Just a few years ago, Kanye West seemed to be on top of the world. However, over the last three years, it seems (despite his claims of liberation) all the things he said he valued are being stripped from him.
He lost his wife, his lucrative fashion partnerships, many of his friends, and about 6.55 billion dollars, and now, he could lose one of his doctorate titles in his hometown.
According to WJOL, an online petition has been circulating asking for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to take back the honorary doctorate they gave to the Grammy Award-winner in 2015.
The protest was sparked after Ye started publicly spewing antisemitism rhetoric.
As a result, West lost his deal with Balenciaga and Adidas, which dropped his already diminished wealth from 1.2 billion dollars to 500 million dollars.
Over 11,000 signatures have been added to the petition.
While some people are getting their doctorates taken away, others are gaining them.
Dame Dash suffered another legal defeat at the hands of attorney Christopher Brown.
AllHipHop learned a jury ruled against Dame Dash in a defamation case. Jurors ordered him to pay $100,000 to Brown, who sued the Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder.
Brown represented multiple clients in cases against Dame Dash over the past few years. The attorney pursued his own lawsuit against the Hip Hop executive over false claims made in interviews and social media posts.
“Dash has made a number of public statements in connection with the lawsuits that Brown alleges are defamatory,” Brown’s lawsuit read. “In January and February 2019, Dash posted three captioned videos on his personal Instagram page (under the username ‘duskopoppington’) that identified Brown by name and alleged that he was a ‘lawyer that make a living helping bad people steal money from good people and turn a blind eye for the check,’ that ‘lawyers for con artist are con artist as well,’ that he was a ‘low life lawyer’ and a ‘crooked lawyer,’ and that he ‘robbed children’ and would soon be facing a class-action suit.”
According to Brown, Dame Dash defamed the lawyer in multiple interviews. The public remarks included accusations of extortion.
Dame Dash infamously called Brown a “culture vulture” in a deposition that surfaced online in 2019. The 51-year-old entrepreneur said Brown, who is Black, would “sell his whole culture out for a dollar.”
“This doesn’t give you control,” he told Brown. “It gives you no power. It just makes you look stupid. I’ma ruin you as a lawyer. You’ll never be a lawyer again. I bet you, I’m gonna make you famous. I’m just giving you rope to hang yourself. You gon’ be in a whole ‘nother courtroom, in a whole ‘nother place for your frivolous lawsuit.”
Dame Dash previously lost lawsuits to Brown’s clients Edwyna Brooks and Josh Webber. Brown also represents photographer Monique Bunn, who’s suing the music industry veteran for allegedly groping her.
Ludacris and Mercedes-Benz USA showed their holiday spirit by giving shoes to children in Atlanta.
A total of 1,270 pairs of shoes were donated to students at Michael R. Hollis Innovation Academy and Leonora P. Miles Intermediate Elementary. Ludacris and employee volunteers delivered the sneakers to kids as part of Mercedes’ Season to Shine program.
“I care deeply about supporting and serving kids in my hometown of Atlanta and it was an honor to help my friends at Mercedes give back with their Season to Shine event,” Ludacris said in a press release. “I know that the new shoes are a small stepping stone to helping these students live out their dreams and realize their greatness. I’m thrilled to be part of that.”
Ludacris and Mercedes teamed up with the nonprofit Shoes That Fit to donate the much-needed sneakers. Shoes That Fit has provided more than 2 million pairs of shoes to children since the organization was founded in 1992.
“Shoes are intrinsically important to kids,” the nonprofit’s CEO Amy Fass said. “Too many families are forced to choose rent and food over shoes, leaving children wearing shoes that hurt, embarrass them, cause them to miss out on physical activities, and sometimes miss school altogether. New shoes make a basic and lasting impact. We are so grateful to Mercedes for meeting a basic need and making a lasting impact on the lives of kids by providing 1,270 pairs of shoes!”
A singer sued Roddy Ricch for allegedly ripping off a song from ‘70s for his diamond-selling single “The Box.”
According to multiplereports, singer Greg Perry said “The Box” duplicated parts of his 1975 song “Come on Down (Get Your Head Out of the Clouds)” without permission.
Perry filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Roddy Ricch, producer 30 Roc, Atlantic Records and others in New York on Tuesday (December 6). He sought damages for the unauthorized use of his song.
“Comparative analysis of the beat, lyrics, hook, rhythmic structure, metrical placement, and narrative context by a musicology expert demonstrates clearly and convincingly that ‘The Box’ is an unauthorized duplication and infringement of certain elements of ‘Come on Down,’” Perry’s lawsuit alleged.
Perry claimed his song remained “popular in both the R&B and rap community,” citing authorized samples of his work. Jeezy used “Come on Down” on the 2008 track “Word Play.” Yo Gotti licensed Perry’s song for the 2016 cut “I Remember.”
Roddy Ricch released “The Box” in 2019. The single became his first No. 1 hit, spending 11 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“The Box” appeared on Roddy Ricch’s debut studio album Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial. The single received a diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America in 2021.
Patrick Xavier Clark, the man accused of killing Takeoff, wants to hire a private investigator to help build a defense in his murder case.
According to multiplereports, Clark filed a motion requesting $5,000 to a hire private investigator for his defense. Takeoff’s alleged killer told the judge he needs a P.I. to prepare for the trial, but he’s unable to cover the costs.
Clark said his family already emptied their funds to hire his defense attorney, who accepted a “substantially reduced rate.” He asked the judge for $5,000 after finding a P.I. willing to work the case for $85 per hour.
Earlier this month, Clark was arrested and charged with murder in connection to Takeoff’s death. The 33-year-old man’s bond was set at $2 million.
Police discovered a passport and a large amount of cash when they apprehended Clark. Authorities accused the Takeoff murder suspect of trying to flee the country.
Clark’s lawyer Letitia Quinones denied the allegations. She claimed her client planned a vacation to Mexico but canceled the trip prior to his arrest.
“There’s other circumstances surrounding that,” the attorney said. “That was something that was already pre-planned. And it was canceled before he was arrested. I think that’s important. He wasn’t trying to go anywhere.”
Takeoff was shot and killed in Houston on November 1. A memorial service was held in Atlanta on November 11.
Korporate is the definition of an entertainer, someone who can make you laugh effortlessly. But while people may know him for his comedic skits and hilarious content, he’s here to prove his talents as a musician are equally as great.
In describing himself, the Chicago native states he’s “been an artist for quite some time.” He explains, “At some point in my career, I had to figure out how I was going to bring more traffic to my music, so I started producing content. The content took off way harder than I would’ve ever imagined. Now, here I am.”
Currently boasting 1.4 million followers on Instagram and 2.11 million subscribers on Youtube, Korporate carries one hell of an online presence and following. And when it comes to his biggest inspiration, he lists Kanye as the main reason he started rapping.
Most recently, Korporate unveiled his newest single and visual for “Whoop Yo S###,” paving the way for his highly-anticipated new album to arrive at the top of 2023.
AllHipHop spoke with Korporate, whose current mindset is “working as hard as he can.” Read below as we discuss his first viral moment, roots in Chicago, favorite artists, “Whoop Yo S###,” support from his daughters, forthcoming album, and more!
AllHipHop: What was your first video to go viral?
Korporate: The first video is of me and my oldest daughter, a real simple video. She was in the backseat, I got in the car. I told her to put her seatbelt on. She asked me “why?” I said “so you could be safe, now strap up.” She said “well you don’t strap up,” I said “yes I do.” She said “how was I born then?” Real simple script, that s### went stupid viral. The next viral moment I had that I was able to maintain some consistency with was #Chicago NiggazBeLike Part 1.
AllHipHop: Is that just making fun of Chicago people?
Korporate: On God. It was a video concept that I came up with to put a light on just how different we speak, our mindset, so on and so forth. Over the period of time from January 6th 2016, which is when I dropped that video till now, the evolution has been amazing. That’s been the result of research, hours and hours on YouTube, just having that desire for me to expand and enhance the brand.
AllHipHop: Chicago is home to so many legends. How was it growing up there for you?
Korporate: I’m not only a Chicago influencer or an influencer that produces Chicago content, but I’m legit a fan of Chicago. I grew up on different sides of Chicago. My elementary school years was on the west side. At some point, my mama got a job and moved us to Country Club Hills for a second. Life got down on us, we ended up back in the land. We moved to the 100s. I ended up graduating from Corliss. I stayed in the pocket, I stayed in the ward. Majority of my time was over east. Even as far as Chicago productions, it’s not too much difficulty because I really know the land. I still be in the midst, it’s me to the bone. All I have to do is be myself and people appreciate it for sure.
AllHipHop: Before your funny content took off, were you making serious rap?
Korporate: Yes. It started my junior year in high school with spoken word, then it evolved into rap around 2006. I’ve always been a real lyrical person, but I’ve always had a sense of humor. That really assisted me with the content, as well as my ability to rap. Because the script of everything I say in those videos is really a reflection of my way to put words together.
AllHipHop: Kanye West inspired you to start rapping. Is he still your favorite?
Korporate: Aside from his personal, real life decisions, he’s still my favorite artist of all time. That can’t really be changed. He really had too much of an influence on me growing up, in the aspect of his music career. I’m listening to local rappers the most nowadays. I have a significant appreciation for Jay Z, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, Drake, as far as the lyrical s###. As far as what I have on repeat, Lil Zay, Herb, King Sampson, Fat Money (Ty Money), Durk. A lot of the people that’s on the come up in the city, I have them on my Serato. As far as the greats, I have an appreciation for them as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIviYCMLXXM
AllHipHop: “Whoop Yo S###” out now, who or what inspired this one?
Korporate: I wanted to touch on different things in this debut album. This is definitely the first single off of my debut album. I be feeling different type of ways. One of the most successful aspects of all of my content, whether it’s raps or video productions is the relatability. “Whoop Yo S###,” when it’s that it’s that. I know a lot of people can relate to that s###. I wanted to paint that picture and give that Chicago feel. Shout out to the Three Piece sample. Shout out to Reese G, he definitely cleared that sample so blessings to him. I wanted to bring that vibe where muthafuckas are having fun. Chillin’ s###, “Whoop Yo S###”!
AllHipHop: That’s showcased the R&B side of you, were you trying to make one for the ladies?
Korporate: Oh for sure. I have quite a few joints on the album for the ladies. Definitely gotta appeal to the ladies. I know how to connect with the ladies. I know what to say. I have 3 daughters, 7 sisters. My mama, that’s my homie. I just know.
AllHipHop: What do your daughters think of the music? I’m sure they support.
Korporate: #1 fan. All of them. Brazil Marie my oldest baby, even before my two youngest came about, she knew my raps word for word. They go around: “daddy, could you play that song again?” It’s quite a few joints on my album they have on replay, so they definitely appreciate daddy’s craft both ways.
AllHipHop: Do they be bumping “B#### Back”?
Korporate: For sure, and that’s why I had to make an edited version “Chick Back.” [laughs] For my little ones.
AllHipHop: What can we expect from the album?
Korporate: With me being so deep in the entertainment content, a lot of people have deduced that I’m a comedian and that’s what I do. With the album, I’m making it clear that I’m a true artist. When people come up to me and they say “man, you’re funny as hell,” that’s cool. It’s bittersweet because that’s not what I came in the game for, but it put me in the position to be able to present a body of work that I’ll have a nice amount of people to take to. The album is really a statement of letting people that okay, he’s a true artist. I’m really looking to get a respect similar to Childish Gambino, in regards to when he’s presenting film, it’s understood. When he’s presenting music, it’s understood.
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?
Korporate: It’s me and my producer for real. Shout out to D. Brooks, he produced the whole project. I’m not really a “kick it in the studio,” I don’t smoke or drink at all. When I go to the studio, I go to work. I don’t kick it in real life, so I don’t kick it in the studio either.
AllHipHop: You don’t smoke or drink period?
Korporate: No. I don’t see a point in smoking or drinking unless I’m put up in a little situation, and that’s what she wants to do before I “Whoop Her S###”! Go stream “Whoop Yo S###.” In that case: what J. Cole say? “I don’t usually smoke, but I’ll smoke with you.” It’ll be that, but other than that I do not partake.
AllHipHop: What’re you excited for next?
Korporate: I’m excited for the next single. I’m extremely excited for the project itself. It’s really a symbol of everything coming full circle. I started out with the content so that I could get people to get in tune with the music, and they’ll finally be really getting in tune. When I say me and D. Brooks, we’ve been putting in hours and hours and hours. This project is so important to me. Even at the listening session, I know I’m a do the ugly cry for sure. I’m very sure about that, this means that much to me.
AllHipHop: Secret sauce or advice for people wanting to do YouTube? It’s been tough!
Korporate: It’s definitely an incredible science associated with YouTube. Youtube is not an easy platform to conquer. You definitely have to be aware of the algorithm. I’d definitely encourage people to study the community guidelines back and forth. Over the course of the years, I’ve learned how to finesse what I want to be shown in the videos. For example, there’s been times in the video where people have been murdered. There’s a way to accomplish that without getting flagged. Even if you shoot someone, you can shoot them but if you do a muzzle flash and it’s in public, they flag it.
If you want to do some s### for it to be understood, where the gun will be out of the frame and screen light up, that won’t get flagged. Don’t show the person on the ground. Or if people are dancing. You can show people dancing on each other, but you can’t have their pelvics touching where you can see it in the frame. That came from trial and error. I did a skit with a shorty dancing on me. But because you could see the bottoms area touching, it was flagged. If you have It where y’all dancing below the frame and it’s below the frame, it’s waist up, that’s cool. It takes a lot of trial and error.
AllHipHop: Goals yourself as an artist at this point of your career?
Korporate: I want to get as high on the totem pole as possible. I have a lot to offer. Even once I get to the point where I’m able to go bar for bar with the greats, I could definitely be a problem. I just want to be regarded as a legend in that realm.
Houston rapper Z-Ro has a new title to attach to his name.
According to Fox 26 News, the artist whose real name is Joseph McVey was bestowed an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanities from the Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University.
In addition to this degree, he was presented with a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
The artist posted about it on his Instagram saying, “Over the weekend some cool sh*t happened! Now when they say “Is there a Doctor in the house?” I can be like “Dr. Rothalamu Vandralian at your service!” I also received a Lifetime Achievement Award! 🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾 Thank you @devinecreationz & @candicematthewsdr#OD4L”
Dr. Candice Matthews nominated the recording artist because he has “done so much for the community.”
She said, “It was my pleasure to nominate Z-Ro because he’s done so much in the community and the city of Houston.”
“But to see Z-Ro being publicly humiliated, I felt that it was high time to lift up our brother!!! What the Devil does to humiliate,” she continued. “GOD will put you in place to elevate!!! Therefore, we at Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University did just that! Congratulations again Dr. Z-Ro!”
Two others who also received the honorary doctorate in humanities are state Representative Ron Reynolds and Fort Bend County Pct. 3 Constable Nabil Shike.
Another rapper that also received a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award is Lil Flip.
An overjoyed Sha EK, a 19-year-old drill rapper from the Bronx, is living his best life. Soaring to the top of the charts and changing how people view his genre of music with a focus on production and rap skills.
Defiant/ Warner Records freshman recently dropped his new mixtape “Face of What” in September and months later he can boast a prized fruit of his labor.
At an intimate dinner with his friends, family, and some executives from the music world, Chris Atlas, the Executive Vice President of Urban Music at Warner Records, presented him with a plaque for going #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart!
While accepting his plaque, the rapper, whose real name is Chalim Perry, expressed how happy he was to be out of the streets, have no threat of jail, and is making his mother proud.
He also was proud of his new music and that he did it without being grimy to others in his tracks.
“I just wanted to show n##gas that I didn’t have to diss nobody,” Sha EK said to the room full of influencers. “I’m an artist. I can really rap and that’s all you are going to hear [on the new project “RETURN OF THE JIGGY”] is real music.”
Global search engine juggernaut Google released its annual “Year In Search” data. The 2022 edition for the United States features names like Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar.
Mary J. Blige landed at #2 in the Musicians and Bands category for 2022. The undisputed Queen of Hip Hop Soul released her Grammy-nominated Good Morning Gorgeous album in February.
New York City-based rapper Lil Tjay came in at #3 for the top trending Musicians and Bands searches in the United States. The Columbia recording artist made headlines after being shot during an attempted robbery in June. Tjay had to dispel rumors he suffered paralysis from the incident.
Rapper/actor Will Smith place second in Google’s Top Trending People section behind fellow movie star Johnny Depp. Media outlets fixated on Smith following his infamous “Oscar Slap” at the 94th Academy Awards.
Before winning Best Actor for King Richard, Will Smith smacked Chris Rock in the face on stage in response to Rock joking about the bald head of Smith’s wife Jada Pinkett Smith. Chris Rock placed seventh on the 2022 People list.
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” fromEncanto (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) finished as the #1 song for Google’s “Year In Search” results for 2022. The album’s “Surface Pressure” occupies the runner-up position.
Encanto was the #1 movie. Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine was the #1 musician. Euphoria was the #1 television show. Antonio Brown was the #1 athlete. Philadelphia Phillies were the #1 sports team. Wordle was the overall top trending search for the year.
Google bases its “Year In Search” information in the United States on queries that had a high spike in traffic over a sustained period in 2022 as compared to 2021. The provided data does not reflect the “most searched” or “top searches” for the time period.
It has already been a newsworthy week for Daystar “Tory Lanez” Peterson. As his felony assault case in California heads to trial, the Canadian rapper/singer reportedly closed out another serious legal situation.
RadarOnlinereports Tory Lanez reached a financial settlement with Love & Hip Hop: Miami star Christopher Michael “Prince” Harty. Apparently, the agreement is part of an attempt by Lanez’s new legal team to avoid that case going to court.
“Last night our security broke up an altercation between Love and Hip Hop’s Prince and Tory Lanez. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and both parties were immediately asked to leave the venue,” read a statement from LIV management.
Multiple People Have Accused Tory Lanez Of Violent Behavior
Despite apparently settling his legal issues with Prince in recent days, Tory Lanez still faces around 23 years in prison if a jury convicts him of shooting Megan Thee Stallion. That assault/firearm trial will likely begin in California on December 12.
In addition, R&B singer August Alsina alleged Tory Lanez also struck him backstage at the Fall Back In Love Comedy & Music Jam tour in September. At first, Lanez suggested he was in a recording studio at the time of the supposed attack. However, video footage showed Alsina and Lanez together at the location on that night.
Darryl Dwayne Granberry Jr. went from being a popular YouTube content creator to a Platinum-certified recording artist. The 25-year-old entertainer, better known as DDG, believes one profession is more lucrative than the other.
“[Not gonna lie]… YouTubers/streamers make more money than rappers and it’s not even close,” tweeted DDG on Tuesday evening. That post collected over 28,000 likes on Twitter.
It seems the Pontiac, Michigan native got some pushback on that take about YouTube money versus Hip Hop money. Around four hours later, he returned to Twitter to shame his less wealthy critics.
“I ain’t arguing [with] no n#### I’m richer than… lol you got it, lil bro, 😂,” wrote the former Central Michigan University student. Around 4,000 users pushed the like button for that particular tweet.
“YouTube/Streaming = most money, Music = most respect mainstream wise, Boxing = most respect online wise,” offered KSI in the replies to DDG’s original tweet about YouTubers versus rappers.
KSI has competed in several professional boxing matches, including a famous 2019 victory over YouTuber Logan Paul. DDG also stepped into the ring in 2021 to defeat TikTok star Nate Wyatt in an amateur bout at the “Social Gloves: Battle of the Platforms” event.
Top Hip Hop Stars Reportedly Make More Money Than Top YouTube Stars
According to reports, MrBeast ranked as the highest-paid YouTuber of 2021 by earning an estimated $54 million that year. The Paul brothers also made the Top 10 list with Jake Paul racking up $45 million for a #2 ranking. Logan Paul landed at #9 with $18 million.
In comparison, Hip Hop legend Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter made an estimated $470 million in 2021. The Roc Nation boss topped a list that also featured Kanye West ($250 million), Diddy ($75 million), and Drake ($50 million).
DDG launched his main YouTube channel in 2014. As of press time, the PontiacMadeDDG page has collected over 3 million subscribers and 471 million views. His official music channel arrived on the platform in 2017.
Since crossing over to the music space, DDG managed to earn RIAA plaques for 2018’s “Arguments” as well as 2020’s “Moonwalking in Calabasas” featuring Blueface. His discography also contains the Epic Records-released Valedictorian and It’s Not Me It’s You albums.
ngl.. youtubers/streamers make more money than rappers & it’s not even close
Apparently, there are some people on social media that choose to focus on negativity when it comes to the 29-year-old actress/singer. Keke Palmer had to address any haters that took shots at her appearance.
“I just saw a few comments of [people] saying I was ugly ’cause I wasn’t wearing any makeup. And I really want y’all to get the help y’all need because makeup isn’t real. I’m beautiful in real life, because of who I am, not what I look like,” tweeted Palmer on Tuesday.
The So Uncool album creator also tweeted, “I wish I could bottle how I feel about myself and sell it. Because some people take comments to heart and these ppl just say anything. I mean truly it’s insane to say anyone is ugly, but especially me. 🤣🤣🤣.”
Keke Palmer began her run in Hollywood as a pre-teen by starring in 2007’s Akeelah and the Bee film. She went on to be part of the cast of other movies like Madea’s Family Reunion, Joyful Noise, Hustlers, and Alice.
Additionally, Palmer once hosted her own talk show titled Just Keke for the BET network. The Primetime Emmy Award winner later co-anchored ABC’s Strahan, Sara and Keke alongside Michael Strahan and Sara Haines.
Keke Palmer’s television résumé also includes stints on True Jackson, VP, Winx Club, and Scream Queens. She also played Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas in VH1’s CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story biopic. Palmer led the internet-based mockumentary series That’s the Gag as well.
I just saw a few comments of ppl saying I was ugly cause I wasn’t wearing any makeup. And I really want y’all to get the help y’all need because makeup isn’t real. I’m beautiful in real life, because of who I am, not what I look like.
I wish I could bottle how I feel about myself and sell it. Because some people take comments to heart and these ppl just say anything. I mean truly it’s insane to say anyone is ugly, but especially me. 🤣🤣🤣
The Hip Hop world is still feeling the loss of Migos rapper Takeoff. One of his surviving groupmates, Offset, posted a heartfelt Instagram message about his deceased family member last month.
“The pain you have left me with is unbearable,” wrote Offset on November 15. “My heart is shattered and I have so many things to say, but I can’t find the words.
The 30-year-old Georgia native continued, “I’ve been going to sleep and waking up hoping that all of this is a dream, but it’s reality, and reality feels like a nightmare.”
Offset continued to mourn Takeoff’s untimely death in other Instagram posts. Yesterday, Set also made a personal request on how he would like to see the public address The Last Rocket album creator.
“Don’t post Takeoff unless it’s in a positive light please!” stated Offset. It is not clear what may have inspired Set to share that statement at the time that he did.
Quavo, Cardi B & Other Family Members Joined Offset In Publicly Grieving Takeoff’s Death
Several of Takeoff’s additional loved ones have spoken out about his passing. The third Migos member, Quavo, shared his own touching Instagram message about his nephew.
“It’s so hard to tell you Ima miss you because you always with me and we did everything together. Since we were kids you been by my side lookin up at me, them eyes waiting on me to make the next move… then you followed up right behind me,” conveyed Quavo.
Offset’s wife, Hip Hop superstar Cardi B, paid tribute to Takeoff as well. Takeoff’s brother, YRN Lingo, also took to social media to share his thoughts about his sibling no longer being here.
“I know God had to meet one of his purest angels because you were one of them. I’m still trying to understand this life thing, just help me and guide me through this hell on earth, ’cause it’s going to be hard, super hard without you, bro,” posted YRN Lingo.
Another person has been arrested in connection to the murder of promising U.K. rapper TKorStretch at London’s Notting Hill Carnival in August.
21-year-old Takayo Nembhard, a.k.a TKorStretch, died after being stabbed during the event in Ladbroke Grove, west London, on Aug. 29. According to multiplereports, a teenager was arrested on Tuesday after surrendering to police. He remains in custody on suspicion of murder.
Meanwhile, authorities are still attempting to trace another man captured on CCTV at the carnival. They issued an image of the man asking for anybody who can identify him to come forward.
Detective Inspector Laura Semple, Specialist Crime, revealed cops are seeking witnesses to assist the investigation. “If can you help or have any information – no matter how small – about Takayo’s murder please come forward.”
Police Appeal For Witnesses To TKorStretch Murder
A police statement confirms detectives are appealing for any video footage taken of the incident. “This incident happened during the carnival in a large crowd,” the statement reads. Cops believe any phone or camera recordings could help identify those responsible for the murder.
TKorStretch was attacked in Ladbroke Grove, under the Westway flyover. He was taken to hospital where he sadly died. His cause of death was listed as a stab wound to the right groin femoral artery.
Cops have arrested several people in connection with the incident. A 23-year-old man and an 18-year-old man were arrested in TKorStretch’s hometown of Bristol on suspicion of murder on Oct. 19. A 20-year-old woman was also arrested in London on suspicion of assisting an offender.
The teenager and the woman were bailed pending further inquiries, while the third suspect was released under investigation.
Days after the initial arrests, cops also apprehended a 17-year-old boy in Bristol on suspicion of the murder. Police arrested the teen on Oct. 22 and subsequently bailed him pending further inquiries.
Although Tory Lanez was hit with another charge in the Megan Thee Stallion shooting case, his attorney is “confident” his client will be fully cleared by the end of the trial.
Prosecutors hit the Toronto native with a third felony charge on Monday (Dec. 5). He has now been charged with discharging a firearm with gross negligence. He previously pleaded not guilty to the initial charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle.
If convicted on all three counts Tory Lanez faces a maximum of 22 years and eight months in prison.
However, his attorney, George Mgdesyan believes the musician will escape prison and be cleared of all charges against him.
“We are confident that at the conclusion of this trial the truth will come out,” Mgdesyan told TMZ. “Mr. Peterson will be exonerated of all charges.”
Tory Lanez took to social media on Tuesday afternoon with his own confident message.
“No weapon formed against me shall prosper,” he tweeted before adding, “EVER.”
Prosecutors accuse Tory Lanez of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in July 2020. He cannot discuss the case publicly after a judge issued a gag order preventing him from doing so.
Megan Thee Stallion Feared Tory Lanez Might Kill Her
“He started shooting, and I’m just like, ‘oh my God.’ He shot a couple of times. And I didn’t even want to move. I don’t want to move too quick like ’cause I’m like ‘oh my God’ if I take the wrong step, I don’t know if he can shoot something that’s like super important.’ I don’t know if he could shoot me and kill me,” Megan Thee Stallion explained to King in April. She added “I was really scared because I had never been shot at before.”
Lizzo showed what it means to be a true voice of the people after receiving the People’s Champion honor at the 2022 People’s Choice Awards on Tuesday evening (Dec. 6).
The “Grrrls” hitmakers brought the audience to tears with her heartfelt acceptance speech, using her platform to “amplify marginalized voices,” bringing out 17 activists on stage with her to accept the trophy.
“I’m [going to] be honest, when I first heard about this award, I was on the fence about whether I should accept because, if I’m the people’s champ, I don’t need a trophy for championing people,” Lizzo revealed as she addressed the crowd.
“I’m here tonight, because to be an icon isn’t about how long you’ve had your platform. Being an icon is what you do with that platform. And ever since the beginning of my career, I’ve used my platform to amplify marginalized voices.”
Lizzo, who also won Song of the Year, then welcomed to the stage activists she believes deserves the spotlight for their work.
“Tonight, I’m sharing this honor,” Lizzo said, before introducing each guest by name and highlighting their field of work. Watch Lizzo receive the People’s Champion Award in the clip below.
Lizzo Accepts People’s Champion Award With A Host Of Activists
“When I think of Lizzo the word champion comes to mind,” Lizzo’s mother, Shari Johnson-Jefferson, said, presenting her famous daughter with the award. “She’s a champion of others, she builds you up and she’s always in your corner. I should know because I’m her mother.”
She continued: “Melissa has always been herself, 100% that chic and she has shown us all that we don’t have to conform to anyone’s standards in order to be happy, to be creative and to feel worthy. I know that Lizzo has literally saved lives. No one is more deserving of this honor and I’m so proud of her.”
Missy Elliott has given fans a glimpse behind the curtain, revealing some of the pressures involved in creating her groundbreaking albums.
The Virginia native revealed how each album added to her artistry and how she and super producer Timbaland evolved to become one of the most creative duos in Hip-Hop.
Missy Elliott revealed she felt “stressfree” crafting her debut LP, Supa Dupa Fly, in 1997 because she lacked expectation. However, the motivation for the project came from her desire to have her own label.
“My label told me they would give me my own label if I did 1 album,” Missy explained. “So me & @Timbaland completed this album in 2 weeks not knowing this would be the beginning of many more to come🔥”
The critically acclaimed album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and would go on to achieve Platinum certification, selling over a million copies in the U.S. alone.
My 1st album was stressfree because I didn’t have any expectations. My label told me they would give me my own label if I did 1 album so me & @Timbaland completed this album in 2 weeks not knowing this would be the beginning of many more to come🔥 pic.twitter.com/mineJQSfDN
According to Missy, the “hardest” and her “least favorite” project to complete was her sophomore offering, Da Real World.
“Because of the success of the 1st album I was so hard on myself,” she revealed. However, she eventually “realized the MASTERPIECE,” she and Timbaland created with her 1999 LP.
Missy Elliott & Timbaland Wanted to “Experiment” On “So Addictive”
Missy felt some “relief” by the time she made her third album, 2001’s So Addictive, allowing her and Tim the space to “experiment.” The duo was “open to showing what the FUTURE of music could sound like in our minds🔥”
So Addictive earned Missy her highest Billboard 200 chart position yet, debuting at No. 2. The album spawned the hits “One Minute Man”, featuring Ludacris and Trina, and “Get Ur Freak On” and went on to receive two Grammy Awards.
Having created projects “so different in sound & cadence,” Missy and Timbaland were unsure where to go next. Nonetheless, they eventually combined their “love for old school Hip Hop & breaks beats” with their “FUTURE sound” to create Under Construction in 2002.
A year later, Missy Elliot and Timbaland returned to “SOUND EXPERIMENTING” to make This Is Not a Test!
“Each time we took a risk sonically,” Missy Elliot said of her partnership with Timbaland. Check out her tweets below.
By this album I felt a small relief & I felt my 2nd album allowed me & @Timbaland to EXPERIMENT with my 3rd album🔉outtaspace sounds since my 2nd album was theatrical with knockin beats🔉 We were open to showing what the FUTURE of music could sound like in our minds🔥 pic.twitter.com/Q2cfjed1DJ
This album @Timbaland & I was back to SOUND EXPERIMENTING & we felt a little more free to explore since the other albums success. But each album was a lil pressure except “SUPADUPAFLY” & “So Addictive” but each time we took a risk sonically🔥 pic.twitter.com/SUmptsfB4z
Cardi B has weighed in on the debate sparked by GloRilla last week over whether women should contribute 50/50 in their relationships.
The NYC rapper agreed with her “Tomorrow 2” collaborator saying women should be financially independent if they want to build a future with their partner.
Furthermore, Cardi has some experience in the matter, revealing she was once left homeless after the man she lived with kicked her out.
When the topic came up during a recent Instagram live session, Cardi B explained, “I am not totally against 50/50.” She went on to add that it “really depends” on the individual “situation” and “lifestyle.”
Cardi offered a scenario where a couple, earning $50k a year each, plan to buy a house as an example. However, only one party contributes to the bills and other household expenses. “B#### y’all never gonna buy a f###### house,” she stated. “And that just goes if you want to be a part of something.”
Cardi acknowledged that some women might want to be kept by their partner but warned against it. ‘You ain’t got no say so in nothing,” she explained before adding, “A n#### could kick you out whenever.”
The Grammy Award winner speaks from experience, having been kicked out by an ex before. “I didn’t like that feeling,” Cardi B recalled, revealing she was left homeless and had to sleep in a space below the roof of her building.
Cardi B Reveals She Went 50/50 With Offset On ATL Home
She added, “I love to get maintained, but I do like ownership of certain s###. That’s why I went half and half on my house in Atlanta with my n####.” Cardi said while she is the sole owner of her NYC house, she and husband Offset plan on buying an NYC apartment together. They also will go halves on a place in L.A. Check out her comments in the clip below.
DJ Quik ruminated about his status as an artist in a string of Twitter posts on Tuesday (December 6).
The Hip Hop legend felt he should be regarded as highly as Dr. Dre. DJ Quik said he knew why he never reached the same heights as his West Coast contemporary.
“I deserve to be where Dre is,” he wrote. “I don’t think it’s fair, but I understand why. I’ve never had a machine behind me, that always hurt my friends more than it did me.”
He added, “My friends have come to me in confidentiality to say ‘do your music like you want to. Just be DJ Quik! People love that s###!’”
DJ Quik stressed his love for Dr. Dre, downplaying any perceived slight against the fellow producer. The 52-year-old artist claimed he was explaining himself as “neutrally” as he could.
“There is no automatic winning lottery ticket for everyone Periodt,” he wrote. “On this planet, you get what you get. But it’s what you do with what you have been given to work with that makes you a star.”
DJ Quik concluded, “I know I’ll never be as popular as I need to be, but I have 10s of artists superstars! And when they shine, I just smile. The janitor doesn’t get all the glory, but he keeps the backstage, clean as a triage.”
Kanye West appeared on another right-wing extremist’s platform to spout his antisemitic views and fondness for Adolf Hitler.
The controversial rapper sat down for an interview with Proud Boys founder Gavin McInnes. Kanye West continued to share his bizarre and offensive opinions, including his belief that Jewish people should forgive Adolf Hitler.
“Jewish people can’t tell me who I can love and who I can’t love,” ‘Ye said. “You can’t say, you can’t force your pain on everyone else. Jewish people, forgive Hitler today. Let it go.”
Less than a week ago, Kanye West declared he “liked Hitler” during an appearance on conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ show InfoWars. Ye also said he “loved Nazis.”
Kanye West’s conversation with Gavin McInnes featured numerous antisemitic comments, more gripes about pornography and wild conspiracy theories. ‘Ye spoke about his presidential campaign, suggesting Candace Owens as a good running mate. But he complained about her being “controlled” by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro.
Near the end of the interview, ‘Ye shared his ideas for reshaping America. He claimed to be in the process of updating the U.S. Constitution.
“This is a Christian country and the rules of the country will be based on the Bible,” he said. “We’re going to realign—we’re gonna align the Constitution with the Bible. And update it. And we’re in the process of doing that right now.”
View the interview below. Kanye West’s remarks about the Constitution and forgiving Hitler begin around the 42-minute mark.
