Rihanna was shocked when her youngest child didn’t inherit the same forehead as her. The Barbadian singer and partner A$AP Rocky have sons RZA, 19 months, and four-month-old Riot.
Talking to Access Hollywood about motherhood, 35-year-old Rihanna shared her hopes and dreams for her family – and also the physical differences between her two boys.
“I hope that I can have kids one day and I hope I can have them in love and I hope that I can be part of a family that breaks generational curses and just like, moves forward and does new things and raises our kids better than we’ve been raised,” she opened up. “And every – all the beautiful things and it’s happening and I can’t believe it.
“The only thing I can imagine was probably the forehead on RZA, I mean Riot doesn’t have it! I’m like, wait are you sure? You can’t lose this thing!”
After laughing about the shape of her face, she then got serious when asked about how it felt watching A$AP Rocky, 35, become a dad. The two music stars began dating in late 2020, and Rihanna confirms their relationship is even better since they welcomed their children.
“Oh I loved him differently as a dad. This is major, major… it’s a turn on,” she praised. “Wow, what a leader what a great patient loving… And my kids are obsessed with him. I’m just a background, like I’m an extra. Yup. Yup, it happens.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s girls or boys, they love their dad differently and I love to see it.”
Nicki Minaj would make music with Taylor Swift “in a heartbeat.” The “Pound the Alarm” hitmaker took to X, formerly known as Twitter to heap praise on the “Shake It Off” star after she ended Taylor’s dominance of the top five of Billboard’s Vinyl Albums chart.
“The SAG(ITTARIUS) QUEEN TAYLOR DESERVES!!!! PERIOD!!!!!” she wrote. “She takes months & years off then comes back with great music & fans who’ll never leave her!!!!”
A fan replied asking if she would ever collaborate with Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj replied, “In a heart beat.”
The SAG QUEEN TAYLOR DESERVES!!!! PERIOD!!!!!
She takes months & years off then comes back with great music & fans who’ll never leave her!!!!
The END!!!!!!!
I was simply discussing vinyls w/the barbz due to questions they had for me…
Last week, Taylor Swift became the first female artist in U.S. history to occupy the full top five on the Vinyl Albums chart in America. Nicki Minaj swiftly ended that feat when her album, Pink Friday 2, debuted at No. 2 this week.
The rest of the top five is still comprised of Taylor’s albums 1989 (Taylor’s Version), Midnights, Folklore, and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).
Reflecting on the achievement, Nicki Minaj wrote on X, “We broke the record in vinyl sales for any female rap album in history. That means that retailers had no way of knowing that the vinyls would be in such high demand. Either way, now they do! That’s a marvelous thing! Taylor & her fans have put in the work. Now it’s our turn.”
She added, “The point is that we have something to aspire to as we watch the SAG QUEEN Taylor & the swifties & Republic Records.” Many fans thought Taylor and Nicki, who are both Sagittariuses, had collaborated on a song for the 34-year-old’s 1989 re-release but that speculation turned out to be false.
YG, alongside his family, recently hosted a vibrant Christmas toy drive in Santa Monica with his non-profit, the 4Hunnid Ways Foundation.
The event spread cheer among children from foster care and families with autistic members and was a beautiful blend of joy and generosity.
YG and his mom Shonae, daughters Harmony (8 years old) and Vibe (4 years old), as well as his niece Londyn (11 years old) and nephew Kreu (7 years old), transformed Fame Cast Media into a holiday festivities.
This initiative, part of YG’s commitment through his 4Hunnid Ways Foundation, shone a spotlight on children who often find themselves overlooked. The day was filled with a variety of activities. Children got the chance to meet Santa, participate in a surprise talent show, and enjoy a mobile game truck.
There was also a mobile spa, offering a moment of relaxation for the guests. The air was filled with the aroma of delicious food, and the sound of live entertainment and a dance crew performance added to the celebratory mood.
YG’s foundation, which has a history of supporting the less fortunate, especially in the foster care system, has been a significant force in community welfare.
In 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation made headlines by distributing $10,000 worth of personal protective equipment to those in need.
The event’s success was evident in the smiles and laughter of over 300 children and their families. Take a look at some more pictures below:
Activist Shaun King’s nearly 6 million followers on Instagram have been evicerated in one fell swoop after an apparent stand-off with the platform.
King had been warned numerous times about the content he was posting, largely in support of Palestinian people and defiance of the incessant bombing from Israel. He was unwavering in his stance and told his following that he would likely be banned, but was unwilling to soften his position.
The disappearance of the popular and controversial King caused quite a response on the very platform that he was banished from.
The Game made a lengthy post on IG and said that he had been threatened with banishment too for expressing pro-Palestine/anti-war views.
“A million things | could say about this but we all know what it really is on these social apps. @shaunking’s page has been suspended & I’ve been given just as many warnings on my page/posts as well so one can only assume he’s next in line,” he in an Instagram post. “And while we over in our country are having happy holidays… We know there are alot of people who are not. I truly pray for this world’s healing above all else. WE NEED IT.”
Ebro Darden, radio host, echoed a similar sentiment.
“Not winning the PR war eh? Scared of truth being shared? Well this will not quiet anything …… your pages and platforms are not yours. Another reminder,” Darden said.
Some people in the comments section were not so sympathetic.
“He on the soapbox for everything. There is a better way to inform the public about what matters,” one individual person said. Then to post something so vile and sad. Especially when you monetizing every cause… be well everyone. 🙏🏽”
Christine Wawira Njagi, the actress and model, said that she had been targeted by Meta, the parent company of Instgram, Facebook, Threads and also WhatsApp.
She said, “Yup! Meta warned me too that they will delete my account if I continue to share about Palestine. We are being heavily censored. That’s crazy.”
Whether or not Shaun King’s account has been suspended or permanently deleted is not known. His Facebook page was intact at the time of this report, but any posts of him speaking are being deleted as rapidly as they are being uploaded on platform.
Rappin 4-Tay, the iconic San Francisco rapper, is unfortunately spending the holiday season in a hospital, as he recently shared with his fans.
The artist, known for his significant impact on the West Coast Hip-Hop scene, especially with his 1990s hits like “Playaz Club,” revealed his hospitalization through a Twitter post.
He requested prayers and well-wishes from his followers, expressing his hope for their joyful Christmas and holiday season, despite his own challenging circumstances.
The nature of his hospitalization remains undisclosed, leaving fans and supporters concerned and eager for more information.
Rappin’ 4-Tay’s influence in the rap industry, particularly highlighted by his debut album Rappin’ 4-Tay Is Back! and the timeless “Playaz Club,” cemented his status as a legendary figure in the genre.
His career has not been without controversy, including a notable dispute with Canadian rapper Drake over the unauthorized use of lyrics from “Playaz Club.”
Bishop T.D. Jakes, a prominent figure in the religious community, has firmly denied allegations circulated in viral videos linking him to adult “sex parties” allegedly hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs. These videos, which have gained traction online, accuse Jakes of attending adult-themed parties allegedly organized by Combs.
In a Christmas Eve sermon before his church, he addressed the allegations briefly without say much more about them
“I can feel you. I can feel you. Relax … We’re not gonna let the devil take over our service. No, no, no, no, no. We’re gonna give God some praise and some honor and some glory, for this is the day that the Lord has made, we shall rejoice and be glad in it,” he stated. “I’m not going to let the rain stop me. I’m not going to let the weather stop me. And I’m sure not going to let the liars stop me.”
According to the allegations, many of which are sourceless, Combs and the respected spiritual leader were indelibly linked in the puported scandal. Jakes’s representatives took a staunch stance against the allegations.
Christian Post reported that the accusations levied against the 66-year-old were “unequivocally false,” according to his representative.
Jordan A. Hora, executive director of public relations and communications for the T.D. Jakes Group, T.D. Jakes Ministries and The Potter’s House said, “Recent claims circulating on pockets of social media about Bishop T.D. Jakes are “unequivocally false and baseless.” What has always been true, in the words of the late Pastor Charles H. Spurgeon, ‘If you want the truth to go round the world you must hire an express train to pull it; but if you want a lie to go round the world it will fly; it is as light as a feather, and a breath will carry it.’”
This phenomenon was evident as various memes and distorted interpretations of Jakes’s statements rapidly spread online, leading even skeptics to engage with the unfounded content.
Further addressing the situation, Hora lamented the focus on these baseless allegations, pointing out the need for more constructive efforts towards global improvement.
She reaffirmed Jakes’s commitment to his work, undeterred by the false and malicious narratives. Hora’s statement concluded by emphasizing the principles of compassion, service, and ministry that guide Jakes’s endeavors, reflecting a dedication to positive change and support for those in need or marginalized.
Hailing from the DMV, Suburban Snoop is a deal closer, espresso junkie, lyricist and vocalist who is known for blending an eclectic range of styles. Harmonized with progressive rap lyrics, his inspiration comes from the likes of gorillas and West Coast rappers.
Dynamically fusing groundbreaking production and music authorship with inspired lyrics & and pure hustle, he strives to deliver a caffeine-fueled, Maryjane-consumed diverse palette; bent on bringing modern music both to the frontier and back to its roots. He now returns with his latest single, “Revenge.”
The MH Foundation brought quite an amazing tour to audiences of Black men.
A recent tour stop in Houston included, The Council on Recovery, The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, Houston Texas, Health and Human Services, The Alice Collective, The African American Male Wellness, Rverzealous Mindset LLC and The State of Texas Aids Awareness Commission.
The Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis honored and presented Camillia Harris, justUS, MH Foundation, and the Black Men’s Mental Health Conference with a resolution.
Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard presented Camillia Harris, justUS, MH Foundation, and the Black Men’s Mental Health Conference with a certificate of recognition due to her hard work in the mental health space.
The Keynote Speaker of the event provided dynamic poetry with life stories of how he overcame depression, anger, and the struggles faced by black and Latino men.
As a survivor, Camillia Harris could no longer stand by and not help the voiceless or those in need, and took action.
The Black Men’s Mental Health Conference is a multi-city tour bringing awareness and education to mental health care for black men. On this tour, they will share stories, provide access to resources, and equip communities with the necessary tools to create systems of support to ensure that Black men have the best access to mental healthcare.
The tour will feature events aimed to better understand the social determinants of mental health and the specific psychological issues facing Black men through panel discussions, mental health experts, resources and more. This tour will empower and inspire attendees to prioritize their mental well-being and take steps to heal and improve their overall mental health.
MH Foundation invites you to join them on their journey to celebrate and curate this important conversation around mental health in Black communities, travel city to city, and work together to galvanize collective action to ensure a healthier future for generations of Black men.
Camillia Harris is a mental health advocate, dedicated to providing resources and support to those struggling with mental health issues. In 2019, Camillia lost her father to a murder-suicide and, since then, has devoted her life to helping others in similar situations. Her mission is to save not one but many, fathers, brothers, sons, etc. She wants to provide a window that dispels and eradicates suicide. She wants to build on mental health resources and help reach those in mental turmoil. Harris’ goal is to assist the world with providing a safe space for healthy minds. She believes in the power of storytelling and has used her own experiences to bring awareness to the importance of mental health. Camillia will work to ensure individuals receive quality mental health care and to break down the stigma associated with mental illness.
Follow The Black Men’s Mental Health Conference at @BMMHC1 on IG, and to learn more about the next stop of the tour log onto www.Bmmhc.com
The notorious Nine Trey Bloods gang, previously thrust into the limelight by rapper 6ix9ine’s sensational testimony, is back in the news with the arrest of Edwin Spears, a 49-year-old identified as a “five-star general” of the gang.
In November, Spears, also known as “Money,” allegedly a 5 Star General in the Nine Trey Bloods, was caught in a major drug bust at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. Accompanying him were Leonardo Petrosillo, 45, and two women, all part of an elaborate plan to transport a massive cache of narcotics to the United Kingdom.
The haul included 12 kilos of cocaine, 513 pounds of marijuana, and 1,000 THC cartridges.
The level of sophistication in the smuggling attempt was notable, involving three fake identities, two phony social security cards and careful coordination using a private, chartered plane.
One of the women, an exotic dancer, was explicitly paid to falsely claim ownership of some of the luggage, indicating the gang’s willingness to exploit others in their operations.
Petrosillo’s possession of counterfeit licenses and Social Security cards further underscores the elaborate nature of their scheme.
The evidence against Spears and Petrosillo appears overwhelming. Surveillance footage ties them directly to the luggage that was packed with drugs. Moreover, Spears’ history of criminal activities, including his ties to the Lucchese crime family and a 2007 arrest for smuggling contraband into prison, speaks to his long-standing involvement in organized crime.
The recent arrest adds another chapter to the gang’s notorious history after 6ix9ine’s sensational trial, where the rainbow-haired rapper testified against members of the Nine Trey Bloods and their criminal activities to reduce his sentence.
As they await their trial in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the future looks grim for Spears and Petrosillo. They face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison if convicted.
Taraji P. Henson fought back tears as she discussed how tired she is working for a paycheck way below people’s assumptions and legendary actress Halle Berry agreed with her take on Tinseltown’s pay gap.
Appearing on Gayle King’s SiriusXM show with her “The Color Purple” co-star Danielle Brooks and their director Blitz Bazawule, Taraji was asked about rumors she’s planning on retiring from acting.
Before she could answer, the 53-year-old took a moment to compose herself, bringing her hand up to her face as she began to answer.
“I’m just tired of working so hard, being gracious at what I do (and) getting paid a fraction of the cost,” Taraji P. Henson sighed. “I’m tired of hearing my sisters say the same thing over and over. You get tired. I hear people go, ‘You work a lot.’ Well, I have to. The math ain’t math-ing. When you start working a lot, you have a team. Big bills come with what we do. We don’t do this alone. It’s a whole team behind us. They have to get paid.”
Halle Berry took to the comments under the post on Taraji’s IG and agreed with her statements.
“This is straight facts sister T! Thank you for spitting the facts upon facts!” Halle Berry said. Yvette Lee Bowser, the genius behind shows like “Girlfriends,” “Half & Half,” “Living Single,” “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” and others also agreed.
“I FEEL YOU, T. TRULY. The math is not MATHING for most. The real struggle for creatives of color is still STRUGGLING,” Bowser added. “And still we rise. 🙌🏽 Keep working and advocating. You are loved and needed on this journey.”
Actress Kerry Washington also had some words of support as well. “Love you madly. Thank you for speaking this truth. OUR TRUTH. Your courage is glorious,” Washington said.
Taraji also laid bare how far a $10 million paycheck goes – with the American government pocketing half of it and her team getting 30 percent of her initial salary.
“Every time I do something and break another glass ceiling, when it’s time to renegotiate I’m at the bottom again like I never did what I just did and I’m tired. I’m tired,” she said as she began to well up. “It wears on you. What does that mean? What is that telling me? If I can’t fight for them coming up behind me then what the f### am I doing?”
The screen star, who helms her own haircare line away from acting work, further revealed she is often told Black stories “don’t translate overseas” which leaves her in a vulnerable position as a prominent Black actress.
“I’m tired hearing of that my entire career,” Taraji fumed. “Twenty plus years in the game and I hear the same thing and I see what you do for another production but when it’s time to go to bat for us they don’t have enough money. And I’m just supposed to smile and grin and bear it. Enough is enough! That’s why I have other (brands) because this industry, if you let it, it will steal your soul. I refuse to let that happen.”
SZA wishes she didn’t have such a short temper. During a recent sit-down with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, the Grammy Award winner shared that she is currently prioritizing personal growth.
“It’s so hard,” SZA said when asked how hard it is to prioritize what makes a healthy relationship. “My biggest priority now is being an emotionally regulated person with healthy relationships.”
The “Kill Bill” hitmaker shared that she prays “to be slower to anger, like I literally pray, like oh, you know, may I be slower to be anger, may I be calm, like filled with love and kindness.”
SZA, 34, noted that she wants to be a “good person so badly… and not in like the idea of what a good person is, I want to be honest enough to create boundaries, healthy boundaries and I want to be honest enough to say no.”
Elsewhere in the interview, SZA opened up about the downsides of being a public-facing person.
“I’m still the shy person from high school, I hate being perceived, I hate coming outside, I don’t want to party, I don’t want anybody to look at me, honestly,” she said. “I don’t want to take pictures, I hate being on video, it’s the bane of my existence. It makes me really really uncomfortable in a way that I cry.”
Nicki Minaj’s life was “so selfish” before she became a mother. During an appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” the “Starships” rapper opened up about welcoming her first child with her husband Kenneth Petty.
When asked what surprised her most about becoming a mother, Nicki replied, “Just seeing how much more you could love. Because my life was so selfish before he came here.”
“I could do anything I wanted when I wanted,” the rapper continued. “I could take my phone out for days, I could sleep for days, I could travel whenever I wanted to. And since this little human came onto planet Earth, I can’t do anything without thinking about him first.”
Kenneth and Nicki welcomed their baby in September 2020. They have not revealed his name, with her referring to her son publicly as “Papa Bear.” The 41-year-old assured host Stephen that the limited personal freedoms were worth it.
“There’s this thing that happens every day when I see his face, which is more than anything money could buy in the world, really,” she said. “And so, I’m really happy I pushed him out.”
Nicki also joked that her son “acts like” the lead character in the 2017 animation, “The Boss Baby,” and “runs everything.”
Travis Scott has explained why he performed his song “FE!N” ten times in a row at a recent concert.
Earlier this month, the rapper was performing at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center when he decided to perform the track, taken from his latest album Utopia, not once, not twice, but ten consecutive times.
Travis was asked to explain the reasoning behind his repetitive renditions during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
“Man, I have the best fans in the world,” he explained. “I go off the energy they give me. And they were wild that night. And so I just got even wilder.”
Elsewhere in the interview, the 32-year-old opened up about getting hit by a basketball while sitting courtside at a New York Knicks vs. Nets game at the Barclays Center.
The basketball hit his hand, causing the liquid in his can to erupt over the court.
“It’s crazy because I was thinking all night, I was like, ‘This ball is getting a little bit close.’ (But then I thought,) ‘There’s no way this thing’s gonna hit me,'” he recalled. “I was talking to my friend and sure enough, here comes the basketball, ‘Pow!’ It went all over my friend, it just like erupted. It hit my thumb so it hit like the perfect spot and it just like exploded.”
Video footage posted on social media showed Travis, real name Jacques Webster, cracking open a new can as staff wiped his spillage off the floor.
Millyz isn’t afraid to stick up for his fellow white rap counterpart Jack Harlow, even if it means waging war with their estranged rap peer Machine Gun Kelly.
In a recent interview with TMZ, Millyz spoke at length about his issues with MGK, remarking how the Cleveland rapper’s attitude toward Jack Harlow initiated his recent shot at Kelly.
“Rap is competitive and I think people get real sensitive, like this is a blood sport—that’s how I started out,” Millyz said in part. “Me being a white rapper…this is Black culture so I didn’t come in this to tear nobody else down, but in this white rapper s##t, yeah, we gotta go for who’s there, who’s at the top of the s##t man. So, you know, he kind of bullied Jack Harlow a bit man, or tried, so I’m just like, you know, ‘Pick on me, pick on somebody your size’.”
In the midst of his statements, the Massachutes-bred rapper makes a bold claim about the edge he believes he has over Kelly while briefly detailing their short and tumultuous history.
“He know he can’t f### with me from the bottom of his heart,” he said in part. “I know he real frustrated right now because he knows it’s a lose-lose and I’ve had weird encounters with him before. He been in my circumference he been around me a lot of times where he pretended he didn’t know who I was and then one night he told me ‘Oh I knew exactly who you were from the time that I met you,’ and so, I don’t like s##t like that because there’s a lot of people in this industry that been scared to let me in—and especially people like that.”
This isn’t the first time Millyz has publicly spoken about his issues with MGK. In November during an appearance on DJ Cosmic Kev’s The Come Up Show Live, he called Kelly a “goofy” and told Jack Harlow he does lyrical “murder for hire.”
Westside Gunn has voiced his disapproval of a fan theory involving his Griselda labelmate Boldy James in the ’90s era rappers such as Nas. In a recent Twitter (X) post, Gunn responded to a remark from a user who appeared to be upset that James was being compared to Nas. The entire discourse stemmed from a tweet another Twitter user wrote.
“Did I just see Boldy James in the same sentence with Nasir Jones,” the user wrote. “Y’all be talking crazy on here for traction. But it’s all love.”
From there, another user added their two cents—alleging that James wouldn’t have even been able to survive in the same era as Nas.
“This is disrespectful to the culture,” they said. “Boldy James wouldn’t know how to move back in the 90s when n##### was dodging literal bullets everyday in the street. And then, you had to be outside all the time to make good music. Let’s not even talk about the music lol.”
Gunn jumped in the thread at this point and tore the user to shreds, reminding the social media critic that James’ reputation is as pure in his hometown as it is in the rap game at large.
“Stupid Man!!!!” he began. “This why I hate the internet a copywriter from Lagos gonna tell us @BoldyJames couldn’t move n the 90s like he don’t move everyday n Detroit, Boldy 1 of the realest this game ever scene n real life no rap s###, have opinions on rap but don’t discredit real st. S##t.”
Do y’all agree with the fan and think James wouldn’t survive in the ’90s era or do you think Gunn is right and these fan theories, and or loaded opinions, are getting out of control?
Check out the full post below.
Stupid Man!!!! This why I hate the internet a copywriter from Lagos gonna tell us @BoldyJames couldn’t move n the 90s like he don’t move everyday n Detroit, Boldy 1 of the realest this game ever scene n real life no rap s###, have opinions on rap but don’t discredit real st. S### https://t.co/XFSNxzrbAm
Baltimore’s music scene has been shaken by the loss of one of its rising stars, local rapper Bandhunta Jugg. Known for his vivid storytelling and raw depiction of street life, Jugg was fatally shot in an early morning incident this morning (December 23) in Woodlawn, Baltimore County.
The shooting occurred around 4 a.m. in the 1800 block of Woodlawn Drive, near a local library. Baltimore County Police responded to reports of gunfire and discovered five victims with gunshot wounds.
Bandhunta Jugg was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene. The remaining victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, but their conditions have not been disclosed.
As of now, the police have not released further details about the incident or any suspects.
Bandhunta Jugg had been a prominent figure in the local rap scene. He first gained attention in 2016 with his debut mixtape “Jugg Season.”
As news of his untimely death started spreading, Bandhunta Jugg’s Instagram account was inundated with messages of condolence and RIP tributes.
“Forever in our hearts,” one user wrote. Another said: “IP 🙏🏾🕊️ I am deeply sorry to hear about the loss of Bandunta Jugg. My thoughts and sympathies go out to his family during this time of sorrow. May they find solace in the cherished memories they shared together and may they be surrounded by love and support from their friends and loved ones. Sending prayers up.”
Nicki Minaj isn’t afraid to admit J. Cole out-rapped her on her own song—because she says that’s exactly how she planned it.
In an interview with Joe Budden uploaded to his Patreon account, Minaj appeared happy to admit she wasn’t the top rapper on the Pink Friday 2 collaboration “Let Me Calm Down” featuring the Dreamville lyricist.
“I’m telling you, but I’m just telling you, he did, absolutely f###ing ridiculous,” Minaj told Budden when asked if J. Cole’s verse was better.
In addition to detailing why she walked away with a newfound sense of respect for J. Cole, Minaj explained why she wants all of her collaborators to approach working with her in the same way.
“I want the person to be the best I want the person to give me the best verse,” she said in part. “I like that made me know that he respected me and cared about my project.”
Even though J. Cole may have gotten the best of her on their latest joint effort, her rank as one of the top female rap artists of all time remains solidified. Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart after moving roughly 228,000 total album equivalent-units in the first week. It’s her third chart-topping album, following 2010’s Pink Friday and 2012’s Roman Reloaded, which makes her the female rapper with the most No. 1 albums in history and breaks her previous tie with Foxy Brown.
In the spirit of the holiday season, Charlotte-based rapper DaBaby gave back to his community just before the holidays.
DaBaby, who turned 32 on December 22, celebrated his birthday – and the holiday, with a toy drive at the Eastway Church of God. DaBaby and his team created an atmosphere filled with festive cheer, including food and live music at the event called “Santa-Baby.”
For many families in Charlotte, the event provided much-needed relief and happiness. The toys collected will be distributed to children in need, ensuring that the magic of the holiday season reaches every corner of the community.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C1KZpSKruH6/?hl=en
DaBaby’s involvement in such community activities is not new. The rapper has consistently used his platform and resources to give back to his community, setting an example for others in the entertainment industry.
In addition to toy drives, the rapper has hosted Thanksgiving dinners for hundreds of local families and has even helped homeless mothers.
His actions demonstrate that success is not just about personal achievements but also about lifting others and contributing to the community’s well-being.
A whole consortium of different industry leaders converged in downtown Atlanta at the Global HOPE Forums annual meeting.
Hip-Hop was well represented, as David Banner, Angela Yee, Chuck Creekmur, T.I. And Dr. Ben Chavis and others attended the conference held at the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta from December 10 to 12. Other speakers included U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, religious leader TD Jakes, NFL commisioner Roger Goodell, and Sam Altman, founder and CEO of OpenAI and ChatGPT.
The 2023 edition of the Operation HOPE Global Forums Annual Meeting was a remarkable gathering. It attracted over 5,000 participants (known as delegates) from across the globe. The event boasted conversations and discussions about global economics, financial empowerment in the current era, and the prospects for America’s working class. In addition, there were a wide range of interactive workshops and thought-provoking panel discussions, making it a memorable and impactful event.
This annual meeting was themed “Making the Case for Optimism,” highlighting the importance of optimism as a catalyst for change and progress.
John Hope Bryant, the founder and CEO of Operation Hope, stressed that optimism is more than a state of mind; it’s a call to action to drive positive transformation globally.
“Optimism is not just a state of mind; it’s a call to action to be a catalyst for change. In a world full of adversity, we believe the power of optimism can inspire action, innovation, and progress,” he said. “Our Annual Meeting serves as a dynamic platform for leaders to identify shared values to drive positive transformation in America and across the world.”
Ambassador and Civil Rights icon Andrew Young, Co-Chair of the HGF, stressed the event’s role in offering unique collaboration, partnership, and knowledge exchange opportunities. Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been pivotal in transforming the U.S. economic landscape through initiatives in financial literacy, empowerment, and education. The organization’s mission revolves around equity, bridging gaps between the private sector and lower-income households, and strengthening underserved communities. The Global Forums Meeting continues Operation HOPE’s legacy in narrowing economic disparities on a global scale.
The Hip-Hop panel, moderated by Angela Yee, discussed a myriad of topics including the recent R.I.C.O. cases, streaming and business. David Banner said the condemnation of rappers should cease, particularly if the public does not take any accountablity.
David Banner said, “We reward rappers for being exactly who they are, and then all of a sudden you want them to be a political pundit. I don’t want to them to talk for me. They don’t know what they’re talking about. Yeah, some rappers should do certain things, but you should also stop teaching our children that Christopher Columbus discovered America. That’s a lie.”
Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur, who is one of the founders of AllHipHop, said that artists have to use some common sense practices and the younger generation has to be educated.
Ice-T once said, “Freedom of speech, but just watch what you say.” This album title has always stayed with me,” Creekmur said. “When driving with a police officer behind me, I instinctively slow down, ensuring I don’t speed, a reminder that Hip-Hop is still under scrutiny. We’re still targeted and viewed unfairly. The essence of what used to be part of our DNA in Hip-Hop seems to have faded. We knew Tupac was constantly monitored. It’s crucial to educate our youth about this.”
Also, in a touching momen, Angela Yee took time to give AllHipHop and founders Grouchy Greg Watkins and Creekmur respect for 25 years of impacting the culture. The clip and other media are below.
If it were up to Kelis’ social media followers, she would likely be creating more on-camera ASMR content rather than documenting her journey as a vegan.
Earlier this week, the 44-year-old musician and culinary influencer began trending on social media as she promoted her “chef-made” holist “Midnight Raw Pies.” The small-batch craft baked goods developed from Kelis’ own homemade recipe feature all-natural vegan ingredients, such as cocoa and a healthy dose of her “Milkshake” aura on accident. While it’s clear her goal here is to sell pies, Kelis managed to inadvertently sell fantasies based on the overwhelming response of men and women flustered by everything from her appearance to the timbres of her voice.
On Twitter (X), a reposted version of Kelis’ original video has attracted well more than five million views in addition to a slew of thirsty commenters. The entire comments section under the video is low key a pit of filth.
“I want some of her raw midnight cocoa pie. Thats all I know.,” one user wrote before another immediately followed up with, “God I need to find a raspy voiced big titted brownskin vegan queen.”
Other users highlighted that Kelis, indeed, did know what she was doing with the video before the deed was done.
“Kelis + raw + pies will break the twitter algorithm She knows what she’s doing [eyes emoji],” a user pointed out. Another user added, “This caption is so misleading, my lawyer will be in touch.”
Of the countless bombshell remarks throughout the thread, likely the most nuclear comment comes from a user who seemingly rubs the L in Kelis’ ex-husband’s face by writing “@nas go get her back.” I know I would be somewhere punching the air if I had seen this video even if I just won my first Grammy Award!
All in all, it seems everything worked out in her favor as Kelis appears to have sold out of her Midnight Raw Pies. Watch the “sultry-on-accident” promo below.
