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How sowayv Went From Dave East’s DJ To Recording Artist

By: Shirley JuCategory: Breeding Ground

If you’re not familiar with the genre of hyperpop, let sowayv put you on. The unique and distinct sound is characterized by an exaggerated take on popular music, typically integrating themes found in electronic, hip hop, and dance music. 

And if there’s one thing you can expect from sowayv’s live shows, it’s the undeniably turnt energy and willingness to let loose and let it all go. First exploding onto the scene as a DJ, even serving as Dave East’s official DJ for two years, the New York native knows a thing or two about getting the crowd as lit as possible. Soon, he’d learn how to record on his own, stepping into the limelight as a recording artist and wearing his heart on his sleeve with each release.

In describing his sound, sowayv states it’s “hyperpop, electric, punk. It’s punk / R&B, really electric energy. It’s very high energy music, it’s going to have the crowd going crazy.”

Most recently, sowayv unveiled his newest EP titled Built For This, with direct influences from Playboi Carti and Travis Scott.

sowayv spoke to AllHipHop in downtown Los Angeles, giving a first-person account on how he went from DJing to recording artist, as well as how he caught the attention of DJ Diamond Kuts.

AllHipHop: You’re from New York, right? 

sowayv: Yes, originally. Brooklyn, Coney Island.

AllHipHop: How was that growing up?

sowayv: I actually moved a lot. I was born and raised in Coney Island. I moved when I was about eight to Staten Island. I moved again to Jersey, probably about three other spots in Jersey, then back to Long Island, New York. That’s where I finished off high school at, and ventured off for my DJ career. That’s where everything started, in Long Island.

How’d you get into DJing?

I was in Jersey at the time when I started DJing, a town called Vineland, New Jersey. I literally started off with a laptop. I had a friend by the name of DJ Mugga Stackz, we literally came up together. I was in my house, literally we started off with a laptop, doing virtual DJ on backyard parties. I sold my dad’s speaker, one of his church speakers. My dad’s a pastor. I got my first turntables and I started learning how to spin. 

There was this barbershop around where I was at called The Layup. This guy named DJ Flair, he had techniques there. He’d always tell me to pull up, I’ll pull up. I’ll ask him how to DJ and how to do it. He’d say “yo, learn on YouTube. Figure it out.” Every day I’d come and keep figuring out how to put the needle on the record and different things. Eventually after two months, I started teaching myself how to do everything. 

AllHipHop: Talk about DJ Diamond Kuts putting you on.

sowayv: The town I was in New Jersey at the time, there’s this lady named DJ Diamond Kuts. She’s from Philly. She did a poll on Twitter asking, looking for DJs in the area. Asked everybody: “who you think I should join to my crew?” The city I was in at the time in Jersey, they all tagged me. DJ Diamond Kuts ended up reaching out, she brought me to Power99 out in Philly. That was my next step of somebody big in the industry rocking with me. 

That turned up a little bit more in Jersey, that’s when I moved back to Long Island. My life is crazy! When I moved to Long Island, I met a bunch of influencer friends. A bunch more friends that helped me, guide me to where I’m at today. We started doing backyard parties that were hitting the news. 

AllHipHop: What about Funk Master Flex?

sowayv: Funk Master Flex’s manager’s daughter went to Amityville High School with me. I did a bunch of pep rally stuff at the school, so my name started to ring bells. These parties are on YouTube too, backyard parties where we’re pulling 1000 kids in the backyard. Project X s###, then it got to Flex. I started doing Webster Hall with Funk Master Flex every Thursday. 

Who I was started to get a lot of notoriety around the time. I kept doing those parties, it started to become big parties. I had this promoter, he used to book a lot of big artists. One of the artists he booked was Dave East. So when Dave East came to the party I was DJing at, he didn’t have a DJ. Wayno was his manager at the time. Went to Wayno like yo, I need to be his DJ. Next thing you know, next week I was on tour with them on the Jeezy tour. 

AllHipHop: Were you making music then?

sowayv: This whole time, I was still making music. My own music, I just didn’t know how I wanted to do it or what direction I wanted to go in. That went on for about two years. After that, I ventured off. Funny thing: there’s a bunch of Asian profiles that were coming on my Facebook page. They’d say Wavy, just Wavy. I didn’t understand what was going on. I started looking at the page, started doing my research. 

When I changed the name to sowayv, at the time, I didn’t even know there was another Wavy out there. I didn’t know anything. I was literally trying to change my name. Because as a DJ, you’re putting out music, I don’t feel like people appreciate you as an artist. 

They won’t look at you as an artist because you’re a DJ. I tried to find some type of way to make people hear the music, that’s why I took the DJ name out. I named myself sowayv, but what I found out probably two years ago is that I have the same name as a Kpop band named WayV.

I went through a whole year of literally not trolling, but let’s work. Let’s figure out why we got the same name. They never responded. I started a whole trilogy of them trying to reach out to me and their fans. Some of them hated me, some of them loved me. My Lives were 10K, 20K. It was the craziest s### I’ve ever seen in my life. I don’t hate the band, they’re dope. I’m proud of what they’re doing. We just had the same name. A lot of their fans thought they were me when they were following me, so that’s where the big big following came from. 

Before that, I was a regular New York DJ. I played on Hot 97 a couple of times. I had a lot of big cosigns from Just Blaze, Funk Flex. I was playing with Vashti a lot at Webster Hall. I already was in the industry. I loved making music, I just didn’t know how I wanted to do it.

AllHipHop: Did you learn anything from touring with Dave East, in terms of being a recording artist?

sowayv: Absolutely yeah, experience. How to move. I was behind it all, I got to see everything. Just making sure you’re moving right, that’s number one. We’re losing too many artists nowadays. East knows how to move, definitely learned a lot from East.

AllHipHop: Did that ever make you want to do the more boom bap hip-hop?

sowayv: Nah, it honestly made me want to go the direction I’m in now: hyperpop artist. I don’t want to do no hip hop hip hop stuff. I’m more into pop. I have EDM records about to come out. I’m more so going for the different vibe. 

Aspect Zavi of Chicago Drops New Hit Single “Calling You,” Backed By His Company Ozone Wrld

By: AllHipHop StaffCategory: Music

Aspect Zavi was one of the first 5 users to ever utilize Instagram and TikTok, he has been with TikTok since TikTok was referred to as Musical.ly, and he joined both of these applications when they were in Beta testing by helping to modify and improve performance. 

Zavi is experienced in making content go viral and, at just 23 years old is already considered a social media guru. One of the best, he is a true musician and very talented. 

In 2010, Zavi had the longest-running viral video on Vine before the platform deleted the application, where he was once again one of the top 5 users on the platform.

Zavi has been going viral consistently on a yearly basis since then, developing meaningful relationships with iconic artists of today, including Tory Lanez, Lil Uzi Vert, Paris Hilton, Soulja Boy, Brandy, Ray J, Famous Dex, Bobby Shmurda, Cary Miller & more.

Zavi is set to apply heavy pressure for 2023. He has captivated critical attention with his newly released single, “Calling You,” available now on all major platforms. This track is an immense mesh of music and life as Zavi depicts the world he lives in where life’s challenges aren’t always a reality.

Be sure to have listen and see for yourself!

https://music.apple.com/us/album/calling-you-single/1662312687

Follow Aspect Zavi on Instagram.

Keith Murray Talks More About Shawnna & Ludacris

By: IllseedCategory: Rumors

Keith Murray has a lot of people talking! Murray is a rapper from the 1990s who scored several major hits. He was a part of the Def Squad crew, which is one of the dopest collections of rappers, especially from the East Coast. Now, Murray has given away all of his sex stories from the ’90s. WOW. 

He’s turned off quite a few people and yet he’s getting all of the attention from the internet. This begs the question: “What do we want? “I don’t know the answer, but I do know it ain’t class! When I saw Keith Murray trending, I never thought it was due to death.

We witnessed him perform at The D.O.C.’s film release, screening and party. He was performing on stage in tribute to The D.O.C., but they had to forcibly remove him from the stage. He was doing the most! Anyway, Keith Murray has mentioned Foxy Brown and Shawnna in his exploits of sex and debauchery. With Fox, he said he got top and from Shawnna, he says he gave it. My dude has me thinking he’s telling the truth. He’s giving all the “goss” and “scalding hot tea.” 

Anyway, I have long heard Murray is on that “stuff.” And the source I have is adamantly sticking with that assertion. BUT, I can tell you this. One rumor is not true. Keith Murray is not on CRACK. Again, “the most beautifullest thing in this world” is not crack for the Long Island rap master. 

I am happy to hear that, but I am hearing of other things that he may be into. And these new interview clips are cray enough to keep those rumors alive. Anyway, whatever it takes, I guess.

Here’s a more interesting interview below.

Vic Mensa To Help Provide Clean Drinking Water To Communities In Ghana

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Vic Mensa (born Victor Kwesi Mensah) seems to be fully embracing his Ghanaian heritage. The Chicago-born recording artist is currently in the African nation for the Black Star Line Summit.

According to TMZ, Vic Mensa plans to help bring clean water to people in Ghana. Mensa reportedly partnered with his Ghanaian father for the philanthropic effort that costs around $45,000 per borehole.

“We’re building 3 boreholes in different communities in Ghana to provide clean drinking water; the first being the Asokore Zongo in Koforidua where my family lives, which is already built,” Vic Mensa told the celebrity news outlet.

He added, “The other locations are a nearby community called Effiduase and then our ancestral village in the Volta Region, Amedzofe. Most people in communities like this in Ghana experience constant waterborne diseases.”

Vic Mensa & Fellow Chicago Native Chance The Rapper Present The Black Star Line Festival

In 2022, SaveMoney collective members Vic Mensa and Chance The Rapper announced the Black Star Line Festival. The Marcus Garvey-inspired cultural event is set for January 6 in Accra, Ghana’s Black Star Square.

“When Vic and I started our careers and started touring, we did shows all over the US. Eventually, we started touring in Europe, we did shows in Asia, South America, Central America, but we never had a chance to play our music for the people who support us the most,” said Chance The Rapper last July.

Chance also stated, “When we came here and touched down and felt the love that we received and the fans that we got to connect with, the understanding for the need for the connection became apparent to us. We need a music festival bringing major artists to Ghana. This is what we’re working to create.” 

The Black Star Line Summit, powered by Revolt, hosted a Pan-African Conference on January 3. Panelists included Vic Mensa, Chance The Rapper, spoken word poet J. Ivy, filmmakers Coodie & Chike, architect David Adjaye, Ghanaian politician Samia Nkrumah, and more.

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A post shared by Vic Mensa (@vicmensa)

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A post shared by Vic Mensa (@vicmensa)

Dave East Reflects On Getting Backlash For Criticizing Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Lil Nas X’s breakout hit “Old Town Road” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a record-breaking nineteen weeks in 2019. While many DSP users streamed the openly gay performer’s song for months, Hip Hop artist Dave East was not a fan of “Old Town Road” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus.

In fact, East blasted the single. He stated, “This f###### ‘Old Town Road’ s### is f###### wack. I don’t know what the f### is going on with Hip Hop or rap but… I ain’t no hater, man, but that s### is wack with a cape on it. It’s super wack!”

Those comments by Dave East caused a stir on social media as Lil Nas X fans took aim at the former protégé of Hip Hop legend Nasir “Nas” Jones. In 2020, East also posted “BATI MON BUN UP” in response to LNX dressing up as Nicki Minaj for Halloween. Batty man is a Jamaican slur used to describe gay men.

“It’s ‘batty man’ n##### can’t even be homophobic the proper way smh butchering the hell out of the patois,” wrote Lil Nas X in response to Dave East’s statements. The Atlanta-bred star continued, “Bro I don’t bother a soul in this industry. All I do is tweet and make bangers. Leave me alone. Damn.”

Dave East Took Issue With NYC Radio Playing “Old Town Road”

Several years after the story broke, Dave East reflected on the controversy involving Lil Nas X. The Survival album creator recently sat down with Math Hoffa for an episode of the battle rap legend’s My Expert Opinion podcast. The conversation eventually covered East’s “Old Town Road” review.

“I said I did not like ‘Old Town Road.’ One day, I felt a way. I said, ‘I don’t like this record.’ You know their entire community ran down on me,” said Dave East. The 34-year-old emcee continued, “I never said nothing about the [LGBTQ] community. I’m cool with the people in the community.”

The Wu-Tang: An American Saga actor added, “It’s like you can’t have an opinion on s### no more. You gotta know what comes with it. I didn’t say nothing about [Lil Nas X’s] preference as far as who he is as a person. I don’t give a f### about that.”

Dave East also told My Expert Opinion, “I don’t like the song. I don’t like the fact that it’s being played on New York radio where I know it’s a thousand n##### right in the town. When I go to Atlanta, the radio sounds like Atlanta.”

Bobby Shmurda Reacts To Uncle Murda Name-Dropping Him On “Rap Up 2022”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Once again Uncle Murda reviewed another year by dropping his “Rap Up 2022” song. The track included some bars about fellow New York City native Bobby Shmurda.

“NBA YoungBoy had Rich The Kid shook over a little picture with Lil Durk that he took. Hope he knows Bobby Shmurda and Rich The Kid different, Bobby will really boom you, n####, watch who you mention,” rapped Uncle Murda.

That part of “Rap Up 2022” focused on the beef between Brooklyn’s Bobby Shmurda and Baton Rouge’s YoungBoy Never Broke Again. Shmurda reacted to Uncle Murda’s lines about his feud with Youngboy.

“I’m a changed man, Murda! I’m a changed man!” said a laughing Bobby Shmurda in a video posted to the internet. He added, “I’m a different man. I’m tryna change, Murda. I ain’t trying to boom nobody no more.”

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A post shared by Murda (@unclemurda)

Bobby Shmurda (born Ackquille Jean Pollard) served over six years in a New York state prison. The “Hot N*gga” rhymer pled guilty to third-degree conspiracy and weapons possession in 2016. He was released in February 2021.

After exiting the Clinton Correctional Facility, Bobby Shmurda vowed he would never be back behind bars again. The independent artist went on to drop the Bodboy EP in 2022 which hosted his polarizing “Hoochie Daddy” single.

Uncle Murda’s “Rap Up 2022” is the latest installment in the emcee’s yearly recaps of the previous twelve months. The 2022 version also included bars about Will Smith, Chris Rock, Kanye West, Antonio Brown, Young Thug, Tory Lanez, Megan Thee Stallion, and other celebrities.

La Chat Mourns The Passing Of Gangsta Boo

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Lola “Gangsta Boo” Mitchell passed away on January 1, 2023. The Memphis-raised rapper was 43 years old. Gangsta Boo’s close collaborator, La Chat, shared a personal message about her late friend.

“This is not easy [for] me, wake up in tears, doze off in tears, the tears won’t stop falling, my eyes burning,” posted La Chat on Instagram. It’s [going to] take [some] time but with GOD INVOLVED I KNOW IMA BE OK sooner than I [think]. I [have] been [with] Boo all my whole life. She was a STRONG INDEPENDENT BLACK WOMAN, [that] didn’t take no s### lol.”

La Chat continued, “Y’all couldn’t imagine all the things we have done, all the convos we have had [every day], literally ALL the time we have spent, all the money we have made [together]. We both [were] our mothers’ only daughters. We [were] raised with nun but men and was blessed [to] rap with THE BEST GROUP EVER WHICH WAS ALL MEN WHICH MADE US SISTERS!!!”

Gangsta Boo and La Chat were closely aligned with the Three 6 Mafia rap group. The Memphis-based collective included Gangsta Boo as an official member with La Chat being part of Three 6 Mafia’s extended musical family.

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A post shared by La Chat(MsChickenhead) (@lachat_ig)

Gangsta Boo & La Chat Teamed Up For The ‘Witch’ EP

Fellow Memphis-raised rapstress GloRilla also shared a personal tribute to Gangsta Boo. The “Tomorrow 2” hitmaker wrote, “[Gangsta Boo] always supported me & the girls way back before we blew up. 💯A REAL LEGEND. There will never be another Gangsta Boo 🙏🏼.”

Additionally, Gangsta Boo’s mother, Veronica Mitchell, released a statement. Her message read, “The Mitchell family would like to thank everyone for their condolences regarding the untimely death of Lola ‘Gangsta Boo’ Mitchell. The family is asking for your continued prayers and privacy as we process the loss of our loved one.”

Gangsta Boo and La Chat’s collaborative Witch extended play came out in May 2014. The Gangsta Boo discography also contains solo albums like Enquiring Minds and Enquiring Minds II: The Soap Opera. La Chat has created solo projects like Murder She Spoke and Murder She Spoke II.

Quentin Miller: I Never Got A Publishing Check For Writing Drake’s Songs

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

At one point in Hip Hop history, a rapper using a ghostwriter equated to a cardinal sin. However, when the world found out Quentin Miller penned some of Drake’s lyrics in 2015, the general reaction was a collective shrug.

That ghostwriting saga was part of the heated feud between Drake and Meek Mill. While both Drake and Meek reconciled and continued to find success, Miller’s career as a recording artist never took off in a newsworthy way.

Quentin Miller is now discussing how he allegedly did not get properly compensated for his work with Drake. The Atlanta-bred songwriter spoke to VladTV about his publishing deal at the time.

“I’m working with a n#### that, literally, was about to change my life,” said Miller about Drake. “Even though I was in my horrible, horrible, horrible publishing situation with Tricky [Stewart]. So, I never got a publishing check off of any Drake songs.”

He added, “I had to feed my family off getting paid under the table in that situation because Tricky and them wouldn’t let me go. I didn’t get out of that deal until 2019, 2020. I signed in 2011. They wouldn’t let me out. I had to let go of a lot of s### just to get out. But even while I was in it, I never got a publishing check or nothing.”

In addition to writing bars for the OVO Sound boss, Quentin Miller released music as one-half of WDNG Crshrs with TheCoolisMac. Miller also dropped solo projects such as 2017’s Hey! Thanks a Lot 3, 2018’s Q.M., and 2020’s Na Fr.

SZA Pays Tribute To Her “Fave” Lizzo During HBO Special, Teases New Collabs

By: London JennnCategory: News

SZA joined Lizzo onstage for a memorable performance during Lizzo’s recent HBO Max special Lizzo: Live in Concert.  

“This is my f###### fave,” SZA announced to the crowd as she pointed excitedly at Lizzo who appeared overwhelmed by the praise from her friend and collaborator. “Make some noise for my f###### fave, Lizzo” she repeated as the audience erupted with cheers.  

“This is unreal,” she added. “Thank you so much for even just being my friend. I love you, you’re special.” 

While many fans were left wondering why the two friends did not collaborate on SZA’s latest project, SOS, a recent interview revealed Lizzo is in fact on the album. “F2F” features a pitched-up recording of the “Grrrls” hitmaker hidden behind the track. Lizzo also is credited as a songwriter on the track and was in the studio with SZA while she recorded it.  

“We just happened to have that one pulled up the day that Lizzo was there,” Rob Bisel, one of the producers, told Rolling Stone.  

SZA Confirms Upcoming Lizzo Collab

The “No Love” singer herself also teased a Lizzo feature on the deluxe edition, revealing she appears on “Boy From South Detroit.” 

However, the duo also recorded “five or six” rock songs that could appear on the deluxe.  

“There’s definitely a handful [of tracks with Lizzo]. I don’t want to incriminate myself here, but there’s some stuff floating around for sure,” Bisel admitted.  

“We just have so much fun together. And I feel like she gets me. She’s another person who has hella music tastes and doesn’t fit in anybody’s box of anything,” added SZA. “She makes it seem like she doesn’t even care like she just does whatever she wants. And I just love being with her, just as a friend and hanging out. So whenever she comes to a studio, I just feel like, ‘Let’s drop into some b#######.’” 

Missy Elliott Urges Fans To Embrace A “Fearless” Attitude All 2023 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Missy Elliott wants her fans to begin their year with the same energy she embodies, urging them to eliminate negative energy in 2023. 

The Hip-Hop icon took to Instagram on the first day of the year to celebrate with her followers, spreading a message of peace and love. Missy also encouraged everyone to maintain a “fearless” attitude and manifest their dreams.  

“I wanna say Happy New Year to everyone! Now listen, you gotta walk in to 2023 being fearless,” Missy Elliott began. “You gotta make sure that the friends that you around match your energy. You don’t need nobody lazy around you or with negative energy because you don’t want nothing to block your blessing.” 

She continued: “So make sure that you are full of peace and happiness and whatever you wanna do, you do it this year! Anything that you wanna become, you become it this year! Have drive, have consistency. And yeah, 2023 is yours! We gon’ already claim that.” 

Missy doubled down on the positivity in the caption, adding: “It’s gonna be a PRODUCTIVE & PROSPEROUS YEAR because you gonna step out on FAITH. Mentally you gonna be in a better space than before! JUST CLAIM IT 2023 is YOURS!” Check out her message in the clip below.  

Missy Elliott Shares Her Message of Fearlessness

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cm4U2e9K6ER/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

While Missy Elliott wants everybody to make their dreams come true this year, the legendary rapper experienced some amazing moments in 2022, celebrating her status as a Hip-Hop visionary.  

In January, Missy honored her “sisters in Hip-Hop” as she became the first female rapper to earn six consecutive RIAA platinum-certified albums. Her hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia, also paid tribute to the musical genius by naming a street after her in October.  

Weeks later, Missy Elliott unveiled her wax figure at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas before receiving her second honorary degree. Norfolk State University presented the star with the honor in November.

Cardi B Complains About Cost Of Living Despite Claiming She’s Worth More Than $40 Million 

By: London JennnCategory: News

While Cardi B is worth millions, she still feels the cost of increasing prices.  

The NYC rapper took to Twitter to complain about the cost of her grocery shopping and how much she must pay for her salad.  

“Naaaaaa grocery shopping prices are ridiculous right now 😑,’ Cardi B wrote on Tuesday evening (Jan. 3). According to Belcalis, the price of grocery shopping is so high, it’s comparable to eating out. “You might as well eat outside !!” she added.  

Cardi B had apparently returned from a trip to the store and was shocked at the price of lettuce. “B#### why lettuce cost 6 dollars where I live at ? 😑” she questioned.  

While many in the replies joined Cardi in bemoaning the cost of living, others pointed out her fans aren’t in the same income bracket.  

Cardi B Claims She’s Worth More than $40 Million

Last month the “Hot S###” hitmaker claimed she is worth more than $40 million after speculating the country has gone into recession. However, Cardi B said she works hard on budgeting to maintain her lifestyle while paying her bills and helping her loved ones.  

“I’m worth more [than] that,” she said in response to a tweet suggesting she is worth $40 million. “And guess what? If I don’t save, work, and budget I could lose it too!” tweeted Cardi B. “What makes you think that no matter how much money you got you can’t lose it all if you don’t manage your money correctly. I too have bills, responsibilities, and people I have to help.” 

Cardi B may be correct about an impending recession. Earlier this week, the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) chief Kristalina Georgieva warned 2023 will be tougher on the global economy than the last 12 months.  

“The three big economies, US, EU, China, are all slowing down simultaneously,” she said, as per CNN Business.  

 “We expect one third of the world economy to be in recession,” she explained. However, she also said that even for countries that are not in recession: “It would feel like recession for hundreds of millions of people.” 

Waka Flocka Explains Why He Roots For Gucci Mane From Afar

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Waka Flocka spoke about the current state of his relationship with Gucci Mane in an interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast.

Sharpe asked Waka Flocka what led to the rapper’s falling out with Gucci Mane. The multi-platinum selling artist didn’t want to get into it because he was tired of talking about their past beef.

Waka Flocka said he and Gucci Mane are on good terms now, but fans shouldn’t expect a reunion. The former collaborators grew apart over the years, so Waka Flocka’s content with supporting Gucci Mane from afar.

“We good,” he explained. “He doing something totally different. I wouldn’t move how he move. I couldn’t do that … He happy doing what he doing. And s###, I’m happy doing what I’m doing.”

He continued, “So, if it ever intertwines in a time and place, it’s what it is. But he happy. And to me, that’s all I ever wanted to see – my dawg happy. He happy being where he at, I don’t gotta be there. I’ll cheer for a n#### from a mile away. I don’t care.”

Waka Flocka also discussed his earlier days with Gucci Mane, noting how he was willing to take a bullet for Guwop at one point in his life.

Watch a clip of the Club Shay Shay conversation below and check out the full interview here.

R. Kelly’s Alleged Force-Feeding Feces Ritual Revealed

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Lifetime’s Surviving R. Kelly: The Final Chapter examined more of the trauma suffered by his victims.

The Final Chapter premiered on Monday (January 2). The continuation of Surviving R. Kelly explored his abuse of Azriel Clary, who testified against R. Kelly in his racketeering and sex trafficking trial in 2021.

Clary said R. Kelly once forced her to eat her own feces. A clip of Clary making the accusation originally surfaced in 2020.

According to Lifetime’s documentary series, Clary wasn’t the only victim forced to eat feces. R. Kelly allegedly made girls perform the disgusting act as a ritual to prove their loyalty.

“There was another incident where Robert made one of the girls or a couple of the girls eat his feces,” one unnamed participant said. “That was more of a loyalty type of ritual when they had to eat the feces.”

The conclusion of Surviving R. Kelly: The Final Chapter airs on Tuesday night (January 3). The first two episodes are available to stream here with a TV provider login.

R. Kelly was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking in New York. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

The disgraced singer was also convicted of child pornography and child enticement in Chicago. He awaits sentencing in the second case.

Does Gucci Mane Have The Worst Luck In Rap?

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Rumors

With the recent arrest of Gucci Mane artist Mac Critter, it’s hard not to wonder what exactly is going on at 1017 Records. Founded in 2007 under the Warner Music Group umbrella, the label has been home to artists such as Ralo, OJ Da Juiceman, Asian Doll and Waka Flocka Flame. But several of Gucci Mane’s signees have either died, been arrested for murder or committed other illicit crimes.

On December 22, 2022, Big Scarr overdosed on prescription drugs just two years after he survived a near-fatal shooting. Ralo, who signed with Gucci Mane in 2017, was arrested a year later on drug conspiracy charges and sentenced to eight years in prison. In March 2021, Foogiano was also arrested and booked at the Shelby County Jail in Memphis, charged with being a fugitive from justice without a warrant.

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A post shared by Big Grim Reaper🥶®️ (@bigscarr)

But that’s not all. Former 1017 Records artist OJ Da Juiceman was taken into custody in Kentucky last May, charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Pooh Shiesty, another one of Gucci Mane’s signees, pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges and was sentenced to more than five years behind bars. With Mac Critter’s arrest, it seems like the hits keep coming—and not the good kind.

As Gucci Mane trended on Twitter, one person claimed: “Gucci Mane the worst label executive ever Big Scarr dead, Pooh Shiesty in jail, Asian Doll a HOE, Max Critter charged with murder.” (No disrespect to Asian Doll though; she’s doing her thing, whatever that is.)

While plenty of people blame Gucci Mane—who also did prison time for weapon charges—the veteran rapper appears to be just as concerned about his artists as everyone else. As he tweeted on December 14: “We do not pay attention to how inmates are treated! Pooh has been sent to a prison over 1500 miles away from his home, 23hr lockdown and given empty food trays. USP P###### should be investigated immediately!”

So either Gucci Mane has the worst luck in the rap industry or he needs to vet his talent. Or, maybe he could provide some guidance to dissuade young rappers from going down the same path he did. Whatever the case, Mac Critter is facing a long, uphill battle. Let’s hope the rest of the 1017 roster can stay out of trouble, or poor Gucci is going to need a lot more bail money.

Young Thug Calls On Famous Friends To Save Him From Prison In RICO Case

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Rappers, record executives, professors and more may testify on Young Thug’s behalf in his upcoming RICO trial.

WSB-TV obtained the defense’s list of potential witnesses ahead of jury selection in Young Thug’s trial. The list includes Killer Mike, YouTube’s Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen, 300 Entertainment co-founder Kevin Liles, Jerrika Karlae and Atlanta City Councilman Antonio Lewis.

As AllHipHop previously reported, Dr. Erik Nielson and professors with Hip Hop expertise are among the potential witnesses for the defense. Nielson co-authored the book Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics and Guilt in America, which examines the use of lyrics as evidence in criminal cases.

Young Thug and 13 co-defendants await trial on RICO charges. Jury selection is scheduled to start on Wednesday (January 4).

The trial is expected to begin on January 9. Judge Ural Glanville estimated the trial could last six to nine months.

Young Thug was one of 28 people named in the RICO indictment against YSL in May 2022. Eight men took plea deals in the case. Several others will face trial at a later date.

Gunna, Slimelife Shawty, Lil Duke and Young Thug’s brother Unfoonk were the most notable names to accept plea deals. Trontavious Stephens and Antonio Sledge agreed to testify at trial as part of their deals.

CeeLo Green Planned Major Gangsta Boo Collab Before Her Death

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Gangsta Boo was going to appear on Gnarls Barkley’s third studio album before her untimely death prevented the collaboration from coming to fruition.

CeeLo Green revealed his plan to work with Gangsta Boo in an Instagram post on Monday (January 2). CeeLo Green shared a screenshot of their text messages, which showed him plotting a Three 6 Mafia collaboration for a new Gnarls Barkley album.

“Usually I wouldn’t post something this intimate but I did want y’all to know the whole gang was gonna be on the new #gnarlsbarkley album,” he wrote. “I know you fought sis we love you unconditionally and we still gone ride for you baby boo. #rip #memphis stand up and honor the queen!”

Gangsta Boo, whose real name was Lola Mitchell, passed away in Memphis on Sunday (January 1). She was 43.

An official cause of death hasn’t been disclosed. The late rapper’s mother Veronica Mitchell asked the public to respect her family’s privacy in a statement issued on Monday.

“The Mitchell family would like to thank everyone for their condolences regarding the untimely death of Lola ‘Gangsta Boo’ Mitchell,” Veronica Mitchell said. “The family is asking for your continued prayers and privacy as we process the loss of our loved one.”

Read CeeLo Green’s entire post about Gangsta Boo below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CeeLo Green (@ceelogreen)

Gangsta Boo’s Death Begs The Question: “When Are We Going To Get Real About Addiction?”

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Opinion

With the unexpected passing of Gangsta Boo, beloved Southern rap pioneer and member of Three 6 Mafia, it’s time to get brutally honest about drug addiction. Too often, people want to brush it under the rug and pretend like it’s not ruining their lives and the lives of those closest to them. “They’re just having a good time. They’re just living life. They only do it on weekends.” There’s a laundry list of excuses people want to make for those struggling with substance abuse—but they don’t want to do the one thing they need the most—get them help. While it’s true you can’t force somebody to get clean (trust me, I learned the hard way), you can certainly choose not to enable the addict to further spiral. 

A legendary MC—who I prefer to keep anonymous—struggled with alcoholism. When I lived in New Mexico, I used to book a lot of Hip Hop shows, and he was one of them. In 2010, this particular MC had just finished his set at the Santa Fe Brewing Company when I was leading him backstage. Nearly everyone in the audience either offered him a drink, put weed in his hand or asked him to smoke as we made our way through the crowd. Fortunately, he had a DJ who truly cared about him and did everything in his power to shield him from the endless sea of substances being thrust in his face, and he was mostly able to avoid it. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thee Gangsta Boo (@missyeahoe)

But this is what life is like for every artist. Fans think their day revolves around “sex, drugs and rock-n-roll” and are desperate to gain their approval or bask in their presence for even a minute, so they do anything it takes to get their attention, including offering them drugs and alcohol. I’ve seen it time and time again. Gangsta Boo was likely exposed to the same behaviors, making it even harder to get on a path to sobriety. 

In a May 2022 episode of Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition, Gangsta Boo was busted with a “white powdery substance” in her room. The therapist, Dr. Ish, confronted her on the show and she acted clueless. In fact, she grew increasingly angry and threatened to walk off the show as the conversation went on. She later lashed out at Dr. Ish on Instagram and questioned his legitimacy in the field—despite his offer to get her into rehab.

Still, did anybody follow up? Did anybody say to her, “Hey Boo, let’s get you that help” or “Hey Boo, there’s no shame in needing some support.” 

While Gangsta Boo’s cause of death has yet to be confirmed, sources close to her are emphatic it was a drug overdose. TMZ also reported she had “narcotics on her person” believed to be a “fentanyl-laced substance” the night before she died. With the introduction of fentanyl into nearly every street drug, it’s become a game of Russian roulette. Gangsta Boo appears to be another addition to the long list of artists who’ve died from addiction. From Mac Miller, who overdosed in 2018 at 26, to Juice WRLD, who overdosed in 2019 at just 21, the roster of drug-related deaths just keeps growing. When will it be enough? When will people stand up and say, “You know what? Drugs are actually f###### wack.” Let’s normalize being healthy in 2023. Let’s normalize talking about addiction. Let’s normalize helping one another. Being sober isn’t “corny.” It’s not “lame.” It might just be your ticket to living a fruitful life. I, for one, quit in 2006 and it was the best decision of my entire life. 

At the end of the day, Gangsta Boo could’ve gotten the assistance she needed, but maybe she wasn’t ready. Maybe she didn’t have people in her inner circle willing to call her out. Maybe her bubbly personality, infectious optimism and sharp sense of humor masked her pain a little too well. But to say this is a monumental loss is an understatement. In addition to Gangsta Boo’s work with Three 6 Mafia and her unforgettable appearance on the 2020 Run The Jewels single “walking in the snow,” she popped up on several songs last year, including Latto’s “FTCU” featuring GloRilla. Coupled with her Drink Champs interview and Verzuz against Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, she seemed to be on her way to an Act II. Now we’ll never know. 

EXCLUSIVE: Jam Master Jay Murder Trial Marred By Witness Tampering, Intimidation; Feds Take Drastic Measures To Protect Jury

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Exclusives

The government is requesting an anonymous and partially sequestered jury for the trial of Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr., charged with the 2002 murder of RUN-DMC group member Jam Master Jay.

Washington and Jordan are accused of barging into Jam Master Jay’s recording studio, 24/7 Studio, located in Jamaica, Queens, on October 30th, 2002.

Washington pointed his firearm at an individual inside the studio and demanded that they lie on the floor while Jordan approached Jam Master Jay, pointed his gun at him, and fired two shots at close range.

One shot struck Jam Master Jay in the head, killing him, while the second shot struck another individual, Uriel “Tony” Rincon, in the leg.

Other witnesses in the studio that night included Michael “Mike B.” Bonds, Ureico “Pretty Tony” Rincon, Lydia High, her brother Randy Allen and later, Jay’s nephew Rodney “Boe Scagz” Jones, who was getting his hair cut when the shooting took place.

The Feds claim Washington and Jordan were angry that they were being left out of a cocaine deal involving at least 10 kilos.

As AllHipHop.com exclusively reported, the drugs were fronted to Jay by “Uncle” by one of the leaders of the Black Mafia Family.

The government has requested that the jurors’ names, addresses, and workplaces not be revealed to either party or their attorneys.

The Feds also want the jurors to eat lunch together and be accompanied in and out of the courthouse by members of the United States Marshals Service each day to prevent them from mingling with the public or any potential trial spectators.

These measures are being taken to protect the jury from improper influence or intimidation and to ensure Washington and Jordan’s right to a fair trial.

The Feds say threats to the jurors are highly possible, given Washington and Jordan’s erratic behavior towards the witnesses in the case.

Witnesses have reported threats and coercion from Jordan, Jordan’s father Karl “Big D” Jordan, and Washington.

One eyewitness present at the time of the murder, Witness 6, has refused to speak with police or view a lineup with Jordan due to dread of reprisal from Jordan and his dad, who made a threatening call to Witness 6 shortly after the murder.

Jordan and his father also confronted Witness 1, who had once testified against Washington, and made menacing remarks about Witness 1’s family.

Washington has also threatened Witness 1 and tried to communicate with them via third parties, including anonymous Facebook messages.

Shortly after the indictment was unsealed, prosecutors said Witness 7 received ominous text messages and pictures, including images of an individual shot in the head and another with their throat cut, along with the addresses of Witness 7 and a family member.

A family member of another witness, Witness 8, was also approached at their place of business by an unknown individual who asked about Witness 8’s involvement in the case and made a remark about “what happens to snitches.”

The Feds say these incidents illustrate the potential for witness intimidation and tampering in the case.

In jailhouse “kites,” Jordan and Washington have discussed damaging testimony that Witnesses 2 and 6 could deliver at trial and have allegedly taken steps to stop them from testifying.

Washington and Jordan are charged with one count of murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and one count of firearm-related murder.

Jordan is also charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and seven counts of cocaine distribution, one count of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of use of firearms in connection with a drug trafficking crime.

Each defendant faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.

Rapper Vector Proudly Reps Nigeria With New Project “Teslim: The Energy Still Lives In Me”

By: Shirley JuCategory: Breeding Ground

Vector reps Nigeria on his sleeve, every and any chance he can. A true icon in every sense of the word, the Nigerian recording artist paves the way for other African artists to follow suit, showing that they too can make their wildest dreams come true if they work hard, stay passionate and never lose sight of the end goal. 

Boasting 1.4 million followers on Instagram, Vector uses his platform to spread the love of music from Nigeria to the rest of the world. His music is not only heartfelt and meaningful but effortlessly sets the vibe for any occasion.

When asked what Vector would be doing if it wasn’t music, he simply has no answer. Having never worked a 9 to 5, the “Mama Maradona” rapper reveals his entire life has been founded upon music. 

Most recently, Vector unveiled his newest album titled Teslim: The Energy Still Lives In Me, named after and dedicated to his late father. 

AllHipHop spoke with Vector virtually to discuss what Nigeria means to him, the moment he fell in love with music, his Top 5, his new project, the inspo behind “Clowns,” goals and more!

AllHipHop: You’re on the road. Where you going?

Vector: To a party actually [laughs].

AllHipHop: What are the parties like in Nigeria? 

Vector: There’s a lot of food, there’s a lot of alcohol if you want. There’s a lot of dance music. There’s a lot of energy, hugging. A lot of jokes and laughter as well. I would never leave over here. [laughs]

AllHipHop: Do you party? Do you drink?

Vector: Yes, we do drink. We do party.

AllHipHop: What do you like to drink over there?

Vector: There’s a variety. Sometimes it’s a wine day, sometimes it’s a champagne day. Sometimes it’s a Cognac day. 

AllHipHop: What does Nigeria mean to you? 

Vector: Nigeria means a lot of things. On the surface, it means home. In different realities, it means a lot more: concern, worry as well. Nigeria means a lot of things, it depends on what we’re talking about now. [laughs]

AllHipHop: Do you remember the moment you fell in love with music?

Vector: If you grew up in a music family where they’ve always played music, you probably couldn’t tell what moment you heard music first. But the last I remember, my sister had just gotten back from the church choir practice. She says, “When I say ‘so fa la so,” you say ‘mi re fa mi’.” That was my first experience of a real life harmony. It was interesting to me. Hmm okay, let’s do more. [laughs]

AllHipHop: Do you have a Top 5 artists list?

Vector: The music experience I have varies from some country music to some Celine Dion music to Jay Z’s music to Ludacris’ music. To Backstreet Boys to Blackstreet to West Life to Blue, Ronan Keating, Boyzone, a bunch of artists. It’ll be hard for me to give you a Top 5. [laughs]

AllHipHop: How did you get your name?

Vector: It was in St. Gregory’s College. I was learning about vectors and I thought that’d be a nice name. I swear, then I find out that vipers are vectors of venom too. Oh okay, interesting.

AllHipHop: You just dropped Teslim, dedicated to your father. How do you feel now that it’s out?

Vector: Teslim is beautiful. I like the energy. It’s dedicated to my dad, my late dad. The energy has been beautiful. I like the fact that it’s reaching out to people. The audience of music and the fanbase, how it’s reaching out to them, it’s core. Very core.

AllHipHop: How much of a role did he play in your music career?

Vector: He was a very encouraging dad to have. Because again, I was raised in a very very traditional “… I was raised in a very very traditional Yoruba way.” Even I don’t know how I’m this. [laughs] He was always very supportive, even though he didn’t know what metaphors were or how we used them in rap music, or making music or the type of music that I want to make. He always supported and he was always proud to the point of his death. His ringtone was my record.

AllHipHop: What song was it?

Vector: “All the boys them know say we made oh…” [sings] The song title is “We’re Made Oh.”

AllHipHop: Let’s talk about “Clowns.” What were you on recording this one?

Vector: It gets to a point where you realize that people act greedy because they’re afraid to lose. But coming from the traditional understanding as well, it’s funny because they’re just clowns. It doesn’t mean anything. What is the fear you have, that has created the greed that has caused you to kill people? Caused you to destroy lies, sell lies, not tell the truth? It’s just fear. We address that in “Clowns.”

AllHipHop: And that was inspired by the Diddy moment?

Vector: [laughs] Well, I just drew a reference from that. Lyrically, it’s now you feel like there’s nothing wrong that can happen because you’re so guarded, and then boom.

AllHipHop: Talk about the producers you work with on the project too, such as Mr. Kleb. 

Vector: He’s a wonderful producer. He’s worked with Burna Boy and a couple artists as well, it’s his hype moment [laughs]. He’s such a talented person. We operate deeper than surface music or popular music or popular opinions about music. We operate on energy from music, and he’s such a wonderful energy to experience as a producer period.

AllHipHop: What is it you want people to get from your story? 

Vector: My story has a lot of sides to it. The story of how excellent my life is or my story appears. But then there’s also the story of what my reality also is, in other scenarios if you know what I mean. I am the man that’s living in Africa that’s being exploited. I am the man with the global understanding in Africa that’s being segregated or marginalized. I have a whole lot of realities, but I just do my music. You may understand where my head is at and address me as such, and only as such.

AllHipHop: Is there anything further you want to do with your platform?

Vector: Reaching out to more souls showing that Africa is not a place that is unsafe in every part (like everywhere else in the world). We have parties, you can see I’m outdoors. 

AllHipHop: What’s your best encounter with a fan?

Vector: There’s so many. I’ve met somebody who cried. I’ve met somebody who was shaking. I’ve met somebody who was screaming my ears off. I’m wearing one of the gifts from the fans. [shows his watch]. “Ilé l’a wa “[he speaks in Yoruba African dialect] we are home.

AllHipHop: How much was the watch?

Vector: It’s a gift [laughs].

AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself?

Vector: I feel strongly that I’m achieving that already. I strongly feel like that’s not the problem right now. Having a target or some sort of goal, I think we’re headed there already. I’m making music. I’m successful with making music. I’m confident with what I stand for now. I don’t know what goals are. I’m African, I’m blessed [laughs].

Rapper Logic Announces New Baby On New Year’s Day

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Maryland rapper Logic has announced some great news to his fans. He will become a father for the second time, revealing his wife Brittney Noell is pregnant.

The news came on New Year’s Day, with the couple posting a video on social media of the doctor during an ultrasound on Noell’s plump belly. On his Instagram, he captions the post, “Happy New Baby!”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cm4ZfpFKi5N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The music bed was provided by Logic, whose real name is  Sir Robert Bryson Hall II. Paired with the intimate moment was his 2020 song “Hit My Line” from the No Pressure album.

As the song’s chorus echoes, “Today’s a good day, good day, good day.”

Celebrity friends, fans, and family sent the two warm wishes, celebrating with the growing family. TV star and producer Lena Waithe commented, “Amazing!!! Congrats y’all.”

Fellow rapper Project Pat wrote, “Congratulations.” In one day, the post received over a quarter million likes, sharing nothing but positive vibes to the unborn babe.

Noell posted the same video, writing in her caption, “Baby Hall #2 coming 2023🤍.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm4ZL_XhP9_/

The couple has been married for a little over three years, joining in holy matrimony in September 2019. They had their first baby in July 2020, according to Page Six.

The new baby, whose gender has not been revealed, will be a welcomed addition.