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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.)
Gucci Mane the worst label executive ever Big Scarr dead, Pooh Shiesty in jail, Asian Doll a HOE, Max Critter charged with murder.
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!”
We do not pay attention to how inmates are treated! Pooh has been sent to a prison over 1500 miles from his home, 23hr lockdown and given empty food trays. USP P###### should be investigated immediately. #movepooh#prisonreform@POTUS@VP@KamalaHarris
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.
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.
JUST IN: Music executives, rappers, entrepreneurs, city councilman and family members among 28 named witnesses who could potentially testify on behalf of Young Thug during trial. We're still working to get a copy of the State's witness list. @wsbtvpic.twitter.com/9Vfpy8mDtC
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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].
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!”
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.
A rapper named Daniel Bates, who goes by the stage name “Mac Critter” and is signed to Gucci Mane’s record label, has been charged with first-degree murder.
Mac Critter is accused of being involved in the December 2022 shooting death of Markeith Taylor in North Memphis, Tennessee.
Taylor was found dead at the scene of a shooting on December 21st, 2022, after being shot several times by four men in an SUV, according to a witness and the Memphis Police affidavit obtained by Fox15 in Memphis.
The men, including a man identified as Gary “Lil Gary” Taylor and another identified as Bates, approached Taylor and pulled out guns after he was called over to the vehicle, with Lil Gary shooting Taylor and continuing to fire after he fell to the ground before fleeing in the SUV.
Lil Gary, who is also charged with first-degree murder, was initially arrested and released on his own recognizance in error. His bond was eventually revoked, and he was taken back into custody.
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has stated that Lil Gary’s release was a mistake and had nothing to do with bail reform or the new bail procedure set to start in February.
Both men are alleged to be gang members. The pair and two others will remain in jail and are due back in court on January 10th.
Hoodrich Pablo Juan is serving 5 years for a RICO case, Ralo is doing 8 years for being a marijuana kingpin, and Yung Mal is locked up on a murder charge.
Wiz Khalifa ruined a $10,000 suit after he fell into a swimming pool on New Year’s Eve.
The rapper performed in Hollywood as part of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve broadcast on Saturday night, with the show also featuring appearances from the likes of Duran Duran, New Edition, Billy Porter, Ciara, Halle Bailey, and Finneas O’Connell.
But while the gig went smoothly, Wiz took to Twitter on Sunday to reveal that he accidentally destroyed a very expensive outfit before the night was out.
“I tripped and fell in the pool in my 10 thousand dollar suit last night so y’all can take me back to last year cause this ain’t it,” he wrote. Wiz later added: “New year Same me.”
For the 35-year-old’s New Year’s Eve gig, he performed Black and Yellow while wearing a tracksuit featuring palm tree motifs.
The star, real name Cameron Thomaz, didn’t offer any details about the suit he ruined.
will.I.am is hitting back at critics of the group’s performance in Poland, after they wore rainbow arm bands to support the LGBTQ+ community during their New Year’s Eve show.
Over the weekend, the Black Eyed Peas performed on a New Year’s Eve show in Poland and wore rainbow armbands to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Where Is The Love? group, also featuring J. Rey Soul, Apl.de.ap, and Taboo, wore the armbands to show support for the LGBTQ+ community during their appearance on the Polish public broadcaster TVP’s New Year’s Eve show over the weekend.
This gesture did not sit well with Marcin Warchol, an anti-LGBTQ+ activist in Poland who is a Law and Justice Party member.
Warchol took to Twitter to criticize the group, saying, “LGBT promotion in TVP2. DISGRACE! It’s not a New Year’s Eve of Dreams but a New Year’s Eve of Deviance.”
Will.i.am, a member of the Black Eyed Peas, responded to the tweet by explaining that the group wore the armbands to spread love and unity and that they believe in honoring and loving all types of people.
#WHEREStheLOVE??? Unity, tolerance, understanding, oneness, respect, diversity & inclusion…THATS LOVE…people are people & we should all practice to honor & love all the different types of people on earth & learn from them…I LOVE YOU your country… https://t.co/P2MmKewLwV
“WHEREStheLOVE??? Unity, tolerance, understanding, oneness, respect, diversity & inclusion…THATS LOVE…people are people & we should all practice to honor & love all the different types of people on earth & learn from them…I LOVE YOU your country…” will.I.am tweeted.
In response, Warchol asked why the group didn’t boycott the Qatar World Cup due to the country’s treatment of the LGBTQ+ community.
Will.i.am explained that they chose to go directly to the source and try to inspire change through love rather than boycotting.
This incident comes after former Spice Girl Mel C withdrew from performing on the same New Year’s Eve show in Poland, citing issues that did not align with the communities she supports.
While homosexuality is legal in Poland, same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized.
After a long, contentious battle with Tommy Boy Records, De La Soul had nearly given up on ever seeing their first six albums land on DSPs. But in July 2021, independent music rights company, Reservoir Media, acquired Tommy Boy’s catalog for $100 million. Now there was hope for Posdnuos, Maseo and Dave to finally see their work available on all streaming services.
On Tuesday (January 3), De La Soul announced the “de” had arrived. The rollout for 3 Feet High and Rising (1989), De La Soul Is Dead (1991), Buhloone Mindstate (1993), Stakes Is High (1996), Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump (2000) and AOI: Bionix (2001) officially begins on March 3. The New York City-bred group celebrated the news with several Instagram posts and a giant billboard in Times Square.
As De La Soul noted in the captions, the trio has teamed up with Spotify and Amazon Music for the momentous occasion.
De La Soul has been attempting to regain control of their masters for decades. In 2019, the group launched a Tommy Boy boycott against the label as they locked horns with founder Tom Silverman. As they wrote on Instagram at the time: “Another disappointing week of contractual tug-of-war b#######. After 30 long years of exploiting, profiting and benefiting from a savory De La Soul legacy…it’s 2019. Tom [Silverman], can we get a taste too??? The #TommyBoycott continues.”
Maseo, who’s been deflated by the whole situation for years, was noticeably frustrated by the lack of progress.
“This is exposing the truth of the situation at least,” Maseo said of the boycott. “At the end of the day, we all take a hit whether we are the good guy or the bad guy in the situation. I was careful enough to say it’s not everybody. All we ask is to be fair. Look, Tom lost the catalog. And losing the catalog, I could have potentially lost my career. Between now and then, look what I’ve been able to sustain.”
He added: “There’s been a lot of pain and suffering through this. To even take care of my family, I had to tour like a mother f#####. Do you know all the things I’ve missed because of s### like this? I’m not substantially living the way as it appears to be.”
With that behind them, De La Soul is firmly focused on the future. 3 Feet High and Rising is available for pre-order on De La Soul’s website and will be available at music retailers on March 3 with remaining albums to follow. “The Magic Number” will also be available for streaming on January 13, with a 7″ and cassingle via the website. In the meantime, watch the video for “Me, Myself & I” below.
Boosie Badazz is like the Skip Bayless of Hip Hop. He decided to offer some unsolicited advice for “drug addicts” in the aftermath of Gangsta Boo’s New Year’s Day death. The 43-year-old Memphis rap pioneer died a few hours after her brother was taken to the hospital for a fentanyl overdose on New Year’s Eve. Boosie paid his respects, but it just didn’t seem to come out right when he began to offer his recommendation for addicts.
“There’s too many people dying in 2022 of fentanyl,” he said. “If you’re gonna be an addict, you might need to go back to crack. Crackheads live longer than anybody. You still see them around! That fentanyl sh#t is way stronger. If you can’t shake it, go back to crack. You’re gonna be funnier, you’re gonna live longer.”
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioids and the result is a higher rate of addiction, overdose and death here in America. I am thinking Boosie shouldn’t say too much on the matter since we have pretty much determined fentanyl is a part of a quiet war on American citizens. Also, he’s actually advocating the use of CRACK in 2023. Remember crack and coke were pushed into urban cities all over America in an effort to KILL Black Americans and under undesired groups. Anyway.
8 Mile essentially served as a semi-autobiographical story about the rise of Marshall “Eminem” Mathers III. The Hip Hop legend starred in the 2002 fictional drama alongside Kim Basinger, Brittany Murphy, Anthony Mackie, and Mekhi Phifer.
It has been over twenty years since 8 Mile arrived in movie theaters. TMZ recently caught up with Mekhi Phifer to gauge his interest in filming a sequel to the battle rap-themed motion picture.
“Sometimes it’s best to just leave it at one,” Mekhi Phifer told the camera person. “Sometimes it’s just best to leave it alone. Once you make a classic, no reason to fool around with it.”
The 48-year-old actor reiterated that he does not believe 8 Mile 2 will ever happen. Phifer also added, “The story that we told is the story. [A sequel] could be interesting, but I wouldn’t be in it, and I’m sure Eminem wouldn’t be in it either.”
Mekhi Phifer played a battle rap host named Future in 8 Mile. Eminem took on the lead role of aspiring rapper B-Rabbit. Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential) directed the Imagine Entertainment/Universal Pictures production.
Eminem Appeared In Other Movies Over The Last 20 Years
8 Mile grossed over $116 million at the domestic box office and $242 million at the global box office. Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003. The single also spent twelve weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
In addition to his feature film acting debut in 8 Mile, Eminem has made appearances in other movies such as The Interview and Bodied. The Detroit native also made a cameo as White Boy Rick in the 50 Cent-produced BMF television series.
Eminem achieved legendary status in the music business. He scored five #1 songs on the Hot 100 chart and ten #1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart. The 15-time Grammy winner racked up 61.5 million certified RIAA units throughout his career, including three Diamond Awards (10 million units).
Mekhi Phifer’s film career includes starring roles in 1995’s Clockers, 1997’s Soul Food, 2001’s Carmen: A Hip Hopera, 2002’s Paid in Full, and 2007’s This Christmas. His television résumé features stints on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Torchwood, House of Lies, Frequency, and Love, Victor.
SOS by SZA is the first #1 album of 2023. The Top Dawg Entertainment singer’s sophomore studio LP held onto the pole position of the Billboard 200 chart for a third time overall.
SZA’s SOS remained at No. 1 by pulling in another 128,000 unitsin week three of its release. SOS is the first female R&B album to have an initial three-week run at the top since Beyoncé’s self-titled project in 2013.
Two weeks ago, SOS premiered at No. 1 with 318,000 first-week units. SZA’s latest musical effort set a new record for the largest streaming week (405 million streams) in music history for an R&B album.
SZA dropped SOS on December 9, 2022. Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott, and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard appear on the album. SOS made the respective Best Albums of 2022 lists published by Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
2017’s Ctrl introduced SZA to many members of the mainstream music audience. That TDE/RCA body of work peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart. However, Ctrl went on to earn a 3x-Platinum plaque from the RIAA.
Elsewhere on this week’s Billboard 200, Metro Boomin’s former No. 1 Heroes & Villains sustained a #4 placement. Drake and 21 Savage’s Her Loss sits at #6 after spending one week in first place. Bad Bunny’s 13-time Billboard 200 leaderUn Verano Sin Ti jumped three rungs to #7.
The #MeToo movement placed a bright spotlight on alleged sexual abuse in the entertainment industry. Five years after the hashtag spread across social media, a woman accuses Shy Glizzy of inappropriate behavior.
OnlyFans model Sky Bri recently appeared on Adam22’s No Jumper podcast. Bri recalled her experience working with Shy Glizzy on the “White Girl” music video for a $3000 payout.
“[Shy Glizzy] was, just the whole day, trying to flirt with me or pull me to the side to talk to me,” said Sky Bri. “I’m really not into him. He’s like 5’4” to start off.
Bri added, “His personality that day was just weird. He was just being sketchy. When it got dark out, he cornered me in the kitchen with his little posse and convinced me to do this pill. And I don’t know what the pill was. I said no a million times. Eventually, I was like, ‘Okay, whatever.'”
Sky Bri Claims Shy Glizzy Pulled Out His Penis In Front Of Her
During her sitdown with No Jumper, Sky Bri suggested the pill may have been molly or ecstasy. While claiming she did feel the effects of the drug, Bri stayed at the location to finish shooting the music video. The next part of her story includes blatant accusations of sexual misconduct.
“I was getting ready in my room to leave and he comes in and he pulls me onto the bed and I look down and his dick is out,” stated Bri. “And he’s like, ‘Suck it.’ And I said, ‘No.” And then he said, ‘Lick it.’ I said, ‘No.’ And he said, ‘Then you’re fine with not getting paid?’ And I said, ‘Yeah.’ And I just got up and went downstairs and I grabbed the director.”
According to Sky Bri, the director and the film crew assisted her in getting home. Bri went on to say that Sky Glizzy contacted her after she later posted a TikTok video joking about not receiving payment for a video shoot.
Shy Glizzy released his Whipalo-directed “White Girl” visual on December 2, 2022. The Washington, DC-raised rapper is perhaps best known for his contribution to GoldLink’s 6-time Platinum single “Crew” which also features R&B singer Brent Faiyaz.
Lola Chantrelle Mitchell passed away on January 1, 2023. The Three 6 Mafia member, better known as Gangsta Boo, helped paved the way for contemporary rap stars such as GloRilla.
Gangsta Boo’s death rocked the Hip Hop world over the weekend. The 43-year-old southern rap legend was found dead at her home in Memphis. An official cause of death is not known at the moment.
Many celebrities reacted to the heartbreaking news about Boo. For example, fellow Memphis-bred rapper GloRilla paid tribute to the Enquiring Minds album creator on Instagram.
“I normally don’t post screenshots but the fact that she reached out to me before anybody else had a clue who I was😢,” wrote GloRilla about Gangsta Boo. “She always supported me & the girls way back before we blew up. 💯A REAL LEGEND. There will never be another Gangsta Boo 🙏🏼.”
Additionally, GloRilla shared a message exchange she had with Gangsta Boo from April 2021. One text from Boo read, “As a pioneer of Memphis female rap, I love to see this. [No one] came since me and [La Chat].”
Gangsta Boo rose to prominence as part of the Memphis-based rap collective known as Three 6 Mafia. The group scored Top 40 entries with “Stay Fly” and “Poppin’ My Collar.” Plus, Three 6 Mafia released underground classics such as “Tear da Club Up” and “Sippin’ on Some Syrup.”
Late last year, GloRilla partnered with Atlanta’s Latto for the “FTCU” collaboration. The track also credits Gangsta Boo as a performer. “FTCU” is a modern-day version of Three 6 Mafia’s “Tear da Club Up.”
“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,” reads a statement from Lola Mitchell’s mother, Veronica Mitchell.
