Something crazy happened at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. As you already know, last Tuesday the BET Hip-Hop Awards were taped in Atlanta, Georgia. They air TODAY on BET so please check that out. Everybody was having a lot of fun. It was definitely a Hip-Hop affair with a wide range of celebrities that such an award could afford.
This version of the show was mostly performance-based, but there were some awards announced. It was an all-out celebration of 50 years of Hip-Hop. Now I’m not going to get into the details of this particular award because it would result in spoilers for the show. So I hope you all follow me here. Nevertheless, There was a category in which Ice Spice and another rapper were being nominated.
I won’t say the other individual’s name, but I will say that this person is very popular. And the people love the individual in question. When this rapper was seen or walked through, the people cheered. Ice Spice was at the BET AWARDS, but was not here for the BET Hip-Hop awards. So that might play a factor in what happened next.
All I will say is that Ice Spice went to head with this other artist and WON. She was the winner, but the crowd started to boo, according to sources. I’m trying to figure out if they were doing the heckling because the rapper question was present and accounted for. OR, if they hate Ice Spice. I don’t really think that’s the case, because who doesn’t like Ice Spice? She’s harmless! But I think that They simply wanted to see a hometown favorite win.
Nevertheless, the show went on and everybody had a good time.
The 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards will be aired on October 10, 2023, as the 17th installment of the beloved show. BET Hip Hop Awards are intended to recognize the best in Hip-hop music of 2023. The ceremony was taped in Atlanta, Georgia.
Gunplay reportedly lost custody of his infant daughter. According to TMZ, a court granted sole custody to his estranged wife Vonshae Taylor-Morales on Monday (October 9).
The court’s decision can only be reversed if Taylor-Morales, who has a temporary restraining order against Gunplay, wants joint custody. As of now, the rapper can only see his daughter through court-monitored virtual visits.
Gunplay, whose real name is Richard Morales, was arrested for domestic violence and child abuse in August. Taylor-Morales accused her husband of choking their daughter. She also blamed him for their child’s heart defect.
“The reason that my daughter had a heart defect is because of his drug abuse history,” Taylor-Morales said. “He was the cause of her defect. Y’all could Google this. Anybody who abuses cocaine, ketamine, which he did too. He actually OD’d on ketamine twice. Cocaine, ketamine, all those types of things, it causes cognitive disorders and dysfunctions and s### like that.”
Gunplay previously missed three hearings about his wife’s restraining order against him. If he misses the fourth hearing, her restraining order will be made permanent and prevent him from being around his daughter until her 18th birthday.
Taylor-Morales filed for divorce following Gunplay’s arrest, but she said he refused to sign the papers. She is seeking child support from the rapper.
50 Cent trolled Diddy, advising the Bad Boy Records mogul to seek legal counsel following the arrest of Keefe D. The G-Unit leader suggested Diddy was the mastermind behind the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur in an Instagram post on Monday (October 9).
“Damn so pac got lined by brother love,” 50 Cent wrote. “LOL Time to Lawyer up, s### might get sticky.”
Keefe D, whose real name is Duane Davis, was arrested for Shakur’s murder on September 29. Davis was charged with one count of murder with the use of a deadly weapon and with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang.
Prior to his arrest, Davis implicated Diddy in Shakur’s murder in an interview with the Art of Dialogue. Davis said Diddy pitted him against Suge Knight, who was in the car with Shakur when the late rapper was shot in 1996.
Shakur was infamously shot in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas. He died a few days later at a local hospital.
Prosecutors claim Davis “ordered the death” of Shakur and the attempted murder of Knight. Davis publicly admitted he was involved in the shooting in his memoir and past interviews.
“Duane Davis was the shot caller for this group of individuals that committed this crime,” Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Jason Johansson said. “And he orchestrated the plan that was carried out.”
Davis’ nephew Orlando Anderson was long considered the prime suspect in Shakur’s murder. Anderson died in 1998.
Authorities still believe Anderson was the shooter. Prosecutors did not need to prove Davis pulled the trigger to charge him with murder. Davis faced a murder charge for aiding and abetting in the crime.
Davis has not entered a plea in the murder case. His arraignment was originally scheduled for October 4, but a Nevada judge granted a two-week delay.
Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast co-host Wallo had a few things to get off his chest on Sunday (October 8). Taking to Instagram, the 44-year-old laid into the current state of rap, calling for the powers that be to wake up. He claims the rap industry landscape is “undergoing a remarkable transformation” and insists fans of the genre have grown tired of the monotony ruling the charts.
“It’s intriguing to observe that many artist teams have yet to catch up with this evolving dynamic,” he wrote in part. “The era of relying solely on flashy jewelry, ostentatious fashion choices, references to drugs, and flaunting firearms to capture attention is fading into obscurity. What truly resonates with audiences now is not the gimmicks but rather the power of authentic, high-quality music.
“For a significant period, it seemed like attention-grabbing antics and manufactured controversies were the driving force behind the rap game’s success. However, this era is gradually drawing to a close. The numbers, particularly those on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, Apple charts, are painting a starkly different picture. They reveal that it’s not the manufactured motion or shock value that propels artists to the forefront but the quality of their music and the genuine connection they establish with their listeners.”
For the past few years, rappers like 6ix9ine and Lil Pump were able to skate by using social media to generate controversy. 6ix9ine seemed to diss a fellow rapper every week (dead or alive), while Lil Pump criticized Eminem, one of the biggest-selling artists in music history. Wallo continued by noting how important it is to put the time in to becoming a skilled rapper—not just picking the right collaborator in hopes of blowing up.
“In this transformed landscape, the practice of paying for a feature from a more established artist no longer guarantees success,” he said. “It’s increasingly apparent that each artist has their own unique impact, and success is often built on individual merit rather than collaborations alone. This shift underscores the importance of honing one’s craft, producing compelling and resonant music, and cultivating a genuine fan base.
“In essence, the rap game is experiencing a significant metamorphosis, and artists and their teams must adapt to this new reality by prioritizing musical authenticity and the cultivation of a devoted fan following, rather than relying on outdated gimmicks and manufactured trends.”
Wallo is the latest to express his disdain for current rap. Juicy J recently shared a similar sentiment, as pointed out by TMZ. In a clip, he talked about the 40 percent decrease in rap album sales and implored rappers, producers, composers and engineers to “turn this s##t around.”
AllHipHop attended an event at the Recording Academy in Santa Monica last month, where Xzibit and Layzie Bone also lamented the state of rap. The discussion continued to wander through each participants’ respective careers but kept returning to where Hip-Hop stands as a culture. The overall consensus was painfully clear—something needs to change.
“Everything sounds the same,” Xzibit said. “Listen, there’s two factors that I believe are stifling music. Because Hip-Hop is so huge and it made so many people so much money, they think anybody can do it. For example, if you go and say, ‘I love football,’ but you won’t take your ass down there, suit up and get on the field when it’s time, you won’t do that. Everyone feels that Hip-Hop is so accessible that anybody can do it. It’s become a mockery of itself. That’s one.
“Number two, I think it’s become too accessible. Back in the day, there was a time that you had to go into somebody’s office and get an investment into your career. Now, if you have a laptop and WiFi, you can be an artist, which just crowds the whole lane. You’re doing yourself a disservice by participating in that.”
Layzie Bone chimed in with, “It just f##### the whole game up,” to which Xzibit said, “First of all, we should have unionized. We should have had some kind of union and a board and organized ourself. Right now, 50 years later, we still don’t own s###. Until we own it, until we control it, until we have a say on who gets to f###ng call themselves this and call themselves that like everybody else, it’s going to continue to spiral out of control.
“That’s why we aren’t on Billboard because nobody is in the pilot seat, guiding us where we’re supposed to go. We went to thousand to millions to billions—this is a billion-dollar industry—but until we take the focus and clean up our own backyard, then it’s not going to have the same respect that it’s garnered in the past.”
Birdman has revealed what he says was the reason he stopped working with Gillie Da Kid, saying the Million Dollaz Worth Of Game podcast host was never actually a ghostwriter for Young Money.
Apparently, it all went down back in the day, which we can assume was sometime around 2003 when Gillie allegedly parted ways with Young Money. In a recent Clubhouse session alongside Wack 100, Stunna broke everything down and also addressed the rift between Gillie and himself. Though he was adamant he wishes no harm to Gillie, he recanted any and all claims that Gillie wrote anything for any Young Money artists during his time with the label. Not only that, he also seemingly felt the need to go as far as affirming that he hadn’t ever made a dollar off Gillie’s music nor did he ever even release any of it.
As if that weren’t semi-inflammatory enough, Birdman detailed a particular outing in Philadelphia when he alleged Gillie failed to retaliate against Beanie Sigel for pressuring him in broad daylight at a shopping mall.
“My fallout with Gillie was, we was in Philly—I ain’t got no ill feelings with him,” Birdman started off before adding, “But n###s be putting this all this false, fake s### out.” He continued, “We was in Philly at a store and we was shopping. And Beanie come in the store, grab him, walk him outside and he got a blicky on him. We all got blicky’s on us, I got 100 n###s with me. So he n###a brought him out side and he ‘Woop-woop,’ and he ain’t do nothing. I lost all respect for him and then I stopped f###ing with him.”
RocStar2800 asks Birdman about why he lost respect for Gillie Da King on Clubhouse pic.twitter.com/xaAaZSviMP
It seems as though Gillie finds the entire situation comical. Not long after the clip made the rounds, he wrote a crying laughing emoji along with “25 years later.” However, something tells me we’re getting a POV video of Gillie’s eyes bloodshot and mouth spewing saliva, denying Birdman’s claims while berating him for them.
Drake’s beef with Joe Budden became a family affair. The Canadian superstar’s father Dennis Graham offered support by lashing out at Budden and others via social media.
“It’s a f###### shame that a young artist can’t do his own thing and enjoy his glory without an old hater m########### trying to bust his bubble because he has nothing going on, and to mention or put a limit on what age anyone should be dealing with which is none of his g###### business as long as they’re of legal age,” Graham wrote in an Instagram comment. “I am sick of these old f###### haters f###### with my son. If you don’t like what he does keep it moving m###########, he’s not bothering you!!!!!!!!!!”
Graham unleashed the message aimed at his son’s critics after Drake took another shot at Budden on Instagram.
“I thank god for this life and not having to come to rushed conclusions on Best Buy podcast mics,” Drake wrote.
Last week, the OVO artist claimed Budden “failed at music” in response to the rapper-turned-podcaster’s criticism of Drake’s new album For All the Dogs. Drake said Budden was “projecting his own self-hate,” calling Budden the “poster child of frustration and surrendering.”
Grammy-nominated recording artist Fat Joe, PlanetPlay and Lockwood Publishing recently announced their partnership to promote eco-consciousness in the gaming community.
The venture will deliver a series of exclusive in-game and physical merchandise created in collaboration with Fat Joe with a portion of proceeds donated to PlanetPlay to fund global climate projects.
“I really respect PlanetPlay and Lockwood Publishing’s unique and creative approach to supporting environmental sustainability,” Fat Joe said. “Together, we came up with an innovative way to bring fans new merch designs that will bring awareness to global climate initiatives and also help make a positive impact on our world.”
The collaboration will feature a series of physical and virtual items, including hoodies and t-shirts, which will be sold bundled with a variable carbon emissions reduction starting at a minimum of 100 kg CO2. The amount of carbon emissions reduced will be reflected in the design of the item, letting people show their commitment and contributions towards a healthier planet.
Fans can even pre-order the first t-shirt from the collaboration, featuring an all-new exclusive design inspired by Fat Joe and created by Rhea Stark through the official storefront here.
Starting on Oct. 11, Avakin Life players can contribute to the fight against climate change by purchasing a series of limited-edition Fat Joe virtual items, through the in-game marketplace.
“We’re beyond humbled to have an international superstar like Fat Joe joining us in our mission to engage the gaming community and make green moves towards a healthier planet,” said Rhea Loucas, Founder and CEO of PlanetPlay.
“Lockwood Publishing has been a tremendous partner in introducing our in-game items that support environmental initiatives, and this partnership with Fat Joe is taking it to the next level as we introduce an entire new collection of both in-game and physical items that will have a huge positive impact.”
Ivee Feria-Padua, Avakin Life Product Director, added:
“Gaming can drive positive real-world change, and together with PlanetPlay and our amazing community we believe this initiative can do just that. Interacting with fresh and creative branded content is something which helps players further customize is key to helping players express their identities, and we’re delighted to be working with Fat Joe to bring this to Avakin Life, as well as supporting PlanetPlay’s crucial climate projects.”
To celebrate the launch, Fat Joe will host a one-day, pop-up event at his iconic store in the Bronx, UP NYC. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to meet the international star in person, as well as purchase exclusive physical merchandise from the collaboration. Fat Joe is even giving attendees an opportunity to enter a drawing to win a pair of the latest fan-favorite Terror Squad (Fat Joe) x Nike Air Force 1 sneakers signed by Fat Joe himself.
Young Thug relies on a video game to occupy his mind in a Georgia jail. The rapper’s girlfriend Mariah the Scientist said he plays Candy Crush daily while waiting for a jury to be seated in the YSL RICO trial.
“He has an iPad and he plays Candy Crush,” she told TMZ. “He plays Candy Crush every f###### day.”
Mariah the Scientist also affirmed her loyalty to Young Thug. The singer said she had no plans to break up with him when asked about people advising her to dump the rapper due to his legal problems.
“They probably do [think the couple should break up], but I don’t give a f###,” she told TMZ. “I love him and I won’t be doing that. We’re great.”
Young Thug is one of the seven remaining defendants in the slow-moving YSL RICO trial. Jury selection began in January, but no jurors have been seated. More than 30 potential jurors have been qualified, awaiting the next steps in the process.
Last year, Young Thug was one of the 28 people named in the YSL RICO indictment. He was arrested in May 2022 and denied bond on several occasions.
Multiple YSL members – including Gunna – accepted plea deals in the RICO case. Others had their cases severed during the months-long jury selection process, leaving Young Thug and six co-defendants to face trial.
Julia Fox has been talking about her brief time dating Kanye West, documenting her experience in a memoir entitled Down the Drain. As AllHipHop.com previously reported, the two started dating in 2022. But the rapper-turned-fashion designer seemed to doll up his new boo to look like his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian.
Now, it seems as though the 33-year-old is trying to get paid by selling anecdotes about her relationship in the new book. Fox started writing her book in October 2022, eight months after she and West broke up.
“We spen[t] the day playing Uno and a game that involves highlighting positive words in the dictionary,” she wrote, saying Ye then remarked, “I’ll get you a boob job if you want.”
She also said that she dated him thinking it could benefit her career.
“I went into it … feeling all this could be real, and it could be amazing, and he could open so many doors,” she explained.
However, the Uncut Gems actress also believed she was “being weaponized” to hurt Kardashian. She also claimed the two never had sex. In November 2022, she insisted she wouldn’t be talking about their sex life in the book—because apparently there was nothing to talk about.
Jewels just released her new EP titled Galaxy Baby, and we can’t stop listening.
The North Carolina native’s ambitious new project solidifies her position as one of the hottest rising stars coming out of the south. The project’s lead single, “My Alien,” has become a certified fan favorite, displaying Jewels’ unique, one-of-a-kind voice which transforms deeply personal observations into songs that feel intimate and relatable. The song’s official music video sees an intergalactic Jewels entering outer space, in search of love and asks the question to viewers, where do we need to go to find love these days? The video also features a cameo, Jewel’s love interest (disguised in an alien outfit) has many speculating this to be a notable name in the entertainment industry… with Jewels neither confirming or denying the rumors.
Hailing from Charlotte, Jewels was raised in a ministry home, getting her start singing in front of the church. In 2020, she officially shifted her focus to her musical career, with an undeniable passion for creating meaningful, heartfelt ballads for audiences all around the world.
In describing herself, Jewels states, “I’m a singer, I’m a songwriter. I do makeup, I do hair. I engineer my own music, I mix and master it. I record myself. I’m an influencer at the same time. I’m everywhere. I like to have fun, all things fun. I like to be really hands on with my art in general.”
Beyond her musical talents, it’s Jewels’ beauty and personality that fans gravitate towards most. Whether she’s rocking bright pink or purple hair, Jewels naturally demands attention in any room she walks into — bringing nothing but good vibrations along with her.
AllHipHop spoke with Jewels, who was enjoying her Tuesday in Charlotte. Read below as we discuss her roots, love for Rihanna, the inspo behind “My Alien,” the new project, studio essentials, goals, and more!
AllHipHop: How would you describe your sound?
Jewels: I’m the mix between pop and R&B, then sometimes I’m a rapper. My flow and my cadence likes to speed up. I like to give Hip Hop in the midst of what I’m doing.
AllHipHop: Being from Charlotte, what was that like growing up?
Jewels: Honestly Charlotte, it’s really calm. It’s growing right now, but I wouldn’t say it’s the biggest of cities. It’s pretty calm. There’s a lot of different things going on, just being in North Carolina in general. There’s different sides. I’m in the South as well, so Hip Hop is definitely really popular in the South. But I’m still in North Carolina, so there’s the country. I grew up listening to a lot of pop music. There’s gospel. Church is really big in the South too, so I grew up singing in church. North Carolina for me is a big umbrella of things, then the rain is sprinkling down around everybody with all the different vibes.
AllHipHop: Do you have favorite artists?
Jewels: Probably Rihanna. I love her.
AllHipHop: Favorite Rihanna song?
Jewels: That is so hard honestly to say, it’s really my vibe. She has music for all emotions, and that’s what I try to do with my music too. I can’t say I have a favorite. [laughs] I like so many.
AllHipHop: When did you realize this music thing was real? That you could do it professionally.
Jewels: When I was younger, I wanted to be a fashion designer at first. That’s when I was doing a lot of sketches and having these sketchbooks, playing a bunch of fashion designer games. Growing up, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. I was just singing around honestly. My mom and my dad say I’ve been singing since really young. They said that I’ve always had a voice, but I never really tapped into it until I was… ooh, I can’t really say.
I guess I’ll go look at the songs of what year they came out. I was singing “Love the Way You Lie” by Rihanna and Eminem. I was singing that song and somebody’s like, “You really have a voice Jules.” I’m like oh thanks. I’m playing around with it, trying to teach myself piano. Just having fun with it. But I’d just been singing in church, all the way up until 2020. 2020 is when I made my first song. I was a cover artist. I’d drop covers on my Instagram, sing on Snapchat, do different talent shows in school. But I didn’t really tap in professionally as an artist until 2020, when I dropped my first song. That was called “Over You.” I just got my heart broken and that’s why I started making music. [laughs]
AllHipHop: Speaking of, “My Alien” out now. Who or what inspired this record?
Jewels: I’m a lover girl. I just dropped a project called Works For Me at the time. It was very R&B, very in your feelings. I was in my sad girl bag. I’m like there’s more to me guys, I’m not always sad. I’m making songs months ago guys, I don’t even feel like this anymore. Let me give the other side. I want to hop on the pop side, because that’s what I grew up listening to. I’ve always wanted to make that music, but I didn’t feel I had the right production when it came to the producers. I guess what’s being sent to me, or the sessions I’ve sat into.
One night, I posted on Instagram: I need some beats. I want pop beats. Send me all pop beats, upbeat vibes. Somebody sent me that and that was my favorite beat of the night. So I hopped on that beat. I decided I want to do something completely different. Different? It gives out of this world. I’m like, let’s go to space. When I’m making the song, I’m recording literally in my bed. Like criss-cross applesauce. Holding the mic, seeing where I want to go with it.
I let it flow naturally. Listening to the beat, it’s very, very pop. Oh, I love this. I wanted to start it with a very sweet intro and let it build, make it that astronomical vibe that I was going for. It naturally came out like that. It was technically really a freestyle, because it wasn’t really written. I was there in the mic, so that’s really how it came about.
AllHipHop: Talk about your vision with the music video. Are aliens and space more your vibe?
Jewels: Yeah, lately it has been. I have literally so many unreleased songs that go in the same flow with the space vibes. Cool, let’s call the project Galaxy Baby and set the tone that I’m not stopping this right now. This is a new angle I want to take. It’s really original to me, for someone who’s stamping oh, let me be the galaxy girl and really come with that. I have a lot of different songs using space as the metaphor of love. Like in “My Alien,” so different but so for me.
Honestly when recording the song, because I didn’t really write it out, I said we really have to get specific with this video. Because of what I’m saying, I don’t want to shoot a video unless I’m really with the alien. Really in a spacesuit. I really want to go and shoot it like that. Because love songs, you can shoot them anyway. I could’ve been somewhere, could’ve been a really pretty video and got some high quality with it. But no, I want to really express how I’m coming with it. Then my cover art for my project reflects the spacesuit and the crazy eyes. It’s fun. [laughs]
AllHipHop: Who’s in the astronaut suit?
Jewels: Ooh, there’s a lot of speculation. Everybody’s asking. I don’t know if I want to say yet. Everybody wants the tea. Everyone’s been trying to figure it out ever since I first came out with it.
AllHipHop: Are you going to reveal it at any point?
Jewels: I probably will, yeah. But there’s more visuals to come. It’s probably going to be a buildup.
AllHipHop: What’s one thing you want people to get from Galaxy Baby?
Jewels: Honestly, I want people to listen to Galaxy Baby and feel a positive vibe in the midst of every stage of life. Because I’m listening to these songs, some of these songs lyrically are pretty sad. I’m like ohh. But if you listen to the music, it sounds so happy all the time. I don’t know how I made sad songs sound so happy. “My Alien” is obviously a love song, it’s really positive. But some of the songs on there, I’m saying I hate you. You’re the worst, this that and the third. But the music itself, ehhhh.
So I want people to really tap in with their emotions, and realize that even in the midst of sadness, you can find joy in it. Because I’m growing. I’m still here to even say that I’m sad, and that’s a big deal. A lot of people can’t even face or really open their mouth and express what’s going on right now. I like to drop music and hit every emotion. I don’t want to just drop sad songs or positive songs, or I’m in love or I’m heartbroken. Or I’m a girl, I’m a guy. I’d rather make music for everybody, so everybody can grab something from what I’m putting out there. Galaxy Baby itself is a project I wanted to show just different and all over the place, but so centered at the same time sonically. That’s where I was going with it.
AllHipHop: How’d you get your name?
Jewels: My real name is Julia. Most people, their nickname is Jules, but I decided to spell it like that. When I was younger, I was like no, I want to be extra. It was Jules. This is before I even was making music, my nickname’s been Jules my whole life. Oh, it’s cute. Let’s go with it for my music too. I always have it in the back of my head: at a certain age, I want to go black hair and say I’m Julia now. [laughs]
AllHipHop: Hey, you have the freedom to do that!
Jewels: Yes, it’s exciting. Art is so fun.
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio at all times?
Jewels: I am addicted to caffeine. Either I came in with my cold brew from Dunkin, I’m obsessed. Or if not that, a Celsius or a Red Bull. Of course, I need my water, then some type of snack. I like candy. I like Twizzlers. A lot of people say I’m nasty for liking Twizzlers, but I love Twizzlers. [laughs] I definitely pull up to the studio with some Twizzlers, some caffeine, and some water.
AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself at this point in your career?
Jewels: Honestly, I want as many people to see me as possible. Not even in a sense of be the biggest and outshine everybody who’s out there. But really, I want to reach people. A lot of the songs I’ve put out, I’ve had so many of my supporters come in my DMs or my comments letting me know what this did for them. I’m just being real, expressing what I’ve been through. It means so much more to me when someone says, “Wow, you helped me. I’m going through the same thing right now.” Or “oh my gosh, I wish I had this song last year when I was going through this. You’re telling my whole story right now.” That means so much to me, when people feel it beyond what they’re hearing or seeing. Of course, I want to reach more people. Helping and let my lyrics be like ministry for some people.
AllHipHop: What do you like to do for fun when you’re not working?
Jewels: Well I have my dog and a cat, I love pets. My cat’s name is Larry, he’s right here. I love animals so much. I’ve literally rescued so many dogs. Every time I see a dog outside, oh no. I’m going to figure out where this dog is supposed to be. People hate it. They’re like “no Jules, we have to go.” I can’t leave the dog, I will drive away crying. I love animals so much. I’m a coffee addict, so I love coffee. Trying different drinks, going around doing that. Of course, I’m into fashion, makeup and hair. I was a makeup artist before I was a singer, so that’s all fun to me. I’m a chill girl. I love watching YouTube, of course making TikToks. Just fun stuff.
AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let the people know?
Jewels: My project Galaxy Baby is six songs. I dropped the video for “My Alien,” but I have videos to every song of the project. I’m coming and dropping visuals back to back, I’m really excited for that. Some of them are going to tie in with some older videos that people might have seen before, they might connect it to if they’ve been watching and supporting. Or if they go back and watch like oh my gosh, that’s the same guy from here. Oh my gosh, this time they did this. That’s so fun. More and more fun coming soon, different collaborations coming very soon too. I’s exciting.
Public Enemy is set to reissue It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back.
The hip-hop icons announced that they will release a new vinyl reissue of their 1988 album to celebrate its 35th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop.
“Thanks to Run-DMC, LL Cool J and Whodini, we knew that Hip-Hop albums could explode on cassettes. At about the same time, (The Bomb Squad producer) Hank Shocklee was the manager of a record store, and he would point out how rock bands like Iron Maiden, The Rolling Stones, and even Bruce Springsteen were getting the most out of the album concept,” Public Enemy founding member Chuck D recalled in his statement.
“So, we took that and went further with It Takes a Nation, approaching it like a rock band. It ended up becoming a part of rap’s evolution from a singles-driven genre into the dawn of rap’s album age.”
The reissue of It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back will be available on vinyl from November 10 this year. The album is also set to include bonus tracks from the deluxe CD and linear notes from Chuck D and Flavor Flav.
Donald Trump claimed the Biden Administration funded Saturday’s (October 7) Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, saying the militant organization used taxpayer dollars to target one of the United States’ staunchest allies. Iran supports Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group.
Trump posted his remarks on social media, writing, “These Hamas attacks are a disgrace and Israel has every right to defend itself with overwhelming force. Sadly, American taxpayer dollars helped fund these attacks, which many reports are saying came from the Biden Administration. We brought so much peace to the Middle East through the Abraham Accords, only to see Biden whittle it away at a far more rapid pace than anyone thought possible. Here we go again.”
“These Hamas attacks are a disgrace and Israel has every right to defend itself with overwhelming force. Sadly, American taxpayer dollars helped fund these attacks, which many reports are saying came from the Biden Administration… pic.twitter.com/1rLaMIFijz
As pointed out by the New York Times, Trump’s claims are false. What Trump is addressing is the recent agreement Biden made to secure the release of five detained Americans in Iran.
In this agreement, the U.S. helped move $6 billion in Iranian oil sales profits from South Korean banks to Qatar for humanitarian purposes.
The news outlet clarified that the $6 billion is not U.S. taxpayer money, despite claims made by Trump and people like Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican presidential candidate.
The New York Times added there’s no evidence that this money, which falls under Treasury Department oversight, was used to fund any attacks.
Will Ferrell crashed a frat party to perform as a DJ over the weekend. During the University of Southern California’s Trojans Family Weekend, the actor, 56, crashed a tailgate party where he hilariously performed as a guest DJ.
In a video, which has since gone viral, the “Step Brothers” star could be seen sporting a USC jacket, a backward cap, headphones, and sunglasses.
As part of his set, Will Ferrell played songs, including Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger and Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “N****s in Paris.”
The “Daddy’s Home” actor attended the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity tailgate party ahead of USC’s football game against the University of Arizona Wildcats.
Will graduated from USC in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in sports information. Additionally, his son Magnus, 19, who can be seen standing behind his father in the TikTok video, is in his sophomore year at the university.
This is not the actor’s first return to his alma mater. In 2017, he delivered a commencement speech, and in 2018, he and his wife, Viveca Paulin, contributed to funding the first full scholarship for the women’s soccer team.
Kylie Jenner has posted and deleted a pro-Israel message after the country suffered an attack.
At least 260 people died on Saturday at the Israeli electronic music festival Universo Paralello near the Gaza Strip after Hamas militants attacked Israel.
“Now and always we stand with the people of Israel!” the post read, captioning an image of the Israeli flag. “SHARE if you stand with the people of Israel as they face one of the most frightening situations in many years.”
Kylie Jenner, 26, shared the post, then removed it one hour later after receiving backlash.
“Truly shocked. A clever successful businesswoman and supporting genocide please do your research before posting,” one commenter wrote, while another asked, “Where’s your humanity?”
The Israeli festival lineup included Aladin, Artifex, Astral Projection, Flare Jackalon, Jumpstreet, Kido, Libra, Man With No Name, Noface, Protanica, Rocky Tilbor, Shove, Spectra Sonics, Swarup, and Wegha.
The event took place from Friday to Saturday, before Hamas militants launched a rocket attack at 6:30 am on Saturday and Hamas operatives directly attacked festivalgoers thirty minutes later.
West Coast rap vet Rodney-O is reportedly suing NLE Choppa, alleging copyright infringement.
According to Music Business Worldwide, the lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on Tuesday (October 3) and targets the rapper’s 2020 album, Top Shotta. It claims he swiped bits from his “Everlasting Bass” track to make his song, “Who TF Up In My Trap.”
“The composition of [Who TF Up In My Trap] substantially comprises the composition of Everlasting Bass and is either a verbatim copy or encompassed and embodied in an audio sample of Everlasting Bass found in the infringing work.”
The complaint names NLE Choppa, by his birth name, Sony Music Publishing, LLC, Javar Rockamore, Project Pat, Juicy J, DJ Paul, Stonii, Bobby Keyz, ISTHATYOUARCHIE or ATLAJD and DOES 1-10 as defendants.
Rodney-O, who currently lives in Kingston, Jamaica, was told that a portion of his song was used for the young rapper’s#### song, before taking action.
The lawsuit states the plaintiff, Joe Cooley, and Jeffrey Page formed the rap group Rodney-O & Joe Cooley and collaborated on influential projects.
In 1988, Rodney-O and Joe Cooley wrote and recorded the rap song “Everlasting Bass,” which is registered with the United States Copyright Office.
In 2022, the Defendants created a song titled “Who TF Up in My Trap,” released by NLE Choppa on the album Top Shotta. This song became a hit, generating substantial revenue and profits worldwide. Notably, the core rhythm of the song includes unclear elements sampled from “Everlasting Bass.”
“Defendants at no point sought to obtain authorization from plaintiff to use the Everlasting Bass composition in connection with the infringing work,” the complaint says.
Rolling Stone recognized their 1987 track “Everlasting Bass” as one of the top 20 West Coast Rap Songs predating “Straight Outta Compton.”
After months of speculation, Stormzy and Maya Jama have publicly confirmed they are a couple again. The British rapper and the Love Island U.K. host had internet sleuths putting together the clues after dropping hints of their reunion all summer. Fans of the couple were devastated when they split in 2019 after five years together. But over the weekend, the couple ended any doubt by making their romance Instagram official.
On Saturday (October 7), Jama shared a video on her Instagram Story of the moment Stormzy saw her as she returned from a long work trip to Fiji. He greeted her in the airport parking lot with two handmade signs showing his support for his girlfriend. One read “Maya Jama #1 fan,” while the other featured a painting of Jama wearing a red dress.
“You are so cute!” Maya Jama said as she walked towards Stormzy, who was waving the signs enthusiastically. “Thanks! Put it down now… I’m shy.”
Meanwhile, in other Stormzy news, the “Longevity Flow” hitmaker and adidas unveiled the next phase of the #Merky Football Careers partnership. They launched the program last year to promote diversity off the pitch in football. The scheme provided 15 people with roles within the industry.
This year, the initiative aims to increase that number, providing roles for 50 young Black people aged between 18 and 24.
#Merky FC is back, but this year, we've got to go bigger💪🏿
share one of the 50 #MerkyFC roles with a friend now to change the game.
“We launched #Merky FC last year to help level the playing field off-the pitch by providing career opportunities for young Black people,” Stormzy said, per The Voice. “I am so pleased that we’re back this year with the same focus but with an increased recognition that there is still a lot of work to be done.”
T.I. has been recognized for his unique style during Atlanta Fashion Week.
The Grammy-Award-winning rapper was honored in his hometown over the weekend, receiving the Fashion Icon award. Presenting the award ATLFW’s Angela Watts celebrated T.I. for his contributions to the region’s creative arts.
“It does not go unnoticed,” Watts said. She recognized the ATL rapper for “the business that you have created,” adding. “You drive the economy in this city.”
Watts branded T.I. “A true visionary of style, creativity and entrepreneurship,” as she handed him the trophy.
Tip then gave a short acceptance speech, noting his surprise at receiving the award. “I really do appreciate it,” he shared. “I’m humbled and flattered by the acknowledgement and the consideration. Everybody knows fashion is merely an extension of your personality. It’s really an extension of the energy of how you feel that day, at that occasion, in that moment.”
Check out the clip below.
Last month, T.I. gave back to college students at the newly reopened Morris Brown College. For the second consecutive year, he collaborated with Moolah Wireless to distribute tablets and complimentary WiFi access for 200 students. He visited the campus to deliver the devices to Pell Grant recipients and take photos.
Rick Ross always finds time to get his workout in despite his jet-setting lifestyle, even if it means leaving his private jet waiting on the tarmac.
The MMG honcho was traveling to Vegas recently when he felt like shooting hoops with his basketball coach. However, the Biggest Boss couldn’t go with just any instructor, drafting one of the best in the business to help him hone his shooting skills, Chris Matthews, aka Lethal Shooter.
Rozay kept his pilot waiting while the coach showed him how to ensure perfect hand placement before taking his first jump shot. The advice paid off as he sunk his first two shots but faltered on the third. After Lethal Shooter told him he better not miss five shots in a row, Rick Ross managed to get some momentum going and landed the following five attempts.
“It’s too easy,” Rick Ross declared. “I done held the pilot up for 45 minutes going to Vegas but I had to get my workout in.”
Before taking his flight, Rick Ross also promoted his latest song, “Shaq & Kobe,” the lead single from his upcoming collab album with Meek Mill, teasing something huge from the pair.
“We got something bigger coming up with a few NBA legends,” he revealed. “That’s why I had to come get with the muthafuckin champion to come work on the shot. You seen it, it’s too good to be true,” he added, referencing the album name.
Rick Ross and Meek Mill’s new single, “Shaq & Kobe,” arrived last month (September 29). Check out the video below.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky know how to keep the spark alive in their relationship. The superstar couple hit the dance floor together over the weekend during the “Praise the Lord” hitmaker’s birthday bash.
Footage from the event shows partygoers turning up at the private event at an indoor karting arena, with the birthday boy and his partner showing their competitive spirit on the dancefloor with a dance-off.
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna put their moves to the test to the tune of Rae Sremmurd’s “Throw Sum Mo” featuring Nicki Minaj and Young Thug.
Rihanna dancing off to Nicki Minaj’s “Throw sum Mo” on Asap Rocky’s Birthday party 😭😭😩 https://t.co/enEJGriu2w
Other footage from the event shows the birthday boy arriving to cheers from his loved ones and getting cozy on the dancefloor with the mother of his children.
Their two young sons, RZA and Riot, weren’t pictured at the party but were represented in a birthday gift. A$AP Rocky was gifted a pair of diamond “R” earrings which also feature his son’s name.
The famous couple welcomed their second son back in August after Rihanna unveiled her pregnancy during her performance at the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show in February. Their first child, RZA, arrived in 2022, named after the Wu-Tang Clan member.
The World Trade Center and Hip-Hop have a special relationship.
Several rappers have mentioned the World Trade Center in their lyrics, especially in the context of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and their aftermath. These artists include Canibus, Jay-Z, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., The Game, Eminem, Jadakiss and others. In his song “Juicy,” Biggie Smalls infamously raps, “Time to get paid, blow up like the World Trade.” This line is from his 1994 track reflects on his rise to fame juxtaposing it with the first terrorist attack on the WTC on February 26, 1993.
Other artists have taken pictures or depicted the structures visually on albums, promo pictures and more.
“Intersections: Marking Fifty Years of Hip Hop and the World Trade Center” Takes Place On Thursday, October 12, 2023, 6:00 P.M. At 180 Greenwich Street In New York City. Register Here.
After the events of September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center took on a different meaning in the world of Hip-Hop. Many artists mentioned it in their lyrics as a way to pay tribute to the victims and to reflect on the impact of the attacks and others delved into more conspiracy-driven theories. These references often conveyed a sense of loss, mourning, and solidarity. Rapper Canibus eventually joined the military as a way to join in the fight against terror.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum will host a unique conversation that examines the relationship between Hip-Hop and The World Trade Center. Hip-Hop, as a global culture, started 50 years ago and the World Trade Center was erected in the same year in 1973.
“Intersections: Marking 50 Years of Hip Hop and the WTC.” will celebrate the evolution of Hip-Hop over the past five decades and compare and contrast it with the representation of the massive structures.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from esteemed guests including historian and Hip-Hop pioneer Dr. MC Debbie D, CEO of AllHipHop.com Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur, and executive director of the Universal Hip-Hop Museum, Rocky Bucano. The Hip-Hop trio will be joined by Museum Director Clifford Chanin and special invited guests are also expected.
Pioneering emcee MC Debbie D said, “I’m excited about sharing my story on a panel with Chuck Creekmur and Rocky Bucano for the first-ever 50-year collaboration between the iconic World Trade Center and Hip-Hop.”
“I do not think most people understand the profound relationship between the World Trade Center and Hip-Hop culture,” Creekmur said. “But, I believe this panel will offer deep insights into those contrasts and parallels.”
“The panel about the intersection between Hip-Hop and the World Trade Center at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum will be thought-provoking,” the Bucano stated, “The World Trade Center and Hip-Hop’s origin have so much in common but started from different ends of New York City’s economic spectrum.”
The panel discussion will delve into the intertwined history of Hip-Hop and the World Trade Center, both of which emerged in 1973. The speakers will explore how both have continued to shape and influence culture throughout the years. The program will commence at 6 p.m., and admission is free however registration is mandatory (register here). Don’t miss this insightful event that explores the rich connections between Hip-Hop and the iconic World Trade Center.
