According to rumor reports, Will Smith is hurt over a recent comedy special where Chris Rock skewers the whole family.
Chris Rock’s “Selective Outrage” was the first live special in Netflix history and it got all the viral impact you could want as well as all the social commentary one could ask for. Rock was paid a reported $40 million to perform. Everybody that watched, watched in anticipation of his feelings and thoughts on the slap fiasco that occurred last year at the Oscars.
We all knew that Will Smith was going to get it and he got it. What we did not expect, I believe, that Chris Rock showed a particularly mean-spirited side – probably the result of being slapped in front of the whole world at the biggest event in Hollywood! It is a topic that we will probably continue to comment on for years because there are so many different views and viewpoints to have.
A source close to Will Smith, allegedly has commented for the actor, saying that he is “embarrassed and hurt” by Chris Rock’s Netflix comedy special. This is attributed to Entertainment Tonight, but I cannot find the source or link directly to them. So this is a “selective rumor.” But, Chris went at Jada, the kids and he went HARD. Brooklyn Hard!
NOW, after getting to the money, Chris Rock is ready to move on and put it behind him! According to other reports, Will has been trying to fix it and will continue to try. I think Chris and he CAN now, because Will unwittingly gave him $40 million more bucks and a historic moment. Again, unfortunately!
“He said everything he wanted to say,” the a definite source with ET said. “It was funny, self-deprecating, and thought-provoking. Now, “Chris is ready to move on.”
Marlon Wayans has a masterful special on HBO Max that is about his link to the slap ordeal. He’s 50, Will is 54 and Chris is 58.
What if they were all in on this? What if Will and Chris conspired to hustle Netflix for $40 Million. And then Marlon says to HBO Max, “I got a comedy skit where I can tall about all three parties in the oscars slap…for an HOUR!?” This is like the elevator situation with Jay-Z, Beyonce and Solange!
Emmet Flores, the partner of the late rapper Gangsta Boo who starred opposite the rapper on the reality TV show “Marriage Boot Camp,” has launched a new clothing line in honor of her memory.
The clothing line is exclusively available on www.queenofmemphis.com, and all proceeds from the merchandise will go directly to her mother, Veronica Mitchell, as well as the Stax Music Academy in Memphis, which will receive 10% of all sales for student tuition.
Veronica Mitchell, Gangsta Boo’s mother, expressed her pride in her daughter’s accomplishments and the support she has received from fans.
“My daughter Lola was my only baby girl. I was so proud when she would rap as a little girl,” Mitchell told AllHipHop.com. “She became the Queen of Memphis. My baby is loved by people everywhere, and it all started at home with us. That’s so amazing to me. It makes me smile ear to ear. God brought her home to be with her daddy Cedric and her brother Derron. I miss her, but I know she’s happy with them.
“I’ll always remember telling her, GO GET THEM DOLLAS, but I had no idea how many people would love my baby girl. I’m grateful all y’all support my daughter. Thank you,” she said.
The launch of the Gangsta Boo merchandise and the upcoming release of The Booprint is a testament to Gangsta Boo’s enduring legacy and the impact she had on the music industry.
Fans can support her memory and the Stax Music Academy by purchasing merchandise at www.queenofmemphis.com.
Peacock and Clark Atlanta University brought Bel Air into the HBCU universe to discuss this well received reimagining of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The series premiered last February and is based on a fan film from Morgan Cooper that stars Jabari Banks,Adrian Holms, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar and Jimmy Akingbola.
In the first season the audience was reintroduced to these beloved characters but there were some noticeable differences as they were brought to the modern era. One of the most polarizing and talked about is the latest incarnation of Carlton Banks, played by Olly Sholotan. Fans of the original show that were looking for Carlton to dance and always strive to be affable to those around him were very surprised by his actions in Bel Air.
Now that the second season is underway AllHipHop.com caught up with Olly Sholotan and show-runner, Carla Banks Waddles to discuss what we should expect in the next chapter of the Banks family saga. Olly provided some additional nuance around what Carlton Banks represents in the current era and Carla talked about the character dynamics and how music plays a big part in the overall story.
Stream new episodes of Bel Air Season 2 on Peacock now!
Chris Rock’s Selective Outrage is one of the most talked about things in the world of entertainment this week. The comedian sparked a lot of conversation after he used the comedy special to respond to Will Smith slapping him on stage at the 2022 Oscars.
Some Selective Outrage viewers disagreed with certain jokes presented on the show. For example, Michael Jackson’s nephew, Taj Jackson, had a problem with Chris Rock comparing his uncle to convicted sex criminal R. Kelly.
However, most of the discussion about Selective Outrage centered around Chris Rock addressing the infamous Oscar Slap at the 94th Academy Awards. That über viral moment came after Rock made fun of Jada Pinkett Smith, the wife of Will Smith.
“Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it,” said Rock at the Oscar ceremony. The Emmy and Grammy Award winner referenced the 1997 military drama G.I. Jane which featured a bald Demi Moore. Pinkett Smith lost her hair as a result of the medical condition known as alopecia areata.
Can Chris Rock & Will Smith Now Call A Truce?
According to fellow comedian Donnell Rawlings, there should now be a ceasefire in the presumed feud between Chris Rock and Will Smith. TMZ caught up with the Chappelle’s Show star to talk about the aftereffect of Rock’s latest stand-up routine.
“Most comedians don’t or can’t fight,” declared Donnell Rawlings. He added, “So there’s certain arenas we want to play on. In the ring, I’m not gonna fight. But if I get an opportunity to get you in my home, in my octagon, I’m gonna take advantage of it. A year later – you can’t tell somebody when it’s the right time to clap back.”
Donnell Rawlings also told TMZ, “If there’s a time to talk, right now, the score’s even. Hopefully, we get past this because these are two guys who, for the most part, stayed out of trouble… People have a connection to both of those guys. They’re not bad guys.”
Drill rapper Steph G is on the rise with the trajectory like a rocket. She’s a Brownsville bomber that does it all. She can spit, but also sing, has some dance songs and some tracks that are so New York, you can smell a chopped cheese through the speakers.
But her dreams and aspirations do not stop with the five boroughs of New York City. The twenty-something is working steadfastly to be a massive star. With that comes huge ambitions. Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and Steph G chop it up, a conversation about her hopes and dreams. Moreover, she talks about her dream list of collaborations. She definitely feels like she’s ready for a feature with Cardi B, but also explains what she would do if she got “flewed out” to meet Drake. Are Dominicans Black? She’s got the answers.
Charming, skilled and beautiful, Steph G is a potential game-changer in a crowed playing field of rappers.
The topic of snitching has been a hot-button issue in Hip Hop lately. According to 600 Breezy, even Quavo testifying against the person who killed his nephew, Takeoff, is against the street code.
DJ Vlad mentioned security for Quavo and Takeoff may cooperate with authorities in the pending murder case. 600 Breezy agreed the bodyguard should assist in the prosecution of the alleged murderers.
However, the “Don’t Get Smoked” rapper would not give a pass to Takeoff’s own uncle helping the government convict any defendants. 600 Breezy pushed back on the idea of Quavo testifying in court.
600 Breezy Doubts Quavo Will Cooperate With The Prosecution
“I doubt one bit that Quavo would get on the stand and say anything that’ll make people say, ‘Oh, Quavo’s a snitch,’” said Breezy. “For the sake of his career and all that s###, his nephew’s gone. His nephew’s dead and gone. Nothing he can do to bring him back.”
The supposed Black Disciples gang affiliate also added, “He wouldn’t do that to himself. If Quavo sat there and took the stand to say anything about that situation, he got the snitch jacket on him now.”
“Where we come from and how we live, it’s just the rules of how it’s set up,” stated Breezy. “You can’t be a snitch. You can’t be labeled as a snitch, you don’t want to be a snitch. It’s code. A lot of this s### is stupid, don’t get me wrong.”
The TikTok social media app can break a new artist into the mainstream or bring new life to a song from the past. R&B vocalist Miguel experienced the power of TikTok when his 2011 single “Sure Thing” saw a rejuvenation in recent weeks.
As a result of going viral on TikTok, Miguel’s “Sure Thing” returned to the Hot 100 chart. The All I Want Is You track currently sits at #28 on Billboard‘s weekly rankings of the most popular songs in America.
Apple Music 1’s The Chart Show with Brooke Reese spoke to Miguel about the resurgence of “Sure Thing” in 2023. The 37-year-old singer/songwriter specifically addressed the success of the sped-up versions of the record on TikTok.
“I think at this point, especially because it’s older work, I think those remixes probably didn’t get heard. They weren’t heard at the time as much as they could or should have been. People hearing those remixes is fun,” said Miguel.
He continued, “I’m about all of it. I think I always wanted to be an artist that made music that lasted over time. And honestly, it makes me more determined to continue to keep going, so it’s a blessing. It’s really dope.”
All I Want Is You, Miguel’s debut studio LP, came out in November 2010. In addition to “Sure Thing,” the album hosts “Quickie” as well as the title track featuring Hip Hop star J. Cole. Both of those songs also charted on the Hot 100.
Miguel Says He’s Working On His Creative Output
The Recording Industry Association of America certified “Sure Thing” as 3x-Platinum in 2019. “All I Want Is You” with J. Cole picked up a Platinum plaque one year earlier. The All I Want Is You album earned Platinum certification in 2017.
In addition, Miguel released Kaleidoscope Dream in 2012, Wildheart in 2015, and War & Leisure in 2017. An EP titledArt Dealer Chic 4 arrived in 2021. The Grammy winner spoke about what he has coming up in the near future.
“I’ve actually just been really working on just my creative output in general and figuring out ways to push my brain and my mind so that I’m better apt to create,” Miguel told Brooke Reese. “I heard something I think a couple of days ago, who was it? It might have been like Troy Carter, shout out to Troy Carter. He said something about creativity, but essentially we’re in such a time, a crazy time where being creative is really challenging and being really pure about your creativity is really challenging.”
Miguel added, “So for all the artists out there, regardless of your medium, I think it’s important that we support each other, and support being and doing what feels honest and true without any expectation or succumbing to the pressure of it having to perform in any kind of way.”
He concluded by saying, “I think the truest art is what grabs people and emotionality is what makes art important. And the more we focus on those things, the more true the art becomes and the deeper people can connect to it. I think that’s what, we as artists, at this point, I think that’s where we really show our value.”
Melle Mel has been a trending Twitter topic for days after his controversial interview with The Art of Dialogue. During the conversation, the Hip-Hop legend weighed in on Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne as well as the divisive list Billboard published on its “50 Greatest Rappers of All Time” earlier this month.
The interview sparked a cascade of reactions from Hip-Hop fans and peers alike. 50 Cent, in particular, defended his longtime friend and collaborator Eminem, writing, “There was more money selling dope than being in Hip Hop when Melle Mel was popping, the culture has grown so much. I am not sure if it would be what it is today with out artist like Eminem. S### I am not sure I would be who I am with out him but you know it is competitive so n##### gonna hate. LOL f### outta here ! We sucker free.”
Papoose and Fat Joe also joined in to defend Slim Shady, while applauding his skillset in the process. Now, Melle Mel is finally addressing all of the backlash. In an exclusive clip obtained by AllHipHop, Melle Mel not only announces his new podcast, Melle Mel’sHip Hop Corner, but also uses the inaugural episode to confront his detractors.
“Melle Mel has nothing against nobody in Hip-Hop,” he begins from the gym, curling a significant amount of weight. “I’ve been in Hip-Hop for 40 years, very competitive. I really have nothing against nobody. I’m not jealous by nobody. I’m not intimidated by anybody or anything, and I’m not bitter. I just come across as I come across ’cause I’m a man, and I say what I say. And when I say what I say, I say what I say.
“I have nothing against nobody, no MCs. I have nothing against anybody. The first thing we’re going to touch on is based on a list that Billboard magazine put out about the 50 greatest artists in Hip-Hop. Now what gives Billboard magazine or anybody the credentials put that out is beyond me. And whoever wrote the list, I think he should step forward to try to clarify his rational and his justification of putting out such a list. Everything that I said, that I commented on, it was a comment on what he wrote and who he put on this said list. I think Billboard is not known for Hip-Hop, of course. They’re known for records, so obviously Billboard is more leaning toward guys that made records compared toward guys like myself who put in all the time in Hip-Hop.”
Mell Mel continues by explaining his history as the lead MC in Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, saying the group wasn’t necessarily known for its hit records but for its impact.
“What we’re known for is when a person first called themself an MC, it was me,” he explains. “When the first person said ‘Hip-Hop’ and ‘Yes, yes y’all,’ that was my brother and that was Cowboy. That’s what we’re known for. We’re responsible for the genre. We’re the biggest influences in the genre […] The word Hip-Hop came from my crew. Cowboy invented the word Hip-Hop. Melle Mel invented the term MC. I was the first one to say it and we were the greatest group to do it […] I’m never going to be irrelevant. I started a whole music genre.”
Finally, Melle Mel gets to the “white elephant” in the room, as he put it, and specifically talks about Eminem who he said was only rated No. 5 on the Billboard list because he’s white.
“I guess that started the uproar,” he says. “Everybody is so angry that I’d say that, that I’ve been branded a racist, which is neither here nor there ’cause that’s almost impossible. I’ve been playing for all different kinds of people my entire life. That’s so far off-kilter that I don’t understand. But Eminem made a record called ‘White America,’ where he said that he wouldn’t be as popular if he wasn’t white. We basically said the same thing.”
Melle Mel went on to reference the song “Til I Collapse” in which Eminem puts himself behind eight other rappers (André 3000, Nas, Redman, 2Pac, JAY-Z, Jadakiss, Kurupt and Biggie) and questioned how he could be labeled a “racist” for essentially agreeing with Eminem. Melle Mel vowed to stand behind his comments though, taking full responsibility for the “earthquake” (as Chuck D called it) he caused. But, at the same time, he wants the “true amount of respect” and dignity the Hip-Hop pioneers deserve. Expect more podcast episodes from Melle Mel soon. In the meantime, subscribe to his YouTube channel here.
The Atlanta Hawks announced Gucci Mane will perform at halftime when the NBA team faces the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, March 26.
Gucci Mane’s upcoming set will be his first halftime performance at a Hawks game since 2016. During a break in that game, the East Atlanta representative also proposed to his now-wife Keyshia Ka’oir.
“I’m excited to be performing again for the Hawks halftime show after seven years,” said Gucci Mane. “I can’t wait to perform in front of all the fans and watch the Hawks walk away with a W.”
Gucci Mane will join an impressive list of talent that has entertained the Hawks fanbase inside the State Farm Arena this season. Previous performers include T.I., Domani, Goodie Mob, Keri Hilson, Jeezy, Marvin Sapp, and Ne-Yo.
Coming off the release of the So Icy Boyz compilation with The New 1017 roster in 2021, Gucci dropped the “Didn’t Believe” single last month. Lil Zay also appears as a lead act on the M80 and Bizness Boi-produced track.
Gucci Mane’s The New 1017 is the label home of “Back in Blood” rapper Pooh Shiesty. The Atlantic Records-back imprint also signed Foogiano, BiC Fizzle, Big Scarr, BigWalkDog, Enchanting, Hotboy Wes, KATO2X, Li Rye, Mac Critter, Pooh Shiesty, Sett, and TLE Cinco.
Throughout his nearly 20-year career, Gucci Mane released seven Top 10 projects on the Billboard 200 chart. 2016’s Everybody Looking and 2017’s Mr. Davis peaked at No. 2. Gucci scored a No. 1 on the Hot 100 songs chart as a guest on “Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd.
To purchase tickets for the Atlanta Hawks versus Memphis Grizzlies game on Sunday, March 26 featuring Gucci Mane visit hawks.com/tickets.
Multi-time father Nick Cannon announced the E! network will present a new game show titled Who’s Having My Baby? with Kevin Hart.
“We’re expecting… a new show on E! 👀 🍼 #WhosHavingMyBaby premieres this Spring on @eentertainment! @KevinHart4real,” tweeted Cannon on Tuesday afternoon ET.
That tweet included a 30-second trailer for Who’s Having My Baby? Superstar comedian Kevin Hart serves as the host of the show. Nick Cannon appears as the “bachelor” for the dating competition.
“You’re on a game show right now,” Hart tells Cannon in the teaser. “You’re going to get some contestants that wanna have your baby.” The clip also includes the tagline: THE MOTHER OF ALL GAME SHOWS.
However, Variety reports Nick Cannon’s Who’s Having My Baby? will never actually air on television. According to the entertainment news outlet, Who’s Having My Baby? is a sketch for an upcoming project by Kevin Hart.
Nick Cannon and Kevin Hart have a history of pulling pranks on each other. In July 2021, Cannon bought Hart a lama as a gag gift for the Jumanji: The Next Level star’s birthday.
Then Hart posted The Masked Singer host’s real telephone number in cities across the country. He shared that information on billboards that read, “For any advice on fatherhood? Call my friend Nick Cannon. Hey guys! Here is his cell #.”
Eazy The Block Captain is shaking things up in the battle rap community, announcing a major move with Remy Ma.
The Philadelphia artist has experienced a near-unparalleled ascension to the top of the sport after a series of impactful battles with solidified greats, including the likes of Aye Verb, T-Rex, Calicoe, K-Shine, and Goodz, arguably beating them all.
His latest heavyweight clash with battle rap legend and Wild ’n Out star Hitman Holla only propelled him further into the spotlight, making him the hottest battle rapper in the game right now. The pair went head-to-head earlier this month as the main event for Remy Ma’s Chrome 23 anniversary event. The Bronx icon was celebrating a year of running her own league.
After putting on a dominant performance against Hitman and scoring a win in the eyes of the majority, Eazy the Block Captain made a series of announcements about his immediate future while on an extensive media run.
During Eazy’s recent appearance on The Joe Budden Podcast, Murda Mook told Budden he would battle Eazy The Block Captain. The Philly rapper also listed a few other names in his sights. After taking on the Harlem legend, Eazy wants wreck with veterans Arsonal and Shotgun Suge. He also wants to see three-time battle rap Champion of the year, Geechi Gotti. Check out the clip below and watch the episode at the end of the page.
Last week, Eazy announced that he would no longer tie himself into long-term exclusivity contracts with any battle rap league. “When y’all don’t want to book me, my kids still got to eat,” he stated during an interview with Black Compass Media. “It’s not personal, it’s business.”
Then on Monday, Eazy the Block Captain had the battle rap streets chattering about his latest revelation.
“Actually, Remy is my entertainment manager now,” Eazy told 3letterman after explaining he was leveling up in his career. “This n#### made a power move,” the Hip-Hop podcaster replied as Eazy sat back in his chair and laughed.
Adidas continues to feel the impact of its split with Kanye West and the end of their Yeezy partnership.
According to MarketWatch, today (Mar. 8), Adidas announced plans to slash its 2022 dividend to €0.70 (74 U.S. cents) per share, stemming from the impact of the brand’s decision to sever ties with Kanye West. The German sportswear company’s full-year dividend stood at €3.30 a year earlier.
Adidas also reported fourth-quarter operating losses of €724M for the three months to the end of December. They recorded a profit of €66M in the same period in the year prior. However, the loss was worse than some analyst’s expectations. Bloomberg consensus estimates had seen the loss at €717M.
In addition, Adidas attributed their 1% decline in quarterly revenues to a negative impact of €600M resulting from the termination of their partnership with Kanye West. The discontinuation of the Yeezy brand had a “particularly strong impact” on North American demand, Adidas stated.
Furthermore, Adidas remains undecided as to whether or not to repurpose its Yeezy branded stock. The company repeated the profit warning issued last month that if the merchandise remains unsold, Adidas may be in the hole for about $1.3 billion.
“2023 will be a transition year to build the base for 2024 and 2025,” said chief executive officer Bjørn Gulden in a statement. “We need to reduce inventories and lower discounts. We can then start to build a profitable business again in 2024.”
Meanwhile, Kanye West marked his return to Instagram this week following a ban for antisemitic comments. He shared a post of an image from a Balenciaga fashion show asking his followers to “Write a caption.”
Math Hoffa has warned Charleston White to seek legal advice after the YouTuber threatened to rape the My Expert Opinion host’s young daughters.
Math Hoffa is the latest in a longline of rapacts to get into it with the polarizing figure known for his controversial takes on Hip Hop culture. The back-and-forth began after Math mentioned him during an episode of his podcast and Charleston White lashed out.
However, he dragged Math’s family into the dispute, threatening to sexually assault them in a vile rant. Math Hoffa was understandably upset and issued several responses, blasting Charleston White over his remarks.
“Y’all see this s###? Y’all see this clown?” Math Hoffa said in a video shared on Instagram earlier this week. “Last night, I told this n####, ‘F### your life.’ And today, this n#### got online and tooted it. Tooted it up in the air. We gon’ help you get outta here, homie. We gon’ help your pedophile ass get out of here, homie.”
He added that White was attempting to cover up that he “tried to threaten my six or seven-year-old daughters. Threatened to rape them. Online.”
In another video uploaded on Tuesday (Mar. 7), Math Hoffa warned, “We’re on a countdown to the end of a cancer,” and urged Charleston White to seek legal advice.
“Just saw Charlestown video, Bruh this is not good,” Math penned in the caption. “Call your lawyer, and start making some payments my boy. They coming.”
“Say what you want about me, that s### don’t bother me,” he stated in the video. “But you play with my f###### kids, you out of here.”
After announcing that she’s done sharing her men, Yung Miami has declared she is officially single, despite whatever it might appear she has going on with Diddy.
The City Girl has been very open about her affection for “Papi,” as she calls the Hip-Hop mogul. In turn, Diddy defended his “Shawty Wop” Yung Miami against claims she was a side-chick after he welcomed a daughter last year with Dana Tran. The new baby arrived amid his PDAs and public outings with the Revolt podcast host.
However, despite the family vacations, joint philanthropic missions, collaborations, and lavish gifts, Yung Miami says she doesn’t have a man.
The Caresha Please star made the revelations during a recent backstage interview at Rolling Loud with fellow City Girl JT. After wowing the festival crowd together, Billboard asked the duo if JT and Lil Uzi Vert ever double date with Miami and her man.
However, Yung Miami was quick to shut down the question, claiming she’s footloose and fancy-free. “I’m single, baby,” she replied before adding, “What man you saw me with?”
The interview pointed out the obvious, stating, “I might have seen some pictures.” However the rapper stood her ground. “Yeaaah, yeah. I’m single S-I-N-G-L-E. Baby,” she declared. Check out the clip below.
The “Good Love” hitmaker’s clarification of her single status arrives amid a series of comments about her love life. Following the Rolling Loud festivities Yung Miami tweeted, “It’s been a long week I just want my man 😓.” A few hours later, she returned to Twitter to declare that she is done sharing her men. “I’m not sharing my next n####!” she stated.
Meanwhile, over on IG Live, Caresha discussed her views on marriage. According to Yung Miami, “men are not faithful,” so she will never tie the knot.
Drake is the greatest rapper of all time, according to Michael B. Jordan, and he’s prepared to fight anybody over his choice.
The discussion around the best rappers of all time has come up again, and as always, it’s a topic that triggers fierce debate. Michael B. Jordan joined the conversation, placing Drake at the top stop, above the likes of Jay-Z and Tupac. Although he admitted that “there’s not enough space” for everybody, he was clear who tops his G.O.A.T. list.
Jordan and his Creed III co-star Jonathan Majors debated who is the G.O.A.T. rapper during a recent interview with Complex. The pair joined in the “GOAT Talk” segment and had to name the greatest from a number of categories, including athletes and entertainers.
“This one is hard,” Majors mused when they had to name their rapper G.O.A.T.s. While his “dilemma” was choosing between Jay-Z and Tupac, Michael B. Jordan was assertive with his selection.
“Drake,” Jordan declared before adding, “fight me.” When a stunned Jonathan Majors replied with a laugh, “You said Drake?” the 36-year-old doubled down. “Fight me,” Jordan repeated.
Majors began asking Jordan, “What happened to ‘Pac?” but he quickly answered his own question, adding, “that’s alright, that’s your business.” Check out the video below.
Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan is reaping the rewards of his directorial debut as Creed IIIsmashed box office records and set records with its nearly $100 million global opening weekend last Friday (Mar. 3).
On Tuesday, Dreamville, which co-executive produced Creed III: The Soundtrack, issued a statement reflecting on being part of such an epic project. They also saluted Michael B. Jordan for his “incredible leadership.”
“A large thanks to the cast, producers, and incredible leadership of Michael B. Jordan, who continues to inspire us all while shattering glass ceilings of his own as an actor and director. Major praises for steering this powerful project and allowing us to pen the sounds for your directorial debut,” read the statement in part. Check the full statement below.
ABFF Honors once again honored Black artists who have made significant contributions to the motion picture and television industry as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood at the 2023 ABFF Honors awards ceremony.
Deon Cole returned as the host, and the comedian certainly did not disappoint in adding the comedic elements to the celebration of Black culture and achievement.
The night was truly and evening of Black excellence as Courtney B. Vance and Kerry Washington were honored with the Excellence in Arts Award, Charles D. King with the Industry Leadership Award, Janelle Monae with the Renaissance Award and ‘Eve’s Bayou’ with the Classic Cinema Award.
With presenters such as Yvonne Orji and Jonathan Majors, the ABFF Honors honorees certainly received their flowers.
Presenting sponsors included Cadillac and Amazon Studios with supporting sponsors including Sony Pictures, Comcast NBC Universal, Andscape and Fulton Films.
Before all of the action, AllHipHop’s Rea Davis caught up with General Motors’ Director of Diversity, Marketing & Development, Tarshena Armstrong on the red carpet to discuss Cadillac’s continued mission in highlighting and celebrating excellence.
AllHipHop: We are at the 2023 ABFF Honors. We are celebrating so much excellence tonight. How does it feel to be a part of this?
Tarshena Armstrong: It feels amazing. Cadillac has been a sponsor of ABFF for the past 10 years. So longevity, consistency and to celebrate Black excellence is a part of our DNA.
AllHipHop: So, Hip Hop is turning 50 this year. Who are your “Top 5” favorite rappers dead or alive?
Tarshena Armstrong: Jay-Z, J. Cole, Tupac, Chance The Rapper and MC Breed.
AllHipHop: What’s next for you?
Tarshena Armstrong: What’s next is for Cadillac and GM to resonate with culture; so we’re looking to have an always-on approach to multicultural moments to amplify things like this with ABFF, and I’m looking forward to the actual film festival later in the year.
Ruff Ryders invited fans to join them for a celebration of the late DMX in April.
DMX’s longtime label announced the NYC Ryde Out event via Instagram on Tuesday (March 7). The tribute is scheduled to take place on April 9.
“Save the date!” Ruff Ryders wrote. “On April 9th, please join the Ruff Ryders Family as we celebrate and remember our brother DMX and all our fallen Soldiers with our NYC Ryde Out! Please bring all your family and friends for a day full of food, fun, games and music. More detailed information to come.”
Ruff Ryders directed followers to call (929) 529-6828 or visit RuffRyders2TheRescue.org for more information. The Dean family, which founded the label, started the Ruff Ryders to the Rescue foundation in 2000.
DMX, whose real name was Earl Simmons, passed away on April 9, 2021. The beloved rapper died of a cocaine-induced heart attack at the age of 50.
The multi-platinum selling artist’s posthumous album Exodus dropped less than two months after his death. It marked his first studio album since 2012.
Last month, Lil Wayne released a new single titled “Kant Nobody” featuring DMX. The track was produced by Ruff Ryders staple Swizz Beatz.
Donald Glover’s representative has confirmed he was joking when he recently claimed Lena Dunham used the N-word on the set of Girls.
While presenting writer/producer Paul Simms with an honorary prize at the Writers Guild of America (WGA) Awards on Sunday, the “Atlanta” actor recalled working with Dunham during his two-episode stint on “Girls” in 2013.
In his speech, he joked that Dunham used the N-word to refer to Simms in one of their conversations.
Dunham’s reps issued a statement to multiple outlets insisting she would never use such a word.
“Donald Glover told a joke referencing Lena Dunham for last night’s WGA Awards,” the rep said. “It included, for effect, language Lena never used, nor would use.”
In response, a rep for Glover later confirmed in an email to The Los Angeles Times that his comments were just a joke.
During the awards show, the actor recalled asking Dunham for her take on Simms, who executive produced both Girls and Atlanta.
“I asked Lena… ‘Hey, what made you decide to work with Paul?’ And she goes, ‘Honestly, this n#### let’s me do whatever I want,'” he said. “I remember thinking two things: ‘One, Lena is using the N-word extremely liberal with me. Who does she think she is, Chevy Chase? And two, that’s the kind of producer I want.'”
Earlier in this speech, the “Solo: A Star Wars Story” star made a joke about his “Community” co-star Chase, insinuating he made the same racial slur when they worked together on the sitcom.
Reports arose in 2012 suggesting Chase used the N-word on set and swiftly apologized to his co-stars.
Logic has always insisted he’s mixed race–half white, half Black. Therefore, it would make sense he feels entitled enough to use the “n-word” in his music. But still, some are questioning why the hell he just rapped the word in a sloppy ass remake of Ice Cube’s smash hit, “It Was A Good Day.”
Living Legends MC Luckyiam first brought this abomination to my attention on Tuesday (March 7) via Twitter. When a fellow tweeter asked, “Did he just say n-gga,” Luckyiam confirmed yes, yes he did. He added in the caption, “Bruh” followed by a facepalm emoji.
Logic has been labeled “corny” since the onset of his career—and this song isn’t helping. For more than two minutes, he sings the G-Funk classic like he’s performing at a pretentious jazz lounge for hipsters. He ends the clip with a smile and the words, “That’s pretty authentic.” While one person attempted to defend Logic, others quickly came for his Hip-Hop card.
“Logic is half white, half black,” one person wrote. “There should have been some sort of internal conversation between both of those halves where one side explained how wrong this is to the other. It’s like watching someone club a baby seal. Just wrong.”
Even Ice Cube’s own son, O’Shea Jackson, weighed in after someone said the “Kim” line was cringy. He replied, “Bruh it made you cringe and that’s not yo moms. Lmfaooooo.” [Jackson’s mother is Kimberly Woodruff, Ice Cube’s wife.]
Comments continued pouring in. Despite his recently announced tour with Juicy J, today was NOT a good day to be Logic. Check some of the reactions out below.
Bruh it made you cringe and that’s not yo moms. Lmfaooooo
Finesse2Tymes pushed back against any suggestion he’s responsible for the tragedy at a GloRilla concert in Rochester, New York.
Two women died in a crowd stampede at GloRilla’s show, which took place on Sunday (March 5). Finesse2Tymes, who performed at the event, spoke to TMZ about social media trolls blaming him for the deaths.
Finesse2Tymes initially commented on the deadly concert in an Instagram Stories post.
“Shyt crazy,” he wrote. “Wunt even there. Folks want me to lose so bad. Why?”
TMZ asked Finesse2Tymes to elaborate on the post. He explained why he took issue with anyone trying to point the finger at him.
“When it go on anywhere else, don’t nobody get blamed,” he said. “When it go on at my show, I get blamed.”
He continued, “As far as the situation in New York, condolences to the family and the people who was injured. I wanted to say that … Things got out of control and innocent people got hurt, but it wasn’t nothing violent going on. It’s just the internet.”
GloRilla addressed the concert deaths on Monday (March 6). She prayed for the families of the deceased and other concertgoers who were injured.
“I am devastated & heartbroken over the tragic deaths that happened after Sunday’s show,” she wrote. “My fans mean the world to me. Praying for their families & for a speedy recovery of everyone affected.”
Listen to Finesse2Tymes talk about the stampede below.
