The NBA is currently investigating an incident where Morant brandished what appeared to be a firearm during a late-night selfie video on social media.
The two-time All-Star was reportedly live on his Instagram page after losing against the Denver Nuggets.
In the video, he can be seen at what is believed to be a strip club, shirtless and dancing around to NBA YoungBoy’s “Bring ‘Em Out.” However, the attention quickly turned to the firearm he briefly displayed in front of the camera.
The situation has stunned fans and the NBA community as they try to make sense of the incident.
While it’s unclear whether the firearm was real or fake, the NBA has made it clear that they take these situations very seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation.
Many fans expressed disappointment and concern for the young player, who has quickly become a fan favorite in Memphis.
The Grizzlies organization has yet to release an official statement on the matter. Still, they must address the situation and ensure that their players understand the gravity of their actions, both on and off the court.
A lawsuit that Kanye West filed a year ago against a burger shop in Melbourne, Australia has been thrown out.
According to ABC.Net.Au, Justice Shawn McElwaine said one of the reasons why he dismissed the case was because Yeezy hadn’t executed any “steps whatsoever to progress this litigation.”
Mark Elkhouri, the owner of the burger joint, said before the lawsuit he considered himself a devout fan. In the courtroom, he showed his new-found disregard for Yeezy with a shirt that said, “I am not Kanye West.” The entrepreneur refuses to be bullied by the star- but the judge says regardless of that, Kanye’s team is not on top of things.
The owner’s team has been working with the courts, whereas Ye’s has not.
On Friday, Mar. 3, Elkhouri’s lawyer, Craig Smith, said he wanted the lawsuit dismissed on the grounds West’s team has been non-compliance with court procedures, saying, “We have an applicant who has no genuine interest in this proceeding.”
McElwaine agreed and said the “Jesus Walks” chart-topper demonstrated “very unsatisfactory conduct” before saying he nor his lawyers gave “attention to the overarching practices and procedure of this court”
Now that it’s over, Elkhouri said, “Kanye West was — and probably still is — in some ways the inspiration of who I am as a person.”
He also added, “There were some very, very hard times in my life that [the rapper] kind of helped me through, whether it was his previous albums and the type of message.”
The owner also said he might change the name of the restaurant anyway … but he would do it on his time and not because Kanye is bullying him.
Nicki Minaj returned to Queen Radio on Friday (March 3) and announced she was starting her own label. While she wouldn’t reveal the name of the imprint just yet, Minaj did confirm it would house a variety of artists.
“I have a record label now,” she said. “And because I believe so strongly in loyalty, and because I’ve spent my whole life giving to others that turn around and s### on me, Paddy Duke is the first A&R on my label.
“I’m not going to tell you guys the name of the label yet, right. But I’ll tell you guys that on the next show. We’ll do a next show pretty soon […] Don’t think my label is just rap or Black or anything. We got some other genres of music.”
Minaj then turned her attention to Lil Wayne and credited him for really helping launch her to superstardom. She stressed the importance of having that kind of support early on and vowed to do that for her roster.
“When I came in this game, I didn’t have no paperwork with Lil Wayne,” she said. “But he had us on tour, he had us in a studio, he was getting on my mixtapes. So I understand the importance of having somebody else doing the heavy lifting for you. I understand why people are coming out and they’re so, you know, microwaveable and they’re here today and gone tomorrow, because there’s no structure.
“There’s no real person that believes in them. That’s like, ‘Nah, I’m gonna make it my business to see you shine’. That’s why I never wanted to do a label before because I said to myself…unless I’m ready to really put these artists on I’m not gonna ruin anyone’s life.”
Minaj is now the first female rapper to own her own record label, which reportedly will be under Republic Records. Among the first artists signed to her roster are Ghanaian singer-songwriter Nana Fofie, Baltimore rapper Tate Kobang, Queens rapper Rico Danna and Bronx rapper London Hill.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard told us years ago, “Wu-Tang is for the children.”
Now, as the world prepares for the new “Wu-Tang: An American Saga,” many of the members are out in the world reminding young people of just that.
According to WBAL, on Friday, Mar. 3, The GZA, one of the founding members of the supergroup, went to Baltimore City to connect with students from the Green Street Academy and Cross Country Elementary/Middle School during an upcoming chess tournament. The chart-topper reached out the mayor of the city, Mayor Brandon Scott, and asked him to select talented students he could play against when he visits the city.
There are skills in the game that he thinks young people can gain.
“Chess is an important thing for children,” GZA said. “It teaches critical thinking, strategic planning. It’s a great game. No other board game compares to it. It strengthens them in many ways.”
The mayor said, “It’s a wonderful experience for them, and it shows that we have music artists, hip-hop artists who are truly beloved and believe in the culture in cities, and it’s another example of Wu-Tang being for the children.”
The six chess-playing scholars from each school (12 in total) were blessed to compete in front of the superstar. The kids were excited because many are getting read for a national tournament.
Javier Gomez, a Green Street senior, said, “I’m really excited for this opportunity, honestly. I’ve never done anything like this before.”
Gomez’s coach said, “We see this as an opportunity to prepare for nationals that is coming up at the end of March, so anyway they can play against people that they don’t know, it’s a great opportunity to practice for that.”
Chaka Khan shaded Mariah Carey and Adele’s singing abilities during a recent interview.
While talking to Andrew Goldman for his “The Originals” podcast, which aired on Wednesday, the music legend – real name Yvette Stevens – was asked for her reaction to being ranked number 29 on Rolling Stone’s list of The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time earlier this year.
After Goldman noted that Carey was placed at number five on the controversial list, Khan jokingly alleged the “Fantasy” singer may have bribed someone at the magazine.
“That must be payola or some s**t like that,” she said.
As for Adele landing at number 22 and Mary J. Blige ranking at 25, Khan commented, “OK, I quit.”
“These are blind b######! They are blind as a m############ bat! They need hearing aids… These must be the children of Helen Keller!” the 69-year-old continued.
In addition, she disagreed with Rolling Stone editors over Joan Baez being included at number 189.
“Let’s be honest, the b**ch cannot sing!” she said, adding: “Now, she was a good writer.”
Elsewhere, Khan was pleased to learn Aretha Franklin topped the list at number one, and Whitney Houston was placed second.
“Great… I’m the one who introduced her to Clive (Davis, music producer). And I introduced her to the business,” she recalled. “I made her mother bring her down to the studio and sing background with me. Her and Luther Vandross. They both sang background for me on my albums.”
She is also a fan of Beyoncé’s voice.
“I don’t have anything to say about Beyoncé. She’s a great singer… She’s got the chops. She does,” the Queen of Funk added.
But despite Khan’s criticisms, she insisted that she doesn’t pay any attention to the media.
“I didn’t even know what the hell you were talking about, so obviously, this doesn’t mean a great deal to me,” she added. “These people don’t quantify or validate me in any way.”
Recently Styles P released his second to last solo album Penultimate: A Calm Wolf Is Still A Wolf and soon after announced his retirement would be imminent. Today the Bo-directed music video for LOX’s album single “Death Before Dishonor” (with bass player, producer, singer, and band leader Brady Watt) is highlighted as Styles P transitions to his post rap career and his Little Farma brand of holistic healing products. We aren’t going to be getting too many more Styles P songs so enjoy this one!
“After I did Bass & Bars with Brady Watt, we agreed that we’d be doing more sh*t together in the future. This song was that. As a 48 year old emcee, I like to step outside of my comfort zone, and I did that here. [‘Death Before Dishonor’] has a different feel not typical to Styles P, but still fits in with what I do. I didn’t even know Brady could sing or produce, but when he played me this track, I just followed my emcee intuition and started working on it right then and there,” Styles P said.
Bankroll Freddie is at the center of an FBI investigation into gang violence and drug trafficking in Arkansas. But, he reportedly had a lot of help from his family. According to Arkansas Online, Bankroll’s father, Freddie Gladney, was denied bond on Tuesday (February 28). He was allegedly overheard on wiretaps discussing drugs and guns with three of his sons and arranging drug sales through a daughter. They are all now considered co-defendants.
“I do believe in the presumption of innocence,” U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe Volpe said. “But the wire cases really bring a new facet to the analysis and the strength of the case and you really get to hear about what’s going on and understand what’s going on with an individual.”
Gladney was indicted last November on drug conspiracy and weapons charges. The charges followed concurrent investigations into the activities of two rival street gangs: EBT and Lodi Murder Mobb. Evidence presented in the hearing showed Gladney had involved several of his children, including Bankroll Freddie. He was also dealing in large quantities of cocaine and marijuana. At one point, Gladney offered to “cook” some cocaine down into crack for one of his sons for $100.
Gladney will remain in custody for the foreseeable future. The judge said there were no conditions that would ensure Gladney wouldn’t continue selling drugs in one way or another.
Bankroll Freddie is still behind bars at a federal prison in Arkansas. In December 2022, Judge Volpe ordered he must stay in jail pending trial. He was originally arrested on November 10, 2022.
Legal documents show that rapper Pooh Shiesty will have to go a little bit into his personal bag and pay a couple of victims injured during a Miami shootout in 2020.
Pooh Sheisty has been locked up last April after he pled guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and now authorities are mandating that he pays up for his role in the incident.
Two people were injured during the event.
According to TMZ, a court has ordered him to pay $156,585 in restitution as part of his sentence for the crime. The money payout will be done in addition to serving time in prison. The sources also say that some of the money will come from the earnings he receives while doing his 63-month bid.
Once he is done with his time, he will be required to do three years of supervised release, as well as a treatment program for drugs and alcohol, the outlet shares.
The chart-topper was captured on video at the scene of the crime. The footage shows him carrying an assault rifle while sitting in a McLaren and shooting a man in the buttocks during a sneaker sale.
50 Cent taunted Starz over the latest addition to the network’s television lineup.
The G-Unit rapper was unimpressed with Starz picking up a Shailene Woodley-led drama titled Three Women. 50 Cent doubted the show’s viability in a since-deleted Instagram post on Friday (March 3).
“What do you call a fire cracker that don’t go off?” he wrote alongside a screenshot of a Deadline article. “a Dud, Yeah i think this is a Dud. LOL.”
50 Cent’s exclusive deal with Starz ended in 2022. He continues to work with the network, serving as an executive producer of BMF and several Power spinoffs.
Starz also greenlighted a 50 Cent-produced boxing drama titled Fightland. The series was the final show he pitched under his exclusive deal.
Last month, 50 Cent signed a non-exclusive broadcast deal with FOX. The agreement allows him to work with other networks and streaming services.
“I am excited to formalize a partnership with Michael Thorn and FOX that will allow G-Unit Film & Television to focus on putting multiple series on FOX, a perfect broadcast destination for G-Unit Film & Television content while our premium, streaming, scripted and non-scripted slates continue to grow in all directions,” he said in a press release.
On Valentine’s Day, McDonald’s introduced the limited-edition Cardi B & Offset Meal. The multinational corporation even ran a special ad campaign with the married Hip Hop stars featuring a Super Bowl commerical.
The Cardi B & Offset Meal is the first celebrity duo meal offered by McDonald’s. Previously, the fast food restaurant chain collaborated with fellow rappers Saweetie and Travis Scott for their respective Famous Orders promotions.
“Let me tell you, McDonald’s is date night done right,” stated Offset in a February press release. “It doesn’t have to be all boujee. Get your date, grab some good food, and have fun, that’s it.”
The Cardi B & Offset Meal features the couple’s go-to orders, plus a few items to share.
DJ Akademiks posted about those supposed complaints on his Instagram page. Offset hopped into the blogger’s comment section to push back on the narrative that he and his wife are receiving negative feedback from McDonald’s proprietors.
“Some McDonald’s franchise owners are pushing back against the latest Offset and Cardi B celebrity meal. They say it goes against the company values,” wrote DJ Akademiks in his Instagram caption. Offset simply commented, “This cap. 😂.”
Offset responds in DJ Akademik’s Instagram comment section
A McDonald’s Executive Praises Cardi B & Offset
It appears McDonald’s corporate office is standing by its decision to partner with Offset and Cardi. The company’s U.S. Chief Marketing & Digital Officer Tariq Hassan addressed the alleged backlash with the Business Insider outlet.
“Cardi and Offset are an iconic couple who have their own date-night tradition at McDonald’s that goes back years,” Tariq Hassan told Business Insider. “We’re proud to share a little piece of that with customers across the U.S. with our latest campaign, which is about love and celebrating the special moments we all share over McDonald’s.”
On February 12, McDonald’s published “Knowing Their Order (Extended)” on its official YouTube channel. Cardi and Offset starred in that video, along with other non-famous couples. The “Clout” hitmakers also have their own 30-second spot.
De La Soul suffered an insurmountable tragedy on February 12 when one-third of the pioneering group, Trugoy The Dove, died. It was a loss felt by countless people around the globe and thwarted what was supposed to be the one of the best years of De La Soul’s career. For decades, Posdnuos, Trugoy and Maseo had fought tirelessly with Tommy Boy Records over the masters to their first six albums. Because of their contentious battle, albums such as 1989’s 3 Feet High & Rising and 2000’s Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump were unavailable to stream. But in June 2021, Reservoir Media acquired the Tommy Boy catalog and put an end to that war.
On Friday (March 3) at the magical hour of midnight ET, the missing De La Soul music was finally uploaded to DSPs. Hours before, De La Soul’s friends and peers—including producer Prince Paul and former Tommy Boy A&R Dante Ross—had gathered for a makeshift memorial for their fallen friend at Webster Hall in New York City. Hosted by Amazon Music, “The D.A.I.S.Y. Experience” was initially intended as nothing more than a celebration of their music—not a tribute.
But evidently, the universe had other plans. Roughly two weeks prior to his death, Trugoy had been making the press rounds in anticipation for the big unveiling. During an interview with AllHipHop, one of his last, he talked about the potential of working with Prince Paul again, and there was a sense something incredible was coming down the pipeline.
“We have dabbled with that idea for many years,” he said. “Professionally, we’d love to see that happen. But with schedules and people’s personal lives, it’s hard to determine when that’ll happen. But it’s something we want to do. We would love to do another project with Paul. I think we’re at a place where we can all contribute some sort of innocence.
“We haven’t been around each other and so long, we can contribute some sort of freedom and create music again, and possibly do something amazing. I would love that for that to happen, and I think Paul knows that we want it to. It’s just figuring out when and letting it happen naturally.”
After all, Prince Paul and De La Soul created three incredible albums together—the aforementioned 3 Feet High & Rising, 1991’s De La Soul is Dead and 1993’s Buhloone Mindstate. But for their fourth effort, Stakes Is High, Prince Paul stepped back and encouraged Pos, Mase and Trugoy to take the reins. Up until the day he died, Trugoy believed that was one precisely what the group needed—despite the growing pains they experienced during the untethering.
“That time period was definitely difficult, sometimes frustrating, because we were butting into our own ideas and the direction we wanted it to go in regards to our career—not just music,” he said. “And I think we had to put our heads together and say, ‘OK, what do we want? The three of us?’ Not excluding Paul at all. But I think Paul realized, ‘Yeah, this is a turning point for these guys.’ It was almost like all or nothing. He knew we needed to be focused exactly on what we wanted and not allow anything to veer us off of that direction. He gave us that freedom, and it was the best thing that ever happened to us.
“Honestly, we’re indebted to Paul for that. Stakes Is High wouldn’t have been as meaningful as it is. The reason it turned out the way it did is because Paul was like, ‘Hey, man. You guys take the the bull by the horns and do what you got to do.’ And we did and it was the best thing that could happen for us. We’re thankful to him for that.”
All six albums are currently available on DSPs. Stream 3 Feet High & Rising above and Stakes Is High below. And never forget—3/3 is always the magic number.
Dedrick Williams, one of the suspects in XXXTENTACION’s murder, wants the case declared a mistrial. He also wants the judge overseeing the case, Judge Michael Usan, rescued. According to court docs obtained by AllHipHop and filed on Thursday morning (March 3) by Mauricio Padilla, Williams blames the court’s inability to depose Drake (real name Aubrey Graham) as the reason for his request. He and his legal team believe Drake’s testimony was integral to the case due to his past beef with the late rapper.
“In December 2022, the court denied a Motion to perpetuate the testimony of Aubrey Drake Graham,” the docs read. “In the court’s denial of that motion to perpetuate testimony, the court indicated for undersigned to ‘just take his deposition.’ The court at that time alerted all counsels and the prosecution that when the deposition takes place, to treat it with the same scrutiny that one would his trial testimony. If Mr. Graham was not available to testify at trial, the court would use his deposition transcripts in trial. The court indicated at that time, for undersigned to go take Mr. Graham’s deposition.”
The court initially approved of Williams’ request to depose Drake, but his attorney, Bradford Cohen, ultimately convinced Usan to reconsider. He finally handed down his final decision last month.
“What does that have to do with someone who you have no evidence of being involved other than hearsay and innuendo?” Usan said at the time. “You are now trying to just drag somebody in who’s a celebrity who does not want to be associated with this. And the harm to that individual is not inconsequential.”
NEW: Judge in #XXXTentacion trial rules in favor of @Drake and he will not have to sit for a deposition.
Judge: " …no evidence of (Drake) being involved other than hearsay and innuendo. You are now trying to just drag somebody in who's a celebrity…" pic.twitter.com/7pwXHaHcdN
Williams, who’s evidently convinced Drake is somehow connected to XXXTENTACION’s 2018 murder, also accuses X’s aunt, Deandra Ellis, of lying.
The docs continue, “The court also mentioned that during the February 24, 2023 hearing that at the deposition of Ms.Deandra Ellis, she stated that she didn’t know anything about internationally known celebrity Drake and XXXTENTACION’s animosity. How the aunt could testify that she was close to her nephew and didn’t know about the Drake and decedent’s dispute prior to his death is not believable to anyone.
“It is worth noting that nowhere in the filed legal pleadings did Mr. Cohen nor anyone mention Ms. Ellis’s deposition. Undersigned explained to the court that Ms. Ellis had obviously perjured herself and that the vast majority of the public was aware of the very public dispute between the two rappers.”
The docs then point the finger at Chicago rapper 600 Breezy, who Williams says threatened XXXTENTACION at Drake’s request.
“When undersigned explained how Drake’s friend, 600 Breezy traveled to South Florida to threaten the decedent prior to his death and stated in the video ‘I’m Blicked Up!,’ a term that is used in Chicago to mean armed with a gun, the court told undersigned ‘Go depose 600 Breezy,'” the docs state. “Specifically saying he was going because of Drake, that Breezy felt Drake acquiesced by shrugging in a way Breezy felt was a shrug of approval, instead of telling King not to go. The court had already been put on notice of the 600 Breezy threats by way of the December filing.”
Williams and his attorney even bring convicted killer and fellow Canadian rapper Top 5 into it, saying, “Graham’s relationship with Hasan Ali aka Top 5, self-described as Drake’s shooter, who is currently in jail awaiting trial on unrelated murder charges,” is further evidence Drake is possibly involved.
Photos by Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for AmazonMusic
Last night, family, friends, and fans celebrated The D.A.I.S.Y. Experience, a star-studded event at New York’s famed Webster Hall that honored the life and legacy of the late David “Trugoy The Dove” Jolicoeur. The power and influence of De La Soul was front and center with surviving group members Kelvin “Posdnuos” Mercer and Vincent Lamont “Maseo” Mason Jr. front and center.
While the event was quite somber at times, Pos and Maseo had plenty of support. Black Thought, Dave Chappelle, Chuck D, Talib Kweli,Queen Latifah, Monie Love, Large Professor, Common, Pharaohe Monch, Kid Capri, and many others came out. The crowd on stage ballooned to capacity until the DJ booth was unseeable from the audience. That changed with Queen Latifah and Monie Love came to the front to perform a rousing, unexpected rendition of “Ladies First.” Additionally, Common performed “The Bizness” with De La Soul.
Pos, now the lead rapper in De La Soul, eventually took command of the stage, barreling through a number of the group’s hits like “Stakes is High,” “Potholes in my Lawn,” and “Me Myself and I.” When the clock hit midnight, Dave Chappelle counted it down and the celebrations went to the next level, as flower-shaped balloons descended from the ceiling.
The event was produced in partnership with Amazon Music, and featured DJ collective The Originals (D-Nice, Stretch Armstrong, Clark Kent, and Rich Medina). They rocked Webster Hall, which was decorated colorfully in the spirit of 3 Feet High and Rising, the group’s first album (33 years old today).
Below is a small sample of the images from that night, which was truly a family reunion of the music industry.
D-Nice, DJ Clark Kent, Tony Touch and Rich Medina perform onstage at De La Soul’s The DA.I.S.Y. Experience, produced in conjunction with Amazon Music, at Webster Hall on March 02, 2023 in New York City.
Datwon Thomas, Jerry Barrow, Mecc Rashawn and Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur attend De La Soul’s The DA.I.S.Y. Experience, produced in conjunction with Amazon Music, at Webster Hall on March 02, 2023 in New York City.
DJ Clark Kent and April
DJ Kay Gee, Money Love and Vin Rock
Maseo, Queen Latifah and Posdnuos
Common
Maseo and Pos
Queen Latifah and Monie Love
Chuck D & D-Nice
Lord Sear, Paul Rosenblum, Sean C and Ari Melber
Kool DJ Red Alert and DJ Clark Kent
Maseo, Rich Medina, Posdnuos, DJ Clark Kent, D-Nice and Tony Touch
Prosecutors decided not to pursue attempted murder charges against Fetty Luciano in connection to a 2022 shooting in Long Island.
According to multiplereports, Fetty Luciano was indicted on lesser charges for his alleged role in a triple shooting. Prosecutors charged the 27-year-old rapper with second-degree assault, criminal possession of a weapon, attempted second-degree assault, misdemeanor assault and reckless endangerment.
“This defendant allegedly brought a loaded gun into a crowded private event and, during an altercation, discharged the weapon and struck three victims,” Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. “Thankfully, the defendant’s alleged reckless actions did not cause life-threatening injuries to the victims and no one else was hurt.”
Fetty Luciano, whose real name is Remy Marshall, pleaded not guilty to the charges. His bail was set at $200,000.
Last year, Fetty Luciano surrendered to police after he was accused of shooting three people in Long Island. Authorities claimed he fired a gun during a pool party held at The Mansion at Glen Cove in July 2022.
The Bobby Shmurda affiliate was arrested for attempted murder. All three victims survived the shooting.
Fetty Luciano faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. His next court date is scheduled for March 31.
Former SOB x RBE member Lul G pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in the 2019 shooting death of a 26-year-old man.
According to the East Bay Times, Lul G entered his plea in California’s Solano County Superior Court on Thursday (March 2). He accepted the manslaughter charge instead of risking a possible life sentence for murder.
Lul G, whose real name is George Harris, faced 25 years to life in prison for first-degree murder. He will be sentenced to 21 years after pleading no contest to a lesser charge.
Judge Carlos R. Gutierrez scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 22. Lul G has remained in custody at the Stanton Correctional Facility since his arrest.
The 24-year-old rapper shot and killed a man named Rashied Flowers in July 2019. The ex-SOB x RBE artist was arrested in September 2019. He initially pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder at his 2019 arraignment.
Lul G first gained mainstream recognition as a part of SOB x RBE. The group appeared on 2018’s Black Panther: The Album, which was curated by Kendrick Lamar.
SOB x RBE’s members included DaBoii, Slimmy B and Yhung T.O. Lul G left the group and signed a solo deal with Def Jam in 2018.
Kodak Black reflected on the death of XXXTentacion on Friday (March 3).
XXXTentacion’s alleged killers are currently on trial in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Kodak Black didn’t mention the trial but shared a few thoughts about the late rapper in an Instagram post.
“Nothing Really.. Just Was Thinking Bout You Bro,” Kodak Black wrote. “DAM BROWARD COUNTY WE LOST A LEGEND. @xxxtentacion One Of The Best Things To Ever Happen To This Small Town I Call Home. NEXT POST IS THIS YOUNG KID WHO KINDA REMINDS ME OF JAH.”
Prosecutors accuse Michael Boatwright, Trayvon Newsome and Dedrick Williams of killing XXXTentacion in June 2018. All three men were charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a firearm.
A fourth man named Robert Allen pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the case. He testified against Boatwright, Newsome and Williams in their trial, which began in February.
Earlier this week, Kodak Black dealt with his own legal trouble when he appeared in court to respond to an arrest warrant. A judge ordered him to spend 30 days in rehab for violating the conditions of his pretrial release.
Kodak Black allegedly tested positive for Fentanyl in February. He will report to rehab on March 7.
Rellyski just released his major label debut, a single and visual titled “Work It Out,” via Bad Habit / Atlantic Records. The record carries that nostalgic R&B feeling, mixed with modern day hip hop elements that highlight Rellyski’s smooth and sultry vocals to the fullest–creating a unique, melodic sound.
Hailing from Opa-locka, Florida, the rising star comes from the trenches and raised by a single mother. His voice can be credited to his grandmother, who routinely took him to church for choir rehearsals. And while football was his first love, even being recruited by Heidelberg University in Ohio, soon he’d discover his innate talents on the microphone.
In describing himself, Rellyski states he’s “genuine, a genuine kid. I don’t try to do too much, I don’t try to do too little. I be me, and I’m as humble as possible. That’s really Rellyski. I come from not too much of a big background. No one in my family is famous or anything like that, so I just try to stay humble.”
It was in the year 2020 when Rellyski uploaded “FOREAL” to his SoundCloud page, eventually
gaining so much traction that he caught the attention of Bad Habit and Atlantic Records. Bad Habit is currently home to artists such as genre-bending trio Fade ‘Em All and global superstar Burna Boy.
AllHipHop spoke with Rellyski, who was posted in Miami with the vibes. Read below as we discuss his background, favorite artists, new song “Work It Out,” signing to Atlantic, studio essentials, and more!
AllHipHop: How would you describe your sound?
Rellyski: I describe my sound as melodic. I don’t do too much real real singing. I dabble here and there, I be going crazy. But yeah, real melodic.
AllHipHop: Being from Opa-Locka, what was that like growing up?
Rellyski: It’s a small town, but it’s in a big city. It’s a rugged place, it’s the hood. But being from there really molded me. It shaped me to be who I am today. Even though I’m from the hood, I still understand I don’t gotta bring that with me. That don’t gotta be with me all the time, I can still be me. It definitely saved me.
AllHipHop: When did you fall in love with music?
Rellyski: I really fell in love with music at a young age, maybe six. Because music’s been in my family for a super long time. My mom was singing, she always had music on early in the morning. Every time it’s time to clean up, she going crazy. That’s really why I fell in love with old school vibes, not even really new music. She liked a lot of Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott. I fell in love with that first, but it graduated into me trying it out. I really fell in love with it then.
AllHipHop: Do you have a Top five?
Rellyski: I gotta put Lil Wayne in there. Eminem. Kodak, just because it’s Kodak. Gotta put Kodak in there. Definitely Lil Baby, and T-Pain. I’ma put him in there, I like T-Pain a lot.
AllHipHop: How’d you get your name?
Rellyski: Alright, it was this group of girls. They used to call me Relly. My real name’s Terrell, so they used to call me Relly. My homeboy Mike added the “ski,” and it stuck from there. I be sliding on beats too fasho, so Rellyski ‘cause I slide.
AllHipHop: Love your new record “Work It Out,” did a certain female inspire this record?
Rellyski: Definitely, it’s definitely inspired by my girl. It’s that boy meet girl story, you feel me? It’s real, it’s beautiful. But the way I broke it down is real relatable. Typical dude from the hood, trying to find that one.
AllHipHop: How are y’all been together?
Rellyski: Like two years now.
AllHipHop: Does she love that the music is about her?
Rellyski: Yeah. I always try to tell her, she’s always the inspiration. She’s the muse fasho. She likes that, she be going crazy. [laughs]
AllHipHop: How does it feel for this to be a major label debut with Bad Habit and Atlantic?
Rellyski: It’s amazing man. I’m trying to take those steps. It’s really amazing for me, especially how my story starts. From where I come from, who would have thought I would get to this point? It felt like only me. I’m thinking I’m a star, but it’s paying off. It feels great.
AllHipHop: How’d you find your way to Atlantic?
Rellyski: It’s a crazy story. I never thought I was gonna take rap seriously. I just took it serious one day in 2018, dropping songs with my homeboy. We were in college using the school’s radio station studio to record demos. I’m going in there, I’m recording. It turned into alright, let’s try to do it!
I started dropping songs on SoundCloud. One day, I dropped a song called “FOREAL,” it went crazy. Somehow, it got into Atlantic’s hands. Somebody heard it. Somebody hit me up, flew me out to LA. Now I’m here talking to you. [laughs]
AllHipHop: Did you think it would happen this fast?
Rellyski: Nah man, because I know people that’s really been doing it for such a long time. When I started off, I didn’t think it was gon’ happen as fast as it did. Because I got signed in 2021, right in the middle of the pandemic to me. It was crazy! It was a lot at one time.
AllHipHop: Best memory from “Work It Out” music video shoot?
Rellyski: It was definitely funny seeing the little scene with the curtain come up. You think it’s something else, but we really in there working out. That’s my favorite scene. It’s funny.
AllHipHop: Do you work out?
Rellyski: Yeah, I be trying to stay in shape. I used to play football, that’s my first love. I’m not The Rock now, but I get down a little bit. [laughs]
AllHipHop: What is it you want fans to get from your story?
Rellyski: Authenticity, that’s the biggest thing. That’s a stressed area right now. I really want to show people that it’s really me and I’m giving people exactly that. So definitely authenticity.
AllHipHop: What’s SKI SZN?
Rellyski: SKI SZN, that’s my first tape man. That’s my baby because that was the first tape I ever dropped. I never put no body of work together and dropped it. It went crazy, crazier than I ever imagined. Hell yeah, that’s my baby.
AllHipHop: Three things you need in the studio at all times?
Rellyski: Some weed. Some green tea, get the vocals going. With some honey. What else? Love. I just need good energy, good vibes man. My girl, my dogs. That’s all I need in there.
AllHipHop: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Rellyski: I’m always working but I like to play football. I like to play the game: Madden, Call of Duty. I like being with my family. I don’t really go out to the club, that ain’t really me. I’m more into kickbacks, and good lil vibes with my people. That’s really me, I like that.
AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself?
Rellyski: Of course, I got goals. I don’t really like to put goals because that’s how you let yourself down. We all got those things that’s special in our heart. Of course, I want to be one of them ones. I want to be huge. I’m not looking for the Grammy, but of course the Grammy would be nice. XXL Freshman, things like that. I got milestones, I don’t really want to say goals. Milestones for sure.
AllHipHop: What can we expect next from you?
Rellyski: Just more work man. I’m always working, I’m always trying to give y’all more stuff. Get good work out there. Always expect new music, new work for me. Just keep working.
AllHipHop: Anything else people need to know about you?
Rellyski: They need to know I’m coming. For real, I’m coming. I’m always working so watch out for Rellyski. I’m here, I’m knocking down the door for real. On a serious note, I need people to know just be yourself. I’ma always push that for people. No matter what, just be you. You don’t gon’t act a certain way, just be you at all times. Whatever comes with it, go with it.
Chicago-based rapper-songwriter Duce Doit is turning heads, this time, with a hot new track titled “Tweak”. Displaying his monstrous skills and visionary approach to the genre, Duce is merging hip-hop’s classic era with the most modern production and freshest sonic imagery. There seems to be an inner goal and an organic creative process for this young, upcoming star. In one track, he defies all the cliches and stereotypes and brings audiences a new, novel sound.
Overflowing with a powerful form of creativity stemming from an innate intuitive flow, he managed to create a flawless party banger. With everyone’s favorite heavy trap beat, mixed with the iconic sample from Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You.” “Tweak” is going to be one of 2023’s dance floor favorites. Building on his sexy single from 2021 “Six9” , Duce is on a path to glory.
Sophisticated, Duce combines the raw and the elaborate seamlessly, his style appears as a dominating, confident, and infectiously charismatic flow. Instantly setting himself apart from other rappers, Duce has released a DJ’s paradise that can be mixed in at any point to ignite the night.
Duce Doit’s extraordinary skills will cement his status in the music scene and propel his rise as one of tomorrow’s main hip-hop figures.
Bia Khalifa is no stranger to controversy. The self-professed first OnlyFans model in Romania has been steadily building her notoriety over the past couple of years through numerous television appearances and her online activity.
“If you know someone who works on television or the media, they’ll know about me,” she says. “I catch attention because I’m different. I share my life and what’s on my mind online without fear. Full transparency.”
Bia Khalifa — also known by Bianca Niculai — is a part of the generation that grew up online. She had her first success on social media when TikTok was still Musical.ly, before coming to Romania at 15 years old, having been raised in Italy and Spain.
Since then, a lot has changed in her life. She moved countries, found success on Instagram, and started looking to other platforms as a creative outlet and source of income.
“I saw a girl from the United States who was putting herself through university by doing OnlyFans,” she recalls. “She seemed like such a cool person, and her story inspired me to start doing OnlyFans, too.”
While working on building her online presence on OnlyFans and Instagram and being featured on Romanian television, Bia also found the time to pursue her primary passion — singing and songwriting.
“I started making music three years ago, and I’ve been doing it for fun — as a hobby,” she explains. “I cover topics that are not ordinary in Romania, maybe even a little too extreme. Think Cardi B, Nicky Minaj, Saweetie.”
Songs such as “Donda,” “Uber,” and “Lu-K at Me” demonstrate her confidence, and forward lyricism as she raps over trap and hip-hop beats. Her music has a distinctly American flavor, with an occasional Balkan spiciness.
Her road to finding recognition as an artist, however, hasn’t been easy. Throughout her career as a media personality in Romania, Bia Khalifa has never shied away from taboo topics. She’s been a sex-positive member of the LGBTQ+ community who supports sex workers, all of which seem to go against the prevalent societal mores. She even has a tattoo on her neck that reads “Sex Worker.”
“I get a lot of hate when I talk about people’s rights, women’s rights, or because I’m bisexual,” she says. “The abuse thrown at me in the comments section is something else. People will say the meanest things trying to hurt you.”
Bia Khalifa is trying to build a media career in a country where, according to data from UN Women, women have lower access to financial support. They are more likely to experience food insecurity and spend a significant amount of time doing unpaid care work or domestic chores. Like the women she looks up to, Bia Khalifa’s presence challenges that status quo.
Fans have been recognizing her efforts, too. The one consolation she’s had during her struggles has been her fan base, which she says is more accepting and understanding of her issues. Bia Khalifa had to work with them to get there, but she didn’t mind doing the work.
“I’m not an overnight viral sensation. I work at it. I’m established,” she adds.
Bia Khalifa’s hard work also continues online — despite efforts from others to take her down. Over the past couple of years, she’s been a target of a concentrated effort to interfere with her online presence through hacking and profile hijacking on Instagram.
“My income is split between Instagram and OnlyFans, but everything depends on Instagram,” she says. “Everything is connected to it — my YouTube, my television career, my music, everything. People can see me on Instagram, tag me, and use my song in their stories.”
Over the past years, she says the situation has caused her to lose listeners, affecting her motivation to continue pursuing a career as an artist. She doesn’t have a business model for her music yet, meaning everything she releases is self-financed and independent. Without Instagram, her ability to sustain quality is severely impacted.
To make matters even worse, she doesn’t have a reliable way to defend herself and protect herself against future attacks.
“We don’t have laws [In Romania] to protect against cyberbullying and hacking,” Bia Khalifa says. “And the laws we do have are inefficient. The worst thing is people doing this are doing it for pleasure.”
Bia Khalifa is not the only media personality with a prominent online following facing these issues. So far, she’s managed to keep her chin up and confront them, biding her time to get back to working on what she loves – self-expression through photos, makeup, and music.
Still, she’s thinking a change of scenery – and musical style – might be in order.
“I’m thinking about moving to Spain and switching to reggaeton or trap,” she says, confident that some of her problems won’t follow her when she leaves the country.
Rap mogul and No Limit Master P is gearing up for his 53rd birthday party celebration and wants his friends and fans to join him.
He has recently announced that he is going to have an event called the “Master P & Friends Camouflage Birthday Bash 2” which is scheduled for Friday, April 28 at the Smoothie King Center.
Last year, the surprise guests for the rapper’s birthday celebration were Nelly, Snoop Dogg, and Keith Sweat, NOLA reports.
As of Friday, Mar. 3, the day the tickets went on sale, no names have been announced for this year’s jam.
Even though he is getting ready to ring in his next rotation around the sun, the multi-hyphenate whose real name is Percy Robert Miller Sr. is still giving back.
Earlier in the week, he made time to give back to young people.
He posted on social a video of him reading to the children as a giveback for Snoop’s new cereal.
“It’s a blessing to be a blessing. We’re focusing on early childhood education with our products. Snoopcereal.com @snoopdogg the more we make the more we give,” one caption said.
He explained, “Snoop Cereal read along, it’s all about exploring, dreaming and education. We’re in the community preparing the next generation. The more we make, the more we give have a champion breakfast. We wear many hats! SnoopCereal.com @snoopdogg@post_cereals.”
Master P is one of the most successful rappers in the history of Hip-Hop with a net worth of $210 million. People celebrate him because of how he blends his entrepreneurial work with his philanthropic work.
