As Republicans continued to mock millennial presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for being young and inexperienced, he kept finding new ways to show that experience isn’t as important as people think.
On August 28, Ramaswamy took to Twitter (X) and posted an old clip of himself talking to Rev. Al Sharpton when he ran for president in 2004.
“I’ll give the 18-year-old version of myself a pat-on-the-back for eliciting the most sensible words ever to come from that man’s mouth,” he posted. “20 years later, it’s funny how the tables have turned.”
I’ll give the 18-year-old version of myself a pat-on-the-back for eliciting the most sensible words ever to come from that man’s mouth. 20 years later, it’s funny how the tables have turned. 😄 pic.twitter.com/PfehQRXSvz
Ramaswamy asked the civil rights leader why he should vote for the Democratic candidate who had “the least experience.” Sharpton responded that he indeed had the “most experience.”
Ramaswamy is the youngest candidate running in the 2024 presidential election.
As previously reported, the candidate has been using Eminem’s song, “Lose Yourself” while he’s on the campaign trail. Consequently, Eminem’s legal team fired off a cease and desist to prevent Ramaswamy from using it again.
50 Cent has been forced to postpone his Phoenix show due to extreme heat.
The 48-year-old rapper took to Twitter, also known as X, on Monday night to announce that he has postponed tonight’s concert in Phoenix, Arizona, due to an excessive heat warning.
“Due to extreme heat, the show tomorrow in Phoenix, AZ is being postponed,” 50, real name Curtis Jackson III, wrote.
The “In Da Club” rapper added, “For anyone who would like a refund, please go to point of purchase for instructions. I’ll be back in Arizona soon! 116 degrees is dangerous for everyone.”
A number of Twitter/X users took to the comments section to praise the performer for considering the health of his fans.
Due to extreme heat, the show tomorrow in Phoenix, AZ is being postponed. For anyone who would like a refund, please go to point of purchase for instructions. I’ll be back in Arizona soon! 116 degrees is dangerous for everyone 🤷🏽♂️ #bransoncognac#lecheminduroipic.twitter.com/c9qcjmOJvI
One fan wrote, “This man cares about his fans,” while another wrote, “Smart move. The risk is way too high.”
Last week, 16 people were hospitalized for heat-related illnesses during a Snoop Dogg concert in Houston, Arizona, where temperatures reached 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Hip-Hop 50 celebrations are still in full swing. New York City, in particular, erupted with events aimed at celebrating the culture the weekend of August 11, the same day in 1973 when DJ Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell threw their iconic “Back To School” jam at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx.
Hip-Hop’s designated birthplace also hosted Live Nation x Mass Appeal’s ambitious Hip Hop 50 Live concert at Yankee Stadium. Meanwhile, the site of the Universal Hip-Hop Museum (UHHM) was flooded with legendary rap figures, including Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flavor Flav, Melle Mel and Scorpio of the Furious Five, Def Jam Recordings’ first president Bill Stephney, MC Shan, famed fashion designer April Walker and iconic photographers Martha Cooper, Glen E. Friedman, Vikki Tobak and Ernie Paniccioli.
On deck for the UHHM celebration was MC Sha-Rock, the first female MC and member of the Funky 4+1. As someone who helped shape the culture, MC Sha-Rock has witnessed Hip-Hop’s evolution from what many suspected would be “just a fad” to the billion dollar business it is today. But, like many of her peers and predecessors, she sees something fundamentally wrong with how the architects are being treated.
“I would like for all corporations around the world who have benefited monetarily from the the foundational elements of Hip-Hop culture to give back to its founding members as well as provide safe places and programs that will uplift the youths in underprivileged communities,” she tells AllHipHop.com. “The culture of Hip-Hop and its core elements has saved me and others from going down the wrong path.
“It was and still remains as an outlet for many of us in cities, states and countries. Hip-Hop culture has brought us together globally, unlike any genre of music and culture. Peace, unity and fun is what it was built on. Respect to all.”
MC Sha-Rock expounded on her thoughts in an Instagram post uploaded on Monday (August 27). She not only called for a sit-down with the politicians who’ve used Hip-Hop culture as a “footnote,” she also emphasized how important it is to give back to underprivileged communities.
“Since this is the #50thanniversaryofhiphopculture 1970 circa and a founding member of the mc/rap culture I @iammcsharock #thefirstfemalemcofhiphopstreetculture is going to #washingtondc The culture of Hip-Hop was built on peace unity and fun, which became a global phenomenon. I’m requesting to have a meeting with all of the senators, congressmen and all other representatives who uses #HipHopCulture as their footnote. And to all, who says that they respect the contributions of the founding members of this billion dollar business we call #HipHop.”
“Not only are my concerns for all who have contributed to the Culture of Hip Hop and it’s core elements, but to all of you whom have contributed throughout the years by way of your voices, that have echoed throughout the 50th years that were and are still rocking on the radio. Something has got to change. If I, we or all don’t stand for something, we’ll continue to fall for anything. The culture of Hip-Hop is not for sale, it was always inclusive.”
MC Sha-Rock ended her caption with a call-to-action, asking Hip-Hop enthusiasts who are “down for the cause” to contact her. She says “everyone has always been invited to have a seat at the table. No one should be left behind. If money can trickle down to other facets of areas throughout the world, then we would like to see where it has trickle back into our communities. I’m sending my Global respects to all of you.”
She concluded, “Respect to all media outlets and magazines who have interviewed me or covered me throughout the years.”
Sean Anderson, professionally known as Big Sean, received his flowers from his hometown NBA squad.
The Detroit Pistons named Anderson as a central figure in the success of the franchise’s 2022-23 “Different by Design” campaign. He was recognized with an Emmy Award during his Detroit’s On Now (DON) Weekend.
Footage of the presentation by the Pistons made its way to the internet. Big Sean reposted the 21-second video to his own 13.8 million followers on the X social media platform.
.@BigSean can add Emmy Award Winner to his resume 🏆
Hall of Fame celebrated its 10-year anniversary on August 27. Big Sean’s label, Def Jam Recordings, commemorated the occasion by acknowledging the project’s accolades like earning Gold certification from the RIAA.
“Yes, what a time in my life! ‘Beware,’ ‘Guap,’ ‘Nothing Is Stopping You,’ etc. Thank you,” wrote Sean on his Instagram Story. The RIAA certified the “Beware” single featuring Lil Wayne and Jhené Aiko as 3x-Platinum.
Big Sean’s Hall of Fame peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart. The 35-year-old entertainer made it to the top of the Billboard 200 with 2015’s Dark Sky Paradise, 2017’s I Decided, and 2020’s Detroit 2.
.@BigSean’s second studio album 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐞 dropped ten years ago today!
🏆 RIAA Certified Gold 🏆 Debuted #3 on Billboard 200 🏆 3x Platinum single “Beware”
Top Dawg Entertainment president Terrence “Punch” Henderson ignited a heated conversation online earlier this month. His comments about the music industry generated a lot of feedback and blowback.
“Where is the inspiration?” he began. “Where are the [artists]?? This thing is shifting. It’s a dark cloud looming over the business. Who is the last artist that really spoke to you??”
Ten days later, Punch returned to Twitter (X) to add, “The demonic influence is getting more and more blatant in this thing. The gradualism was numbing, now it’s just out loud.”
That August 27 post sparked responses from other social media users. One person suggested that many Hip-Hop songs glorify violence and addiction. Punch responded, “This whole system is wicked.”
Someone else argued that former TDE star Kendrick Lamar wearing a crown of thorns, à la Jesus Christ, was “demonic.” Punch replied, “I’m not here to speak on what anyone should or shouldn’t be doing. Everyone [has] their personal beliefs and so do I.”
Other users expressed Punch’s attention should be less on demons or spirits and more on capitalism or anti-Blackness. He offered, “You think any of those things you mentioned aren’t of demonic influence??????? The way I see it, capitalism is a result of human imperfection. And that doesn’t get better. Sheesh I sound morbid.”
Punch Directly Responds To Posts About Doja Cat & DMX
Certain imagery presented by recording artists like Doja Cat and the late DMX came up as well.
“[People] are upset with Doja? And nah, I personally wasn’t into what X was doing with that,” Punch admitted in response to a tweet about DMX’s classic 1998 album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot.
“Nah, not singling out her or anyone but just in general. And also I’ve read her next joint is called ‘Demon,’ right?” he said about Doja Cat’s upcoming single.
In addition, a Twitter user named Nate Miller posted, “Looking forward to the day that Christianity doesn’t have this grip on the Black community.” Punch then asked, “Well, what is it that [has] a grip on you, my brother Nate?”
After several back-and-forth exchanges with other people on the app, Punch conceded that artists likely engage in “demonic” imagery as a way to trigger people like himself. That outrage can possibly lead to social media engagement and mainstream attention.
Furthermore, Punch addressed the topic by posting, “Wait… is demonic like one of them words you can’t say? I didn’t know that was off the table for discussion. My fault.” He also expressed, “It’s more than the music business. It’s everywhere.”
As president of Top Dawg Entertainment, Terrence “Punch” Henderson played a role in the careers of Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Isaiah Rashad, Doechii, Reason and others. Henderson is also a member of the aroomfullofmirrors collective.
Where is the inspiration? Where are the artist?? This thing is shifting. It’s a dark cloud looming over the business. Who is the last artist that really spoke to you??
After joining forces with Ice Spice on a couple of Top 10 hits, Nicki Minaj is ready to release her next effort. Her followers will not have to wait long to hear what the New Yorker created.
“Last Time I Saw You” will arrive on DSPs this Friday (September 1). Last night, Nicki Minaj excited her über-loyal Barbz fanbase by simply tweeting, “9/1/23.”
“Last Time I Saw You” will be Nicki Minaj’s first official solo single since “Red Ruby da Sleeze” came out in March. That track peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Minaj then broke into the Hot 100’s Top 10 with “Princess Diana” (No. 4) and “Barbie World” (No. 7). Fellow New York City-bred female rapper Ice Spice appears on both of those collaborations.
“Last Time I Saw You” could likely live on the forthcoming Pink Friday 2 album. The fifth studio LP by Nicki Minaj currently has a release date of November 17, 2023.
Pink Friday 2 serves as the sequel to Minaj’s debut album, 2010’s Pink Friday. She also released Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded in 2012. Pink Friday and Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded peaked at No. 1.
Nick Minaj also scored two No. 2 projects with The Pinkprint in 2014 and Queen in 2018. In addition, the Lil Wayne protégé presented the greatest hits compilation Queen Radio: Volume 1 in 2022.
Miguel took things to another level during a concert in Los Angeles last week. As he performed the new song “Rope,” the 37-year-old vocalist hung from the ceiling by hooks inserted into his body.
“Initially it was a bit of, ‘What is the most extreme way to push outside of what’s expected?’” explained Miguel in an interview with the Los Angeles Times.
He also added, “How far can I go in demonstrating how far I’m willing to go for art, for conversation? I couldn’t have known how committed I was to the real purpose of this s### until I had hooks in my back.”
After images and footage of the body suspension spread across the internet, people reacted to the stunt. Some social media users claimed Miguel just needed a viral moment to promote his upcoming Viscera album.
Miguel has now shown the aftermath of his performance at LA’s Sony Studios. The music industry veteran uploaded a photo of his pierced back on his Instagram page. Additionally, he took a picture of a bloody white tank top.
“What is your relationship to pain? What is your relationship to change?” wrote Miguel in the Instagram carousel’s caption. Many of the commenters shared negative responses to the post.
One person pleaded, “We just want the R&B music, Miguel.” Someone else asked, “Blood rituals. Why do celebrities do devil s###?” Another individual joked, “Oh, ok… Imma just keep listening to Kaleidoscope and mind my business 😂.”
Miguel’s album discography includes 2012’s critically acclaimed Kaleidoscope Dream. That project hosted “Adorn” which became a Top 20 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Sure Thing” peaked at No. 11 in June of this year.
The Idol, HBO’s controversial drama series co-created by R&B/pop star The Weeknd, will not return to the network for a second season.
According to Deadline, HBO decided to cancel The Idol. Many entertainment industry insiders expected that move to happen after the overwhelmingly negative reactions to the show.
The Weeknd and co-creator Sam Levinson announced The Idol to widespread fanfare. However, many critics and viewers quickly turned on the program after it debuted on the Max streaming service in June.
The Idol premiered its first two episodes at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May. At the time, reports suggested behind-the-scenes turmoil hampered the production throughout filming.
As the controversy surrounding The Idol grew, the buzz for the series also helped generate good viewership numbers for the premiere episode. The Idol featured The Weeknd playing a nightclub owner/cult leader, while Lily-Rose Depp portrayed the titular music star.
“Can we create somebody who is trying to find themselves, using my experiences, using his experiences, using Lily’s experiences on creating something special, daring and exciting, and fun that will make people laugh and p### some people off?” The Weeknd said at the Cannes Film Festival.
Sam Levinson also stated, “We know we’re making a show that is provocative. It’s not lost on us.” The son of Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Levinson previously worked with HBO to produce the hit series Euphoria.
Although he can’t decide whether she is his “white Diamond,” or a “lil hot Cheeto,” one thing is certain, Plies loves him some Britney Spears.
The Florida-bred rapper has recently been gushing over the newly separated pop star’s dance videos, and her latest one was no exception. On Monday (August 28), Plies shared a video of himself going crazy over the new Britney Spears clip.
In the video, Spears, dressed in a cheetah print bodysuit with exposed bra and knee-high white boots, performs some racy choreography to Kelis’s#### song, “Milkshake.” Her outfit inspired a new moniker, with Plies branding Britney Spears after a popular snack.
“There she go! She got them ta-tas out,” Plies declared in his reaction video. “Look at my little cheetah, look at my lil hot Cheeto.”
He continued to giggle and squeal while losing his mind to the video. “She made it jiggle!” He added. “I went and got a milkshake to watch this s###!” Check out the clip below.
“At this point, I’m convinced she’s doing this just for Plies,” one person wrote in the comments section. “I just want y’all to meet at this point,” added another.
This isn’t the first time Plies has lusted over Britney Spears and her dance moves. Earlier this month, the 47-year-old rapper shared his reaction to the singer’s pole dancing. “My White Diamond Bih,” he wrote in the caption, referring to a character from the iconic 1998 movie The Players Club.
Lil Wayne has fans praising his latest musical effort, but the Hip-Hop icon revealed his only mission was to impress Skip Bayless with his new version of the Undisputed theme song.
The revamped intro debuted on Monday’s episode (August 28), which also featured Lil Wayne in his new slot alongside co-host Skip Bayless. After unveiling the song, which replaces “No Mercy,” Weezy revealed he’d been considering a remake for a couple of years.
Bayless admitted he was initially against the idea, branding Wayne’s original song “one of the best things,” he ever recorded. However, after hearing the remake, he branded “Good Morning” as “true greatness.” Check out the track below.
My brother, Lil Wayne wrote a brand new intro for the all-new Undisputed. It just might be his best yet:pic.twitter.com/boCrAUMvXV
“What I love about this is you get me as well, maybe even better than anyone gets me and you just nail these lyrics,” Skip Bayless told Lil Wayne during the show. “And I hear ’em and I say, ‘That’s it.’ That’s the essence of Undisputed.”
The Young Money Records founder revealed that he treated the song like a test he had to ace.
“I would hope so, I try to make everything I do better than the last thing I did,” Lil Wayne continued. “Just to impress you just because I know how much you love ‘No Mercy.’ Just to capitalize on what you done. It’s not complicated. It’s not hard. I love the challenge of it anyway. I attacked it like an SAT exam, like if I don’t pass this, I can’t get in.”
He also gushed over his co-host, revealing their mutual love of sports made the songwriting process a breeze.
“The lyrics are so natural because our relationship, because our love for sports and because the love you have for this. It’s so easy to talk about a great person. It’s too easy,” he added.
Nicki Minaj took a walk down memory lane with Diddy’s son Justin “Prince” Combs, reminiscing about the time the Hip-Hop superstar was his sweet 16 date.
The “Pound Town 2” hitmaker was chatting with fans on Instagram Live Monday (August 28) about her upcoming single when Combs appeared in the comments. “I went to your sweet 16 with you,” she recalled. While Combs recalled, “it was a movie,” Nicki Minaj revealed the date left his parents heated because she turned up so late.
“I know I was mad late,” she said. “I just knew that Puffy and Misa was so mad at me. Like, I really could feel it.”
However, Nicki Minaj added that she was “so mad at myself,” explaining her lateness was down to her outfits.
“All of the dresses that I had been trying on that day, I hated every single one,” she said. “I felt horrible y’all, I felt really horrible.”
Not only was she his date, but Nicki Minaj also performed at Justin Comb’s 16th birthday in New York back in 2010. The “Prince of New York”-themed bash was filmed for MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16” and also featured Lil Kim, Trey Songz, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, Fabolous and other celebs.
“I had a great time,” Minaj added. “He was so fun and funny and very cute too, you know what I’m saying.”
She also questioned who Combs’ girlfriend was and what she made of their date.“I know she probably was really mad. Why he do that?” she asked. “Why he ain’t take her on his sweet 16? That’s a memorable time.”
Nicki Minaj Previews New Single
Elsewhere on Monday (August 28), Nicki Minaj announced a release date for her new single “Last Time I Saw You.” The highly anticipated song arrives on Friday, September 1. Listen to a snippet below.
Kanye West and wife Bianca Censori have continued to ruffle feathers amid their adventures in Italy. While Censori’s risqué outfits have caused complaints amongst conservative locals, this time it was the Hip-Hop star who was accused of indecency. Censori has worn a range of nude catsuits during their outings in the country, angering some Italians who called for her arrest for indecent exposure.
However, a recent boat trip in Venice had locals calling for both of them to be reprimanded. On Monday (August 28), photos surfaced of the couple during their canal excursion, with West exposing his bare behind while cradling Censori’s head in full view of onlookers.
The suggestive footage led to some online accusing them of “public indecency,” per the Daily Mail.
“Italian authorities need to arrest them for indecency doing that lewd and disgusting behaviour in public. There are clearly crowds, kids probably saw,” one person reportedly wrote.
Another added, ”I wish the police would arrest these two for their ignorant behaviour. They are making a mockery of the country.”
Other social media users complained the couple’s antics are “disrespectful” to conservative Catholic citizens.
Kanye West is reportedly working on the follow-up to 2022’s DONDA 2 while in Italy. Sources claim he’s been in the studio and “new music is imminent.”
Boosie Badazz has thanked medical professionals for helping him deal with a recent health scare. The Baton Rouge native landed in a hospital but said it wasn’t due to COVID-19 or diabetic ketoacidosis.
“SHO[U]T OUT TO THE NURSES N DOCTORS AT BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOR GETTING MY BLOOD SUGARS DOWN N GETTING ME N OUT!” he wrote in an Instagram post dated Monday (August 28). “NO COVID, NO DKA, JUST HAD TO GET SOME BAGS OF FLUIDS (BEEN TO 6 STATES N 4 DAYS) DOC SAY I NEED REST I AGREE. HEADED BACK HOME THANKS TO THIS BIG ASS BED N I HEARD ITS GO BE RAINING N THE a #goodsleep.”
Boosie didn’t seem willing to rest for too long even though he agreed with the doctor’s advice. Hours later, the rapper was promoting a topless pool party scheduled for Friday (September 1).
The past few months have been hectic for Boosie, who faces gun charges in San Diego. Police arrested him following a traffic stop in May. He was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Boosie’s state gun case was dismissed in mid-June, but federal agents arrested him on the same charge after his court hearing in San Diego. Prosecutors tried to convince a judge to keep him in jail. He was eventually released on a $100,000 bond in late June.
Earlier this month, a judge rejected Boosie’s request to dismiss his federal gun charge. He remains free on bond.
Future secured a victory in a legal battle over his song “When I Think About It.” An Illinois judge granted the rapper’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit accusing of him copying Virginia rapper Gutta’s track “When U Think About It.”
Gutta, whose real name is DaQuan Robinson, sued for copyright infringement in 2021. Robinson claimed “When I Think About” ripped off his song, which he sent to Future’s artist Doe Boy and producer Zaytoven in 2017.
Future released the Zaytoven-produced “When I Think About” in 2018. The track appeared on the Beast Mode 2mixtape.
Judge Martha Pacold acknowledged some similarities between Future and Robinson’s songs. But the judge determined the elements were too commonplace to fall under copyright protection.
“The similarities identified do not constitute a plausible allegation of substantial similarity,” Judge Pacold wrote in her decision.
Judge Pacold said the phrases “when I think about it” and “when you think about it” to be “commonplace and ubiquitous.” The judge also rejected the notion of Future stealing thematic content from Robinson. She cited the works of Wu-Tang Clan, Kanye West and The Notorious B.I.G. as examples of music with similar themes.
The judge dismissed Robinson’s case with prejudice. The decision prevents him from refiling his complaint against Future.
Pharrell Williams has revealed he’s working on new N.E.R.D music. Speaking to Tyler, The Creator for an interview with GQ, the “Happy” singer shared he has been working on “12 N.E.R.D records” while in Paris.
“They’re big choruses, but you know, out of nowhere, I’ll just come out of nowhere with the three-bar, crazy-nuts chords that go three-bar to four-bar to eight-bar,” he told Tyler. “It’s good bro, it’s good.
“This is like that feeling that I felt when we made In Search Of… I won’t sit here and tell you that they were hits. I knew it was different, and I knew there won’t be nothing out there like this. But I’m talking about the feeling. I wanted to do everything. I wanted feelings. I wanted the motherf##kin’ great composition.”
Williams also noted that recording the new N.E.R.D material has seen him experimenting with “chords I never used before.”
N.E.R.D was originally formed in 1999 and has three members: Pharrell, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley. The band released their latest studio album, No One Ever Really Dies. in 2017.
Williams has not confirmed a release date for the new collection of N.E.R.D music.
Eminem stopped a Republican presidential candidate from using his music on the campaign trail. The Shady Records boss contacted BMI to remove his songs from the music rights organization’s deal with GOP hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, who once rapped under the stage name “Da Vek.”
Earlier this month, Ramaswamy infamously performed Slim Shady’s song “Lose Yourself” at the Iowa State Fair. According to a letter obtained by the Daily Mail U.K, BMI sent a cease and desist to Ramaswamy on August 23.
“BMI has received a communication from Marshall B. Mathers III, professionally known as Eminem, objecting to the Vivek Ramaswamy campaign’s use of Eminem’s musical compositions and requesting that BMI remove all Eminem Works from the agreement,” a BMI lawyer informed Ramaswamy’s campaign. “This letter serves as notice that the Eminem Works are excluded from the agreement effectively immediately.”
The letter continued, “BMI will consider any performance of the Eminem Works by the Vivek 2024 campaign from this date forward to be a material breach of the agreement for which BMI reserves all rights and remedies with respect thereto.”
Eminem shut down Ramaswamy a few weeks after adding a new rapper to the Shady Records roster. The diamond-selling artist signed Ez Mil as part of a joint deal with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment.
Check out AllHipHop’s interview with Ez Mil below.
Police identified a suspect in the murder of Blac Youngsta’s brother Tomanuel Benson. The Memphis Police Department issued a warrant for the arrest of Randy Ewing on Monday (August 28).
Blac Youngsta’s brother was shot and killed in Memphis on August 18. Last week, the MPD released a picture of a person of interest in the murder case. The crystal-clear image helped police secure a warrant for Ewing.
“During the investigation, Randy Ewing was identified as the person responsible for the homicide,” the MPD announced. “Randy Ewing is currently wanted for 2nd Degree Murder and two counts of Criminal Attempt 2nd Degree Murder.”
Police urged anyone with information about Ewing to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH. Tipsters could receive up to $4,000 for information that leads to Ewing’s arrest.
Blac Youngsta vowed to seek vengeance for his brother’s death. He said his “life will never be the same” in a series of Instagram Stories posts.
“I love [you] baby brother,” he wrote. “Rest up. I’m gone make the world pay. I swear to God. Nobody safe. Standing over everybody.”`
He added, “I’m ready for whatever come with this s###. It’s OK. Don’t feel sorry for me. I’m not gone feel sorry for nobody. Only God knows.”
Blac Youngsta previously lost two other siblings to gun violence. The latest death isn’t stopping him from releasing his Blac Sheep 2 project, which is scheduled to drop on Tuesday (August 29).
M Dot Taylor may have just released his biggest song to date: “Biggest Fan” featuring Jim Jones and Maino. Not only did he enlist two heavyweights in the rap game, but he showcases his standout vocals and ability to make a hit record.
The official music video for “Biggest Fan” sees all three artists bringing the song to life, alongside beautiful females, jewelry, and a whole lotta money. The song is produced by legendary producer Zaytoven.
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, but now residing in sunny Los Angeles, M Dot Taylor is a former military veteran, who now shifts his entire focus on his music career. Whether he’s rapping, singing, or songwriter, the rising star puts his best foot forward with each release.
When it comes to his sound, M Dot Taylor calls it “Gangster Harmony, because I’m a rapper but I do enjoying singing as well. I created a fusion of both genres to give off an authentic vibe of music that really represents my lifestyle and culture.”
AllHipHop spoke with M Dot Taylor to discuss his background, biggest influences, the making of “Biggest Fan,” losing both parents, goals, and more!
AllHipHop: Being from Detroit, how does that play into your life and career?
M Dot Taylor: Being from Detroit, I was blessed with the opportunity of being raised by stand up hustlers who made sure we had everything we needed all year round. I watched them not only shine in the summer, but grind in the winter with the temperatures being below zero at times. Still no matter what: if you don’t work, you don’t eat. You don’t grind, you don’t shine.
AllHipHop: Biggest influences?
M Dot Taylor: My biggest influences were my parents/grandparents before they passed away. They always kept it a buck with me and prepared me at a very young age to be a leader and to be there for my youth. Rest in peace to all of them.
AllHipHop: At what point did you realize this music thing was real?
M Dot Taylor: After my manager Hen Gee locked me in with Ice T and Dr Dre, I knew I was here to stay! Whenever you get the opportunity to meet not one, but two ICONIC figures in multiple industries, you can’t do anything but soak up game, apply it, and feel different. Shout out to Ice, Dre, and Hen. I got the coldest OGs in the game.
AllHipHop: What was the inspiration behind your name?
M Dot Taylor: The inspiration behind my artist name came from one of the Chiefs in the U.S Navy. When I was in the military, we grew accustomed to calling everyone by their last names. At this particular command I was at during the time (USS Harpers Ferry LSD 49), there were 5 other sailors with the same last name and same pay grade, so our uniforms would get mixed up in Laundry Call from time to time. I went to the uniform shop and got special name tags put on my uniforms with my first initial, a period, then my last name which read M.Taylor. The very next day, we had a uniform inspection and my chief noticed the change I made and immediately called me out, in a way and stated “We have a new sailer that wants to stand out, his name is M Dot Taylor.” Everyone laughed and started calling me M Dot or M Dot Taylor, so I just went with it.
AllHipHop: “Biggest Fan” featuring Jim Jones & Maino, how did this collab come about?
M Dot Taylor: The “Biggest Fan” collab came about all because I wanted to work with Zaytoven, so I reached out to him and he made me a custom track with the exact vibe I requested. After he sent me the track I wanted to go to Atlanta to let him hear what I did right away. After he heard it, we talked about some more business moves that I got coming down the pipeline in the near future, then I tapped in with my Dipset family in NYC. I let them hear the track, and the Lobby Boyz told me to pull up to New York and let’s make it a movie. The rest was history. Shout out Jim, Maino, Zaytoven, Pone730, and my brother Will C.
AllHipHop: What do you like about both artists?
M Dot Taylor: What I like about Jim, Maino, and Zaytoven is they’re all attached to greatness and longevity, and they keep finding ways to stay on top of the game while maintaining the respect from their peers in the industry. It’s a lot of one hit wonders out there, but those 3 catalogs combined is crazy.
AllHipHop: What was the creative vision with the music video?
M Dot Taylor: Since it was my first time in NYC, I left all the creative concepts to Will C of Street Heat. He’s shot some of the biggest artists in the world and I completely trusted his vision. He gave us the authentic NY Bodega, front porch in the neighborhood vibes, along with some dope futuristic graphics.
AllHipHop: Best memory from the music video shoot?
M Dot Taylor: The best memory I have from the video shoot is looking around ,watching everyone have a good time. There were kids there, beautiful ladies, a lot of good energy from everyone there. That’s the vibe I always want to have whenever I’m involved.
AllHipHop: What do you want fans to take away from the “Biggest Fan” visual/single?
M Dot Taylor: That it’s okay to spoil the ones that adore you the most. Sometimes it’s not about you, it’s about paying it forward to those that ALWAYS hold you down.
AllHipHop: You lost both your parents, how is music a coping mechanism for you?
M Dot Taylor: Losing both of my parents right before Christmas both times was catastrophic for me early on. My mom died from AIDS on WORLD AIDS DAY 12/1/1999, and my father passed 12/19/2010 by going to sleep and not waking up. I was able to prepare myself for losing my mom, but my father’s death was unexpected, which made it even more tragic for me and my family. That’s the reason I left the military, and I pursued music because it offered me a safe space to talk about things that were hard for me to discuss with others, and it helped me heal.
AllHipHop: How did serving in the Navy make you into the person you are today?
M Dot Taylor: Serving in the Navy made me the person I am today because it gave me an incredible sense of time management and organization. I’m able to organize my days, plan properly, and I’m a master at thinking critically, and team building.
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?
M Dot Taylor: 1- My Engineer
2- Mary Jane
3- Food/Drinks
AllHipHop: Goals yourself as an artist at this point of your career?
M Dot Taylor: My only goal is to make a better version of myself each and every day, and I can achieve that as long as God wakes me up each day.
Future is in a whole different mode right now—but whatever mode that is, it doesn’t appear to be facing the direction of a new album.
In fact, the I NEVER LIKED YOU lyricist appears to be deep in his fashion icon bag and doing any and everything in his power to protect his energy whilst stylistically evolving. For starters, one of the ways Future is maintaining his status as the “Drip God” is by actually switching up his wardrobe at a feverish rate. How fast might one ask? He claims he’s changing outfits multiple times per day.
“This my fourth time changing clothes,” Future said in a video shared to his Instagram account. “I gotta change this s###—I got so much of this s### I gotta change five or six times a day.”
And apparently, another one of Future’s tactics at preserving the intensity of his looks is by completely omitting them from his Instagram page all together these days. Why? Simply because he’s tired of folks mocking swag.
“I ain’t been posting fits on my Gram because I don’t want y’all to know what I’m wearing because y’all gonna steal my style,” he said.
When you really think about it, this type of dedication to up-keeping the drippiest lifestyle in the rap game is actually somewhat commendable. It also makes me think Future could have another three-consecutive No. 1 album if he wanted to—and or was as focused on the music as he is the drip.
Anyways, it looks like it’s quiet for both new music from Future and style inspo from HNDRXX for the time being.
Run-DMC legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels has already established himself as the King of Rock, but now he reportedly wants to be the President of the United States.
According to Outkick.com, the “Down with the King” recording artist announced he’s running for president in the 2024 election cycle. He made the announcement at Lionel Messi’s Major League Soccer debut at the Red Bull Arena in New York City last week.
“I am running for president starting today, because in a beautiful place like this… what better place to announce it?” DMC declared. “But it’s all about togetherness and people coming together.”
The interview was originally about how Messi brings people together through sports.
“The whole beauty of everything that’s going on, Messi being here, soccer, MLS, everything that’s going on, this is what the world is all about,” DMC said. “We see so much division, but if we go to a soccer game or concert or museum, where the sports and art is, it’s a true representation of how great this world is. Not can be, is.”
Of course, there are other rappers with political aspirations. Kanye West is reportedly thinking of throwing his hat in the ring again. He unsuccessfully ran in the 2020 election as a Republican.
