Portland-bred rapper Aminé and Montreal-raised producer Kaytranada join forces for the new Kaytraminé album. The project features Freddie Gibbs, Pharrell Williams, Big Sean, Amaarae, and Snoop Dogg.
Detroit native Big Sean contributed to “Master P,” a track named after the southern rap legend who founded No Limit Records. During an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music 1, Aminé praised Big Sean’s performance on the song.
“Sean is somebody who, of course, I see in that light. He’s an artist that I’ve looked up to for years,” said Aminé. “I always knew he was going to kill this beat. So I hit him up for a year straight just trying to get him on this verse.”
The former Portland State University student added, “And he was hitting me back and he had a family. He’s a dad. He gave us literally one of the best verses of the year. I think it was amazing to finally get that verse sent to me. He FaceTimed me and it was a great moment. Yeah, I was really hyped about that.”
Previously, Aminé released the solo studio LPs Good for You in 2017 and Limbo in 2020. His catalog also includes mixtapes and EPs. The Good for You single “Caroline” earned 6x-Platinum certification from the RIAA.
Kaytranada put out the solo studio LPs 99.9% in 2016 and Bubba in 2019. The Haitian-Canadian has also produced records for GoldLink, Mick Jenkins, Vic Mensa, Freddie Gibbs, Talib Kweli, Anderson .Paak, Azealia Banks, Chance The Rapper, J.I.D, PinkPantheress, IDK, and others.
Detroit 2 is Big Sean’s most recent solo studio album. That sequel to 2012’s critically-acclaimed Detroit mixtape arrived in 2020. The former Kanye West protégé also created joint projects with Jhené Aiko, Metro Boomin, and Hit-Boy.
The Breakfast Club‘s DJ Envy’s feud with Rick Ross has expanded to include Gunplay and his family.
DJ Envy and Rick Ross began beefing online over their respective car show events. In an attempt to diss Ross for allegedly not supporting his friend, Envy mentioned Gunplay setting up a GoFundMe campaign to help his hospitalized daughter.
“We reported a story that [Gunplay] had to put a GoFundMe up because he was having some problems,” said DJ Envy during an episode of The Breakfast Club. “If that’s your brother, you take care of your brother.”
Gunplay and his fiancée took offense to Envy even referencing their newborn child’s health issues as a jab at Rick Ross. Earlier this week, Vonshae Taylor-Morales addressed the situation on her Instagram page.
“My family, my daughter, and her GoFundMe had nothing to do with y’all little fake beef. You let these blogs run with a narrative that is completely false and led to so much bs,” wrote Vonshae Taylor-Morales.
She added, “Once [Rick Ross] found out what was going on, [he] immediately wired our DAUGHTER’S account a heavy lump. We were able to get her better insurance, get her equipment, pay off all her deductibles, [and] make sure she can see all these specialists. We’ve thanked him multiple times.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs1INtVMb_0/?hl=en
Both Vonshae Taylor-Morales and Gunplay released audio of a conversation between Gunplay and DJ Envy. He apologized on the phone for his comments. After the call became public, Envy told his radio/YouTube audience that the couple broke the law.
“When you record a phone call, I felt like that was chasing something else,” stated DJ Envy. He also said, “It is against the law to record somebody’s phone conversation and not tell them. That’s against the law.”
Envy continued, “Florida is where this happened. Under Florida statute 934.03, secretly audio recording of another individual is a third-degree felony offense, punishable up to five years in prison and a fine.”
In addition, Envy claimed Florida-area district attorneys contacted him about the recorded phone call. Vonshae Taylor-Morales responded to DJ Envy by leaving a comment under a Hollywood Unlocked post about the matter.
“Seeing that we were in KENTUCKY visiting my family on a business phone at that. It’s [a] single party consenting, my love. Nice try. ❤️,” posted Vonshae Taylor-Morales in the Instagram blog’s comment section.
U.K. rap icon Nines cites Jay-Z as a major inspiration in his career and plans to turn his record label into “the new Roc-A-Fella.”
The “Clout” hitmaker opened up about his plans in a wide-ranging interview with U.K. outlet Mixmag shortly after releasing his fourth studio album, Crop Circle 2. The project, which debuted at No. 2 on the U.K. chart, marks his final album on Warner Records. As Nines noted, “I’m a free man now!”
On the closing track ‘Outro’, Nines declared: “Zino Records is the new Roc-A-Fella.” He’s kept tight-lipped about the bold statement but says the proof will be in the pudding. “Seeing is believing, man! Just let me get to work and you’ll see,” he teased.
Nines Was Inspired By Jay-Z’s ‘The Blueprint”
The album’s co-executive producer, Scotland-born, London-based beatsmith Show N Prove explained Jay-Z’s seminal 2001 offering, The Blueprint, was a source of inspiration for Crop Circle 2. The team used Hov’s project as the standard of rap music they strived to achieve.
“We kept saying in the studio, after making each song: ‘But is it Blueprint level though?’ We’re like, ‘It’s got to be Blueprint level.’ Not that the songs aren’t good, but it’s just being overly, overly harsh on yourself,” the producer explained. “Credit to Nines again, man. The Blueprint — metaphorically and literally.”
While Nines plans to dominate on both sides of the Atlantic, he’s not ready to conquer the U.S. just yet.
“I’d love to blow up in America,” Nines told Mixmag. “Who wouldn’t? If you’re a rapper, it just shows you that things are going well. But I’ve never put any importance on that. I’m trying to do numbers out here first, in Europe… In certain parts of Europe, they love the mandem — not just me, but the whole UK scene — so there’s still work to be done here before even thinking about the States.”
Stream Crop Circle 2 at the end of the page and check out the accompanying movie below.
Diddy and Rick Ross are living that luxury lifestyle!
The mega-rich rappers got together recently ahead of the MMG mogul’s upcoming car show this Saturday (Jun. 3). Diddy revealed he’s planning to attend but won’t be driving one of the latest supercars, nor will he roll up in a vintage vehicle. The Bad Boy Records founder will fly to the annual event on his private jet.
While a private plane might pose a parking issue for some hosts, Rick Ross has Diddy covered. According to Puff, Rozay’s sprawling 235-acre “Promise Land” megamansion in Fayetteville, Georgia, has its own runway.
The pair linked up recently and discussed their plans for Saturday’s event in a video Rick Ross shared on his Instagram Story.
“Hope you muthafuckas are ready for Saturday,” Rick Ross declared. “It’s gon’ be a special event.”
Diddy quickly interjected: “This just in. Can I land my jet? I know it’s a car show but can I bring the jet? I know Rick Ross has a runway. He has a jet runway at his house. At his house!”
It was touch-and-go whether the car show would go down, and Rick Ross only got the green light a week before the event. The Fayette County Planning and Zoning Commission denied Rick Ross a permit earlier this month. Residents and local officials objected, claiming it will disrupt traffic with a council member branding the annual event “a logistical nightmare.”
Despite the refusal, Rick Ross vowed to go ahead with the show and was willing to risk any fines. However, the commission reversed its decision and granted him a conditional use permit last Friday (May 26).
Alongside his battle with the commission, Rick Ross engaged in an online beef with DJ Envy over their respective car shows.
Kanye West scored a victory in his ongoing legal battle with Adidas after a judge turned down the sportswear giant’s emergency request to re-freeze $75 million of the rapper’s Yeezy funds.
At Tuesday’s hearing (May 30) a Manhattan federal judge rejected the brand’s concerns that Kanye West might move the money. While Addidas argued they would suffer “irreparable harm,” without the order, the judge denied the motion, according to court documents obtained by Billboard.
As reported last week by AllHipHop.com, Adidas quietly filed the case against Kanye West last November. The move came in the wake of Ye’s antisemitism scandal and weeks after the sportswear giant publicly announced they severed ties with the rapper. Judge Caproni made the order on an ex-parte basis, denying Kanye West the opportunity to respond.
Ye’s legal team challenged the order last week, and Judge Caproni lifted the order. She ruled that Adidas “deprived” Kanye West of a fair chance to reply.
While the judge sided with Kanye West at Tuesday’s hearing, the ruling only denied the emergency motion. Adidas can still ask the court to reimpose an asset freeze on Yeezy by way of a different order. Both parties are expected to file documents in that regard by this coming Thursday (Jun. 1).
As all this played out in court, Kanye West has been spotted in an eclectic array of designs while out and about with his new wife.
He paired a black shirt with massive shoulder pads with blue sock shoes for one outing while Bianca covered her face in a makeshift headwrap.
Ye Kanye West showed off his very unique sense of style as he took 'wife' Bianca Censori for an ice cream date in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Bianca hid her face in another headwrap during an outing West Hollywood earlier this week. On this occasion, Kanye donned a pair of black sock shoes – possibly test-walking a new Yeezy shoe.
Cardi B is getting in serious shape ahead of her headlining set at the UBS Arena for the Summer Jam concert this weekend.
The Bronx-bred Hip Hop superstar took to her Instagram Stories Tuesday (May 30) to share a clip from a recent workout. In the video, Cardi B showed off her insane physique while bent face down on a mat, listening as her coach issued precise instructions.
“I want you to press your hands into the floor and I want you to move your butt back just a little bit,” the coach commanded. “Don’t move your hands!” she added as the rapper winced. Watch Cardi B get Summer Jam ready in the video below.
The Grammy Award Winner showed fans a glimpse of her grueling workout schedule earlier this year in a “Day in the life of Belcalis” TikTok. During the video, Cardi B explained that she hits the gym daily after preparing lunch for her two children.
Her daily routine includes two hours of working out plus an hour of stretching. The “Tomorrow 2” hitmaker also let slip that she’s trying to become flexible again and wants to regain the elasticity of her stripper days.
Cardi B is set to headline Summer Jam this Sunday (Jun. 4) alongside a lineup that includes fellow New Yorkers Ice Spice, Lola Brooke, Lil TJay, Fivio Foreign, French Montana, and The Lox. Memphis, Tennessee native GloRilla and Boston-bred rapper Coi Leray are also slated to perform at the annual Hot 97 live event.
Blueface and his pregnant on-again-off-again girlfriend Chrisean Rock have addressed a recent interview where the social media starlet admitted to praying to God for their unborn child after having three abortions during their tumultuous relationship.
In a resurfaced interview, Chrisean Rock stated she got down on her knees and prayed, “I’m not going to kill this one,” and explained that she and Blueface planned the pregnancy after having multiple abortions.
Chrisean Rock says she had 3 abortions before deciding to have a baby with Blueface pic.twitter.com/EuVZqpTwLl
On Tuesday, she took to her Instagram Story to explain why she asked God for a baby but then blasted the “Thotiana” rapper for taunting her during her pregnancy.
“Man I only prayed because I wasn’t getting pregnant because of so many abortions,” she began. “I didn’t have it cuz I needed a cent from you. I just wanted a family with my lover. It’s sick how stuff turned out because all I deal with is ya immaturity about something so much serious to me.”
Chrisean acknowledged “there’s so much damage,” in their relationship before pleading with Blueface to love her without the ”social media bs.”
She added, “One thing I ask from you can u be the last person taunt me through my pregnancy. It’s irritating I thought we was done with the social media bs. In real life I don’t need s### from u just love and even that I don’t need.”
Blueface Tells Chrisean Rock: You Got What You Prayed For”
However, Blueface responded via his Instagram Story to tell her to quit with the “sob story.”
“BIH PRAYED FOR THIS WE DON’T WANT WANNA HEAR DA SOB STORY ANYMORE,” he wrote. “WE OVER THAT ALREADY YOU GOT WHAT YOU PRAYED FOR…YOU HELD UP THE PRAYER LINE JUST TO BOO HOO ABOUT IT.”
Chrisean saw his message and replied on Twitter. “There’s no sob story u just a weird ass person fr,” she said.
There’s no sob story u just a weird ass person fr.
Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar have shaken up the world once again. The cousins have sparked rumors with a new song, The Hillbillies. This follows up on songs like “Family Ties” and “Range Brothers,” which also shook things up for the better. This has lead to the rumors….here’s the music though.
People are now wondering if they are working on a project. I have been trying to determine if there are any facts associated with the rumors. I actually believe this would be an amazing album if they released it, but sadly I do not think this is going to happen.
Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar are not a rap duo, based on anything I can see. They have collaborated on music together, but they remain separate artists who have their own individual careers. Baby Keem is a rapper, singer, and songwriter associated with Top Dawg Entertainment and Kendrick Lamar is a mega star with no peer.
Saweetie and YG seemingly confirmed their relationship with a holiday trip to Cabo.
TMZ published photos of the rappers cuddling and kissing in a resort’s pool. Saweetie and YG reportedly went to Mexico for the Memorial Day weekend.
Saweetie and YG dating rumors surfaced in April. The two were spotted together at the Coachella Festival.
The romance blossomed quickly, unlike Saweetie’s debut album. Fans continue to wait for her to drop the oft-delayed Pretty B#### Music, which still doesn’t have a release date.
Earlier this year, Saweetie claimed she will release Pretty B#### Music before the end of 2023. She also explained why it’s taken years for her to drop an album she started promoting in 2020.
“I feel like a debut album is not something you just put out,” she said in March. “It’s not something you play with. I’m a Cancer, so I like to overthink sometimes, but I think you have to be really careful with that and I take my art really serious.”
The Warner Records artist mentioned she was going through “a lot of interesting experiences.” She wanted to share these experiences on her album in the “most artistic and organic way.”
A grand jury indicted a third man for the murder of Jam Master Jay.
According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, prosecutors charged a man named Jay Bryant in the Jam Master Jay murder case. Bryant’s co-defendants Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington were indicted in 2020.
Bryant was indicted for murder while engaged in narcotics trafficking and firearm-related murder. Prosecutors said he helped Jordan and Washington kill Jam Master Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell.
The prosecution claimed Bryant admitted he participated in the fatal shooting.
“On Wednesday, October 30, 2002, Mizell was present at his recording studio located on Merrick Boulevard in Queens, New York,” U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Breon Peace said. “At approximately 7:30 p.m., Washington, Jordan and Bryant entered the building. Washington pointed his firearm at one of the individuals located inside the studio and demanded that the person lay on the floor. Jordan approached Mizell, pointed his firearm at him and fired two shots at close range. One of those shots hit Mizell in the head, killing him. The second shot struck another individual in the leg. All three defendants fled the crime scene.”
Peace added, “Bryant was observed entering the building immediately before the shooting and an article of clothing left at the crime scene contained Bryant’s DNA. He later admitted to participating in the murder, claiming to one associate that he was in fact the shooter.”
Prosecutors believed Bryant posed a danger to witnesses in the Jam Master Jay murder case. They considered him to be a flight risk due to his history of fleeing authorities.
“Bryant is a convicted felon with a criminal history spanning over two decades in multiple states,” Peace said. “During that time, he has used over half a dozen aliases, failed to appear for court dates and absconded from release on bail and other forms of court supervision.”
He continued, “Bryant’s significant criminal history demonstrates that he presents an acute danger to potential witnesses in the instant case, a significant danger to the community at large and a substantial risk of flight if released on bond.”
AllHipHop reported a third suspect could be introduced into the case. We also reported that DNA evidence from a third party was found inside of the studio.
Bryant’s indictment changed the dynamics of the Jam Master Jay murder case. Earlier this year, prosecutors sought to expedite the trial against Jordan and Washington.
The trial’s delays provided time to bring charges against Bryant. Prosecutors think they found a third guilty party in the murder of Jam Master Jay.
“The seriousness of the charges is obvious and there is compelling evidence of Bryant’s guilt, including witness testimony, DNA evidence and the defendant’s own statements to third parties where he admits, inter alia, to his relationship with his codefendants and his participation in Mizell’s murder,” Peace said.
Bryant, Jordan and Washington await trial. Jordan and Washington face up to life in prison if convicted of Jam Master Jay’s murder.
Prosecutors previously wanted the trial to begin in November. Jordan and Washington were the only defendants when the start date was suggested.
Megan Thee Stallion decided to put her music on hold.
The 300 Entertainment rapper said she’s not ready to jump back into the music grind in an interview with InStyle. Megan Thee Stallion prioritized her healing after testifying in the Tory Lanez shooting trial.
“Fans can expect new music when I’m in a better place,” she told InStyle. “Right now, I’m focused on healing.”
Megan Thee Stallion dealt with years of public scrutiny over the Tory Lanez shooting case. Gossip outlets, social media users and some rappers attacked her credibility after she accused Tory Lanez of shooting her in 2020.
Last December, Megan Thee Stallion was vindicated when a California jury convicted Tory Lanez in his shooting trial. He was found guilty of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, discharging a firearm with gross negligence and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle.
Judge David Herriford denied Tory Lanez’s request for a new trial in May. The Canadian artist awaits his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for June 13.
Tory Lanez faces up to 22 years and eight months in prison. Earlier this month, prosecutors argued for a harsh sentence because he “demonstrated a high level of callousness” in the shooting.
Azealia Banks trashed the 1975’s Matt Healy, who is rumored to be dating Taylor Swift.
Matt Healy sparked outrage by making derogatory remarks about Ice Spice and laughing at offensive accents on a podcast. He claimed the controversy “didn’t matter” in a New Yorker interview, which Azealia Banks reacted to on Tuesday (May 30).
Azealia Banks called Matt Healy a drug addict in an Instagram Stories post. She suggested the 1975 member was bitter over Ice Spice’s success.
“Ice Spice has MILES More originality than you will ever,” the outspoken artist wrote on Instagram Stories. “The 1975 is on nobody’s radar babe, maybe fat emo teenagers but no we are not checkin for you boo.”
Azealia Banks turned her attention to Matt Healy’s rumored relationship with Taylor Swift in another Instagram Stories post. The rapper urged Taylor Swift to cut ties with the 1975 frontman.
“Taylor, this guy is gonna give you scabies,” Azealia Banks wrote. “He’s not on the level of powerful p### u worked HELLA Hard To build. Ugh, so many much cooler People in music to work with. You should really Tap James Mercer from the Shins…”
She added, “Ugh, this dude is a full incel. You cannot be letting him climb the rich white Coochie mountain sis.”
Last week, Taylor Swift teamed up with Ice Spice for a remix of the pop star’s song “Karma.” The collaboration raised questions about Taylor Swift doing damage control for Matt Healy.
Rappers, like rock stars, are known for creating the most outrageous stage show performances.
On Sunday, May 28, during a concert at Madison Square Garden, Puerto Rican rapper Anuel AA was a prime example of what happens when doing too much goes wrong.
The chart-topping artist is currently on the U.S. portion of his world tour titled, “Legends Never Die.”
During the New York City stop, the Caribbean lyricist and his special guest Bryant Myers used dirk bikes as props during a set.
While trying to flex on stage, they accidentally let the motorbike roll off the stage and fall almost into the pit area, before the audience.
What’s craziest, is that he did not stop rapping, as security lifted the bike back up.
#30May | El cantante Anuel AA ingresó al escenario con una moto en un concierto en EEUU como parte de su gira “Las leyendas nunca mueren”, tras estacionarse e intentar bajar del objeto, esta terminó accionándose y salió en dirección al públicopic.twitter.com/eD00TyKuuf
After the motorcycle was secured back on the stage, Anuel resumed the concert and kept performing as if nothing had ever happened.
Though, no one was injured, according to Caraotave, many fans online criticized the rapper for the poor execution of the stunt and commented on how he did not have sufficient security measures set up during the show to make sure no one would get injured.
“What if he hit someone? Did she at least notice that? Or did she care?” one netizen said. “Not even she noticed if she hurt someone and she continues singing as if nothing had happened. My God, he doesn’t even care about his public, just keep singing, ” one person said.
The artist has not released a public statement regarding the incident.
In a world where technology and AI are taking over, Louis King is staying ahead of the curve. Hailing from West Africa but based in Los Angeles, Louis is a true multihyphenate: a rapper, producer, activist, and Award-winning creative director who continues to break down boundaries with each project.
Having worked with the likes of Anderson .Paak, The Outlawz, and Earl Sweatshirt, Louis King is now focused on his own solo artistry. Most recently, he unveiled the official music video for “Damage,” which is powered entirely by AI. In fact, he traveled to Egypt while on tour with The Outlawz and incorporated real hieroglyphics from inside King Tut’s tomb.
Louis states, “This is what happens when you take some of the oldest wonders of the world (pyramids, Giza, ancient tombs) and put it together with some of the world’s newest technology.”
Beyond the music, Louis King is a father first and foremost and has a deep passion for encouraging the youth to pursue their wildest dreams.
AllHipHop caught up with Louis King to discuss Web3, signing to Gala Music, the inspiration behind ”Damage,” activism, working with Ab-Soul and Big K.R.I.T., and more!
AllHipHop: When and how did you get into Web3?
Louis King: I first heard about Web3 during the pandemic on Clubhouse. Since then, I’ve learned that Web3 is exactly the space I was looking for as an independent artist to turn my art into assets. Special thanks to Leila Steinberg and Brandon “Cyrano” Tatum, who really opened the doors for me to enter the Web3 space. I’m truly grateful to be a part of Leila’s amazing organization Aim4theheart.org where I was introduced to Web3.
AllHipHop: Talk about signing to Gala Music, and the other GOAT artists on the label.
Louis King: Gala Music is a Web3 music community and home to westcoast legendary acts such as Snoop Dogg, E-40, Ice Cube, Too Short, among many more. I signed with Gala Music toward the end of 2022 and since then I have released four sold out NFT drops in the space. I also performed at the Gala Live LA and London Concert, and made an appearance this past weekend at VeeCon (Gary Vee’s convention) for the Gala Music Pop-Up Studio.
AllHipHop: How does Hip-Hop and Web3 coincide?
Louis King: It’s only right that Web3 become a home for Hip-Hop because this art was our rebellion to a pop culture that wanted to exclude us. Since then, we have been used and exploited constantly to sell products and often we were treated as if we were merely products ourselves. Web3 coincides with Hip-Hop at the intersection, which is ownership.
AllHipHop: When did you first get the idea for “Damage”?
Louis King: The idea of the “Damage” visual originated as I speculated on the greatest love stories of our time… which also happen to be tragedies. Romeo & Juliet and Cleopatra will always be regarded as iconic stories for all storytellers. “Damage” is a love story packed with artistic and thought provoking imagery and interlaced with historical gems. We shot the oldest wonders of the world in Egypt and combined them with the newest technology in Artificial Intelligence to create “Damage.” The royal imagery represented by the Kings of Ancient Kush(Nubia/South of Egypt) the pain of relationships, starting first with our relation to self. We cannot love the other without first loving self and understanding our own identity.
AllHipHop: What did it mean to interact with your fans & include them on the credits?
Louis King: It meant the world to me to see my fans show up for me as “Web3 executive producers” of “Damage.” Leveraging the power of Web3 Investing, I gave 150 of my supporters an opportunity to be a part of the official film/music video. To anyone who is new to Web3, we have seen similar campaigns before in Hip-Hop such as Nipsey’s “Proud to Pay” where 100 ppl paid $1000 dollars / 1000 people paid $100. We’re building an amazing community where supporters can really make decisions and become influencers as we grow together. They have treated my project like it is their own which it indeed is! Special shout out to my Web3 executive production team and everyone else who has contributed.
AllHipHop: You’re the First Bronze Tier Artist to sell out four NFT releases, can you touch on this?
Louis King: Much love to Gala Music and everyone in the space who has supported my music and career. I was blessed to be able to jump into the Web3 space somewhat early with Gala Music, and I’m really discovering the value of community interaction in this space.
AllHipHop: How was it touring with The Outlawz in Egypt?
Louis King: I have toured with The Outlawz since 2015 in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Canada. I think the concept of the “Damage” video came out of conversations with Young Noble, Deuce Deuce, and Carlos “Cartel” Brown, who also assisted in production. We learned so much about our own history and felt it was only right to share it with the world.
AllHipHop: What’s the story with Lakeith Smith? What does it mean to combine activism with arts?
Louis King: Lakeith Smith was 15 years old when a police officer shot and killed his friend and charged him with felony murder for a murder he did not commit. Originally, charged with 65 years, then eventually resentenced to 30 years. Lakeith did not shoot anyone nor did he have a weapon. He was a minor with no prior criminal record. We’re currently appealing the judge’s decision and using the arts to spread the word of this injustice to all. My song “Lakeith,” which is based on the story of Lakeith Smith, premiered on Sway’s Universe thanks to Sway, Mr. Checkpoint, Leila Steinberg, Brontina Smith and Aim4theHeart.org. If you go to https://linktr.ee/Freelakeith you can listen to the song, sign the petition and send a letter to the Alabama DA to release Lakeith. In the words of my good friend Sennett: “Everyday is Lakeith day until we bring him home.”
AllHipHop: How’d you end up working with Ab-Soul and Big K.R.I.T.?
Louis King: The No Traffic in LA album includes legendary features from artists such as Krit, Soul, Royce, Benny, Kurupt, and many more. My web3 Debut and album teaser “No Traffic in the Metaverse” can be streamed now exclusively on Gala Music. Both singles “4Eva in LA” feat Big K.R.I.T. and “Anybody” featuring Ab-Soul and Fana Hues are both available now on all streaming platforms.
AllHipHop: What can we expect next?
Louis King: Stay tuned for my fifth official Gala Music drop where you can be a part of all the action yourself. This will be my final release of the Genesis “No Traffic In the Metaverse” series, which will be followed by the No Traffic in LA album. Follow @LouiiKing and be on the lookout for new music and videos all summer.
Stormzy has declared that the best music in the world ‘is coming out of Africa’ right now.
The 29-year-old rapper – who was born in London but is of Ghanaian descent – recently sat down for an interview with Dazed, where he opened up about his excitement over the music currently being made in the continent.
“People are just being unapologetic in their Blackness and it’s the greatest music on Earth right now,” he shared. “The greatest music on Earth is coming out of Africa. Even that is just inspiring: be your Black self. And look! It’s got the world on fire. I’ll tell my kids I was a part of this time in culture. I had an offering. I was here; I was a part of it.”
In recent years, Africa has seen the emergence of Nigerian musicians garnering global recognition, such as Wizkid, Burna Boy and Olamide, Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie, and Cameroonian-American singer Libianca Fonji.
The “Vossi Bop” star, who performed at the Global Citizen Festival in Ghana’s capital Accra in September, also spoke about how his mother’s country is his “home” and in his “blood.”
Later in the interview, Brit Award winner also reflected on his storied career ahead of his 30th birthday in July.
“There’s a difference in doing music at 22 and when you’re about to turn 30,” he explained. “It’s the kind of peace and stability and stillness you can only get from maturity. You lose all the nervous shivers and the anxiety; you shake it off because now you’re a grown man coming into your skin.”
Stormzy released his third album, This Is What I Mean, in November last year, and is currently working on new music.
Puff Daddy got some explaining to do, a rapper says. P. Diddy has started back into the music game and he’s using his relationships to make it happen. The Mighty Mogul, worth more than $1 billion, has employed The City Girls in his march back to the forefront of music. Take that, take that!
He has a new song called ”Act Bad.” And, the record is not bad at all! He has a nice little vibe here with some danceability to boot. But, as you already know, these things can cause controversy, especially when you are a big name like Diddy. There is a new, up-and-coming artist named Swinderella. No, I’ve never heard of her. However, she is alleging that the Bad Boy mogul stole her song.
Some folks say this is nonsense and others say there’s probably something here. Personally, I do not see the similarities that would warrant anyone trying to say this was stolen. The hook on each song does sound familiar, but I think that is where the similarities end. That said, I can see also how Swinderella feels the way she feels. The problem is…who cares?
You can care, of course! This is Diddy and if it was somebody else, nobody would even be talking bout it! But Swinderella’s version of “Act Bad” is two years old and dead in the water. What does that matter now…a current song? I mean we just don’t know. I never heard of her before and I would assume that neither did he. That does not mean a producer or someone in the studio never heard it. And we know all the time peoples ideas and creative genius is stolen every day. Swinderella is from Queens, NY. This makes the plot thicken a little bit! Queens is heated! They are convinced the song was stolen.
On Friday, May 26, a Georgia woman was fatally shot in a DeKalb County apartment, leaving a family to mourn days before the Memorial Day weekend.
Now, Atlanta rapper Omeretta, who is related to the deceased, has put up $10,000 for anyone that has information that can lead to the arrest of the person who killed “the Gen Zer.”
The 25-year-old, whose name was Jamiyah Parker,according to FOX 5, was one of two people shot on Friday night on Waldrop Trail.
While her grieving mother, Courtney Parker, says she is not sure why her child was murdered, authorities suspect that the crime was drug-related.
She also said she “wouldn’t wish this on no other mother,” when interviewed on Monday, May 29.
“While their family is celebrating the holiday, we’re hurting…we’re grieving,” the mother added. “My daughter was murdered…I’m not sure why, what happened or none of that…we’re not familiar with these apartments we don’t live nowhere around here.”
The young lady was not a resident of the apartment complex where she was shot. One woman who lived in the complex heard the shots and said she came to her aid once she discovered she had been injured.
She and another man tried to sustain her before the EMT arrived on the scene.
Once she was transported to a local hospital, she was declared dead.
The family is dealing with the loss but is asking for people to step up and help find the shooter.
“I beg you to please help me find justice for my daughter,” the mother asked.
DaniLeigh was reportedly arrested over Memorial Day weekend. According to TMZ, the Def Jam Recordings artist was driving under the influence when she hit somebody with her car. Records indicate she was arrested early Tuesday (May 30) in Miami Beach. Police alleged she drove off after causing a serious back injury to the alleged victim, who was driving a moped.
Witnesses say DaniLeigh was speeding and swerving in and out of lanes when the incident occurred. After allegedly hitting the motorized scooter, she dragged the man and the moped for about a block. Somebody flagged down a nearby officer, who quickly took action. As explained in the paperwork, DaniLeigh reeked of alcohol. Consequently, the officer conducted a field sobriety, which she failed. Two Breathalyzer tests determined she was nearly twice the legal limit at 0.145 and 0.148.
DaniLeigh was handcuffed and hauled off to jail, where she was booked on three felony charges: driving under the influence, leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury and DUI damage to property.
The victim was treated at a local hospital for a kidney laceration and spinal fracture.
Young Thug, born Jeffery Williams, has made a name for himself as a multi-platinum rapper, but now he finds himself in a high-profile RICO case.
Young Thug, known as the leader of the Young Slime Life (YSL) subset of the Bloods gang, faces eight counts in the 65-count indictment.
Charges against him include conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), participation in criminal street gang activity, violations of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, and possession of a firearm while committing a felony, among others.
In the latest development of this ongoing trial, Young Thug’s legal team filed a motion to exclude an alarming photograph from the trial evidence.
The picture shows the aftermath of a shooting incident involving Dexter Montgomery, who was allegedly shot by YSL associate Demise McMullen and the gang’s co-founder, Walter Murphy, on April 12, 2015.
Young Thug’s defense argues that the photograph’s prejudicial effect outweighs its probative value, as the rap star had no involvement in the shooting incident.
The YSL RICO case originated with an indictment announced by Fulton County prosecutors on May 9, 2022.
The indictment involved 28 individuals accused of being part of the YSL criminal organization, including Young Thug himself, Sergio “Gunna” Kitchens, Arnold “Lil Duke” Martinez, and Deamonte “Yak Gotti” Kendrick, among others.
Among the defendants, eight have taken plea deals, including Sergio “Gunna” Kitchens, Walter Murphy, Arnold “Lil Duke” Martinez, and Williams’ brother Quantavious “Unfoonk” Grier1.
Murphy, a co-founder of YSL with Young Thug, pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiracy to violate the RICO act and was sentenced to 10 years, with one year commuted for time served and the remaining nine years on probation.
As part of his plea agreement, Murphy must “testify truthfully in any further trial as it may become necessary.”
However, Demise McMullen, another YSL associate, has not taken a plea deal and is facing murder and RICO charges.
McMullen is accused of attempted murder against Dexter Montgomery and three other people, which is considered an act of racketeering activity under Georgia law.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, Young Thug’s defense maintains his innocence and is prepared to fight to clear his name. If convicted, the rapper could face up to 20 years in prison.
Rapper Lil Durk has befriended American country singer, Morgan Wallen, and included him on his new project despite many calling the recording artist a racist.
In February 2021, Wallen was videotaped using the n-word during a drunken rant. The backlash was not as intense as some might think. While his label, according to CNN, suspended him and several radio stations stopped playing his music, his record sales skyrocketed.
He also was able to secure a friendship and feature with one of rap music’s brightest stars.
The friendship between Lil Durk and Wallen has not been widely celebrated but with the recent release of “Almost Healed,” an album that debuted in Billboard’s Top 3 (behind Wallen and Taylor Swift), the world gets to see the two buds come together through music.
The song Wallen is featured on is called “Stand By Me.”
The country singer got on the Chicago rapper’s radar during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two dropped records in 2020. Durk dropped “The Voice” and Wallen released “Dangerous.” Wallen came in at #1 on Billboard, blocking Durk from the milestone honor.
It started an interesting and unlikely relationship between the two.
Durk said in the interview that the two bring something special and unique to each other.
“We live in two totally different worlds. He’ll tell me, ‘Let’s go hunting, let’s go fishing.’ He’s opened my mind to a different view of life. I’m telling him about clothes, all about the sauce. But he doesn’t care much about fashion,” Durk shares.
Durk says he didn’t know about the n-word controversy but did not judge his white friend.
He said, “I went and talked to him, to see what was up with [the video]. When I hung out with him, it was totally the opposite. He was nowhere near racist. That’s my dawg. I took my own risk, to show the world that he isn’t that.”
The Chicago native, who says he is in therapy now after losing so many friends to the streets, is risking his reputation, stamping Wallen as “ok.”
Over the memorial weekend, a weekend originally started to commemorate people of African descent that died during the Civil War, Durk went fishing with his guy.
Wallen rushed to post to show him and his buddy out near a lake holding up catch from the day.
He captioned, “Durk done pulled up and taught me how to fish.”
