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Beyoncé Makes History: Breaks Record For All-Time Grammys Wins 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Beyoncé propelled herself into the history books at the 2023 Grammys. 

The chart-topping songstress is now the most decorated artist in Grammy’s history after earning her 32nd award for best dance/electronic music album during Sunday night’s ceremony. 

An emotional Beyoncé received a standing ovation as she thanked God and her family during her heartfelt acceptance speech. She also paid tribute to her late Uncle Johnny, a gay man who inspired her dancehall album Renaissance and to the queer community for “inventing” the genre.  

“Thank you so much. I’m trying not to be too emotional. I’m trying to just receive this night,” Beyoncé stated. “I want to thank God for protecting me. Thank you, God. I’d like to thank my Uncle Johnny, who’s not here, but he’s here in spirit.” 

She also thanked her parents “for loving me and pushing me” and “my beautiful husband and my beautiful three children who are at home watching.”  

Beyoncé added, “I’d like to thank the queer community for your love and for inventing this genre. God bless you. Thank you so much to the Grammys.” 

Check out all the winners from The 65th Annual Grammy Awards here.

The Houston native won four Grammys at this year’s show, taking her career total to an unmatched 32. Renaissance was named Best Dance/Electronic Recording, while “Break My Soul” received Best Dance/Electronic Recording. Beyoncé also won Best Traditional R&B Performance with “Plastic Off The Sofa. She finished her total at four with a victory in the Best R&B Song for “Cuff It.”  

Unfortunately, Beyoncé was stuck in traffic when “Cuff It” won. However, Trevor Noah made sure “The Queen” received her trophy.  

BeyHive member Lizzo almost jumped out of her seat when Bey’s arrival was announced. 

Although she earned four awards on the night, Beyoncé jumped the gun with her celebratory post on Instagram. “We won 3 y’all!” she penned in the caption. Check out her post below.  

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Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Beyoncé, Future: See The 2023 Grammy Winners

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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The 65th Annual Grammy Awards are underway at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Prior to the main event, the Recording Academy held the Premiere Ceremony at the Microsoft Theatre where several awards were given out, including Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance and Best Melodic Rap Performance.

Future, Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, Drake and Tems were among the early winners. As of this year’s ceremony, Beyoncé has now become the most decorated winner in Grammy history. Check out the winners below.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Harry’s House—Harry Styles

BEST NEW ARTIST
Samara Joy

RECORD OF THE YEAR
“About Damn Time”—Lizzo

SONG OF THE YEAR
“Just Like That”— Bonnie Raitt

BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE
“Easy On Me”—Adele

BEST ELECTRONIC/DANCE ALBUM
Renaissance—Beyoncé

BEST RAP ALBUM
Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers—Kendrick Lamar

BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE
“Unholy”—Sam Smith f. Kim Petras

BEST R&B SONG
“Cuff It”—Beyoncé

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL
Jack Antonoff

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICAL
Tobias Jesso Jr.

BEST RAP SONG
“The Heart Part 5”—Jake Kosich, Johnny Kosich, Kendrick Lamar & Matt Schaeffer, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar)

BEST MELODIC RAP PERFORMANCE
“WAIT FOR U”—Future f. Drake & Tems

BEST RAP PERFORMANCE
“The Heart Part 5”—Kendrick Lamar
pgLang/TDE/Aftermath/Interscope | Anthony Saleh, Emagen | Brent Smith, Wasserman

BEST R&B ALBUM
Black Radio III—Robert Glasper

BEST PROGRESSIVE R&B ALBUM
Gemini Rights—Steve Lacy

BEST R&B PERFORMANCE
“Hrs & Hrs”—Muni Long

BEST TRADITIONAL R&B PERFORMANCE
“PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA”—Beyoncé

BEST DANCE/ELECTRONIC RECORDING
“BREAK MY SOUL”—Beyoncé

BEST MUSIC VIDEO
“All Too Well: The Short Film”—Taylor Swift

BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR VISUAL MEDIA
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” (From Encanto)—Lin-Manuel Miranda, songwriter (Carolina Gaitán–La Gaita, Mauro Castillo, Adassa, Rhenzy Feliz, Diane Guerrero, Stephanie Beatriz & Encanto Cast)

BEST COMEDY ALBUM
The Closer—Dave Chappelle

BEST HISTORICAL ALBUM
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (20th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition)—Wilco

BEST ALBUM NOTES
Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (20th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition)—Bob Mehr, album notes writer (Wilco)

BEST BOXED OR SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION PACKAGE
In and Out of The Garden: Madison Square Garden ’81 ’82 ’83—Lisa Glines, Doran Tyson & Dave Van Patten, art directors (The Grateful Dead)

BEST RECORDING PACKAGE
Beginningless Beginning—Chun-Tien Hsia & Qing-Yang Xiao, art directors (Tamsui-Kavalan Chinese Orchestra)

BEST REGGAE ALBUM
The Kalling—Kabaka Pyramid

Think Schilling & Sean Kingston Bring Masterpiece Single “Dance Flow”

By: Staff Writer Updated Category: Music News
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Music is an incredibly powerful medium, which Thinks Schilling has embraced in his work, using his songs to deliver powerful messages to his audiences. Indeed, Think Schilling considers music to be more than just a career; for him, it’s a way of life, and through his work, he strives to encourage his audiences to let their hair down and relax.

There’s a wonderfully unique sound to Think Schilling’s work, and this makes it undeniably powerful overall. Indeed, his style is upbeat, lively, and energizing, inspiring countless others to find their own happiness in life. He strives for peace and openness in his work, and one thing that he considers more important than anything else is simple: he dreams of seeing his listeners “[brought] together, having a blast, and leaving feeling amazing & wanting more Think Schilling.”

As part of his goal to help more people than ever before discover the power and energy behind his music, Think Schilling has pulled out all of the stops to make a difference. Most recently, he has partnered with the incredibly talented Sean Kingston, an American-Jamaican rapper, to expand his music’s reach. Sean Kingston’s incredible talent and skill have helped him become an incredibly popular artist, and he has worked on several hit songs, even performing alongside Justin Bieber for his single, Eenie Meenie.

Overall, with the partnership between Think Schilling and Sean Kingston on his latest single, Dance Flow, things are looking very bright for the artist – and we wish him all the best going forward!

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Mary J. Blige Was Terrified Of Success Until She Met Diddy

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Mary J. Blige was “afraid of success” when she first entered the music business.

The superstar, known as the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, has won nine Grammy Awards over the course of her career.

But during a new interview for People, Mary confessed that she took a long time to accept her status as a trailblazer, and it wasn’t until she met Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in the early ’90s that she began to change her outlook.

“I was not as ambitious as Puff. When I met him, I was afraid of success, afraid to do anything that could put so much attention on me. When you come from where I come from, you’re scared to be ambitious. You’re scared to want more,” she told the outlet. “And then, when I met him, he was the complete opposite. He was such a good thing for me because I needed what he had, to be excited to be seen, to have the lights on him. But it took some years to grow into that.”

Mary, 52, also noted that Diddy, who produced her debut album What’s the 411?, made her see that she deserved her fame and wanted to see her be successful more than she “wanted it” herself.

In turn, the hip-hop legend praised his friend as a “pioneer” and “unstoppable force”.

“(Mary) can accomplish anything she sets her mind to,” he praised.

Mary is currently promoting her fourteenth studio album Good Morning Gorgeous. The record is up for six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.

Slick Rick Celebrates Grammy Honor With Russell Simmons, Nas, Busta Rhymes, MC Lyte & More

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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Slick Rick was in Los Angeles over the weekend celebrating his Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award with several of his famous friends.

On Saturday (February 4), Russell Simmons—co-founder of Slick Rick’s former label Def Jam Recordings—hosted an event at Culina Ristornate + Caffé. Busta Rhymes, MC Lyte, D-Nice, Simmons, Nas, Swizz Beatz, Kurtis Blow, Joey Bada$$, DJ Pooh and Jermaine Dupri were among the many on deck there to honor The Ruler.

Slick Rick shared photos of the event to his Instagram with the caption: “30+ years in the game! Shout out to everyone who came out to celebrate my #GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award with me. I appreciate you all.”

As Simmons notes to AllHipHop, “Slick Rick changed the face of Hip-Hop with his unique brand of storytelling.”

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Busta Rhymes shared a photo of the soirée to his Instagram account as well, writing simply, “Greatness is present” as he raised a glass to Slick Rick alongside Nas, DJ Pooh, Swizz Beatz and D-Nice.

Bus-A-Bus is also scheduled to perform during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony for a special Hip-Hop 50 segment executive produced by Questlove. The Recording Academy last week announced the lineup in a press release they fired off last week.

De La Soul, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Missy Elliott, Future, GloRilla, Ice-T, Lil Wayne, Method Man, Nelly, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, Rakim, RUN-DMC, Scarface, Swizz Beatz and Too $hort are among the many additional performers expected to hit the Grammy stage. LL COOL J will introduce the segment with a dedication, while music will be provided by The Roots and Black Thought will narrate.

Slick Rick released his debut album, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, via Def Jam/Columbia Records in 1988. It topped Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart for five nonconsecutive weeks and peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard 200.

DMX’s 10-Year-Old Daughter Launches GoFundMe For Documentary On Drug Addiction

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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DMX wrestled with drug addiction for most of his adult life—and it ultimately killed him. The Ruff Ryders legend died at White Plains Hospital in April 2021 following a cocaine-induced heart attack. He was just 50 years old. DMX left behind a fiancée and several children, including 10-year-old Sonovah Hillman Jr.

The rapper’s death has clearly had a profound impact on the young girl, so she’s decided to raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction. In a video posted to her GoFundMe campaign website, Hillman revealed she’s making a docu-series centered on fentanyl and other illicit drugs.

“I lost my aunt and uncle to a fentanyl overdose and my dad to a drug addiction,” Hillman said. “Fentanyl is affecting every gender, race, class and age group. I wanted to talk to other kids whose parents had died from an overdose or are still currently using. I came up with the idea to do a four-part docuseries on fentanyl and drug addiction. I wanted to talk to people about their experience, trauma, feelings and come up with a solution to healing.”

Hillman has an astronomical goal of $250,000 and so far, she’s only raised about $1,000. As part of the description, Hillman explained her intentions behind the campaign.

“I want to show the world the point of view from a child’s perspective,” she wrote. “I know that others are going through some of the same things. I want to reach out and ask for assistance with some of the production costs to get started. These funds will be used for pre and post-production. All donations are greatly appreciated and will help me get closer to my goal of educating, spreading awareness and saving lives.”

Hillman said she got the idea after the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program hosted a 10-week curriculum at her school. At one point, she saw a clip from Growing Up Hip-Hop in which Master P and Romeo confront the No Limit CEO’s daughter, Tytyana Miller, about her drug abuse. Miller eventually died from the disease. Hillman believes she “can make a difference” with her series by having tough conversations “even adults aren’t ready to have.” To donate to the cause, head here.

EXCLUSIVE: Souls Of Mischief Announce 93-Date Tour For “93 ‘Til Infinity’s” 30th Anniversary

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: Exclusives
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Souls of Mischief has announced the dates for its upcoming tour honoring the 30th anniversary of the Bay Area group’s seminal album, 93 ’til Infinity. The international run consists of 93 stops in cities such as Los Angeles, London, Berlin and Paris. It wraps up at the historic Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado on September 17.

“We are most looking forward to the camaraderie between ourselves and seeing so many people from so many places and walks of life come together around Hip Hop,” Tajai tells AllHipHop. As for the seemingly exhaustive schedule, Tajai isn’t sweating it.

He adds, “We’ve done long tours in the past so running out of steam isn’t my concern. The show just improves and evolves. We prepare by rehearsing and making sure we eat right and get proper rest daily.”

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The group initially revealed plans for the massive global run speaking to Rock The Bells contributor Kyle Eustice last year. As Tajai explained at the time, “We got the 30th anniversary of 93 ‘Til Infinity coming next year, so we’ve been working with a lot of people about really blowing that out. We’re trying to do 93 shows. I’m getting offers in Europe. I mean, U.S. of course, but Europe, too. I got an offer from Brazil yesterday, so we’re trying to market that. It’s also the 20th anniversary of Full Circle and then also the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.”

93 ‘Til Infinity was released on September 28, 1993 via Jive Records (despite Wikipedia incorrectly stating it was released in February of that year). It peaked at No. 85 on the Billboard 200 and No. 17 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Since then, it’s evolved into an underground Hip-Hop classic. With production from fellow Hiero members Casual, Del The Funky Homosapien, Domino and, of course, A-Plus, the album was a staunch departure from the gangsta rap dominating the West Coast. It also gave the group its first Hot 100 hit after the title track reached No. 72 on the chart. Revisit “93 ‘Til Infinity” below and find more information here.

EXCLUSIVE: J.J. Fad Calls Out Recording Academy Over Hip-Hop 50 Segment: “Make It Make Sense”

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: Exclusives
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The 65th Annual Grammy Awards take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday (February 5). This year’s ceremony boasts a special tribute to Hip-Hop in honor of its 50th anniversary executed produced by Questlove. Among the long list of legendary artists hitting stage are De La Soul, Run-DMC, Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott and Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five. But one groundbreaking trio wasn’t included nor invited.

On Saturday (February 4), Ruthless Records’ first ladies—MC JB, Sassy C and Baby D—shared an Instagram post calling out The Recording Academy for the perceived oversight. After all, in 1989, J.J. Fad became the female rap group to be nominated for a Grammy at a time when the rap categories were brand new.

With a nod in the Best Rap Performance category for their smash hit “Supersonic,” J.J. Fad decided to go, even though their peers were boycotting the awards at the time. While they ultimately lost to the DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince single “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” it’s a decision they never regretted. Understandably, J.J. Fad is wondering why they weren’t considered for the Hip-Hop segment.

“So when the @recordingacademy Grammy’s first introduced the rap category in 1988, we were the first to be nominated in that category,” they wrote. “Now there’s a celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop at the Grammy’s and we aren’t invited?? Make it make sense!!”

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Speaking to AllHipHop, MC JB explained why she and her fellow J.J. Fad members are hurt by the exclusion.

“We are so honored to have been nominated in the very first rap category at the Grammys,” he says. “We would also never want to take away the importance and amazement of Hip-Hop being around for 50 years. We just want the same respect as any other Hip-Hop artists that have put their stamp on the culture’s history.

“Being female and being from the West Coast and accomplishing what we have, should be celebrated, and we just don’t understand the oversight. We crossed over into the pop world when it wasn’t cool to crossover. Now everyone wants to crossover. That’s setting a precedence.”

Of course, nobody can take away J.J. Fad’s accomplishments or the indelible mark the group left on Hip-Hop, especially when it came to women. J.J. Fad earned the first gold record for Ruthless Records and helped make N.W.A more digestible for the masses. At the end of the day, they aren’t asking for much.

“We just want the same respect as all of our other Hip-Hop brothers and sisters that made a difference in Hip-Hop,” she contends. “We attended the Grammys when we were nominated along with Kool Moe Dee who should also be there representing Hip-Hop. We hate to sound whiny and we aren’t hating on anyone, we just want to be there with our Hip-Hop brothers and sisters and be honored for our contribution to Hip-Hop as well.”

From the Stage to the Startup: DJ Horizon’s Inspiring Story of Entrepreneurial Success

By: Brxton Lee Updated Category: Uncategorized
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DJ Horizon, aka Akhit Honawar, is a well-known Australian DJ who has taken the world by surprise with his entrepreneurial journey in the dental care industry. He is the founder of Swiggle Smiles, a dental care brand based in Australia that specializes in water flossing devices. The brand has been making waves in the market with its innovative and effective approach to oral health and is set to become a multi-million dollar brand by the end of 2023.

Swiggle Smiles has received recognition from prestigious magazines such as VOGUE, GQ, and Vanity Fair, and has caught the attention of major retailers around the world. The brand’s innovative approach to oral care has helped it to establish itself as a leader in the dental care industry.

Swiggle Smiles was born when DJ Horizon saw a gap in the dental care market. He noticed that traditional flossing methods were inconvenient and ineffective for many people, leading to poor oral health. With his background in the music industry and an entrepreneurial spirit, DJ Horizon set out to change the game. He envisioned a brand that would make oral care more accessible and appealing to people, and Swiggle Smiles was born.

Swiggle Smiles offers a range of water flossing devices that cater to different needs and preferences. The brand’s flagship product, the Swiggle Smiles Water Flosser, is a cordless device that can be used in the shower or on the go. The device comes with multiple tips, making it suitable for families or individuals with different oral health needs.

The Swiggle Smiles Water Flosser uses high-pressure water pulsations to floss teeth and gums, making it a highly effective alternative to traditional flossing methods. The device is designed to make flossing teeth easy and convenient, helping people achieve optimal oral health.

What sets Swiggle Smiles apart from its competitors is its unique approach to oral care. The brand emphasizes the importance of making oral care fun and accessible, which has helped it to stand out in the crowded dental care market. DJ Horizon has been instrumental in promoting the brand and building its reputation through strategic partnerships and social media campaigns.

DJ Horizon’s entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiration for others who are looking to make a transition from their current careers. He has proven that with a unique vision, hard work, and a little bit of creativity, anyone can find success in a new industry.

Horizon’s brand, Swiggle Smiles, has disrupted the dental care industry with its innovative water flossing devices. The brand’s focus on making oral care fun and accessible has helped it to stand out in the market, and its success has established DJ Horizon as a leader in the industry. Whether you are a fan of his music or not, DJ Horizon’s entrepreneurial journey is one that is worth following.

Serena Williams Explains Why Will Smith Oscars Slap Is “Not The End Of The World”

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Serena Williams has called for Will Smith to be forgiven after slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars.

During an appearance on CBS Mornings, the tennis star discussed the 2022 Oscars moment in which Best Actor winner Will Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock.

Will was awarded Best Actor for his role in the film King Richard. Directly after he slapped Rock, presenter Questlove gave out the Best Documentary award for Summer of Soul.

“I thought it was such an incredible film and I feel that there was an incredible film after that with Questlove that kind of was overshadowed,” Williams commented of the awards, via Hollywood Life. “But I also feel that I’ve been in a position where I’ve been under a lot of pressure and made a tremendous amount of mistakes, and I’m the kind of person that’s just like, ‘I’ve been there. I’ve made a mistake. It’s not the end of the world.’”

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Williams continued, “We’re all imperfect and we’re all human and let’s just be kind to each other. So, that’s often forgotten a lot.”

During the Academy Awards live telecast, Rock made a joke comparing Will’s wife Jada Pinkett to the bald character GI Jane, referencing Pinkett’s own hairstyle, a direct result of her alopecia. Will responded by walking onstage and hitting the comedian.

The King Richard star later apologized, saying in an Instagram video, “My behavior was unacceptable.”

John Legend Reveals Meaning Behind Daughter Esti’s Name

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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John Legend has shared the meaning behind his daughter Esti’s name. While speaking to E! News for an interview, the “All of Me” singer revealed his youngest daughter Esti was named as a tribute to his late great-grandmother.

Legend, however, admitted to the outlet the homage was not an intentional one.

“It turns out, my great-grandmother was named Esther,” Legend told the outlet. “It wasn’t intentionally after someone, but once Chrissy told me that idea, I was like, ‘Oh, my great-grandmother’s name was Esther.’”

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Esti’s middle name, Maxine, was chosen as a tribute to John’s late grandmother.

“We wanted to already name her middle name Maxine after my grandmother, whose middle name was Maxine,” the 44-year-old singer explained. “So, it’s a lot of my family in the name.”

Esti Maxine Stephens was born on 13 January this year. John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen also share four-year-old Miles and six-year-old Luna.

Lil Pump Drops $25K On New Teeth, See Before & After

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: Uncategorized
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Lil Pump hasn’t had the kind of commercial success he experienced with “Gucci Gang” in awhile, but he’s still smiling. The Florida-bred rapper recently shelled out $25,000 for a set of new veneers from 5 Star Smiles in Miami.

In one of the captions, dated January 6, they wrote: “You never know who you’re gonna see when you come into the office @5starsmiles.”

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Lil Pump has been on a mission to get in better health lately. Earlier this week, he posted a side-by-side photo to his Instagram account showing off his newly-svelte figure. He wrote in the caption, “Looking good feeling better working out is my new addiction should I go keep going?”

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Juelz Santana was also the recent recipient of new choppers, years after he was roasted for missing teeth. Santana recently took to Instagram to show them off, writing in the caption, “Watch Ya Mouth Not Mines Got Me Right @dr_rubinshtein GETTING Ready 4 The Win… #ICFMF #WeInMotion #BackOutside.” 

In 2018, The Diplomats shared a video for “Sauce Boyz” and all fans wanted to know what happened to Santana’s teeth. Around the 1:58-minute mark, several of his front teeth appeared to be missing. Upon closer inspection, the gap seemed to effect how he was delivering his bars.

Needless to say, the internet did what the internet does and ruthlessly criticized Santana for his missing teeth. Nearly five years later, Santana can smile right along with Lil Pump.

Beyoncé Samples Twista’s ‘Wetter’ On Surprise New ‘Cuff It’ Remix 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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As if announcing a world tour earlier this week wasn’t enough to send the Beyhive into a frenzy, Beyoncé has unveiled a fresh remix of Renaissance fan-favorite, “Cuff It.” 

The mega-star songstress had fans across the globe sweating over their electronic devices trying to get tickets to her upcoming Renaissance World Tour. However, on Friday (February 3), Beyoncé shared a sensual remix of “Cuff It” with a new beat and updated lyrics and vocals. She kicks the sexy up a notch by adding a sample of Twista’s 2009 track “Wetter.”  

Beyonce also offered a reminder of her versatility, getting into her rap bag and switching up the flow on the new track.  Listen to snippets of “Cuff It (Wetter Remix)” shared by Beyoncé fan pages below.  

While Beyonce has remained tight-lipped about the new son, Twista took to social media to share the release. “Happy Friday 🔥🔥🔥” he penned on Twitter alongside a link to the remix. 

Currently, “Cuff It (Wetter Remix)” is available to purchase exclusively via Beyoncé’s official website. Check it out here. 

Earlier this week, fans across the globe scrambled for a chance to get their hands on tickets for Bey’s Renaissance World Tour, her first as a solo artist in seven years. The tour begins May 10 in Stockholm, Sweden, and runs through September. The North American leg kicks off in July.  

Demand for tickets is already through the roof but could skyrocket after the Grammys this Sunday (February 5). Beyoncé is up for nine nominations, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year. 

EXCLUSIVE: “Missing” Kanye West Finally Served By Law Firm Trying To Dump Him As A Client

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: Exclusives
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After months of trying, New York City-based law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP has finally served Kanye West. According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Ye’s newly acquired attorney confirmed his client received the necessary paperwork to sever their relationship on February 1.

“On January 18, 2023, an attorney based in California contacted my firm advising that he would be representing ‘Ye on some of his legal matters,'” Greenberg Traurig attorney Nina D. Boyajian wrote in the docs. “During the course of several emails and a phone call with this attorney, I requested that he coordinate personal service of the Order on Ye. On February 1, 2023, the attorney referenced above emailed me the executed Certificate of Service attached hereto as Exhibit A. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct.” 

Greenberg Traurig has gone to great lengths to locate Kanye West—or at least tried. Last month, they asked a judge if they could run an ad in several Los Angeles newspapers. Soon after, United States District Judge Analisa Torres found Greenberg Traurig failed to make “diligent efforts” to locate him. Consequently, Torres denied Greenberg Traurig’s request. Instead, Torres suggested they hire a private investigator to determine Kanye West’s whereabouts. They did receive an extension, which clearly worked in their favor.

Torres granted Greenberg Traurig’s motion to withdraw as West’s counsel on November 30, 2022. The firm was originally representing Kanye West in his legal battle against Ultra International Music Publishing.

Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne & Sylvia Rhone Honored With Global Impact Award at 2023 Pre-Grammys Black Music Collective Event 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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The Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective kicked off the 2023 Grammy Awards weekend by honoring Dr. Dre, Lil Wayne, Missy Elliott, and Epic Records CEO Sylvia Rhone. 

The four Hip-Hop icons received the prestigious Recording Academy Global Impact Award at the Hollywood Palladium on Thursday night (February 2). 

“I don’t get honored,” Lil Wayne said according to Billboard after taking to the stage following an intro from DJ Khaled and video messages from Drake and Deion Sanders. Swizz Beatz, 2 Chainz, and Tyga performed some of the New Orleans rapper’s hits.  

“I’d like to thank Antonia Johnson for reasoning with me and my mom, and my life. I’d like to thank every single one of my kids and every single one of their mothers,” Weezy said. 

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Dr. Dre reflected on his humble beginnings when he aspired to make enough to “buy a decent pair of shoes” for school. He also shed light on why he works so well with others, producing iconic collabs. 

Tributes came from Snoop Dogg, Kurupt and Ty Dolla Sign, who performed hits, including a rendition of “Ain’t No Fun (If the Homies Can’t Have None).”

Meanwhile, Missy Elliott was introduced by Ciara and Mona Scott-Young, with the former hailing her as “the true definition of a legend, an icon, an ultimate rockstar” and the latter praising Missy for changing “the way we experience music.” 

“This will never get old to me. I’ve won a lot of awards and I feel the same way,” Missy said during her tearful acceptance speech. “People don’t understand that this is a Global Impact Award. It’s not just neighborhood, it’s global. So it hits different when you stand up here, knowing that when you get something like this, you gotta know that you’ve been through a lot.” 

The Virginia native also thanked fellow Global Impact Award recipient Epic Records CEO Sylvia Rhone.  

“She saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” the four-time Grammy winner said of Rhone, who launched Missy’s career as the former executive of Elektra Records. 

Chloe Bailey, Ciara, and Tweet paid homage with performances of Missy’s hits, including Aaliyah’s “One In a Million,” a song Elliott produced with Timbaland.  

Swizz Beatz praised “Queen” “Sylvia Rhone the Great” and instructed the audience to honor her with a standing ovation.  

“It’s been a lot of years for me in hip-hop, and it’s even more special to me amongst this elite group of artists with Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, each of whom I’ve had the privilege of working with throughout my career,” the trailblazing executive said. Rhone made history in 1994 as chairman and CEO of Elektra Entertainment Group. The promotion made her the only African-American at the time and the first-ever woman to hold the titles. 

Rhone also celebrated the impact of Hip-Hop culture ahead of the 50th anniversary. 

“Rising from the embers of the Civil Rights Movement, hip-hop emerged as a revolutionary art form,” she said. “What was once thought to be a momentary effect is now embedded in the fabrics of our daily lives, from fashion and shoes to film to fine art to television to technology and beyond. We have made history. We have changed lives. We are mighty. And we are worldwide.”

YG & Kamaiyah Squash 4Hunnid Beef During Oakland Concert

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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YG and Kamaiyah have officially made peace. During YG’s Red Cup Tour stop in Oakland on Wednesday (January 31), the Compton rapper surprised fans with an appearance from Kamaiyah, who left 4Hunnid in 2020 after a disagreement about her future with the label.

“I swear to God, I don’t know what they know, I don’t know what they heard about—on the blogs they read, I don’t know nothing,” YG told her. “But I love you. Come give me a hug.”

Kamaiyah responded: “I love you too.”

Kamaiyah’s early career was plagued by major label issues and she admittedly grew frustrated with how Interscope Records/4Hunnid was handling her. In a 2020 interview, Kamaiyah explained what led to the dispute with YG.

“I don’t put Joie Manda [VP at Interscope] at fault,” she said. “It wasn’t all on Interscope and I understand that now that I’m a business woman. He has the YG factor—so, if he’s not a 100 percent behind it, they’re not going to push it. And that’s why I encourage anybody, if you’re going to sign for an artist, make sure they’re a business person and in a position to be focused on that. Because if they’re focused on their own career, they will never be focused on yours. They’re chasing their own dreams.”

When asked if she and YG were still talking, she admitted, “I haven’t spoken with him. I don’t want to speak to him. I have no desire until he apologizes. I just expressed how my brother died in the beginning of my career, right? I felt like it was all these things that were occurring and instead of him advocating for me and pushing for me to make it, it seemed like it was the complete opposite.

“Being a woman, you would think he would be like, “Alright, she gotta make it. I’m watching her go through this. I’m going to make sure she becomes what she’s supposed to be.’”

With that in the rearview, maybe fans can look forward to another collaboration in the spirit of 2016’s “F### It Up” in the near future.

Xzibit’s Ex Claims He Hasn’t Seen Their Son In Months; Seeks More Child Support

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Xzibit’s ex Krista Joiner accused him of ignoring their son as she seeks an increase in child support payments.

According to Radar Online, Joiner said it’s been several months since her son Gatlyn saw his father. She claimed Xzibit spurned their child during the holiday season.

“I believe the last time he actually saw Gatlyn was around [Xzibit’s] own birthday in September 2022,” Joiner wrote in a court document. “Gatlyn called [Xzibit] on Christmas and [the rapper] refused to answer or call him back. Our son is devastated. “

Joiner requested more financial support from Xzibit. A judge previously ordered him to pay $6,000 per month. Joiner is now asking for $14,000 per month.

Xzibit’s ex noted the $6,000 was based on him making $25,000 per month. Joiner believed she deserved more money after the former Pimp My Ride host’s tax returns revealed he earned $45,000 per month.

Joiner also accused Xzibit of failing to pay the full amount of their son’s tuition. She criticized him for not paying while he allegedly flaunted his rich lifestyle.

Last year, Xzibit asked a judge to make Joiner undergo a vocational evaluation with a court-appointed official. He wanted her to get a job, but she argued he agreed to provide her with lifelong support.

Joiner filed for divorce in 2021.

Gillie Speaks With J Prince In Exclusive Sit Down

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Philadelphia rapper Gillie Da King and Wallo267 of Million Dollaz Worth of Game has secured an interview with J Prince set to debut on Sunday, Feb. 5.

The podcast host shares how reluctant he was to do the interview with the Houston music executive and shot caller because of the recent death of Takeoff, Migos member, a murder that broke the hearts of his many fans, friends, and family. But the founder of Rap-A-Lot said he spoke to Quality Control owner P and said the two came to an understanding.

Gillie said in a clip on Instagram to promote the sure-to-be controversial episode, “You know we were a little reluctant to do the interview because somebody lost their life,” adding “it was a sensitive situation.”

The former Major Figgas breakout star shared that the two talked and J Prince explained there has been communication between camps to move forward.

“We talked,” Gillie said. “You alerted me that you had sat down with you know P from QC, and you know everybody saw things eye to eye. It was like ‘OK, well cool. As long as you see eye-to-eye with the people that’s  most close to him [Takeoff], and y’all got everything figured out, then OK.’”

The co-producer and co-host of one of the hottest podcasts out said he allowed J Prince to “speak” his “truth” on the show because both sides seem to be “on the same accord.”

“I want to echo everything that was said,” J Prince says in the video clip. “You know, we would like to extend and send our condolences definitely to Takeoff’s mother … I put her at the top of the list because it’s an unnatural thing to lose your kid.”

As reported by AllHipHop.com, Takeoff was shot and killed in Houston on November 1 at the age of 28 by someone said to be associated with J Prince.

J Prince commented on the death days later on an Instagram post on Thursday, Nov. 3.

He started off his remark with condolences from his family to Takeoff’s loved ones.

He said, “This shouldn’t have happened. This shouldn’t have ever happened in our city. This shouldn’t have been recorded, and this damn sure shouldn’t be circulating across social media for family, friends, and fans to see. As I write this I’m angry about the lack of love and respect we have for one another as a race which keeps bringing us back to the same tragic place of Black-on-Black killing.”

He continued, “They say Satan is the author of confusion and right now there are a lot of lies and false narratives being spread by media w#####. I consider myself a man that’s quick to listen and slow to speak, therefore to whomever is responsible for putting that bullet in my little nephew’s head, let it be known that you can’t hide behind me, beside me or anywhere near me because I don’t tolerate dumb s###. I speak these words not knowing [whose] bullet is responsible for his death.”

“With that being said, the root of this tragedy is foolish and has to be owned by the fool,” J Prince wrote. “I will sum this up by saying a gun in the hands of any human that close his eyes to shoot and doesn’t have the proper skills of operating that gun is dangerous and the results usually end with innocent people who had nothing to do with the altercation being shot or killed. To the homies in Georgia and around the world that got love for Takeoff like we do know this: let’s change the narrative in our culture by putting [an] end to every argument or disagreement resulting in violence; it’s okay to live and let live to see another day.”

Ludacris Drops A New Freestyle, Saying Rap ‘Startin To Feel Fun Again’

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Rapper Ludacris hopped on his social media to remind people why he dominated the early 2000s with his creative lyricism and fire flow.

Fans should have known when he a video popped up on Instagram with his signature flow from his 2001 debut album “Word of Mouf,” that something was up.

He captioned the freestyle video, “Dis $hit Startin to feel FUN AGAIN 🎤”

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“I’m original, indispensable, rhyme zone/ Skydweller Rolex , f#ck a time zone/ My watch feeling like ‘Pac/ It’s all eyez on/ and I’m the truth in the booth/ Get your lies on,” he raps.

The rhyme continues, “Working a## n##ga/ I’m a boss get your mind right/ it gets dark when you step into the limelight/ I’m on the scotch on the rocks with a lime life/ Virgos rule the world get your sign right!”

His celebrity friends jumped in his comments, all in approval of his offering.

Affion Crockett dropped nothing but fire emojis across the boards.

Fellow Virgo, Larenz Tate seemed to love the astrological shout-out.

His Disturbing the Peace sister Shawnna was all down for the pen action, writing, a message true emcees understand in emojis, “💯💪🏽👑✍🏽🔥.”

The last time Ludacris dropped a studio album was the 2015 “Ludaversal” and it seems like he might be open to gracing fans with something new.

E-40 Sprinkles A $100K Bag On Grambling University Alma Mater

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Bay Area pioneer and Shakespeare of Rap, E-40, has dropped a massive gift to his alma mater, Grambling State University. According to a release sent out by the school, Earl “E-40” Stevens, a multiplatinum recording artist and entrepreneur who attended the school briefly before his career popped off in the ’90s, dropped $100,000 donation to the Music department to help support the school’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band and to help the school install a new recording studio.

At the Conrad P. Hutchison Performing Arts Building n Friday (February 3), it was announced a the music studio will be named in his honor.

The Mt. Westmore rapper said, “I just wanted to make a contribution to my school, Grambling State University, so I talked to the Doc (GSU Band Director Dr. Nikole Roebuck) and she said, ‘Let’s see what we can do,’ and this was what I came up with,” Stevens said as he unveiled the $100,000 check to the Grambling University Foundation. “I feel good about it, too. I feel really good. God is great.” 

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A post shared by E40 Mogul 🥂🎩 (@e40)

GSU President Rick Gallot was grateful for the contribution and said, “E-40 has used his success as a recording artist to create an entrepreneurial empire. We are so grateful that he is giving back to his alma mater in such a substantial way. Our current and future students will benefit from his investment in our state-of-the-art student recording studio.”   

Gifts from alum, whether high profile or the regular Tameka, to HBCUs like Grambling U are always appreciated, as these schools designed to educate African Americans are always underfunded.

“Grambling State is incredibly grateful for Mr. Stevens’ appearance at the university and especially his donation,” said GSU Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation Melanie Jones. “It’s gifts like this from our alumni and supporters that are the driving force that keep the university moving forward and creating bigger and better futures for our students.”