Eric B. & Rakim joined forces for a historic performance in New Jersey this week to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. Their appearance marked the first time a Hip-Hop act ever performed at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The legendary duo took to the stage to pay tribute to half a century of Hip-Hop during the North to Shore Music Festival.
New Jersey governor Phil Murphy introduced Eric B. & Rakim, highlighting the duo’s “extraordinary” contribution to the genre.
“You think about ‘Eric B is President,'” he said per Asbury Park Press. “You think about ‘Paid in Full.’ You think about the four iconic albums and they reunited in 2016. These guys are dear friends of mine. They’re extraordinary. Eric B is one of the great deejays of all time. Rakim, the ‘God Flow’ himself.”
Some upcoming Asbury Park Hip-Hop acts also joined the groundbreaking twosome at the concert. Among them was 10-year-old Ryver Bey.
“You don’t understand 50 years of Hip-Hop, it took something to get here,” Rakim declared after watching the performance. “(Bey’s) the next train who’s going to take the next load of people to hip-hop’s future. Do it from your heart always, you know what I mean? Peace and love to the little queen.”
Eric B. added in a press release, “Performing at the Stone Pony is definitely a dream come true. I have been TRULY BLESSED during my career to have played at almost every premiere arena and venue around the world. So, to be able to be the first Hip-Hop group to play at the Stone Pony, which has been the home to countless iconic acts…especially as we celebrate 50 years of Hip-Hop, is unprecedented.”
Meek Mill is feeling the internet’s wrath after speaking up for YK Osiris. The Philly rapper took to Twitter to offer his thoughts on the viral video showing YK Osiris forcibly kissing Sukihana during a panel at Diddy’s recent Crew League event.
After the footage surfaced online, Sukihana revealed she was “hurt” and “scared” to stand up for herself following the incident. Meek Mill responded after a blog page shared her remarks.
In a tweet seemingly directed toward Sukihana, Meek Mill explained that while he supports the “Pretty and Ratchet” rapper, YK Osiris shouldn’t be torn down for his mistakes.
“Don’t do this to him please he a good kid …. Just slap him and he gotta let you something,” he wrote. “We don’t need our young bulls tore down for mistakes in this hyper sexual era…. I support suki … hold that s### down on some street s###.”
However, many tweeters disagreed with his take, blasting him in the replies.
“What the f### is wrong with you, you degenerate hog,” one comment read. After seeing the response, Meek Mill returned an hour later to call out what he regards as “superficial shaming, judging gaslighting,” adding that Sukihana should determine what happens to YK Osiris.
“Y’all drawing a big line between men and women nowadays on social …..it’s getting bad in the black community!” he said. “All this internet superficial shaming, judging gaslighting only hurt us people.”
He continued, “It’s alot of people who need strength especially young black men. He might gotta rumble suki brother anything but this same internet tear each other down stuff! Suki can do what she wants she feels violated… but let me mind my business.”
The backlash continued, and Meek Mill returned with a final response. “And protect suki!” he added. “Osiris you a dh! Go back to church stop following the heathens!”
Check out some of the responses to Meek Mill at the end of the page.
YK Osiris Apologizes To Sukihana
Meanwhile, YK Osiris apologized for his actions in an Instagram post Wednesday evening (June 14). The “BE MY GIRL” rapper claimed he “misread” the situation in what was an attempt at being “playful” gone wrong. He also said, “I understand the importance of consent,” adding, I am embarrassed by my behavior.”
this suki situation really does highlight how big r*pe culture is. this n#### Meek Mill really said “we don’t need our young bulls tore down for mistakes” and the “mistake” in question is SA. why does protecting BM always come at the expense of BW safety and life. pathetic https://t.co/10KxE5g9Tj
Although Conway The Machine was forced to postpone his Won’t He Do It Tour due to injury, he refuses to let his recovery stop him from getting right back to making music.
Last month, the Drumwork Music Group founder revealed he suffered a fractured right tibia and dislocated kneecap and wouldn’t be able to hit the road. He promised it was just a “minor lil setback for a MAJOR COMEBACK,” and he’s sticking to his word.
In a new video, Conway The Machine is seen recording vocals while sitting in a wheelchair. A message on the post explains the Griselda rapper/founder is bouncing back after undergoing multiple surgeries.
“Today I watched this man get wheeled out of the hospital after another surgery,” the text reads. “Carried into his house. And IMMEDIATELY start recording. The anesthesia hadn’t even fully wore off yet. There’s a reason they call him the Machine. And there’s a reason he’s made it this far in his career.”
In the caption, Conway promised to return for his crown once he’s fully recovered: “It’s aiight cause when my leg get back healed, I’m STILL GON BE THE KING!!”
Fans and well-wishers flooded the comments section with encouraging messages, including some of Conway’s peers and collaborators.
“You’ll be tip top 1 day at a time. Do your PT and get back to full 10,” wrote DJ Premier. “Sending Big love King heal up soon soon,” Swizz Beatz added, while Busta Rhymes declared, “ALL HAIL THE MACHINE!!”
Samuel L. Jackson’s wife doesn’t appreciate men using foul language around women, no matter who’s doing the cursing, even if it’s a rap icon like 2Pac.
The legendary actor started alongside 2Pac in the 1992 classic film “Juice.” During a recent visit to Sway’s Universe on Sirius, Jackson reflected on his time on the movie, recalling an amusing story involving his wife, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and ‘Pac.
“My wife was on that film,” he began. “She was the chubby kid’s mom. And I guess ‘Pac was walking through a room one day, and he was cussing somebody up. And my wife grabbed him and was like, ‘Young man, you see all these women sitting in here? You can’t be in here cursing!'”
According to Jackson, everyone in the room was taken aback.
Jackson continued: “He looked at her and was like, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, ma’am.’ … He apologized and he left, and everybody in the room’s like, ‘Do you know who that was?’ She was like, ‘No! I have no idea who he was, but he shouldn’t have been cursing in front of all these women in this room.’”
The moment left a lasting impression on the West Coast legend as Jackson explained: “From that point on, every time he saw her, he was like, ‘Hey mom, how you doin?’”
Later in the interview, Jackson praised 2Pac for his versatility as an artist.
“It was a joy to work with somebody who understood what was going on,” the 74-year-old explained. “As much as everybody put ‘Pac in that whole rapping world, he did go to a performance high school. He understood the business of acting.”
YK Osiris is apologizing after forcibly kissing Sukihana during a panel event, claiming he “misread” the situation. The “BE MY GIRL” hitmaker’s apology arrived after Sukihana deactivated her Twitter account. Before her departure, she revealed she was “hurt” and “scared” to stand up for herself.
Once footage of the incident from Diddy’s recent Crew League event surfaced online, many netizens slammed YK Osiris for violating Sukihana. He took to Instagram Wednesday evening (June 14) to explain the incident and say sorry to the “Pretty and Ratchet” rapper.
“I want to publicly offer my sincerest apology to Sukihana,” YK Osiris wrote. “In an attempt to be playful, I misread the moment and violated Sukihana’s boundaries. I understand the importance of consent and I am embarrassed by my behavior. I have the utmost admiration for Sukihana and it was never my intention to disrespect her.”
Before deleting her Twitter, Sukhiana shared, “I am hurt and I am scared to stand up for myself.” In a follow-up tweet she added: “I drink to hide that I’m very sensitive. I feel things more then the average person. I stopped drinking yesterday but today I’ve been crying all day.” She also revealed, “I asked God to strengthen me,” adding, “I just want to go away for awhile.”
Amber Rose was among those speaking up for Sukhiana, calling the incident “absolutely disgusting.”
“Are we really going to sit back and let this happen to Sukihana???” Rose said. “She was sexually assaulted and no one did anything!!! This is the entertainment business and she is an entertainer!!! Using her lyrics and her persona as an excuse to physically touch her and force her without consent is absolutely disgusting. What happened to ‘protect black women’???”
Los Angeles-based artist Toso (@tosomusic) is set to make a profound impact on the music scene with his new single, “Lotta Doe.” Known for his clear, lyrical, and melodic style, Toso’s music carries a conscious and fun vibe that resonates with listeners. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical influences, the artist has crafted a unique sound that sets him apart from the crowd.
Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, Toso made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles in pursuit of his dreams. Reflecting on his journey, he shared, “I got sick of the cold weather and boredom, so I packed up my car and drove to Los Angeles, California, where I currently reside.” This leap of faith and change of scenery played a crucial role in shaping Toso’s musical direction.
When it comes to his artist name, Toso explained, “My artist name is Toso, pronounced ‘Tuh-Sow,’ but some people pronounce it ‘Tow-Sow.’ It’s a short version of my middle name, which in Nigerian translates to ‘Glory be to God.'” From a young age, Toso was called by this name, making it a natural choice for his music career.
Describing his sound to readers unfamiliar with his work, Toso emphasized the versatility he brings to his music. “I’m very diverse when making music because I let the beat determine how I sound,” he stated. “One song I might take a J-Cole or Jay-Z approach and just give you straight bars. Other songs, I might say very few words and create a catchy sing-along vibe.” Toso’s ability to experiment with different sounds keeps his music fresh and exciting, showcasing his growth and evolution as an artist.
Passion fuels Toso’s drive to create music, as he aims to share the same joy and excitement he experiences during the creative process with his listeners. “Writing a dope song that I absolutely love and then getting bored with it is why I’m so passionate about music,” Toso confessed. He finds motivation in knowing that his fans will connect with his music on a profound level, experiencing the same emotions he pours into each track.
Throughout his musical journey, Toso has drawn inspiration from a range of artists who have left an indelible mark on his style and life. Ludacris, Eminem, Nas, Jay-Z, and Wiz Khalifa are just a few of the names that have influenced his sound and approach. These artists played a significant role in shaping Toso’s passion for hip-hop and his decision to pursue music as a career.
Toso is currently focused on promoting his single, “Lotta Doe,” set to release on June 16th, 2023, accompanied by a music video. The song serves as a motivational anthem for individuals who work hard and refuse to rely on handouts. Toso’s intention is to inspire listeners who face the challenges of being independent artists in an industry saturated with talent.
Looking ahead, Toso has ambitious plans for his music career. He intends to release a series of singles throughout the year and is also working on another album. As he continues to build his fan base and expand his catalog, Toso aims to collaborate with established artists to further elevate his artistry.
Through his music, Toso hopes to convey his unique perspective and creativity, encouraging listeners to explore his discography beyond the upcoming project. “I’m the type of artist that anyone can listen to,” he expressed. “So hopefully, after y’all like this project, you go check out my past albums and singles and follow me for the next ones.”
To stay connected with Toso and his musical journey, fans can follow him on Instagram @tosomusic and subscribe to his YouTube channel The Real Toso. With “Lotta Doe” serving as a testament to his artistry, Toso is ready to captivate audiences with his distinctive sound and thought-provoking lyrics.
Dewey Da Don, hailing from Kansas City and currently based in Atlanta, has collaborated with The Popper to deliver a powerful track titled “Hope for Change.” Produced by Beneficial Productions, the song delves into the dual perspectives of two hustlers—one representing the younger generation immersed in the streets and the other reflecting the wisdom of experience and transformation. Dewey Da Don’s motivation for writing this song was to shed light on the hope for change, even within the confines of a hustler’s lifestyle, while emphasizing the importance of elevating one’s mindset.
For Dewey Da Don, the significance of “Hope for Change” lies in its message of transformative thinking and personal growth. The song embodies the journey of transitioning from a bleak outlook to finding a way out and succeeding. Dewey Da Don also pays homage toNipsey Hussle, an influential figure in both music and entrepreneurship, who serves as a motivator and source of inspiration throughout the track. By advocating for building something greater than oneself and inspiring hope in others, the song carries a profound resonance.
The music video for “Hope for Change” features unexpected cameos byTech 9andX Raided. Tech 9 discovered Dewey Da Don on Instagram and, after engaging in conversation, decided to join the project. During a studio session in Kansas City, Tech 9 and X Raided made a surprise appearance, resulting in one of Dewey Da Don’s most memorable cameos. The video was shot at Studio 64111, owned by Jaz Brewer, an esteemed engineer, and filmed by Mike LB of Five One Vision films.
One of Dewey Da Don’s favorite lines from the song is the opening line, “Grew up in the streets really couldn’t hope for change.” This line encapsulates the perspective of many individuals trapped in the struggles of street life, conveying the common belief that change is an elusive possibility. Through “Hope for Change,” Dewey Da Don challenges this notion, urging listeners to recognize the potential for transformation and a brighter future.
With its resonant message and notable collaborations, “Hope for Change” stands as a testament to Dewey Da Don’s artistry and his commitment to inspiring personal growth and hope within his community.
Erykah Badu has announced she will give 30 free tickets at a secret pop-up in San Diego. The neo-soul singer took to Instagram with her daughter Puma and shared she’d being signing autographs at Cookies, a cannabis dispensary.
“SUPRISE POP-UP at COOKIES!” she wrote in the caption. “I’ll be signing autographs and giving away free tickets to tomorrow nights concert!! Can’t wait to see you!”
Fans will also have the opportunity to attend a meet and greet at the show. Those who say “Unfollow Me” to her during the autograph event will get a ticket to see her at the Pechanga Arena on Thursday (June 15) at 7:30 p.m. local time.
The show is a part of her Unfollow Me Tour, which was announced in April. Yasiin Bey (AKA Mos Def) is the special guest on all dates.
The tour is produced by Outback Presents and appears in cities such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Boston, New York, Newark and Washington, D.C. The last date of the tour will be Badu’s hometown of Dallas on July 23.
CEO Teezy, who was named a “person of interest” in the 2021 murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, was believed to be shot and killed on Tuesday (June 13) in the Orange Mound neighborhood of Memphis.
On arrival, officers found a man who was dead from gunshot wounds at the scene. So far, the man’s identity has yet to be revealed, and it’s yet to be confirmed if CEO Teezy was indeed the victim of the gunplay.
CEO Teezy and another man, Devin Burns, were named as “Persons of Interest” in the Young Dolph murder case by the Memphis Police Department.
Burns was collared in February 2022 on an unrelated charged and was charged with four counts of aggravated assault and one count of property theft in the amount of $10,000-$60,000. His bond was set at $100,000.
Teezy was still sought for questioning regarding the case, and the nature of their involvement remains unconfirmed by the police.
There’s no suspect information regarding the shooting, and the investigation is ongoing. However, the internet exploded, and Young Dolph started trending as reports suggested CEO Teezy was the victim.
Aye, Memphis play no games bout Dolph #AtAll … they been steppin like greeks
Young Dolph was tragically gunned down outside Makeda’s Homemade Cookies in the Orange Mound neighborhood of Memphis on November 17, 2021.
Justin “Straight Drop” Johnson, a Memphis-area rapper, was identified as one of the gunmen in the surveillance footage of Young Dolph’s murder. Johnson was known to have associations with CEO Teezy, as both were seen in several music videos together.
The murder case of Young Dolph has seen various developments, with Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith indicted as the gunmen, while Hernandez Govan allegedly ordered the hit on Young Dolph.
A fourth suspect, Jermarcus Johnson, pleaded guilty to three accessory charges.
YNW Melly’s courtroom antics continue to bother his alleged victims’ families. Leondra Phillips, the mother of YNW Juvy, condemned YNW Melly for praying and blowing a kiss during his murder trial. Phillips questioned the defendant’s behavior in an interview with NBC 6 South Floridaon Wednesday (June 14).
“I walked out because I don’t—whatchu praying for?” Phillips told NBC 6. “Because you sitting over there like you don’t got no remorse. Every time I walk in, you smiling. This ain’t the time for that. This case is sad. This is serious.”
Prosecutors accuse YNW Melly of killing his friends YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser in 2018. The Florida-bred rapper pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
The trial against YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, began on Monday (June 12). His alleged accomplice YNW Bortlen will be tried separately.
YNW Melly smiled and laughed several times during the first three days of his trial. His lawyer downplayed the evidence against his client in opening statements.
“What [prosecutors] will bring you is a case that is riddled with reasonable doubt, that is founded on an incompetent and incomplete investigation and exercised poor judgment at every turn,” his attorney David Howard told jurors. “The state cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt the allegations they have made, and there’s a reason for that.”
YNW Melly faces the death penalty if convicted. He’s remained in jail since his 2019 arrest.
An autopsy has reportedly confirmed Gangsta Boo died of an accidental overdose. Local news outlets in Memphis reviewed Gangsta Boo’s autopsy report, which was released on Wednesday (June 14). The report revealed she overdosed on fentanyl, cocaine and alcohol.
Gangsta Boo, whose real name was Lola Mitchell, passed away on January 1. She was 43. The Three 6 Mafia rapper was found unresponsive at her home on New Year’s Day. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gangsta Boo’s funeral was held in January. Fellow Three 6 Mafia member DJ Paul faced criticism for not attending the service, which he addressed on social media.
“Lemme explain something to y’all b#### ass n##### out there who got something to say about me not coming to Boo funeral,” he said. “N####, I paid for the funeral, hoe! I’m on m############ tour and even if I wasn’t, I don’t do funerals.”
He added, “The last time I was at a funeral, it wasn’t nothing but a bunch of groupie ass m############ n##### up in that m###########. Boo know how much I loved her. I know how much she loved me, n####. I ain’t got nothing to prove to none of you punk-ass, groupie-ass n##### up in there.”
Gangsta Boo was a Memphis rap pioneer and the only woman in Three 6 Mafia. She released several solo albums and collaborative projects in addition to her work with the influential group.
One of R. Kelly’s accusers is asking a court make his medical records public. She says the disgraced R&B singer gave her an STD but never told her he was hot before they slept together.
According to Radar Online, the woman, Faith Rodgers, wants R. Kelly to have to answer questions under oath in court detailing their multiple sexual experiences. She claims he not only burnt her but also forced her to engage in sexual acts without her consent.
AllHipHop previously reported the Grammy Award-winner has been infected with herpes at least since 2003. During his 2021 trial, several women testified to this.
Jane Doe #4 claims she contracted herpes from him around 2009, while Jane Doe #5 and Jane Doe #6’s were purposely exposed to herpes in 2015 and 2017-18 due to R. Kelly’s practice of having unprotected sex. But the smoking gun seems to be coming from Jane Doe # 11.
“She specifically asked the defendant whether he was ‘okay’ prior to having unprotected sex with the defendant—referring to whether he had any STDs… Jane Doe #11’s testimony that she confronted the defendant about both her herpes diagnosis and her belief that she contracted it from him is relevant to show that the defendant was on notice that herpes is an STD and that the defendant had herpes, which is directly relevant to his knowledge and intent for the charged crimes related to his exposing charged victims to herpes,” Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney, said.
In this latest legal bout, Rodgers asked for the courts to share the names of any medical professionals he hired in the past, each state he may have sought medical attention from, and each and every clinic or hospital he visited between the years 2017 and 2019.
She also wants a judge to make him share his financial information— pulling from the accounts from banks and other financial institutions he was using during the time they were together.
Rodgers has further asked that his team provides a list of all credit cards he used during that time.
College basketball star/rapper Flau’jae Johnson wondered why she didn’t make a cameo in Latto and Cardi B’s “Put It On Da Floor Again” video like her LSU teammate Angel Reese.
Johnson discussed her omission from the video in an interview with Baller Alert. Johnson was happy to see her teammate link up with Latto, but she didn’t understand why she was left out of it.
“Angel, she loves being in videos,” Johnson said. “She the cute girl. That’s her thing. Latto, she hit me about it the day before. She was like, ‘I want you to be in the video.’ I was like, ‘I’m in L.A. right now. But yeah, we can make it happen.’ But we didn’t make it happen. Her people never hit my people.”
Johnson thought Latto wasn’t truly looking to get the LSU guard in the video. Johnson suggested Latto may have felt obligated to offer a cameo due to their Rap Game reality show history.
“I seen she had asked Angel like a week before,” Johnson said. “And I was like ‘OK, maybe she ain’t really want me in the video for real, but she had to ask ‘cause we kinda had a relationship before and she put Angel in it.’ I didn’t really care because Angel was in it and that was a big moment for women’s basketball. And at the same time, why wouldn’t you put me in it? It just made sense.”
Latto dropped the “Put It On Da Floor Again” video in June. Cardi B’s verse referenced the LSU women’s basketball team, which won the NCAA championship in April.
Snoop Dogg decided to delay his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The Songwriters Hall of Fame revealed Snoop Dogg will miss the 2023 induction ceremony due to “personal reasons,” per Billboard. The rapper intends to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2024.
Snoop Dogg was originally supposed to be inducted alongside his fellow members of the 2023 Songwriters Hall of Fame class on Thursday (June 15). Sade also withdrew from the event but planned to be inducted in the future.
2023 class members Teddy Riley, Gloria Estefan, Glen Ballard, Jeff Lynne and Liz Rose will be inducted on June 15. The ceremony will take place at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York.
Snoop Dogg’s delayed induction left only a handful of Hip-Hop artists in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. JAY-Z was the first rapper to join the ranks in 2017. Missy Elliott, Jermaine Dupri and The Neptunes became Hall of Fame members in subsequent years.
Earlier this month, Snoop Dogg postponed his Doggystyle 30th anniversary concerts in support of the WGA writers’ strike. The West Coast legend was going to perform at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on June 27 and 28 but pushed the shows back to October 20 and 21.
Boosie Badazz was arrested by federal agents on Wednesday (June 14) following his court hearing about gun charges from last month, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s office.
The 38-year-old rapper was in court for his ongoing gun case, which was dismissed. However, he was taken into custody immediately after his hearing due to another pending legal issue. The details surrounding the new arrest remain unclear. The arrest comes on the heels of a string of legal troubles for the rapper.
In May, Boosie was in San Diego to shoot a music video and perform at a club. Boosie and a 28-year-old man named Billy Johnson ran into trouble when they were arrested during a traffic stop. Officers allegedly found two loaded guns in the vehicle.
Boosie was subsequently charged with felon in possession of a firearm, concealed carry weapon in a vehicle, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, and unlisted owner of a registered firearm.
After posting his $50,000 bail, he appeared at the Phantom Lounge and Nightclub. Footage from the event showed him leading the crowd in a chant criticizing the San Diego police.
Boosie’s legal difficulties have been a recurring theme in his career. He’s faced various legal issues over the years, including a murder-for-hire case in his hometown of Baton Rouge. A jury found him not guilty of murder in 2012. Currently, Hatch’s legal team has not commented on his latest arrest. More information will be provided as the case develops.
Snoop Dogg is one of the few rappers who’s made money in the NFT world. Now, he’s back at it with a new release that will allow his fans to go on a virtual tour around the world with him.
“Passport is the first ever evolving tour collectible,” the website boasts. “It’s like a tour poster that evolves with each place Snoop stops on tour. Get behind the scenes with Snoop, collect some amazing art and get access to future Snoop drops and experiences.”
Fans can purchase up to 100 of the Passport using a credit card or crypto wallet for about $42 or 0.0025 ETH. Snoop commented on his involvement in the NFT world and this new effort, saying, “Throughout my career, I’ve always been pushing things forward. With the passport series, I can give my fans the opportunity to travel the world with me—no one’s ever done that.
“I’ve always been a pioneer, and digital merch is part of the future. I’m hoping other artists can see what I’m doing and continue to innovate on their own.”
The Passport Series isn’t all that’s dropping. The “Gin and Juice” chart-topper will also release Snoop Selects, which all the NFTs holders will receive. Snoop Select is a collection of digital artwork curated by the rapper’s team featuring Terrel Jones, Alien Queen and Coldie.
This isn’t the only NFT Snoop has dropped this year.
AllHipHop reported Snoop Dogg partnered with GaryVee to pump out a NFT on a new song called “Please Take A Step Back,” which was released on April 28.
Casanova faces a minimum sentence of 15 years with a potential maximum of 60 years following his alleged involvement in the notorious Untouchable Gorilla Stone gang.
The rapper’s lawyers confirmed Casanova has already admitted his guilt, candidly discussed his membership in Gorilla Stone and acknowledged he promoted a gang lifestyle in hopes of getting a lighter sentence.
The rap star was among the 18 individuals indicted in the comprehensive RICO case that emerged in December 2020. The gang has been accused of a myriad of crimes, including drug trafficking, violent assaults and even the murder of a 15-year-old boy in Upstate New York.
Casanova, who had a successful music career since 2016, initially pleaded not guilty, maintaining that his high-profile status and connections made him a target for the authorities.
Additionally, he admitted to being the shooter in a July 5, 2020 incident at a Florida party involving other gang members, an altercation that was instigated over a gambling disagreement.
He also confessed to selling marijuana to supplement his income during the pandemic but emphasized that he was not sharing the proceeds of his marijuana sales with the gang.
During his upcoming sentencing hearing, he plans to completely renounce his membership and involvement with the gang, which he has already done in a letter to Judge Philip Halpern.
“I am telling you and anyone that will listen that I wanted out before I was arrested and I am out. I learned through my music career that people will listen and that I don’t need to associate myself with a gang to succeed. I don’t need to associate with a gang even if I don’t succeed.
“I thought I needed to stay in the life in name because it was a way to promote my career. I don’t care what the government tells you. I am telling you the truth. I was not involved in the daily activities of this gang. I wasn’t anyone’s boss. What I was and I regret this was a person that they could use to promote themselves in a world I swear to you I was trying to leave. I clearly did not do a good enough job of this as I did find myself in one bad situation after another.
Casanova’s sentencing is scheduled for June 27, 2023. Casanova’s full letter is below:
The 2023 Made in America Festival will take place in Philadelphia during Labor Day weekend. Organizers of the event tapped R&B singers SZA and Lizzo as this year’s headliners.
In addition, Made In America will host performances by Miguel, Tems, Metro Boomin, Ice Spice, Coi Leray, Latto, Lil Yachty, Doechii, Lola Brooke, Coco Jones, TiaCorine and more acts.
There will also be a “very special joint set” by Harlem-bred rappers Ma$e and Cam’ron. The two-day MIA festival returns to Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 2 and 3.
Roc Nation boss JAY-Z founded Made In America in 2012. JAY-Z closed out that initial show’s first night with legendary rock band Pearl Jam headlining night two.
“The Made In America festival has become synonymous with Labor Day Weekend,” Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez said. “2022 was an overwhelming success with our headliners, Bad Bunny and Tyler, the Creator, all the amazing talent on the line-up, and the positive energy from all our attendees.”
Lizzo heads to Philadelphia for Made In America following the release of the Billboard 200 chart-topping 2022 studio LP Special. The “About Damn Time” single spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
SZA’s SOS album dominated the Billboard 200 for 10 non-consecutive weeks in 2022 and 2023. The Top Dawg Entertainment recording artist also scored a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 with her “Kill Bill” song.
It’s not that often 50 Cent has to throw in the proverbial towel. However, after wrestling in court with Rémy Martin, he’s given up his fight. According to TMZ, the two liquor brands settled an almost two-year dispute claiming the Queens rapper copied the Rémy Martin XO’s bottle design.
As previously reported by AllHipHop, Rémy Martin filed a copyright infringement complaint against 50 Cent/ Sire Spirits in Manhattan federal court. The company explained Rémy Martin’s Centaure de Diamant bottle has a unique jeweled design that was the only one like it in the market. It believes 50 Cent’s brand’s bottle is so similar, it can cause confusion with the consumer. Sire Spirits denied copying the legacy brand.
The settlement has been in the works for months. Court documents obtained by AllHipHop in March stated both sides asked a judge to step in and finalize the deal.
“Rémy Martin and Sire Spirits respectfully submit this joint request for a 14-day adjournment of the status conference currently scheduled for Friday, March 3, 2023,” lawyers informed the court. “Rémy Martin and Sire Spirits make this request to allow the parties time to complete settlement negotiations and finalize a settlement agreement and will provide the Court with an update on or before Friday, March 17, 2023.”
The settlement was made on June 1. While 50 Cent hasn’t commented on the agreement, although Rémy Martin has, saying the company is happy the trademark and patent dispute has ended.
YK Osiris took his shot and tried to kiss rapper Sukihana. However, it didn’t seem like the Delaware native was with it. It also didn’t seem like he cared that his was violating her.
A video from the analyst panel at Diddy’s recent Crew League event is circulating on social media. The “Pretty and Ratchet” rapper was posted up on the panel with comedians Lil Duval and Funny Marco.
In the clip, YK Osiris appears to be giving her a deep shoulder massage but then he goes for the kill, kissing her on her cheek, grabbing her face and then going in for her mouth. She noticeably squirms while he laughs.
Funny Marco and Duval look at each other in disbelief, with the Florida comedian shouting, “She wasn’t ready.” As she protests and eventually regains her breath, he grabs her and tries to kiss her again. He then walks away chuckling at what he just did. Twitter instantly erupted, suggesting a crime had been committed.
One person tweeted, “#Sukihana said help me and none of those men (Duval or Funny Marco) tried stop that lil boy. I hope she presses charges against YK Osiris for SA. Do not touch or talk sexually to women without their consent! No and stop is a complete sentence!”
With another replying and saying, “Pressing charges is OD but a conversation needs to be had and consequences and changes need to happen.”
And one more saying, “Sis, pressing charges for sexual assault and harassment is a Right and stops abuse. I don’t condone abuse of women but if you are okay with not getting the law involved in SA then that’s on YOU!.”
Sis, pressing charges for sexual assault and harassment is a Right and stops abuse. I don’t condone abuse of women but if you are okay with not getting the law involved in SA then that’s on YOU!
“Even though I am not a fan of #sukihana, she was violated,” one Twitter user stated after a commenter talked about the rapper’s sexually driven persona.
Adding, “What upsets me the most is #lilduval and #funnymarco just laughed. I guess her screams weren’t loud enough. Her body language wasn’t readable to them. I don’t care what she does, she didn’t deserve this s###! Period.”
Even though I am not a fan of #sukihana, she was violated. What upsets me the most is #lilduval and #funnymarco just laughed. I guess her screams weren’t loud enough. Her body language wasn’t readable to them. I don’t care what she does, she didn’t deserve this s###! Period pic.twitter.com/wovnnVs6Oa
