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Mary J. Blige Announces Second Annual Strength Of A Woman Festival

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

R&B icon Mary J. Blige will bring her Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit back to Atlanta this May. The long-reigning Queen of Hip Hop Soul made the announcement on International Women’s Day.

An all-Black, all-female team will curate the Strength of a Woman Festival. In celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary, attendees will get to see Mary J. Blige run through rarely-performed hits as part of the “MJB B-Sides” set.

“I’m so excited to bring our Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit back to Atlanta for its second year,” said Mary J. Blige. “Having the opportunity to continue to uplift, inspire, and build amongst a community of women is the reason why we created this festival.”

Blige continued, “I’m so grateful for all of the support from our performers and participants and of course Live Nation Urban, Pepsi, and our additional partners who are committed to celebrating and creating community for Black women.”

Lauryn Hill Will Headline One Night Of The Strength Of A Woman Festival

Strength of a Woman will present an R&B night featuring a performance by the legendary Lauryn Hill of the Fugees. Additionally, Summer Walker, Lucky Daye, Muni Long, and other acts will hit that stage for the special showcase of the Rhythm & Blues genre.

The 2023 Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit lineup also includes Jodeci, Jeezy, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, Jadakiss, and more. Mike Epps will headline the comedy show. The live podcast portion of the event encompasses Angela Yee’s Lip Service.

Nicole Jackson, Vice President of MJB Inc., partnered with Mary J. Blige to organize this year’s Strength of a Woman. Ashaunna Ayars of The Ayars Agency will lead initiatives designed to empower women of the BIPOC community.

Mary J. Blige & Fellow Organizers Believe They’re Filling A Void In The Festival Space

“The popularity and impact of the inaugural Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit successfully showed how and why Black women are the blueprint for cultural relevancy and inclusion,” stated Nicole Jackson.

She added, “Being able to look back and see the global reach the festival had through our livestream and billions of media impressions is confirmation that we are filling a void in the festival space. Mary, Ashaunna, and myself are overjoyed to be back in Atlanta again and look forward to continued expansion in our programming and partnerships.”

Mary J. Blige’s 2023 Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit takes place May 11-14 in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. General tickets go on-sale beginning Friday, March 10 at 10 am ET. To purchase tickets visit soawfestival.com.

Ex-Apple Music Exec Larry Jackson Launches Gamma Company Featuring Usher, Rick Ross & Snoop Dogg

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Larry Jackson served as Apple Music’s Global Creative Director for seven years. The music industry insider has now launched Gamma. The multimedia platform features music stars like Usher and Rick Ross on the roster.

According to a press release, Larry Jackson’s Gamma will have reach into music, films, merchandise, fashion, web3, and more. Apple Inc. is partnering with Jackson and other companies to support the new endeavor.

“We’re excited to see Larry’s vision come to life with Gamma,” said Oliver Schusser, Vice President of Apple Music. “We’re always looking for new ways to support creators, and we can’t wait to see what talent across music, video, podcasts, and more dream up.”

Gamma also received financial backing from Todd Boehly’s Eldridge Industries and film distributor A24. The new company is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York and London. Key initiatives for the startup already include Snoop Dogg and his Death Row catalog.

Larry Jackson Says Gamma Will Help Artists Connect With Their Fans

“The power of intellectual property and creative expression cannot be contained to any one format,” stated Larry Jackson. “The artists shaping today’s culture not only create music, but also video, film, podcasts, fashion, and more. They shouldn’t have to jump through multiple hoops to express themselves.”

Jackson continued, “Gamma is built with the flexibility and aptitude that creators need to connect with fans on all formats and across all channels – with transparency and no restriction.”

Gamma’s leadership team consists of Larry Jackson as Co-Founder/CEO and Ike Youssef as Co-Founder/President. In addition, Scott Seviour (Chief Marketing Officer), Nathalie Besharat (EVP of Content Operations), and Breyon Prescott (EVP of Content and Music) work for the company.

“We are a progressive media company powered by the best-in-class content distribution and analytics software by way of our Vydia acquisition. And central to its core, gamma is an ideas company,” Jackson also added.

Nick Cannon Reveals ‘Who’s Having My Baby?’ Is Part Of ‘Celebrity Prank Wars’ Show 

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Many media outlets and social media users fell for a practical joke pulled off by Nick Cannon and Kevin Hart. The two comedians had a lot of people believing they created a game show called Who’s Having My Baby?

It turns out Who’s Having My Baby? is just part of another television program. Wild ‘N Out creator Nick Cannon and Ride Along star Kevin Hart teamed up for the forthcoming Celebrity Prank Wars.

“Gotcha!!!! Who’s Having My Baby” was definitely a prank, y’all, but #CelebrityPrankWars is our real show! 🤣 Tap into the premiere [on] April 6th on @eentertainment! @kevinhart4real,” wrote Nick Cannon on Instagram.

Kevin Hart posted on his own Instagram page, “Ok so… Who’s Having My Baby? was a prank, but #CelebrityPrankWars is our real show! 🤣 Catch the premiere April 6th on @eentertainment!”

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A post shared by NICK CANNON (@nickcannon)

Both Real Husbands of Hollywood actors have pranked each other in the past. In July 2021, Nick Cannon gave Kevin Hart a lama as a gag gift for his birthday. In retaliation, Hart posted Cannon’s phone number on billboards. The antics battle raged on from there.

Nick Cannon has a long history of working in television. He currently hosts The Masked Singer reality competition show on Fox. Prior to that gig, Cannon got his start as a cast member on Nickelodeon’s All That.

The 42-year-old entertainer briefly hosted his own syndicated daytime talk show from 2021 to 2022. Kevin Hart served as the first guest on The Nick Cannon Show when it premiered in September 2021.

Lizzo Says Transphobia Appears “Rooted In Racism”  

By: London JennnCategory: News

Lizzo is speaking up for marginalized groups urging people to get to the root of understanding why bigotry exists.  

She took to Twitter on Wednesday (Mar. 8), offering her views on eradicating discrimination of all forms.  

“Transphobia is lookin real rooted in racism right about now…” Lizzo wrote. “I’ve never heard a person say why they’re racist… Or fatphobic.. I’ve never heard a reason why someone is transphobic. I think if we knew ‘why’ these people felt this way there would [be] way less support for these ideals. Because the ‘why’ is more insidious than we realize.” 

In a follow-up tweet, Lizzo explained she doesn’t care to hear any reasons for bigoted behavior. Instead, she suggested people would do more to tackle prejudice if they knew more about it.  

“Don’t get it twisted—I don’t care why people are bigoted. That’s a waste of my imagination,” Lizzo added. “I feel like there’s a lot of complicit silence and apathetic participation going on that wouldn’t fly if people knew more.” 

Earlier this week, the Yitty founder used her platform to speak out against the return of Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The lingerie giant recently announced the revival of its annual fashion show after a four-year hiatus. The brand scrapped the fashion in 2019 after criticism that it only hired super-skinny runway supermodels. 

“This is a win for inclusivity for inclusivity’s sake,” Lizzo wrote while quote tweeting a teaser video for the upcoming fashion show. “But if brands start doing this only because they’ve received backlash then what happens when the ‘trends’ change again?” 

She also took aim at the people at the helm of such brands. “Do the CEOs of these companies value true inclusivity? Or do they just value money?” Lizzo questioned.  

Cardi B Shoots Down Rumors Of ‘B.A.P.S.’ Remake With Megan Thee Stallion 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Cardi B says the rumor that she wants to star in a B.A.P.S. remake alongside Megan Thee Stallion is false. 

Talk of the Grammy-Award-winning rappers featuring a modernized version of the cult classic began last week after the director of the original movie claimed Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are among the stars clamoring to appear in the updated version.  

B.A.P.S. filmmaker Robert Townsend discussed a possible remake during a recent interview with Slash Films.  

“[There are] people that love, love, love the film and some people that didn’t get it,” he admitted. “I’ve had people go, ‘Hey, we want to do a remake.’ Everybody from Megan Thee Stallion to Cardi B is like, ‘Could we do…’ I mean, it’s like, I don’t know. So, thank you for asking.” 

However, while their respective fanbases got excited about Cardi and Megan starring as Nisi and Mickey, the rumor isn’t true, according to Belcalis. 

Cardi B said she has no idea where the suggestion came from, although she conceded it might be related to how cute she and Megan looked in their W.A.P. video.  

“I don’t even know where that rumor even came about,” she tweeted late Wednesday night (Mar. 8). “Maybe because we looked soo cute in the Wap video ?💖💛 …kiss kiss 💋” 

Meanwhile, earlier on Wednesday, Cardi B unveiled the new merch from her recent collab with McDonald’s. She donned the fresh fits in a series of racy photos shared on social media.  

Nicki Minaj Shows Off New Boutique-Sized Closet, But Papa Bear Better Not Tear This One Up!  

By: London JennnCategory: News

Nicki Minaj is showing off her new walk-in closet! 

The “Super Freaky Girl” hitmaker has recently done some renovations on her home and took to social media to unveil the results. On Wednesday (Mar. 8), she shared a video flaunting her brand-new enormous walk-in closet. Like any fashion icon, Nicki Minaj requires more space than the average mortal to house her clothes and accessories.  

However, despite her superstar status, the NYC rapper revealed she goes through the same problems as other mothers with toddlers.  

“Who chile is this in mama new closet? 😒🧸” she penned in the caption. The video begins with Nicki’s adorable 2-year-old son, Papa Bear jumping off a very expensive-looking quilted ottoman before surveying his new surroundings. 

“Thinking he gon b tearing this new one up like he did the old one. No sir, papa. No sir 🫠” she added. 

Watch the video below and check out Nicki’s new closet, complete with its own balcony.  

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A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj)

Nicki Minaj Announces New Record Label

Meanwhile, last week, Nicki Minaj released her first solo single of 2023, “Red Ruby Da Sleeze.” However, it wasn’t the only major move she made. She also returned to Queen Radio, where she announced her new record label.  

“I have a record label now,” Nicki Minaj declared. “And because I believe so strongly in loyalty, and because I’ve spent my whole life giving to others that turn around and s### on me, Paddy Duke is the first A&R on my label.” 

Although she held off on giving away the label’s name just yet, she promised to reveal it on the next Queen Radio episode.  

Among the first artists signed to her roster are Ghanaian singer-songwriter Nana Fofie, Baltimore rapper Tate Kobang, Queens rapper Rico Danna and Bronx rapper London Hill. 

“Don’t think my label is just rap or Black or anything. We got some other genres of music,” she teased. 

Kid Cudi Announces New Album This Fall: “I’ve Never Made A Project This Powerful Before” 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Kid Cudi has promised to deliver the album of the year, teasing the arrival of his most “powerful” LP yet, later this year. 

The Cleveland, Ohio native put fans on notice late last year when he revealed he recorded an “album worth” of tracks in just five days. Earlier this week, Kid Cudi shared a few details about the project, including when the first single will drop, and announced a tour in 2024.  

Then on Wednesday night (Mar. 8), Cudder whipped his fans into a frenzy after hyping the upcoming LP.  

“I need y’all to understand, m############ are not prepared for this s###. Like, this is—I’ve never made a project this powerful before in my life,” Kid Cudi stated during an Instagram Live session. “Sitting, listening to these mixes, I just know that this s### is going to move you, y’all are going to f### with this s### in such a major way, and I am so f###### excited.” 

Furthermore, Cudi says he’s back cooking, and nobody will create a better project this year. 

“I just wanted to get on here and just let y’all know that I’m not gon’ let y’all down. This is gon’ be the album of the year, right now, I’m not playing, this is not a f###### joke. … I’m back. I know y’all thought it was over, but I’m just getting warm in this b####,” he warned. Watch Kid Cudi tease the project in the video below.  

Kid Cudi Announces Album Coming This Fall

Meanwhile, on Monday, the “Mr. Rager” hitmaker declared the arrival of a “new chapter,” telling fans he’s leveled up. He also dropped off a few details about the release, shared his rollout schedule and announced plans to direct the first music video.

“Album this Fall. First singles this summer,” Cudi tweeted. “The new chapter has begun…Ur not prepared man. We’ve reached a new level.” 

In another exciting announcement, Kid Cudi confirmed he’ll be touching stages worldwide next year. “World tour next year. Count on it,” he penned. 

 

Metro Boomin Teases “Phase Two” With Future Coming, “Definitely” Dropping Joint Album In 2023 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Metro Boomin revealed he and Future are teaming up for a joint album following the success of their previous collabs. 

Furthermore, fans won’t have long to wait. During a new interview with Flaunt Magazine the hit producer promised the longtime friends and collaborators will deliver the LP before the end of 2023.  

“Definitely. I would bet on it,” Metro Boomin said of the likelihood of the project arriving before the year is out. “I would definitely bet on it.” 

Young Metro also opened up about his relationship with the “Worst Day” hitmaker, reflecting on their performance at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena in January. 

“Oh, that was fire,” he said. “You know, Pluto, that’s my brother. We’ve been at it for a long time. This whole superhero moment, it’s like the beginning of our phase two. 

Metro Boomin continued, adding that his onstage reunion with Future had fans eager for new music from the Atlanta duo. “We haven’t had a song out since ‘Mask Off,’ they’ve been on our heads,” he stated. “With this, and then the whole State Farm thing, it’s starting to slowly put people on notice: we crankin’ that s### back up too.” 

Metro Boomin Explains Absence From ‘I NEVER LIKED YOU’

While Future made several appearances on the producer’s Heroes & Villains album, Metro Boomin was missing from Hendrix’s 2022 No. 1 LP I NEVER LIKED YOU, despite the project being completed at Metro’s studio. Although they worked on music, Metro Boomin insisted they save the songs for their joint project.  

[Future] actually finished most of the album at my studio in LA,” he told Ebro Darden last November. “That’s my brother, but we’re working on some things. At first, we were going to put a couple of songs with me and him on the album, but we had took them off because I had talked to him. 

“I was like, ‘Look, the last time anybody’s really heard a song from me and you was ‘Mask Off.’ So instead of us randomly throwing one or two songs we did on here, we got to wait and just give them a joint.’” 

Real Housewives’ Attorney Responds To Eminem Trying To Block Their Trademark

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon asked the United States Patent and Trademark Office to approve their Reasonably Shady trademark despite Eminem’s opposition.

Eminem filed an objection to Bryant and Dixon’s attempt to trademark Reasonably Shady, which is the name of their podcast. Andrea Evans, the attorney for the Real Housewives of Potomac stars, disputed Eminem’s concerns over similarities to his Slim Shady-related trademarks.

“Robyn Dixon and Gizelle Bryant deny any likelihood of confusion between [Eminem’s] trademarks and their Reasonably Shady mark,” the lawyer told Page Six. “We are prepared to defend any allegations against them regarding their intellectual property.”

Bryant and Dixon launched their Reasonably Shady podcast in 2021. The reality stars sought to trademark the podcast’s name to sell products. Eminem claimed the Reasonably Shady trademark would “cause confusion in the minds of consumers” in an objection submitted in February.

Earlier this month, Eminem found himself in the headlines thanks to comments made by Hip-Hop pioneer Melle Mel. The Furious Five member disagreed with Billboard ranking Slim Shady as a Top 5 rapper of all time.

Melle Mel’s opinion on Eminem and other artists sparked debate on social media. The legendary rapper responded to the backlash on Tuesday (March 7).

Watch Melle Mel’s video below.

50 Cent Jokes About Former BET CEO Debra Lee’s Affair With Network’s Founder

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

50 Cent found a new target for his online trolling on Wednesday (March 8).

The G-Unit rapper commented on former BET CEO Debra Lee’s affair with the network’s founder Bob Johnson. 50 Cent initially posted a relatively tame remark on Instagram before taking a crude turn.

“You would not believe what goes on behind the scenes,” he wrote in his first post about the affair.

A few hours later, 50 Cent returned to the topic.

“Wow Deb must got that WAP,” he joked. “He gave her the whole s###, here you run it bae ! LOL.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CpiJXVnOxPM/

Debra Lee discussed her romance with Bob Johnson while promoting her new memoir on Good Morning America. The longtime TV executive claimed BET’s founder threatened to oust her from the company if she broke up with him.

“I worked for Bob Johnson for 10 years before we had a personal, romantic relationship,” she said. “He was a mentor and he pushed me and he’s responsible for a lot of my success. We did have a relationship while we were both married. We ended up both divorced and then people knew about the relationship. The company knew.”

She continued, “The downfall of a relationship like that is if you want to get out of it. And that’s a part where it came and I wanted to break up. I saw it wasn’t a long-term relationship. And my job and my career was held over my head. It was like, ‘Well, if you want to break up with me, then you can leave tomorrow.’ And that was 20 years into my career at BET, so I would have lost everything.”

Watch Debra Lee’s appearance on Good Morning America below.

Bun B’s Missing UGK Poncho Has Been Returned

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Bun B offered a $1,000 reward for the return of a rare poncho emblazoned with the UGK logo earlier this week. But it wasn’t missing for long. On Tuesday (March 7), Bun B headed to Instagram with the good news and revealed no reward was needed. Judging by the caption, it sounds like Rap-A-Lot Records affiliated bodyguard Truck managed to track it down.

He wrote: “We have the poncho. Back where it belongs. Didn’t cost a dime. @gladiator_truck63 is plugged in to the city like no other. Thanks lil bro!”

That wasn’t the end of it either. Hours later, Bun B shared another photo of himself in the poncho, which he affectionately calls “Poncho Trilla,” a nod to Mexican revolutionary Poncho Villa. He continued, “Pancho Trilla has returned! Ready to protect the town from pesky varmints and yellow bellied sidewinders and then ride off into the sunset.”

News of the missing poncho first surfaced on March 5 after the Houston legend performed during the Rodeo Southern Takeover at NRG Park on Friday (March 3). He took to Instagram to find it.

“Thee @purple_brand poncho is gone!” he wrote. “We can’t find it anywhere! I’m offering a 1k award for it. I don’t care who has it. Just get it back to me and take the money. No questions asked. And we will know if it’s fake lol.” Bun B can rest easy now.

Hurricane Chris Trial Underway In Louisiana; Rapper Faces Murder Charge

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Jurors heard opening statements in the murder trial against Hurricane Chris in Shreveport, Louisiana on Wednesday (March 8).

According to several reports, a jury was selected a day after the proceedings began on Monday (March 6). Hurricane Chris faces charges of second-degree murder and illegal possession of stolen things.

The rapper, whose real name is Christopher Dooley, was involved in a June 2020 shooting. He allegedly shot Danzeria Farris Jr. multiple times at a gas station in Shreveport.

Farris died from his injuries at a local hospital. A grand jury indicted Hurricane Chris in October 2020.

The platinum-selling artist pleaded not guilty to the charges. His attorney Alex Washington said his client acted in self-defense.

Forensic analysis experts will testify in support of Hurricane Chris. Detectives believed security footage proved he didn’t act in self-defense. They also accused him of possessing a stolen vehicle from Texas at the time of the shooting.

Jurors heard 911 calls on the opening day of the trial. KSLA’s Alexandria Savage noted a woman left the courtroom in tears after hearing the audio.

Hurricane Chris achieved fame for the hit single “A Bay Bay” in 2007. The song cracked the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 7.

EXCLUSIVE: Kanye West Defaults In Lawsuit Over Boogie Down Productions Sample

By: Justin IveyCategory: Exclusives

Kanye West failed to respond to a lawsuit accusing him of sampling Boogie Down Productions’ song “South Bronx” without permission.

According to documents obtained by AllHipHop, the Clerk of Court for the Southern District of New York submitted an entry of default in the case on Wednesday (March 8). Phase One Network, which owns the copyright for “South Bronx,” requested an entry of default in January.

“I, Ruby J. Krajick, Clerk of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, do hereby certify that this action was commenced on November 7, 2022 with the filing of a summons and complaint, a copy of the summons and complaint was served on defendant Ye f/k/a Kanye West d/b/a ‘Yeezy Tech’ (‘Defendant Ye’) by delivery of a true copy of each to Defendant Ye, and proof was therefore filed on January 26, 2023,” the filing read. “I further certify that the docket entries indicate that Defendant Ye has failed to plead or otherwise defend the action. The default of Defendant Ye is hereby noted.”

Phase One sued Kanye West, Kano Computing, Def Jam Recordings and others for copyright infringement in 2022. The company claimed Ye never cleared the “South Bronx” sample used in his song “Life of the Party.”

Kanye West allegedly released the track on the Stem Player despite a failed attempt to secure a licensing agreement. A clearance agent sent a request to Phase One in July 2021 before retracting it in November 2021.

“The West parties retracted the licensing request despite having already incorporated ‘South Bronx’ into the Infringing Track, distributed the infringing track through the Stem Player and its associated website, and incorporated the Infringing Track into the Infringing Advertisements,” Phase One’s attorneys wrote in the lawsuit.

Kanye West’s “Life of the Party” leaked in September 2021. The Andre 3000-assisted track was officially released on the deluxe edition of Donda in November 2021.

‘Rick Ross Talks Business & Success

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Rapper and mogul Rick Ross breaks down what it takes to be successful in business at the Rap Snacks “Disrupt” 2023 Conference. From linking with the right partners to the value of bringing something to the table, the “Hustlin’” chart-topper drops jewels and AllHipHop.com was there to pick them up.

One of the many gems he gave the audience is that partnerships first start with a vibe.

“If you are a partner,” Rozay said. “You got to be someone that I respect or else it’s not going to go well. And I am one of those dudes that is going to sit at the table … and I’m going to outwork you.”

He also said ego and insecurity have no place in a partnership and will cause it to fail.

“Being a partner to me is also ‘I want to learn from you and you show me where I may be moving slower at and vice versa,” the Maybach Music executive shared.

Ross and the executives at Rap Snacks understand a little something about partnerships and have been putting out a few different versions of chips with his likeness and image on them.

Some fans can check the Rozay Cheddar, the Plain Jane or the Sweet Chili Lemon Pepper snacks, offered in a Rick Ross Music Pack that is often sold out on the website.

The Florida native said for him that when scoping out a partnership, he had to first admire it and then want to be a part of it. The biggest and most important aspect of engaging a partner, is having something to bring to the table.

Check out the video below:

Is Will Smith “Hurt And Embarrassed” Over Chris Rock’s “Selective Outrage”?

By: IllseedCategory: Rumors

Will Smith. Chris Rock.

According to rumor reports, Will Smith is hurt over a recent comedy special where Chris Rock skewers the whole family.

Chris Rock’s “Selective Outrage” was the first live special in Netflix history and it got all the viral impact you could want as well as all the social commentary one could ask for. Rock was paid a reported $40 million to perform. Everybody that watched, watched in anticipation of his feelings and thoughts on the slap fiasco that occurred last year at the Oscars. 

We all knew that Will Smith was going to get it and he got it. What we did not expect, I believe, that Chris Rock showed a particularly mean-spirited side – probably the result of being slapped in front of the whole world at the biggest event in Hollywood! It is a topic that we will probably continue to comment on for years because there are so many different views and viewpoints to have.

A source close to Will Smith, allegedly has commented for the actor, saying that he is “embarrassed and hurt” by Chris Rock’s Netflix comedy special. This is attributed to Entertainment Tonight, but I cannot find the source or link directly to them. So this is a “selective rumor.” But, Chris went at Jada, the kids and he went HARD. Brooklyn Hard!

NOW, after getting to the money, Chris Rock is ready to move on and put it behind him! According to other reports, Will has been trying to fix it and will continue to try. I think Chris and he CAN now, because Will unwittingly gave him $40 million more bucks and a historic moment. Again, unfortunately!

“He said everything he wanted to say,” the a definite source with ET said. “It was funny, self-deprecating, and thought-provoking. Now, “Chris is ready to move on.”

Marlon Wayans has a masterful special on HBO Max that is about his link to the slap ordeal. He’s 50, Will is 54 and Chris is 58.

What if they were all in on this? What if Will and Chris conspired to hustle Netflix for $40 Million. And then Marlon says to HBO Max, “I got a comedy skit where I can tall about all three parties in the oscars slap…for an HOUR!?” This is like the elevator situation with Jay-Z, Beyonce and Solange!

Gangsta Boo’s Legacy Lives On Through New Clothing Line

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

Emmet Flores, the partner of the late rapper Gangsta Boo who starred opposite the rapper on the reality TV show “Marriage Boot Camp,” has launched a new clothing line in honor of her memory.

Gangsta Boo, whose real name was Lola Mitchell, was a prominent rapper from Memphis and a member of the group Three 6 Mafia.She passed away unexpectedly on January 1st, 2023.

The clothing line is exclusively available on www.queenofmemphis.com, and all proceeds from the merchandise will go directly to her mother, Veronica Mitchell, as well as the Stax Music Academy in Memphis, which will receive 10% of all sales for student tuition.

Veronica Mitchell, Gangsta Boo’s mother, expressed her pride in her daughter’s accomplishments and the support she has received from fans.

“My daughter Lola was my only baby girl. I was so proud when she would rap as a little girl,” Mitchell told AllHipHop.com. “She became the Queen of Memphis. My baby is loved by people everywhere, and it all started at home with us. That’s so amazing to me. It makes me smile ear to ear. God brought her home to be with her daddy Cedric and her brother Derron. I miss her, but I know she’s happy with them.

“I’ll always remember telling her, GO GET THEM DOLLAS, but I had no idea how many people would love my baby girl. I’m grateful all y’all support my daughter. Thank you,” she said.

The launch of the Gangsta Boo merchandise and the upcoming release of The Booprint is a testament to Gangsta Boo’s enduring legacy and the impact she had on the music industry.

Fans can support her memory and the Stax Music Academy by purchasing merchandise at www.queenofmemphis.com.

Bel-Air’s Olly Sholotan & Showrunner Carla Banks Waddles Talk Old Carlton vs New Carlton

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Exclusives

By Algernon Billups

Peacock and Clark Atlanta University brought Bel Air into the HBCU universe to discuss this well received reimagining of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The series premiered last February and is based on a fan film from Morgan Cooper that stars Jabari Banks, Adrian Holms, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar and Jimmy Akingbola. 

In the first season the audience was reintroduced to these beloved characters but there were some noticeable differences as they were brought to the modern era. One of the most polarizing and talked about is the latest incarnation of Carlton Banks, played by Olly Sholotan. Fans of the original show that were looking for Carlton to dance and always strive to be affable to those around him were very surprised by his actions in Bel Air. 

Now that the second season is underway AllHipHop.com caught up with Olly Sholotan and show-runner, Carla Banks Waddles to discuss what we should expect in the next chapter of the Banks family saga. Olly provided some additional nuance around what Carlton Banks represents in the current era and Carla talked about the character dynamics and how music plays a big part in the overall story. 

Stream new episodes of Bel Air Season 2 on Peacock now! 

Donnell Rawlings Says The Score Is Now Even Between Chris Rock & Will Smith

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Chris Rock’s Selective Outrage is one of the most talked about things in the world of entertainment this week. The comedian sparked a lot of conversation after he used the comedy special to respond to Will Smith slapping him on stage at the 2022 Oscars.

Some Selective Outrage viewers disagreed with certain jokes presented on the show. For example, Michael Jackson’s nephew, Taj Jackson, had a problem with Chris Rock comparing his uncle to convicted sex criminal R. Kelly.

However, most of the discussion about Selective Outrage centered around Chris Rock addressing the infamous Oscar Slap at the 94th Academy Awards. That über viral moment came after Rock made fun of Jada Pinkett Smith, the wife of Will Smith.

“Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it,” said Rock at the Oscar ceremony. The Emmy and Grammy Award winner referenced the 1997 military drama G.I. Jane which featured a bald Demi Moore. Pinkett Smith lost her hair as a result of the medical condition known as alopecia areata.

Can Chris Rock & Will Smith Now Call A Truce?

According to fellow comedian Donnell Rawlings, there should now be a ceasefire in the presumed feud between Chris Rock and Will Smith. TMZ caught up with the Chappelle’s Show star to talk about the aftereffect of Rock’s latest stand-up routine.

“Most comedians don’t or can’t fight,” declared Donnell Rawlings. He added, “So there’s certain arenas we want to play on. In the ring, I’m not gonna fight. But if I get an opportunity to get you in my home, in my octagon, I’m gonna take advantage of it. A year later – you can’t tell somebody when it’s the right time to clap back.”

After receiving a 10-year ban from all Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences events, Will Smith did offer a public apology to Chris Rock and his family via a video posted on YouTube. Reports suggest Rock still refuses to speak with Smith about the incident.

Donnell Rawlings also told TMZ, “If there’s a time to talk, right now, the score’s even. Hopefully, we get past this because these are two guys who, for the most part, stayed out of trouble… People have a connection to both of those guys. They’re not bad guys.”

Drill Rapper Steph G Talks The Dominican/Black Debate, Her Top 5 DOA & Dream Collabs

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur)Category: Exclusives

Drill rapper Steph G is on the rise with the trajectory like a rocket. She’s a Brownsville bomber that does it all. She can spit, but also sing, has some dance songs and some tracks that are so New York, you can smell a chopped cheese through the speakers.

But her dreams and aspirations do not stop with the five boroughs of New York City. The twenty-something is working steadfastly to be a massive star. With that comes huge ambitions. Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and Steph G chop it up, a conversation about her hopes and dreams. Moreover, she talks about her dream list of collaborations. She definitely feels like she’s ready for a feature with Cardi B, but also explains what she would do if she got “flewed out” to meet Drake. Are Dominicans Black? She’s got the answers.

Charming, skilled and beautiful, Steph G is a potential game-changer in a crowed playing field of rappers.

Pictures via WonWorld Studios

600 Breezy Says Quavo Will Be Labeled A Snitch If He Testifies Against Takeoff’s Killer

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

The topic of snitching has been a hot-button issue in Hip Hop lately. According to 600 Breezy, even Quavo testifying against the person who killed his nephew, Takeoff, is against the street code.

A gunman killed Georgia native Takeoff in Houston in November 2022. 600 Breezy recently appeared on VladTV. The Chicago-bred recording artist spoke about the late Migos member’s death and the possible fallout from the situation.

DJ Vlad mentioned security for Quavo and Takeoff may cooperate with authorities in the pending murder case. 600 Breezy agreed the bodyguard should assist in the prosecution of the alleged murderers.

However, the “Don’t Get Smoked” rapper would not give a pass to Takeoff’s own uncle helping the government convict any defendants. 600 Breezy pushed back on the idea of Quavo testifying in court.

600 Breezy Doubts Quavo Will Cooperate With The Prosecution

“I doubt one bit that Quavo would get on the stand and say anything that’ll make people say, ‘Oh, Quavo’s a snitch,’” said Breezy. “For the sake of his career and all that s###, his nephew’s gone. His nephew’s dead and gone. Nothing he can do to bring him back.”

The supposed Black Disciples gang affiliate also added, “He wouldn’t do that to himself. If Quavo sat there and took the stand to say anything about that situation, he got the snitch jacket on him now.”

Additionally, 600 Breezy also suggested Atlanta rapper T.I. snitched when he testified at a 2008 trial in support of his deceased friend Philant Johnson. The Grand Hustle label founder told an Ohio jury about the fatal May 2006 shootout.

“Where we come from and how we live, it’s just the rules of how it’s set up,” stated Breezy. “You can’t be a snitch. You can’t be labeled as a snitch, you don’t want to be a snitch. It’s code. A lot of this s### is stupid, don’t get me wrong.”