Singer/actress Coco Jones is on a hot streak at the moment. The Bel-Air series kicked off its second season last month, and “ICU” continues to rack up streams.
Peacock has already renewed Bel-Air for a third season on the Comcast-owned streaming platform. The cast of the dramatized reimagining of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air features Coco Jones, Jabari Banks, Olly Sholotan, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, and Akira Akbar.
Jones’s debut television performance of “ICU” on The Jennifer Hudson Show went viral on social media over the last seven days. In addition, the DJ Camper-produced ballad made it onto the latest Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Billboard caught up with Coco Jones on the red carpet of the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The South Carolina-raised songstress reflected on the success of her break-out single off the What I Didn’t Tell You EP.
Coco Jones Is Already An Award-Winning Recording Artist
“‘ICU’ is taking people by storm. It’s so crazy. When I was waiting to take my pictures, all these different races of people were like, ‘Coco Jones… “ICU.”‘ I have never had this many people know me from my song,” said the 25-year-old Def Jam recording artist.
Jennifer Hudson introduced Coco Jones as her “Mini-Me” to her TV audience. Jones reflected on appearing with the EGOT winner, stating, “Honestly, I look up to J-Hud, Gabrielle [Union], Kerry Washington, Beyoncé, all of these women who have such longevity in their careers. That’s the ultimate goal.”
Coco Jones released the 7-track What I Didn’t Tell You in November 2020. “ICU” sits at No. 88 on the latest Billboard Hot 100 weekly songs chart. It became Jones’s first entry on the Hot 100. The official “ICU” music video currently holds the No. 91 spot on YouTube’s Top 100 Music Videos in the United States rankings.
Not only has Mary J. Blige won nine Grammy Awards for her musical output, but the Queen of Hip Hop Soul also earned a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the 90th Academy Awards.
Mary J. Blige stopped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote her Mary Can!children’s book and her upcoming Strength Of A Woman Festival. The conversation also included MJB discussing her move into the acting world.
“Acting is kinda new for me. I’ve been acting for a long time, but… [I didn’t see the Oscar nomination] coming. That’s why I say it’s new for me,” Mary J. Blige told Stephen Colbert. “I still have a lot of work to do.”
The star of the Netflix drama Mudbound continued, “Acting is a challenge. It challenges me to study more, to study the craft more. With singing, I can do that in my sleep… But acting is hard… It’s a challenge, and I like a challenge.”
Mary J. Blige Shouts Out Some Of Her Acting Inspirations
Additionally, Mary J. Blige mentioned Oscar-nominated actresses Angela Bassett, Taraji P. Henson, and Queen Latifah as well as Oscar winners Regina King and Denzel Washington as some of her acting inspirations. She also named Hollywood veteran Regina Hall.
Colbert then asked Blige if there is a specific life story that she would like to help tell on the big screen. The Good Morning Gorgeous album creator answered, “I’ve always wanted to play Nina Simone because I want to learn how to play the piano. And I love her songs. They’re very dark and moody. I can always find a place for that.”
Numerous filmmakers have created documentaries about Nina Simone, including Netflix’s Oscar-nominated What Happened, Miss Simone? by director Liz Garbus. Zoe Saldana played the Soul/Jazz legend in the 2016 scripted biographical film Nina.
Mary J. Blige received two nominations at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018 – Best Supporting Actress (Mudbound) and Best Original Song (“Mighty River”). Her participation in the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show won her an Emmy Award in 2022.
Brooklyn-bred rapper/producer El-P and Atlanta-bred rapper Killer Mike came together to form the duo known as Run The Jewels.
The East Coast/Down South pairing dropped the self-titled Run the Jewels debut studio album in June 2013. El-P and Killer Mike followed that project with three more RTJ-branded LPs.
In celebration of the emcees’ ten-year anniversary, Run The Jewels will present the RTJX live events. Multiple dates for the four-city tour are scheduled for New York City, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 31 at 10 am local time at runthejewels.com.
The RTJX concert series will feature Killer Mike and El-P performing the four RTJ albums in their entirety. After Run the Jewels came out in 2013, Run the Jewels 2 dropped the next year. 2016’s Run the Jewels 3 and 2020’s RTJ4 complete the current catalog.
Run The Jewels Want To Celebrate The Duo’s Discography With Their Fans
“It’s mind-blowing to us that it’s been 10 years since we joined forces as RTJ. The best way we can think to celebrate is to get the whole family together and do what we love for the people who love us back,” said El-P and Killer Mike in a joint statement.
Run The Jewels continued, “It’s going to be amazing, just like this entire ride has been, and we are grateful to get a chance to celebrate with our jewel runners this year and finally get back into clubs to destroy some stages for you.”
“We’re doing 4 cities, 4 nights each, and 4 full albums worth of jams, many we have only performed a small handful of times during our whole existence. So on night one it’s RTJ1 in full plus many more songs from the other records, night two it’s RTJ2… etc., etc. We can’t wait to get out there and see you,” stated Killer Mike and El-P.
An advocacy group wants New York City Mayor Eric Adams to end all taxpayer funding for the Universal Hip Hop Museum.
Hip Hop Stands With Survivors call for Mayor Adams to end NYC’s connection to the UHHM stems from allegations against the museum’s founding member, Afrika Bambaataa. Several men accused Afrika Bambaataa of sexually assaulting them as children.
In addition, Hip Hop Stands With Survivors wants Universal Hip Hop Museum Executive Director Rocky Bucano to resign from his position. The collective also requested Microsoft and other companies to end their financial relationships with the UHHM.
“We expect his resignation or for the board to vote him out of the museum’s leadership and for the museum to sever all ties with Bucano, Bambaataa, and the Zulu Nation,” wrote Hip Hop Stands With Survivors representative Leila Wills in a letter to the Universal Hip Hop Museum Board.
Members of Hip Hop Stands With Survivors have begun protesting in New York City. Eric Adams, the self-proclaimed Hip Hop mayor, has responded to the accusations that Afrika Bambaataa and the Universal Zulu Nation are still associated with the Universal Hip Hop Museum.
Eric Adams Believes UHHM Parted Ways With Afrika Bambaataa
“The Universal Hip Hop Museum assured the administration that they cut ties with the Universal Zulu Nation and that Afrika Bambaataa has not had a role at the Universal Hip Hop Museum since 2016,” read a statement from Eric Adams’s office.
Universal Hip Hop Museum’s Rocky Bucano also released a statement in response to Hip Hop Stands With Survivors. Bucano denied being a member of the Universal Zulu Nation and claimed Afrika Bambaataa has never been aboard member of the UHHM.
“I would like to make it clear that Afrika Bambaataa has not had a role at the Universal Hip Hop Museum since 2016. I and the Universal Hip Hop Museum are not party to any activities affiliated with the Universal Zulu Nation,” stated Rocky Bucano.
He also added, “As a cultural institution, the UHHM and I, as its Executive Director, take the allegations made against Afrika Bambaataa very seriously and express sincere empathy for the victims of abuse and their trauma. Since our establishment as a cultural institution, we have worked diligently to serve and uplift.”
Snoop Dogg had Coronation Street fans in a spin after suggesting he wants to appear on an episode of the popular U.K. soap opera.
During a recent trip across the pond, the West Coast icon revealed he loves the show and wants a cameo in the world’s longest-running soap.
The bosses over at Coronation Street heard Snoop Dogg is a fan and welcomed the idea of a cameo. They even suggested he could have a role serving customers in the iconic Rovers Return Inn, the backdrop for much of the show’s dramatic scenes.
“He could serve hotpots in the Rovers, but he might drop it like it’s hot…” The official Coronation Street account tweeted, sharing a news story about Snoop Dogg wanting to make a cameo.
He could serve hotpots in the Rovers, but he might drop it like it's hot… https://t.co/K4M9Kj38Qn
“Coronation Street, I love it,” Snoop Dogg recently told a British newspaper. “If they call me I’ll do it. I’ll play whenever they need.”
He added: “I love the cinematography, acting, the storylines and just the reality. I’d like to be part of it because they’ve been part of my culture.”
As reported by AllHipHop.Com, the Doggfather also wants to perform at King Charles III’ coronation on May 6.
Snoop Dogg Wanted To Appear On Coronation Street in 2010
It isn’t the first time the Death Row Records honco expressed his desire to appear on Coronation Street. Back in 2010, he told the Manchester Evening News his agent tried to negotiate an appearance to coincide with the soap’s 50th anniversary, but it didn’t work out.
“Some of my friends turned me on to it [Coronation Street], and I just loved it,” Snoop Dogg said after revealing he’d been a fan for 11 years. “I like different, I don’t just like the normal.
“I’m kind of out of character sometimes in the things that I like. I loved the whole scheme of it. I thought ‘this is my world, this is something I could fall into.’ People wouldn’t expect it, but it wouldn’t be too far fetched if I just fell into it.”
Ed Sheeran has made hits with some of music’s biggest superstars, but he has yet to work with Jay-Z, although they discussed a potential collab until Hov turned it down.
Despite scoring hits with the likes of Eminem, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and countless other huge names, the British artist is missing a Jay-Z feature. He’s even worked with Hov’s wife Beyoncé, and has two entire projects dedicated to the art of the collab.
In a new interview, Ed Sheeran reveals that he came close to getting Jay-Z on a track but couldn’t seal the deal. While speaking with Rolling Stone for his March cover story, he revealed the Hip-Hop legend didn’t think his 2017 global hit “Shape of You” needed a rap feature.
“We were in touch,” Ed Sheeran said of Jay-Z. “I sent him the song, and he said, ‘I don’t think the song needs a rap verse.’”
Ed Sheeran Says Jay-Z Has “A Very, Very Good Ear”
However, rather than being upset, the “Shivers” hitmaker believes Hov “was probably right.” Ed said trusts Hov musically, adding, “he’s got a very, very good ear.” According to Ed Sheeran, Jay-Z “usually gets things right.” Ultimately, he said, “It was a very natural, respectful pass.”
Nonetheless, despite lacking a Jay-Z feature, Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” would become a massive hit, topping charts worldwide. As one of two lead singles from his third studio album Divide, it became his biggest hit yet.
The track spent 12 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and was their best-performing song of 2017. A year later, the song became the first to receive 2 billion Spotify stream. It was also named the U.K.’s best-selling song of the decade.
Elsewhere in the wide-ranging interview, Ed Sheeran admitted he quit drugs and alcohol following the death of his close friend Jamal Edwards. Last February, the 31-year-old U.K. music pioneer died from cardiac arrhythmia brought on by cocaine use.
“I would never, ever, ever touch anything again, because that’s how Jamal died,” he declared. “And that’s just disrespectful to his memory to even, like, go near.”
GloRilla, one of the hottest new talents in the rap game right now, has just landed herself a new deal as the face of Tommy Hilfiger’s Tommy Jeans!
The designer brand gained popularity throughout the ’80s and ’90s and became a mainstay in Hip-Hop fashion. Everybody from Snoop Dogg to Raekwon to TLC was dressed in Tommy Hilfiger with ad campaigns, with the late Aaliyah becoming a poster girl for the brand.
The new campaign featuring GloRilla is a collaboration with London-based luxury streetwear brand Aries, founded by Sofia Prantera.
On Tuesday (Mar. 28), the Memphis native took to Instagram to preview the collection, scheduled to be released on Mar. 31. Glorilla shared a trio of looks from the Tommy X Aries collab featuring the brand’s signature red, white, and blue colorways.
Meanwhile, GloRilla opened up about the Tommy Jeans collab during her recent Paper Magazine spread. She revealed Aaliyah’s iconic partnership with the brand is a legacy she wants to continue.
“I’m a big Aaliyah fan, and I love what she did with them,” GloRilla explained. “I’m part of keeping a legacy going.”
Glo also reflected on being chosen as the face of the capsule collection, admitting she feels lucky to have scored the job. “I feel highly favored, because it could have been anyone else but me,” GloRilla added. “I gotta make sure I keep it going. Memphis is getting the notoriety it deserves.”
Ultimately, GloRilla finds the Tommy Jeans collab “refreshing.” She explained, “because I love the old-school and being able to bring it to my generation.”
The campaign will also come with a new track. U.K. grime artist Novelist and Aries family Kirbs and 5EB add verses to an instrumental version of GloRilla’s “Unh Unh.”
Ciara has added to rising rap stars Lola Brooke and Lady London on the remix to her empowering new single “Da Girls.”
The R&B songstress shared the uplifting track last week (Mar. 24), and is embodying the track’s message of women empowering other women by featuring two of Hip-Hop’s most exciting newcomers on the remix.
On Tuesday, the “JUMP” hitmaker took to Instagram to preview the song with a video of the new additions spitting their verses. Ciara tagged Lola Brooke and Lady London, writing, “You are pure fire! An inspiration to all!!! Keep gettin the bag Queens!!! #DaGirls 🫶🏽🥰💰😎”
The “Don’t Play With It” hitmaker expressed her gratitude in the comments section. “Uh uh uh uhhhhhh 💕 thank you ci❤️,” she wrote before doubling back a short while later. “Hey ci I’m just back to say thank you again 😢😩😩😩😩,” Lola added.
While there’s no official release date yet, watch the snippet below and the “Da Girls” official video at the end of the page.
Lady London also shared the snippet on Instagram with Ciara showing love to the new High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings signee. “Lady!! You are special mama! Gems on gems baby 🫶🏽💎🥰❤,” she penned.
Last week the Bronx native, who took off thanks to her viral freestyle series “Lady Londays,” announced she had signed a new deal. “For the 2023 Draft, Round 1, #1 Pick, Def Jam Records selects: Lady London — rapper, songwriter, actress,” wrote Lady London on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Lola Brooke continues to build on the momentum of her massive hit “Don’t Play With It.” The Brooklyn rapper has just completed her first-ever tour. She joined A Boogie on the North American and Europe wings of his Me vs. Myself Tour.
Ciara Responds To Her Critics
Prior to dropping the remix with Lola Brooke and Lady London, Ciara caught some heat from fans questioning her lyrics championing women’s independence while married to NFL quarterback Russell Wilson.
The song includes the lyrics: “This is for the girls getting money. This is for the girls that don’t need no man. This is for the girls whose in love with theyself. This for all the girls who done did it by theyself.”
However, Ciara seemingly responded to her critics with grace, claiming they missed the point. “A woman’s independence is not dependent on their relationship status. Keep rocking your crown, queens,” she shared.
The years-long speculation that Latto is dating 21 Savage just intensified after the “Big Energy” hitmaker shared a new song snippet with a lyric that has fans convinced the “Wheelie” collaborators are actually a couple.
A day after announcing her new upcoming Apple Music Radio show, Latto took to Twitter to tease a new track. The Ohio native shared a video from a photoshoot and selected a few choice lyrics to accompany the 23-second clip.
One line, in particular, garnered attention, with fans believing Latto confirmed her relationship with 21 Savage. “If he put you in the lamb then you would get the tattoo,” she raps in the snippet.
“Did she confirm that she dating 21???” one fan replied, while another noted, “So 21 got the lamb that’s why you got the tattoo. Got it. 😅🔥😂” Others said they could hear 21 Savage in Latto’s flow, writing, “I peep the 21 flow inspo 😉🔥 drop this now babe,” and “The flow is giving 21 savage & i luv it 🤭”
Latto Has A Tattoo With 21 Savage’s Government Name
Last month, just weeks before outright denying dating 21 Savage, reports began circulating that Latto has his name tattooed. The new ink features the word “Sheyaa” behind Latto’s ear in red ink – which is also 21’s first name.
Latto gets caught slipping letting her tattoo of 21 Savages real name “Shèyaa” show 👀✨ pic.twitter.com/sSK4Ixmbdq
While she rejects claims they are a couple, she does have a man and has bragged about him buying her a lambo.
Back in Dec. 2021, Latto was stunning after being gifted a blue Lamborghini for her birthday. The extravagant present caused her to hyperventilate and brought on a panic attack. “The fireworks are gonna make me cry,” she said in a video.
“I got the ‘Vette, I got the Lambs, I got the Birkins,” Latto declared during a recent Hot 107.9 appearance. “I don’t pay no bills. If he comin’ like that, then, yeah.”
Dreamville partnered with the Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Amazon Music and others to host a free event ahead of the 2023 Dreamville Festival.
J. Cole’s label will commemorate Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary with its “50 and Forever” celebration at CAM Raleigh on Friday (March 31). The free event features 9th Wonder, Ari Lennox, JetsonMade, Timbaland and more.
“We’ll have an array of panels as well as a beat-making class,” CAM Raleigh’s event coordinator Nasira Abdur-Razzaq told ABC 11. “There’ll be different interviews with different artists. You’ll have a chance to interact as well as a car show that’s going to be happening across the street. We like the idea of culture and art and music all combining together, which is why this is so important for CAM to be collaborating with Dreamville. So, we just look forward to having everyone here.”
The 2023 Dreamville Festival is scheduled to begin on Saturday (April 1). Fans unable to attend can watch the festivities on Amazon Music’s Twitch channel.
J. Cole and Drake will team up to co-headline the 2023 Dreamville Festival on Sunday (April 2). Additional performers include Usher, Lil Durk, Summer Walker, J.I.D and GloRilla.
Check out the entire lineup for this year’s Dreamville Festival below.
Raekwon must head to court if he wants to open a cannabis lounge in New Jersey.
According to NJ.com, Newark’s Central Planning Board denied Raekwon’s application to open his Hashstoria shop on Monday night (March 27). The board rejected the Wu-Tang Clan member’s efforts to open the lounge in Newark’s Four Corners Historic District despite the approval of the Landmark and Historic Preservation Commission.
Raekwon co-founded Hashstoria, which launched three locations in Oregon. He aimed to bring his cannabis venture to New Jersey before facing blowback from church elders in Newark.
“I pray that you will put this somewhere else, not in the heart of Newark,” Rev. Doris Glaspy said at Monday’s board meeting. “We’re not against people smoking marijuana if they want to. But they can put it somewhere else.”
Josh Sanderlin, a representative for Raekwon’s cannabis business, tried to alleviate concerns about Hashstoria. He insisted the lounge would comply with rules adopted by the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
But Sanderlin was unable to convince the board to approve the application. The decision may force Raekwon to take legal action.
“If the board does not approve [the application] this evening, it goes to court and very quickly gets overturned,” Hashstoria’s lawyer Kelly Carey noted.
Raekwon released a new video for his song “Not Angry” on Tuesday (March 28). The video is available exclusively on his Patreon.
Recently UnitedMasters, Ally, and Earn Your Leisure united to launch the Earn Your Masters (EYM) event in Austin for SXSW.
This event aimed to enlighten those who are often underrepresented in financial institutions about their resources.
To accomplish this mission, UnitedMasters and Earn Your Leisure created a stimulating environment for all guests that revolved around art, finance, and the prospects these offer young creators and musicians. EYM was a blend of content and activities that focused on these themes.
People in the spotlight at this event included Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, Co-Founders of Earn Your Leisure, Erica Hughes, Multicultural Marketing Director at Ally, and Chaucer Barnes, Chief Marketing Officer at UnitedMasters, Inc.
With them were renowned artists Jadakiss and Ryan Leslie; along with newcomers Liana Banks, $hyfromdrate, BigXthaPlug and Kalyan Arnold who won the open call.
The daytime activities stretched for three-and-a-half hours until 5:50pm with free industry talks on topics relevant to creatives and entrepreneurs in art and music. Afterwards the nighttime performances from 6:30pm through 10pm began.
To kick off the conference was a special mixer hosted by Intuit called “The Break Through” featuring LaRussell on Thursday, 16th March from 5 to 6 o’clock.
Troy Ave plans to drop a new album titled Dear Hater, I Won on Friday (March 31).
The Brooklyn native’s latest project will arrive a few weeks after he testified against Daryl “Taxstone” Campbell. Taxstone was convicted of killing Troy Ave’s bodyguard Ronald “Banga” McPhatter in a 2016 shooting at New York’s Irving Plaza.
“This album is for motivational use,” Troy Ave said in a press release. “I want and know people will become inspired by looking at my story and obstacles. I really shed blood, sweat and tears to make this album.”
He added, “And the crazy part is I didn’t make it for myself. I made it for all the supporters that have been riding with me. All the naysayers that received and spread misinformation. This project will give hope to the hopeless.”
Earlier this month, Troy Ave released the album’s title track to taunt Taxstone. A New York jury found Taxstone guilty of manslaughter in the first degree, two counts of assault in the first degree, one count of assault in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree on March 23.
A judge will sentence Taxstone on April 19.
Listen to Troy Ave’s song “Dear Hater, I Won” below.
From making moves in the streets to making music that inspires people, ATM Mally has come a long way in his life. With a unique blend of raw honesty and unbridled passion, this Louisiana rapper has captured the hearts of fans around the world culminating with his latest album 4 Da Streetz, and a new song in the works with Key Glock.
But while he has only been making music for a few years, music has always been a passion of ATM Mally’s since he was a kid in school. Before ATM Mally was a successful rapper, he was just a kid from the streets of Louisiana. He grew up in a tough neighborhood and had to fight for everything he had, but through it all, he never lost sight of his dreams.”Before I even got into making music, I was listening to music…like I’d do that all day long – all day. Listen to music, no matter if I’m in the car, in school, or whatever. When I was in school, I got headphones and listened to music all day. Boosie was my favorite rapper. I was kind of using his music to help me, you know what I’m saying? He was talking about everything I was going through. So I related to it like personally, you know what I’m saying?” ATM Mally said.
Encouraged by friends and family to take his career more seriously after a fight for his life to beat 2nd-degree murder charges, upon proving his innocence and gaining his release ATM Mally stepped up his recording ethic and everything associated with his career.
“I ain’t never really thought about doing a rap like myself, like doing a rap thing. I just had a lot of people that were telling me like, ‘you live, like a rapper, you know what I’m saying? You live like a rapper already. You got the lifestyle, you got this and that. And you got a story too because you done been through a hell of a lot. Like, you overcame a lot, you had a lot of stuff going on. The same thing that rappers are talking about. You be living for real. So why not put it in the music? Like, tell your story, like put it down.’ So s###, one day I just did it and the rest is history.”ATM Mally’s story is one of overcoming adversity and rising above the challenges life throws your way. Beating a murder charge in Louisiana is not easy and despite facing lockdown in jail for 23 hours a day, ATM Mally was able to remain strong-minded and was ultimately released.
“I done been facing life situations like, sh*t. I’m talking about life, you know what I’m saying, sitting in jail on lockdown 23 and one, you know, really? S### like 23 hours, 45 minutes. Like only get out myself for 15 minutes. Like, you know what I’m saying? I’m one of them, like, I’m just a strong strong-minded individual. My head on my shoulders. All I did, the only thing I did was really read and work out. Like I ain’t really doing nothing else. I was on lockdown the whole time I was in jail. I just worked out, and listened to music, you know what I’m saying? I just, I knew I was coming home, I knew I was coming home so I really wasn’t too much stressing. Like I ain’t never lost no faith or nothing like that.”
From cutting off his water to skipping his meals, the corruption that ATM Mally faced in jail paralleled the tragedies that take place at jails across Louisiana like at Angola where C-Murder is incarcerated and where Boosie served his time.
Post-Jail, ATM Mally transferred the stresses of jail and proving his innocence to his music and every since his obsession with recording music was spawned, ATM Mally has officially become an artists artist, waking up in the middle of the night to record material for his next studio session, proving his true dedication to his craft. “Man, I could be in the house and I got s### on my mind. I’m thinking about this and that or whatever it is, man. I might jump up at 11, 12, 1 o’clock in the morning and hit the engineer like, let me get in. Like I gotta, I need to get a session in like, you know what I’m saying? Like, I don’t know. It’s just like I need to just let some of this s### out of some s###. Like, you know what I’m saying? Like, I, I got some s### to say,” ATM Mally explained.
“It’s like I ain’t telling nobody else’s story. I ain’t telling nothing about like, no dealing with nobody else. I’m telling my own story in my own way. So, you know what I’m saying? I feel like I got my own lane, I don’t really know what to compare it to.”
Neru Thee Fourth Fugee just released her newest single titled “End Daze,” and we can’t stop listening! The song features Atlanta-based rap royalty bbymutha, as both recording artists are heard spitting braggadocious bars over the hard-hitting beat.
Hailing from Baltimore, Neru Thee Fourth prides herself in being a lyricist and producer, creating her own musical soundscape while blending the genres of hip-hop, neo-soul, ambient, funk, and psychedelic music. Whether you’re an existing fan or a new listener, Neru Thee Fourth Fugee will surely hypnotize you with her abstract lyricism, ethereal harmonies, and trance-like aura.
When asked to describe herself, Neru states, “I wear so many hats I never really know where to start. I’m a multidimensional artist, vocalist, lyricist, composer, creative entrepreneur, and founder. I also model, creative direct and practice community building. Ultimately I’m just a human experiencing life in all realms.”
“End Daze” serves as the lead single from her forthcoming sophomore album titled greater than. Features include Wu-Tang’s Killah Priest and Metaphor the Great.
AllHipHop caught up with Neru Thee Fourth Fugee to discuss her sound, her roots in Baltimore and more.
AllHipHop: How would you describe your sound?
Neru Thee Fourth Fugee: My sound is hard to explain in words. I always say that I’ve created my own genre, that’s the best way to express my sounds. I take elements from all my favorite genres, such as neo-soul, Hip-Hop, psychedelic, funk and add my own flavor creating a newfound genre. With that being said, I don’t like being boxed in. I can execute most styles and sounds. I’m both a songstress and lyricist, it’s not much I can’t do musically.
AllHipHop: You’re from Baltimore, how does that play into your life and career?
Neru Thee Fourth Fugee: I love Baltimore. It’s truly my home but it comes with its challenges. There aren’t many well-known publications, media hubs, labels etc. A lot of times when you find establishments that could be helpful, there’s a lot of politics. I’ve accomplished so much in Baltimore from creating my own creative community, curating hair shows, community building, mentoring aspiring artists and even acquired a multi use art studio to continue my community efforts. Ironically, I receive more industry and overall media support in other cities and sometimes countries. Baltimore can also be very stagnant, oppressive and heavy. I’m just happy to have beat so many odds.
AllHipHop: Who are your biggest influences?
Neru Thee Fourth Fugee: I honestly have so many from many stages of my career. Early on, I’ve always been a big fan of neo-soul: Angie Stone, India Arie, D’Angelo, Musiq Soulchild, Lauryn Hill. I also came up listening to a lot of gospel and of course all of the classic hip hop, R&B and pop of the early 90’s and 2000’s. I’ve never really been interested in mainstream music and remember a moment in middle school where Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, Yo Gotti, Nicki Minaj, Lil Boosie and OJ da Juiceman were all we listened to for a while.
Shortly after, that I discovered Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y, Dom Kennedy, Capital Steez, TDE, Pro Era, Flatbush Zombies and A$AP Mob. During this time is where I started garnering my sound. James Blake, Ab-Soul, early A$ap Rocky and Ferg, FKA Twigs, Kilo Kish, Corinne Bailey Rae, George Clinton, B.Slade and Bootsy Collins all played major roles in cultivating my sound.
AllHipHop: At what point did you realize this music thing was something you could do for a living?
Neru Thee Fourth Fugee: Though I’m completely independent, I’ve always been blessed with opportunities to elevate my career in a major way. When I performed with Danny Brown and Bruiser Brigade, or even when I worked with ill Camille and Deetranada on my last project, I knew things were becoming pretty serious for me. At one point during my journey, I realized that a lot of the artists I came up with when I started were receiving a lot of deserved recognition for their work. I knew it would only be a matter of time to receive my flowers as well.
AllHipHop: What was the inspiration behind your name?
Neru Thee Fourth Fugee: What’s funny about this question is that I’ve had a lot of internal dialogue about how I believe would be the best way to present myself. You can find music and publications under many old aliases such as Neru Isis and even a very very rare project under Thee Fourth Fugee. Neru means power in Farcie’s and is also the name of a great African king and president. ‘Thee Fourth Fugee’ which you would assume came from Lauryn Hill, but I actually heard it being referenced in an Ab-Soul song years ago. I identify with the title ‘Thee Fourth Fugee’ because of my ability as both a songstress and lyricist. I met Ab-Soul in 2014 and he co-signed my name and it’s been history since.
AllHipHop: Bring us back to the making of “end daze”
Neru Thee Fourth Fugee: Writing and recording “End Daze” was the most effortless experience I’ve had creating a song in a long time. The lyrics and instrumentation flow so perfectly together like a puzzle piece. End Daze is one of those songs that I wrote years ago and sat on until I felt it was ready to unleash. I wanted to make sure I had a great follow up to my 2021 single “Mask On” and I believe I accomplished that.
AllHipHop: How did bbymutha come on the track?
Neru Thee Fourth Fugee: During the process of recording this record I knew I wanted a big feature to accompany the single. My last project The Almanac had some really big names on the bonus tracks. I curated things that way purposely to keep my audience anticipating what’s next. I originally reached out to Lil B and Pink Siifu then reached out to BbyMutha. She was the first to get back to me and it just made sense. I’ve always been a big fan of BbyMutha and respect her journey and work ethic.
AllHipHop: What can we expect from your sophomore album, greater than?
Neru Thee Fourth Fugee: My next album “>” will be my breakout album. With features from Wu-Tang’s Killah Priest, Metaphor The Great, and BbyMutha, I’m positive that this project will be a great milestone for my career. You can expect to see a lot of growth within myself as an artist and even some new elements that I’ve picked up along the way. This project will be an exclusive look into who I am now, some of my experiences and some of the things I’ve overcome.
AllHipHop: What’s the meaning behind the title of the album?
Neru Thee Fourth Fugee: The meaning behind “>” (Greater Than) is exactly that. Acknowledging that I’m greater than my circumstances, environment and trauma. Even after everything I’ve experienced in my 27 years I’m still here and thriving. That’s something to celebrate.
AllHipHop: What do you want fans to get from your story?
Neru Thee Fourth Fugee: I want my fans to know and understand that you can beat any odds that are against you with consistency, persistence and staying true to self. When you’re original and working in your purpose, things may be a little harder, but the longevity you will gain is irreplaceable. Don’t compromise or get discouraged, just keep being you.
The Interscope Records artist, who is in custody at the U.S. Penitentiary Atlanta, expressed his frustration in an Instagram Stories post on Tuesday (March 28). 42 Dugg faces up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to failing to report for a six-month prison sentence.
“A lot of these n##### got get out of jail free cards,” he wrote. “I guess cause I’m turnt I gotta go through the Worst!!!!!! Death Before Dishonor. FREEDEMBOYZ.”
42 Dugg is scheduled to be sentenced this spring. According to the Detroit News, prosecutors will recommend a six-month sentence.
The 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Dion Hayes, agreed to enter a 30-day inpatient drug treatment program after serving his time in prison. He will also spend another 30 days in an outpatient program.
42 Dugg has been locked up since he was arrested in May 2022. Authorities apprehended him in Detroit after he didn’t show up to serve a six-month sentence at a West Virginia prison in April 2022.
A judge sentenced 42 Dugg to six months in prison for violating his probation. He previously received three years of probation for felony firearm possession.
The estate of former Roots’ bassist Leonard Hubbard and his widow Stephanie Hubbard have filed a lawsuit against The Roots’ Questlove, Black Thought and several other parties relating to the group’s business dealings. According to The Philly Voice, Hubbard claims they defrauded her late husband out of millions of dollars over the last decade.
Questlove, Black Thought, Roots manager Shawn Gee and Roots employee Munir Nuriddin stand accused of violating federal RICO laws by scheming to deny Hubbard his earnings from The Roots since 2013. The suit also names Live Nation Entertainment, The Roots on Tour and several companies that previously handled The Roots’ business dealings.
The lawsuit explains Hubbard and the late Malik B. were initially each given a 17 percent stake in Grand Negaz, Inc., a corporate entity The Roots used to purchase its trademark and finance business ventures. Hubbard was also given a 25 percent stake in a company that handled The Roots’ recordings and publishing as well as a 33 percent stake in its touring performance company.
The lawsuit alleges Gee, Questlove and Black Thought entered into several business contracts and opened bank accounts to deposit money from the three companies by “falsely purporting to represent all stakeholders” beginning in 2013. It further claims the three men—through acts of “forgery, wire fraud, bank fraud, mail fraud and criminal copyright infringement”—received millions of dollars through the band’s corporate entities, some of which Hubbard was entitled to as a stakeholder.
The estate then claims they “took control” of the finances and The Roots’ business entities, including all of Hubbard’s share value. In 2013, the suit continues, they founded a separate business entity called Legendelphia using funds from Grand Negaz, Inc. without Hubbard’s consent. The docs state they attempted to transfer and convert much of the original company’s assets to a new company owned exclusively by The Roots’ co-founders.
The lawsuit further alleges Gee secretly deactivated Hubbard’s personal royalty account with Universal Music Publishing Group in September 2014. Additionally, the docs say Questlove and Black Thought directed a “fraudulent” letter to be written from Legendelphia to UMPG in 2013, requesting all publishing royalties be moved from Grand Negaz to Legendelphia.
Hubbard, who was with the band for 15 years, died in 2021 after battling blood cancer. The lawsuit is seeking restitution for the property, money and benefits it claims are owed to Hubbard and his estate, as well as attorneys’ fees and additional damages. The estate also wants the court to inspect the defendants’ records regarding Hubbard and his estate, take an accounting of their business transactions and suspend the use of The Roots’ trademark until its value can be determined.
Luke Lucas, an attorney at Lucas Laws Group representing the estate, said, “I would hope that these guys would have enough respect and compassion for their former band member to make sure that he receives compensation for what may have not been given to him in the past, and so that his widow can live a reasonable life.”
Brittney Taylor, the “Love & Hip Hop: New York” cast member that got Remy Ma locked up in 2019 for allegedly punching her in the face, has been arrested for assaulting the father of her children.
TMZ reports she beat him with a bat. As a result, Taylor has been charged with two counts of assault, one count of endangering the welfare of a child, and one count of criminal possession of a weapon.
Her baby daddy’s name is Afeez and the two of them share a 2-year-old and an 8-month-old.
The altercation allegedly happened earlier in the month and the at-one-time rapper turned herself in last week.
Afeez filed criminal charges against his children’s mother and said he had to be hospitalized after the assault. A doctor patched him up with stitches over his eye.
After being released, the father took to social media to talk about being assaulted.
Sources say, when he was leaving his apartment with his mother, Taylor attacked him. What made the matter worse, adding to the severity of the charges, is that the attack happened in front of the children, according to Page Six.
This is not the first time she has been in trouble with the law. In 2019, she was arrested for attacking a woman in New York City. Those charges were dropped.
Rapper NBA YoungBoy is trying to rain on Lil Baby and Ja Morant’s parade, taking issue with his lyrics being recited after a basketball game by the Atlanta rap star.
After the Grizzlies beat the Hawks in Atlanta on Sunday, March 26, Morant and Lil Baby linked up on courtside to show some brotherly love.
Morant, who had been out for several games after flexing with a firearm on social media, had an iconic night with his squad, leading them with a team-high of 27 points in the 123-119 victory. And his boy chose to celebrate for a quick minute with him.
Once the two connected, Morant gifted the “Rockstar” rapper with his blue jersey. The baller took the garment right off his back and signed it, “Love Brudda!!”
As Morant is signing the jersey, Lil Baby raps, “Parade inside my city, yeah!”
While the saying has become a slogan for Morant, it is also a jump-off lyric for NBA YoungBoy’s song, “Fresh Prince of Utah.”
Now, the Louisiana rapper has taken issue with the use of his saying being said… especially by Lil Baby.
He tweeted, “That b#### ass n#### got to run into me too better remember he chose a side this s### get gangsta boy.”
That b#### ass n#### got to run into me too better remember he chose a side this s### get gangsta boy
People immediately knew he was aiming at Lil Baby after the moment of brotherhood went viral. Particularly since he has been shooting at the rapper since 2022.
NBA YoungBoy is not the only person who doesn’t like his lyric being spit just by anyone. It seems Skip Bayless got a problem with the lyric too… especially as it is connected to the young athlete.
He said on “UNDISPUTED,” “If I just take quoting a rap lyric in a vacuum, it’s like so not a big deal that it’s laughable that we’re even discussing it.”
"It was not a good sign that Ja Morant quoted that rap lyric."@RealSkipBayless on Ja interrupting a courtside interview with "It's a parade inside my city" pic.twitter.com/eDbasbthME
Adding, “But we can’t, when it comes to Ja, take it completely out of the context of what he just went through. So, I’ll just say this: it was not a good sign that he quoted that rap lyric.
“Ja jumps right in the middle of it because he can’t restrain himself. And he quotes a rap lyric, ‘It’s a parade inside my city, yeah!’ And it’s just straight jubilation … The problem is that line comes from a song that’s just rife with gun violence, well a lot of rap lyrics have [gun violence].”
Is Bayless right, considering how NBA YoungBoy is responding, or is he just making a mountain out of something that’s not that deep?
But if you let the Young Money mogul tell it, he doesn’t come close to what is reportedly his net worth.
In a recent interview, he asked about how much money he has.
Tunechi says, “When you go check my net worth and it be saying some crazy numbers… I don’t have a cent close to that sh#t. I don’t have that.”
The host of the show was in awe, and remarked, “Really?”
“I guess they’d be meaning that’s what I’m worth,” he said. “So, I’ll be always calling my agent like ‘I’m telling you, bro, I’m gonna fire the sh#t out you, ‘Cause I don’t need you! Google let me know what you know what I got.”
The man behind the success of Drake and Nicki Minaj, said, “I’m a zillion dollars n##ga on Google.”
His portfolio includes everything from his own music publishing, touring, and endorsements to the income he gets from the label he owns, Young Money which has given the world artists like Drake and Nicki Minaj, two of the biggest rappers in the history of the culture.
While he insists these numbers are not accurate, he says they are useful.
Saying he sees those reports as “motivation.”
Especially when arguing with a lady friend who says, “You ain’t sh#t.” He says turns to the Google reports of his net worth and says, “that’s not what Google says.”
