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U.K. Rapper AJ Tracey Offers Scholarships For Black Students At Oxford University 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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AJ Tracey is putting his resources into addressing “historic underrepresentation” among Black students at Oxford University. 

The West Londoner is donating £40,000 annually ($45K approx.) to assist ethnic minority students at the world-class university. The AJ Tracey Fund also aims to support research into Black histories and experiences. 

He took to social media last week (Oc. 18), sharing a series of images from a dinner he hosted at St Peter’s College. 

“A big thank you to @UniofOxford & @SPC_Oxford for allowing me to hold a dinner and meet some of the brightest young people last night,” AJ Tracey Penned in the caption. It was an honour to speak at the union and I look forward to our continued work and partnership going forward 📚🧠 

The “Thiago Silva” rapper said he’s working to “level the playing field” for Black Oxford students.  

“I think, in general, for anyone who doesn’t understand why Black people who have managed to become successful want to help Black kids, it should be self-explanatory,” AJ Tracey told The Guardian. “The whole country is catered towards white people and we’re just trying to level the playing field by helping Black kids.”  

AJ Tracey also addressed the backlash fellow U.K. rapper Stormzy received when he announced a scholarship for Black students at Cambridge. Some online branded the “Mel Made Me Do It” hitmaker racist and “anti-white” for the move. 

“It’s crazy,” AJ Tracey said in response. “At the end of the day, a large portion of the population is always going to have a very uneducated and misguided view on these kinds of happenings. Even if I were to say, ‘Yeah, I want to help every student, not just Black or ethnic students’, they’ll just say it’s a PR stunt.” 

Candace Owens Threatens To Sue George Floyd’s Family

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Candace Owens is threatening to sue the family of George Floyd after their attorney revealed they are considering a $250 million lawsuit against Kanye West after he claimed Floyd’s death was caused by a drug overdose.  

Earlier this month, the rapper attended the premier of the controversial conservative commentator’s new documentary “The Greatest Lie Ever Sold: George Floyd,” and later cited the film during his controversial Drink Champs interview.  

Ye incorrectly claimed Floyd died from a Fentanyl overdose despite two separate autopsies concluding his death was caused by asphyxiation caused by police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck for nine minutes.  

Candace Owens Brands George Floyd Family’s Lawsuit A “PR Stunt”

After the family cited emotional distress as a motivating factor in the lawsuit, Candace Owens defended Kanye West. She said the suit is causing her “a ton of distress,” calling it “a PR stunt,” before threatening her own legal proceedings. 

“I’m also sick of frivolous lawsuits,” she said on her podcast. “You know, if this is actually considered credible, if you can sue somebody because you’re feeling ’emotionally distressed’ because of them going out and saying things, well then I think that I have grounds to sue George Floyd’s estate.” 

She continued, “I have grounds to sue George Floyd’s family for doing this little PR stunt. It’s causing me a ton of distress. I feel angry and I feel upset with the fact that I am fighting for Black America to be freed from the lies while these people are fighting to keep them in the dark!”  

 Candace Owens then doubled down, saying, “This is unacceptable. I’m really — I’m serious. I’m going to go out and I’m going to ask lawyers ‘If this is legitimate, can I sue George Floyd’s family?’ Because I should be able to.” 

Earlier this month, Kanye West and Candace Owens reunited at the Yeezy designers Paris Fashion Week Show. The pair were widely criticized for wearing Ye’s “White Lives Matter” shirts during the event.  

Kanye West: Kim Kardashian “Could Never Love” Pete Davidson Because “She Likes Black Guys”

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Kanye West says he always knew Kim Kardashian would break up with Pete Davidson because she has a type; according to Ye, “she likes Black guys.” 

The DONDA rapper, currently at the center of controversy over his antisemitic remarks, has never been a fan of the comedian. Though Kim and Pete have since broken up, Kanye’s online harassment of Pete Davidson reportedly caused the comic to enter therapy. 

However, Ye said their recent split was inevitable as Pete is not her type. 

“I mean I knew there was no way she could love this dude,” Kanye West said during an appearance on the Lex Fridman Podcast. “Not just because he’s ugly, he’s not Black. She likes Black guys.” 

Furthermore, Kanye West said Kim Kardashian’s “type” is even more specific. “Every guy that she is with looks exactly the same,” Ye continued. “Ray J, Reggie Bush, at that time Kanye West. She has a type just like how I have a type. A lot of my girls look kind of similar to her.” Check out the clip below and the interview at the end of the page.

Elsewhere during the interview posted on Monday (Oct. 24), Ye described the mother of his four children as “My favourite of all time.” When asked about his love for Kim Kardashian, Kanye explained it’s down to her biology.  

“It’s just, the DNA is like … she a mix of Rob and Kris,” Ye said, referring to Kim’s parents, Robert Kardashian and Kris Jenner. “That’s a really high pool right there. Those are like two geniuses.” 

Kanye West described himself as “the living” version of Kim’s late father during his interview with Piers Morgan.  

“I’m still the priest of that home. They want to make it this matriarch society…but I am the priest of that home, and God is alive. I am the living Robert Kardashian,” Ye stated. “And I’m going to stand up for what God would want as a Christian. 

Meanwhile, Kim condemned antisemitism in a recent social media post. While she did not mention Kanye by name, she called out hate speech. Kris Jenner and Kim’s sister Khloe Kardashian also shared similar messages.  

Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Dave Chappelle & More Support Will Smith At ‘Emancipation’ Screening 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Will Smith held a star-studded private screening for his upcoming movie Emancipation, attended by an A-List group of friends, including Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Dave Chapelle. 

The slavery drama marks the actor’s comeback following his now infamous appearance at the 2022 Oscars where he slapped host Chris Rock on stage.  

The rapper-turned-Hollywood movie star took to Instagram on Monday night (Oct. 24) to thank his friends for coming. He shared a pair of images from the screening featuring Rihanna, A$AP, Chappelle, Kenya Barris, Tyler Perry, and more.  

“EPIC night!! Thanx for coming to see #Emancipation. Hope ya’ll enjoyed!!’ Will Smith penned in the caption.  

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A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

Instagram Will Smith

After seeing the movie, Tyler Perry and Kenya Barris shared their praise for Emancipation via Instagram.  

“I’m still haunted by ‘Emancipation,’” Perry wrote. “It’s truly powerful, moving and captivating. And the conversation afterwards with this group was legendary. Thank you, Will Smith, for the preview.”  

While Barris added, “Emancipation is true art, power and everything else a film should be. You got one, Will Smith.” 

Will Smith stars as a runaway slave in the Antoine Fuqua-directed Emancipation. Based on a true story, the movie follows his character “Whipper Peter” on his escape from a Louisiana plantation to join the Union Army.  

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hit Will Smith with a 10-year ban over his actions at the 2022 ceremony. Despite concerns that the project could be shelved, the director, who said Smith was “incredible” in the move, was confident of a release date.  

Emancipation premieres in movie theaters on Dec. 2 and begins streaming on Apple TV+ on Dec. 9. 

Kanye West & G.O.O.D. Music Reportedly No Longer Part Of Def Jam 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Kanye West and G.O.O.D. Music’s working relationship with Def Jam has reportedly come to an end. 

According to a report from the New York Times, a source confirmed Ye and his G.O.O.D Music label are no longer affiliated with Def Jam. Kanye West 

While the news comes as numerous brands sever their ties with the rapper over his antisemitic comments, it’s unclear if Ye’s remarks affected his association with his longtime record label. His contact with Def Jam expired following the release of DONDA in 2021, although Def Jam continued to put out G.O.O.D. Music projects, including Pusha T’s It’s Almost Dry. 

Kanye West’s Weeks Of Controversy

On Monday (Oct. 24), talent agency CAA became the latest in a long line of business to cut ties with Kanye West. He signed with the agency in 2016 which represented him for touring, but they dropped him over his antisemitic remarks. 

Also on Monday, Film Studio MRC announced they won’t be releasing a documentary on Ye, despite recently completing filming. “We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform,” they said in a statement.  

Companies and longtime friends have been distancing themselves from Kanye West and his remarks since his controversial Paris Fashion Week show. He received backlash over his “White Lives Matter” designs and association with conservative commentator Candace Owens before being suspended from social media over antisemitic rhetoric.  

Since then, Ye’s made a steady stream of media appearances doubling down on his earlier statements while making other controversial remarks and pedaling conspiracy theories. Drink Champs took down their interview with Ye, and N.O.R.E. apologized for not checking Kanye West over his incorrect statements about the death of George Floyd.  

However, in his most recent interview aired on Monday, Kanye West revealed he “absolutely” is happy. During an appearance on the Lex Fridman Podcast, he explained that although he has frustrations, “it’s difficult to make me unhappy.” Check out the clip below.  

Kanye West Sues Australian Burger Shop Over Its Branding

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Australia’s College Dropout Burgers faced the legal wrath of Kanye West, who filed a lawsuit against the burger shop.

According to multiple reports, Kanye West pursued legal action over the burger shop’s name and menu. Earlier this year, the restaurant received a cease and desist that led to its owner removing a ‘Ye-inspired logo and menu items referencing the controversial rapper/producer.

The burger shop maintained the College Dropout name despite it being the title of Kanye West’s debut album. Owner Mark Elkhouri said he kept the name because he’s a college dropout.

“College Dropout Burgers has respectfully removed all references to Ye, establishing a new direction, theme and brand identity,” Mark Elkhouri told 3AW in Australia. “I can’t understand what would motivate a major artist to sue a small humble burger restaurant on the other side of the world.”

Kanye West’s lawyers claim College Dropout Burgers still references ‘Ye in multiple ways. Although the restaurant got rid of a Dropout Bear logo, lawyers insist there are still items on the menu linked to ‘Ye.

Attorneys are seeking a permanent injunction against Mark Elkhouri. Lawyers also asked the College Dropout Burgers owner to withdraw a trademark application and get rid of any materials referencing Kanye West.

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Westside Gunn Implies Drake Is Trolling Him With Same Release Dates

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Westside Gunn took notice of Drake’s choice for a release date.

The Griselda Records rapper suggested Drake was trying to overshadow Westside Gunn’s Hitler Wears Hermes 10 project, which drops on October 28. Drake recently announced Her Loss, a collaborative album with 21 Savage due out on the same day.

“2yrs in a Row @Drake I’m on to you,” Westside Gunn wrote with laughing emojis on Twitter. “10/28.”

Although Westside Gunn will be fighting for listeners’ attention on October 28, he doesn’t seem fazed by the high-profile competition. He championed himself while promoting Hitler Wears Hermes 10 on Monday (October 24).

“I’m a be honest with y’all CANT NOBODY F### WITH ME,” he declared via Twitter. “This s### in me not on me, why I have to be the illest rapper when I’m the Illest N…., ya Fav rapper wish he was me, oh yea and my albums still better than everybody’s hahahahah #FLYGOD TEN 10/28 @griseldarecords #GXFR.”

Westside Gunn released the first Hitler Wears Hermes in 2012. He planned for last year’s two-parter Hitler Wears Hermes 9 to be the final entry, but the Buffalo-bred artist decided to drop one more project in the long-running series.

“Tasha Ain’t Learned Her Lesson Yet?” Megan Thee Stallion Likes Post Denying Rumors Put Out By Blogger

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: Rumors
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Video blogger Tasha K continues to target high-profile rappers with gossip and the sharing of information about their personal lives. This time she is aiming at Houston’s own Megan Thee Stallion, claiming on an Instagram Live with Nicki Minaj that the “Hottie” star damaged singer and influencer Teyana Taylor’s home.

As reported by AllHipHop.com, Tasha K, who was found guilty of defamation after going to trial with Cardi B, said to the Queen of the Barbz, “We’re just talking about Megan. You know she done fu***d up Teyana Taylor’s house. Teyana had to sell that house. You know Megan was renting that house, and that’s why [she] and [stylist E.J. King] fell out.”

https://youtu.be/nFMurY1vPxg


While the “Savage” rapper didn’t go blow for blow with the YouTuber, she did let her rebuttal be known in a very casual way. She liked a tweet from another blogger named Ken Barbie who shared the house Tasha K was talking about. This was not the same house that was jacked of $300K to $400K in jewelry, cash, and electronics during a burglary.

Ken Barbie wrote, “Meg rented from Teyana from a very short period in 2019 and left very early 2020. Teyana just sold the home nearly a month ago, it is not the same home of Meg’s that was recently burglarized. Tasha also raised false allegations on Meg’s fall out with her former stylist EJ King.”

Tasha K jumped into the comments and said, “And tell your minion blogger. He got the story wrong… ain’t nobody say nothing about Teyana selling that home because of you. What I said was is that she is selling the home@she let you rent & damaged! And now that your home was burglarized, she don’t care cause Karma is a b****! Is what I said!”

Adding, “You damaged that lady house. She had to run you down for her bread. Ej suggested you rent out one of her homes to that lady. On top of of trying to skip out on damages and back rent. Ej had to run you down for his 80k in work he did for you! Meg please! Yeah you rented the home then, but they both had to run you down for the bread you owed them… Ej!!😱😱.”

One fan wrote something so many have been thinking, “Tasha ain’t learned her lesson yet??”

As reported by AllHipHop.com, Tasha K still owes Cardi B $3.8 million. 

Watch Exclusive Clip Of Lil Yachty & Tyrese In New Movie ‘The System’

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: Exclusives
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Lil Yachty and Tyrese Gibson star in the upcoming action film The System, which hits theaters on October 28.

Ahead of the movie’s release, AllHipHop brings our readers an exclusive clip from The System. The scene features Joker (played by Lil Yachty) issuing a warning to Terry Savage (played by Tyrese Gibson) in prison.

https://youtu.be/fHiVBdKbK5c

The System also stars Terrence Howard and Jeremy Piven. Dallas Jackson wrote and directed the film, which tells the story of a retired Marine who goes on an undercover mission in prison.

“When a young soldier (Tyrese Gibson), newly returned from war, gets caught up in a drug bust, he is recruited by the authorities to go undercover in a notoriously dangerous prison to investigate what is really going on behind the scenes,” the film’s official description reads. “When he discovers an underground prisoner fighting ring, the warden forces him to compete. In order to win his freedom, he must fight to stay alive as well as take down the warden’s corrupt system.”

Lil Yachty and Tyrese Gibson’s The System drops digitally soon after its theatrical release. The movie will be available on-demand on November 4.

Check out the exclusive clip of Lil Yachty and Tyrese Gibson in The System below.

J Young MDK Talks New Single “Misconceptions”

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Music
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J Young MDK is back with his newest single and visual, titled “Misconceptions.”

The mood of the song will take you to a time when old school rap was the move, and the visual sees J Young MDK giving us a freestyle as he cruises along a busy city.

The track is currently rumored to be a hit on his upcoming album that will be released later this year.

He’s already known by the masses as his hard work, and friendly demeanor has provided him with an incredible reputation. 

In 2020 alone, he made music history by debuting two albums of two different genres on the same day! After releasing a third that same year, fans were sold on the staying power surrounding J Young MDK. 

His most recent move includes creating a hip-hop track for Netflix’s #1 movie this summer, “Day Shift.” Young, his mentor Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Sam Harmonix manifested the single “(Bud) Mowing Down Vamps” in honor of the smash film.

No stranger to featuring films, J Young MDK has had his own luck in the acting field. In 2022, a film he had been diligently working on, “Mixed Girl,” dropped. 

Young humbly played his heart out as the lead role, giving him a nomination for “Outstanding Actor in a Short Film.” The Micheaux Film Festival in L.A also nominated him for “Outstanding Dramatic Actor in a Short Film.”

Back on the music end, he has quite a year, performing beside Latto during her nationwide Monster Outbreak Presents: Latto 777 Tour. He also released an infectious single, “Slow Motion,” in the spring. Looks like it now has some stiff competition with “Misconceptions!”

AllHipHop: What’s the inspiration behind your new single “Misconceptions?”

J Young MDK: “Misconceptions” is about people who really don’t know me ,but they think they know me via social media or the outside looking in. Some think they know how I grew up and others think they know what it took for me to get where I’m at. Essentially, I created this song to give a little more insight of who I am.

AllHipHop: As a solo artist, if you could collaborate with any artist, who would that be?

J Young MDK: I’m a fan of a lot of artists and I would love to work with too many to name. However, to name a few, Drake, André 3000, Rick Ross, Adele, Jay Z, and WizKid.

AllHipHop: Do you have anything else you want to share?

J Young MDK: I just want to tell the fans that I have a lot more music coming out soon as well as film projects that I’m excited to share soon. We’re also giving back tremendously this holiday season. I have some projects coming up with the American Diabetes Association as well as the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention’s “Out of Darkness Walks” slated for November.

For more information about J Young MDK, follow him on social media @jyoungmdk.

Kanye West Dropped By CAA Talent Agency Over Antisemitism

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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CAA cut ties with Kanye West in wake of his antisemitic remarks.

The talent agency represented Kanye West for his touring. He signed with CAA in 2016.

CAA joined the growing list of businesses dropping Kanye West over his antisemitism. Last week, the Balenciaga fashion house ended its relationship with ‘Ye. Film studio MRC shelved a recently completed documentary about the controversial rapper.

“We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform,” MRC said in a statement on Monday (October 24).

Kanye West’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian also addressed his antisemitism on Monday. The reality TV star didn’t mention her ex-husband by name but condemned hate speech on social media.

“Hate speech is never OK or excusable,” she wrote. “I stand together with the Jewish community and call on the terrible violence and hateful rhetoric towards them to come to an immediate end.”

Earlier this month, Instagram and Twitter locked Kanye West’s accounts over his antisemitic posts. He continued to make antisemitic comments in subsequent interviews, including a since-deleted episode of Drink Champs.

The Drink Champs interview included false claims about the late George Floyd, who was murdered by police in 2020. George Floyd’s family filed a $250 million lawsuit against ‘Ye for defamation and emotional distress.

Halle Bailey Brought To Tears After Release Of “The Little Mermaid” Trailer

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Halle Bailey, hip-hop news, brand new school

Halle explained why she became emotional after the release and reaction to the trailer for the new version of “The Little Mermaid.”

Halle Bailey gushed over audiences’ responses to “The Little Mermaid’s” trailer.

The actress, who plays Ariel in the upcoming Disney live-action remake of the 1989 classic, spoke to ET Canada about the new movie. In her chat, she reacted to videos circulating online of Black girls watching the trailer for the first time.

Halle, who has been subjected to racism because of her casting as the famous mermaid, shared that watching the videos made her cry.

“It’s been really crazy, really overwhelming. I’ve been so emotional when I see all the babies,” Halle, 22, told ET. “So, I’m just really honored and just pinching myself.”

She also spoke on the wait for the movie to hit theatres in 2023.

“I’m so excited for the release. I feel like I’ve been waiting for so long – we’ve been talking about it for a long time, but now that the rollout’s starting, I’m really grateful that everyone’s gonna get to see,” she said. “I hope everyone likes it. We’ll see.”

“The Little Mermaid,” which has been scored by Lin-Manuel Miranda and original composer Alan Menken, will be released in May next year.

Khloé Kardashian Stands With Jewish People After Ye’s Antisemitic Controversy

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Khloé Kardashian subtly addressed her former brother-in-law Kanye West’s antisemitism controversy.

The “Stronger” rapper, who used to be married to Khloé’s sister Kim, has been hitting the headlines this month by making controversial and offensive remarks about Jewish people on social media and in a series of interviews.

On Sunday, Khloé became the first member of the Kardashian-Jenner family to address Kanye’s antisemitic comments on her Instagram Stories.

She reshared a post by author and philanthropist Jessica Seinfeld, which reads, “I support my Jewish friends and the Jewish people.”

Actress Reese Witherspoon also voiced her support for the Jewish community on Sunday by tweeting, “Anti-semitism in any form is deplorable. In person. Online. Doesn’t matter where. It’s hate and it’s unacceptable. Completely understand why my Jewish friends/ colleagues are frightened for their families. This is a very scary time.”

They join Amy Schumer, who condemned Kanye’s behavior in an interview with Extra last week.

“Kanye West is an anti-Semite and hating Jewish people and spreading hate speech. These social media outlets, they need to embrace their own rules. They need to enforce their own rules. I found out 84 per cent of hateful tweets they are just allowed to continue. They don’t take them down… We can’t allow that, it’s harmful,” she said.

On Friday, luxury fashion house Balenciaga cut ties with Kanye over his comments, and a spokesperson for U.S. Vogue confirmed that neither the magazine nor its editor-in-chief Anna Wintour intends to work with the rapper again.

There is also an ongoing campaign calling for sportswear giant Adidas to sever its partnership with Kanye.

Vogue And Longtime Friend Anna Wintour Severs Ties With Ye

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Rapper Kanye West continues to receive backlash in the fashion industry after spewing antisemitic speech about Jewish people, wearing (and promoting) a White Lives Matter shirt, and picking public fights with major influencers in that space.

According to Page Six, Vogue magazine has joined the list of people publicly blacklisting the controversial artist.

The Bible of Couture and its editor-in-chief Anna Wintour have said they will not be working with Ye ever again, severing a 13-year personal relationship between the fashion icon and the troubled star.

The two met in 2009 at the annual Met Gala and five years later featured his wedding to now-ex-wife Kim Kardashian on one of Vogue’s covers in 2014. 

Wintour even rocked Ye’s shades to help him launch his fledgling brand.

At the top of the month, Anna Wintour was instrumental in trying to heal the Yeezy-inflicted wound between West and one of her editors, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson. 

Earlier this fall, AllHipHop.com reported that Gap and Balenciaga cut ties and ended several billion-dollar deals with Kanye because of his crude comments—including saying George Floyd was not killed by former officer Derek Chauvin.

As a result, the Floyd estate is suing the DONDA chart-topper for $250,000.

Also, rapper N.O.R.E. publicly apologized for not checking him in a recent interview with the “Drink Champs” podcast.

Vic Mensa Reveals His Sophomore Studio Album Is Complete

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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So far, Vic Mensa has only released one official studio album. The well-received The Autobiography came out in 2017. After five years, Mensa appears to be ready to release his sophomore set.

Vic Mensa spoke about the plans for an upcoming body of work during an interview with L’Officiel Fashion Book Australia. The magazine selected the Roc Nation emcee and fellow Chicago-raised rhymer Chance The Rapper to grace the cover of the October 2022 issue.

“Yes. My album is complete,” confirmed Mensa. “At this point, I’m just waiting on a couple of feature verses and tweaking the mixes, but the creation of the album is complete. This is my second full-length album. My first one being [in] 2017 is The Autobiography.”

He continued, “This is my second full-length album and is inspired by everything from African Highlife music to ’90s Hip Hop and Punk, and Rock and Roll, and all the things that inspire me. I’m like a smorgasbord of influences. They all exist within this album and the conceptual direction is themed around redemption and follows my own personal growth in the last year.”

Chance The Rapper & Vic Mensa Cover L’Officiel Fashion Book Australia

Vic Mensa Went Full Punk Rock Three Years Ago, The Next LP Will Explore His Growth

In 2019, Vic Mensa presented 93Punx which embraced a Punk Rock aesthetic. That side project came after EPs such as 2016’s There’s Alot Going On and 2017’s The Manuscript. The 2014 XXL Freshman broke out as a Hip Hop artist with his Innanetape mixtape in 2013.

Mensa regularly uses his music to tackle serious issues like drug addiction, mental health, racism, homophobia, and transphobia. His next album will supposedly address the last twelve months of the 29-year-old SaveMoney member’s drug-free life.

“I started [the album] about a year ago and I finished writing most of it way earlier this year in about the Spring and it’s following my journey in the last year,” Vic Mensa told L’Officiel Fashion Book Australia. “I’ve been sober a year. I’ve been revolutionizing the way that I think, the way that I act in the world. This album explores many of the pieces of that personal journey of growth.”

Additionally, Vic Mensa and Chance The Rapper joined forces to organize the new Black Star Line Festival in Ghana. The “Wrath” collaborators announced the Marcus Garvey-inspired music event will take place in Accra’s Black Star Square on January 6, 2023. 

Lil Baby’s ‘It’s Only Me’ Tops Album Chart With Highest First-Week Sales Of His Career

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Dominique “Lil Baby” Jones currently has the most popular album in America. The Atlanta rapper’s It’s Only Me opened at #1 on this week’s Billboard 200 chart.

It’s Only Me debuted in the top spot with 216,000 units. Lil Baby now has three chart-toppers in his discography following 2020’s My Turn and 2021’s The Voice of the Heroes with Lil Durk.

The 216,000 sales total for It’s Only Me is the highest first-week numbers of Lil Baby’s five-year career. His latest solo body of work also pulled in 289 million on-demand streams, the third-largest streaming week for any album in 2022.

Lil Baby Has Five Top 5 Entries On The Billboard 200

My Turn launched with 197,000 album-equivalent units. Lil Baby’s sophomore studio LP spent five nonconsecutive weeks at the pinnacle of the Billboard 200. The RIAA certified My Turn as 4x-Platinum in February 2022.

Last year, Lil Baby and Lil Durk’s The Voice of the Heroes claimed the Billboard 200’s pole position for one week. The Hip Hop duo’s first collaborative project racked up 150,000 first-week units. This became Durk’s first Number One.

Additionally, Lil Baby made it into the Billboard 200’s Top 5 with 2018’s Street Gossip. That commercial mixtape started at #2 with 88,000 first-week units. Baby’s 2018 also included the Drip Harder mixtape with Gunna collecting 130,000 first-week units for a #4 opening.

The QC Rapper Has No Plans To Release A Deluxe Edition Of It’s Only Me

For It’s Only Me, Lil Baby recruited Nardo Wick, Young Thug, Fridayy, Future, Rylo Rodriguez, Jeremih, EST Gee, and Pooh Shiesty as guest features. The 23-track album hosts the “Heyy” and “California Breeze” singles.

Lil Baby recently explained why his fans should not expect an extended version of It’s Only Me to drop in the future. On October 3, the Quality Control recording artist informed his Twitter followers about his decision to only present a standard edition of the album.

“I’m not going to try to do a deluxe. I’m just going to let that rock out, let that be it. I think I just want to go on and get it out there,” said Baby. He also added, “I had [the fans] waiting so long, I don’t even want to prolong it no more. Go on and knock this whole It’s Only Me out, and come on out with another album.”

Kanye West Gains Support Of White Supremacists In Los Angeles

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Following Kanye West’s weeks-long tirade against BLM and Jewish people, many fellow rappers and corporations distanced themselves from Ye. It appears the superstar’s controversial takes have earned the backing of white supremacists.

According to Vice President of the ADL Center on Extremism, Oren Segal, a group of white supremacists showed support for Ye by hanging signs on a bridge over Interstate 405 in California. A photo also shows the men and women doing a Hitler salute.

On October 23, Oren Segal tweeted, “Yesterday, the head of an antisemitic and white supremacist group (and his supporters) dropped banners over the 405 in Los Angeles. One banner read, ‘Kanye is right about the Jews.'”

Kanye West found himself mostly on the wrong side of public opinion after posting he was “going death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE” in a now-deleted tweet. West then went on a media run where he further spouted blatant antisemitic rhetoric.

Kanye West Has Emboldened White Supremacists Before

White supremacists/white nationalists have used Kanye West’s words as tools for their bigoted cause in the past. Ye’s infamous “slavery is a choice” statement on TMZ became a favorite talking point for far-right recruiters.

In 2018, The Daily Beast published “Alt-Right Cheers Kanye West’s ‘Slavery Is a Choice’ TMZ Rant.” The article laid out how anti-Black sections of the internet praised Ye’s ahistorical view of chattel slavery in the United States.

Kanye West also gained approval from some of the more racist elements of former President Donald Trump’s MAGA base. By expressing his undying love for Trump during a White House visit in 2018, Ye further energized the Alt-Right movement.

Ye Also Took Aim At Black Lives Matter & George Floyd

Recently, Kanye West garnered praise from extreme right-wingers and backlash from many members of the Black community when he promoted a “White Lives Matter” shirt at his Paris fashion show. He then began attacking the Black Lives Matter movement.

While appearing on N.O.R.E.’s Drink Champs podcast, West falsely suggested that unarmed African-American George Floyd died from a drug overdose. Footage of then-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for around nine minutes went viral in 2020. A jury convicted Chauvin of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.

The Floyd family reportedly filed a $250 million intentional infliction of emotional distress and misappropriation lawsuit against Kanye West. The 45-year-old billionaire later offered an apology for his “death con” tweet.

West also stated, “I feel like I caused hurt and confusion. And I’m sorry for the families of the people that had nothing to do with the trauma that I have been through and that I used my platform, where you say hurt people hurt people, and I was hurt.”

Joe Budden Says Mal & Rory’s Plans Are Fueled By Hate For Him

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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The Joe Budden Podcast saga continues. Rory Farrell and Jamil “Mal” Clay parted ways with the brand in 2021, but both sides still seem to have some bad blood.

Mal Clay recently used his own podcast to basically accuse Joe Budden of theft. A recent episode of New Rory & Mal also included Clay taking partial credit for the success of Budden’s long-running talk show.

“I’m willing to go on your platform, your new show that still has my blood, sweat, and tears in it. And I know that’s what pains him,” said Mal. “Every time he pays for p####, that’s some of my money. Every vacation he takes a chick on, that’s some of my money he’s using. And that pains him.”

Rory and Mal used those quotes to promote the “Accountability In Culture Pt. II” episode of their podcast. The show’s official social media accounts posted a clip of Mal’s comments in order to attract engagement.

New Rory & Mal‘s “Accountability In Culture Pt. II” was a response to Joe Budden’s “Accountability In Culture” episode of The JBP. Budden decided to present yet another response to his former co-hosts on his latest podcast.

Joe Budden Says He Had To Stop Coddling People

This weekend’s “No More Teaching” edition of The Joe Budden Podcast featured its namesake defending his reputation. A segment of the program centered around Mal Clay’s claims of theft and jealousy.

“In this case, somebody who I considered a friend looked me in the face and said, ‘You’re stealing from me,'” recalled Joe Budden. “I said, ‘No, I’m not.’ Then they said, ‘Show me all the paperwork from 2015.’ I did that.”

The No Love Lost album creator continued, “Then they wanted a self-audit. I did that. Then I provided all these things. If you still think whatever you think at that point, what the f### do you want me to [do]?”

Joe Budden also added, “Then he’s saying whatever he’s saying which is ‘show me the paperwork, show me your taxes.’ Am I in the Matrix? You accused me of stealing. You gotta be s####### me… Then show it. It wouldn’t just be two years of whatever the f### you’re saying and whatever you think. It’s over now.”

In addition, Budden expressed, “Their plans wanted to be fueled on hate for Joe. My plans were only fueled on work ethic. That’s what I was betting on moving forward. At the end of the relationship, the product was bad. And the product is bad because people feel however they feel, and they’re bringing those feelings to work… So I have to make an executive decision at some point and stop coddling people.”

Latto Addresses Rumors Lil Wayne Denied Her “Lollipop” Sample Request

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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“Lollipop” was an international smash for Lil Wayne back in 2008. Tha Carter III track is back in the news this week thanks to internet gossip involving Atlanta-bred rapper Latto.

A Pop Base parody account had some Twitter users believing a story about Latto wanting to use elements of “Lollipop” for her own song. The “Big Energy” hitmaker took to social media to address the rumors.

“Lil Wayne denied Latto’s requests to sample his 2008 hit ‘Lollipop’ in upcoming single, HITSDD reports,” read the misleading tweet by the @PoeBase Twitter page.

Latto quote-tweeted @PoeBase’s now-deleted tweet. She told her 2.4 million followers, “POV: u don’t even have a song sampling lollipop 😂😂😂😂.”

This social media exchange came after Latto got into a heated back-and-forth with Nicki Minaj on Twitter two weeks ago. Minaj broke into the music business in the late 2000s as a protégé of Lil Wayne.

A Twitter Beef Between Latto & Nicki Minaj Likely Led To The “Lollipop” Rumor

The Latto versus Nicki Minaj public feud began over Minaj’s complaints about the Recording Academy moving her “Super Freaky Girl” single from the Grammys’ Rap categories to the Pop categories.

While calling out the Grammys, Nicki Minaj also suggested Latto’s “Big Energy” should be moved to the Pop section. The two stars apparently already had tension behind the scenes, so the Grammy controversy led to both women slamming the other on Twitter.

Latto has worked with Lil Wayne on music. The Rap Game reality show winner tapped Wayne and Childish Gambino for “Sunshine” off the 777 album. Latto dropped her second studio LP in March. The project peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop” featuring Static Major won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song in 2009. The Jim Jonsin-produced record spent five weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The RIAA certified “Lollipop” as 8x-Platinum.

U.K. Rapper Lady Leshurr Charged With Assaulting Woman In Street Fight  

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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U.K. rapper Lady Leshurr will appear in court later today (Oct. 24) after being arrested following a street fight this weekend.  

The Birmingham artist who rose to fame in the U.K. with her Queen’s Speech freestyle series was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a woman during a fight on an East London street in the early hours of Saturday morning (Oct. 22).  

Footage of the arrest began circulating on social media. Cops led Lady Leshurr away in handcuffs before later charging her with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. 

https://twitter.com/CrimeLdn/status/1584307186842632192?s=20&t=DdaJjuLVP480wXOroxmn1w

Police said two 27-year-old women were taken to hospital following the altercation. They have since been discharged. 

Sherelle Smith, 28, was also arrested alongside the rapper, whose real name is Melesha O’Garro. She was charged with one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. They are both due to appear at London’s Thames Magistrates’ Court later today. 

Witnesses reported being awoken in the middle of the night by a “screaming match” between Lady Leshurr and two other women. 

“Lady Leshurr’s friend tried to pull her away to go back into the house after an argument,” one resident told U.K. tabloid The Sun.  

“One of the girls she’d been arguing with was in a car, and Lady Leshurr jumped into the car and tried to get her out.”  

Earlier this year, Lady Leshurr made headlines after she called out Cardi B. She accused the NYC rapper of using the beat and idea from one of her songs without crediting her. 

While last year Leshurr claimed she was offered $352,000 by her record label to call Nicki Minaj out on a diss track. However, she turned it down despite the huge sum because she was such a fan of Nicki.