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EXCLUSIVE: Young Thug Doesn’t Want Car Tied To Murder Used As Evidence In YSL RICO Trial

By: Justin IveyCategory: Exclusives

Young Thug sought to prevent prosecutors from using evidence related to a 2015 murder in the RICO trial against him and other YSL members.

According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Young Thug’s lawyers filed motions to suppress evidence that allegedly connects him to the murder of Donovan Thomas Jr. Prosecutors claim Young Thug (a.k.a. Jeffery Williams) rented a vehicle used in the killing of Thomas, who was slain in Atlanta in 2015.

Young Thug’s attorneys asked the court to exclude the evidence due to the way it was obtained. His legal team argued against the legitimacy of the subpoena utilized to investigate the 31-year-old rapper’s car rentals.

“The District Attorney’s Office unlawfully abused the power of the Grand Jury in Fulton County when it issued a subpoena to Hertz Rent-A-Car requesting, among other things, a list of vehicles that Mr. Jeffery Williams rented on or about January, 2015, including, but not limited to January 5, 2015 to January 15, 2015,” Young Thug’s lawyers wrote. “This illegally issued Grand Jury subpoena was answered in or around April 2016 with information/documentation that led law enforcement to believe that Mr. Williams rented a gray Infiniti Q-50 from Hertz Rent-A-Car on or about January 7, 2015, returned said car on January 11, 2015 and provided a phone number on the rental car documentation that Mr. Williams supposedly used at the time of renting said vehicle.”

Young Thug’s attorneys insisted the subpoena was wrongfully issued. They called on the court to suppress all evidence collected via the alleged abuse of power.

“Based upon information and belief, at the time of the issuance of this Grand Jury subpoena to Hertz Rent-A-Car, there was no pending Indictment before a Grand Jury on this matter and thus, this ‘subpoena’ was unlawfully issued by the District Attorney’s Office of Fulton County,” Young Thug’s legal team contended. “Hence, any and all evidence as well as derivative evidence must be suppressed as Courts cannot tolerate abuse of the Grand Jury’s power as performed by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office in this case.”

Lawyers also took issue with the search, seizure and continued possession of Young Thug’s iPhone. His legal team said evidence from the phone should be suppressed because it was “obtained unlawfully under the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.”

Young Thug remains in jail awaiting trial in the RICO case against YSL members. He pleaded not guilty to racketeering and gang-related charges.

A$AP Rocky Won’t Find Out If He’ll Face Trial For Alleged Shooting Until 2023

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

A$AP Rocky agreed to a delay in his shooting case, which won’t proceed until 2023.

According to multiple reports, A$AP Rocky chose not to demand a preliminary hearing within the next 30 days at a court appearance in Los Angeles on Wednesday (November 2). The judge scheduled his next court date for January 13, 2023.

A$AP Rocky was charged with two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. Prosecutors accused him of shooting at A$AP Relli during an alleged dispute in November 2021.

The 34-year-old rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, pleaded not guilty to the charges. A$AP Rocky’s lawyer Joe Tacopina claimed his client was the victim of attempted extortion.

“[Relli] was trying to get money from Rocky,” Tacopina told Rolling Stone. “He wanted Rocky to support him. He made it clear. There were repeated attempts where he tried to ask for money in lieu of not causing problems for Rocky. That’s what he said. We have all this memorialized in text messages and otherwise, so it’s an extortion.”

A$AP Rocky could face up to nine years in prison if convicted of firearm assault charges. A$AP Relli also sued the RCA Records artist for assault, battery, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

WHIPPED CREAM Talks New Release “Be Here” & Working with Latto

By: Shirley JuCategory: Breeding Ground

Nowadays, it’s rare to see a female producer in the space, but WHIPPED CREAM is here to prove she has what it takes to become one of the greats. The producer, singer, and songwriter prides herself in her versatility, making everything from cinematic music to R&B and hip-hop — but always keeping electronic at the base of it all. 

Hailing from Vancouver Island in Canada, WHIPPED CREAM describes her sound as “true energy to my soul.” To date, she’s worked with everyone from Latto to Big Freedia to Lil Xan and even the late Lil Keed.          

Most recently, WHIPPED CREAM unveiled her new single titled “Be Here” on Monstercat, tapping Los Angeles producer and engineer The Duchess for the soundtrack to your perfect romance this coming winter. 

The song is one of female empowerment, as WHIPPED CREAM states, “This song is about being delusional about someone you’re in love with and letting them know even if they leave or you leave, you’re still going to be there. It’s unconditional love in any environment; toxic.”

AllHipHop spoke with WHIPPED CREAM to discuss her influences, the new record, and what she wants fans to take from her story.

AllHipHop: Where are you from originally and how does that play into your life and career?

WHIPPED CREAM: I’m originally from Toronto and I think that does heavily impact me. I grew up on a lot of R&B and rap music there.

AllHipHop: Biggest influences?

WHIPPED CREAM: My biggest influences are Active Child, James Blake, Frank Ocean, and Jamie XX.

AllHipHop: What was the inspiration behind your artist name?

WHIPPED CREAM: There’s no real inspiration other than it was just given to me by the universe. I wanted a name that people could remember and think about every day of the year that had nothing to do with the food product, just a commercial name but about the art.

AllHipHop: What inspired “Be Here”? What was the synergy between you & The Duchess?

WHIPPED CREAM: It’s a song about letting your toxic lover know that no matter what, you’ll still be there even though the situation is not good for either of you.

AllHipHop: What do you want fans to take away from this record?

WHIPPED CREAM: That two bad b###### produced the song, engineered it themselves, and created a feminine sexual dark anthem.

AllHipHop: What do you want fans to understand from your own story?

WHIPPED CREAM: Everything to me is personal. I live, breathe, sleep, and love art and music. I think for me, I want to inspire people to follow their passion. When you follow something you love, it makes you become a better person through all of the hard times and good times. You’re in your own flow of life and focused on what you’re supposed to be doing. It’s your calling.

AllHipHop: How was it teasing your forthcoming audiovisual experience “The Dark” at Vancouver International Film Festival?

WHIPPED CREAM: It was a dream come true to do that at Emily Carr. I’ve been really wanting to incorporate more visual aspects to my music and go even deeper into the arts.

AllHipHop: What were your experiences working with Latto? She’s on fire right now.

WHIPPED CREAM: Our session was amazing and she was super grateful to be working together. At the time, she brought her father who was also very kind. We had a great time in the studio and she’s very talented. She is also very open to direction which I loved.

AllHipHop: Why did you dye your hair?

WHIPPED CREAM: In with the old out with the new, time to change things up.

AllHipHop: Goals you have for yourself as an artist at this point in your career?

WHIPPED CREAM: To be internally happy and love myself. My career has always come naturally because it’s what I was meant to do, but deep inside I’m still working on that inner peace. 

J. Cole Announces 2023 Dates For Dreamsville Festival

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

J. Cole fans have anxiously awaited him and his team to announce next year’s Dreamsville Festival. Well, their dreams have been answered.

The North Carolinian artist will return with the musical event next spring to the delight of his fans.

“Dreamville Festival will officially return next spring to Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, April 1st, and Sunday, April 2nd, 2023,” a rep said. “A special ticket pre-sale will also soon be available for Dreamville fans who sign-up for the official festival email or text newsletter at www.DreamvilleFest.com.”

Dreamville Festival President Adam Roy commented on how excited he has been working with the brand and the big things coming up.

“Dreamville Festival wants to keep growing and building off the success of the expanded two-day event last year. Our team is excited to reunite with our Dreamville family from around the world next spring,” said Roy. “Day ones, JID fans, Ari fans, music fans, everyone is welcome. Consider this your personal invite. Come through, you won’t want to miss Dreamville 2023.”

The 2021 and 2022 festivals were highly successful, with 80,000 total attendees converging in Raleigh, NC, from all 50 states and over a dozen countries worldwide. 

In fact, this year, the festival made a “$6.7-million-dollar economic impact on the local Raleigh and Wake County community,” J. Cole’s team shared.

The hope is for 2023 to be as great as previous years.

Fans ROAST Jeopardy Contestant For Erroneously Botching Question About This Legendary Rap Group

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: Rumors

In a recent episode of Jeopardy, one contestant made one of the most incredible faux pas in all of rapdom, kicking off Hip Hop History Month on a low.

On Tuesday, November 1st, during the historic trivia show’s “Tournament of Champions,” a player named Megan was asked to name a famous Hip-Hop artist from the 70s. 

The host asked her, “In the ’70s, he and The Furious Five were just about the first Hip-Hop group. In 2007 they were the first in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

Megan answered, “What is Grandmaster Funk?” clearly lost in the sauce. Her opponent, Ryan, buzzed in next and said, “It was Grandmaster Flash.”

Back in 1978, Grandmaster Flash, a DJ from the South Bronx, formed the Furious Five in 1978.

Fans immediately started to clown her.

“We need a compilation of cringy wrong hip hop answers on Jeopardy. The latest: #JeopardyToC #GrandmasterFunk,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/ickmusic/status/1587292180237799426?s=20&t=slv1eQWyjJ5TFgGc5-NTAQ

“I love watching #jeopardy because some of the smartest people in the world say things like “who is grandmaster funk?” and be wrong” another person tweeted.

One user just wrote in disbelief, “This lady just said, ‘Who is Grandmaster FUNK!'”

.

https://twitter.com/ickmusic/status/1587292180237799426?s=20&t=slv1eQWyjJ5TFgGc5-NTAQ

One user just wrote in disbelief, “This lady just said, ‘Who is Grandmaster FUNK!’”

“@DJPooh  You know they never been to the BBQ Pooh, Grandmaster funk?”

“Megan up here white peopleling with ‘Grandmaster funk’ on #jeopardy.”

Jimmy Kimmel Calls Kanye West ‘Tripolar’

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel believes Kanye West is not bipolar but tri-polar.

On his special Halloween episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” he addressed the various ways Kanye seems to not be thinking clearly, and halfway joking that he is more delusional than mentally ill.

Kimmel addressed Ye comparing himself to George Floyd, who was murdered in 2020 by a then-police officer named Derek Chauvin. When speaking to the press, the producer said he now understood “how it feels to have a knee on my neck now.” 

The comedian said, “No. No, you don’t. I think he might be tripolar. Is that a thing? Is there another step beyond bi[polar]? Many suggest that Kanye is off his meds. Turns out, he was never on them.”

Ye’s reasoning for no longer accepting his bipolar diagnosis is that a Jewish doctor read his evaluation wrong. He believes his maniac behavior comes from just being exhausted.

Back in 2020, AllHipHop.com reported that Kanye West talked about being bipolar with Kimmel.

West has been very open about dealing with bipolar disorder. The cover art for his 2018 album, Ye, featured the words, “I hate being bipolar it’s awesome.” 

In 2016, he canceled his “Saint Pablo Tour” and underwent a psychiatric observation at UCLA Medical Center. But what exactly is bipolar disorder?

According to Mental Health Information, “Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.”

There are three different types, according to the resource.

“Bipolar I disorder is defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days (most of the day, nearly every day) or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depressive symptoms and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible. The experience of four or more episodes of mania or depression within a year is termed ‘rapid cycling.’

“Bipolar II disorder is defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but the episodes are less severe than the manic episodes in bipolar I disorder.

“Cyclothymic disorder (also called cyclothymia) is defined by recurrent hypomanic and depressive symptoms that are not intense enough or do not last long enough to qualify as hypomanic or depressive episodes.”

David Bars Talks DJ Premier, DITC, Nipsey’s Influence & Evolving Into An Elite “Unorthodox” Emcee

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur)Category: Exclusives

David Bars is one of the young, talented and lyrical rappers that is maintaining the high standard that New York City is known for. Bars hasn’t been here for a long time, but he’s maturing at a rapid rate. Earlier in his career, he worked with two legendary aspects of Hip-Hop culture – DJ Premier and DITC (Diggin In The Crates). From there, he continued on, dropping lyrical bombs on the competition. After several projects and collaborations, Bars releases “Unorthodox,” a collaborative effort with producers Passport Gift & Parks. Bars, a Bronx native, explains how the project was put together in a most unique way. Without question, David Bars is growing into one of New York’s creative saviors. But he admits that artists like Nipsey Hustle have had a profound impact on him. He even has a “Prolific” tattoo. Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur talks to the young talent about a myriad of topics in this insightful conversation.

Breaking: Pharrell Is Bringing “Something In The Water” Fest Back To Virginia Beach

By: Houston WilliamsCategory: News

Musical impresario, Pharrell Williams has announced that his music festival, Something In The Water, is returning to Virginia Beach after leaving this year.

He made the exclusive revelation at his Mighty Dream Forum in Norfolk, Virginia.

The highly successful music and culture festival momentarily left Virginia Beach after the death of Pharrell’s cousin at the hands of the police. The incident, which polarized the Virginia community, was settled last November, when a Virginia police officer was found justified in fatally shooting unarmed Donovan Lynch.

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“I’m honored to bring these gentlemen all together, I’m honored to bring you all together. This is about the 757, it’s always been about the 757. Something In The Water is returning to Virginia Beach in 2023,” he said. “Its great to be home.”

In front of a live audience, Pharrell did not reveal how the local government and he resolved their issues, but the crowd was joyous in learning of the news.

He revealed that the festival will return April 23rd to the 30th, 2023. Tickets go on sale on November 5.

Pharrell has recently made a strong push in his local community to create the next generation of business people. He grew up in Virginia Beach and has continuously been pouring his wisdom back into the people.

Meek Mill To Celebrate ‘Dreams And Nightmares’ Anniversary At Philadelphia Concert 

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Meek Mill dropped his debut LP Dreams and Nightmares on October 30, 2012. In celebration of the LP’s ten-year anniversary, the Philadelphia native will invite some friends to join him at a special event in his hometown.

The Meek Mill + Friends 10-Year Anniversary Homecoming Concert will take place at the Wells Fargo Center as part of Thanksgiving Weekend on Saturday, November 26.  

Tickets for the “one-time-only” showcase featuring Meek Mill and guest appearances go on sale on Wednesday, November 2 at 10 am ET at WellsFargoCenterPhilly.com.

Meek recently ran through his classic “Dreams and Nightmares” anthem at Lincoln Financial Field. That performance came before the Philadelphia Eagles versus Dallas Cowboys football game on October 16, 2022. 

Dreams and Nightmares, released via Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records, also hosts the singles “Believe It” featuring Rick Ross, “Amen” featuring Drake, and “Burn” featuring Big Sean.

In addition, Meek recruited Kirko Bangz, Nas, John Legend, Wale, Trey Songz, Mary J. Blige, and Louie V Gutta for Dreams and Nightmares. The Beat Bully, Jahlil Beats, Boi-1da, Key Wane, and others provided production for the project.

Dreams and Nightmares opened at #2 on the Billboard 200 album chart with 165,000 first-week sales. The Recording Industry Association of America awarded Meek Mill’s breakout LP with a Gold plaque in May 2016.

Meek Mill went on to release four additional albums – 2015’s Dreams Worth More Than Money, 2017’s Wins & Losses, 2018’s Championships, and 2021’s Expensive Pain. His catalog also contains numerous mixtapes, including the well-received Dreamchasers series.

Chelly Flame Drops Anthem with Latest Single / Video “Fasho Fasho”

By: Staff WriterCategory: Music

With the release of her latest single, Chelly Flame is prepared to take her career to new heights. In her nascent career, she has received praise and acclaim from editorials like Atlanta Magazine and HipHopDX, which recognized her palpable star power and scorching hot persona. Although she has only released a handful of tracks, she pens her rhymes with the expertise of a savvy veteran, putting her talent on full display. Now, on her new single, “Fasho Fasho,” Chelly proves that she’s here to stay.

As she raps over Rage Santana’s minimalist production, which includes hard-hitting drums and sparse melodies, Chelly delivers an anthem-like hook, bouncing between boastful lyrics and whispers of the song’s title, “Fasho Fasho.” She creates a captivating back-and-forth during the hook, which feels like a dynamic call-and-response pattern. Chelly stays in pocket throughout the track, gliding from the hook into one of her strongest verses to date. The strength of the hook and verse speaks volumes to Chelly’s evolution as an artist: she recognizes the value of simplicity, then pairs that with her keen sense for song structure to deliver a track that separates her from the surplus of talent in the rap game. 

Directed by GT Films, the video for “Fasho Fasho” shows Chelly as confident and glamorous as ever. The visuals aptly fit the song’s message and content, as Chelly’s self-determination manifests itself in her proclamation that she’s one of the hottest emerging artists in rap. Designer outfits, strobe lights, and glossy make-up create a vibrant, eye-catching aesthetic that meshes perfectly with the track: together they balance excess and minimalism, simplicity and intricacy.

Chelly can be the driving force on any record; her glamorous style and natural confidence are apparent to the eye, but her lyricism and delivery are alluring on their own. Between her image and ability to create great music, Chelly has the keys to be rap’s next superstar.

Watch “Fasho Fasho” here:

Listen to “Fasho Fasho” here: https://babygrande.fanlink.to/FashoFasho

For more information on Chelly, please visit: https://linktr.ee/chellyflame 

About Babygrande Records:

Babygrande is an American independent record label and creative collective comprised of musicians, filmmakers, photographers, painters, and writers. Founded in 2001 by Chuck Wilson, former Director of A&R at Priority Records/EMI, Babygrande has emerged as one of the premier independent labels operating today. Babygrande has a catalog of over 3000 albums, music videos, and online content that includes Hip-Hop, EDM, indie rock, and everything in between.

Babygrande has helped launch the careers of new artists and has nurtured the careers of seasoned veterans. As it heads towards its 25th Anniversary, Babygrande continues to focus on quality music and working with artists whose work ethic, craftsmanship, talent, and sounds are superior. 

For more info on Babygrande Records, please visit: https://linktr.ee/babygrande  

Babygrande® is a registered trademark of Babygrande Global, Inc.

Civil Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Trey Songz Gets Dismissed 

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

R&B vocalist Tremaine “Trey Songz” Neverson will not have to face a legal case stemming from a 2016 rape allegation in the state of California.

According to TMZ, the statute of limitations for the civil case against Trey Songz ran out. The website reports court documents show Songz’s legal team got the case dismissed.

A woman, only identified as Jane Doe, filed the suit earlier this year. The anonymous accuser claimed Songz forced her to have a### sex at a house party in Los Angeles on March 26, 2016. She reportedly sought $20 million in damages. 

Apparently, the accuser admitted to having a consensual sexual relationship with Trey Songz at one point. She also alleged the “I Invented Sex” singer turned into a “savage rapist” on the date of the supposed assault.

The alleged victim filed her complaint six years after the rape allegedly took place. At the time, the statute of limitations in California to file a civil claim for sexual assault was just three years. It has since been extended to ten years.

Despite Multiple Accusers, Trey Songz Insists He Is Innocent

Trey Songz denied assaulting Jane Doe or anyone else. Several other women, including former UNLV basketball player Dylan Gonzalez, have publicly accused the 37-year-old Virginia native of sexual misconduct.

“For weeks my lawyers [and management] have asked me not to comment on this and I initially agreed but this morning I feel that my fam, the women that raised me, my friends, and fans especially the youth need to hear from me. I am being lied to and falsely accused for someone’s personal gain,” tweeted Songz in 2018.

However, it was not just women accusing Trey Songz of being inappropriate, and possibly abusive. Insecure actor Sarunas J. Jackson slammed Songz in March for allegedly trying to fight women and not men. Additionally, Rory & Mal podcast host Rory Farrell called the Passion, Pain & Pleasure album creator the “scum of the f###### Earth.”

Flip Willson Hits the Studio with Young Ra for “Faceshots”

By: Staff WriterCategory: Music

As Flip Willson and Young Ra collaborate, it may be the start of something great! Fresh off launching his digital media company “FWGFX”, Willson took to Tik-Tok on Saturday to share footage of him and Young Ra in the studio. The video features the pair in the booth with new music playing in the background.

“It only makes sense,” Willson says in his story on Tik-Tok. “Ra was in my first documentary Live from da Block. He collaborated with the production and I’ll never forget that. When he called me and said, We need to collaborate on a record” I said, “Let’s go.” “We have everything in the house that a major has,” Wilson said.

On September 1, the two were spotted shooting a music video in the Metro Detroit area. While there are no additional details about the studio session, the two musicians’ connection follows Flip Willson’s announcement of his upcoming album “Mr Willson.”

Follow Flip on Instagram: 

https://instagram.com/fwgfx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Kanye West Won’t Be Able To Sell White Lives Matter Shirts And Here’s Why

By: Kershaw St. JawnsonCategory: News

Producer-turned-rapper-turned-designer-turned-headline maker Kanye West is not only blocked from Twitter, Instagram, Sketchers, and your local synagogue but also from selling the “White Lives Matter” shirts that started so much drama over the last couple of months.

Ye won’t be able to sell the White Lives Matter” shirts because two Black men, Ramses Ja and Quinton Ward, own the trademark.

Ja and Ward, hosts of the radio show “Civic Cipher” in Phoenix, AZ, were given the legal trademark from a listener who initially registered it to make sure the wrong people never got it to profit from White supremacy or hate speech.

According to Capital B News, Ja said, “This person who first procured it didn’t really love owning it because the purpose was not necessarily to get rich off of it. The purpose was to make sure that other people didn’t get rich off of that pain.”

The trademark was secured on October 3rd and covers “Blouses; Boxer shorts; Graphic T-shirts; Hooded sweatshirts; Jeggings, namely, pants that are partially jeans and partially leggings; Jogging suits; Ladies’ underwear; Leggings; Overcoats; Polo shirts; Shirts; Short trousers; Short-sleeved or long-sleeved t-shirts; Short-sleeved shirts; Shorts; Ski masks; Sleeveless jerseys; Small hats; Socks; Sports jackets; Sports shirts; Sweat pants; Sweat shirts; Sweat suits; Sweatpants; Sweatshirts; Sweatsocks; Sweatsuits; Tank-tops; Tee-shirts; Women’s clothing, namely, shirts, dresses, skirts, blouses.”

As reported by AllHipHop.com, Yeezy debuted the t-shirts at his fashion show, modeling them with conservative social influencer Candace Owens.

Damn, Ye – not another “L.”

Ta-Nehisi Coates To Host Official ‘Wakanda Forever’ Podcast

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever arrives in American theaters on November 11 via Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The highly-anticipated sequel to 2018’s Black Panther will be the latest entry to Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

Proximity Media collaborated with Marvel Studios and Marvel Entertainment to present Wakanda Forever: The Offical Black Panther Podcast. Award-winning writer Ta-Nehisi Coates serves as host and writer for the six-episode series.

Ta-Nehisi Coates has previous connections to Wakanda. Back in 2016, he penned the Black Panther comic book. That same year Coates also provided commentary for Marvel’s “A Nation Under Our Feet” Black Panther vignettes.

Proximity Media’s Head of Audio Paola Mardo will produce Wakanda Forever: The Offical Black Panther Podcast. Proximity’s founders Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian are credited as executive producers.

“Ever since Ryan, Zinzi, and Sev entrusted Proximity’s Audio division with this project, our goal has been to tell the story of the making of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with as much heart and authenticity as the film itself,” stated Paola Mardo.

He continued, “With our premiere episode, we’ve accomplished this goal while breaking new ground in the process, thanks to the awesome collaboration between our incredible host Ta-Nehisi Coates, our talented podcast production team, and our collaborators at Marvel and Disney.”

Ta-Nehisi Coates Will Speak With Director Ryan Coogler For The Podcast

Ryan Coogler directed the original Black Panther movie as well as the upcoming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Debuting on November 3, the first episode of the Wakanda Forever podcast features a conversation between Coates and Coogler. 

“There is no storyteller I admire more than Ryan Coogler,” said Coates. “Any chance to partner with him, Proximity Media and Marvel, is a worthy one. For that opportunity to be a chronicle of the making of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was simply too good to pass up.” 

Additional episodes will be available beginning in January 2023. Other scheduled guests include Wakanda Forever cast members Angela Bassett and Dominique Thorne. Plus, Ta-Nehisi Coates will speak with composer Ludwig Göransson, co-writer Joe Robert Cole, producers Kevin Feige and Nate Moore, and others.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever stars Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, Florence Kasumba, Michaela Coel, Tenoch Huerta, Martin Freeman, Dominique Thorne, and Angela Bassett.

Oscar, Grammy, and Emmy winner Ludwig Göransson released the Wakanda Forever Prologue EP featuring Nigerian artist Tems over the summer. Tems also co-wrote Rihanna’s “Life Me Up” which will live on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

“Life Me Up” is a tribute to Chadwick Boseman, the late actor who played Black Panther in the MCU before his death in 2020. Tems worked with Rihanna, Ludwig Göransson, and Ryan Coogler to write the Göransson-produced song.

After Takeoff’s Death, Houston Police Chief To Hip Hop Community: We Got To Police Ourselves

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

The sudden death of Takeoff is still reverberating across the Hip Hop community. The Migos member born Kirshnik Ball lost his life to gun violence on November 1.

Takeoff died outside Houston’s 810 Billiards & Bowling alley after being shot. There was a private party taking place at the location. The Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division is investigating the shooting.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner held a news briefing on Monday to provide further details about the death of Takeoff. Finner directly addressed people connected to Hip Hop in his city and across the country.

Police Chief Troy Finner Wants To Meet With Local Hip Hop Artists

“Sometimes the Hip Hop community gets a bad name. And I know, and evident from this city and people who I have a personal relationship, [there are] a lot of great people in our Hip Hop community. And I respect them,” stated Chief Finner.

He also added, “I’m calling upon everybody, all Hip Hop artists in Houston and around the nation, we got to police ourselves. It is so many talented individuals, men and women, in that community, who again I love and I respect, and we all need to stand together and make sure nobody tears down that industry.”

Chief Troy Finner went on to say he would like to meet with some of the Hip Hop artists from the Houston area. Mayor Sylvester Turner and Homicide Investigator Sgt. Michael Arrington also spoke at the news briefing.

Takeoff Left An Impressive Legacy In The Music Business

Kirshnik “Takeoff” Ball was 28 years old at the time of his death. Prior to his passing, he scored multiple Top 40 hits with the Migos, including the Billboard Hot 100 #1 single “Bad and Boujee” featuring Lil Uzi Vert.

His music career also includes releasing four albums under the Migos banner along with Quavo and Offset. The rap group recorded three studio LPs as part of the Culture series. The first two installments peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The collaborative project titled Only Built for Infinity Links by Takeoff and Quavo dropped on October 7, 2022. In addition, Takeoff released his only solo album, The Last Rocket, in November 2018. He was a two-time Grammy Award nominee.

LaKeith Stanfield Blasts Gangster Rap: Stop Holding Self-Destructive Sh*t Up

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

In the wake of the tragic passing of Migos member Takeoff, there has been a lot of conversation about violence in the Hip Hop community. Atlanta star LaKeith Stanfield shared his thoughts about the “toxicity” in Hip Hop culture.

“If you are for gangster rap you can’t also be for Black,” posted LaKeith Stanfield to his Instagram page on Monday. The San Bernardino-born entertainer then wrote a lengthy caption further explaining his point of view.

Stanfield added, “The dangerous toxicity associated with this glorified black serial killer and killed music and imagery got people thinking it’s cool to hurt those that look like them and ONLY them.”

He continued, “It’s ok to embrace the realities of life in the harder areas but let’s think about NOT holding up this behavior in our circles. Let’s make it cool to embrace life, travel, and learn new things!”

LaKeith Stanfield Tells His Followers To “Turn That Stupid S### Off”

According to reports, a gunman killed Takeoff on November 1 in Houston, Texas. The rapper born Kirshnik Khari Ball was 28 years old at the time of his death. Local police are still investigating the shooting.

Takeoff was the latest rapper to lose his life from gun violence. Over the last twelve months, several other Hip Hop recording artists – such as Young Dolph, Trouble, and PnB Rock – lost their lives at the hands of a shooter.

“I know that the scope of issues we have to contend with is much larger than just this and that we have a lot of work to do in many areas to restore our hearts and minds after centuries of persecution and manipulation, but we have to start somewhere,” wrote LaKeith Stanfield. “At some level, we have to see our lives as valuable so that we think before we react and see another human when we look at a Human man.”

Stanfield concluded, “We must stop holding self-destructive s### up and embrace things that build us a whole so that we can lead the world in the direction of prosperity by example. Getting reckless now and again is part of who we are but for the most part… Turn that stupid s### off.”

In addition to appearing on the FX series Atlanta, LaKeith Stanfield also acted in films like Selma, Straight Outta Compton, Sorry to Bother You, Get Out, and The Harder They Fall. He earned a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his role in Judas and the Black Messiah.

Chuck D Speaks Out On Gun Violence In Hip-Hop Following Takeoff’s Death 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Public Enemy legend Chuck D says Hip-Hop needs to do more to address senseless gun violence in the wake of Migos rapper Takeoff being gunned down in Houston. 

The fatal shooting sent shockwaves through the industry as fans and peers shared their grief over the rapper’s tragic passing. According to Chuck D, such loss has become “normalized,” despite being “abnormal behavior.” 

During an interview with TMZ on Tuesday (Nov. 1) the rap icon said hip-Hop has ignored the problem of gun violence for “far too long,” adding that it’s “crazy how folks think it’s normal to lose rappers to gun violence.” 

“It’s not normal behavior, it’s just not normal and what the circumstances in the United States of America is just dealing with abnormal situations that people think, you know, through culture, it’s been normalized over the years,” he said. 

Chuck D continued, “It is a tragedy, and the pain is unbearable…The peace, unity, love aspect of Hip-Hop should be revered.” 

He went on to say the “industry” is to blame for “normalizing” this sort of behavior.  

“It’s a tragedy and I think that in any other walk of life it would have been addressed far earlier on how to prevent this before it became a thing that people thought is normal,” Chuck D said. “You have people who’ve grown up thinking that hip-hop death is a normal thing.”  

Houston Police are asking for witnesses to come forward after Takeoff was fatally shot early Tuesday morning. He was attending a dice game at a bowling alley with his uncle and fellow Migos member Quavo when an altercation led to gunfire. The 28-year-old rapper was pronounced dead at the scene.  

Westside Gunn Addresses Conway The Machine’s Griselda Exit & Contract Dispute 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Westside Gunn has opened up on Conway The Machine parting ways with Griselda records after his brother left the outfit earlier this year. 

In February, Conway confirmed that he had fulfilled his contracts with Griselda and Shady Records stating, “It’s free agency right now.” A month later, the “Stressed” rapper addressed his departure during a Breakfast Club appearance. He revealed while he fulfilled his Griselda contract, it was never in his favor. However, he admitted neglecting to read the contact’s fine print.  

“When we did that s### in the beginning, I really wasn’t all the way… I’mma keep it a buck. I didn’t even read that contract, bro,” Conway said in March. “I didn’t read that s###—I just signed that s### and moved on. Unfortunately, the contract wasn’t in my favor. So now, going forward, it’s time to redo all that. I gotta make sure it’s in my favor now.” 

Nonetheless according to Westside Gunn, any financial disagreements he and Conway had are behind them now.  

“That’s my brother,” Gunn explained in a new interview with Rolling Stone. “That fool’s son is my nephew. If you ask that man now if I owe him a penny…that s### got twisted and screwed up. They tried to blow it out of proportion like I robbed my brother. And what he was saying was he never read the contract, which he didn’t.” 

“That’s my brother, but he can’t ever say I cheated on him,” Gunn continued. “That’s why you see, ain’t s### stop. We still been on tour since that came out, and we have done every festival since that came out. We’ve been on each other project’s since that came out. If somebody robbed you, why would you do that?”  

WSG also expressed his support for Conway’s Drumwork Music Group. “My brother’s a grown man; he wants to be a boss and have his chapter. Why not?” 

Gunn then suggested people “stay out of family business,” noting the brothers are now on good terms now. 

“Family sometimes have disagreements,” Westside Gunn admitted. “The negative narrative, that’s what people love. That’s what they want. And I’m trying to tell people, put this s### in bold letters: it’s never happening. Griselda is forever, can’t be stopped.”  

Last week, Westside Gunn dropped Ten, the final instalment in the Hitler Wears Hermes series. Stream it below.

Is Young M.A. With Child? Twitter Says…A Lot.

By: illseedCategory: Rumors

There is an incredible rumor going on right now, suggesting that Young MA is pregnant.

There is nothing that is verifying that this is true. However, it certainly has the Internet space in an uproar. She is trending! This is not the first time that Young MA has had these types of rumors, as she addressed it last year. at that time, a rumor sparked by a shade room post, said that she definitely wants kids. 

In looking around, I don’t see any true evidence that she’s actually pregnant, but the Internet actually tends to be correct quite a bit of the time. On Twitter, she has not updated in quite some time because that would be the first place you would look for someone to Dispute or dispel a lie.

And so, I go to her Instagram. And that has not been updated since late October. Now, we have nothing to go on. So, let’s just keep it right there. There’s a rumor that Young MA is pregnant and nobody has dispelled it.

Nobody credible, but people are saying is BS.

Of course, there were the jokes.

Some people did not find it funny at all.

Drake Mourns Takeoff’s Death With Emotional Message “Rest Easy Space Man” 

By: London JennnCategory: News

The Hip-Hop community is still reeling from Takeoff’s shocking death after the 28-year-old rapper was tragically gunned down. 

The Migos member, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, was fatally shot outside a private party at a downtown Houston bowling alley around 2:35 on Tuesday morning. Takeoff was reportedly attending a dice game with his uncle and fellow Migos member Quavo. 

Rappers and celebrities flooded social media to mourn the tragic loss of the 28-year-old hitmaker. Migos label Quality Control and its CEO Pierre “P” Thomas also shared touching posts amid the news.  

Drake shared his own emotional message on Tuesday evening. In 2018, the Toronto native hit the road with Takeoff, Quavo, and Offset. The trio joined Drake for their Aubrey & the Three Migos world tour.  

He took to Instagram posting an image of himself onstage with Takeoff with a heartfelt message. 

“I got the best memories of all of us seeing the world together and bringing light to every city we touch. That’s what I’ll focus on for now 😔 rest easy space man Take 🚀” he penned in the caption.  

Celebrities took to the comment section to share their grief, including DJ Khaled, Ty Dolla $ign, Winnie Harlow, and Druski.  

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Drake also shared a series of images of Takeoff on his Instagram Story. Among them, one of himself and Migos dressed in 70s gear. The photo was taken during the video shoot of the collaboration “Walk It Talk It.”  

“We were supposed to be all looking like this in our 60’s for real,” Drake wrote, alongside a series of sad face emojis.