With no shortage of think pieces contemplating the implications the Adidas-Kanye West divorce will have on the sneaker industry, experts agree that there is an unprecedented hole in the market. According to the Financial Times, Yeezy sneakers contributed €1.7 billion in annual revenue for the German-based sportswear brand. Now, a vast majority of the 10 million pairs of Yeezys that consumers would have purchased this year will most likely not get purchased. Furthermore, the recent falling out between NBA superstar Kyrie Irving and Nike is compounding the problem. In addition to having one of the top ten sneaker deals in the league, with an average annual value of $11 million, Irving’s signature sneakers were the second most popular amongst NBA players themselves last season.
Now, sneakerheads, athletes, and the average consumer are forced to look for new sneakers to spend their money on. The question is, which brand(s) will pick up the market share? This generational opportunity to gain new customers and earn loyalty intersects with another cultural phenomenon. Influenced by externalities resulting from COVID-19, the proliferation of social media, societal discourses on equity, and grass-roots movements, there is a notable increase in consumer spending with independent brands, black-owned brands, and brands that partner with black creatives.
From Sahlehe Bembury singlehandedly facilitating the revival of less fashionable brands like New Balance and Crocs with various creative collaborations to Kerby Jean-Raymond’s, of Pyer Moss, chunky Reeboks taking the streetwear movement by storm to Telfar’s iconic logo Ugg boot collaboration to Kyrie Irving exploring working with Sia Collective for his next basketball sneaker, black creatives, and independent black-owned brands are moving culture and capturing consumer dollars at a disproportionate rate – and rightfully so. To this point, we expect independent black-owned brands to fill the holes in the sneaker market this year.
The CEO by Dame Dash is precisely one of these independent black-owned brands poised to capture a healthy portion of the sneaker market in 2023. The CEO sneakers are limited edition sneakers embodying the CEO mentality, Harlem’s quintessential get-money attitude, and Dash’s famous entrepreneurial spirit. Dash is working with the great Willie Esco, fashion legend and urban fashion pioneer, to help design the unique silhouettes and colorways for the sneakers. The two visionaries are ensuring that those with the movement are reversely gentrifying the sneaker industry in style.
Dash plans to drop six unique styles this year with four colors per delivery. Dash and the CEO team will release their heritage sneakers in 2023 and begin rolling out the updated versions in 2024. All CEO drops are extremely limited by design since the team only plans to produce a couple of thousand sneakers per style. Already garnering attention, the semi-official drop for the green CEO basketball sneaker sold out within 48 hours. The CEO team is eyeing other sports to center their subsequent deliveries around, with a rumored pickleball sneaker up next.
Moreover, Dash and the CEO team are working with other popular clothing brands to pair each sneaker with a corresponding outfit. Starting with a collaboration with the viral underwear brand Ethika, Dash plans to match the CEO sneakers with all types of clothing from tracksuits to hoodies to basketball shorts, et cetera.
In accordance with the brand’s philosophy, CEO sneaker owners will also have access to a corresponding NFT featuring a proprietary CEO class as a utility. Staying true to the brand’s namesake, CEO sneaker owners will be able to learn valuable business and life lessons from Dash firsthand. This masterclass is arriving during a crucial moment as many people are hungry to become entrepreneurs, especially those looking to support businesses like Dash’s black-owned independent business. For Dash, the CEO sneakers must represent this mentality and the knowledge that comes with it.
Dash concisely summarizes this point, “Being a CEO is not just a title. It is a mentality. If people are wearing a logo, it should be something that makes them want to be better.”
As mentioned, the CEO by Dame Dash is a part of a greater sneaker lineage. Having been in the sneaker game for a while, Dash secured an early collaboration with Nike before many other celebrities did; however, the Nike x CEO project was more of a promo. Eventually, Dash would license the PRO-Keds brand from Stride Rite (who owned it at the time) for an earlier iteration of the CEO sneakers before fully committing to the independent path he is walking today. By maintaining ownership as such, Dash can manifest his vision for the CEO brand into reality and create generational wealth for his family and his employees’ families; this is why Dash has always advocated for independent black-owned businesses. Dash and his work with the CEO brand provide a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs, black or otherwise, to start an independent business — showing them how to find success without institutional help.
We are excited to see how much of the newly unclaimed sneaker industry real estate Dash’s CEO brand snatches up in 2023. We are also interested to see how the brand inspires other entrepreneurs and independent black-owned businesses to level up this year.
A judge delayed sentencing for Tory Lanez, who was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion, at a hearing on Tuesday (January 10).
Tory Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was originally scheduled to be sentenced on January 27. Judge David Herriford moved the sentencing to February 28 after the Canadian rapper/singer hired new lawyers.
Attorneys David Kenner and Matthew Barhoma replaced George Mgdesyan and Shawn Holley. Tory Lanez is seeking a new trial after he was convicted on multiple charges in December 2022.
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. He faces a maximum of 22 years and eight months in prison.
Tory Lanez’s lawyers asked the judge to lift a protective order preventing him from discussing the case at Tuesday’s hearing. Judge Herriford issued the order in April 2022.
“Your honor, most respectfully, there have been a number of other people connected with the case posting on social media and putting out statements,” Kenner told the judge, per Rolling Stone. “I would suggest to the court that the way [the order] was written, it’s a prior restraint on free speech. I think it’s inappropriate for Mr. Peterson to be put in a position where he’s stopped from using his voice.”
Judge Herriford didn’t grant Kenner’s request. The judge said he would consider it again on February 28.
Blueface is dealing with more legal troubles stemming from a shooting in Las Vegas.
According to KLAS, a club owner sued Blueface for his involvement in a shooting outside of Euphoric Gentlemen’s Club. Euphoric’s owner is seeking more than $15,000 in damages after his club was closed due to the incident.
“As a direct result of [Blueface’s] negligence, willful and/or reckless conduct, the club’s licenses were revoked,” the lawsuit claimed.
Blueface allegedly shot a man in the hand. The incident occurred in October 2022.
Surveillance footage showed Blueface speaking to the victim prior to the shooting. A bad joke allegedly escalated to shots fired at the victim’s truck.
Blueface, whose real name is Johnathan Porter, was arrested for attempted murder in November 2022. His attorney Lisa Rasmussen believed her client was overcharged.
“We’re really looking forward to litigating this matter in court on behalf of our client,” Rasmussen said. “And we think that when all of the evidence comes out in court, it will be apparent that the way he’s charged is not necessarily consistent with what appears to have actually happened.”
Blueface pleaded not guilty and was released on $50,000 bail. A hearing in his criminal case is scheduled for January 24.
If there’s one thing Afroman possesses, it’s a sense of humor (OK, and maybe a little bit of weed). Last August, the “Because I Got High” rapper was away on tour when he learned the Adams County Sheriff’s Department had decimated his Ohio home. Apparently, they were looking for narcotics but came up empty handed. Dismayed by the events that unfolded, Afroman was forced to clean up the mess the authorities left behind (unless he got high, of course).
Using footage of the camouflage nightmare that descended on his home, Afroman put together a video called “Will You Help Me Fix My Door.” Since its release at the top of 2023, the clip has racked up nearly two million views on YouTube. The best part? He’s making fun of the authorities who wrongly assumed they had a criminal on their hands. He also gets the chance to question why his paperwork includes the word “kidnapping.”
“Let me ask you something officer: Any kidnapping victims inside my suit pockets?,” he sings as we see police searching his closet. “Are there any kidnapping victims in my suit pockets?/You crooked cops need to stop it/There are no kidnapping victims in my suit pockets.”
R.A. The Rugged Man tweeted about it on Monday (January 9) and applauded Afroman for exposing the police for what the rapper described as a “witch hunt” at the time. He wrote: Yooooo! This is hilarious. The cops raided AFROMAN’s house for narcotics and ‘kidnapping’ so he made a song and video out of the footage. Brilliant.”
Yooooo!!! this is hilarious The cops raided AFROMAN's house for narcotics and "kidnapping" so he made a song and video out of the footage. Brilliant 🤣 (@ogafroman) https://t.co/VCpvyQ2up8
High or not, Afroman is also running for president—at least that’s what he says. In what appears to be a direct result of the police raid, he’s determined to have the final say when it comes to cannabis possession.
“I’m running for president of the United States of America,” he posted last month. “Vote for Joseph afroman, foreman recreational cannabis in all 50 states mandatory body cameras on all police officers or no paychecc.”
French Montana shared a major update about his longtime collaborator Max B on Monday (January 10).
According to French Montana, Max B will be released from prison in April. Max B has been locked up behind bars for more than a decade.
“MY BROTHER WAS FACING 75 YEARS,” French Montana wrote on social media. “HE TOLD ME TO TELL YALL HE ‘LL BE HOME IN APRIL ‼️ SILVER SURFER. Live from the can. Free the Count. ‘LEMONADE’ VIDEO .. Coke Boys 6 OUT NOW ON ALL PLATFORMS.”
French Montana’s post included a video of Max B in prison. The footage showed Max B in good spirits as he talked to his Coke Boys cohort.
“French, what’s good, my n####?” he asked French Montana. “I’m coming, baby. I’m on they ass. Boy looking good. I’m working. Got the weight off of me, the weight is up.”
In 2009, Max B was sentenced to 75 years in prison for his role in a deadly robbery. A judge later vacated his convictions, allowing Max B to plead guilty to one count of aggravated manslaughter in 2016.
Max B was sentenced to 20 years for aggravated manslaughter. He said his sentence was reduced to 12 years in 2019.
MY BROTHER WAS FACING 75 YEARS .. HE TOLD ME TO TELL YALL HE ‘LL BE HOME IN APRIL ‼️ SILVER SURFER Live from the can 🌊 Free the Count 💯 “LEMONADE” VIDEO .. Coke Boys 6 OUT NOW ON ALL PLATFORMS 🗽link in bio pic.twitter.com/KavLaPXS1E
Jury selection continued in the Young Thug RICO case on Tuesday (January 10).
Young Thug’s attorney Brian Steel informed the court about a potential juror trying to communicate with the lawyer. Steel did not respond to the prospective juror.
“Mr. Steel, we are in receipt of your email that you forwarded to all the other participants in this case,” Judge Ural Glanville said. “I was able to get a copy of it. I’ll just mark it as the next court exhibit. It references a particular person or juror that has attempted to contact your law firm … You did not respond to the juror and instead reported this to us.”
According to Law & Crime’s Cathy Russon, Judge Glanville asked court personnel to investigate the prosecutive juror’s attempt to touch base with Steel. Glanville addressed the issue on the fifth day of jury selection for Young Thug’s RICO trial.
A few potential jurors did not return to court for the second week of jury selection despite being required to do so. Judge Glanville ordered one woman to be brought back from the airport when she returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic.
Young Thug is one of 14 co-defendants awaiting trial on RICO charges. Prosecutors claim YSL is a criminal street gang responsible for murders, shootings and other alleged crimes.
A grand jury originally indicted 28 members of YSL. Eight men — including Gunna and Young Thug’s brother Unfoonk — accepted plea deals in the RICO case. Several others will face trial at a later date.
Ludacris’ longtime manager, Chaka Zulu, was charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and simple battery last September. The charges stem from a June 2022 triple shooting in Atlanta that left 23-year-old Artez Benton dead. Chaka Zulu turned himself in shortly after the incident and bonded out the same day. In the wake of the shooting, Chaka Zulu’s attorney insisted his actions were self-defense and was confident he’d beat the charges.
But four months later, there’s been no significant movement on Chaka Zulu’s case. AllHipHop reached out to attorney Gabe Banks of Banks Weaver LLC who could only offer: “The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office is still investigating this matter. At this time, there are no upcoming court dates. He needs [the love]. More importantly, he appreciates it.”
Chaka Zulu was at the 4B Apartment restaurant when the altercation occurred. Surveillance footage near the area appeared to support the theory he was firing back to avoid being killed. As Banks explained at the time: “Mr. Chaka Zulu, the beloved son of the City of Atlanta is disappointed in the Atlanta Police Department’s decision to bring charges against him surrounding the shooting that occurred in June 2022.
“A close review of the all of the evidence, including surveillance footage and eyewitness interviews, reveal that Mr. Zulu was attacked and jumped from behind by a gang of at least four (4) individuals (sadly including the decedent) and was forced to defend himself after this gang repeatedly stomped, punched, and kicked him while he was on the ground in a defenseless posture.”
Every year, AllHipHop.com drops the most controversial lists in battle rap culture, shaking up everything like an atomic bomb.
Our “Best of 2022” always hits the web and stirs up a plethora of emotions regarding who made the list, who is ranked too low, and who should work harder to crack the top 20 next year.
The opinions expressed in the lists are a straight composite of the culture’s most faithful fans, who showed up and voted for those they rocked with the most.
Fans stepped up their efforts with all of the happenings within the battle rap community and started voting in December.
With so many people putting in work this year, most of the lists have been expanded from 10 to 20. There are a few exceptions, like “Best Battle Rap Events” and “Most Impactful Moments,” which went from five to ten.
The top leagues according to size (size based on followers on YouTube) stayed the same for the most part. The most exciting in this arena is chart-topper Remy Ma, debuting with Chrome 23 and shaking things up as a small league.
Like Miss Conceited, a few other newbies made the list. A couple of veterans did not (or registered a little low). It is important to note the mindset of most sporting fans, out of sight, out of mind. So, the more people see you and are reminded of what you do all year, the more likely you will rank.
And while the fans are not battle rap influencers dissecting bars and careers like some analysts (who made the media list), they are incredibly valuable to the culture. Their voices count, and at AllHipHop.com, we go out of our way to give voice to the artists, cards, and other happenings that the fans really rocked with over the last 12 months.
Top Battle Rap Event of the Year
Homecoming
Summer Madness 12
Volume 10 Weekend (Including Civil War 3 and the first all-female Volume card)
NOME 12
Kings vs. Queens 3
Chrome 23 Tournament, R 1 (Becoming the first all-female tournament)
Frenemies
Queens Get The Money
Prom Night
Final Exams
Fan Top 20 Favorite/ Preference Battle Rappers of the Year (Female and Male)
The Fan Top 20 Favorite/ Preference Battle Rappers of the Year (Female and Male) let us know who you really like.
It allowed fans to say who they simply like the most. A co-ed preference list, this top twenty seeks to give space for people to be honest about those lyricists that speak to them, make them scream at the YouTube or App because they are so fire or always has a vibe that makes you want to root for them. With the expansion on this list, the ladies double their slots in 2021.
Much of this is because of Jaz coming out to play frequently on URL and Remy Ma opening the floodgates for the ladies on her platform, Chrome 23. Lastly, the list shows you the temperature of the pool of emcees who resonate as artists based on personality, likability, originality, and star power.
1. Pat Stay (The Sucker Free Boss R.I.P.)
2. Shotgun Suge
3. Jaz the Rapper
4. Tay Roc
5. Rum Nitty
6. Eazy the Block Captain
7. Swamp
8. Tsu Surf
9. Danny Myers
10. Shooney Da Rapper
11. Geechi Gotti
12. C3
13. Calicoe
14. Viixen Da Assassin
15. A Ward
16. Ms. Hustle
17. Kyd Slade
18. JC
19. Bill Collector
20. Fonz and Casey Jay (tied)
Best Breakout Rappers of the Year
Formally knowns as the “Top Emerging Rappers,” this category includes those rappers who simply pushed forward in a fresh new way— differently than how they’ve ever performed in the past.
It’s about new talent and those right at the cusp of something great. It’s like Eazy the Block Captain in 2020, around the time when COVID just started, and he was able to “breakout” and become the superstar he is today. It’s also like this year’s Crucible and Bags, and Bodies class, which came in and won the fans’ hearts, and THEY REALLY WANT THEM TO WIN.
As stated before, it is not easy for a league to introduce new talent. Equally, it is not easy for new artists to break through and make an impression in the ocean of battle rap emcees. Fans are not always warm to new voices, styles, and energies. But twenty have made their way, exceptionally claiming their spot on the stage (or in the middle of the floor …depending on the league).
Kyd Slade
Footz
Saflare Sole
Stumbles
Kausion
Aeon
Eaze
Hansel
Sheed Happens
#NWK
Klutz
Rocq Lee
Yunus
P.A.Y.N.E.
Pristavia
Oppa
Elijah Strait
Fendi
Hope Trilly
Eliza Versa
Top 10 Most Impactful Moments or Movements of the Year
1. Pat Stay is Murdered
The death of the Canadian rapper sent the entire world into a tailspin. People woke up on Sunday to the sad news that the Sucka Free Boss was fatally stabbed in a local club. His untimely demise not only broke the heart of those in battle rap culture but also those in the commercial space. The likes of Eminem, Drake, and so many more posted tributes to him, reminding everyone that rap (at its core) is rap and all of the distinctions that people place on battlers and major streaming artists are really self-imposed.
If there is anything people can take away from Mr. Look at You Go is that there are no real boundaries in life— race, talent, love, creed, religion, or social class. Live life to its fullest and if you are an emcee, just pick up the mic and be great. #RIPPatStay
2. Tay Roc Exposed Kyd Slade
There is a discussion in the street about holding your ground, maintaining respect, and keeping your lips tight. During his Civil War 3 performance, Tay Roc broke out court-issued paperwork on the Connecticut rapper, putting to test his street credibility.
He turned “plug talk” to “snitch talk,” occupying weeks upon weeks of battle rap social capital. Still, the more people talked about Slade’s “snitching,” the less tainted he seemed to appear (especially after interviewing with Unkle Ra in an exclusive sit-down interview).
While many are cemented on the rules are the rules, he “snitched” in court, others are saying “he just exercised poor judgment” and talked himself (on the stand) in a hole.
The move did not only damage Slade’s image, but it also made the battle not good, leaving Roc stating on 15 Minutes of Fame, he wishes he didn’t do it.
Hitman Holla debuted his battle rap reality competition show, a modern take and sexier take on the 2014 “Road to Total Slaughter,” mixed with a lot of Jermaine Dupri’s#### series, “The Rap Game” that spawned the superstar rapper, Big Latto.
Big-name battle rappers guest starred on the show, while some of the hungriest gunners around competed against each other.
The national search was epic and the rollout, complete with a red-carpet premiere, was fly. With this project, the “Wild N’ Out” staple keeps showing people in the culture there are many ways to get bread and you can provide opportunities while you are rocking.
4. Tsu Surf
In 2022, New Jersey rapper Tsu Surf appeared to be on top of the world. A fan favorite on battle rap stages, as an analyst, as a fashion plate, as a recording artist, as a league owner, author and so much more.
No one can forget how he started an underground league with Midnight Madness and redefined the promo game on Twitter spaces. He also brought together one of the most powerful collectives in battle rap, Gun Titles, bringing in and mentoring young talent like Pristavia, the first lady of the crew.
While the “DISPARU” artist was having his most impactful year and charting a trajectory to possibly be Champion of the Year with an unprecedented amount of wins, unfortunate circumstances changed everything.
After ripping the stage at Summer Madness 12 and flying out the next day to perform at Rolling Loud, authorities arrested the star on RICO Charges, shaking the culture up and causing the hashtag #FreetheWave to go viral.
5. The Ultimate Rap League Dominates the Culture and Wins Big
The largest English-speaking battle rap league in the world, founded by pioneer Smack White from one of the original sources that catapulted the culture into its current orbit, hosted almost 30 events in 2022. Some exclusively on their streaming platform and others with their partners Caffeine, there was not one month where something was not going on— for male or female artists.
The trio, Smack, Beasley, and Cheeko, were able to keep the fans satisfied with quality content, even while fighting in court with their former talent scout, Street Star Norbes.
In 2020, Norbes was released from his duties at URL after getting into a fight with Nu Jerzey Twork at the league’s first event with Caffeine, Genesis. After publicly receiving his walking papers, the man most notably associated with The War Report filed a lawsuit claiming to be the owner of the league he once worked at. The case made its way to the New York Supreme Court, where justices ruled on a portion of the complaint, saying Norbes was not an owner, hinging its decision on the fact he never participated financially in the big losses as the three actual owners did.
Not resting on the accomplishments and barely addressing it, URL started filming a documentary rumored to debut in 2023 and include celebrities, God-tier emcees, and days in the life of some of your favorite stars.
6. Remy Ma Starts Her League, Chrome 23
Bronx bombshell Remy Ma is one of the first girls to battle on camera and will forever be immortalized as the Uptown shorty who battled against Lady Luck twice on MTV’s Fight Klub. A longtime friend of the culture, she has a few points of entry. Of course, she was battling in the Bronx, leading her to get down with Big Pun when she was a teen in high school. Then she also met Smack back in the SMACK DVD days. Then, her little sis is Ms. Hustle, the femcee who once boasted of being the First Lady of URL.
Now, she is bursting through the door as the owner of the Chrome 23 battle rap league, hosting six cards in her first year. Image-conscious, Remy not only books the ladies on her card but dresses them, gets their hair down, and prepares them to be stage ready.
She is said to be an excellent mentor pouring into the ladies she works with powerful gems about being women in the game.
7. Return of Shooneral
Shooneral, made up of Shooney da Rapper and Phara Funeral, are the original female two-on-two champs. Before the Bardashians … before Gawd Mode … actually, before most of the two-on-twos you can think of (with exception of Marv One and Quest McCody), they were teaming up and slaying for over a decade with style, finesse, humor, and chemistry.
This year the two came back and have not taken their sneakers off these chicks’ necks. Their battle against Jaz and Official is said to be one of the battles of the year.
But it doesn’t stop there …
The warm welcome as a duo has also benefited them as solo artists. Two of the original queens of the rings, Shooneral is the evidence that star power supersedes a plethora of things in the culture. You can be a lyrical miracle (and both have proven they can be), you can be fine as hell (did you see them in those red leather pants), and you can get the push that places you in the front of the masses … but if you don’t have that “IT” factor … you won’t have a legacy as strong as theirs (individually and collectively).
8. JC Wins $120,000 At Ultimate Madness 5 After Mom Dies
It is always sad when someone loses a loved one. But there is no pain one could ever feel (save losing your own child) to match losing your mother. Now, imagine having to pull yourself up and beat four other hungry emcees for a chance to win $100,000.
To make the pot sweeter, former NFL player and battle rap enthusiast Gerald McCoy dropped an additional $20,000 on the line for the winner in the finals.
The Pontiac rapper overcame his bereavement and honored his mother’s life with some of the best lyrical wizardry he ever composed. Walking away with the bag, against an extraordinary Swamp.
9. Mook’s Electrifying Performance at Homecoming
If you listen to the casual battle rapper, who just start watching battle rap over the last five or six years, you might think that there is a bunch of gas around the conversation of God Tier emcees. However, if you were in the building during URL’s return to Irving Plaza and witness the Zeus of battle rap step down from his Harlem-inspired Mt. Olympus and tear up the stage, then you know what they say is true.
Murda Mook is not like the rest of them folk over there.
You can compare him to Loaded Lux, who arguably is battle rap’s Poseidon. Fans might rightfully align him with his actual cousin and DOT MOBB brother, T-REX (#FreeTRex). We will even go with the Island God Aye Verb, who did his best Hercules impression and drew blood from the god.
But that night … on the stage opposite three times COTY champion of the year, Geechi Gotti … no one was touching him.
Just ask Busta Rhymes, Fabolous, Ghostface Killah, and the thousands of fans chanting his name. His showing that night … learned a whole lot of people who tried to discredit one of the architects of the culture.
10. Year of the Upsets
2022 was the year of the upsets. Whether we are talking regular bets or the destruction of your entire tournament brackets, underdogs were stepping up and showing out.
Two wins that stood out to fans were Tru Foe vs. Geechi Gotti and Casey Jay vs. Arsonal.
Gotti was actually knocked out of the first round of the UM5 tournament by Tru Foe, a member of the new Midwest movement. Fans were in shock to see the EFB leader vulnerable but at the same time celebrating one of the culture’s rising stars.
Likewise, Texas native Casey Jay put on a show for the audience floating over Mr. Disrespect. While he was sloppy during the battle, even pulling out his phone to read his bars in one of the rounds, she was poised and prepared to stand before the legend.
Don’t get it twisted, Gotti and Arsonal are still Gotti and Arsonal. But these losses prove that battle rap, at this level of elite performance and lyricism, is an any given Sunday sport.
Top Battle Rap Media of the Year
This virtual season saw the rise of battle rap media outlets that were just as impactful to the community as the artists that they covered.
Battle rap media consists of a few different styles of coverage: Analysts, Reporters, Op-Editors/Vloggers, and Talk Shows. With the rise of Caffeine, Discourse, Clubhouse, Twitch, and YouTube, new voices have emerged and older voices have had to adapt. Check out our list based on our fans’ votes.
1. Angry Fan
2. 15MOFE (Including Restore Order, The Bar Exam, and Shut Up and Talk Show)
3. Vada Fly
4. Piperboy Williams
5. Champion
6. Black Compass
7. OTFMZ
8. Battle Rap Trap/ Verified Source
9. HipHopIsReal
10. Let’s Talk Battle Rap
11. Chris Unbias
12. Top Tier Podcast
13. Three Letter Man
14. New Era Podcast
15. Jimz
16. DME Detroit
17. Breakfast with the Champ
18. Check the Temperature
19. Battle Raps Outlet
20. DNA Tooth
Top Female Battle Rappers of the Year
Jaz the Rapper
Ms. Hustle
C3
Shooney Da Rapper
Viixen da Assassin
Casey Jay
Kausion
Yoshi G
Bonnie Godiva
Pristavia
Phara Funeral
Chetta
O’fficial
E Hart
40 B.A.R.R.S.
Lady Caution
C-Bri the Lyricist
First Lady Flamez
Aeon
Fendi
*AllHipHop.com made the editorial decision to recognize Cee the Boss, Don Ladyii, RX, and MyVerse, all emcees who deserve to be honorably mentioned on this list. While the fans did not vote them in the Top 20, their skillset, drive, and performance ability simply could not be overlooked by our team.
Top Male Battle Rappers of the Year
Shotgun Suge
Swamp
Tay Roc
Eazy the Block Captain
Rum Nitty
Danny Myers
Tsu Surf
JC
Geechi Gotti
Fonz
Bill Collector
A. Ward
Calicoe
Kyd Slade
Sheed Happens
Real Sikh
D.I. Da Hennyman
Saflare Sole
Marv Won
Charlie Clips and Th3 Saga (tied)
*AllHipHop.com made the editorial decision to recognize DNA, Snakes Eyes, Bad Newz, Stumbles, and Tru Foe, all emcees who deserve to be honorably mentioned on this list. While the fans did not vote them in the Top 20, their skillset, drive, and performance ability simply could not be overlooked by our team.
TOP BATTLE RAP LEAGUES OF THE YEAR (SMALL, MEDIUM & LARGE)
Shout out to all of the leagues that have kept their heads up during the pandemic. It was through their hard work and constant innovation and ability to adapt and flip on the dime, that kept the industry (and culture) alive. Because so many leagues have been doing such great work, we divided them up by YouTube subscriptions, leaving that metric as a qualifying measuring stick. This allows more leagues to be celebrated and recognized for their hard work.
Top Small League of the Year (under 50,000 followers)
The Battle Academy
(Nightmare in Philly 2, No Crowd Necessary, The Battle Academy vs. Bullpen Battle League, Ear to the Street 5, War Ready 4, Rookies vs. Vets and Frenemies)
*AllHipHop.com made the editorial decision to recognize The Riot, Chrome 23, and We Go Hard/ She Go Hard for their hard work this year. We also salute all of the talent scouts, promoters, managers, and league owners hammering it out for the culture.
Top Medium League of the Year (between 50,001 and 500,000 followers)
Rare Breed Entertainment
(Who Really Got Bars, Straight to It-Vol. 1, Straight to It-Vol 2, The Getback 2, Brick by Brick 3, Straight to It-Vol 3, Brick by Brick 4, Blood, Sweat, Tiers 7, and Closure 2 )
Top Large League of the Year (above 500,001 followers)
The Ultimate Rap League
(Super Fight, Banned, Resolution 2, Initiation, The Crucible, Any Given Sunday 2, Calicoe vs. Chess, Future Queens, Kings vs. Queens III, Civil War II, To Live and Die in LA, UM5 Rd. 1, UM5 Rd. 2, UM5 Semi-Finals, BET Awards, NOME 12, Close Quarters 2, Battle in the Bayou, Down to the Wire, Summer Madness 12, The Crucible Phase 3, Weekly Lite Work Battles, Final Exams, Homecoming, Traffic 5, Survivor Series, Smack Volume 10-Ladies, Civil War 3, Volume 10-Males and Outside)
The Big Snow is based in New Jersey and is set on 180,000 total square feet, of which 4 acres are available to ski on.
The rapper copped a black Oakley jacket, black Burton bib, green Oakley goggles, and a black Smith helmet from the Big Snow retail shop.
A family man, he was out on the slopes kicking it with his children, other family members and his friends for about two hours, according to New Jersey 101.5.
And he wasn’t just there for the fam. Sources says he was out hanging with fans and making sure everyone had a great time.
Meek was one of the first to post about his snowy adventure, posting on his Instagram a few flicks from the day, captioning, “And we slideeeeeee.”
Four-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski’s latest Gronk Beach festival will take place on Saturday, February 11 in Arizona. Gronkowski tapped Grammy-winning recording artist 21 Savage as the headliner.
Scottsdale’s The Talking Stick Resort hosts Gronk Beach 2023 presented by The Beast Unleashed. Gronk Beach kicks off the day before Super Bowl LVII. The Big Game is scheduled for February 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
21 Savage’s involvement with Rob Gronkowski’s beach-themed day party comes after the 30-year-old rapper dropped Her Loss studio LP with Drake in 2022. Her Loss debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 with 404,000 first-week units.
In addition to 21 Savage appearing at Gronk Beach, this year’s extravaganza will also feature a co-headlining performance by Diplo. The deejay/music producer has won three Grammy Awards. Diplo’s self-titled album came out in March 2022.
Rob Gronkowski: Guests Can Expect Great Performances By Some Of My Favorite Acts
“You may not see me on the field this year but there’s one thing I’m not retiring from and that’s having a great time! You’ll get what you expect from me (and more) at Gronk Beach – great music, flowing drinks, lots of dancing, and basically the most exciting event of the weekend outside of the Big Game itself,” states Rob Gronkowski.
The former New England Patriots player adds, “Thanks to my partner Monster Energy and The Beast Unleashed, guests can expect great performances by some of my favorite acts including my pals Diplo, 21 Savage and more to be announced soon.”
Previous Gronk Beach parties coincided with 2020’s Super Bowl LIV in Miami and 2022’s Super Bowl LVI in Las Vegas. Rick Ross, The Chainsmokers, Bill Belichick, Lizzo, Julian Edelman, Nate Diaz, and other celebrities attended the event in past years.
Tickets and VIP tables for Rob Gronkowski’s Gronk Beach2023 will be available via presale on Thursday, January 12 beginning at 10 am MT at gronkbeach.com. In addition to seeing 21 Savage and Diplo, all tickets include a six-hour open bar, complimentary bites, and the chance to try Monster Energy’s new The Beast Unleashed beverage.
President Donald Trump has announced on his social media platforms that one of his high-profile Black supporters, Lynette “Diamond” Hardaway from the MAGA-maniac duo Diamond and Silk, has died.
She was only 51.
#45 said her death was “really bad news for Republicans,” a remark that seemed to acknowledge the importance she was as a marker of diversity in his campaign.
Trump made his comments on his Truth Social platform, writing, “Our beautiful Diamond of Diamond and Silk has just passed away at her home in the state she loved so much, North Carolina.”
“Silk was with her all the way, and at her passing. There was no better TEAM anywhere, or at any time! Diamond’s death was totally unexpected, probably her big and precious HEART just plain gave out. Rest In Peace our Magnificent Diamond, you will be greatly missed!” he continued.
On the Twitter account set up to promote both Diamond and Silk, it said, “The World just lost a True Angel and Warrior Patriot for Freedom, Love, and Humanity!”
The World just lost a True Angel and Warrior Patriot for Freedom, Love, and Humanity! Please respect the privacy of Diamond’s family! Memorial Ceremony TBA.
Contributions towards Preserving Diamond’s Legacy are only being accepted at the following link:https://t.co/g6J6NlBXE7
A crowdfunding campaign has been started by Silk; however, it is unknown if the money raised is going to bury her or start some sort of scholarship in her name. So far, they have raised a little under $40,000.
The world was introduced to the pair in 2016 when they left the Democratic party and demonstratively started to support Trump on their YouTube channels and at his rallies.
There’s been no word on how she died. Some people suggested that COVID-19 was the cause of death, a salacious claim considering her anti-COVID rants were so outrageous she and her sister were fired from FOX News, The Hill reports.
I'm seeing claims that Diamond of Diamond and Silk—a Covid-19 vaccine hater—died of Covid and was hospitalized for it in Nov. But truth is her cause of death isn't clear yet, and the Nov. claims that she had Covid came from a Blavity article that appears to have been deleted.
Tory Lanez released the Alone At Prom studio LP in 2021, which included “The Color Violet” single. Over a year later, the song made its debut on this week’s Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“The Color Violet” currently sits at No. 87 on the latest Hot 100. This is the first time the Dejan Nikolic and Foreign Teck-produced track appeared on the Billboard weekly rankings of the most popular songs in the United States.
“The Color Violet” found new found life on TikTok which sparked interest in the song around the world. In addition to making it onto the Hot 100, “The Color Violet” also landed at No. 122 on the 1/14/23 edition of the Billboard Global 200 chart.
Tory Lanez Also Found Commerical Success On The Billboard 200 In Recent Years
Throughout his recording career, Tory Lanez has only charted 16 entries on the Hot 100. His contribution to Jack Harlow’s “Whats Poppin” earned Lanez his highest-charting song when the collaboration peaked at No. 2 in 2020.
2016’s “Luv” rose to #19 on the Hot 100 chart dated September 24. It is Tory Lanez’s highest-charting solo effort. The 2x-Platinum I Told You single earned Tory Lanez a Best R&B Song nomination at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.
Alone At Prom peaked at No. 59 on the Billboard 200 album chart in December 2021. Tory Lanez did score a Top 10 project in September 2022 when Sorry 4 What premiered at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. However, Sorry 4 What spent just two weeks on the rankings.
The personal drama surrounding members of B2K has become a real-life soap opera. In particular, Lil Fizz’s decision to date Apryl Jones, the mother of Omarion’s two children, appeared to ignite strife in the group.
“What me and Apryl had is what me and Apryl had. We created something really beautiful and gave something truly beautiful to each other that’s really irreplaceable,” said Omarion in 2020. “At the end of the day, even though I have public issues I wish no ill intention or malice towards anyone.”
B2K eventually went back on the road together for 2021’s The Millennium Tour. Lil Fizz took the opportunity to address the highly-publicized romantic situation involving Omarion’s ex-girlfriend Apryl Jones.
“I did some f##### up s### to my brother,” said Fizz to Omarion on stage during a tour stop. “I did some snake ass s###, and I’m not proud of it. So, I want to sit here humbly and sincerely apologize to you for any turmoil or dysfunction I caused between you and your family.”
Raz B Believes Lil Fizz May Have Been Acting Out Of Spite
Fellow B2K singer Raz B is still talking about the Lil Fizz-Omarion-Apryl Jones situation. The 37-year-old entertainer appeared on VladTV. The interviewer asked Raz B for his thoughts on the love triangle that also became part of a Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood storyline.
“I’ve talked to Fizz behind closed doors about it. It’s natural for people to like people, right? I think there was probably a little bit of vindictiveness in there, a little bit of spitefulness because Fizz is the type of dude [who] always looked out for [Omarion],” said Raz B. “So he kinda feels like cuz went Hollywood on him.”
Raz B added, “I wasn’t around them during that time. So I don’t really know how [Lil Fizz and Apryl Jones] hit it off. But I do remember people be running around in the same circles. I don’t know. I’m glad that it’s over with. I’m glad that it’s been addressed.”
The You Got Served actor had more to say about Apryl Jones. Raz B stated, “Even with her. That’s like f###### with fire. I’m gonna fault her more than him. Of course, you gotta fault both of them. But I would fault her more than him. Come on, you’re throwing that p#### around?”
Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood alumnae Masika Kalysha found herself in the Twitter hot seat after sharing her thoughts on colorism. Kalysha has spent hours defending herself on social media.
“Reverse colorism 100% exists. Saying that it doesn’t exist is actually proof that it does,” tweeted Masika Kalysha in response to a tweet by Texas-bred rapper Monaleo stating “there is no such thing” as reverse colorism.
Kalysha’s comments sparked debate across Twitter. One person quote-tweeted the 37-year-old reality television personality and argued that fairer-skinned women get away with bullying darker-skinned women.
“See how you just invalidated every single light skin black woman’s experience on earth, [because] you as ONE person just made a ridiculous statement? It blows me how anyone can say ‘no one was ever blah blah blah.’ So you’re omnipresent, omnipotent, clairvoyant & can speak for [everyone],” responded Masika Kalysha.
She added, “Speak on YOUR own experience don’t have such audacity that you tell other people’s stories that you never met. SMH you don’t even see how you are further proving my point.” After attempting to make her case about so-called reverse colorism, Kalysha then complained about how the argument creates “even more light-skin vs dark-skin b#######.”
Masika Kalysha’s War Of Words With Twitter Users Played Out Over Several Days
The following day, Masika Kalysha returned to Twitter. She posted, “All these messages bashing, dogging, condemning & discriminating against light skin women in efforts to prove that light skin women don’t get discriminated against really drives the point huh 🤔 🙄.”
Another Twitter user suggested that saying “reverse colorism” exists is the same as white people saying “reverse racism” exists. Kalysha fired back, “[Definitely] not the same and when did I say colorism doesn’t exist? 🤔.”
On Sunday, the former Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta cast member also tweeted, “I’m done with this topic because no matter what I say, prove, or share y’all gonna be furious. 🤷🏽♀️ Again further proving my statement to be true but hey go awf. I hope everyone has the day they deserve 😘.”
However, Masika Kalysha continued to address her online critics on Monday. The heated conversation played out on Twitter through last night. Kalysha claimed social media users berated her for her opinion about discrimination based on complexion in the Black community.
“Digging in dumpsters to dive into yesteryear just to crop out a whole thread of strangers attacking me calling me white & mixed & saying the most racist, colorist, ignorant s### to me & only reposting one of my responses is weirdo fan behavior. Post the whole thread [f######] weirdos,” wrote Kalysha.
i’ve gotten some nasty ass messages since that interview dropped and all i did was point out what i THOUGHT was the obvious. I stand by what i said about colorism still being a very real and prevalent issue . And there is no such thing as “reverse colorism” .
Stupid s### like this is why no one takes dark skinned women seriously. No one was f###### bullied because they were light skinned. I have seen in real time how fairer skinned women were the legitimate bullies and no one batted an eye because the victim was a darker https://t.co/oi026JHEBt
See how you just invalidated every single light skin black woman’s experience on earth, bc you as ONE person just made a ridiculous statement? It blows me how anyone can say “no one was ever blah blah blah” so you’re omnipresent, omnipotent, clairvoyant & can speak for every1 https://t.co/JO63w3JwMa
Speak on YOUR own experience don’t have such audacity that you tell other people’s stories that you never met. SMH you don’t even see how you are further proving my point
Idgaf about your toes sis. It’s not a thing FOR YOU. And arguing about it is literally creating even more light skin vs dark skin b####### when we all black women period. This is the ignorance I’m talking about. It exists within you Pooh https://t.co/OmmaTEoNzW
Idgaf about your toes sis. It’s not a thing FOR YOU. And arguing about it is literally creating even more light skin vs dark skin b####### when we all black women period. This is the ignorance I’m talking about. It exists within you Pooh https://t.co/OmmaTEoNzW
Oh the only part I happened to see!? Lmao yes very telling that I retweeted one tweet that I saw and moved on with my life instead of investigating every word said before and after that tweet 😂 https://t.co/IxXNU9eH9v
All these messages bashing, dogging, condemning & discriminating against light skin women in efforts to prove that light skin women don’t get discriminated against really drives the point huh 🤔 🙄 https://t.co/pvZZGcPdj3
Def not the same & when did I say colorism doesn’t exist? 🤔 to assume I “need to read” “scholarly articles” is weird. Some of my fav books on blk origin & experience are The Isis Papers, Destruction of Black Civilization, From Babylon to Timbuktu, The Miseducation of the Negro https://t.co/LP0UNXBBP0
I’m done with this topic because no matter what I say, prove, or share y’all gonna be furious. 🤷🏽♀️ again further proving my statement to be true but hey go awf. I hope everyone has the day they deserve 😘
Daystar “Tory Lanez” Peterson implemented a legal team shake-up this week. A jury convicted the rapper/singer of assaulting Hip Hop star Megan Thee Stallion with a firearm. Lanez hired a new representation to oversee his appeal attempt.
George Mgdesyan served as Tory Lanez’s unsuccessful trial lawyer in the Canadian’s 2022 assault and firearm case in California. However, attorney David Kenner will lead the effort to get the conviction overturned.
At first, reports suggested David Kenner represented former Death Row Records head Marion “Suge” Knight in his hit-and-run manslaughter case from 2018. However, it appears Kenner was not directly involved in Knight’s no-contest plea in that situation.
“I just got off the phone with Tory Lanez’s new lawyer David Kenner, and it’s clear to me that people need to stop assuming he represented Suge Knight in the case that put Suge in prison. He didn’t! He represented him in a robbery case back in the 1990s and got him probation,” tweeted crime reporter Meghann Cuniff.
She also added, “Kenner was not Suge Knight’s lawyer for his most recent case, in which he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter over a fatal hit-and-run at Tam’s Burgers in Compton. Kenner is unhappy that so many hip-hop blogs etc are saying he was when he actually wasn’t.”
Tory Lanez’s New Lawyer Did Get Snoop Dogg Acquitted Of Murder
In addition, Meghann Cuniff tweeted, “Kenner confirmed to me that George Mgdesyan is no longer representing Tory Lanez. It’s David Kenner all the way. Regarding post-conviction motions, he told me he’s considering all options. He may discuss this a bit tomorrow in court, but the big stuff won’t come until later.”
Prosecutors accused Suge Knight of killing 55-year-old Terry Carter by striking him with his vehicle during the filming of the Straight Outta Compton movie in 2015. Following the plea deal, a California judge sentenced Knight to 28 years in prison.
“More about the 2015 case. Kenner didn’t represent Suge during the plea. That was Matthew Fletcher. Given all the issues surrounding the case and Fletcher, it’s certainly understandable that Kenner is a little sensitive about being associated with it,” posted Meghann Cuniff on Twitter.
I just got off the phone with Tory Lanez's new lawyer David Kenner, and it's clear to me that people need to stop assuming he represented Suge Knight in the case that put Suge in prison. He didn't! He represented him in a robbery case back in the 1990s and got him probation.
Kenner was not Suge Knight's lawyer for his most recent case, in which he pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter over a fatal hit-and-run at Tam's Burgers in Compton. Kenner is unhappy that so many hip-hop blogs etc are saying he was when he actually wasn't.
Kenner's biggest claim to fame appears to be getting Snoop Dogg acquitted of murder aka "murder was the case that they gave me." He told me he has a video of Snoop at his 80th birthday party saying, "Without David Kenner, there'd be no Snoop Dogg." https://t.co/FIk3AuyHcQ
Kenner confirmed to me that George Mgdesyan is no longer representing Tory Lanez. It's David Kenner all the way. Regarding post-conviction motions, he told me he's considering all options. He may discuss this a bit tomorrow in court, but the big stuff won't come until later.
More about the 2015 case. Kenner didn’t represent Suge during the plea. That was Matthew Fletcher. Given all the issues surrounding the case and Fletcher, it’s certainly understandable that Kenner is a little sensitive about being associated with it. https://t.co/QSNaPXx574
Janet Jackson became a social media trending topic after fans detected a little playful shade in her birthday post to her For Colored Girls co-star Omari Hardwick.
The Power actor turned 49 on Monday (January 9), prompting his former co-star to share birthday wishes over social media. The legendary singer shared a sweet message alongside an image of the pair from the 2010 movie.
“Sending u so much LUV on your special day 😘😘😘, “ Janet Jackson tweeted, tagging Omari Hardwick.
The picture of a frosty-looking Janet Jackson sitting alongside Omari Hardwick is from the section of the movie where the singer’s character Jo confronts her husband Carl on his homosexuality.
“Are you gay?” this scene is probably the funniest thing I ever seen,” one fan wrote in the caption alongside a clip from the scene. “So you doing the bending?”
" are you gay?" this scene is probably the funniest thing I ever seen "so you doing the bending?" pic.twitter.com/vcUZzIJJaM
“Now Janet…why you post this KNOWIN Twitter is childish😭😂,” one person wrote. “You sayin happy birthday and we tryna figuring Mr. James St. Patrick was gettin bent or doin the bendin.”
Now Janet…why you post this KNOWIN Twitter is childish😭😂 you sayin happy birthday and we tryna figuring Mr. James St. Patrick was gettin bent or doin the bendin.
Meanwhile, Omari Hardwick celebrated his birthday over on Instagram with a heartfelt post. He thanked God and his “tribe” of family and friends while sharing a message of gratitude. Check out his post below and some more reactions to Janet’s post at the end of the page.
SZA continues to reap the rewards from her latest album, topping the charts with “Kill Bill,” her first-ever No. 1 single.
The SOS single soared up the Global 200 this week after debuting at No. 5 upon release three weeks ago, according to Billboard. “Kill Bill” then surged ten spots this week to No.1 from No. 11, earning the R&B singer her first chart-topping hit.
The St. Louis-born singer-songwriter shared her gratitude for finally reaching the No. 1 spot after previously scoring three top 10s.
“Number one GLOBALLY is incredible!! 🥹 I’m so GRATEFUL! Thank you to everyone around the world listening to SOS and kill bill 🫡🆘” SZA tweeted on Monday.
It’s not the only chart accolade SZA achieved this week, finding herself in the record books this week with SOS. She now has the No. 1 album in America for a fourth consecutive week.
Her sophomore studio LP held on to the Billboard 200’s top spot for a fourth consecutive week. SOS amassed another 125,000 equivalent album units and 162 million streams over the seven-day tracking period.
“I don’t have s### to say but thank you to God my ancestors my family my team and ALL OF YOU THAT RIDE FOR ME ! ESPECIALLY CAMP ⛺️!! Y’all my family too 🤍 we have so much more to come 🥹🤍 “ she said, celebrating her month-long reign atop the chart.
The new album earned SZA a place in the record books alongside legendary songstresses Janet Jackson and Alicia Keys. SOS marks the first female R&B album to spend its first four weeks at No. 1 since Janet Jackson’s janet. Additionally, the TDE release is the first female R&B album to control the Billboard 200 for four weeks since Alicia Keys’s As I Am.
Stevieknocks scores his first No. 200 Single on the Billboard 200 chart as This Life ft Og Maco debuts atop the list dated October 8 2022 It earned 10,000 equivalent single units in the U.S. in the week ending October 8th according to Luminate. Streaming activity comprised 83% of the hip-hop album’s first-week unit total.
This Life is Stevieknocks 1st Studio Single to reach the Billboard Chart 200 at #200 following reaching The Top 200 iTunes Canada charts! 2023 has started off extremely successfully for the Los Angeles Producer.
Stevieknocks has proven that he can deliver a dynamic/explosive single, This life has surpassed 1.5 million streams on SoundCloud and reached over 500,000 Streams on Spotify & Sold over 10,000 units on iTunes. Overall that is a combined 2 million streams worldwide which is impressive. Stevieknocks plans to release new music This Year Ft Famous Dex, Badda TD, Billyracxx & Fivio Foreign. Over the years Stevieknocks has Delivered amazing productions with some of the biggest musicians in the music business. Such as Chris Brown, Ysl Strick, and many more. We look forward to more jaw-dropping productions & music from the Los Angeles producer. Check out Stevieknocks Productions at www.Stevieknocksbeats.com.
The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption as measured in equivalent album units, compiled by Luminate. Units comprise album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA), and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). Each unit equals one album sale or 10 individual tracks sold from an album, or 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription on-demand official audio and video streams generated by songs from an album. The new October 8th, the 2022-dated chart will be posted in full on Billboard‘s website on January 30th For all chart news, follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both Twitter and Inst
50 Cent claimed that he and Eminem were offered $9 million to perform at the FIFA World Cup but the Shady Records honcho declined the invitation.
The G Unit CEO stopped by REAL 92.3 FM’s Big Boy’s Neighborhood, where he revealed he lost out on the opportunity to make $1 million.
“I got an inquiry about World Cup, and they had a budget of $9 million. I would’ve taken one, and then the other eight would have been for him,” 50 Cent explained.
However, Eminem’s manager Paul Rosenberg delivered the bad news. “[Paul] like, he’s not gonna do it,” Fiddy said before discussing the lucrative deals Em’s turned down in the past.
50 Cent Talks Eminem Rejecting World Cup Performance
While 50 Cent didn’t mention which year Eminem rejected the World Cup spot, 2022 show organizers were rumored to have struggled to find talent to perform at the event in Qatar.
Nonetheless, 50 Cent understands Em’s decision to perform at the Super Bowl with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, and Fiddy himself.
“If you would do a one-off show, maybe you would do the biggest live sporting event in the world,” he added.
Elsewhere during the interview, 50 Cent revealed Eminem approved his decision to “bring 8 Mile to television.” Furthermore, his plans for a “modern” reboot of the movie are already “in motion.”
According to the rapper turned TV exec, the announcement excited his former collaborators.
“As soon as I said that, I got a text from [Eminem] that he had already spoke to Dre,” he said. He added Dre “got some crazy stuff for me to go hear,” he said.
Gucci Mane continues to be at the center of a row over payment for the late rapper Big Scarr’s funeral.
Relatives recently claimed the 1017 CEO withdrew his offer to cover the funeral, blasting Gucci Mane on social media. However, the Atlanta-based rapper’s wife Keyshia Ka’Oir, took to Instagram to post receipts showing her husband paid $20,000 directly to the funeral home arranging the service.
Bigg Scarr’s father and sister reacted to her claims via social media. While both confirmed Gucci Mane sent the money, they were divided in their responses.
“First of all, I got to send shouts out to Atlantic Records man. They gave my son a big boy chance. Gucci – I got to send shouts out to Gucci too. Y’all might not like it but I got to give my boy what he did, man,” Scarr’s father said during an Instagram Live session. “He gave my son a major major chance man. I can’t let y’all throw dude under the bus like that. Come on now, the truth is the truth, man. I gave nobody permission to do that.”
The bereaved parent said, “I ain’t looking for nothing,” adding, “I just want what rightfully belong to my son. I ain’t asking for nothing else. I don’t want nothing else. They sent they 10 bands. Gucci, he sent his 10 bands. I covered the rest. I appreciate that big time.”
Nonetheless, Big Scarr’s father said a phone call with Gucci Mane or his team would have gone a long way.
“Certain things was said that shouldn’t have been said,” he continued. “It was wrong. Man to man, I wish somebody woulda just dialed my [number] and talked to your guy 100. All this out of control.
Scarr’s father also said, “Gucci and them was the best thing that ever happened to my son,” before thanking the rapper for sending flowers for the service. “He did what he could,” he added but regretted the rapper not reaching out to him directly. Watch the video below.
Bigg Scarr’s Father Thanks Gucci Mane
However, Big Scarr’s sister was less complimentary. She claimed Gucci Mane should have contributed more to the $60,000 funeral.
“That 10k ain’t did s### but buy obituaries and flowers, boo. Yeah Gucci sent 10,000 and somebody else sent another 10 so it was 20,000 in all. And we ain’t get the flowers,” she added. “I don’t give a f### what nobody say. Gucci ain’t help with s###… My brother’s funeral was $60k in all. It’s still f### him. What’s 10 to 60? What is 10k to 60?”
Big Scarr’s Sister Responds To Keyshia Ka’Oir’s Receipts