30. 

21 Savage – american dream

Gunna Promises New Album With “Substance” To Be Released Soon

By: Devon Jefferson Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Gunna has provided a brief—yet dense—update on the status of his upcoming album.

On Thursday (January 11), the “Pushing P” lyricist spoke to TMZ during a shopping spree in Beverly Hill. Accompanied by his armed guards, he revealed he’d been working with “various” artists on the follow up to his fan-favorite project, 2023’s A Gift and a Curse. Gunna also teased that the album would contain much more “substance” and confirmed he’d experimented with Afrobeats.

Despite the aspirations Gunna expressed for his new music, the YSL rapper’s previous effort became a commercial success upon release. Gunna actually earned his first Top 10 solo hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart last year after “Fukumean” rose from No. 12 to No. 8 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100 chart. He currently has four songs that have made it into the Top 10.

Gunna also recently appeared on a AllHipHop’s Top 25 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2023 list, with our staff describing A Gift and a Curse as “a defining moment for Gunna, solidifying his status as one of the rap greats.”

G Herbo Finally Sentenced In Federal Fraud Case

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

G Herbo (real name Herbert Wright) won’t be going to prison. The Chicago-bred rapper was sentenced to three-years probation in Massachusetts federal court on Thursday (January 11) after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and making a false statement to a federal official. He was also ordered to pay $139,878 in restitution and a $5,500 fine.

G Herbo and five others were charged in a federal grand jury indictment in 2020. They were accused of involvement in a fraud scheme that involved the alleged purchase of private jet charters, lavish car rentals, designer puppies and more with stolen payment and credit card information. Herbo agreed to a guilty plea last year after initially pleading not guilty to the charges. He was additionally charged with making a false statement to a federal official a few months later.

“On social media, Mr. [Herbert] Wright boasted an extravagant lifestyle,” Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement. “He gave the impression that his use of private jets, luxury cars and tropical villas were the legitimate fruits of his booming rap career as ‘G Herbo.’ However, his lavish lifestyle was shamelessly built on deceit and fraud using stolen account information that inflicted substantial harm on numerous businesses, leaving a wake of victims burdened with financial losses.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by REVENGE (@revenge)

Levy continued, “This case should serve as a stark reminder that breaking the law leads to prosecution and accountability, regardless of who you are, how many likes you rack up or how many followers you have.”

G Herbo was originally facing up to 20 years in prison. He has yet to publicly speak on the sentencing.

Don Toliver & Kali Uchis Reveal Their Baby’s On The Way

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Don Toliver and Kali Uchis announced they’re expecting their first child together on Thursday (January 11). The couple unveiled Kali’s pregnancy in the music video for her songs “Tu Corazón es Mío” and “Diosa.”

“Starting our family,” they wrote in an Instagram post. “don’t take too long to get here little pooks, mom & dad can’t wait to share our life with you.”

The video featured the couple’s interactions spliced in with old footage of themselves as children. Viewers got to see a brief glimpse of Don and Kali’s unborn child in an ultrasound image.

Kali discussed her pregnancy in a story published in the De Los section of the Los Angeles Times on Thursday.

“Motherhood is definitely something I always wanted to experience,” she said. “I feel ready for it. I’ve done a lot of necessary healing on myself in the last year. I got sober. I decided to clear myself spiritually, mentally… and, well, that’s when I got pregnant.”

Kali noted it was important for her and Don to maintain their privacy during the early stages of her pregnancy. The two successfully managed to keep it quiet for months.

“We always talked about wanting to have a kid, so we were really happy,” she explained. “[But] I didn’t want to share that journey with just anybody. There’s so many people out there, even within my own family, that don’t wish me well. I didn’t want anybody to know until I felt that my pregnancy was viable. Ask any pregnant woman [why] they’d want to keep it private. It’s such a vulnerable situation.”

Don revealed he was dating Kali in a 2021 interview with W Magazine. The couple collaborated on a few tracks in recent years, most notably “Drugs N Hella Melodies.”

Watch Kali’s video for “Tu Corazón es Mío” and “Diosa” below.

Supa Emcee Of “8 Mile” Fame Arrested For Shocking Murder

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Detroit rapper Supa Emcee, a member of the Almighty Dreadnaughtz collective, was arraigned for first-degree murder in Michigan on Wednesday (January 10). According to multiple reports, Supa Emcee allegedly stabbed poet Kelly “Native Child” Mays to death on Sunday (January 7).

Local news outlets in Detroit referred to Mays as Supa Emcee’s girlfriend, but other sources indicated she was his wife. Mays and Supa Emcee identified themselves as a married couple on their personal Facebook accounts.

Wayne County prosecutors accused Supa Emcee, whose real name is Jimmie Brown, of stabbing Mays multiple times with a knife. He allegedly fled the scene after killing her. He turned himself in to the Westland Police Department later that day.

Police found Mays dead in her apartment on Sunday. They observed lacerations to her chest and neck. The victim’s family released a statement about her death.

“It is with a heavy heart that the Mays family announces the passing of Kelly (Native Child) Mays,” the family said. “Kelly was tragically taken away from us on January 7, 2024. Kelly was a fierce advocate for mental health and victims of domestic violence. She was also a world-class speaker and poet. She lived an extraordinary life out loud and on purpose filled with adventure, laughter and love. She is and will be missed.”

Supa Emcee, who battled Eminem in a deleted scene from the movie 8 Mile, suffered a serious brain injury in a car crash in 2020. Last year, Detroit’s NBC affiliate published a story detailing his recovery after losing his memory in the crash.

The 46-year-old rapper remains in jail for his alleged role in the death of Mays. He was denied bond in the murder case.

Supa Emcee’s next court date is scheduled for January 25. He faces life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder.

Charlamagne Tha God Calls Angela Yee “Irreplaceable” As Breakfast Club Co-Host Search Fizzles

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Charlamagne Tha God acknowledged he’s searching for answers about The Breakfast Club’s future on the popular radio show. Charlagmane and co-host DJ Envy wondered why no one was hired to be their permanent co-host more than a year after Angela Lee left the show.

“You know what I’m so confused by?” Charlamagne said. “We spent all last year rotating guest co-hosts, and I thought we were rotating guest co-hosts before we let God decide who was supposed to be in here. Now, it’s 2024. What happened? Did we just say F it, there’s not going to be another co-host? I can’t take talking to [Envy].”

Envy admitted he thought the process would not take so long.

“At first, it was gonna be a couple of months, right?” Envy said.

Charlamagne responded, “No, it was never gonna be a couple of months. That was y’all’s idea. I always said a year.”

Charlamagne praised Yee as he continued discussing the slow-moving process to find a new co-host. He questioned if there were actual plans to bring in a co-host or if the show would simply continue with him and Envy.

“I said it’s gonna take at least a year,” he said. “‘Cause Angela Yee, what I always say, she’s irreplaceable. So, the person coming here is not replacing someone—if there’s somebody coming here. That’s my whole point of having this conversation. What the hell happened?”

He added, “This is why I’m confused. I don’t know what the hell’s happening, if anything is happening at all.”

Comedian Jess Hilarious, who guest hosted the Breakfast Club on multiple occasions, claimed she secured the co-hosting gig in December. But Charlamagne and Envy’s comments cast doubt on her supposed hiring unless they were trolling their audience and knew she was joining their staff soon.

Kodak Black Judge Aims To Keep Him In Jail Despite Proof He Didn’t Possess Cocaine

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

A Broward Circuit Court judge intended to send Kodak Black back to jail if he’s released from a federal detention center in Florida. According to the Miami Herald, Judge Barbara Duffy ordered him to be placed in jail if another judge granted his release from federal custody at a hearing on Wednesday (January 10).

Kodak Black faced the tough predicament despite proving he did not possess cocaine when a Broward County officer arrested him in December 2023. He was initially charged with cocaine possession after the officer found a “white chunky substance” in his vehicle. The substance allegedly field-tested positive for cocaine.

Prosecutors did not pursue the cocaine charge but officially charged Kodak with possession of oxycodone on Monday (January 8). Kodak’s lawyer Bradford Cohen claimed the 26-year-old rapper had a prescription for the drug. Cohen condemned prosecutors and the arresting officer on Tuesday (January 9).

“As stated when this new case first was filed, this was not cocaine and the officer was lying about his observations,” Cohen wrote on Instagram. “We finally got the lab report…its oxycodone that Kodak had a prescription for and not an illegal substance. Knowing that the officer substantially misrepresented his observations, the Broward State Atty Office still filed the charge. Unbelievable and it will not be tolerated. This level of abuse of power by the arresting officer is disgusting. We will be seeking a new bond hearing and addressing these unethical practices by the police department.”

Kodak, whose legal name is Bill Kapri, is scheduled to have a hearing for the revocation of his supervised release in his federal case on January 22. U.S. District Judge Jose Martinez will preside over the hearing.

Former President Donald Trump commuted Kodak’s sentence in a federal gun case in 2021, but the Capitol Records artist remained on probation. Kodak landed back in custody for violating his probation in December 2023.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bradford Cohen (@lawronin)

Theron Thomas Reflects On 2024 Grammy Nomination For Songwriter Of The Year

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Features
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Theron Thomas was nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the 2024 Grammys, the only Black nominee in this category. But it’s not the first time. Last year, Thomas was nominated for seven Grammys, even taking home the trophy for Record Of The Year for his contributions on Lizzo’s viral smash “About Damn Time.”

So who is Theron Thomas? A proud Caribbean, Thomas was born and raised in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, before relocating to the United States to pursue music. Coming up alongside his brother, Timo Makaveli, as one half of the duo Rock City (inspired by their hometown), Thomas is walking proof that hard work, dedication and passion pays off. 

To date, Thomas is responsible for a slew of megahits, including “Seven” for BTS Jungkook and Latto, “All My Life” for Lil Durk and J. Cole,  “Man Down” for Rihanna, “We Can’t Stop” for Miley Cyrus, “I Don’t Mind” for Usher,” and many more. 

The singer, songwriter, producer calls himself “Billie Goat.” AllHipHop spoke with Theron Thomas during his last work day before the holiday season, catching up at Westlake Studios in Los Angeles. Read below as we discuss his background, getting nominated this year, wanting to work with Jay-Z and more.

AllHipHop: Who’s Billie Goat?

Theron: Me baby! Just a shittalker man. Love entertaining, love making people laugh. Me and my brother had a record with Adam Levine that dropped in 2014 called “Locked Away” poduced by Dr. Luke and Cirkut, who produced our whole album.

AllHipHop: One billion views… let’s go!

Theron: One billion views! 900 million streams. Almost at a billion screens. We’re gonna have a billion on YouTube, a billion on Spotify. Hit them with the 2 billion right quick. I’m super excited about that, because they told me and my brother we definitely wasn’t gon’ get a hit. We got a super slapper!

AllHipHop: Who told you?

Theron: The music business. We’ve been in it for so long we came. I graduated high school in 2000, moved to Miami. Stayed there for nine months, went to Atlanta. We’re Caribbean people in America, trying to maneuver, pop music. American music. Just how far we came, we’re an anomaly. We’ve definitely been told like “yeah, that s### y’all trying to do ain’t really what we’re looking for.”

AllHipHop: How far apart are you and your brother?

Theron: Ten months apart. We’re super close. We’re Irish twins. He’s a Capricorn. We’re going to be the same age on January 17, then I’m going to pass him on March 13 and be a little bit older.

AllHipHop: Why Rock City? 

Theron: St. Thomas Virgin Islands is nicknamed Rock City. We’re from St. Thomas. St. John is Love City. St. Croix is Twin City. I tell people, we from Rock [laughs].

AllHipHop: Is this what you always wanted? Did you ever think you’d be here now? 

Theron: Since I was 9 years old. I didn’t know I was going to be a songwriter. But when I came to the States, when my first kid was born, I was s### scared. I was 21, like wtf? How am I going to take care of a kid? I used to say, “Yo God, I want to be rich and famous, have super smashes and tour the world. But if that’s not your plans for me, I just want to wake up every day and make music. If you can make it so I could do that, you won’t hear no complaints out of me.” I wake up every day and make music, so I have nothing to complain about.

AllHipHop: When did you fall in love with music?

Theron: I’ve always loved music. As a little kid, my parents would play Hip Hop and R&B. They had a little vinyl at the house they’d play. But when I fell in love like I want to do this, I want to sing myself: Kris Kross baby. Jermaine Dupri and Kris Kross, when I saw the ”Jump” video. They were kids. I was a kid like wait a minute, I could do that. Aw s###, y’all crazy! Since then, I’ve had a bullseye vision on it, lazered in and I’ve never let up off of it. Till I’m where I’m at right now.

AllHipHop: How does it feel to get that Songwriter of the Year Grammy nomination?

Theron: Man, it feels incredible. Because last year was the first year and I wanted it so bad. It’s crazy because last year, I had seven nominations. We won Record of the Year” with “About Damn Time” by Lizzo, I was so happy. I wanted to win a Grammy because previously, two years before, I lost my dad. Lost my father-in-law. COVID happened, it was a tough, crazy time for everybody. 

When my dad was a kid, he told me, “When you grow up, you’re gon’ do this. You’re gon’ do that. You’re gon’  win a Grammy. You gon’ have a hit, you gon’ do that.” I went on this mission in life where ain’t nobody will call my daddy a liar. He was my hero. Bruh, I want to win a Grammy. When I didn’t get nominated for Songwriter of the Year, it came up and I was so disappointed. Lizzo, Lizzo, Lizzo. Did I really get nominated? Then “Big Energy,” Latto.

AllHipHop: You did that song? 

Theron: Mmhmm. Wait a minute, did I just get nominated seven times. What is going on? We won Record of the Year, I was super grateful. I really, really wanted Songwriter of the Year. This year, I thought I wasn’t gonna get it. I was in a studio with a bunch of songwriter and producer friends. They said when you’re doing stuff like that, you gotta campaign. You gotta let people know you.” What? I didn’t know I had to do that! Damn, I’m not gonna get nominated. Well, next year, I know what I gotta do. Next year, I’ma do what I need to do. Because I want to at least be nominated, I’m really working hard. 

Usually I watch the Grammy nominations, I film it and it’s a big thing. I post it. I’m not gonna get nominated, so I went out with my friends and overslept. My publisher called me at 8 a.m. screaming on the phone: “Theron, Theron!” You got nominated for Songwriter of the Year!” What did you say? Oh my God. I’m calling all my friends. It was insane. I literally said, “Oh man, I gotta work hard, because next year will be my year. I’ma get nominated next year.” Then I was super psyched because when I look, I’m the only Black person in the category.

AllHipHop: That’s huge.

Theron: That’s huge! I felt so good. Again, in the year before, shout out to Nija and The Dream. They were nominated.That’s the first time the category’s ever been invented. It’s new, I really wanted it. This year, I’m looking. I’m nominated next to people like Justin Tranter, Edgar Barrera. These are people I’m already fans of, I’ve worked with, that I’ve met, that we’ve talked. I’m looking at them like yo, you see the little chocolate in there. Spice that thang up. I’m super happy and very proud of, of, of what I’ve accomplished in the last year. I’ve been really going crazy. 

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

Theron: Lights. Don’t like moody lights. I don’t like them dim, I don’t like candles. I want all the lights on. Water, definitely need some water. And a great engineer. If we’re going to put it in order, it goes engineer, lights, water. 

AllHipHop: Any goals at this point of your career?

Theron: The one artist I want to work with is Jay-Z. That’s my favorite artist.

AllHipHop: Is he even making music right now?

Theron: I don’t know what he’s doing. Again, I’m a hit person. Meaning people call me because “Yo, we want a big crossover song like that.” I can have track 19, end credits. I just want Shawn Carter and Theron Thomas names to be in the same — because I’m truly such a fan, from a kid to now. I want to work with him. But other than that, I’ve hit majority of my goals. If I have any other if I have any more goals man, I hope to be around for longer than they expect me to be around. That’s my goal.

AllHipHop: Favorite Jay-Z song all time?

Theron: “Mama loved me, pop left me/Mickey fed me/Annie dressed me/Eric fought me/Made me tougher.” “Momma Loves Me.” That’s my favorite song off The Blueprint.

HoneyKomb Brazy’s Social Media Swept By Feds Before Arrest—Grand Jury Charges Pending

By: Devon Jefferson Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

HoneyKomb Brazy could be facing additional grand jury charges. According to FOX 10 WALA, the rapper was being monitored by authorities prior to his recent arrest.

On Monday (January 9), a judge determined prosecutors had obtained enough evidence for a grand jury to consider a gun charge against Brazy. Mobile County sheriff’s deputies arrested Brazy on December 18, 2023 after a traffic stop in which authorities found two firearms in his vehicle. During the hearing, a federal agent testified that police had been expecting Brazy because his social media was being monitored in connection to several other cases.

Brazy and his legal counsel continue to maintain that he was unaware the two gentlemen he was arrested with, who were hired by his team to be his security detail, were felons. In a statement to the press, Brazy’s attorney also questioned why federal agents were getting involved in a traffic stop and accused authorities of “ganging up” on his client.

This is far from Brazy’s only legal concern at the moment, though. Brazy was hit with a federal gun charge a month after he was arrested for indecent exposure. He was accused of exposing himself to a corrections officer while he was in jail in 2021. The charge was dismissed on last month, just a few days before his latest arrest. The alleged victim didn’t want the case to move forward.

There’s a parole hold in Brazy’s case, which may be his only hope should he win the case, based on a state court conviction which orders him to be detained in the jurisdiction for the federal case.

SIGNS: Ecuador May Be Under “Internal Armed Conflict” After Live TV Broadcast Attack

By: Devon Jefferson Updated Category: Rumors
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

The entire country of Ecuador is under a heightened state of alert after countless violent and armed attacks have derailed nearly every facet of normal society.

Masked men stormed the set of a public television channel, held hostages and brandished guns and explosives during a live broadcast earlier this week. Prisoners allegedly took over a facility and executed guards by hanging and worse. There has also been a wave of abductions of police officers. The president issued a decree declaring the country entered an “internal armed conflict” following the wave of violence.

It’s being speculated that the event were sparked by apparent prison escapes of two of Ecuador’s most powerful drug and gang leaders. However, at least 20 groups were identified as “terrorist” gangs or groups in the president’s recent decry.

Check out video of the unrest below.

Sanaa Lathan To Play Psychic Readers Network’s Miss Cleo In New Drama Series

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Sanaa Lathan is best known for starring in movies like The Best Man, Love & Basketball and the Hip-Hop-themed Brown Sugar. The veteran actress will reportedly take on the role of the late Youree Dell Harris (aka Miss Cleo) next.

According to Deadline, Sanaa Lathan partnered with Legendary Entertainment to develop a drama television series about Miss Cleo. Lathan will also serve as an executive producer for the project.

The Psychic Readers Network hired Youree Dell Harris to portray Jamaican mystic Miss Cleo in commercials for the pay-per-call-minute service. Miss Cleo’s popular catchphrase “Call me now!” became part of the 1990s pop-culture lexicon.

Sanaa Lathan’s Miss Cleo will cover the rise of Youree Dell Harris to infomercial legend and the fall of the Psychic Readers Network. In 2002, the Federal Trade Commission accused the company’s owners of deceptive advertising, billing, and collection practices.

“The lesson in this case is that companies that make a promise in an ad need to deliver on it – whether it’s about availability, performance, or cost,” J. Howard Beales III, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, stated at the time. “I’m no psychic, but I can foresee this: If you make deceptive claims, there is an FTC action in your future.”

Youree “Miss Cleo” Harris passed away on July 26, 2016, at the age of 53 from colorectal cancer. The HBO Max streaming platform released the Call Me Miss Cleo documentary about her life in December 2022.

Sanaa Lathan began her acting career in the 1990s. She scored a 2022 Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her work in HBO’s Succession. The Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series honor went to Squid Game‘s Lee Yoo-mi that year.

Gillie Da King Responds To Rumors He Sacrificed His Son For Illuminati Membership

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Gillie Da King lost his son, YNG Cheese, in 2023. The 25-year-old rapper was shot in Philadelphia on July 20 before being pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Since his passing, conspiracy theorists on the internet have questioned the nature of YNG Cheese’s death. Unsubstantiated speculation claimed Gillie Da King sacrificed his child as part of an Illuminati ritual.

Gillie spoke about those baseless rumors while appearing on The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone. The January 10 episode of the show also featured Gillie’s Million Dollaz Worth Of Game partner, Wallo.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KING GILLIE (@gilliedaking)

“What type of n##### is y’all? Sitting around talking about the Illuminati sacrifice and all that dumb-ass s### online,” Gillie Da King expressed. “Illuminati came down North Philly and killed my son? Shut the f### up, goofy-ass n#####.”

The father of four living children also said, “I got m############ kids. He got brothers and sisters that gotta see that s###. Gotta see some dumb s### like that online ’cause you n##### trying to get views and likes.”

Gillie Da King also warned anyone pushing that false narrative about his late son. He declared, “One day [Wallo’s] gonna lighten up and I’m gonna tear y’all ass up. I’m gonna light y’all the f### up. I’m gonna give y’all all the fame you’re looking for. Trust me.”

Wiz Khalifa Admits Showing Up To Parent-Teacher Conferences High

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Wiz Khalifa had no problem letting the world know he smokes marijuana before sitting down with his 10-year-old son’s teachers. The “See You Again” hitmaker made that admission during a podcast interview.

Alexandra Cooper recently spoke to Wiz Khalifa for the Call Her Daddy show. Throughout the interview, Cooper asked the 36-year-old recording artist about his weed consumption.

Khalifa talked about being a daily cannabis smoker since his high school days. At one point, he also discussed attending Sebastian’s parent-teacher conferences while under the influence of marijuana.

“Hell yeah. I’m pulling up stoned. They expect it,” Wiz Khalifa told Alexandra Cooper. “They know what’s up. It’s not like back in the day where you’re considered a bad parent if you smoke weed. I’m pretty sure my son smells like weed. I don’t know because I can’t smell it but I’m pretty sure he smells like pot.”

Wiz Khalifa built part of his personal brand around weed. His discography includes pot-themed projects such as 2009’s Burn After Rolling, 2010’s Kush & Orange Juice and 2011’s Rolling Papers.

Additionally, the Pittsburgh-bred rapper launched a marijuana strand called Khalifa Kush. The company presented its first flower sales in 2016. Khalifa Kush also offers pre-rolls, vapes, edibles and concentrates.

Last year, Wiz Khalifa took part in the High School Reunion Tour alongside fellow weed enthusiast Snoop Dogg. The two MCs previously teamed up in 2012 for the Mac & Devin Go to High School stoner comedy movie and soundtrack.

“Yeah, I’m pulling up stoned. I’m pulling up high because I want them to connect with the real me. They’re not going to get a fake version of me or this made-up parent that society makes you think that you’re supposed to be. I am who I am,” Khalifa stated on Call Her Daddy.