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Beyoncé & Kendrick Lamar Lead 2023 NAACP Image Awards Music Nominations

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Both Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar released well-received, commercially successful albums in 2022. The NAACP Image Award recognized the “Freedom” collaborators for their work last year with multiple nominations.

Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar lead the civil rights organization’s list of recording nominees for the 54th NAACP Image Awards with 5 nods each. The Outstanding Album category includes Lamar’s Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers and Bey’s Renaissance.

Ari Lennox’s age/sex/location, Chris Brown’s Breezy (Deluxe), and PJ Morton’s Watch the Sun are also up for Outstanding Album. In addition, Beyoncé will compete for Outstanding Female Artist while Kendrick Lamar’s name is listed in the Outstanding Male Artist section.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever scored 12 nominations across the motion picture categories. The Netflix streaming service earned 15 total nominations for A Jazzman’s Blues, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, and other productions.

Abbott Elementary received 9 nominations, the most for a program in the television + streaming categories. Penguin Random House and Harper Collins top the literary nominations categories with 9 nods, respectively.

The Public Gets To Vote On The 54th NAACP Image Award Winners

“This year’s nominees have conveyed a wide range of authentic stories and diverse experiences that have resonated with many in our community, and we’re proud to recognize their outstanding achievements and performances,” said Derrick Johnson, President/CEO of the NAACP.

A public vote determines the winners of the 54th NAACP Image Awards. The voting period closes on February 10, 2023. Winners will be revealed during a televised broadcast on February 25, 2023, on the BET network.

“We take pride in recognizing the trailblazing achievements and artistry of this year’s esteemed nominees and celebrating the powerful legacy of the NAACP,” said Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, BET.

Connie Orlando continues, “We look forward to bringing the Image Awards back to Pasadena in front of a live audience and delivering unforgettable moments that epitomize the brilliance of the Black community.”

Check on some of the nominees for the 54th NAACP Image Awards below. To see the full list of nominations and to cast a vote for the possible winners visit naacpimageawards.net.

Select 54th NAACP Image Awards Nominees:

Entertainer Of The Year

  • Angela Bassett
  • Mary J. Blige
  • Quinta Brunson
  • Viola Davis
  • Zendaya

Outstanding Male Artist

  • Brent Faiyaz – Wasteland (Lost Kids)
  • Burna Boy – Love, Damini (Atlantic Records)
  • Chris Brown – Breezy (Deluxe) (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
  • Drake – Honestly, Nevermind (OVO/Republic Records)
  • Kendrick Lamar – Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (pgLang/Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records)

Outstanding Female Artist

  • Ari Lennox – age/sex/location (Dreamville/Interscope Records)
  • Beyoncé – Renaissance (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment)
  • Chlöe – Surprise (Columbia Records/Parkwood Entertainment)
  • Jazmine Sullivan – Hurt Me So Good (RCA Records)
  • SZA – S.O.S. (RCA Records/Top Dawg Entertainment)

Outstanding Album

  • age/sex/location – Ari Lennox (Dreamville/Interscope Records)
  • Breezy (Deluxe) – Chris Brown (RCA Records/Chris Brown Entertainment)
  • Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers – Kendrick Lamar (pgLang/Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records)
  • Renaissance – Beyoncé (Parkwood/Columbia Records)
  • Watch the Sun – PJ Morton (Morton Records)

Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song 

  • Billie Eilish – Armani White (Def Jam Recordings)
  • City of Gods – Fivio Foreign (Columbia Records)
  • Hotel Lobby – Quavo, Takeoff (Motown Records/Quality Control Music)
  • The Heart Part 5 – Kendrick Lamar (pgLang/Top Dawg Entertainment/Aftermath/Interscope Records)
  • Wait for U – Future feat. Drake and Tems (Epic Records)

Outstanding Soul/R&B Song

  • About Damn Time – Lizzo (Atlantic Records)
  • Cuff It – Beyoncé (Columbia Record/Parkwood Entertainment)
  • Good Morning Gorgeous Remix feat. H.E.R. – Mary J. Blige (300)
  • Hurt Me So Good – Jazmine Sullivan (RCA Records)
  • Lift Me Up – Rihanna (Def Jam Recordings)

Outstanding Motion Picture

  • A Jazzman’s Blues (Netflix)
  • Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Marvel Studios)
  • Emancipation (Apple TV)
  • The Woman King (Sony Pictures Releasing)
  • TILL (United Artists Releasing/Orion Pictures)

Outstanding Comedy Series

  • Abbott Elementary (ABC)
  • Atlanta (FX)
  • black-ish (ABC)
  • Rap Sh!t (HBO Max)
  • The Wonder Years (ABC)

Outstanding Drama Series

  • Bel-Air (Peacock)
  • Bridgerton (Netflix)
  • Euphoria (HBO Max)
  • P-Valley (Starz)
  • Queen Sugar (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network)

Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series)

  • Legendary (HBO Max)
  • Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls (Amazon Studios)
  • Shark Tank (ABC)
  • Sweet Life: Los Angeles (HBO Max)
  • The Real Housewives of Atlanta (Bravo)

Saweetie To Appear In Season 2 Of ‘Bel-Air’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Peacock’s Bel-Air returns to the Comcast-owned streaming service on February 23, 2023. Hip Hop star Diamonté “Saweetie” Harper will appear in the one-hour drama series.

Saweetie’s cameo as herself will be part of the season 2 premiere. In addition, Brooklyn McLinn (Blackish), Jazlyn Martin (This Is Us), and Riele Downs (Darby and The Dead) joined Bel-Air as recurring cast members.

Best known for songs such as “My Type” and “Best Friend” featuring Doja Cat, Saweetie also has acting experience. The 29-year-old Californian played a celebrity named Indigo on Freeform’s college-themed sitcom Grown-ish.

Jabari Banks Is Back As “Will Smith” For New Installments Of Bel-Air

The reimagined version of the classic NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air debuted in February 2022. The new Bel-Air stars Jabari Banks, Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Olly Sholotan, Coco Jones, Akira Akbar, and Jimmy Akingbola. 

“I say it like this, if you took all of the characters from the 90s, but you dove into all of their diaries and all of their journals and what they were feeling internally, that’s what our show is,” said Jabari Banks about Bel-Air in an interview last year.

The West Philadelphia native added, “So that’s going to be super exciting for old fans and new fans to watch and you’re going to see a lot of callbacks to the original, a lot of tidbits, and a lot of easter eggs, so that’s going to be exciting as well.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHs0xYD1ZAE

Kevin Gates Admits To Drinking His Partner’s Urine

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Kevin Gates has gone viral once again for sharing intimate information about his sex life. The 36-year-old rapper shocked some people by admitting one act that involved urine.

Gates appeared on a Fancy Talk Show episode that was published on YouTube on January 7. It took a few days for a clip from the show to spread across the internet, but it has now gained significant attention.

“I love for a woman to p### in my mouth. That’s beautiful,” Gates said. The Khaza album creator also confessed, “I done had a woman pee in a cup while we were driving and I drunk it.”

Gates went on to explain, “I was so infatuated with this woman to where it was just nothing about her that was nasty. And then she’s super clean. She’s like me. She drinks nothing but water all day, so her p### ain’t got no taste.”

Kevin Gates has also been honest about performing analingus on his sexual partners. Previously, his “eating booty” admission was met with some backlash and ridicule. That moment from nine years ago introdcued Gates to some people.

“Yeah, I eat booty. Real n##### eat booty. Real n##### please their b######,” Kevin Gates said at the time. “I thought I was gonna be bashed for it, but they’re were some many brothers that were like in support of that.”

Gates’s sex stories made headlines, but the Southerner initially found success as a recording artist. The Islah studio LP dropped in 2016. The RIAA certified that album as 2x-Platinum. I’m Him arrived in 2019, followed by Khaza three years later.

Last year also saw Gates go viral online for his “D U Down” dance. In addition, the Baton Rouge-bred entertainer appeared on a July episode of TBS’s Dynamite wrestling show where he got into a scripted confrontation with AEW wrestler Tony Nese.

Tory Lanez Has “Forgiven” Megan Thee Stallion, His Father Says, But Claims “The Machine” Used Her Against His Son   

By: London JennnCategory: News

Tory Lanez’s father says while he and his son “forgave” Megan Thee Stallion a “long time ago,” they refuse to back down “from the machine,” that “used” her against the rapper.  

Sonstar Peterson, father of Daystar, or Tory Lanez, took to Instagram Live on Thursday night. He said although “it might come as a shock to many,” Tory Lanez, who maintained his innocence throughout his trial for shooting the Houston rapper, harbors no ill-will toward her.  

He stated, “Both my son, myself, and others of our family have long decided that we are not going to hold any animosity against Megan Thee Stallion.” Sonstar added, “the principle of forgiveness is important in order to cleanse one’s heart.” 

However, Tory Lanez’s father then claimed the mysterious “machine” used Megan Thee Stallion against his son. 

“Yes we have forgiven her,“ he continued before adding, “But what we will not back down from is the machine that has been in the background trying to press a narrative in order to use this girl for what they have used her for.”  

In December, jurors found Tory Lanez guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, carrying a loaded unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence.  

Check out the clip below and watch Sonstar Peterson’s full IG Live stream at the end of the page. 

Tory Lanez’s Father Speaks 

While Tory Lanez was being taken into custody following his guilty verdict last month (Dec. 23), his father was holding court for the press outside.  

“You wanna know exactly how I’m feeling?” he shouted to the reporters gathered outside the L.A. court. “I just stood here, in this Los Angeles County, and witnessed the worst miscarriage of justice this world has ever seen.” 

He then proceeded to call out “Alex Sipiro, Desiree Perez, and the whole wicked system of Roc Nation, including you Jay-Z.” 

Sonstar continued, “You who say you rose from the gutter, but you have traded and bargained, and tortured the souls of young men, and you’re still doing it.” 

Earlier this week, Judge David Herriford moved the rapper’s sentencing to Feb. 28 after he hired new lawyers. Tory Lanez is seeking a new trial. He faces a maximum of 22 years and eight months in prison. 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CnV2BtSMk-o/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Rapper Bentley Bugz Is Brooklyn’s, Santa Claus

By: Staff WriterCategory: Music News

Brooklyn-based rapper Bentley Bugz is best known for his musical talents. With songs such as “They wanna know” and “Coming for my throne”, one can’t deny Bentley Bugz’s lyrical ability. The Canarsie native also seems to be making a name for himself in service to his community. Since the pandemic, Bentley Bugz has hosted a series of give-back efforts supporting the children and families of Canarsie. These include a Back-to-school give back, providing school supplies to students of the local Intermediate School Isaac Bildersee, where he too was once a student, as well as Turkey giveaways for the Thanksgiving holiday.

In his most recent endeavors, Bentley Bugz coordinated with the faculty of PS 272, located near Seaview park, to offer students some holiday cheer. The rapper provided the school with hundreds of toys and took the time to deliver the gifts personally dressed as none other than Santa Claus himself. The students appeared joyful, with many expressing gratitude for the experience. One child even proclaimed Bentley Bugz was the “best Santa Claus ever!”

Follow Bentley Bugz 

https://instagram.com/bentleybugz?igshid=NTdlMDg3MTY=

Meek Mill Pardoned By Pennsylvania Governor: “I’m Only Gone Do More For My Community” 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Meek Mill says he’s going to do even more for his community after he was pardoned this week.  

The “Dreams and Nightmares” hitmaker announced his amazing news on Instagram Thursday (Jan. 12). The pardon comes nearly 15 years after his conviction for drug-and-weapons-related charges. 

“I have taken this process very seriously,” a statement from the Governor’s office reads. “Reviewing and giving careful thought to each and every one of these 2,540 pardons and the lives they will impact. Every single one of the Pennsylvanians who made it through the process truly deserves their second chance, and it’s been my honor to grant it.” 

Meek Mill Vows To Do More Community Work After Being Pardoned

He shared a photo of the declaration signed by Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf. “Thankyall 🥲 I’m only gone do more for my community on god!” Meek Mill penned in the caption. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CnVNHMCJLSp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Meek Mill was among 369 individuals who received a pardon in Pennsylvania this week. Gov. Wolf has issued more pardons than any other governor in Philadelphia history – 2,540 pardons since taking office in 2015. 

The Philly native has been a central player in the fight for criminal justice reform since his release from prison in 2018. He was sentenced to 2-4 years imprisonment in 2017 over violating his probation for a 2008 drug and gun conviction, sparking public outcry and nationwide protests. 

He was later freed after the Supreme Court overruled Judge Genece Brinkley’s ruling to imprison Meek for violating his probation.  

Meek’s lawyers accused Judge Genece Brinkley of having a vendetta against Meek and pointed to a crooked cops’ fabricated testimony during the rapper’s original trial. The Supreme Court agreed with his defense attorneys’ arguments, and Meek Mill was subsequently released on Apr. 24, 2018.  

“I feel good things coming to me!!!!!” Meek Mill tweeted on Thursday. He later added, “I got pardoned today …, I’m taking things really far from being a trench baby!”  

Earlier this week, Meek Mill, Michael Rubin, and Kevin Hart announced a $7 million donation to educational causes in Philly. As reported by AllHipHop.com, Meek was involved in a series of philanthropic contributions with the REFORM alliance during December.  

252 Lico Drops Continues To Break Through Noise With Fire Single “ENVY”

By: Staff WriterCategory: Music News

252Lico is a talented rap artist who has gained a significant following with his latest single, “Envy” The track showcases 252Lico’s ability to captivate listeners with his lyrics and dynamic delivery, making him a standout in the music industry.

In addition to “Envy,” 252Lico has also released two other singles, “Hittas” and “Murda,” which demonstrate his versatility as a musician. These tracks showcase 252Lico’s storytelling skills, using his lyrics to convey personal experiences and observations. One thing that sets 252Lico apart from other artists is his ability to connect with listeners through his music. His songs are relatable and offer a glimpse into his life and the world around him, making his music both personal and universal.

With over 1.8 million views on YouTube, it’s clear that 252Lico is making waves in the music industry. As he continues to release new music and grow his following, 252Lico will likely become even more successful in the coming years.

Video Shows Cousin Of Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Repeatedly Tased By LAPD Before His Death 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors says the police killing of her cousin, who she says died “trying to protect himself,” could have been prevented.  

31-year-old high school teacher and father Keenan Anderson died begging for help while being Tased and held down by multiple officers after flagging down cops following a traffic accident earlier this month.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Patrisse Cullors (@osopepatrisse)

Distressing LAPD body cam footage from the incident released on Wednesday (Jan. 11) shows the BLM co-founder’s cousin being Tased multiple times just hours before he was pronounced dead. One officer Tased him for roughly 30 seconds, all while another cop had his elbow on Anderson’s neck. He is then Tased again for another five seconds.  

“They’re trying to kill me,” he said at one point as multiple officers held him down. “They’re trying to George Floyd me.”  

“My cousin was asking for help, and he didn’t receive it. He was killed,” Patrisse Cullors told The Guardian. “Nobody deserves to die in fear, panicking and scared for their life. My cousin was scared for his life. He spent the last 10 years witnessing a movement challenging the killing of Black people. He knew what was at stake and he was trying to protect himself. Nobody was willing to protect him.” 

LA Mayor Calls For “Urgent Change”

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called for “urgent change,” confirming “full investigations are underway.”  

“I have grave concerns about the deeply disturbing tapes that were released today,” she said in a statement. She promised a “transparent” investigation, adding, “the officers involved must be placed on immediate leave.  

“We must reduce the use of force overall, and I have absolutely no tolerance for excessive force,” Mayor Bass called for a reduction in “the use of force overall,” stating, “I have absolutely no tolerance for excessive force.”  

“I am deeply troubled that mental health experts were not called in,” she added. “Even when there was a documented history of past mental health crisis.”  

The Guardian reports he was taken to hospital once paramedics arrived. According to the LAPD, he went into cardiac arrest four and a half hours later and died. 

Patrisse Cullors questioned the need for armed police to show up to a collision. 

“It was a traffic accident. Instead of treating him like a potential criminal, police should have called the ambulance,” Cullors said. 

“If there was a policy in which traffic stops were met with unarmed professionals who come to the scene to help with whatever situation has happened, that would have prevented my cousin’s death. And that would have prevented so many other deaths.” 

The LAPD chief, Michel Moore, said that Anderson’s behavior was “erratic” and he suffered a “medical emergency.” He confirmed the Taser was “activated” against Anderson 10 times but was not “effective” every time.  

“It’s unclear what role the physical struggle with the officers and the use of the Taser played in his unfortunate death,’ he added. A formal cause of death has not been determined. 

Rihanna Smoulders In Lace Bodysuit For Valentine’s Day Savage X Fenty Campaign  

By: London JennnCategory: News

Rihanna is gearing up for the season of love, sharing a steamy new visual for her Savage X Fenty Valentine’s Day collection, featuring the nine-time Grammy Award winner.  

The ad begins with a glass love heart shattering into fragments, perhaps representative of the hearts Rihanna might break with the steamy visual. The reported youngest self-made billionaire in the United States donned a lace bodysuit with cut-out panels across the bust forming a heart shape.  

The stunning songstress flaunted every inch of her curves in the new campaign. “P#### yo roses ♥️,” Rhianna penned in the caption. Check out the video below.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SAVAGE X FENTY BY RIHANNA (@savagexfenty)

While fans are not so patiently waiting for the follow-up to 2016’s Anti, Rihanna is making bank with her ventures outside of music. According to Forbes, she owns 30% of Savage X Fenty, which has an estimated value of $3 billion. In addition, her reign in the beauty industry continues. She owns 50% of Fenty Beauty, with the other half owned by LVMH. The brand is valued at $2.8 billion. 

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only thing Rihanna has to look forward to next month. Earlier this week, Rihanna launched a Savage X Fenty Game Day collection ahead of her upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show. 

The brand launched the merch at the weekend with a joke about the main event in the football calendar happening during a RiRi concert. 

“A @badgalriri concert during a football game? Say less. #SavageXGameDay,” read the post.  

However, it may be too late to grab anything from the limited-edition 17-piece collection. According to frustrated fans online, all the new Game Day merch is sold out.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SAVAGE X FENTY BY RIHANNA (@savagexfenty)

Tupac Docuseries Director Hypes Unreleased Audio & Video For Superfans

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Director Allen Hughes said his Tupac Shakur documentary series Dear Mama will feature material the late rapper’s diehard fans haven’t seen or heard.

Hughes spoke about Dear Mama at FX’s Television Critics Association press tour on Thursday (January 12). The filmmaker, who co-directed Dead Presidents and Menace II Society, revealed his five-part documentary series includes exclusive audio and footage.

“Wherever possible, we tried to find archival footage that hadn’t been seen so there’s a lot that we have in the five parts,” Hughes said, per Deadline. “There’s also audio that’s never been heard. And not just some of his acapellas and vocals. There is a lot of stuff of Tupac from his baby years that had never been seen.”

He continued, “For Tupac superfans, I believe that two of the most important things in the project is the never seen before. But most importantly, you get to understand why he made certain decisions.”

FX announced the first two episodes of Dear Mama will premiere on April 21. The rest of the Tupac documentary series will be released on a weekly basis. Viewers can stream the episodes on Hulu a day after the FX broadcast.

Check out a teaser for Dear Mama below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgvbS01u3dA

‘Drink Champs’ Podcast Lands Deal With Major Label’s In-House Network

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN’s show Drink Champs joined Warner Music Group’s in-house podcast network Interval Presents.

Warner Music Group’s podcast network announced the deal on Thursday (January 12). Interval Presents obtained the licensing rights to the audio version of Drink Champs on all major podcast platforms.

“We were impressed with the network’s dedication to the culture and the support we’ve received to expand our show to reach new heights allowing us to further pioneer and break barriers in the space!” DJ EFN said in a press release.

N.O.R.E. added, “I’m feeling good about partnering with Interval Presents and joining the all-star team they’ve got. We’re ready to take things to the next level for us and the culture at large! Let’s go!”

UTA, which represents Drink Champs, negotiated the deal. Allan Coye, the general manager of Interval Presents, said the collaboration will focus on “further amplifying” the podcast.

Drink Champs began in 2015. Diddy’s REVOLT network started televising the podcast in 2016.

N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN haven’t released a new episode of Drink Champs since December. The podcast is scheduled to return on January 27.

Warner Music Group launched Interval Presents in 2022. The podcast network has projects in the works with actress Lupita Nyong’o and singer Jason Derulo.

EXCLUSIVE: Ye Could Lose Millions For Hiding From Lawsuit Claiming He Stole KRS-One’s Song

By: Justin IveyCategory: Exclusives

Kanye West’s sampling of a classic KRS-One song may cost him after he ignored the copyright owner’s lawsuit.

According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Phase One Network asked for an entry of default in its civil case against Ye on Thursday (January 11). The company sued Kanye West for using an uncleared sample of Boogie Down Productions’ “South Bronx” on the 2021 track “Life of the Party.”

Phase One, which owns much of the rights to Boogie Down Productions’ “South Bronx,” filed its lawsuit in November 2022. Ye’s label G.O.O.D. Music was served in December 2022 but never responded to the complaint.

“[G.O.O.D.] has failed to answer or otherwise respond to the complaint, which was properly served on [G.O.O.D.] by delivering a true copy of the complaint and summons to Robin-Hutt Banks of the Corporation Trust Company, the registered agent of [G.O.O.D.], on December 9, 2022, and proof was therefore filed on December 15, 2022,” Phase One’s attorney Sarah Matz wrote.

Ye’s “Life of the Party” appeared on the deluxe edition of Donda, which dropped in November 2021. The song was omitted from the original version of Donda released in August 2021.

Kanye West’s clearance agent allegedly sent a formal licensing request to Phase One for the “South Bronx” sample in July 2021. The two sides didn’t reach a deal.

“On November 10, 2021, with the parties still not having come to an agreement regarding a license to use South Bronx in the infringing track, the West Parties, through their clearance agent Mr. Weissman, requested that [Phase One] forward a license agreement for South Bronx, including their preferred terms,” Phase One claimed. “On November 16, 2021, the West Parties, through their clearance agent Mr. Weissman, formally retracted the July 15, 2021 license request to use South Bronx.”

Phase One obtained the rights to Boogie Down Productions’ “South Bronx” through a series of legal transfers. KRS-One is not a plaintiff in the lawsuit against Ye.

Kanye West was sued for copyright infringement. Phase One is seeking an injunction and damages.

Young Thug Trial: Judge Forces Potential Juror To Write 30-Page Essay

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Judge Ural Glanville handed out a unique punishment to a woman who didn’t return for jury selection in the Young Thug trial.

According to multiple reports, Judge Glanville ordered the potential juror to write a 30-page essay about the importance of jury duty on Thursday (January 12). The judge didn’t hold the woman in contempt of court. She faced up to 20 days in jail and a $1,000 fine if she was charged with contempt.

The woman was excused from jury duty in the Young Thug trial, but her essay assignment came with strict guidelines. Judge Glanville demanded the essay be written in APA style with 10 primary sources and 10 secondary sources.

Judge Glanville said the court will check the essay for plagiarism. The woman was given three weeks to complete the essay. She must return to court on February 13.

The woman was one of the dozens of potential jurors excused from duty in the Young Thug trial. Jury selection is still underway for a trial that’s expected to last six to nine months.

Young Thug and 13 co-defendants will be tried in the YSL RICO case. Prosecutors claim YSL is a criminal street gang responsible for multiple offenses, including murder.

EXCLUSIVE: Ruthless Records’ Producer Laylaw, Who Worked With N.W.A, Above The Law & More, Has Died

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Exclusives

Ruthless Records producer Larry Goodman, better known as Laylaw, has died. Compton’s Most Wanted rapper Tha Chill confirmed the news on Thursday (January 12) with an Instagram post that read simply: “R.I.P. @laylaw_og_nwa_gone miss you BIG BRO. #NWA #ABOVETHELAW.”

Snoop Dogg was among the first to hop in the comments, writing, “Damn.” Many of Laylaw’s West Coast peers chimed in as well, including Rifleman and Uncle Jamm’s Army.

“I don’t want to be the first to speak on his personal business, but I will say he had some complications he was dealing with and it got the best of him,” Tha Chill tells AllHipHop. He was a great friend of 30 years plus, and he will be missed.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vernon Johnson (@thachillcmw)

Tha Chill follow-up with a second Instagram photo featuring Eazy-E, KMG, Laylaw and several others. He wrote in the caption: “KMG R.I.P. EAZY E R.I.P. LAY LAW R.I.P. MAN MY FOLKS IS DIEN LEFT AND RIGHT TELLING A PERSON THAT YOU LOVE YHEM ANIT EVEN GOOD ENOUGH THESE DAYS.

“ALL I CAN SAY IS, IT GOTTA BE BETTER UP THERE THEN IT IS DOWN HERE. Rest in peace to my homies.” Tha Chill’s photo caught the attention of Eazy-E’s son, Lil Eazy-E, who left a series of prayer emojis.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vernon Johnson (@thachillcmw)

Eerily enough, Laylaw’s last Instagram post, dated December 13, 2022, was for a friend’s funeral. Now, people are flocking to the post to send their condolences.

Laylaw began his career as a solo artist. In the mid-80s, he released two electro singles on his own label, Rolex Records: the Dr. Dre-produced “Monster Rapping” (1985) and “What’s Your Name” (1986). Goodman ultimately followed Dr. Dre to Ruthless, where he worked as a producer with Above The Law, N.W.A and more. In 1993, Goodman collaborated with 2Pac on the album Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. and later produced the remix of “California Love” (without credit). AllHipHop sends its condolences to his loved ones.

50 Cent Says Depression Is A ‘Luxury’ He Can’t Afford

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Queens rapper and all-around hustler says he can’t afford to be depressed. He contends that mental health issue is a “luxury.”

In an interview with Los Angeles rap vet and radio icon Big Boy, the 47-year-old rapper said, “I think depression is a luxury. Where I’m from, you can’t afford to be depressed.”

While promoting his new BMF show and some of his other ventures, the “In the Club” chart-topper continued, “You gotta pay the bills, right? So, you gotta go to work,” he said. “You gotta get up, gotta go do what you gotta do. You got people right now that’s at work that don’t feel like being there. But they got responsibilities.”

“When these guys get in a slump and they just decide they’re not gonna do anything — I’m like, ‘Where they do that at?’ ” he said. “I think the things you go through make you who you are.”

He also talked about everything from Kanye West to Elon Musk buying Twitter and then saying he actually has to apologize to Megan the Stallion for saying Tory Lanez didn’t shoot her.

One thing that hit home was talking about the Master P and Lil Romeo tiff online and comparing it to his relationship with his oldest son Marquise.

“Well, I think that their situation is different,” 50 said. “I think they may have some like a disagreement but they’ll be back to being Master P and Romeo we know.”

He further spoke about how Master P was one of the first people to put him on, calling him “prolific.”

“You see how Snoop has respect for Master P? He’s one of those guys,” he said before telling a story about how the No Limit soldier put him on tour for the first time.

“He was slick big. He came he gave me the money for eight shows, right? We did four of them. Then he said, ‘Oh man something happened we got time to take a break. We just come back and do the other four later. When I came back to do the other four, I had already sold 2,000,000!”

50 Cent said the OG knew he was going to be a huge star.

Joe Budden Speaks On The ‘Death Of The A&R’ And Why Gucci Man’s Artist Signing Should Be Examined

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Jersey rapper-turned-podcaster Joe Budden says label owners like Gucci Man (and by extension his wife Keyshia Ka’Oir) are a part of the problem with Hip-Hop over the last 10 years.

The “Pump it Up” chart-topper said on his hit podcast that one of the reasons rap music has been so popping is because the “keeping it real” element is being lived out through the unfortunate deaths, RICO cases, and overdoses that have plagued the culture recently.

He said, “Who people are signing, how people are signing them, and why people are signing them needs to be under thorough examination.”

“I think all parties involved in the music business [should look at music] the same way that in sports last decade when injuries started happening at a rapid rate that they had never seen before and studies and new science showed that the game was affecting players bodies differently,” he continued, offering, “So, they started coming up with all these new theories like shorten the season or let’s make the playoffs smaller.”

Budden suggests people should fall back and look at the rap world over the last decade with the same level of concern and have a desire to put something in place to help shift the phenomenon.

The thought leader said, “The same thing has happened in rap in the last decade. We have never seen this many people die. We’ve never seen these many shootings, stabbings, arrests, clique beef, RICO charges. I have never seen it in Hip-Hop and it runs concurrent for me with the death of the A&R and the death of musicianship.”

“I say Gucci mane’s scouting needs to be under report I mean under examination it’s because this is now what 8,9, 10 … I don’t know … but a whole roster that is just suffering from the ‘Different Strokes’ curse. And I don’t think it’s coincidence anymore.”

The artist, who got his start in Def Jam in the early 2000s said the culture is even “scary” to him.

“It don’t matter that one of them made a good song and now sold however many millions,”  he said n this “new space” life expectancy for rappers is even shorter than already was years ago.

He said he was not tiptoeing around the issue. “These n##gas, sign n##gas. They get their money. They take their money and do something else with it. Now, we bought a bunch of guns. We have tanks. Now, we have reason to be in every city around the globe. We have reasons to move with 80 and 90 people, SWAT protection,” he said.

“There is a reason this is going on and it is not so music based.”

Hustle! Rapper Made $500K Selling Rhymes On Fiverr

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Believe it or not, it is extremely hard for recording artists to make money off their music alone.

The way the business is set up is that a rapper gets an advance, which is rarely over $1 million, and has to be recouped by the label before they receive a single dime. Streaming requires rappers to have thousands of plays before making $10.

Orpheus Audio Academy states, “You can expect to make between $3 and $5 per 1,000 streams on Spotify. The average pay-out per stream on Spotify is $0.003. How much you get paid depends on what percentage of the total stream pie per month you own, which means your payout can fluctuate anywhere between $0.0033 – $0.0054 per stream.”

According to PerformerLife.com, the median of all rappers, and including the JAY-Zs, Drakes, the Nicki Minajs, or any of the Babies, make about $77,000. The stats presented show artists across the board make $22,000 per song if they are A-listers and C and D-listers, if they are lucky make about $10,000.

And then there is Mike Burton, 37. Never heard of him?

Welp… that’s possible.

But Burton has made a lucrative living for himself rapping on the global online marketplace for freelance services that connect people with certain gifts to people or businesses looking to hire them, Fiverr.

In 2016, after losing his job at Aon Hewitt, he started selling his rap-writing skills on the website.

He sold rhymes based on various increments, according to CNBC.

Here is Burton’s profile.

A package at one time he offered to write started at $5 for a 20- to 30-second verse. Now, he charges a minimum of $65 per 30-second verse. He also promises you will have your rap in three days with one day for revision if necessary.

Today. He clears between $7,000 and $8,000 per month, working 40-to-45-hour weeks full-time writing original raps for individuals and businesses.

Over the last six years, he was made almost $500,000.

Well, who is buying these raps?

Some of his customers are students in elementary to high school needing raps for their history projects, men needing rhymes for their love interests, a cheerleading DJ who wants to hype up the team or the audience and so many more.

He said in fact, he gets hired a lot by families in Norway who want English raps for their teenagers’  Christian confirmations. Burton says, “Shout out to Norway. I’ve done so many,” he says. “I’m like an honorary Norwegian.”

“With music and hip hop, it changes so much that you’ll turn somebody off if you sound dated,” he says about his service. “I’ve been writing every day and figuring out how I want to tell the story of how I come up with things and how you can do it.”

That will be his next move, creating tutorials and teaching people how to rhyme (after he figures out a way to monetize the classes).

Another group of rappers who are making money outside of music is battle rappers. According to many, some of the top male rappers can make anywhere between $20,000 and $40,000 each time they rap for 9 minutes. The emcees that are considered god-tier can possibly command over $100,000. Midtier and newer artists with some steam behind them can command anywhere between $1000 to $10,000, depending on the league.

Unfortunately, like most industries, these figures shift drastically for female battle rappers, who make substantially less than the men— tipping this scale downwardly.

VIDEO: Rapper Feezy Lebron Threatened By Los Angeles Sheriff’s Deputies, ‘I Am Gonna Shoot You’

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Two Los Angeles deputies are being investigated for their inappropriate actions with a local celebrity. The Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department has now released the bodycam footage of them pulling their guns out on rapper Feezy Lebron. The rapper released his own audio with the officer talking crazy.

Deputies approached the rapper while he was sitting in his BMW sedan on Christmas Eve around 5:45 p.m. it was parked in a parking lot on the 14900 block of Crenshaw Blvd. around 5:45 p.m.  Though the video shows the officers approaching him with their firearms drawn, it remains clear why he was considered a suspect.

The officers walk up and tell him to get out and with his pepper spray out, saying, “I’m just going to spray you.”

What can be heard on the camera is Feezy Lebron asking them after he is placed under arrest, “Get out for what?”

The bodycam footage also captured an officer saying to the man after he had been handcuffed, “Unfortunately for you, you shouldn’t smoke so much weed in your car. Then we wouldn’t have to search you.”

“I didn’t smoke no weed in my … car, and it’s not illegal,” the man replied.

Feezy actually recorded the incident in real time with him saying, you take off in this car I am gonna shoot you. I’m gonna make it super easy on you. You put this car in drive and I’m gonna put one straight to the chest.”

This is the caption he posted, “Let’s get this guy’s face out there before he gets a chance to MURDER a young blacc male sittin in his PARKED car ..Unarmed …approached my car for no reason ..didn’t know I was still on LIVE…remember they jus want a reason to KILL you🤞🏿.. this is the norm (their names & badge numbers officer #1 Justin Sabatine 623021 ..Officer #2 Jacob Ruiz 663350 South LA Sheriffs Station).”

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A post shared by *FEEZY-LEBRON🤾🏿🥶 (@feezy_lebron)

Feezy Lebron was detained and cited for missing a license plate.

Now, a probe into the officers has started.

On Friday, Jan. 6, the LASD released a statement regarding the “actions and language” of the two officers.

“While the department does not make statements related to ongoing investigations, Sheriff Luna has made it clear that he expects department personnel to treat all members of the public with dignity and respect, and that personnel who do not uphold our training standards will be held accountable. In the interest of transparency with our community, the Sheriff’s Department is releasing body-worn camera video from the incident,” the statement said.

Lil Meech’s Fashion Choices Re-Ignite “BMF” vs “Power Rivalry

By: IllseedCategory: Rumors

How long will Lil Meech be Lil Meech? For now, he is going to be the young son of Big Meech. But, man I have to admit, it’s hilarious how the cast of “Power” and “BMF” go back-and-forth. Both shows are under 50 Cent. The rivalry is amazing. But it’s so funny! I am cracking up because Lil Meech recently posted a picture of himself in an outfit that is questionable to some. And I cannot lie: It just makes me laugh out loud. Gianni Paolo from “Power Book II” posted an image of a picture that Meech publicly put up. And it doesn’t make it any less funny. The fashions of the current generation is extremely outrageous. And, it’s not like we haven’t seen outrageous fashion in the past, but it just seems to crack me up more since it is Hip-Hop adjacent! So, just look at this picture and tell me what you think.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CnSXzZAvz7r/

I wish they would free Big Meech. On the ground looks like a purse. Again, not my job to question the style of the present era, but it just makes me laugh. So, I say, keep going!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CnSQj_6uG8N/

BMF Season 2 is out and I am all in! Keep going Lil Meech! Soon you will be Lil Big Meech. Keep entertaining the people! Love is love!

What Is Gunna’s Status With Young Thug?

By: Houston WilliamsCategory: Rumors

Gunna is out and has made it clear: HE’S BACK! The question is: will “The Culture” have him back. It seems like the people are divided on what happens next.

It seemed like the pair of Young Thug and Gunna is going to be one for the ages. It is developing into something of an Empire-like story. But it looks like it will transpire into a Nino Brown and G-Money saga out here. If you know the story, you know that that’s the fable of New Jack city, where brother turned on brother.

However, that is not what Gunna is saying.

“N##### acting like they switching to a side But it’s only one side . #YsltheLabel #FreeThug&Yak GUNNA BACC!!!!!

He seems to still be representing YSL and apparently believes it’s all good with him and his former boss. Or his actual boss. At any rate, Gunna has made it clear that he’s about to start recording again and is still representing the crew.

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A post shared by ❕WUNNA❕🥷🏻✝️ (@gunna)

Now, can you represent the crew if you’re not in good standing with the boss? Young Thug’s brother Unfoonk made a cryptic comment on his social media, that no one can really understand. But, one thing is for sure, it does not seem to be favorable to his buddy Gunna. At the same time, nobody really can determine what he saying.. No hate or anything. But it would be nice to know what he’s trying to say as it pertains to Gunna.

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

The last thing I wanna say is, Gunna better has some pretty good security. I think that this is a hot topic, and the possibility of him being a tool to get Thugger convicted is real. He’s already stated that YSL was a gang and not a label. That alone is fuel to flame Young Thug’s defense. And let’s not even get started on the rest of the people that are out here talking and copping please in court. So, what’s next?

READ ALSO: Jim Jones Reacts To Gunna Taking A Plea Deal In YSL RICO Case

Anyone’s guess! Let’s just hope that this is just deserved and we can move on. 2022 is bleeding too deeply into 2023. I would prefer to just get it over with and move on to the next. This is painful! Thug is one of the most eccentric and talented people in the game and a lot of people love him. I’m just worried that the streets will get hotter and hotter and hotter. I pray that Gunna has super security, but you just can’t prepare for some things.

Young Thug’s brother also said the following. By the way, he pled out too.

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)