Controversial recording artist Tory Lanez sat down for a highly-anticipated interview this week. One of the first topics brought up during the conversation was Lanez’s recent run-in with R&B singer August Alsina.
August Alsina accused the Sorry 4 What album creator of attacking him backstage at the Fall Back In Love Comedy & Music Jam tour. At first, Lanez denied involvement in the alleged incident. However, comedian Rip Michaels claimed he saw Lanez punch Alsina.
According to reports, the situation is under investigation by the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. Tory Lanez already faces an assault and firearm case in that jurisdiction in connection with a July 2020 shooting involving Megan Thee Stallion.
“You got into an alleged altercation with an R&B artist, August Alsina,” DJ Envy told Tory Lanez on The Breakfast Club. Lanez replied, “Look, man. Like I said, I’m here to just answer about the album.”
Angela Yee then asked Lanez if there is an open LAPD investigation into the matter. The 30-year-old Canadian responded, “Again, I couldn’t tell you, don’t know. Like I said, I’m just here for the album and positivity.”
DJ Envy tried again to get an answer from Tory Lanez about whether he had a problem with August Alsina. The Juno Award winner insisted he does not have an issue with anyone. Yee also asked Lanez if he forgives people who no longer support him.
Tory Lanez said, “I can never be upset about someone’s opinion. When they’re people that have opinions, it’s like whatever they thought at the time was just whatever they were feeling at the time. I know that a lot of people’s opinions have changed, up and down, about me. It’s not of me to be a judge or be playing God’s role in judging people. I forgive everybody. I don’t forget, but I forgive.”
California-bred rapper Baby Keem has aligned with Converse. The Grammy winner announced the new endorsement deal on social media.
Both Keem and Converse posted a promotional video about the new partnership on Instagram. The #CreateNext campaign featured the rhymer showcasing a black pair of Chuck Taylor All-Stars.
Baby Keem joins a Converse celebrity roster that includes Hip Hop star Tyler, The Creator, R&B singer Rasharn Powell, Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green, Washington Mystics player Natasha Cloud, and others.
Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free’s pgLang has a connection to the Converse brand as well. The Los Angeles-based creative collective is also the record label home of Baby Keem.
The Melodic Blue hosts the well-received “Family Ties” single with Kendrick Lamar. “Family Ties” earned Baby Keem his first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance at the 64th annual ceremony in April.
DJ Akademiks’s comments about some of the pioneers of Hip Hop rubbed many fans of the culture the wrong way. MC Lyte is the latest rap legend to address the matter.
“Have you seen any of these old rappers who be like they’re the foundation of Hip Hop really living good?” asked Akademiks. “Them n##### be looking really dusty. I kid you not. Don’t none of y’all try and come for me ’cause I don’t f### with y’all n#####.”
This week, MC Lyte made an appearance on SiriusXM Urban View’s The Clay Cane Show. The first female rapper to receive a Grammy nomination shared her viewpoint on what DJ Akademiks had to say.
“I think it does a disservice to us as a community to think that way, but I also understand the generation that’s coming up now, everything is the proof, and they want to see the proof, as opposed to feel the proof, or hear the proof. They want to see it,” said Lyte.
The “Poor Georgie” hitmaker continued, “And so I imagine that’s what this particular person was talking about, but needless to say, there are so many other people out there that are willing to share the truth and the history and also understand the value of everyone who has contributed to Hip Hop, everyone that’s contributed something good.”
For his part, DJ Akademiks stopped by The Breakfast Club to clarify the points he was trying to make on his Twitch live stream. According to the outspoken blogger, people online took his “dusty” remarks out of context. Ak insisted he made a larger point about the generational divide in Hip Hop.
Nau’Jour “Toosii” Grainger is on a pause from the internet at the moment. The 22-year-old rapper/singer posted a concerning message before leaving social media.
“F### this fame s###,” wrote Toosii on his Instagram Story. “Y’all could have it. This s### [is] lame. People love you then they hate you. I should’ve never even started rapping for y’all. I should’ve just kept my music to myself like I did in the beginning to cope with my problems.”
The Poetic Pain album creator continued, “And to my son, I love you man. I won’t be nothing like what my dad was to my mom. I love [your] mom and she [knows] that. My intentions [are] pure, but the world [paints] this f##### up image bout a n#### like I’m [supposed] to be perfect. It’s a relief to finally let people that I’m not.”
Toosii closed out his comments by writing, “I hope my son always [stands] on business and [keeps] his head high cause his daddy did. F### the fame, I’m out.”
In addition to that Instagram Story, Toosii admitted in a video message that he cheated on his girlfriend, Samaria J. Davis. The Capitol recording artist also told his followers he wanted to focus on his music, not his relationship.
The situation took another turn when Toosii’s digital team shared an update about the 2021 XXL Freshman on his verified Instagram account. Apparently, the “Love Cycle” performer is stepping away from social networking for the time being.
“Toosii will no longer be on social media for a while. He wants his fans to know he loves them and that he hopes you all are still friends. He says he’s fine he just wants to clear his head and that everyone should take breaks sometimes. He also dropped a surprise song…,” read the Instagram statement.
DaBaby recently released Baby on Baby 2. According to industry forecasters, the project will see a steep decline in first-week sales compared to his previous album. DJ Akademiks believes Hot 97 radio personality Ebro Darden is the reason DaBaby’s numbers fell.
“Da Baby’s last project in 2020, Blame it on Baby, sold 124K first week. His new project after being blackballed by Ebro, Apple Music is scheduled to do less than 20K,” tweeted DJ Akademiks on Wednesday. “Now yall understand my Ebro convo… DSPs control who is hot and who is not. Fall out of favor with them… UR DONE.”
“Funny s###, when artists get hot it is always how they built this themselves and the fans. When s### slows down it is radio, DJs, platforms, and the label. #BlameEbro is back for a whole new generation,” wrote Darden on Twitter.
Apple Music’s Global Editorial Head of Hip hop and R&B later added, “Apple Music is not the only platform. Based on this dummy’s logic, Da Baby should be doing well on the platform HE works for. Is it?”
DJ Akademiks hosts the Off The Record podcast which streams on Apple Music’s competitor Spotify. Ebro Darden also pointed out that DaBaby performed at Hot 97’s Summer Jam concert in 2021. That decision came after other music festivals dropped DaBaby over his controversial comments at Rolling Loud Miami.
Darden returned to Twitter to post, “I’m confused… I’m old and irrelevant. No one listens to my shows. But why am I always being brought up by people who are ‘more powerful’ and ‘doing more for the culture’ as the reason things don’t perform? Somebody lying!!”
DaBaby’s latest album Baby on Baby 2 is expected to achieve low numbers but the North Carolina rapper said it’s because he’s “blackballed’ in the industry.
On Wednesday (Sept. 28) DaBaby took to his Instagram Stories sharing a post from a fan page reporting Baby on Baby 2 is on track to move around 16,500 units in its first week of release. “Not bad for da blackballed Baby,” he wrote on the post alongside a flexed arm emoji.
Earlier on Wednesday, DJ Akademiks reported the projections, implying Ebro and Apple Music were to blame for the drop in numbers.
Akademiks Claims Ebro “Blackballed” DaBaby
“DaBaby ‘Baby on Baby 2’ on pace to be outside the top 20 this week. Its expected that his first week sales would be around 13-16K first week. told u Ebro and Apple Music blackballed him,” he added.
“Da Baby last project in 2020 ‘Blame it on Baby’ sold 124K first week. His new project after being blackballed by Ebro, Apple Music is scheduled to do less than 20K. Now yall understand my Ebro convo…. DSPs control who is hot and who is not. Fall out of favor with them.. UR DONE,” he concluded.
Da Baby last project in 2020 'Blame it on Baby' sold 124K first week. His new project after being blackballed by Ebro, Apple Music is scheduled to do less than 20K. Now yall understand my Ebro convo…. DSPs control who is hot and who is not. Fall out of favor with them.. UR DONE
@oldmanebro blackballed Da Baby?? Hmm last time I checked this was Summer Jam 2021… where every festival BLACKBALLED! Da baby but 1….. so how Ebro blackball Da Baby when he’s literally the only n#### to say “ Yes “ #BlameEbropic.twitter.com/xCndaXVRJq
On Wednesday (Sept. 28), the rapper’s manager Jarez Posey confirmed the news. Coolio was visiting a friend in his hometown of Los Angeles when he was found unresponsive on the bathroom floor. Officials suspect cardiac arrest, although a cause of death has yet to be determined.
Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr. was a pioneer of the West Coast rap scene and achieved worldwide success in the 1990s. He blew up in 1994 with the release of his debut album It Takes A Thief, before dropping his biggest hit, “Gangsta’s Paradise,” from the movie “Dangerous Minds” a year later.
Among those offering tributes and condolences from the Hip-Hop community was Chuck D, LL Cool J, Ice Cube, Questlove, and M.C. Hammer.
“This is sad news,” wrote Ice Cube. “I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace.”
“One of the nicest dudes I’ve known,” MC Hammer penned while LL wrote, “Rest in power my brother.”
Others remembering Coolio include Debbie Harry, Martin Lawrence, and Al Yankovic, who notoriously parodied “Gangsta’s Paradise” into “Amish Paradise.” His “Dangerous Minds” co-star Michelle Pfeiffer also shared a heartfelt message on Instagram.
“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of the gifted artist Coolio,” Michelle Pfeiffer wrote alongside a clip from “Gangsta’s Paradise,” in which she appeared alongside the rapper. “I remember him being nothing but gracious. 30 years later I still get chills when I hear the song.”
Also born on Aug 1st …Coolio was a @hiphopgods MC from LowProfile on up. We did a parody film Burn Hollywood Burn 1997 where I threw in acting because we sought the score & soundtrack. We were called the Brothers @Coolio had plenty funny real stories #RestInBeatspic.twitter.com/2y7BFBEG0M
NBA YoungBoy has welcomed a new addition to this family and is celebrating the arrival of a baby boy with his fiancée Jazlyn Mychelle.
Earlier this month, the Louisiana rapper revealed he was expecting his tenth child and second with his fiancée. The couple already shares a daughter born in 2021. NBA YoungBoy announced the pregnancy during the video for his latest single “Purge Me.” The visual featured a heavily pregnant Jazlyn unveiling the news.
On Wednesday (Sept. 28), he shared a photo on his YouTube channel of himself holding and feeding his newborn baby. “We got left today for a little but it’s cool,” the 22-year-old rapper penned in the caption.
NBA YoungBoy welcomes his child months after announcing he and Jazlyn Mychelle were engaged. He posted a photo of his fiancée tenderly cradling her blossoming baby bump while rocking a dazzling diamond ring.
Jazlyn Mychelle posted a video on her YouTube channel earlier this month revealing they were expecting a boy. “Look at this little outfit, so cute,” she said in the video. “Can you believe I’m having a boy? I never thought I would have a boy.” Later in the video, YoungBoy and Jazlyn prepare for their impending arrival by putting together a stroller.
Elsewhere on Wednesday, Chart Data announced YoungBoy achieved another accolade to add to his growing list. The rapper has now earned over 5 billion on-demand streams in the US this year. Drake is the only other artist to achieve this milestone.
YoungBoy Never Broke Again has now earned over 5 billion on-demand streams in the US in 2022, joining @Drake as the only artist to reach this milestone.
Soulja Boy has addressed VladTV’s interview with Teddy Riley, during which the singer discussed his daughter’s former relationship with the rapper.
In the recently released interview, Riley called on Soulja Boy to apologize for allegedly abusing Nia. She claimed he verbally and physically assaulted her throughout their nearly decade-long relationship before their split in 2019.
Teddy Riley said he once confronted Soulja Boy about the abuse allegations, leading to an alleged “altercation” between them.
“Soulja Boy knows who I am,” Teddy Riley told VladTV. “And he knows I’m deep. He knows I’m very deep. We had an altercation. I was called a lot of names and I got an apology. I’m looking for an apology for what he’s done to my daughter.”
He went on to state that Nia “deserves” an apology for what Soulja put her through. “I am not throwing threats or anything,” he added.
However, Soulja Boy took to Instagram Live to call out Vlad, referring to him as the “the police,” and claiming he’s mad because the rapper “exposed” him.
“You can drop all the interviews you want, speaking on my name. … Stop bringing Teddy Riley into this, DJ Vlad,” Soulja Boy said. “He ain’t got s### to do with this.”
He also claimed that Teddy Riley “never touched me,” and denied any physical altercation, claiming they spoke on the phone. Check out Soulja’s comments in the clip below and the Teddy Riley interview at the end of the page.
Kanye West has been vocal with his criticism of the Kardashian/Jenner clan since separating from Kim last year. So when he changed his Instagram profile to a photo of the reality TV show family’s matriarch, fans anticipated another rant.
However, the multihyphenate wants to “change the narrative” regarding his former mother-in-law. It’s unclear whether Ye caught wind of the speculation surrounding his recently updated profile picture, but he took to his IG Stories to clarify the move.
“I posted Kris with thoughts of peace and respect,” Ye wrote on Wednesday evening (Sept. 28), before adding, “let’s change the narrative.”
Earlier this month, Kanye returned to Instagram after a brief absence with rants against Kim Kardashian in between feuding with Yeezy partners, Gap and Adidas.
He shared apparent text messages between him and Kim, including one said to be from Kris, asking him to quit.
“Don’t let Kris make you do playboys like she made Kyle [sic] and Kim do,” Kanye penned. “Hollywood is a giant brothel pornography destroyed my family I deal with the addiction instagram promises it.”
He added, “Not gonna let it happen to Northy and Chicago.”
Kanye West also shared a message said to be from Kris Jenner. “Tell him to please stop mentioning my name. I’m almost 67 years old and I don’t always feel great and this stresses me to no end,” it read.
Meanwhile, Ye’s hired a new lawyer to present him in his divorce from Kim, his sixth so far. He enlisted high-profile celebrity lawyer Robert Stephan Cohen. His past clients include Chris Rock, Rupert Murdoch, and Melinda Gates, who he represented in her divorce from Bill Gates.
Legendary rapper Coolio has died, according to his long-time manager.
The 59-year-old rapper died earlier today (September 28th) in his hometown of Los Angeles.
According to reports, the rap star was visiting a friend. He went to the bathroom, and when he did not come out, the friend went to check and found the rapper lying on the floor, unresponsive.
According to his manager Jarez, EMTs arrived on the scene, but it was too late. The rapper had already died, and officials suspect cardiac arrest, although a cause of death has yet to be determined.
Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., was a pioneer of the West Coast rap scene starting in 1987. His career took off in 1991 as a member of WC and The Maad Circle featuring fellow pioneer WC.
In 1994, Coolio blew up with the release of his debut album It Takes A Thief. The album featured the breakout single “Fantastic Voyage,” which was recently used in a commercial for AirBnB.
The rapper topped “Fantastic Voyage” in 1995 with the release of his biggest hit, “Gangsta’s Paradise,” from the movie “Dangerous Minds.”
The song won the rapper a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. The hit singles kept Coolio on the road for years, and he frequently toured Europe, where he enjoyed a huge fan base.
A variety of rappers and fans reacted to the unexpected news of his passing.
“Holly S###!!! I was just talking to him 2 weeks ago! He was performing in Europe… This is so Fd up…,” Ice-T tweeted.
“This is sad news. I witness first hand this man’s grind to the top of the industry. Rest In Peace @Coolio,” Ice Cube said.
Check out some images of Coolio over the years. RIP.
December 6,1995 Coolio and Stevie Wonder Photo by: Frank Olsen/startraksphoto.com
Coolio at the MTV 20th in 2001. Birthday Party at the Hammerstein Ballroom on 34th. Photo by Startraks
May 12, 2008: Coolio and Deion Sanders attend the NBC Universal Experience Upfront. Credit: Roger Wong/INFphoto.com
9/21/08 – Coolio at NBC’s Pre-Emmy Party at Spago Photo by: Bill Davila/startraksphoto.com
January 23, 2009: Coolio at the Celebrity Big Brother Final at Elstree Studios, Hertfordshire. Credit: Goff/INFphoto.com
10/7/17 Coolio at the ‘I Love The Nineties’ show held at the Birmingham Arena. Photo by: EMPICS/PA Images/INSTARimages.com
Holly S###!!! I was just talking to him 2 weeks ago! He was performing in Europe… This is so Fd up… https://t.co/gFWO6FDKUQ
50 Cent shared a trailer for his upcoming show Hip Hop Homicides on Wednesday (September 28).
The documentary series debuts on WE tv in November. The first episode will cover the murder of Pop Smoke.
“G-Unit Film and Television has thrived by telling real stories,” 50 Cent said in a press release. “As I continue to grow my current slate, premium non-scripted programming will be a major focus. Hip Hop loves things that are damaged. This series will shed light on the artists that didn’t make it through the struggle.”
50 Cent teamed up with Mona Scott-Young to produce Hip Hop Homicides. Van Lathan hosts the series.
Hip Hop Homicides explores the deaths of rappers such as King Von and XXXTentacion. The show features interviews with French Montana, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Vic Mensa and more.
“50 and I created this show in response to the disturbing number of murders in Hip Hop,” Mona Scott-Young said. “With this boots-on-the-ground investigative series, we will look to closely examine and explore leads surrounding these cases with the hope of finally providing loved ones with answers.”
WE tv’s Hip Hop Homicides premieres on November 3. It will also be available to stream on ALLBLK.
Watch the trailer for the 50 Cent-produced show below.
Kanye West found a new lawyer to take over his divorce case.
According to multiplereports, Kanye West enlisted the services of Robert Stephan Cohen for an ongoing legal battle with Kim Kardashian. Cohen represented Melinda Gates in her divorce from Bill Gates. His other clients include Chris Rock and Rupert Murdoch.
Cohen became Kanye West’s sixth lawyer in the rapper’s divorce. ‘Ye’s previous attorney Samantha Spector stepped away from the case due to an “irreconcilable breakdown” in the relationship with her client.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s divorce is being litigated in California, but his new lawyer is based in New York. ‘Ye also hired a Los Angeles-based attorney named Nicholas A. Salick to serve as his counsel in California.
Kim Kardashian, who is represented by attorney Laura Wasser, filed for divorce in February 2021. Earlier this year, a judge declared the reality TV star legally single.
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian still haven’t settled issues such as assets and custody of their children. ‘Ye hasn’t filed declarations of disclosure in the case, but a judge ordered him to file the disclosures by the end of September.
If the former couple can’t reach a deal soon, their case will head to trial in December.
Gunna’s lawyers made another attempt to get him out of jail as he awaits trial in the YSL RICO case.
According to Billboard and Rolling Stone, Gunna’s legal team filed a third motion for bond. A judge denied the rapper’s previous requests for a pretrial release.
Judge Ural Glanville refused to grant bond to Gunna, whose real name is Sergio Kitchens, after prosecutors expressed concerns about witness intimidation. The 300 Entertainment artist’s attorneys argued against the prosecution’s claims in their latest filing.
“The prosecution has been afforded ample time to develop evidence to support its motion to detain Kitchens,” Gunna’s lawyers wrote. “It has not succeeded.”
Gunna’s attorney Steven Sadow was optimistic about his client securing bond in a statement to Rolling Stone.
Sadow said he’s “very hopeful that the Court will now recognize that the discovery provided by the prosecution fails to show his pretrial release poses a significant risk of danger to any person or the community or poses a significant threat to witnesses, and accordingly grants a reasonable bond.”
If Gunna’s bond request is denied for a third time, he will remain behind bars until his trial begins. The trial is scheduled to start in January 2023.
Gunna, Young Thug and others face racketeering charges in a sweeping case against YSL members. Prosecutors accuse YSL of being a violent street gang involved in various crimes.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of AllHipHop, the staff or company owners.
Quadeer Shakur
Minister of Information
Universal Zulu Nation
RE: Open Letter To Gossip Blogger Akademiks
Dear Akademiks,
I pray this letter finds you in peace and good health. We all know how dangerous this industry can be, and I thank God for allowing so many of us to survive over the past 48 years since the inception of Hiphop Culture. Many of our pioneers have left us and some weren’t able to see the fruits of their labor. However, we are grateful for where The Culture has brought us.
For 48 years, we’ve educated the world about the importance of our Culture’s four spiritual principles: Peace, Unity, Love, and Having Fun. Those principles were indoctrinated into American culture through positive reinforcement, utilizing four physical elements: Deejaying, Graffiti, Breakdancing, and Emceeing. There is a hidden element, known as “the fifth element”, which is Knowledge.
Young man, had you been well versed with the fifth element, you would have known that your foul and unreasonably disrespectful rant against pioneers of our Culture was out of line, without merit, and pointless. More importantly, the culture vultures and agents for change are enjoying the fracas you created, as they are, have always been, and continue to be steadfast against what we’ve created from nothing. They don’t want us to succeed, and when we do, they always find an agent to do their dirty work in hopes of dismantling our Culture. They have created an atmosphere of disunity, dissension, discontent, and hate. Unfortunately, dear brother, the agents have gotten a hold of you. Subliminally, they have lured you into their trap. Their plan to bring division among us will always work when they include and involve the gullible.
It’s disheartening to see the enemy consume our people and use them to destroy their own. Please always remember that the enemy does not view our Culture favorably. They never will. And if they can throw money at you, they will continue to pimp you, your thoughts, your ideals, and your rationale. To them, you are clueless, uncultured, uncouth, and simpleminded. To us, you are a king, but they’ve blindsided you to believe you’re no more than a gossiper, which is the trait of a foolish woman. Again, we all know better. I liken this to the misleading title of the movie “Woman King.” Akademiks, the enemy wants you to exude traits of a woman, so other young Black soldiers will follow suit. The hatred permeated throughout the new media is designed to attack our beautiful Culture, and advertisers love to see us degrade one another.
There’s a song the Nation Of Islam leader, The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan once sang, “Oh, brother, can’t you tell. The white man’s heaven is the Black man’s hell.” We are living in hell and our escape from this hell we call America, is Hiphop Culture. We created this beautiful Culture to escape gang violence, welfare, murder, police brutality, fatherlessness, drugs, alcohol abuse, and Godlessness. When anyone downplays the work of the young men and women who created a safe space for us, it is a stain on our legacy. It is counterproductive to our work in sustaining this safe space by any means necessary. Akademiks, this letter is written with love, and should you wish to discuss any portion of this letter with me, I am willing to meet you anywhere, and any time. By myself. I know the harm being a fatherless Black man can inflict upon a young man. I’ve been there, and I believe your upbringing in a broken home is probably what led you to speak out of turn when you did. However, what your parents should have taught you – is never bite the hand that feeds you. That is the quickest way to meet the demise of your career. Sure, you may desire to be a male version of Wendy Williams but understand this: Wendy is an accomplished journalist. She is trained to seek both sides of a story and disseminate factual information to the public. Besides, Wendy is a woman, and you could never be a woman, even though you may gossip like one. Choose a side and work that side. Should you choose to be a king among us, then you should act like a king. At all times. There is no woman king. No matter what the movie says.
Quadeer Shakur, Minister of Information, Zulu Nation
Do not be fooled by the likes, comments, and accolades from the foolish, misguided individuals who glorify the degradation of our Culture and disregard our history. They are not your friends nor are they true fans. In fact, they look forward to your downfall just as much as you look forward to the downfall of the great kings and queens of The Culture who helped create and foster a creative space you earn your income from. If street culture has taught you anything, your association with Tikashe 69, a known informant and snitch, is also quite dangerous. The fact that you haven’t experienced any backlash about your relationship with this individual and the many individuals like him, is proof positive that the community is either looking at you as a non-threat, or a simple clown. I should hope this isn’t the case. When anyone who has benefited from Hiphop in any way, attacks the youth who paved the way for this Culture – that person is purposely placing their standing within The Culture in jeopardy.
We have been attacked by the national police association (Ice T for his song “Cop Killer”, NWA for their song “F### The Police”); we have been attacked by Black radio (refusing to play songs by Public Enemy, X-Clan, and KRS-One); and we are constantly under attack by this new media. They don’t want blogs, vlogs, or videos that spread the truth about this Culture. They want the gossip, the beef, and talks about “the bag.” Let me tell you something about that so-called “bag” many young people brag about. Rapper PnB Rock was shot and killed for “the bag.” Rapper XXXTentacion was shot and killed for “the bag.” Rapper Pop Smoke was shot and killed for “the bag.” Be mindful in your quest to secure “the bag”, young man. Thus far, it has not produced positive results.
Akademiks, you are needed, and you are necessary. You have a platform. Use it to promote the truth about this Culture. Use it to expose those who are trying to destroy our Culture. We will have your back in that regard. Should you choose to continue abusing The Culture to appease the enemy, then that is on you. Take what I’m trying to teach you or let it alone. You have that power, and that right. Do not take this letter as a threat or open chastisement, but as an impartation of knowledge, in hopes that you will redirect your energy to embrace the Culture you are attempting to represent. Our brother Michael Jackson said it best, “They don’t really care about us.” Bloggers like yourself have come and gone. There is no staying power with “them.” They will use you and replace you with a new n##### next year. This is the nature of the beast that desires to dismantle this empire we’ve built. Be vigilant and be aware.
Police arrested a teenager and his stepmother in connection to the murder of PnB Rock, but a third suspect remained on the run.
“On Tuesday September 27, 2022, the Los Angeles Police Department’s LAPD/FBI Taskforce, Operations-South Bureau LAPD/ATF Taskforce, Operations-South Bureau’s Community Safety Unit, and South Bureau Homicide Division, coordinated the arrests of two people believed to be involved in the murder of Rakim Allen,” the LAPD revealed on Wednesday (September 28).
The teen, whose name wasn’t disclosed, was arrested in Lawndale, California. He was charged with murder in the shooting death of PnB Rock.
His stepmother Shauntel Trone was arrested in Gardena, California. The 38-year-old woman was booked for accessory to murder.
Police announced the arrests after identifying the teen’s father Freddie Lee Trone as a suspect in PnB Rock’s murder. Authorities sought the public’s help in locating Trone, who was considered to be armed and dangerous.
The LAPD asked anyone with information about Trone’s whereabouts to contact South Bureau Homicide Divisions Detectives Nellie Knight or Matthew Clark at 323-786-5146. Police also accept anonymous tips via LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or www.lacrimestoppers.org.
PnB Rock was shot and killed at a Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles restaurant in Los Angeles on September 12. He was 30.
Two men connected to the on-camera burglary of Brooklyn pastor, Bishop Lamor Miller-Whitehead, have been arrested early on Wednesday, Sept. 28.
The suspects were both Black men and 23 years old and will allegedly face federal robbery charges for his attack on the preacher during Sunday service at the Brooklyn branch of the Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministry on Remsen Ave. near Avenue D at about 11:15 a.m. on July 24.
The Department of Justice released a statement regarding the arrest. It read, “Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Juwan Anderson and Say-Quan Pollack for their roles in an armed robbery at a church in Brooklyn (the “Church”) on July 24, 2022. The defendants were arrested today and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Ramon E. Reyes, Jr. A third defendant remains at large.”
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said, “As alleged, the defendants brought guns into a place of worship, stealing from two members of the clergy, and terrifying the congregation in the process.”
Adding, “I commend the Special Agents and Detectives for their outstanding efforts in identifying the perpetrators who committed a crime that shocks the conscience for its brazenness. This Office will always work with our law enforcement partners to protect our houses of worship, prosecute those who engage in gun violence and ensure the safety of all members of our community.”
“The indictment unsealed today affirms the NYPD’s unwavering commitment to working collaboratively, across several law enforcement agencies, to focus on those few individuals charged with wreaking violence in our city,” said Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell.
Sewell continued, “I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and all of our NYPD officers and detectives who have investigated this important case and removed these defendants from our streets.”
“Armed robbery is an intolerable crime, but to commit such an act during a religious service is incomprehensible,” ATF Special Agent-in-Charge DeVito stated. “The men and women of ATF stand side by side with all of our partners to identify, investigate and apprehend those that commit such brazen acts of violence within our communities. These arrests are due to the excellent investigative work by ATF/NYPD’s Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension (SPARTA) Group. I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for their work in prosecuting this case.”
According to a press release submitted by Whitehead’s publicist, the pastor “was notified by team members of the NYPD and the ATF robbery task force that two suspects have been taken into custody.”
Whitehead, who was arrested recently for choking a Black woman during one of his church services, commended law enforcement for their work in bringing justice to the case.
“Today is the start of healing. We will let the justice system continue to work as I continue to do what God has called me to do,” he said in the statement. “I would like to thank my supporters and hope those that did not believe in my innocence will understand that I along with my family and church are the victims and not the villains.”
In this case, where he is clearly the victim, no one is questioning his innocence. However, he may be referring to the aforementioned assault on a Black woman (captured on film) or the allegations that in November of 2020, Pauline Anderson, a woman from his church, gave him her life savings to help her buy a house and fix her credit.
She alleged and has submitted screenshots of text messages as evidence, that he took her money and did not fulfill his promise to her.
“Ms. Anderson was instead left with nothing but a vague promise by Mr. Whitehead to pay the funds back in the future followed by an assertion that he had no further obligation to do so,” the filing alleged.
This ongoing lawsuit has nothing to do with his robbery.
Whitehead took to Instagram to announce a press conference after the arraignment.
“The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty,” the DOJ stressed. “If convicted [for this case], each defendant faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.”
It has been weeks since rapper Pat Stay was murdered in a local Canadian bar, and Halifax Regional Police are feverishly putting together the case against the man suspected of fatally stabbing the artist.
“I just want to send my condolences out to the Pat Stay family and friends,” Eminem said in a video. “Bro, I know we never got a chance to meet, but I’ve been a huge fan of yours for years. The level that you rap to, it’s like the Pinnacle of battle rap. It doesn’t get any higher than the level that you rapped at.”
He continued, “We’re gonna miss you, bro. Hip-Hop is gonna miss you. We lost a legend.
This is his second shout-out after this death. His first one was on Twitter, saying, “hiphop lost one of the best battlers of all time … RIP @patstay .. KINGS NEVER DIE!!”
hiphop lost one of the best battlers of all time … RIP @patstay .. KINGS NEVER DIE‼️
The Ultimate Rap League showed a tribute to Pat Stay during their recent Summer Madness 12 event, where six of his previous contestants battled on the stage (Hollow Da Don, Aye Verb, Shotgun Suge, Tay Roc, Danny Myers, and Calicoe) and three other elite opponents were in the building (DNA, John John Da Don, and Arsonal).
Others in Hip-Hop include Alchemist, Remy Ma, NLE Choppa, King Crooked, and Ransom. Wrestlers The Iron Sheik and “Platinum” Max Caster paid homage alongside actor/comedians Andy Milonakis, Jay Pharoah, and many others.
People loved him because of not just his skill, but his sincere heart. Days before his passing he wrote, “Imagine if we treated all of our friends and loved ones as if we knew their days were numbered.”
While fans (celebrity and everyday joes) are mourning Stay’s passing, the homicide investigators are working to bring justice to his family/
To build their case, they are asking people who might have been at the club to send them any photos or videos from that night. If anyone has any evidence that could be helpful in sewing up this case, the HRP is asking them to call 902-490-5020.
The Los Angeles Police Department has identified a suspect in the PnB Rock murder, naming Freddie Lee Trone as the person that took the Philadelphia rapper’s life on Monday, Sept. 12 in a Los Angeles Roscoe Chicken & Waffles restaurant located in the 100 block of West Manchester Avenue.
Law enforcement has not secured Trone and has warned the public, while they are asking people to help find him, that he is “armed and dangerous.”
(Courtesy of LAPD)
The news was released on Wednesday, Sept. 28, two weeks after the killing.
As AllHipHop.com has reported, PnB Rock (whose name is Rakim Allen) was shot while having lunch with his girlfriend. The gunman is said to have robbed the rapper, taking some of his and his girlfriend’s property.
According to KTLA, police believe the man’s social media fingerprint may lead them to where he is but are still cautious about his detainment.
To help bring justice to the artist, LAPD is encouraging people to contact South Bureau Homicide Divisions Detectives Nellie Knight or Matthew Clark at 323-786-5146 and for those who prefer to leave an anonymous tip, they are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
R&B singer/songwriter Solana “SZA” Rowe has been making waves in the music industry since her early EPs dropped in the first half of the 2010s. Time magazine has now named SZA one of the world’s top rising stars.
This week, Time presented #TIME100Next. The publication selected SZA to cover one version of the double issue. Nope actress Keke Palmer, Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney, and environmental activist Farwiza Farhan also had separate covers.
“The authenticity in her craft—the way she’s able to tell her story and the way she uses melody—is extraordinary. No one can replicate that. When she’s onstage, she’s timeless,” wrote Lizzo about SZA in Time.
SZA released her debut studio album, Ctrl, in 2017 to widespread critical acclaim. The Top Dawg Entertainment recording artist won her first Grammy Award in April. SZA’s contribution to Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More” helped the single pick up the trophy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Every year, TIME publishes the #TIME100Next, a list that recognizes rising stars from across industries and around the world. What unites these individuals are their extraordinary efforts to shape our world—and define our future https://t.co/59amfrLQLZpic.twitter.com/b9ucDT0fd2
The Artists section of #TIME100Next also features Jonathan Majors, Jack Harlow, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Machine Gun Kelly. Additionally, Time names Ja Morant, Khaby Lame, and other selections as Phenoms.
Rapper/singer/actress Queen Latifah penned theInnovatorsarticle about her Joyful Noise co-star, Keke Palmer. The award-winning Hip Hop icon proclaimed, “[Palmer] is the epitome of grace, poise, and honesty.”
Other #TIME100Next Innovators include FKA Twigs, Law Roach, and Ayo Edebiri. The Advocates section is headlined by Noah executive producer Joel Kim Booster. All Boys Aren’t Blue author George M. Johnson was an Advocates finalist as well.
