Missy Elliott continues to receive her flowers for being one of the most innovative musicians in Hip Hop history.
Billboard reports the National Museum of African American Music will honor Missy Elliott as part of the Celebration of Legends. The Nashville-set event will also recognize Atlantic Records, the singer/rapper’s longtime label home.
“Lord, thank you for BLESSING after BLESSING.🙏🏾I don’t take any of it for granted.💜 You [have] seen when I almost gave up but you showed me that you WASN’T DONE WITH ME YET.🥹I am GRATEFUL.🙏🏾,” tweeted Missy Elliott on Monday.
Additionally, the National Museum of African American Music opened the yearlong “This is Hip Hop” exhibit in January. The current display commemorates the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop culture with work by four notablephotographers.
Lord Thank you for BLESSING after BLESSING🙏🏾I don’t take any of it for granted💜 You seen when I almost gave up but you showed me that you WASN’T DONE WITH ME YET🥹I am GRATEFUL🙏🏾 https://t.co/NKGNDBFgrp
Melissa “Missy” Elliott has won over 200 industry awards, including four Grammy Awards. Her discography contains six Platinum-certified albums. 2002’s Under Construction earned a 2x-Platinum plaque from the RIAA.
Once again, Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant put himself in an image-damaging situation. This week, Morant received another suspension from the team after flashing a firearm on a friend’s Instagram Live.
While critics such as The Breakfast Club host Charlamagne Tha God and former NBA player Kwame Brown slammed Ja Morant for his behavior, Memphis-bred rapper BlocBoy JB showed support for the 2-time All-Star.
“Guns are not illegal,” wrote “Look Alive” hitmaker BlocBoy JB on Instagram. “If he turnt in his car [with] his gun [that’s] in his name, in his yard, and somebody recorded him, [that] ain’t on him. Free Ja.”
BlocBoy JB’s comments about his hometown’s pro basketball star probably would not sit well with Fox Sports 1’s Shannon Sharpe. The 3-time Super Bowl champion called out people sticking up for Morant.
Back in March, Ja Morant recorded himself inside a Colorado nightclub brandishing a gun. He supposedly entered a counseling program before meeting with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
The NBA suspended Morant for eight games without pay for the incident in Colorado. The 23-year-old athlete from South Carolina then did an interview where he discussed taking responsibility for his actions.
“I realize what I have to lose, and for us as a group, what we have to lose. It’s pretty much just that being more responsible, more smarter, and staying away from all the bad decisions,” said Ja Morant at the time.
Syracuse-born, Raleigh-raised musician Nau’Jour “Toosii” Grainger found his name in the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in his career. “Favorite Song” rose to No. 8 on the latest chart.
Toosii’s “Favorite Song” climbed three spots from last week’s No. 11 position. The Adelso and Tatiana Manaois-produced single racked up 20.7 million streams during the tracking period.
Award-winning R&B singer Khalid hopped on the “Favorite Song” remix which dropped on May 5. A music video for that collaboration arrived on Toosii’s YouTube channel on May 12.
The Recording Industry Association of America recently certified “Favorite Song” as Platinum. The track will live on Toosii’s upcoming Capitol Records label debut studio LP titled Naujour.
In addition to Khalid on “Favorite Song (Remix),” Naujour will feature Wallo and 21 Savage. Toosii also recruited Future for the “Favorite Song (Toxic Version)” bonus track.
Naujour will drop on June 2. Previously, Toosii released the Poetic Pain studio album in 2020 under the South Coast Music Group/Universal Music Group umbrella.
Toosii’s mixtape catalog includes 2020’s Platinum Heart and 2021’s Thank You for Believing. The 2021 XXL Freshman Class member’s Boys Don’t Cry EP landed in October 2022.
Fans will have the chance to see Toosii live. He announced the “Naujour Tour” will kick off on July 26 in San Francisco, California. The trek will travel to other cities like Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, New York, and Chicago.
Post Malone took a break during his European tour to update his fans on his new music, announcing the release date for him upcoming album and confirming a new single arrives later this week.
The “Circles” hitmaker’s appearance had sparked concern among his fans recently but he looked the picture of health and happiness as he took to Instagram to share a revealing update with his fans. Post Malone confirmed he’s been busy working on the new project which he said was both challenging and fun to create.
“Hey guys, what’s going on?” Post Malone began his Instagram update. “It’s Posty. I wanted to say that I love you guys so very f#####’ much. I’m here on tour in Europe right now. And I wanted to tell you guys that I have an album coming out this summer on July 28th. It’s called ‘Austin,’ like my name. That is my name. It’s been some of the funnest music, some of the most challenging and rewarding music for me, at least.
He continued, explaining he attempted to “push myself and really do some cool stuff” on the project. The 2023 recipient of the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Hal David Starlight Award also revealed he has a new single and video on the way.
“I played guitar on every song on the record, and it was a really, really fun experience. I’m super, super excited to share it with you. ‘Chemical‘ is out and that song is on the record. And then on Friday, I have another song called ‘Mourning’ with a ‘u.’ But I’m super excited to get that out for you guys. We just shot a music video in Scotland, it’s absolutely stunning up there. There’s a big ass ice cube in it which I thought was pretty badass.”
Post Malone signed off with a message for his fans: “Hug your fam and keep spreading love.” Check out the video below.
After a stellar career spanning over three decades, Busta Rhymes is showing no signs of slowing down, confirming a new culture-shifting album is on the way.
Grammy Award-winning super producer Swizz Beatz confirmed the news during a “Busta Rhymes appreciation post” on Instagram Sunday (May 14).
Swizz paid tribute to the New York legend declaring he’s been “kicking ass since” since the 80s when Busta Rhymes began his rap career as a founder member of Leaders of the New School.
“It’s 2023 my bro got all new deals, all new music coming out,” Swizz shared in his homage video. “I just want to take the time to say that I appreciate my brother Busta Rhymes for his longevity, his distinctive style voice. I wish everybody a long career like Busta Rhymes. He’s the biggest deal.”
He also shouted out Bus-A-Bus for “headlining every major festival, tour, show in 2023,” including guest appearances with Janet Jackson and Mary J. Blige within the span of a week.
“Wait til you hear this new music this man got,” Swizz added before confirming he’s co-producing Busta’s upcoming album alongside some of Hip-Hop’s biggest producers. Check out the video below.
Busta Rhymes Declares “We Ain’t Stoppin’ NO TIME SOON!!”
Busta Rhymes confirmed the news, taking to the comments section to thank Swizz while promising to “shift the culture.”
“I Guess it’s Time!!!! You let the cat out the bag huh King???!!!!! SWWWWWIIIZZZYYYY!!! I love you and appreciate beyond description King!! Our years of friendship and being brothers cannot be described in words!!” Busta began. “Wait till they hear how we are going to SHIFT THE CULTURE with this album Executive Produced my you @timbaland@pharrell & myself King!! It’s been an incredible process doing this every step of the way with you Kings and we ain’t Stoppin’ NO TIME SOON!! I’m a leave it at that!! Maximum love King!! Y’all better start rethinking all types a s###!! 🤯”
The Rotterdam, Holland-based festival attracted thousands of attendees and managed to compete with a number of events. The festival is a unique value proposition in the global music landscape. Music industry professionals from all over the world come to Rotterdam to exchange ideas, network, watch performances and more.
New Skool Rules is not your average music festival. It is a unique platform that celebrates the artistry and diversity of urban music genres, including Hip-Hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and other eclectic, global sounds. Artists, producers, and industry professionals from all over the world gather in Rotterdam to exchange knowledge, share their experiences, and connect with like-minded individuals.
The parties are always lit as well.
The brainchild of Henca Maduro (seen center above), New Skool Rules completed its 11th year on Sunday May 14th. This year Henca and partner Greg Struiken continued their advances with the New Skool Rules app, streaming portions of the festival and also offering a dynamic social media presence. New Skool Rules delegates did not disappoint with an amazing range of music offerings down to complex, organic networking.
After the festival, Henca expressed relief, exhilaration and thankfulness for another NSR completed.
“I’m still exhausted and overwhelmed even a little bit with gratitude,” she said. “So many people participated in the jam sessions, writing camps, panels, workshops, demo listening sessions, rhymes and beats, speed dates. From more than 20 countries. We are blessed and grateful.”
One of the highlights of the festival was a friendly “hit maker” battle with Bongo (Kanye West, The Game, Lecrae, Teyana Taylor), Troy Taylor ( Troy Taylor, The Isley Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men) and Verse Simmonds (Chris Brown, Usher, Rick Ross).
Other featured speakers included lawyer Bob Celestin, digital maestro CL Llewelyn, AHH’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur, Vanessa Cito, social media maven, Ben Wynter (UK label honcho), music business educator Ekaterina Bazhanova, music executive Sterling Simms, Gurj Summan, Live Nation concert/festival promotor and a host of volunteers, workers and contributors.
Oddly, some unexpected excitement came as Feyenoord, the Rotterdam soccer team, won the Dutch league title, causing a chaotic celebration during New Skool Rules. While it did not interfere, it did add an element of excitement.
The New Skool Rules festival has continually fulfilled its mission of nurturing creativity, fostering collaboration, and promoting cultural exchange. It had become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists and a testament to the universal language of music.
The legacy of New Skool Rules continues, its influence moves far beyond the boundaries of Rotterdam. The festival continues to be a representation of artistic freedom, innovation, and the boundless possibilities that music holds.
Verzuz is making a comeback, and Swizz Beatz is teasing a potential epic “King of the South” showdown between Rick Ross and T.I.
The super producer revealed the possible clash during a recent Instagram Live with his fellow Verzuz co-founder, Timbaland. According to Swizz, Rozay approached them about a head-to-head, but says the ball is in Tip’s court.
“Rick Ross said he wanted T.I.,” Swizz Beatz shared. “Rick Ross and Tip. Battle of the south. Crown of the south. King of the south.”
Swizz approved of the pairing saying, “It’s a zaa,” while Timbaland nodded in agreement. While Rick Ross is already down, the duo is waiting for T.I. to get in touch so they can seal the deal.
“T.I., talk to me,” Swizz Beatz said before adding, “Ross you can fly your plane to the party.” Check out the clip below and watch the IG Live at the end of the page.
While Rick Ross would be making his Verzuz debut against T.I., the Atlanta native took on 2 Chainz back in 2020. Tip is yet to respond publicly to Rozay’s callout.
Elsewhere during their IG Live, Swizz and Timbo confirmed more Verzuz clashes are coming, despite the platform being quiet since last summer. They also claimed they own 100% of the business.
“Verzuz is still 100 percent Black-owned. 50 percent on the top of your screen, and 50 percent on the bottom of your screen,” Swizz declared. “Tim and Swizz, that’s who own Verzuz. In case you ain’t know… It was built for the people, and it will stay with the people. And we love everybody.”
Alongside a possible Rick Ross and T.I. battle, a few other fantasy matchups could be on the cards. During a Breakfast Club appearance last month, Swizz Beatz addressed the much-hyped potential Verzuz between Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj. Although he refused to confirm it was still on the table, he didn’t deny it either.
“I can’t say, I can’t say,” he teased before adding, “But just know if you’re going to wait this long for Verzuz – if we gone have you wait this long – it’s definitely going to be worth it.”
Other rumored matchups include a possible Diddy Combs vs. Jermaine Dupri headlining event, while Jadakiss has accepted Jim Jones and Dipset’s offer to do another 12 rounds against The Lox following their monumental battle in 2021.
Ludacris is gearing up to release his first album in over eight years.
While the “Area Codes” hitmaker hasn’t released an album since 2015’s Ludaversal, he has busied himself with his many other projects, including acting roles and raising his budding entrepreneur children. Nonetheless, he has recently dropped a few new fresh freestyles, reminding his fans he still does this.
The Grammy-Award-winning rapper opened up about his return to music during an upcoming appearance on The Tamron Hall Show. In a sneak peek, Ludacris confirmed a new album is coming, slated to arrive in 2024. However, fans won’t have to wait long for music, with a new single due to arrive later this year.
“We’re definitely gonna get some music before the end of this year,” he revealed. “I would say an album, probably next year.”
When the veteran journalist asked about the holdup, Ludacris blamed the success of the Fast & Furious franchise.
“They keep shooting more movies. What am I supposed to do?” he joked. Luda also revealed his passion for rapping never waned, and he’s “hungry” to get back in the studio.
“When I was young, I feel like some of my favourite rappers, once they get to a certain point, it’s almost like you wish that they were still kind of hungry and you feel like they don’t have it necessarily like they used to,” he explained. “I never wanted to be that. So it’s extremely important for me to prove to people that even though I’m doing all this other stuff, make no mistake, I still got it, and I’m still as hungry as ever.”
Watch the clip below and check out Ludacris’ 4/20 freestyle at the end of the page.
Timbaland has opened up about some of the darkest times in his life, including his struggles with addiction, revealing how much JAY-Z and Drake helped him through one of his toughest times.
The Grammy Award-winning producer shared how both superstar rappers were there for him during his battle with addiction. He stopped by the Club Shay Shay podcast with Shannon Sharpe earlier this week (May 15) and explained how he spiraled into OxyContin addiction, taking up to 160 milligrams daily.
“Everybody that I know who done that have died, so I think I even died at one point in time,” Timbaland recalled. “I had an out-of-body experience where I was laying in the bed, and I saw myself laying in the bed. From that point on, God has changed my mind, and I didn’t go to a doctor. I did it cold turkey.”
Timbaland Says JAY-Z And Drake Stepped Up
Before he kicked the drugs, friends started noticing the former “introvert” began acting differently and stepped in. JAY-Z advised Timbaland to take a break from interviews while Drake reached out to “check” him on how he behaved in public. Reflecting on those dark times, the super producer admitted, “those guys are special to the world.”
“JAY-Z is a prophet,” Timbaland declared. “God sent him. I ain’t never seen nobody like him. Hov actually raised me, and he don’t even know it. He raised me in the music business. He was so prolific, so wise beyond his age, that I was just amazed at just watching him. That’s why I had a different bond with Jay when it comes to my music. We was rewriting the Bible, in a way.”
He continued: “Even Drake told me. That’s why I’m like, these guys are special to the world. Now, once they give you the information, it’s up to you to use it. I didn’t come out until the darkness, man, and that’s why I say, it’s all love with these guys. They helped me during my darkest moment.”
Lovers of rap and hip-hop, get ready to jump, dance, and sing along to your favorite artists! We’ve curated a list of the 10 hottest hip-hip concerts to see this year, featuring some of the biggest hitting names at the moment to the more obscure. Get your concert tickets, and don’t miss out on these once-in-a-lifetime performances.
Lizzo
Having already completed a few dates for her Special tour last year and two dates in London this March, Lizzo will continue promoting this hit album on tour starting in Knoxville, Tennessee, and ending on June 2 in Palm Desert, California. Her North American shows will include Latto as the opening act.
Lil Wayne
With his latest album being Funeral (2020), Lil Wayne’s Welcome to Tha Carter Tour will kick off in Minneapolis and go through various North American cities, concluding in Los Angeles.
Mavi
Mavi, from Charlotte, North Carolina, released his much-anticipated latest album, Laughing So Hard It Hurts, last fall. He will be taking it on tour across North America and Europe this summer, promising his fans spectacularly shows.
Redveil
Behind his 2022 release of the Learn 2 Swim album on his 18th birthday, Redveil will be heading out on tour across North America this year, promising to enthrall fans as he weaves through various subgenres of rap while incorporating synth, the piano, and other live instruments.
Run the Jewels
In celebration of their 10th anniversary, acclaimed hip-hop duo Killer Mike and El-P, known as Run the Jewels, are embarking on a special tour. With multiple shows, including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, each night will feature a unique set showcasing their entire discography, accompanied by special guests and exciting surprises.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
While this band may not tick all the boxes for a hip-hop concert, they infuse rap with prog, funk, and indie. With accompanying acts including Iggy Pop, the Mars Volta, and City and Color, this giant North American tour promises to blow lovers of rap’s minds.
Flo Rida
From May to September this year, rapper Flo Rida will be performing dates across the United States, starting in Iowa and ending in Illinois.
Pitbull
With 11 studio albums to his name, Pitbull is embarking on a North American tour this year from May to August. Two of his dates are performed outdoors at the Koka Booth Amphitheater in North Carolina and the St. Augustine Amphitheater in Florida. These promise to be great dates for the summer!
Post Malone
Post Malone is taking his Twelve Carat Tour to the UK and Europe this year and will be touring through England, Ireland, and several European cities. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get your Post Malone fix! He will complete his tour with a North American show at BottleRock Nappa Valley in Napa County, California, on May 26.
Rico Nasty
Last but not least, Rico Nasty is on her Outbreak Tour this year, with performances seeing her snake across North America from Ontario to New York, California, Utah, Ohio, Philadelphia, and Illinois.
There you have it, folks—the 10 hottest rap and hip-hop concerts this year. For the best prices on concert tickets, head over to Cheapo Ticketing. With safe and secure transactions, a 100% money-back guarantee, professional customer service, and unbeatable deals, Cheapo Ticketing will be your next best friend as you follow your favorite artists worldwide.
The high-profile Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) case against the Young Slime Life (YSL) gang, which includes superstar rapper Young Thug, continues to make headlines for various strange events.
In April, Angela D’Williams, a public defender for Rodalius Ryan, one of the remaining nine defendants, employed controversial tactics to receive higher compensation.
D’Williams, Eric Johnson, Justin Hill, and Suri Chadha Jimenez filed a motion to withdraw from the case, citing an “egregiously low” salary of $15,000 for a case predicted to last a year. D’Williams humorously suggested she could earn more by starting an OnlyFans page.
This claim stirred a debate, shedding light on public defenders’ financial struggles. D’Williams, in her plea, insisted, “I can’t take any new cases. I can’t close any cases. I need something to survive off of.”
The GPDC fired back in April, accusing D’Williams of exploiting her position unethically.
They pointed to a text message D’Williams sent to a group of 19 people, in which she admitted to using her withdrawal motion as leverage to secure higher pay.
The text, which fell into the hands of GPDC official Natalie Glaser, read:
“Just in case I didn’t tell you, I filed my motion to withdraw as a way to force GPDC to pay me more money. Please do not help the judge grant my motion. The goal is to have the judge deny my motion, and perhaps have the director come in and testify she’s not paying me more. If the press asks, please do not say you hope the judge grants my motion. I just wanted to bring attention to the issue of GPDC being shady.”
Glaser, the Chief Legal Officer for the Georgia Public Defender Council, accused D’Williams of “attempting to extort payment and using this subpoena as a threat to embarrass the Director and the Agency in the press.”
Today (March 15), the story took another unexpected turn when D’Williams requested the court to withdraw her initial motion. The GPDC caved in and introduced a new policy addressing the issue of compensation for public defenders in prolonged trials.
According to reports, The GPDC has upped the lawyers’ pay with a cap of $55,000 for the year. This development led D’Williams to rescind her previous motion, stating it was now moot.
This legal turmoil adds another bizarre layer to the ongoing YSL RICO case – specifically surrounding the lawyers.
Suri Chadha Jimenez was almost thrown in jail for being late to the trial. He had two options – write a term paper for Judge Ural Glanville, or buy the other attorneys lunch.
Jimenez settled his issue by purchasing the lawyers Lemon Pepper chicken wings from the famed Atlanta strip club Magic City.
Another lawyer, Anastasios Manettas, was arrested in court after he was found with unlabeled prescription pills. He was charged with four misdemeanors and a felony. Once at the Fulton County Jail, Manettas was forced to strip naked, squat down, and cough.
As if that were not enough, attorney Eric Johnson was looking at 20 days behind bars for leaving court early. He was forced to write a paper to Judge Glanville titled “the importance of professionalism in the legal field.”
Young Thug and eight others, including D’Williams’ client Rodalius Ryan, still face serious charges under the RICO Act, a federal law designed to combat organized crime across state lines.
Young Thug, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, and his associates are alleged to have conducted a criminal enterprise, including murder, attempted murder, carjackings, drug trafficking, witness intimidation, and other charges.
Boosie Badazz pleaded not guilty to a charge of felon in possession of a firearm on Monday (May 15).
Earlier this month, Boosie and a 28-year-old man named Billy Johnson were arrested during a traffic stop in San Diego. Officers allegedly found two loaded guns while searching the vehicle.
Boosie was booked on charges of felon in possession of a firearm, concealed carry weapon in a vehicle, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and unlisted owner of a registered firearm on May 6. His bail was $50,000.
Johnson was accused of carrying a concealed firearm and carrying a loaded gun not registered to him. He remains in jail.
Boosie, whose real name is Torrence Hatch, traveled to San Diego to shoot a music video and perform at a club. He appeared at the Phantom Lounge and Nightclub after posting bail. Footage from the event showed him leading the crowd in a “F### San Diego police” chant.
The controversial rapper faces up to three years in prison if convicted on the gun charge. Boosie dealt with various legal troubles over the years, including a murder-for-hire case in his hometown of Baton Rouge. A jury found him not guilty of murder in 2012.
Law enforcement officials arrested Shy Glizzy for an alleged altercation with his girlfriend in the Los Angeles area on Saturday (May 13).
According to TMZ, the rapper was charged with making criminal threats. Authorities said he pulled a gun on his girlfriend. The incident allegedly occurred in public on Saturday morning.
Shy Glizzy was caught later that evening. He reportedly denied threatening his girlfriend but was booked for a felony.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department records show Shy Glizzy posted bond in West Hollywood on Saturday night. His bond was set at $50,000.
Several months ago, model Sky Bri accused Shy Glizzy of sexual misconduct. She claimed he coerced her into taking a pill, pulled out his penis and tried to get her to perform oral sex at his “White Girl” video shoot.
The Glizzy Gang artist allegedly hinted at not paying Ski Bri if she didn’t give him a b######. She recalled never receiving payment for the video, which dropped in December 2022.
“I thankfully am in a position where I didn’t need that,” she explained. “I was able to say, ‘Yeah, I’m not gonna suck your dick. I’m fine with not getting paid.’ I walked away. But I think about other girls that star in music videos or have been in a similar position.”
Dallas rapper Trapboy Freddy pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on Thursday (May 11).
According to multiplereports, Trapboy Freddy agreed to a plea deal to avoid any additional charges in his gun case. He surrendered a Taurus TCP .380-caliber gun as part of the agreement.
Trapboy Freddy, whose real name is Devarius Dontez Moore, faces up to 10 years in prison. He may be fined up to $250,000.
Last year, Trapboy Freddy was arrested on a federal gun possession warrant in Dallas. The arrest received national attention after law enforcement officials discovered a tiger cub at his home.
Dallas Animal Services took the tiger. Dallas residents are prohibited from housing any animal deemed to be a “dangerous wild animal” by the state of Texas.
Trapboy Freddy’s arrest stirred up social media rumors about a tiger roaming the streets of Dallas. Authorities confirmed the tiger was caged at his home. The rumors still gained enough traction to make the Dallas Zoo address the public.
“We are aware of a rumor that is circulating – we want to assure everyone our tigers are all accounted for and safe here at the Zoo,” the Dallas Zoo announced via Twitter. “We saw messages online and heard from concerned local neighbors and wanted to set minds at ease about your Dallas Zoo!”
Trapboy Freddy sought to reunite with the tiger after his arrest. His aunt claimed he was looking to open an animal business.
A judge severed Damone Blalock’s case from the YSL RICO trial, leaving Young Thug as one of the nine remaining defendants.
According to Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Blalock became ill prior to court proceedings on Monday (May 15). The judge opted for severance instead of continuing without Young Thug’s co-defendant.
Prosecutors objected to severing Blalock’s case. Blalock and his lawyer Justin Hill hoped to stay in the YSL RICO trial.
Hill proposed standing in for his ill client for the day. The attorney said it was “bittersweet” to exit several months into jury selection.
“This is a long trial, and I’m trying to run a business at the same time,” he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It was becoming taxing on me and my business.”
Earlier this month, Judge Ural Glanville severed Jayden Myrick’s case from the YSL RICO trial. Myrick’s severance stemmed from mental health concerns.
Last week, Young Thug missed pre-trial hearings due to his own health issues. He was taken to the hospital twice, adding to the delays in the YSL RICO case.
Young Thug was evaluated for chest pains. His medical troubles occurred a few weeks after he requested bond for the fourth time since his May 2022 arrest.
Jury selection for the YSL RICO trial began in January. No jurors have been seated over the past few months.
Master P has already established himself as a savvy business mogul with No Limit Records and several other entrepreneurial endeavors.
Along with Snoop Dogg, who has his own cereal brand called Snoop Cereal, the two Hip-Hop heavyweights are aiming to take over the grocery market together. In a recent interview with AllHipHop, Master P revealed the new brand will finally land in Walmarts across the country this summer.
“When you talk about Snoop Cereal, this is bigger than just cereal,” Master P says in the clip. “I know a lot of people may ask, they want to talk about the ingredients, how it started. Me and Snoop believed in putting out brands that could feed our culture and feed our people. I grew up eating cereal. I grew up on WIC. We are able to sell at WIC now, and it’s all about adding diversity into the grocery stores.
“We don’t all own brands like this. And it’s so important because we grew up eating these products. But we got to stop the self-hate amongst each other when we talk about African-American-owned brands and give us the opportunity to get on those shelves because Snoop Cereal is bigger. The brand is all about trying to tackle homelessness, give back to a community and a culture, and rebuild and put economic empowerment into our community.”
Master P is particularly excited about Momma Snoop Oatmeal, a new product developed in honor of Snoop Dogg’s late mother, Beverly Tate, who died in October 2021.
“I want to tell y’all why Momma Snoop Oatmeal is so important because we look at Aunt Jemima—that was just a mockery of us,” Master P says in a separate video uploaded to Instagram. “It wasn’t a real person. We changing the game…this is a way for us to make Momma Snoop live on and on. Momma Snoop was a beautiful person that blessed the world.”
Snoop Dogg, who joined Master P in the clip, added, “To see it all coming to light…because we building a brand that’s black-owned and family-based. It’s going to be something that’s gonna be here when we not here. And we just giving y’all information on what to do and how to do it. To be able to be friends after so many years of doing business and then to come back together again, to find ways to continue business. As Black people, we gotta find ways to work together instead of pulling each other down.”
Master P and Snoop Dogg—who seem to be everywhere these days (especially the D-O-DOUBLE-G—) are looking forward to the launch. As Master P explains, “Me and Snoop are the kings of breakfast food because we are fighting for our culture and our people to put brands in the stores. So now we’ll be in Walmart on July 15. We’ll be in Target, Albertson’s, Kroger’s, Ralph’s, and Safeway, all the major stores in June. June 24th, we’ll be on Amazon. So this is a blessing. We’ve come a long way from Hip-Hop.”
To show support, Master P encourages everyone to go to the store and buy a product. Until then, find more information here.
T-Pain, the king of autotune, says there was more to his style of music than just the fake digital manipulation that Usher once said was killing music. According to the Tallahassee native, he also made “simp” music.
During an episode of his podcast “Nappy Boy Radio,” the chart-topping singer talked about his musical style, saying, “I had zero confidence in any of my music. I was always the simp, remember? I was always wishing for a girl.”
If fans look at songs like his bangers “I’m Sprung” and “I’m In Love With A Stripper,” one might see what he is saying he added.
“‘I’m Sprung’ — that was about me simping to hell. First real simp joint,” he said. “‘I’m In Love With A Stripper’ — never said I ever got her. Just said I liked her a bunch. ‘Bartender’ — never took her anywhere. She was just a bartender. Never said we f##### or anything. Just me simping from afar.”
When asked if he thinks the culture needs him to come back and hold the torch for simping in 2023, he said there has been someone to lift his mantle, heartthrob Drake.
“I think Drake got it covered,” he said to his guest Rob Markman.
Many believe T-Pain might be on to something.
Simping, according to the streets, is when a person goes overboard in expressing his or her romantic love or obsession for someone else. Usually, this state happens when the person is moved out of their normal state of being because they are so open off their interest— usually doing things others would consider stupid or not in one’s best interest.
With this definition, fans might point to some of Drake’s biggest songs that could be associated to women he was in love with.
Songs like “In My Feelings” for his ex-love interest Keshia Chanté or “Club Paradise” about Rose Mary and Leanne Sealey are good EX-amples of his.
But don’t count on the Champagne Papi making more songs about ladies. It seems like he doesn’t enjoy being labeled “love soft.”
On an inaugural episode of “A Moody Conversation,” he told Lil Yachty he wishes he wouldn’t have been so personal about his private life in the public space.
“The lyrics are never with ill intent, but I had somebody tell me one time, ‘You know, it’s not necessarily what you’re saying about me, it’s the fact that you said it,'” he said.
Morant was suspended for eight games without pay. Police concluded their investigation and ended up not charging Morant with a crime. The NBA also did an investigation but could not prove the gun belonged to Morant nor prove he brought it into any of the establishments he went into during that night out.
White too to social media, saying the 23-year-old is faking like a gangster or thug online.
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) May 15, 2023
“This is what I see in the Jason Morant boy …He never got to be a thug. He never got to be a gangster because he was so good at basketball,” White said. “But there’s an innate desire inside of him that wants to live out this kind of lifestyle. I think he’s a wannabe gangster.”
He also said the athlete should be in jail or shot.
According to White, Morant is probably not as tough as he thinks he is and would not last “60 days in lock up,” admitting that he, himself, couldn’t have lasted 30 days.
The controversial country pundit said he believes the baller needs to “be shot in the leg at a club on his knee where he can’t jump high and play basketball and run fast down the court no more.”
White’s video progressively got darker, as he called the player more names and punctuated his thoughts with curse words.
“I think the boy stupid, I think the boy is ill inform and I think he is a closet homosexual … he battling with coming out or staying in so he’s just playing with guns,” White said.
“I don’t think he really want to hurt nobody,” the OG added. “I think the boy got displaced anger issues because he’s sheltered and entitled.”
White believes that Morant has never had to struggle and the façade of gangsterism is a way to associate with the rappers and cool kids he never got to be with.
Comedically, he blends sports references (as a satirical way to indicate his disdain for athletes and say he cares nothing about the sporting world).
After saying he wants him to be kicked out of the league, he adds with a snicker he is glad he has a college degree because at least he can go and teach.
He said, “You’re going to make for a good PE teacher … walking out to teach them boys how to shoot them free throws and snap they wrist.”
Lastly, White said, speaking directly to Morant, “I hope they take everything.”
These guys have a bunch of different rules than we do. I remember when Pac and Biggie died, we all mourned in one way or another. At the time, there were rules. These days, artists celebrate death like they are birthdays. I like Lil Durk. And I know he has evolved a lot into an ambassador looking to help his Chicago community. But in the not too distant past, he made a song – that bangs – and sampled Quando Rondo’s voiced when he was screaming in anguish.
That is next level! Check it out here and tell me what you think?
Lil Durk Sampled the "Nooooo" Quando Rondo Said when He lost his Homie in LA & Used it in his (UNRELEASED) Song 😳🔥 pic.twitter.com/VsGqQwVe3h
Some people liked it. Some felt it was out of pocket and others suggested it was AI. I know that song is too real to be anybody’s AI. Anyway, a lot of people say this song is incriminating as hell. Durk definitely says a lot and whoever leaked it might be the feds. Now that I think about it, both Durk and Quando are in different places in life. Hopefully this does not start anything up again.
Jamie Foxx and his daughter Corinne Foxx have been announced as the hosts of the musical game show “We Are Family” amid his health battle.
On Monday (May 15), executives at the Fox network announced that the father-daughter duo will host a new celebrity competition series in 2024.
Similar to “The Masked Singer,” “We Are Family” is a music guessing game that features non-famous relatives of celebrities performing duets with their hidden famous family members.
The studio audience will comprise 100 contestants competing to win a $100,000 cash prize by correctly guessing the hidden celebrity before they are unveiled.
“We are thrilled to be developing We Are Family with Jeff Apploff and our friends at FOX Entertainment after so much success with six seasons of Beat Shazam,” Jamie and Corinne said in a joint statement. “We hope this show brings as much fun to audiences at home as we’ve had creating it when it premieres next year.”
“Jamie and Corinne are important partners to the Fox Family,” added Allison Wallach, president of unscripted programming for Fox Entertainment. “Their boundless energy and charming interplay with contestants are irresistible, which make them the perfect hosts of We Are Family.”
This will be the second music-based game show they have fronted following “Beat Shazam,” which premiered in 2017.
Nick Cannon and Kelly Osbourne are temporarily filling in for Jamie and Corinne on “Beat Shazam” while the Oscar-winning actor recovers from a “medical complication” he suffered in April.
“Update from the family: Sad to see how the media runs wild,” she wrote in an Instagram Story. “My dad has been out of the hospital for weeks, recuperating. In fact, he was playing pickleball yesterday! Thanks for everyone’s prayers and support!”
She ended her post by teasing “an exciting work announcement coming next week.”
