“I was raised by my mom and grandma. She was real big on keeping a tight family and big on love,” Nipsey told CBS2 during an interview.
Despite being heartbroken by her grandson’s death, Margaret Boutte mustered up the strength to show some compassion for Holder, who was convicted of first-degree murder in July of 2022.
https://youtu.be/n8pE-4PHLI0
“I’m praying for him too. I hope he does not get killed in custody. Have enough time to ask God for forgiveness,” Boutte said. “I’m Catholic, I do believe in prayer, and I’m praying for him. He was a young, ignorant situation, and I’m hoping he’s sorry for what he did.”
Thankfully, Margaret Boutte lived long enough to see her grandson receive his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in August 2022.
“He was the love of my life. Always very respectful. I miss him, but I look at his picture and remember all the wonderful times we had together. I thank my daughter for blessing me with Nipsey and Samuel, and Samantha. He will never be gone in my heart. He lives forever. Nipsey, I love you, I miss you,” Margaret Boutte said after the rapper received his star.
A collaboration many fans have been clamoring for is finally coming to fruition.
Earlier today (October 22nd), Drake and 21 Savage dropped the video for their song “Jimmy Cooks” from Drake’s album Honestly, Nevermind.
At about the 1:25 second mark in the video, a huge graphic pops up on the screen announcing the album Her Loss, along with the release date of October 28th.
The announcement was made to celebrate 21 Savage’s 30th birthday today.
Earlier this week, fans saw the pair on stage at the Atlanta Forbes arena. 21 Savage performed during Spelman College and Morehouse Colleges’ homecoming festivities, and Drake popped out on this stage as a surprise guest.
Run the Jewels announced RTJ CU4TRO, a remix album created with a variety of Latin artists.
El-P and Killer Mike bill the project as a reimagining of the duo’s 2020 album RTJ4. The new Run the Jewels project features contributions by Akapellah, Baco Exu Do Blues, the Mexican Institute of Sound, Sarah La Morena, Trooko and more.
“We are honored and delighted to have had the opportunity to work with the amazing producers, vocalists, musicians and artists who made this album happen,” El-P said. “We set out to make a remix album, but we consider the end result of RTJ CU4TRO to be more than that. It’s a reimagining of RTJ4 through the lens of collaboration and a fusing of numerous musical cultures and influences … a rare chance for us to connect, create and be inspired by/with people who we may never have had the chance to get down with if we weren’t lucky enough to be in a position to put it all together.”
He added, “We thank them for all their generosity, energy and creativity. This is a piece of music filled with love, respect and craft and everyone truly gave it their all, genuinely humbling us in the process.”
RTJ CU4TRO is scheduled to drop on November 11. Pre-order the Run the Jewels project here.
Listen to one of the tracks from RTJ CU4TRO below.
According to a new release from the Justice Department, South Carolina rapper Lil Quan, whose name is Daquan Tyreek Funchess-Johnson, 26, is about to go away for a long time.
The Sumter native was sentenced to six years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The DOJ stated the prosecution presented evidence to the court that proved in November 2019, officers with the Sumter Police Department knew Quan was a gang member and rapper with outstanding warrants from Orangeburg County.
With this knowledge, they popped up at W scheduled performance at a local Sumter nightclub.
They trialed him at around 3 a.m outside a convenience store as he was headed back to his vehicle.
That’s where he was arrested and they found a Ruger .45 caliber firearm concealed underneath his jacket in his vehicle.
“The investigation showed that the firearm had previously been reported stolen from a gun store in 2017. A ballistics analysis through the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) linked the firearm to shell casings recovered from two separate shooting incidents in Sumter in July 2019,” the release said. “Additionally, during the sentencing hearing, the court heard evidence that Funchess-Johnson, while in jail, recruited and paid a passenger in the vehicle to make a statement taking ownership of the firearm in an attempt to exonerate Funchess-Johnson. His plan did not succeed.”
United States District Judge Donald Coggins sentenced Funchess-Johnson to 72 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision.
On Thursday, Oct. 19, a jury has found Jacksonville rapper Spinabenz not guilty on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in a recent trial where the prosecutor used his lyrics as evidence against him.
The drill hitmaker, whose real name is Noah Williams, pleaded not guilty to the charges, as the prosecutors cited lyrics from his song, “My Glock” to make a case for conviction.
The state argued Spinabenz girlfriend purchased a weapon for him that was found and confiscated during a traffic stop when he was arrested.
In the state of Florida, felons are barred from owning firearms. Spinabenz, who had already been convicted on a felony weapons charge (that was connected to a gang enhancement) faced up to 30 years in prison.
On Friday, Oct. 21, on his Instagram story he a message in response to the verdict was posted, saying, “They can’t stop the spinning.”
His 316,000 followers were thrilled at his victory.
Tasha K set Megan Thee Stallion as her latest target last night. Nicki Minaj, a longtime rival of Cardi B, accepted Tasha on her Instagram Live stream. The conversation included the UnWineWithTashaK content creator bringing up Megan.
“We’re just talking about Megan. You know she done f##### up Teyana’s house. Teyana [Taylor] had to sell that house,” Tasha K told Nicki Minaj. “You know Megan was renting that house, and that’s why [she] and [stylist E.J. King] fell out.”
Tasha then asked Nicki Minaj about her upcoming music releases. Instead of changing the subject, Minaj expressed being confused by the previous comments. The “Super Freaky Girl” rapper turned the discussion back to Teyana Taylor as both women laughed.
“What I said was Teyana Taylor sold the house that she rented to Megan Thee Stallion,” repeated Tasha K. “Of course, we’re going to say allegedly just in case some details are wrong. However, that was the same house that Teyana had to beg for money from, because Megan, the house got vandalized by her people from her showing off the house.”
“Tasha K still hasn’t learned,” tweeted KenBarbie. “Tonight she alleged that Megan Thee Stallion owed Teyana Taylor back rent and caused her trouble selling her home after it was vandalized during her stay. We spoke with sources directly connected to the situation that [has] provided the TRUTH.”
KenBarbie continued, “Meg rented from Teyana for a very short period in 2019 and left very early 2020. Teyana just sold the home nearly a month ago, it is not the same home [as] Meg’s that was recently burglarized. Tasha also raised false allegations on Meg’s [fallout] with her former stylist E.J. King.”
The internet personality also posted, “Tasha alleged E.J. and Megan fell out due to Meg ‘ruining’ Teyana’s home and owing her… Keep in mind, Megan left the home in early 2020, she was still working with E.J. way past that and the two actually didn’t stop working together until the Tory [Lanez] incident which took place in July 2020.”
Beef Has Been Brewing Among Female Rappers For Weeks
Megan Thee Stallion has not directly responded to Tasha K’s accusations. The Traumazine album creator did send out a cryptic tweet as the Tasha K/Nicki Minaj interaction started going viral on social media. Meg simply tweeted, “Weird 🙄.”
Additionally, Nicki Minaj clashed online with “Big Energy” hitmaker Latto over the Grammy Award submissions. Minaj and Latto both exchanged personal jabs that included ghostwriting allegations, claims of cyberbullying, and rebuttals about sexual assault.
Speculation has been brewing that Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion suffered a rift sometime after they worked together on “Hot Girl Summer” in 2019. Many fans believe both stars have been sending subliminal shots at the other in songs, interviews, and on social media for some time.
Meg rented from Teyana for a very short period in 2019 and left very early 2020. Teyana just sold the home nearly a month ago, it is not the same home of Meg’s that was recently burglarized. Tasha also raised false allegations on Meg’s fall out with her former stylist EJ King…
Will Megan be the next one to sue Tasha K? Because apparently even after the $4 million wrath of Cardi B.. she still hasn’t learned 🤔 pic.twitter.com/bwcVyzwVgr
Cardi B has emerged victorious in her years long battle with a man claimed he was humiliated when she used a picture of his tattoo without permission.
A California man named Kevin Brophy filed the lawsuit against the “Up” rapper over the cover of her *Gangsta B**ch Vol. 1* album, claiming his distinctive back tattoo was photoshopped onto the model in the cover to make it appear as if Brophy was performing oral sex on her.
Released in 2016, the record’s cover features Cardi – real name Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar – drinking beer while holding a man’s head between her thighs.
The model between the 30-year-old’s legs consented to the shoot.
https://youtu.be/kw5_DG8SnIY
A graphic designer on the project reportedly later searched “back tattoos” on Google Images and photoshopped one onto the model; the tattoo in question – a tiger fighting a snake – turned out to be Brophy’s.
Brophy initially sued the rapper in 2017 for using his likeness without his consent, violating his right to privacy, and casting him in a “false light” that he found “highly offensive.”
The case’s trial began on Tuesday, with Brophy testifying that the cover had brought him “hurt and shame.”
During her testimony, Cardi argued that the model used in the photo looks sufficiently different to Brophy that he would not be mistaken for the model based on his tattoo.
Master P was honored for his work in the Louisville community on Friday (October 21).
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and activist Christopher 2X presented Master P with a key to the city. The mayor praised the No Limit Records founder for helping to make Louisville a safer city.
“For more than a decade now, @MasterPMiller has worked closely with one of our city’s great partners and my friend, Christopher 2X, to make our city a safer, more peaceful place for everyone, especially our young people,” Mayor Fischer wrote on Twitter. “We appreciate his efforts!”
Master P developed ties to Louisville when some of his family members relocated to the city due to Hurricane Katrina. He appreciated how Louisville embraced his family after they were displaced from New Orleans.
“Having this key to the city, I feel like we’re bringing the rest of the city together and the other business owners saying, you know what, let’s be a part of making a difference,” Miller said, per WDRB. “So that’s what it’s about for me. It’s a blessing.”
Earlier this year, Master P became a special youth advisor for Christopher 2X’s nonprofit in Louisville. The Hip Hop mogul’s involvement in the organization’s Future Healers program connected him with a Kentucky child, who lost his sight due to gun violence. Master P and the boy teamed up for a children’s book, which will be released in 2023.
Diddy is ready to face Jermaine Dupri in a Verzuz battle.
The Bad Boy Records boss taunted Jermaine Dupri while attending a Mary J. Blige concert. Diddy shared a clip of Mary J. Blige performing her song “I’m Goin’ Down” and boasted about playing it in the Verzuz battle.
“Wait till I hit Jermaine Dupri with this s###,” Diddy said. “I’m telling y’all now. Wait till I hit Jermaine Dupri with this s###.”
He added, “Ayo, JD, I’m gonna give you the extended version of this song. You feel me? You feel me? Let’s go JD. Let’s give the people what they want, hit for hit. Love! You gon’ get that work.”
Earlier this month, Jermaine Dupri confirmed he will battle Diddy in an upcoming Verzuz event. The So So Def Recordings founder teased the matchup at the ONE Musicfest in Atlanta.
“I’m saying to let y’all know that the So So Def/Bad Boy Verzuz is happening,” he told the crowd.
Jermaine Dupri challenged Diddy to a Verzuz showdown over a year ago. The two had a friendly argument about who would win a battle in an Instagram Live session with Fat Joe and Snoop Dogg.
A few months ago, Diddy vs. JD conversations started again on social media. Now, fans are just waiting on an official announcement.
Norfolk, Virginia, has had some of the most successful rap artists in history, but now the city has another artist to add to its impressive roster of rappers: Immanuel Artemio Ewing, better known as Lil Goosey. Born in 2001 (Norfolk, Virginia) and inspired by his hometown, Lil Goosey began writing lyrics and recording music at age 16 after a friend recommended him to record.
Growing up in a musical family
For most people growing up, their family is one of their biggest influences. The same goes for Lil’ Goosey. His father was a musician before he passed away when Lil’ Goosey was 16. After his death, Goosey decided to take his dad’s rap name and make a name for himself in music. Now Lil’ Goosey has already made quite a name for himself as an upcoming artist from Norfolk. By signing at 23, I hope to become famous “he says”. His passion for making music is what drives him every day to get better and better. In honoring his father’s promise before he passed away, he followed in his footsteps by signing with a label.
His latest single Heartbreaker
Lil Goosey’s latest single, Heartbreaker, is a raw, emotional look into his struggles. The young rapper tells us about his life, what makes him so special and how he plans on staying under the radar for years to come. “I want people from all over to recognize my name and know me by it. I don’t plan on making music that just speaks to one group of people; I want everyone who hears my music to feel like they can relate in some way or another,” he says.
The beats and vocals were produced by Lil Goosey himself, but he’s quick to point out that his skills are not limited. I’ve been working on my own music since I was 16. My dad taught me everything he says. The vocals you hear in Heartbreaker are all mine. He also adds I’m still learning new things every day and hope to learn even more from other people along the way.
Take a moment to listen to him
Lil Goosey has received more than 67,000 listens, endorsements from artists like KillBunk and Lil Lotus, and his own record label. His skills in rapping are what make him stand out amongst other rappers in Norfolk. He uses clever rhymes to make you want to listen to him again and again. He also incorporates singing into some of his songs which allows you to hear different styles in one song as opposed to hearing just rap or just singing. In addition, he writes all of his lyrics by himself without any help which shows that he is truly passionate about making music. He wants everyone who listens to enjoy it because he puts so much effort into it.
Kodak Black is not here for Kanye West‘s nonsense! However, he is for another form of nonsense. Black has openly stated that he does not want to see Kanye West running for president in 2024 and feels that Donald Trump is the best man for the job.
We already know what this is. a couple of years ago Donald Trump pardoned Kodak Black after the rapper was sentenced to four years in jail in 2019. He made some false claims and purchased a firearm based on the untrue premise.
So, now he is a lapdog for the former president. On top of that, he takes a couple of jabs at Kanye West, calling him bat s### crazy. He also cause Donald Trump “Uncle Trump “what cracks me up is that he’s also bat s### crazy. I’m not sure if he’s looked in the mirror or at his own rap sheet anytime recently, but he has his own issues.
Anyway, he does make a compelling case for why Kanye West should not run for president. What he does not do properly is make the case why anybody should listen to him.
Comedian Trevor Noah discussed his public spat with Kanye West at a taping of The Daily Show.
An audience member asked Trevor Noah why he was beefing with Kanye West. The Daily Show host pushed back at the notion of a beef, insisting he has no animosity for ‘Ye.
“I was never beefing with Kanye West; I was concerned about Kanye West,” Trevor Noah said. “And no, genuinely, I mean this. Because if somebody says to me, or to anyone, that they have a mental health issue, and they say to everyone that when they don’t take their medication, they’re unable to control themselves. And then everyone ignores when that person is having an episode and they haven’t taken their medication, and then they platform the person, and then they put them out, I sometimes think it’s a little s#####, to be honest with you.”
Trevor Noah recalled his experiences with his grandfather, who was bipolar. He explained why his Kanye West criticism was meant to voice concern for the controversial rapper’s well-being.
“I grew up loving Kanye,” Trevor Noah said. “There are a few Hip Hop artists who have shaped how I see music. The punchlines that he had in every single song, it was like listening to comedy. The sketches that he had – he loved standup comedy. His mom’s influence on him, his influence on Hip Hop culture, his influence on fashion, how he changed the paradigm. I grew up loving this man. I still love him, despite the s### that he talks. And so, for me, it’s not a beef.”
He continued, “When I grew up in South Africa, one thing that I loved was you grew up in a space where people would say … ‘We’re gonna tell you to your face.’ You know what I mean? We’re not gonna sit by and see you doing something and just act like, ‘Oh no, we didn’t see it.’ I sometimes feel like Americans enjoy doing that. They see it, they see it, they see it. And then something really bad happens and they’re like, ‘Aw, I wish we had spoken about it. I wish someone had said something.’”
Trevor Noah pointed out his actual beef was with how society handles ‘Ye. The comic expressed dissatisfaction with people continuing to put a microphone in Kanye West’s face instead of showing any discretion.
I$AIAH also known as Isaiah Stokes is shining hard on his newest track “The Persona of a Hustler” produced by Baby Paul. The ‘Power’ actor has received countless support from some of the game’s top talents like 50 Cent and many more. The Queens, NYC rapper is also the first actor from the show to partner with LVMH/MHUSA to release a musical production. His autobiographical lyrics help paint an accurate picture of the day in the life of I$AIAH. His fans are excited to hear more from the authentic MC.
Today, I$AIAH is being held on a 15 million dollar bail at the infamous Riker’s Island. Although he claims he is not guilty, he is still being detained at the NY-based jail. Entertainment Weekly discussed his high-profile murder case earlier this year. After appearing in a few of TV’s top shows like “Law & Order” “SVU”, “POWER”, and more, I$AIAH is looking forward to beating his case and getting back into the world of music and acting. The incarcerated lyricist is going to share his art with fans amidst all of the current drama in his life.
For now, press play on the street legend’s newest record “The Persona of a Hustler” today!
SwaVay states his biggest goal: “Just going to sleep every night and comfortably knowing that there’s a conversation being had at that moment of ‘who’s the best rappers of all time?’ And I’m somewhere in that list. You talk about the best rappers of all time right now, we gon’ say the same 6 names. Maybe 5 even. I’ll be able to go to sleep knowing damn, someone’s having that conversation and I’m in it.”
His other goals? To win a Grammy, and to own his own record label one day.
Born and raised in Atlanta, SwaVay prides himself in being his own unique sound, with the ability to switch between singing and rapping whenever he feels like it. And while Atlanta may be the hub to all the hottest in hip-hop as of late, SwaVay reminds us he’s a lyricist, and he takes his rhymes very seriously.
The true opposite of one-dimensional, SwaVay describes himself using the adjectives: “opinionated, passionate, annoying.” He adds “I’m big annoying, because I’m passionate. You have to be. Everybody that’s great is a little annoying.”
Fast forward to today, SwaVay celebrates his new venture with Def Jam. Fans can expect a full project titled Almetha’s Son arriving in September, spearheaded by lead singles “JUGG” and “Faces.”
AllHipHop caught up with SwaVay in downtown Los Angeles to discuss his journey to Def Jam how his sound has evolved, love for hooping, the success of “2AM,” relationship with James Blake, forthcoming project, and more!
AllHipHop: How have you been since the last time we chatted?
SwaVay: I’ve been good. My life’s different. I was with Republic, now I’m here [Def Jam]. I’m 25 now. I met you when I was 22 or 23, that was 2019. It’s cool, I feel like I’m a better artist now. I have a way better understanding of who I am as an artist. Before, when I first met you, I still was finding myself. I knew where I wanted to go, I just didn’t know what that looked like. But now I’m ready to go.
AllHipHop: How have you evolved as an artist, or sonically maybe?
SwaVay: Sonically, when I first met you 2019, I was trying to find that balance between being hard, making hard rap. Not trap, but just making sure that my sh*t still hits hard. While I was still coming from that boom bap s### I love, but now I found that balance. That’s on the sonics, and I have way more direction. I know what I want to talk about, every project.
AllHipHop: When I met you, you were assigned to Metro Boomin. Do you feel that hard-hitting trap influence came from him too?
SwaVay: It definitely played a part. Metro’s s### was so crazy because I’d go to the studio, this is when Gunna was just coming up. You go to the studio and Gunna will play something on the aux, Metro will play some sht. F###, Future just came in. He plays some sht. F###, Thug just came he plays some sh*t.
Now, it’s my turn to play some sht. It’s not really as hard-hitting. The Metro sht definitely played a part in it, but still a lot of it was just me figuring sh*t out. Figuring out what the f### I wanted.
AllHipHop: How would you describe your sound now?
SwaVay: My sound now, currently, is very artistically Atlanta. I like to think I’m unapologetic. I think you can walk away from the music now and tell I’m intentional and that I definitely give a f###.
AllHipHop: You still in the A?
SwaVay: Of course. I’ll never move out here.
AllHipHop: It doesn’t have to be here, but anywhere else.
SwaVay: I’ll move somewhere else, but LA ain’t it. It’s too much going on. I would never want to be this close to the industry, ever.
AllHipHop: I feel like Atlanta has the biggest hip-hop scene coming out right now.
SwaVay: Facts, we were just talking about that. Atlanta’s cool. Atlanta’s changing for sure. It’s crazy to see it now as a grown ass man. Damn, this place that I grew up is changing right now. I like it. My reception from Atlanta now is a lot more accepting and I f### with that. Because before, I don’t think Atlanta wanted to hear a lyricist. Now, people will be like “oh nah, he rap for real. He’s actually hard as f**k too.” That’s what I would say Atlanta’s like right now.
AllHipHop: Talk about boom bap, who are the lyricists that you like?
SwaVay: Right now, or of all-time? JID is incredible. JID got it for me, I really respect where JID is. He’s talented as f**k. I was watching him, I was with him when he was recording his new s### he’s finna put out. It made him appreciate him even more as a rapper, because he can actually rap.
AllHipHop: Rap hella fast.
SwaVay: Rap hella fast! Facts.
AllHipHop: Y’all got music?
SwaVay: Absolutely. We have some s###. It’s just that me and my him are so focused on what the f### we are working on, it’s hard to lock in how we want to.
AllHipHop: You were hooping too back home right?
SwaVay: Yeah. I just played basketball on Sunday, I got a back spasm. So my whole yesterday was ass.
AllHipHop: You nice with it though?
SwaVay: Of course! I don’t hoop like a rapper either. I hoop like a basketball player. You know how rappers hoop… you watch the celebrity All-Star game? It’s all b#######.
AllHipHop: “2AM” has 10 million streams on Spotify, how does that feel?
SwaVay: It’s weird because it’s like…
AllHipHop: You gotta be excited though…
SwaVay: Nah it’s lit. My Distrokid checks is lit, fasho. It’s weird because it’s not really a song I like, to be honest.
AllHipHop: That happens with a lot of artists, their biggest songs are s### they don’t like.
SwaVay: But people really like that fking song. And I’m glad they like it because like I said, my Distrokid s### is fking lit bruh. I’ll show you the s### after this interview, you’ll be like “aw s###, this n*gga is having his way.”
AllHipHop: Just with the independent success off one song, what made you decide to go with Def Jam?
SwaVay: I know Tunji really well. He said “bro, I’m about to do this.” I thought “you know what, I’m always down to be a flagship with some s###. F**k it, I trust you let’s go.” And now we’re at Def Jam.
AllHipHop: Just like that?
SwaVay: Nah, hell no. This sh*t took so f**king long. I was having some situations before. Even my past label situation, I left. I said alright, I’ma figure this sh*t out. Redefine myself and figure out what the f### SwaVay looks like. Not only in the future, but just for myself, right then in that moment. Tunji was there, really was behind the music. He said “bro, come on over here. Let’s go.” I said “f### it!”
AllHipHop: How’s the journey been so far?
SwaVay: It’s been good. It’s just tiring as f**k. The label sh*t… listen bro.
AllHipHop: It’s a full-time job!
SwaVay: It is. It’s one of those things where you literally have to be born for that sh*t. There’s a lot of people who said that this is what they want, and they realize “oh f**k no, this is some whole other sh*t.” It’s a lot. It’s a lot of opinions. It’s a lot of sh*t that don’t matter.
AllHipHop: Politics.
SwaVay: Yeah politics, that matter but it really don’t matter. It’s a lot, you have to consider. But at the same time, we don’t give a f###. I genuinely don’t. You can’t, if you want your music to stay how it is when you know the industry first got a hold of you. When people start giving a f**k too much about this sh*t is ass all of a sudden.
AllHipHop: Or they get lazy.
SwaVay: Facts, or just fall out of love with this sh*t.
AllHipHop: Why do they call you Billy?
SwaVay: My nickname’s Billy. My mom used to say this sh*t like, ‘you gon’ think your Billy Badass, until you meet Billy Badass and Billy badass whoop your ass.” Then you realize “Oh, I like to read or some s###.” I wasn’t bad, I was just such an inquisitive kid. She’s like “you might just really keep Billy,” so that’s where I got the nickname.
AllHipHop: You got “Faces” arriving end of the month, what can we expect from that record?
SwaVay: You want the lie or the truth? The same s### you see on TikTok. I actually really like this song a lot. It couldn’t get cleared at first. I hate to sound so corny when I say this, TikTok really took my s### up outta there.
AllHipHop: Wait so what happened? You posted a snippet?
SwaVay: I posted on TikTok. Me and my videographer Connor shot a music video for that s###, just for TikTok. That sh*t took off and it shifted everything. We gotta drop “Faces” now! I made a whole music video just for TikTok. It was shot vertically and all that, we really made the music video for TikTok. Because I knew it wasn’t going to get cleared, so I said f**k it.
AllHipHop: What was the TikTok of?
SwaVay: Some corny s###. I go to this girl’s house and try to get her to come outside, but she’s not interested.
AllHipHop: What sample is it?
SwaVay: Knxwledge the producer. He does s### with Anderson .Paak.
AllHipHop: You’re dropped it regular, even though you made it for TikTok?
SwaVay: We did some sh*t to it. We made it more original, so we didn’t have to go through my boy. The same s### though.
AllHipHop: Did you know it was gonna take off on TikTok?
SwaVay: No. When we put it out, it was like f**k it.
Videographer: It took a few days. Now it has over 3 million views. But it didn’t pop off until a day and a half later.
SwaVay: Facts. It had 6,000 views for the first day and a half. But out of nowhere, s### went [claps 3x].
AllHipHop: Were you poppin on TikTok before that?
SwaVay: F### no. I’m still not poppin’ on TikTok. I don’t even know how that sh*t. I know how TikTok works, but I don’t know how to get poppin’ on TikTok. It seems like an impossible job. “Faces” one of them songs that showcases who I am. I sing, I rap. “Faces” is that song.
AllHipHop: Why did you call it “Faces”?
SwaVay: Because it’s my exchange in f**king faces. I didn’t want to call it “F###### Faces,” but “Faces” just sounded sweet.
AllHipHop: What can we expect from your new album, Ametha’s Sun, in September?
SwaVay: Just a really personable album. You smooth it out, and you can walk away from it, like ‘Oh, I know who SwaVay is. I love SwaVay. I know where he comes from, I know what he’s about. I know how he feels about certain things. It’s really personal. It’s not dense, but it’s personable.
AllHipHop: How does your mom feel about it?
SwaVay: She’s old. She likes it — she gets it, but not really though. She’ll be like, ‘Oh yeah that’s cool, SwaVay released an album… did you eat today?’ You know what I mean? She doesn’t really give a f**k.
AllHipHop: What’s the story behind the title?
SwaVay: My mom, it was just me and her growing up. You can listen to all my other music, walk away from it and be like, ‘Oh wow he’s really talented, but I know nothing about Swavay.” So it’s self-titled in a way. You listen to it like, ‘Oh no.” I might as well have named it Andre, that’s my real name.
AllHipHop: Do we have any features?
SwaVay: Absolutely. Not a lot though.
AllHipHop: Can we get a sneak peek?
SwaVay: James Blake. [laughs]
AllHipHop: Of course!
SwaVay: Facts. James is always on my s###.
AllHipHop: Producing or singing?
SwaVay: Both.
AllHipHop: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
SwaVay: B#######. Nothing. I would be doing nothing. Watch Westworld. Get on TikTok, YouTube.
AllHipHop: What would you be watching on YouTube?
SwaVay: Mr. Beast. You don’t even watch nothing, so you don’t know who Mr. Beast is. Oh my goodness. I don’t even know how to describe…
Videographer: Have you ever see the dude that did Squid Games in real life? He gave away all that money and s###.
SwaVay: He makes a million dollars every year. Mr. Beast is lit!
AllHipHop: Where does he get the million dollars?
SwaVay: YouTube. He’s that lit. He’ll be like, “If you run from here to there, I’ll give you $100K.” Mr. Beast is lit.
AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let us know?
SwaVay: You need to get on the f**king TV. Euphoria is crazy…
As a result of his offensive remarks, Balenciaga’s parent company Kering confirmed to WWD on Thursday that the brand would no longer be working with Kanye.
“Balenciaga has no longer any relationship nor any plans for future projects related to this artist,” a representative for Kering said.
Kanye teamed up with Balenciaga’s creative director Demna Gvasalia earlier this year to release the Yeezy Gap Engineered by Balenciaga clothing line, while he also opened the house’s Paris Fashion Week show in early October.
According to WWD, an image of the rapper walking the runway has been removed from the brand’s website.
Also on Thursday, officials at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) published an open letter to Adidas bosses asking them to reconsider pushing ahead with releasing products from Kanye’s Yeezy footwear line.
They called on Adidas to take action to show they have not given Kanye’s “antisemitism a pass” and that there are consequences for his “hateful” comments.
“We urge Adidas to reconsider supporting the Ye product line and to issue a statement making clear that the Adidas company and community has no tolerance whatsoever for antisemitism,” the letter reads.
Reps for the German sportswear giant announced on October 6th that its partnership with Kanye’s Yeezy brand was “under review.”
ESPN contributor Stephen A. Smith built a career that secures him a spot in sports media history. The First Take commentator reflects on his life story in a new autobiography.
The conversation included Charlamagne Tha God asking Stephen A. Smith who would he like to see portray him in a potential biopic based on Straight Shooter. The 55-year-old television/radio host named several prominent actors.
Stephen A. Smith Would Reject Actor/Rapper Will Smith For The Part
“Damn it, it would’ve been Will Smith before the slap… But I can’t go with him now,” Stephen A. Smith declared. “We got love for him, but you just don’t do something like that. And Stephen A. wouldn’t do something like that.”
Both Stephen A. Smith and Will Smith have roots in the Philadelphia area. The sports journalist covered the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Will Smith was born and raised in Philadelphia. Additionally, Stephen A. Smith worked with Chris Rock on the 2007 movie I Think I Love My Wife.
Omari Hardwick & Michael B. Jordan Make Smith’s Shortlist
Stephen A. Smith did have other suggestions for which man could step into his shoes on screen. He offered the lead of Starz’s Power television series and the director of the forthcoming Creed III boxing drama.
“Omari Hardwick, Michael B. Jordan – they both look a hell of a lot better than me, but damn it, I’m stealing from them. So what do you want me to do?” answered Stephen A. Smith. “I’m gonna go with those names.”
The longtime newspaper columnist also added, “I would say Jamie Foxx, but he’s already trying to do [the Mike Tyson biopic]… He does [an impersonation] of Tyson exceptionally well. He does me alright, but he does Tyson really, really good. So I’m not going to give him too much credit for that.”
Fans of the Starz series P-Valley will get to see more installments of the popular Katori Hall-created program. The premium cable network announced a 10-episode third season is on the way.
“P-Valley continues to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as it captures the nuances of the Mississippi Delta with an unprecedented level of humanity and artistry,” states Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for Starz.
Busby continues, “This layered drama gets beyond the glitz through authentic and complex characters that have captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike. We cannot wait to see what Katori has in store for us in season three.”
P-Valley is based on Katori Hall’s play titled P#### Valley. Hall will be back as showrunner and executive producer for the television adaptation. Dante Di Loreto also serves as an executive producer on the series.
Katori Hall Expresses Being Blessed To Present A New Chapter Of P-Valley
“I am blessed beyond measure for this opportunity to write the next chapter of P-Valley. With its complex, dynamic, and beautifully flawed characters, this show is a love letter to marginalized communities in the American South who rarely see themselves reflected on screen, and it brings me immense joy to know that it has been embraced by folx worldwide. We wouldn’t be getting back up on that pony, without our fiercely devoted Pynk Posse. Y’all are our fire,” says Katori Hall.
The Pulitzer Prize winner adds, “And special thanks to the fuel: everyone who laid hands on this show. From the writers and producers to the cast to the crew to the executives, this show is made with great love, grit and glitter. It’s gonna take us a Mississippi minute before we’re back on your screens again, but best believe it’ll be well worth the wait.”
P-Valley season two starred J. Alphonse Nicholson, Nicco Annan, Elarica Johnson, Brandee Evans, Shannon Thornton, Parker Sawyers, Harriett D. Foy, Gail Bean, Loretta Devine, and more. Celebrities such as Joseline Hernandez and Megan Thee Stallion made cameos.
According to Starz, P-Valley became the network’s “biggest show” by averaging 10.3 million viewers across linear, VOD, and streaming platforms. Those domestic numbers were more than a 23% increase versus season one in the same time frame.
A new class of characters signed up for season two of BET+’s College Hill: Celebrity Edition. Alabama State University will host stars from the worlds of music, television, sports, and the internet.
Reality TV veteran Ray J returns for S2 of College Hill: Celebrity Edition. The upcoming episodes will also feature new cast members Amber Rose, Joseline Hernandez, Tiffany “New York” Pollard, Parker McKenna Posey, Iman Shumpert, Kwaylon “BlameItOnKway” Rogers, and O’Ryan Browner.
“As the creator of the original franchise, I was so moved by the way both legacy fans and new fans embraced the first season of our College Hill: Celebrity Edition reboot,” said Edmonds Entertainment’s CEO/President Tracey Edmonds.
She adds, “Edmonds Entertainment is looking forward to partnering again with This Way Out Media for our second season which will showcase the incredible heritage and plethora of assets that Alabama State University has to offer. We are honored to be collaborating with ASU and are excited to share more entertaining stories about the richness of the HBCU culture and experience with audiences again this upcoming season.”
A Southern HBCU Will Be The College Hill Cast’s New Home
Alabama State University is a public historically black university located in Montgomery, Alabama. The HBCU sits on a 395-acre campus. Notable former students include 2 Chainz, Ralph David Abernathy, Clarence Carter, London “Deelishis” Charles, Lil Yachty, and Rickey Smiley.
“We are extremely excited to welcome College Hill: Celebrity Edition to the campus of Alabama State University,” said Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr., President of Alabama State University.
Dr. Ross continued, “I want to thank Tracey Edmonds, Sean Rankine, Mark Seliga, and BET+ for selecting ASU as the location for the popular reality show that gives a global stage to the academic excellence, rich history, and unique culture of the nation’s HBCUs.”
Edmonds Entertainment’s Tracey Edmonds, This Way Out Media’s Sean Rankine and Mark Seliga, and BET+’s Tiffany Lea Williams, Mimi Blanchard, and Raye Dowell executive produced College Hill: Celebrity Edition. The second season will debut in 2023.
Queen Bey and the Queen of Hip Hop Soul go into this year’s Soul Train Awards with the most chances to win. Both Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige earned 7 nominations each.
Beyoncé is up for Best R&B/Soul Female Artist, Song Of The Year, and Album Of The Year. The Renaissance album creator also picked two nods in the Best Collaboration and The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award categories.
Fellow R&B legend Mary J. Blige will compete for the Certified Soul Award, Best R&B/Soul Female Artist, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award, Video Of The Year, and Best Collaboration.
Dreamville vocalist Ari Lennox follows Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige with 6 nominations. Lizzo and Chris Brown tied for 5, respectively. Burna Boy, Muni Long, and Steve Lacy collected 4 nods.
Deon Cole Will Be The Master Of Ceremonies For The Soul Train Awards
The 2022 Soul Train Awards premieres Sunday, November 27 at 8 pm ET/PT on BET and BET Her. Comedian Deon Cole will serve as host for the televised event.
“Hosting the Soul Train Awards is a dream come true. I grew up watching Soul Train and ‘til this day, I’ve never met a Soul Train Line I didn’t bless with my skilled two-step,” says Deon Cole.
He continues, “It is truly a privilege to be given this opportunity to celebrate Don Cornelius’s legacy, all of the amazing Black talent that illuminated our screens on the iconic TV show, and my favorite genres of music: Soul, R&B and Hip Hop.”
“Deon Cole is known for delivering razor-sharp humor and commentary across his acclaimed standup specials and series. Get ready to see him unleash his comedic talents like never before on the Soul Train Awards stage – and don’t say we didn’t warn you,” adds Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy.
Orlando also says, “Deon is BET family, and we are proud to have him make his hosting debut exclusively on BET. We are also equally proud to continue celebrating the legacy of Soul Train with our esteemed nominees and delivering unforgettable performances and moments that epitomize Black Excellence.”
The Full List Of Nominations For The 2022 Soul Train Music Awards
Best New Artist
CKay Coco Jones Dixson Doechii Fireboy DML Muni Long Steve Lacy Tems
Certified Soul Award
Chaka Khan Charlie Wilson Diana Ross Mary J. Blige Maxwell PJ Morton Ronald Isley & The Isley Brothers T-Pain
Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
CeCe Winans Erica Campbell Fred Hammond Major. Marvin Sapp Maverick City Music X Kirk Franklin Tamela Mann Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Best R&B/Soul Female Artist
Ari Lennox Beyoncé H.E.R. Jazmine Sullivan Lizzo Mary J. Blige SZA Tems
Best R&B/Soul Male Artist
Babyface Brent Faiyaz Burna Boy Charlie Wilson Chris Brown Giveon Lucky Daye PJ Morton
Album Of The Year
An Evening With Silk Sonic, Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) Away Message (EP), Ari Lennox Breezy, Chris Brown Good Morning Gorgeous, Mary J. Blige Heaux Tales, Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe, Jazmine Sullivan R&B Money, Tank Renaissance, Beyoncé Special, Lizzo
Song Of The Year
“About Damn Time,” Lizzo “Bad Habit,” Steve Lacy “Break My Soul,” Beyoncé “Good Morning Gorgeous,” Mary J. Blige “Hrs & Hrs,” Muni Long “Last Last,” Burna Boy “Pressure,” Ari Lennox
The Ashford And Simpson Songwriter’s Award
“Bad Habit,” Steve Lacy “Break My Soul,” Beyoncé “Church Girl,” Beyoncé “Good Morning Gorgeous,” Mary J. Blige “Hrs & Hrs,” Muni Long “I Hate U,” SZA “Last, Last,” Burna Boy “Pressure,” Ari Lennox
Best Dance Performance
“About Damn Time,” Lizzo “Call Me Every Day,” Chris Brown feat. Wizkid “Have Mercy,” Chlöe “Persuasive,” Doechii “Pressure,” Ari Lennox “Smokin Out the Window,” Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) “We (Warm Embrace),” Chris Brown “Woman,” Doja Cat
Video Of The Year
“About Damn Time,” Lizzo “Bad Habit,” Steve Lacy “Good Morning Gorgeous,” Mary J. Blige “Have Mercy,” Chlöe “Hrs & Hrs,” Muni Long “Last Last,” Burna Boy “Pressure,” Ari Lennox “Smokin Out the Window,” Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak)
Best Collaboration
“Amazing,” Mary J. Blige feat. DJ Khaled “Be Like Water,” PJ Morton feat. Stevie Wonder & Nas “Call Me Every Day,” Chris Brown feat. Wizkid “Gotta Move On,” Diddy feat. Bryson Tiller “Hate Our Love,” Queen Naija & Big Sean “Make Me Say It Again, Girl,” Ronald Isley & The Isley Brothers feat. Beyoncé “Move,” Beyoncé feat. Grace Jones & Tems “Slow,” Tank feat. J. Valentine
Check it out as Artists for Global Unity release a new record with French Montana, CeeLo Green and Fantasia among others. Also included in the song are Kenny Lattimore and Emily Estafan the daughter of Gloria Estafan. Preaching to find peace on Earth this song is a cry for the world to come together in unity to make love and not war.