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Simona Shao Dishes On New Single “The Only Thing I’ve Known”

By: Shirley JuCategory: Breeding Ground

Simona Shao is a true music-lover, and she’s here to bless the world with her talents once and for all. Born in Los Angeles, Simona has been nurturing her smooth and sultry vocals since a very young age, even being crowned champion of the American Stars competition show on ICN Network. 

Being a Chinese-American singer-songwriter isn’t always the isn’t task at hand, but Shao sees no boundaries. Since the young age of 4, Shao has been studying classical piano… but that didn’t take away from her academic endeavors either. Growing up in Arcadia, a suburb of Los Angeles, her upbringing includes attending an all-girls school in Pasadena called Westridge, best known for their exceptional arts program (choir, theater, pottery, dance). 

Fun fact: Shao even turned down an offer to compete at The Voice of China because it would have taken away from her freshman year at Penn. 

To date, Shao has accumulated over three million streams on her original tracks, with her very first release dating back to 2017. Fast forward to today, she’s excited as ever to be releasing her newest single titled “The Only Thing I’ve Known.”

AllHipHop: How would you describe your sound?

Simona Shao: Over time, it has definitely shifted. When I first started writing music, I wrote a lot of ballads that had a raw, acoustic sound (usually me playing piano accompanying myself, sometimes with the addition of drums or guitar). I was inspired by the acoustic-pop sounds of Colbie Caillet and Sara Bareilles when I was younger. When I was around 14, I began to really dive into the EDM scene, and so that ignited my desire to write vocals for electronic tracks. 

While I was in college, I really loved collaborating with electronic producers. This led to my hit song “In My Head” with Seattle electronic duo, Solstis. Collaborating with producers over the internet was a natural way for me to write while in college, since I didn’t have the luxury of a piano in my dorm room. The producers would send me instrumentals via email, I’d record a voice note back (literally iPhone voice memos), and if they liked it, I would record it in my makeshift studio at home during one of the school breaks. 

I also have always loved R&B, and during the pandemic, I began to finally experiment with this sound. I drew a lot of inspiration from some of my favorite artists (Summer Walker, SZA, Emotional Oranges, Jhene Aiko, Sevyn Streeter, PARTYNEXTDOOR) in building out the R&B/pop sound I was looking for. My latest release, “The Only Thing I’ve Known,” draws inspiration from all of them and adds my own unique twist to it.

AllHipHop: Biggest influences growing up?

Simona Shao: Musically, I have always drawn inspiration from the Impressionist composer Claude Debussy. While studying classical piano did have its mundane moments (playing Baroque music didn’t exactly thrill me), listening and learning to play Debussy was a life-altering experience. His music left such a strong impression on me because of the beautiful, ethereal and dreamlike melodies he created. His music was considered unorthodox, and audiences did not truly appreciate his music unlike later, because of how out-of-the-box and revolutionary it was. 

To simply put it, he was a bad-ass that didn’t care what anyone else thought and wanted to make innovative and unique music that he loved. My goal is to make music that elicits an emotional response through creating nostalgic and beautiful melodies, which is inspired by what I experience when I listen to his music. In my everyday life, my older sister has always had a huge influence on me. She introduced me to the world of EDM and music festivals, which holds a very special place in my heart forever. She is also a bad-ass and creative, so I have always looked up to her as a role model and my best friend. Love you Rebecca!

AllHipHop: “The Only Thing I’ve Known” out now, who or what inspired this record? 

Simona Shao: This song was inspired by a general feeling of dissatisfaction that I was experiencing at a certain point in my life. I find it sometimes difficult to stay content or celebrate accomplishments for a prolonged period of time, or just generally appreciate the little things, because I’m always looking for the next objective I’m trying to reach, or the next big win to achieve. Obviously, this can be a great motivator for life, but the ever-heightening standards can also be sometimes unhealthy mentally. 

Another piece of the song is something that can be relatable to listeners: taking someone or something for granted, and the urge to mess things up when things are going too well. Sometimes people tend to devalue something wonderful because it’s been too consistently good, and you tell yourself that it’s too good to be true. This track is a reminder to myself to appreciate the good things that come my way, the bad things that taught me a lesson, and to cherish the journey that got me here.

AllHipHop: Three things you need in the studio?

Simona Shao: The first thing I need is my keyboard, because I like to play around with harmonies for my vocals by synthesizing them out. It is also crucial to have something to sip on while recording, because singing over and over can really tire out your vocal cords. I am a big tea drinker, so I like to have a bottle of brewed tea with me – my personal favorites are Hojicha (roasted green tea) and Korean barley tea. The last thing I like to have are some fun LED lights for the room – it sets the mood for the recording session and I can change the color to whatever vibe I’m feeling for the song. It gets me into a great headspace to record – the atmosphere is everything!

AllHipHop: What is it you want fans to get from your story?

Simona Shao: A lot of people think that you can’t do both school and music at the same time, or work in finance and also pursue a music career. Through hard work and dedication to both academics/work and your craft, it is totally possible to do both and also balance it in a way that makes you happy. I wouldn’t have been able to get through a lot of my life without having a creative outlet, and my creative side fed a lot of the success in my academics/work life as well. 

What I find fascinating about life now is that you can do everything over the computer, communicating purely digitally to create a song, and also attend college/work full-time while doing so. Obviously, working full-time is a bit trickier because I have to be in the office on a strict schedule, but you can definitely make it work. I also love that the digital environment now allows me to reach international audiences so easily. I love connecting with my Chinese roots, and getting more established as a music presence in Asia is definitely one of my goals down the road. 

YG Charging Fans $1K To Share Birthday Dinner With Him

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

If Hip-Hop fans ever wanted to get up close and personal with West Coast rapper YG, an opportunity might have presented itself for his birthday … provided you got the cash.

According to his official website, the “FDT” chart-topper is charging fans a whopping $1,000 to sit down and have dinner with him before his upcoming California shows in Santa Ana on March 10 and 12.

The package will include a special private five-star, three-course meal, complete with an open bar and “gentleman’s club waitresses,” to be had in the exclusive company of the Compton emcee.

Fans, who drop the grand, will also receive a photo with the star and reserved seating at the concert.

The whole extravaganza is to celebrate his birthday. YG captioned an Instagram post announcing the two shows, saying, “I said I would never come back to the observatory but here I am, BDAY VIBES LIVE CONCERT. Put that s#### on & come F##k with me. UPSCALE EVENT!”

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

While the big news is about the meet-and-greet, fans were locked in on the second picture of him at a strip club doing the most. Apparently, the team posted an unedited version earlier.

“I like how they came back and edit him grabbing that 🐱. Talking bout focused haha,” one fan said.

Tickets will be sold at www.4hunnid.com/tour.

EXCLUSIVE: R. Kelly’s Lawyer Rips Government’s Request For Additional 25 Years In Prison

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Exclusives

R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison last June. Convicted on nine counts of sex trafficking and racketeering, the embattled R&B singer immediately vowed to appeal. But earlier this month, the government moved to add another 25 years to his Cook County sentence.

According to court docs obtained by AllHipHop, Kelly’s defense attorney Jennifer Bonjean finds the motion ludicrous. As Bonjean claims, the government falsely paints Kelly as a “serial sexual predator” with “no remorse.” But she says Kelly is painfully aware of the consequences.

As Bonjean explains in the docs, “By submitting a sentencing memorandum that dares to challenge the government’s narrative in any way, the government accuses Kelly of victim-blaming, lack of remorse and failing to ‘grasp the gravity of his criminal conduct.’

“It is the government that fails to grasp that Kelly still enjoys a few constitutional and statutory protections that allow him to challenge the government’s take on the evidence and advocate for an appropriate sentence without being labeled a monster who has no remorse. The jury that heard this case seemed to respect those basic principles of our criminal justice process […] In reality, no one grasps the seriousness of the crimes for which Kelly was convicted more than Kelly.”

She continues, “Kelly has every right to advocate for himself and argue for a fair sentence that acknowledges the seriousness of the offenses while also pushing back on the government’s embellished narrative that relies significantly on acquitted conduct.”

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A post shared by Bonjean Law Group (@bonjeanlawgroup)

Bonjean goes on to accuse the government of trampling on Kelly’s Fifth Amendment rights and being “far more concerned” with press conferences instead of a reasonable disposition that “would have allowed Kelly to “take responsibility.” Bonjean also says the government claims Kelly used “fear” to induce prohibited sexual activity, which she denies.

“Kelly did not use threats or force to induce Jane, Pauline and Nia into the prohibited sexual conduct, nor did he cause them to fear bodily harm, or any type of harm to induce the prohibited sexual conduct,” Bonjean continues. “Simply put, the tactics that the government claims Kelly used were very different. The government claims Kelly groomed the minors; he showered them with affection; he bought them presents; he promised them various things; and wowed them with his superstar power.

“None of these facts let Kelly off the hook for his conduct which is why he stands convicted of three counts of inducement, but the government cannot now claim he also used fear of bodily harm with the
victims when the victims made no such claims, the government advanced no such theory even in
the alternative, and the record suggests that the jury rejected any notion that the sexual abuse
was committed through acts of coercion.”

Bonjean concludes, “The government insists on exaggerating Kelly’s misdeeds, sounding more like a teaser for the next installation of Surviving R. Kelly than lawyers. The government declares Kelly a prolific sexual abuser of children but resorts to manufacturing evidence related to Aaliyah that has never been proven as support for this claim.

“Kelly is convicted of serious crimes as it is, yet the government is so committed to obtaining another life sentence for him that it resorts to invoking unsubstantiated Aaliyah claims, perpetuating rumors from tabloid docuseries, and attributing hyperbolic labels to Kelly rather than relying on the actual evidence to supports its ask.”

Bonjean insists “no upward variance is justified and numerous factors justify a sentence at the
lower end of the guidelines range.” She also acknowledges Kelly is likely already in prison for life considering he’s 56 years old.

Kelly currently has pending charges in Minnesota and an appeal in the Eastern District of New York.

Kim Kardashian Blasted For Paying Less For A Surrogate Than She Made Selling Used Birkin Bag

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Billionaire businesswoman and reality star Kim Kardashian is under fire. On Saturday (February 18), social media was ablaze with how little she paid her surrogate to carry her children compared to how much she made for selling one of her used designer bags.

One person posted on social media, “Surrogacy is misogyny. It is exploitative & dehumanizing. Kim Kardashian sold her used Birkin bag for $104,000 but paid her surrogate $4,500 a month ($45,000 in total) to risk her life and birth her child. A used bag cost more than double the surrogate’s womb & life! F##king vile.”

https://twitter.com/onosowobo/status/1626919246872690690?s=20

In the reply, a Twitter user said she heard a different number.

Sigma Allyson wrote, “HUH!!! Kim Kardashian only paid her surrogate 45k??? I could swear back in like 2015 I was hearing 100k being thrown around as the rich person surrogate minimum what even.”

@Juhvanci agreed Kardashian should have paid more, but asked, “How is it misogyny?”

https://twitter.com/juhvanci/status/1627430605687488512

Some people just wondered, “How is it Kim’s fault?”

“I guess my legit inquiry would be…. How is this Kim’s fault?” influencer Cyrene Lovette asked. “If she has a need and there is someone who can meet that need at a set price that both agree upon… are we just coming up with reasons to be tight at that point? Cause…. Huh?”

While the debate is up in the social media air, Laurel Fertility revealed Kardashian did pay on the lowest side of the average fees.

The website states traditional surrogacy can cost people between $40,000 to $70,000. The average cost for gestational surrogacy is between $90,000 and $130,000. 

Kardashian used a gestational surrogate, according to Pop Sugar.

Jermaine Dupri Confirms Verzuz Battle With Diddy: “It’s Gonna Be Like The Super Bowl”

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

The fans have been asking for it, and the Verzuz pantheon has answered the call.

According to So So Def founder and mega-star producer Jermaine Dupri, he and Sean “Diddy” Combs, Hip-Hop’s original Bad Boy, will be facing off in a Verzuz sometime this year.

He made the announcement on the I Am Athlete podcast, saying, “It’s coming next year… It’s gon be, you know, it’s gonna be like the Super Bowl.”

While Dupri didn’t give any futher details, he did say where it was going to be.

“It’s gonna be at the stadium–it’s gonna be at the Mercedes-Benz,” he shared with the hosts.

Arguably for Hip-Hop and R&B, Dupri and Diddy created a soundtrack for the ’90s and early 2000s, with hundreds of hits from artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., SWV, JAY-Z, Mariah Carey, Xscape, Total, Kriss Kross, TLC, Usher, LL COOL J, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and more.

The announcement comes days after Swizz Beatz promised an epic 2023 for the brand.

“We’ve been changing the infrastructure because when we started, it happened in the garage and then moved to a significant platform,” Swizz Beatz said in an interview with Revolt.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VERZUZ (@verzuztv)

He added, “Now, we changed the whole way we’re moving but not entirely, so people won’t feel like it’s not the same. We have a fantastic lineup with people they wanted to see and even battles they think wouldn’t happen. Announcements will be coming soon.”

Welp … there’s no announcement bigger than JD and Diddy! Who you got?

50 Cent Wins ‘Grand Champion Best of Show’ At 2023 Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Houston-transplant 50 Cent is celebrating winning at the 2023 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s 20th annual Rodeo Uncorked! International Wine Competition.

The “In the Club” chart-topper has won awards at the event for the last three years, including Reserve Grand Champion honors in 2021.

This year, he added Grand Champion Best of Show to his myriad of accolades for his adult beverage, Le Chemin du Roi Brut champagne.

According to the Houston Chronicle, his champagne was the best of 3,071 entries from 18 countries.

News about his win was announced on Instagram. 50, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, dropped a video showing how proud he is of this great accomplishment.

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A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

“What they say about the rodeo is that you have to treat the janitor like you treat the senator,” 50 said in his acceptance speech. “Everybody is somebody around here. It is exciting. I am in the right circle. These are the right people for me to engage with to continue to be great.”

In addition to showing his awards, including one for being the top donor, he also received several recognitions for his service in the city from elected officials— including Mayor Sylvester Turner.

50 showed off his Grand Champion Best of Show Saddle in another post. The caption was simple, but still beaming with pride, “H Town vibes, Houston is really where it’s at you gotta keep good company. GLG🚦GreenLightGang #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi.”

The Game & Wack 100 Are Beefing & It IS BAD!

By: IllseedCategory: Rumors

In my heart, I knew this was going to happen. The Game and Wack 100 are beefing. Now, these poor dudes have been down for a very long time, but once The Game lost that default judgement, I knew this would go left. The Game is legally on the hook with for an alleged sexual assault after a woman accused him and won because Game didn’t show up for court. That was to the tune of $7 million and the rapper has vowed not to pay it. I believe he “paid” some, because she garnished monies from his last album. Why am I saying this? There were rumors The Game put everything in Wack 100’s name to avoid having his dinero, property and other things taken from him.

Now they are beefing. Look at what Wack posted!

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A post shared by Dinero Jones (@wack100)

Now, it seems like he’s talking to Suge Knight AND The Game. I am processing this as I write this. SO, in the comments, Game says the following, “I’ll take the head up fade with both you ni99as on sight.” He basically wants to fight them both, Suge and Wack. Game is a big MF now. I think he could give prime Suge a run for his money in a one-on-one. Wack 100 is no slouch either.

Here’s some audio. Wack said he and Irv Gotti had to get hotels and things for Suge. He basically says Suge did nothing after parting ways with people like Snoop, Dre and Pac. He basically said he got shot, knocked out and lost all his money…and other things. He maintains he paid for Suge’s mom’s funeral.

So back to The Game…

What happened? Nobody seems to know. Some people, like my BX dudes, are saying Game may be joking. Others are thinking this is pre-promo for a new album since Drillmatic – Heart vs. Mind has come and gone. The Game was signed to 100 Entertainment and probably still is. If so, I don’t think beefing with the owner bodes well for him. I wish The Game well, because he is one of the better talents Hip-Hop has seen. I would hate to see him add another layer of legal woes to his situation.

Game still got it! Hoping this is just promotion so we can get new music.

Victor Oladipo Drops Afrobeats Album ‘Tunde’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Two-time NBA All-Star Victor Oladipo released a new album titled Tunde on February 17. Oladipo collaborated with Grammy-nominated producer Harmony “H-Money” Samuels for the project.

Tunde is Oladipo’s debut in the Afrobeats genre. The Miami Heat guard dropped “Exercise” featuring Nigerian singer/songwriter Nonso Amadi as a single from the 7-track effort.

“I decided to do an Afrobeats album to give back to my culture, which has made me who I am and given me the strength to get through many storms,” explains Victor Oladipo. 

He continues, “I felt like doing an Afro album would show my love and appreciation for my culture and my people. The love and appreciation they show and have shown me, I want them to receive that through this album.”

Victor Oladipo grew up in Maryland, but his parents are Nigerian immigrants. Afrobeats emerged from West African nations before becoming an international sensation thanks to acts such as Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and Tems.

Tunde follows Oladipo’s previous R&B bodies of work Songs for You in 2017 and V.O. in 2018. Songs for You included contributions by Eric Bellinger and 2 Chainz. V.O. featured Bellinger, Tory Lanez, PnB Rock, and Trey Songz.

The Orlando Magic drafted Victor Oladipo in 2013. He has also played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Indiana Pacers, and the Houston Rockets before joining the Heat in 2021. Oladipo was named 2018’s NBA Most Improved Player.

Blueface Questions If Lil Baby Wants To Have Sex With Him

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

The rumors that Blueface could be bisexual just got more fuel. A social media video featuring the “Thotiana” rapper and his on-again, off-again girlfriend Chrisean Rock included Blueface suggesting “Heyy” rapper Lil Baby is attracted to him.

The Crazy In Love reality show couple’s tumultuous relationship has become regular news in the Hip Hop blogosphere. While on Instagram Live, Blueface took issue with Chrisean’s apparent interaction with Lil Baby at a party.

“I think you be letting too many rap n##### be in your face,” Blueface told Chrisean Rock while eating chicken wings at a restaurant. She responded, “They don’t be in my face.”

The IG Live Became About Lil Baby

Additionally, Blueface referred to a photograph Chrisean took with Lil Baby. According to the Baddies South cast member, the chart-topping Quality Control recording artist told her she had potential and wanted to work with her.

“Potential to what? F### him?” asked Blueface. He also said, “Y’all had an empowerment conversation at the afterparty? With him all up in your face like this, ‘Yeah, let’s work.’ He damn near up in my face.”

Blueface continued, “He wanna f### me too? Cuz wanna f### me? Any n#### in your face is in my face. I’m right on your neck. N#### f###### you, he’s gonna be looking at me while he f###### you? Cuz wanna f### me or something? It makes no sense.”

Blueface’s Sexuality Also Came Into Question Last Year

Speculation about Blueface’s sexuality became an online topic after he and Chrisean Rock appeared on a Kai Cenat livestream last November. Chrisean’s reaction to her boyfriend discussing having sex with a little person was one of the catalysts for the bisexuality rumors.

“Who? Who? Was it a girl or a guy?” Chrisean Rock demanded to know from Blueface. He then responded, “What? What kind of question is that?” Their appearance on Kai Cenat’s Twitch channel also made headlines because Chrisean put a hole in the streamer’s wall.

Rihanna’s “Anti” Returns To The Top 10 Following Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Anti became just Rihanna’s second No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart in 2016. The critically-acclaimed studio LP has now returned to the Top 10 for the first time since that year.

Thanks to the international publicity from performing as the headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show on February 12, Anti managed to skyrocket to #8. The project sat at #50 the previous week.

Rihanna racked up 36,000 equivalent album units for Anti over the latest tracking period. That amounts to a 166% increase from the previous Billboard 200 chart. The album had not been in the Top 10 since October 2016.

Anti hosts the Hot 100 No. 1 single “Work” featuring Drake. Rihanna included the Boi-1da-produced track in her Super Bowl Halftime Show set. Additionally, she performed other hits such as “We Found Love” and “Umbrella.”

The two-day streaming numbers for songs from Rihanna’s catalog saw a 140% jump in the United States following the Super Bowl. That Sunday, the Barbadian billionaire also had the biggest streaming day of her career on Apple Music.

Back in 2016, Anti spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The 3x-Platinum album is the longest-charting project of Rihanna’s career. Anti has remained on the chart for an impressive 355 weeks, making it one of the longest-charting albums released this century.

Dr. Dre and Eminem saw similar Billboard 200 success as Rihanna after the two Hip Hop artists shared the stage at last year’s Super Bowl LVI. Em’s Curtain Call: The Hits compilation climbed from No. 128 to No. 8. Dre’s 2001 studio LP moved up from No. 108 to No. 9.

Doja Cat Asks Her Followers If They Want To “F**k” Her Foot

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Doja Cat is known for being a very eccentric entertainer. The Planet Her album creator once again garnered various reactions from social media users after posting a sexually explicit question on Twitter.

“Does anyone wanna come over and f### my foot?” asked Doja Cat on Sunday night. That February 19 tweet collected over 30,000 likes, 2000 retweets, and 2000 replies.

Dream, the YouTuber/Twitch streamer with nearly 6 million Twitter followers, commented, “Only One Of Them?” Impaulsive podcast co-host Mike Majlak responded, “Down but can you grab food tho?”

Two days earlier, Doja Cat randomly tweeted, “Fart in my c###.” That four-word post even got a response from XVideos, one of the world’s most visited pornographic websites.

https://twitter.com/DojaCat/status/1627503460911566850?s=20

Doja Cat Had To Deal With An Internet Scandal In The Past

In 2020, Doja found herself in the social media hot seat when the hashtag #DojaCatIsOverParty began trending on Twitter. Critics accused the Los Angeles native of sharing sexually-suggestive content with white supremacists in Tinychat forums.

“I learned that there are racist people who come in and out of the chat. They happen, then they’re banned. The idea that this chat room is a white supremacist chat room  – I don’t understand it in any way,” said Doja Cat at the time.

She added, “There was a time where I was a mod and I was able to ban people for actions like that or harassing women… I’ve seen it and I know I’ve been targeted by it, and I know that it’s controllable. But the narrative that it’s a white supremacist chat is completely incorrect. It’s absolutely, 100% f###### incorrect.”

Despite Calls For Cancellation, Doja Continues To Find Success In The Music Industry

Doja Cat’s Tinychat controversy did not stop her momentum as a rising music act. The RCA recording artist went on to release Planet Her in 2021. The album hosted the Top 5 hit single “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA.

“Kiss Me More” won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022. Doja Cat earned eight nominations for that year’s ceremony, including Planet Her scoring an Album Of The Year nod.

Planet Her spent 85 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart after peaking at No. 2 in July 2021. The “Say So” single featuring Nicki Minaj off the Hot Pink project made it to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 rankings. Doja Cat has 21 career entries on that chart.

Ice-T Mourns Passing Of ‘Law & Order’ Co-Star Richard Belzer

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

American actor Richard Belzer died on February 19 at the age of 78. Belzer’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit co-star, rapper/actor Tracy “Ice-T” Marrow, shared a message about the late entertainer on social media.

Richard Belzer passed away in his home in southern France. Bill Scheft, a longtime friend of the stand-up comedian, stated Belzer had “lots of health issues” before his death, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

For more than two decades, Belzer played NYPD detective John Munch on Homicide: Life on the Street and in the Law & Order television franchise. Ice-T has also spent over 20 seasons as a regular on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

“Highs and Lows…,” tweeted Ice-T on Sunday afternoon. “After one of the most amazing weeks of my life. I wake up to the news I lost my friend today. Belz is gone.”

Ice-T continued, “Damn it! But remember this… ’When you ARE having real fun and are Truly Happy. ENJOY it to the fullest! Cause Pain is inevitably coming.’ I’ll miss you Homie 🙏.”

The tragic announcement of Richard Belzer’s death came just two days after Ice-T received the 2,747th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Law & Order creator Dick Wolf and Special Victims Unit lead actress Mariska Hargitay attended the ceremony in Los Angeles.

Jim Jones Wants Cardi B, & Fat Joe As Team Captains In Mayor’s Cup of Dance 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Jim Jones is calling on a few celeb friends to assist in highlighting some of the best dancers in New York later this year at the inaugural Mayor’s Cup of Dance. 

The Harlem native has linked with NYC mayor Eric Adams a few times since their initial meeting. The pair met last month backstage at the Dipset rapper’s dressing room during his guest appearance at Drake’s recent Apollo Theater concert. Jim Jones discussed his plans for community outreach in Harlem after the mayor requested to meet the rapper.  

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A post shared by jimjonescapo (@jimjonescapo)

Jim Jones Wants NYC Rappers To Get Involved

Now, Jim Jones is working on drafting some of New York City’s biggest rappers to get on board with the project. He wants a celebrity from each of the city’s five boroughs — The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island — to represent the dance crews. 

“I sat down, and I spoke to Fabolous and Maino last night. I’m trying to get them to represent Brooklyn,” Jim Jones revealed during an interview with TMZ. “I made a few calls out for Bronx representatives. I’m thinking like Cardi B, Fat Joe. I gotta look forward to some Queens representatives, maybe looking to call out Nas, N.O.R.E., maybe people from the younger generation.” 

While the tournament is still in the planning stages, Jim Jones hinted at some exciting potential prizes for the winners.  

‘You might end up dancing in the middle of the Barclays Center in a Nets game. Who knows what the grand prize might be?” he teased.  

The Diplomats co-founder also acknowledged the cultural significance of dance in Hip-Hop and drew a parallel between modern-day drill fans getting sturdy and the pioneer dancers of the genre.  

“it gives me the same energy that it was when breakdancing,” he explained. “But they didn’t have the outlets these kids have now.” 

Jim Jones also addressed the need for kids to have safe recreational community activities. “It’s about the camaraderie, it’s about the fellowship, [and] it’s teaching them how to communicate with each other.” Check out the video below.  

Yung Bleu Addresses Criticism That All His Music Sounds The Same 

By: London JennnCategory: News

As Yung Bleu gears up to release the follow-up to 2022’s TANTRA, the Alabama-bred rapper/singer shared a message for his critics on social media. 

The “What Type Of Games” hitmaker penned a series of tweets on Sunday evening (Feb. 19), hitting back against claims his music all sounds the same. He also addressed the pressures of trying to please your initial fanbase while growing sonically as an artist.  

“People who say “all his music sound the same” them be the main ones who’s only heard 2 songs out your 100 song catalog lol,” Yung Bleu wrote. “Y’all just say stuff for attention sometime.” 

A fan suggested that his new single, “Games Women Play,” released on Valentine’s Day, is reminiscent of something from his 2020 EP Love Scars. Yung Bleu replied, “It’s suppose to give u the same vibe as love scars,” before adding, “it’s nostalgic.” 

Yung Bleu – Games Women Play

In a follow-up tweet, Yung Bleu addressed the pitfalls of being a famous artist. “Only thing I hate bout being famous u gotta be perfect. U gotta try to please millions of people at all time. Regular people dnt have that pressure of being judged for every little flaw,” he said. 

Yung Bleu also explained why some fans become attached to an artist’s early sound.  

“Fans have to understand! The music that introduced u to a artis holds a special place to u. So it’s always gonna go harder “to you” than the new s###,” he wrote. “It’s not about the music. It’s the music, the memory’s, what it got u through etc. that’s understandable.” 

Despite the mainstream success of tracks like the Drake-assisted version of “You’re Mines Still,” and “What Type Of Games,” Yung Bleu questioned whether he can achieve his full potential as an independent artist.  

“I’m probably never gonna be respected as a artist but whoever been around me in the studio know ima genius when it come to music,” he continued. “The real secret is these major labels and machines try to bury me cuz I never took they contracts. So I never get looks, the opportunities to display my talent to the world. But I’m pushing out product for all they artist in private.” 

However, Bleu entertained the possibility of signing to a label, if only to prove a point. “Maybe I’ll sign to a major one day so my fans can finally see me blow up big as I should be. I’ll do it for y’all if I ever did it,” he shared.  Check out his tweets below.

https://twitter.com/ChefsKiss026/status/1627519190092349443?s=20

Chris Brown Denies “No Black Girls Allowed,” In VIP Section Allegation 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Chris Brown found himself at the center of a discrimination row at the weekend after a group of Black British women took to social media to complain about being denied entry into his VIP section at a London club. 

The singer was in England’s capital city for a stop on his European Tour in support of his 2022 album Breezy.  

“We were supposed to go see Chris Brown,” one of the women accusing Chris Brown of denying their entry said in a video. “We got there and there were thousands of girls lined up. Also, they claimed to be on the VIP guest list.” 

One of the woman’s friends stated, “They told us ‘No Black girls allowed,’” adding, “You’re handpicking these white women.” 

The clip went viral, and social media users began calling out the “Iffy” hitmaker. Nonetheless, Chris Brown denied the allegations and responded via his Instagram Story. 

“STOP IT,” he captioned a photo of him in a VIP section with several Black women. “I have black queens all around me. THOP REACHING,” he wrote.  

However, shortly after Chris Brown addressed the accusation, one of the women from the original video clarified her previous remarks. She blamed the club’s owners and promoters and said Breezy was not at fault. 

“That video had absolutely nothing to do with Chris Brown,” she explained. “The only reason why his name was mentioned was because we were going to a club where he was hosting at.”  

Breezy later reposted the video on Twitter, writing, “CRAZY that I have to have receipts. LOVE OUTWEIGHS THE HATE OVER HERE!”

JAY-Z Honors “The Chosen One” LeBron James Ahead Of All-Star Game 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Jay-Z has tracked the progress of NBA superstar LeBron James since he was a high school basketball phenom, witnessing his wins and losses on the journey to becoming the NBA’s all-time scorer. 

The Hip-Hop mogul paid tribute to the four-time MVP ahead of the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. Earlier this month, Lebron James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s almost 40-year record to become the NBA’s all-time scorer. 

Hov celebrated the Lakers star during a video played for Sunday night’s (Feb. 19) All-Star game in Salt Lake City, Utah, the 19th of James’ career. 

Jay-Z Celebrates LeBron James

“Being able to perform at a high level for a long period of time, that’s excellence,” Jay-Z declared. “Long after you’re gone, people may look at your name and like, ‘That’s what greatness is. There’s not many you can compare LeBron to a 19-time All-Star, a remarkable feat. 

“The all-time leading scorer, all-time! I mean, what can you say? He’s been through many iterations of the game and in each era, he’s been the best. ‘The Chosen One’ and that’s it.” 

After giving LeBron James his flowers, Jay-Z shared his excitement at seeing the strength of the league as a whole.  

The players, they’re super excited to play with one another,” he added. “The league is in a great place right now. Every team has major stars, amazing, amazing performers.” 

Check out the tribute below. 

Jay-Z isn’t the only Hip-Hop superstar to pay tribute to LeBron James. Officials paused the game between the Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder on Feb. 7, when the Lakers forward scored the 38,388th point of his career. Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Snoop Dogg joined other celebs, including Rihanna, in a video recognizing the historic achievement.  

“Thank you to the Laker faithful. You guys are one of a kind. To be able to be in the presence of such a legend and great as Kareem means so much to me. It’s very humbling,” said LeBron James during a speech at the Crypto.com Arena. 

Nicki Minaj In Trinidad Ahead Of Annual Carnival After Sharing Surprise Trini Collab 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Nicki Minaj returned to Instagram at the weekend following a brief absence, surprising fans with her first verse of 2023. 

The “Super Freaky Girl” hitmaker teamed up with fellow Trinidadian natives Machel Montano and Destra on the remix of their “Shake the Place” single. Nicki Minaj reps her Trini roots on the upbeat soca track.  

“Trinidad my country, the greatest carnival of all time,” she raps. “I’m reppin’ that red, that white, that black / I’m reppin’ my real flag.” 

While the song audio is only available via YouTube, a video is apparently on the way. On Sunday (Feb. 19), Nicki Minaj took to Instagram to share a message to her followers alongside some visuals from the single featuring all three artists.  

“If you f$&@ with ISLAND GIRLS rep your flag for me in the comments,” she penned in the caption. “Trinidad CARNIVAL is about to #ShakeThePlace shake up di whole place. 🇹🇹♥️🫡 “ 

Nicki Minaj also paid tribute to her collaborators, two of soca music’s leading voices. “It’s an honor,” she added. The Barbz, Nicki’s hardcore fanbase, also got their own shout-out. “We’ll talk soon, barbz. Promise. Love you. 🦄” she concluded. 

Check out the visuals in the clip below and listen to the single at the end of the page.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj)

Nicki Minaj Arrives In Trinidad

Meanwhile, fans could see another surprise from the superstar rapper. Nicki Minaj was caught leaving the airport after arriving in Trinidad on Sunday, the day before the country host their carnival. The annual event is held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, and this year will take place on 20 and 21 Feb.  

Fans immediately began speculating that Nicki Minaj would perform the new song with her collaborators for carnival, a first for the rapper. While she did not perform at the time, Nicki joined the celebrations back in 2020. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj)

Hustlemantherapper Taking New Heights In His Private Jet Worth 55M

By: Staff WriterCategory: Music News

Hustlemantherapper has been making waves in the music industry since he burst onto the scene at just 17 years old. Now, at the age of 20, he has become a household name, with almost 11 million followers on Instagram and a growing fan base around the world.

One of the things that set Hustlemantherapper apart from his peers is his relentless work ethic. He is constantly creating new music, collaborating with other artists, and finding new ways to grow his brand. In fact, his dedication to his craft is so intense that he has earned the nickname “Hustleman” among his fans and peers.

Despite his young age, Hustlemantherapper has already achieved a level of success that many artists can only dream of. He has released multiple hit songs, including “Money in the Bank” and “No Limit,” and his music videos have racked up millions of views on YouTube. His catchy beats and clever lyrics have made him a favorite among hip-hop fans, and his energetic live performances have earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting young artists in the game.

But it’s not just his music that has made Hustlemantherapper a household name. He has also become known for his lavish lifestyle and his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2022, he made headlines when he purchased a private jet, becoming one of the youngest artists to own their own aircraft. He has also invested in real estate, showing a keen business sense that is rare in someone so young.

As Hustlemantherapper continues to dominate the hip-hop scene, it’s clear that he has a bright future ahead of him. With his talent, drive, and ambition, he is poised to become one of the biggest names in music in the years to come.

A quick Google search for Hustlemantherapper reveals a plethora of articles, interviews, and social media posts about the young artist. Fans can keep up with his latest moves on Instagram, where he frequently shares updates about his music, his life, and his business ventures. His YouTube channel is also a must-visit for anyone who wants to see his latest music videos and live performances.

In addition to his music career, Hustlemantherapper has also become something of a fashion icon, often showing off his unique sense of style on social media and at red carpet events. He has collaborated with several high-end fashion brands, including Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga, and has even launched his own clothing line.

All of these accomplishments are impressive on their own, but what really sets Hustlemantherapper apart is his drive to succeed. He has been quoted as saying that he wants to be the “greatest of all time,” and with his talent and work ethic, it’s not hard to imagine that he will one day achieve that goal.

In conclusion, Hustlemantherapper is a rising star in the hip-hop world, with almost 11 million followers on Instagram and a growing fan base around the world. He is known for his catchy beats, clever lyrics, and energetic live performances, as well as his lavish lifestyle and entrepreneurial spirit. With his talent and drive, he is sure to continue making waves in the music industry for years to come.

Charleston White Goes On Gun-Toting Rant Against J. Prince

By: IllseedCategory: Rumors

I am probably getting soft. Charleston White went insane over the weekend and I almost didn’t write about it. So, a lot has been going on with these two, but it’s mostly been Whitey doing the talking. What had happened was C. White was supposed to have a show in Houston over this past weekend and the word on the street is that J. Prince had it canceled. My dude went off.

First of all, he denied his comedy show (yes, comedy!) was canceled by the Rap-A-Lot founder. Well, he went off over that and tagged the HPD (Houston Police Dept.) and others. What did happen was he was removed off of an event that was called Parent’s Against Predators. I’m thinking this is what took him over the edge.

Suddenly, he pops up online yelling about how many guns he has and how he can even go to war with the cops. Just take a look at this!

I have a prediction:

This won’t end well.

Academy President Says Response To Will Smith’s Slap Was “Inadequate” – A Year Later

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: News

The President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has admitted the organization’s response to Will Smith’s slap was “inadequate.”

During last year’s ceremony in March 2022, the “Independence Day” actor walked onto the stage of the Dolby Theatre and slapped presenter Chris Rock after he made a joke about Will’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

After the shocking incident, Will returned to his seat and remained in the audience until he received the Best Actor Oscar for “King Richard” later in the show.

Academy officials, who claimed Will was asked to leave the auditorium, later publicly condemned his actions and launched a formal review.

Amid the Oscars Nominees Luncheon, Academy president Janet Yang acknowledged they didn’t handle the situation properly.

“What happened onstage was fully unacceptable and the response from our organization was inadequate,” she told attendees, according to Variety. “We learned from this that the Academy must be fully transparent and accountable in our actions, and particularly in times of crisis, you must act swiftly, compassionately, and decisively for ourselves and for our industry. You should and can expect no less from us going forward.”

In the days after the slap, the “Men in Black” star resigned from the Academy and apologized for his behavior.

He spent several months out of the public eye and returned to promote the release of his movie “Emancipation” in December.

After the review, Academy officials revoked Will’s membership and banned him from attending the ceremony for 10 years. In the announcement, then-president David Rubin and chief executive officer Dawn Hudson acknowledged they “did not adequately address the situation in the room.”

The 2023 Academy Awards will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 12th.