Snoop Dogg teamed with TikTok to put the Death Row Records catalog back online.
TikTok announced a partnership with Snoop Dogg’s label on Tuesday (February 14), bringing Death Row’s music to the app. Death Row aligned with TikTok’s distribution platform SoundOn ahead of the catalog’s wider release, which is due out next week.
Last year, Snoop Dogg removed Death Row music from streaming services. His TikTok deal marked the first time the SoundOn platform ever reissued a catalog.
“Since I took Death Row off streaming almost a year ago, not a day goes by without people asking me to put it back up,” he said in a press release. “As the Super Bowl rolled around, I knew fans would be looking for the music from our iconic performance in 2022, so I wanted to reintroduce the most historic catalog to the people. I reached out to the folks at TikTok to make more history … enjoy y’all.”
Snoop Dogg purchased Death Row in 2022. The brand expanded under his ownership with ventures in the cannabis and wine industries.
A playlist of Death Row’s greatest hits is available now on TikTok’s music hub. Users also have access to a new filter inspired by Snoop Dogg’s “Who Am I? (What’s My Name)” music video.
Tha Dogg checcin in. Excited to tell y’all Death Row Records music is back for you to enjoy. Go get the songs on TikTok’s curated Death Row playlist available now 👊🏾🔥💨 #blackmusic#superbowl @musicontiktok @soundon
Drake is likely breathing a sigh of relief after a judge determined he won’t have to testify in XXXTENTACION’s murder trial. According to reports, Judge Michael A. Usan ultimately decided Drake’s participation wasn’t necessary. The OVO Sound founder was expected to sit for a deposition later this month.
Attorney Mauricio Padilla, who represents suspect Dedrick Williams, first convinced the court Drake need to be deposed. He argued a 2017 beef between the two rappers warranted some questioning. But Drake’s lawyer, Bradford Cohen, countered there was a “lack of foundation.”
Law & Crime shared video of the court proceedings on Monday (February 13). Cohen explained Padilla sent Drake a Zoom link for the deposition without sealing it. Days later, Padilla filed a notice with the court but failed to include details on how the Zoom interview would be conducted. Subsequently, Cohen claimed the subpoena was “procedurally defective.”
Drake also pointed out his name never appeared in the investigative files, proving Drake doesn’t have any relevant knowledge about the case. He called the deposition request an attempt to “add more layers of celebrity and notoriety to a tragic and unfortunate event.”
XXXTENTACION was shot and killed outside of RIVA Motorsports in June 2018. Suspects Michael Boatwright, Trayvon Newsome and Williams are currently on trial facing a slew of charges, including first-degree murder.
Whether acting as a consultant, artist, cinematographer, CEO, ghostwriter, singer, or just plain old family man, Kidricc James is an undeniable force to be reckoned with. A proud product of Acres Homes (the 2nd largest historically Black neighborhood in the US and one of the most notorious neighborhoods in Houston, Tx), Kidricc is an example of what you can become when you allow adversity to fuel your ambition. We recently sat down with Mr. James to get an intimate view into the mind of the man
How did you get your start in the music industry:
I wrote my first rap at 12 years old, but music has always been a part of me though. I used to want the latest album or cassette instead of toys for presents. I grew up singing in the choir of my church. I’ve been told my father was known to be a singer. My mother sang in the choir, so I guess it was always in the fabric of my DNA. I grew into being an artist and after 4 deals that went sour, I decided to apply what I knew and learn what I didn’t and became the solution to the problems I faced.
What’s the most important risk you took, and why?
Investing in myself and taking my career into my own hands. Rather than looking for someone to finance my dreams, I took it upon myself when I realized two things. 1. No one was coming to save me. 2. There was no such thing as the “perfect” situation and some motions are better than no motion at all. After my last deal went bad, I resorted back to the streets, and it took my wife (who was my girlfriend at the time) telling me that she would leave if I didn’t change. I went and got an $8 hr. job and started from the absolute bottom. I had to swallow my pride, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I would compare it to working at a fast-food restaurant. It’s as if I started cleaning the bathrooms and worked my way up to the owner. I understand the machine because I’ve played every position. I have no investors, nor do I need one. Everything you see me doing is paid for by me and has been that way for 14 years and counting.
What is it that you do and what motivates you?
I own and operate an Indie record label based out of Houston called King James Entertainment that I formed in 2009. As of 2015, we have specialized in hip-hop without profanity. Simultaneously I began shooting all of my own music videos and content. I personally handled my own media placements, radio promotion, and marketing. The results led to others wanting me to do the same for them and I formed Dot4 Media Group to service their needs. I have assisted in building the careers of countless artists, record labels and social media personalities. My motivation is being the source of knowledge that I wished I had when I was a young naïve artist trying to maneuver through the pitfalls and snares of the industry.
How do you balance acting from an executive standpoint while simultaneously being an artist?
I’ve learned to separate the two. It was a process; I have the best of both worlds because I’m able to not only create art, but also get to curate and protect the art in a way most don’t have the power to. I have the unique gift of understanding the music business from both sides of the spectrum and that gives me an incredible cheat code.
What do you think of the current state of Hip Hop?
When Outkast first came out nobody was wearing wigs and dressed like Andre 3000. As the game evolves, we have to push the culture. Do I like everything I hear? Absolutely not, but do I respect it if it’s pure and from the heart? Definitely. I think that should be what we judge it by. If it’s a gimmick then I have no tolerance, but if it’s for a purpose and truly for The Culture, then who am I to judge you because you see the same thing but from a different window? Your truth may not be my truth but as long as it’s THE truth that’s all that matters.
What differentiates you from others? What makes you unique?
I don’t view anyone as my competition, so that allows me to help in a way most is afraid to. So many people in the business of any type never like to give information and share resources. Of course, you can’t give info to just anybody, but if a person is serious about their craft, why not assist? I make sure that I’m compensated for my work when I provide a service, but sharing info is nothing. If 10 people follow the same recipe to bake the exact same cake, not one of them will taste the same. When I help my clients, I want them to get to a point where they don’t need me anymore. That’s how I measure my success. My goal is to break certain cycles that have existed for decades. I do what’s right in an industry that just does what it takes to win. That’s the difference.
What advice would you give a budding artist and/or entrepreneur?
Learn the business of music. Educate yourself on the way money is made from music and make sure that you receive your correct slice of the pie. The game is different now. This is the first time in the history of music that artists have just as many resources as the record labels used to have. Capitalize on that. Google and YouTube are your best friends. Things that took me years to learn can be found in a matter of minutes and all you have to do is search.
Lastly, what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be the proof that you can beat the odds. I went from being a high school dropout with a prison-issued GED, to becoming a successful businessman that provides for his family by doing what he loves. I want to be known for educating artists so that they can stop being victims of an industry that sucks them dry then throws them in the trash to die broke. I want to be an example to the homies in the streets that you can become so much more. You can take an impossible nothing and turn it into an incredible something. I did it. So can you!
Iggy Azalea reacted to her ex Playboi Carti getting arrested for allegedly choking his pregnant girlfriend.
The Australian rapper accused Playboi Carti of serial abuse in a Twitter post on Tuesday (February 14). Iggy Azalea also claimed her ex neglected their son, who was born in 2020.
“Imagine having a pregnant girlfriend and pretending they don’t exist until it comes out you like to abuse them too – & rarely visiting your actual son unless is because you’re running from whatever problems ya got going on in Atlanta & the press with your serial abuse of woman,” she wrote.
Iggy Azalea added, “Anyway. I’m having an actually amazing day! karmas real! Treat the people you love well! Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Playboi Carti, whose real name is Jordan Carter, was charged with felony aggravated assault and hindering a person from making an emergency call. Police claim he attacked his pregnant girlfriend in December 2022.
Attorney Brian Steel, who represents Playboi Carti, denied the allegations against his client.
“Mr. Carter was falsely accused,” the lawyer said in a press statement. “Pursuant to my communications with the Fulton County District Attorney’s office, this case will be dismissed without any prosecution or litigation.”
Playboi Carti was released on a $100,000 bond. He hasn’t publicly commented on his arrest or Iggy Azalea’s remarks.
Capturing moments is a full-time profession, but for Ruben Delact (infamously known as Princeofthegram), photography is a passion that comes easily. The photographer is based in Los Angeles and is well-known for shooting content with countless notable celebrities.
Most recently, his work from a photoshoot with Jamaican dancehall recording artist Shenseea was reposted on major blogs all supported his work with high praise.
The result was praise from pages like TheShadeRoom …
and even Diddy reposted the behind the scenes content from the shoot.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoYUNtCjPmX/
Princeofthegram has worked with countless notable celebrities such as Trey Songz, King Los, French Montana, Bleu Vandross, Sincereshow, Jessica Burciaga, Miracle Watts, Thomas Bryant, John Johnson III, DJ Carisma, Nick Pattiwack, AD, D3szn, China Mac, Kris D Lofton, Desmond King, Gareon Conley, and many more.
Ruben Delact, who was born and raised in the city of champions, Brockton, Massachusetts has an insightful story that led him to pursue photography full-time. Not only is he one of the most popular celebrity photographers in the entertainment world, but his reputation is earned. His keen eye for detail and his exceptional photography skills have helped him make a name for himself.
When he first started on the scene as a club promoter in 2018, photography was just a hobby for him. He was working in the city for years before he ever got a paid gig to shoot photos. However, one thing led to another, and he started to take his craft more seriously.
Nowadays, Princeofthegram is the people’s choice when it comes to top-tier, quality photography. His attention to detail, quick turnaround time and skillset for editing sets him apart from his peers. Connect with him via Instagram HERE.
Actress Olivia Wilde learned the hard way not to ever break the Hip-Hop girl code.
After commenting on Rihanna’s baby father and all-around Harlem icon, fans attacked let her know that that “Hot” rapper is off limits.
To set the scene up, the “Meadowland” star posted on her Instagram Stories a video of A$AP Rocky filming his son’s mother performing during the Super Bowl’s halftime show.
She tagged the couple, as she wrote, “If I thought he was hot before, this really put me over the edge.”
The Navy, a group composed of Rihanna’s millions of fans, was not feeling that at all, bombing on her left and right.
“Olivia Wilde was creepy about ASAP Rocky ‘respecting’ Rihanna at the Super Bowl,” one person posted.
She tried to explain herself later, according to CNN, saying in a post, “For anyone who got it twisted [eye roll emoji] … it’s hot to respect your partner. Especially when your partner just did thaaaaaat.”
Pharrell Williams has been named the Men’s Creative Director for Louis Vuitton. The announcement comes more than a year after predecessor and Off-White founder Virgil Abloh died. The luxury fashion brand revealed the hire via Twitter on Valentine’s Day (February 14) with a black and white portrait of Williams draped in a Louis Vuitton blanket.
“Louis Vuitton is delighted to welcome @Pharrell as its new Men’s Creative Director,” the caption reads. “His first collection for Louis Vuitton will be revealed next June during Men’s Fashion Week in Paris.”
Virgil Abloh died in November 2021 following a private battle with cancer. Nobody in the fashion or entertainment industries knew he was sick. LVMH broke the news with a tweet, writing, “LVMH, Louis Vuitton and Off White are devastated to announce the passing of Virgil Abloh of cancer, which he had been battling privately for several years. We are all shocked after this terrible news. Virgil was not only a genius designer a visionary, he was also a man with a beautiful soul and great wisdom.
“The LVHM family joins me in this moment of great sorrow, and we are all thinking of his loved ones, after the passing of their husband, their father, the brother or their friend.” The post was signed by LVHM CEO Bernard Arnault.
LVMH, Louis Vuitton and Off White are devastated to announce the passing of Virgil Abloh, on Sunday, November 28th, of cancer, which he had been battling privately for several years. pic.twitter.com/CytwZLvSFu
Abloh was fighting a rare, aggressive form of cancer called cardiac angiosarcoma. Diagnosed in 2019, he chose to kept his health issues close to home, which his family explained in a separate Instagram post.
“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend,” the caption read. “He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.
“For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art and culture.”
As for Pharrell Williams, his involvement in the fashion industry runs deep. He’s the co-owner of streetwear brand Human Made alongside Kenzo creative director Nigo, founder of the Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream streetwear brand, co-owner of G-Star Raw Denim and a regular collaborator with Tiffany and adidas. In 2021, the N.E.R.D mastermind ventured into beauty with gender neutral brand Humanrace. He’s also a longtime friend of Chanel and served as a muse to the late Karl Lagerfeld.
You ever think about what Eminem was like as a big brother?
According to NME.com, his little brother Nate Mathers shared what it was like growing up with the man many believe is one of the greatest rappers of all time.
Nate appeared on the “Just A Little Shady” podcast, hosted by Eminem’s daughter, Hailie Jade, and said he was “the best role model.”
“He was the best role model I could have had to help me be the dad that I am today,” he said.
Adding, “I started understanding a little more when reality would hit when I would start seeing [Eminem] on TV and going to shows and all the signatures and crazy people.”
“I am like, ‘Alright, well, this is real’… A few years later, when I was able to leave from being under my mom’s care, I moved in with you guys,” he said.
The multi-Grammy award-winning Marshall Mathers is 14 years older than Nate, with whom he shares the same mother, and Nate is actually, 10 years older than Hailie.
Hailie described her relationship with her uncle, saying, “Nate is my uncle – my dad’s younger brother – but also we kind of grew up together because Nate lived with us for a while when I was young.”
“I would say brother-uncle, you definitely act younger than your age,” she continued. “We are closer in age than you are to [my] dad, but still, I never realize how much older you are than me because I feel like you are like a brother.”
One of the things Nate learned from his famous brother, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, was how to write.
“I had learned from your dad how to do music and how to write formulas, compound syllables and tested it out in the beginning,” he said.
“From there, I started looking around for beats and whatnot and got comfortable enough with my voice and writing skills that I started recording and getting a feel for how I would deliver songs and how that would formulate to where people would enjoy it.”
Just in time for Valentines Day rising North Carolina rapper Baby Cheef has released the video to his single “Oochie,” his debut single on Trained To Go (TTG) Entertainment and an ode to Nas’ classic freak anthem “Oochie Wally.”
Featuring fellow Carolina rapper Supa Chuli, the song is a braggadocious anthem in the same vein as Nas’s instant Hip-Hop classic that set the bar on production and lyrics for sexually amped anthems.
“The music I’m putting out now, I’m really into beats with a lot of energy. I can do anything and everything. I call it conscious trap music. I’m a street dude with a mind. I know how to go out and get my money, but I know how to make it home safe at night. My music is going to motivate you, it’s going to create memories for you, it’s also going to make you want to go out and get some money,” Baby Cheef explained.
Starting off in gospel choir Baby Cheef learned to develop an appreciation for all types of music, but as a youth his older brother was his true influence when it comes to his style and music.
“I started rapping at a young age around 8, really one of my main influences was my older brother who had all the latest retro jerseys, the J’s and he used to sell mixtapes, so I saw that you could make money off music and I wanted to do it too,” Baby Cheef explained. “He was my first influence as far as being a rapper because I wanted to be him. I wanted to be just like him, he was my hero.”
By age 11 Baby Cheef had jumped off the porch and was in the streets, “getting into a lil some’n of everything.”
“I got outside and started getting to it and was hustling on my own,” Baby Cheef said. “Anything you can possibly think of a teenager getting into, I did. I went down a messed up path in life. Fact check it, you can ask my momma, I had a strong mind like my dad, so I wanted to get to it and make some money, but I would never leave music alone.”
But life in the streets would show Baby Cheef another path as he always had a passion for music. According to Cheef, all the big homies and OGs in his neighborhood would make him battle grown men when he was only 13 or 14 years old.
“Back then it wasn’t battle rap like SmackUrl or anything like that. It was more like who had the best flow and the hottest verse. You may say a joke in there, a punchline or two but you know I started flipping that into songs.”
Eventually after releasing music on his own for years, a local record labelin Charlotte named TTG picked up on Baby Cheef’s music and signed him to a deal. With their help Cheef’s music is playing in places far beyond his neighborhood and North Carolina.
“TTG did this for me. They thought enough to sign me and they changed my life, so that’s just what not giving up looks like. Anybody could tell you, they know me for this all through North Carolina. They know me for getting some money, being a good dad, looking fly and rapping mostly, but they know me. My whole city know that. My whole state know that.”
Wu-Tang Clan artist Raekwon the Chef, whose real name is Corey Woods, 53, is opening Newark, the city’s first cannabis lounge. This new venture will be an on-site consumption and use of marijuana products in the Four Corners Historic District on 799-805 Broad St. in April 2023.
The company, co-founded by Raekwon, is now called “Hashtoria,” according to Tapinto.net, and will sell smoking marijuana or consuming marijuana edibles – gummies, hard candy, baked goods, or beverages. People will be able to buy and consume on-site.
New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission has only started recently approving on-site cannabis consumption. Licenses are required for this commission to let anyone through.
Many are thinking why Newark?
The artist has a connection to the city. One thing is the semi-biographical series on HULU, “Wu-Tang: An American Saga.” That show, now in its third and final season, is actually shot in downtown Newark and the South Ward.
Hashtoria’s cannabis lounge’s application and architectural design were approved by the city Landmark and Historic Preservation Commission.
This will be the fourth location for the brand. The other establishments are located in Oregon.
Over the last thirty years, the Chef has put out seven studio albums, including his classic album “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx” aka the “Purple Tape.”
As a member of the Wu, he has been Grammy-nominated.
Another “Best of Battle Rap” list has dropped and this is the one that people look to as the Granddaddy of them all, Champion of the Year.
Congratulations to Rum Nitty for becoming Champion of the Year!
Champion of the Year is the equivalent of Battle Rap’s Grammy Awards. Not only do they drop around the same time, but the achievement is evaluated by the votes of industry professionals.
In their Top 5, they have The AllHipHop.com list has four of the same emcees in our Top 5. Seems like the fans might know a little something. While Champion and their judges include Bill Collector, we include Jaz the Rapper. Bill makes the Top 20 on our superlatives.
In their Top 6 to 10, they have Swamp, JC, Danny Myers, Fonz, and A. Ward. When looking at our Top 10, AllHipHop.com, we only have two from 6 to 10. We have Swamp and Danny, with them falling respectfully in basically the positions, We include Tsu Surf (who had a spectacular year as a rapper), Shooney Da Rapper (another person who dominated), and Geechi Gotti. JC, Fonz, and A. Ward do appear on our list later.
In their Top 11 to 15, they have Jaz the Rapper, Nu Jerzey Twork, Ms. Hustle, DNA, and Geechi Gotti. At this point, our lists start to really go different ways. We do include Ms. Hustle and two of the artists, Twork and A. Ward, we have in this section of our list appear higher in the COTY. We also include C3 and Viixen Da Assassin, say what you want the women put on this year better than most of the men.
In their final Top 16 to 20, they have Calicoe, Sheed Happens, Snake Eyes, Charlie Clips, and Kid Chaos. We missed this totally. Our list had Kyd Slade, JC, Bill Collector, Fonz, and Casey Jay.
To be fair, we have other lists that applaud all of these same artists.
And this year, the COTY, which like most overall lists, is very male-heavy, could not deny Jaz or Hustle. It also was contested with many of the artists and fans thinking the panel got it wrong.
Either way, we celebrate the list and all 20 of the amazing artists that made it. They are all worthy of acclaim and shout out to Rum Nitty, the UR-alien, who captured the belt for his crew, EFB.
Georgia authorities arrested Jordan “Playboi Carti” Carter, 26, for allegedly choking his pregnant girlfriend, according to reports.
This morning, TMZ ran an article claiming an unidentified woman accused Playboi Carti of assaulting her following an argument over a paternity test. The incident allegedly took place on December 20.
The alleged victim accused Playboi Carti of grabbing her by the throat. She was supposedly 14 weeks pregnant at the time. Apparently, the couple had been in a relationship for two years and lived together since July 2022.
Police officers arrived at the scene after Carti reportedly pulled the alleged victim from a vehicle. Investigators reportedly noticed injuries to her neck, chest, and back. Law enforcement booked Carter on a felony aggravated assault charge and hindering persons making emergency telephone charge.
“Mr. Carter was falsely accused. Pursuant to my communications with the Fulton County District Attorney‘s office, this case will be dismissed without any prosecution or litigation,” Playboi Carti’s attorney, Brian Steel, told TMZ.
Fulton County jail record shows the facility released Jordan Terrell Carter on December 30. The records also indicated he received a 95,000 surety bond for the assault charge and a 5,000 surety bond for the hindering emergency call charge.
For the past nine years, Michael Rainey Jr. has played Tariq St. Patrick on Power and the spinoff series Power Book II: Ghost. His portrayal of the rebellious teenager consistently garners reactions from viewers.
Prior to becoming a pillar in the Power universe, Rainey appeared alongside rapper/actor Lonnie “Common” Lynn in the 2012 film LUV. He also acted in other movies such as 2013’s The Butler and 2016’s Barbershop: The Next Cut.
Michael Rainey Jr. earned a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Youth at the 49th NAACP Image Awards in 2018. Plus, the Louisville-born actor also received a YoungStars Award nomination at the following year’s BET Awards.
The Twenty Two Entertainment co-founder came up short at both the NAACP Image Awards and BET Awards at the time. During a recent cover story article with CassiusLife.com, Rainey addressed whether he feels overlooked when it comes to award recognition.
Michael Rainey Jr. Explains Not Concentrating On Winning Awards
“I feel like everyone does what they do for a different reason. I feel like I’m in this for just the enjoyment. I like doing what I do,” stated Rainey. He continued, “I like playing the role of Tariq. I love coming to the set and being with the cast and the crew every day. So that’s one part of it that I just look at and be like, ‘No, I get to do this every day.'”
The 22-year-old Hollywood veteran added, “So I enjoy that. I don’t really look at it as far as being overlooked. Obviously, I’m not too oblivious to that, but I don’t really let that affect me too much, and I just let the work do what it does.”
Hip Hop Legend 50 Cent Gave The Young Actor Some Advice
Michael Rainey Jr. went on to quote Power franchise executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. The G-Unit Films and Television founder told Rainey that awards cannot be taken to the bank so they don’t matter.
“The first time [50 Cent] told me that, I was like, I could never really care or go too crazy about not being seen for some of these awards,” said Rainey. “I definitely just do it for my enjoyment. So whatever followers, whatever comes with it, comes with it, but if it doesn’t come with it, it is what it is.”
Power Book II: Ghost will return for a third season on the Starz network beginning Friday, March 17. In addition to Michael Rainey Jr., the cast includes Mary J. Blige, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Shane Johnson, Gianni Paolo, Larenz Tate, Berto Colon, and Woody McClain.
According to Apple Music, several songs by Rihanna experienced a significant jump in streams following her nearly 14-minute set at the Big Game. In fact, Sunday became Rihanna’s biggest day in Apple Music history.
Rihanna’s concurrent worldwide Apple Music listeners jumped a reported 331% immediately after her Super Bowl LVII performance. Plus, the hour following Rihanna’s halftime show was her biggest hour in Apple Music history by both concurrent listeners and streams.
The 2007 hit “Umbrella” reached the Apple Music chart in 105 countries which is a new record for the single. “We Found Love” made it onto the songs chart in a record 92 countries. “Work” re-entered the charts in over 50 nations.
In addition, Rihanna’s 2016 studio LP,Anti, charted in 161 countries following the Super Bowl on Sunday. The 3x-Platinum album ranked in the Top 10 in more than 20 countries including the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Rihanna also had a historic day on the Apple Music-owned Shazam music-identifying application. “We Found Love” racked up the most Shazams from the Super Bowl Halftime Show. 8:31 pm EST was the most-Shazamed minute of the performance and the most-Shazamed minute in the U.S. since last year’s Halftime Show.
The NFL uploaded Rihanna’s full Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show to the football league’s official YouTube channel. The video has amassed more than 34 million views in two days. It is presently trending at #3 on the platform.
This month saw Billboard and Vibe present the “50 Greatest Rappers of All Time” rankings. Superstars like Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, and Nas made the list. But Bow Wow was nowhere to be found.
Bow Wow (born Shad Moss) built a twenty-three-year career in the entertainment business. With hits like “Bounce with Me,” “Let Me Hold You” and “Shortie Like Mine,” Moss can claim success in the industry.
Has the 35-year-old Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta reality television star done enough to secure a spot among the elite emcees in Hip Hop history? Bow Wow addressed that question on social media.
After a Twitter user complained about Billboard omitting Bow Wow, he responded, “Out of my control my brother.” The Jermaine Dupri protégé also added, “I took no offense not making that list. I always said I’m not a rapper, I am an entertainer. I don’t like to be [boxed] in.”
In addition to releasing albums like Beware of Dog and Wanted, Shad Moss starred in numerous motion pictures. His filmography includes roles in Like Mike, Johnson Family Vacation, Roll Bounce, and Lottery Ticket.
Bow Wow also became known as “Mr. 106 & Park” due to his songs constantly topping the music video show’s daily countdown chart. He later became a co-host for 106 & Park before BET canceled the program in 2014.
Near the end of 2022, Bow Wow even stepped into the world of professional wrestling. The former child star showed up on All Elite Wrestling’s Dynamite as part of a feud with reigning TBS Champion Jade Cargill.
“100k or dinner with DDG?” tweeted the vlogger on Monday afternoon. That post was a callback to the “Dinner With Jay-Z Or $500k” meme that went viral on Twitter and Instagram between 2017-2021.
While Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter is a billionaire Hip Hop legend, DDG has yet to reach that level of financial security or cultural relevance of the Roc Nation boss. As a result, many social media users dragged the 25-year-old Epic recording artist.
One person wrote, “[I don’t give a f###] about a soul that damn much to pick dinner with em over 100k not even Jesus himself 😭😂😂🤷🏽♀️.” Someone else tweeted, “I’d take a caramel frappe from McDonald’s.”
Numerous Twitter accounts used reaction videos, such as Lil Baby counting money or Tony Yayo sucking his teeth, to express their feelings on the DDG’s survey. However, the Michigan native’s tweet did collect over 7,000 likes.
“Boy, [you’re] clearly not that hard to link [with]. I’ll take the 100k,” replied a user. Her tweet referenced the rumors of DDG cheating on Halle Bailey. DDG responded, “[To be honest], you’re extremely mid and I wouldn’t even look your way.”
Eventually, DDG conceded that the majority online opinion of passing on a meal with the It’s Not Me It’s You album creator for a six-figure payout was the wise move. He tweeted, “Y’all smart. Take that 100k lol.”
tbh, you’re extremely mid & i wouldn’t even look your way.
Lil TJay suffered multiple gunshot wounds during an alleged robbery attempt in June and is seemingly still plagued by the harrowing experience.
While the Bronx native released new music in the months after his roughly six-week hospital stay, he still struggles with his mental health. Lil Tjay took to Twitter last weekend revealing he is suffering from PTSD.
“I be feeling like I’m gonna die but I ain’t trynna go,” he penned on Twitter. He also attributed his recent difficulties to the condition, although he didn’t elaborate.
“That’s y I be steady going thru what I go thru,” he wrote before adding, “I got ptsd.”
I be feeling like I’m gonna die but I ain’t trynna go that’s y I be steady going thru what I go thru I got ptsd 😣😵💫
The Columbia recording artist reflected on the harrowing incident following his release from the hospital last August.
“Seven shots, it was tough, you know? Most people don’t survive it, but I’m here,’ he explained. In a later social media update, Lil TJay cleared up rumors that the shooting left him paralyzed.
“The blogs said I was paralyzed and couldn’t walk. But I started walking in a week after surgery. I beat the odds,” wrote Tjay, referring to the name of his first single after the shooting.
Lil Tjay – Beat The Odds
In addition to the shooting, Lil Tjay might still be reeling from his latest run-ins with the law. The “Beat The Odds” hitmaker was arrested twice in January. Cops stopped Lil Tjay in the Bronx while en route to a video shoot with Ice Spice. NYPD reportedly found a handgun in his vehicle, which ultimately led to his arrest.
Lil Tjay was back in custody again less than two weeks later, also on gun charges. However, his attorney Dawn Florio explained why he actually ended up in jail in a statement issued to AllHipHop.
“Lil Tjay was not rearrested for another gun charge,” Florio told AllHipHop. “He was excused from appearing in court last Friday by the arraignment judge. Another judge revoked his bond and put him back in jail for missing court on Friday even though he was told by the first judge that he did not have [to] appear.”
Joe Budden has doubled down on his comments about his fellow rappers “failing” to transition into podcasting, despite pushback from his contemporaries.
The rapper-turned-podcast-host came under fire earlier this month following a discussion on a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast. He and his co-hosts debated whether “podcast money” was better than “rap money.”
“You know what’s crazy? I’m looking at these rappers trying shows now, rappers from our era,” N.O.R.E. offered, “and they are so failing. They doing sports shows, they doing comedy shows … They talkin’ about, ‘Yo, I’m up. I’m just doing this for fun.’ No you are not!”
“Tell the truth: it’s great to see people fail,” Joe Budden interjected before N.O.R.E could finish. “You can’t take the blueprint and hire different contractors. They sellin’ ass out here huh?”
N.O.R.E. also mentioned Taxstone and the late podcast pioneer Combat Jack during the discussion, shading them for signing to Loud Speakers Network and “giving away YouTubes for free.”
“What was the s### that Tax and all them n##### was signed to? What’s that label? A dude named Matt ran it. Combat, Tax, all of them was on this label giving they YouTubes away for free. I’m the first dude that had a three-deal for the same crack,” he added.
The clip went viral and drew condemnation from some in the Hip-Hop podcasting community. Mouse Jones, who has exchanged heated words with the rapper in the past, called Budden and Norega “idiots.”
Joe Budden was characteristically blunt in his response, declaring, “I like watching most of you n##### fail.”
He clapped back during the latest episode of his podcast, stating “I like it,” when his peers fail.
“As somebody that has dedicated his life to podcasting, and I’m not leaving no time soon, I like when all of y’all jump in the race, bump ya’ head a few times, and run away ‘cause it aint no money in it,” he stated.
Budden also said he feels no guilt and referred to the backlash coming from one person without naming them. He branded the unidentified podcaster “failure,” despite being in the field for over a decade. Check out the clip below.
District Attorney Fani Willis offered a defendant in Young Thug’s YSL RICO case co-his freedom in exchange for snitching on the rapper, according to the father of co-defendant Lil Rod.
The angry father made the allegations against the Fulton County D.A. in an Instagram Live video.
“Ms. Willis went down to that jail and told my son if he—if!” he stated in a clip. “Listen to what I say. I ain’t tellin’ you what I heard, I’m tellin’ you what I know. ‘If he say Thug gave him $10,000 to [inaudible] that boy, then we’ll let you out of jail.’” Check out the video below.
Young Thug remains behind bars awaiting trial on a slew of RICO charges. Jury selection is currently underway but moving at a glacial pace, and is expected to last months.
Lil Rod Allegedly Involved In Jailhouse Stabbing
Meanwhile, Lil Rod, real name Rodalius Ryan, is one of several of Young Thug’s co-defendants who could face charges over his alleged role in a stabbing at the Fulton County Jail. Christian Eppinger, Damone Blalock Jevon Fleetwood, and Demise McMullen were also named in the alleged attack.
31-year-old inmate Demarcus Bussey was attacked at the jail on the evening of Jan. 31 after being surrounded by inmates. Eppinger is accused of stabbing Bussey in the chest with a shank.
Ryan and Eppinger were charged with aggravated assault. Blalock, Fleetwood, and McMullen were charged with misdemeanor battery. All five men were charged with willful obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
Meanwhile, last month, Rodalius Ryan’s attorney Angela D’Williams claimed a Fulton County deputy punched her client in the head. The altercation occurred amid the jury selection process in Young Thug’s RICO trial. Sheriff Pat Labat accused Ryan of spitting in a deputy’s face. He was accused of spitting in the back of a patrol car while awaiting to be taken to the courthouse.
North West is quite the budding artist, as she demonstrated in a highly detailed portrait of “Munch” rapper Ice Spice.
The nine-year-old daughter of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian showed off her skills in a video posted on the TikTok account she shares with her mother. In the clip, North shares a step-by-step close-up of her creating the picture of Ice Spice.
She proudly showed off her finished portrait to her 14.3 million followers, holding the drawing up to the camera while singing along to “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” by PinkPantheress and Ice Spice.
Ice Spice shared North West’s video on her Instagram and later praised the little girl for her artistic tribute. She told TMZ the young creative is “so talented,” and described the portrait as “so cute,” before thanking her.
While Ice Spice appreciated North West’s gesture, she was surprised by another fan’s impromptu gift. The Bronx native was strolling through New York at the weekend when a man dropped to his knees in front of the 23-year-old rapper, offering her a bunch of red roses. However, Ice Spice wasn’t feeling the love, returning a nervous smile before walking off laughing.
Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, Ice Spice joined Lil Nas on the front row at Coach during New York Fashion Week. The two rappers cozied up for selfies at the A-list fashion show held at the Park Avenue Armory.
“I’m the baddie friend she was talm bout,” Lil Nas wrote, sharing the pics on Twitter.
