Ja Rule is toying with selling off his “lucrative” catalog of hits, but only if he can structure the deal to include a specific condition.
In a new interview, the NYC hitmaker revealed he’s shopping his discography as part of a reversion deal. He will only agree to the sale if the contract includes a clause allowing part of what’s sold to be returned to his family in the future.
“I’ve found out recently that my catalog is very lucrative,” Ja Rule explained to Bloomberg. “So I’ll be looking (to sell). I’ve really been talking about doing a reversion deal where I would probably give up half my catalog, and it would revert back to my family.”
He remained tight-lipped about how much it would cost to secure the deal, saying, “I think it’s kinda hard to put a number on the value.” Ja added, “Usually, the value of the music starts to go down as the artist starts to go away. The value of the music starts to depreciate.”
Ja Rule Predicts the Value Of His Catalog To Increase
Ja Rule also revealed he expects the value of his discography to grow in line with the value of artists’ shares of streams increasing.
“It’s kind of weird, but what’s happening now is we get less than a fraction of a cent for a stream, but that number is going up,” Ja Rule continued. “It’s going up to about 15 percent. So with that happening, I think a lot of these companies are realizing the money that’s out there.” Check out the video below.
#Rapper and media mogul Ja Rule says he’s weighing. selling his #music catalogue. He sat down with Bloomberg’s Scarlet Fu and Romaine Bostick to discuss the value of music. #musictiktok#JaRuke#rap
After beginning his rap career in the mid-nineties, Ja Rule released seven albums in nearly three decades in the game. He’s racked up a string of hits along the way, and topped the Billboard charts three times. “I’m Real,” “Ain’t It Funny,” and “Always On Time” all went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Mesmerize,” “Livin’ It Up,” “Wonderful,” “Down 4 U,” and “Put It On Me,” were top ten hits.
He also earned two Billboard 200 No. 1 albums with Rule 3:36 in 2000 and Pain Is Love in 2021.
Scar Lip has snagged a major co-sign from Snoop Dogg after he kept his promise to hop on the remix of her breakout hit song. “This Is New York.”
The Bronx rapper took to Instagram on Thursday to announce the remix, sharing a video of the West Coast legend rapping along to the track in the studio.
“This is Cali,” Scar Lip wrote, tagging Snoop Dogg, before telling her followers to run up those views.
Scar Lip recently discussed her co-signs from the likes of Swizz Beatz, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss, Cardi B, and others during an appearance a recent interview with Chuck Creekmur and Rose D for the Amazing AllHipHop podast.
Snoop Dogg Makes Good On His Promise To Scar Lip
The remix comes just days after Scar Lip shared a text message exchange with Snoop Dogg. The screenshot revealed she reached out to the Doggfather via DM to ask him to appear on the remix.
“Hey Snoop,” the 22-year-old rapper messaged on April 20. “I’m a big fan & love your music. I have a song called This is New York and wanted to know if you’d get on the remix.”
However, Scar Lip had to double back as Snoop Dogg initially ignored her DM.
“Hey Snoop you think u can get on my remix,” she penned on May 8. Her perseverance paid off as Snoop responded the following day with: “F### yes.”
She took to the caption to reveal the Death Row Records honcho agreed to the collab, and they hopped on Facetime to seal the deal.
“Snoop dog said he will do a song with me we FaceTimed and laughed. 🥺🙏❤️” wrote Scar Lip. Check out their exchange below.
“This is Cali” arrived Friday (May 19) alongside a visualizer. Watch it at the end of the page.
“N#### move, don’t you see these gangstas on yo ass?/ N#### move, who ain’t go no problem taking all your cash/ N#### move, now this b#### n#### talking fast/ Got him on his knees, crying, beggin for a pass/ I ain’t got no time for the lovely dovey s###/ We at LAX on yo ass, carousel six/ All you see blood n#####, eses, and hella crips,” Snoop raps on “This is Cali.”
An emotional Ludacris was honored with a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The three-time Grammy Award winner was surrounded by family and friends as well as his peers, including Queen Latifah and LL Cool J at the ceremony Thursday. However, it one was of his Fast & Furious who helped deliver a very special surprise.
Ludacris didn’t expect his eldest daughter Karam to attend as she was supposedly speaking at Spelman College in Atlanta. “I know she would say something if she was standing at this podium,” Vin Diesel stated during his speech ahead of the presentation.
However, a shocked Ludacris saw Karma making her way to the stage and shared a touching embrace with her. After revealing she tricked her father into thinking she couldn’t make it, Karma gave a moving speech to honor him.
Karma Surprises Ludacris At The Walk of Fame Star Unveiling
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Karma said to the crowd before paying tribute to Ludacris. “From plays to dance recitals to graduation, you have always found a way to be there for me. Even if it’s a call or a text from miles away, you always made it a point to make sure I felt valued.”
The surprise was nearly too much for Ludacris, who was initially overwhelmed. “I was fighting tears. Seriously, I was glad that I had my sunglasses on today,” he admitted. “That blew me away. Usually, it’s not easy for people to keep certain things from me, but that was 100 percent a surprise. Seems like everybody knew but me! I’m a little p##### off right now. I’m a little mad.”
Ludacris also showed love to his contemporaries for helping shape who he is as an artist.
“No matter what people say I can’t do, I will continue to shatter those stereotypes and show people it’s possible in order to make everyone who got me here proud,” Luda added. “Because you all inspire my hard work and dedication to receive this star today. I’m motivated by legacy and history.”
He continued: “This means that I’ve made my mark, my own personal history being documented. To be amongst these names is just amazing to me. I’m just so thankful. So, getting a star is a statement, but be clear about this statement, the even bigger statement to me is that we are all interconnected.
“And I am a culmination of the people who showed up for me today believing in me and pushing me to inspire me. So y’all be clapping for me all day I’m gonna need y’all to give yourselves a round of applause. Because I’m nothing without you.”
Watch Ludacris receive his star below.
Meanwhile, Ludacris is gearing up to release new music, promising his fans something new later this year. He also hinted that a new album is on the way, eight years after 2015’s Ludaversal.
Rihanna is reminiscing on her first pregnancy with a sultry throwback photoshoot.
Days after her son with A$AP Rocky’s son, RZA, celebrated his first birthday, the superstar songstress took to Instagram to share a collection of images dating back to before she gave birth. The seven-photo carousel features a near-nude Rhianna posing in a pair of black bikini bottoms against a picturesque ocean backdrop.
Rihanna gushed about her son in the caption while reflecting on her first pregnancy. “Here’s a little series I call ‘Rub on ya t######,’” she penned in the caption.
“In honor of my first pregnancy, embracing motherhood like a g, and the magic that this body made!” Rihanna continued. “Baby RZA… he in there not having a clue how nuts his mama is, or how obsessed he was bout to make me.”
She also teased more to come adding the hashtag “to be continued.” Check out Rihanna in the stunning maternity shoot below.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, as their son turned one, A$AP Rocky confirmed the couple named their baby boy after their favorite Wu-Tang Clan member: RZA Athelston Mayers.
He shared a series of images of Rhianna and RZA on Instagram to celebrate his first birthday. A$AP quoted Ol’ Dirty Bastard in the caption, writing, “WU TANG IZ 4 DA CHUREN 🤲.” He added, “HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY TO MY 1st BORN . RZA❤️”
The famous couple, currently expecting their second child, threw a Wu-Tang-themed party to celebrate RZA turning one on May 13. Wu-tang’s Ghostface shared an image from the party featuring baby RZA dressed as a baby Bobby Digital. He tagged Rihanna and A$AP Rocky alongside the little boy’s namesake and added a bunch of love heart emojis.
Instagram is a social media platform that allows users to share their photos and videos with their followers. One of the features that Instagram offers is the ability to repost stories that you find interesting or entertaining. In this article, we will explore how to repost a story on Instagram.
Open Instagram app: The first step is to open the Instagram app on your phone.
Find the story you want to repost: Scroll through your Instagram feed or use the search function to find the story that you want to repost.
Tap the paper airplane icon: Once you have found the story, tap on the paper airplane icon located in the bottom right corner of the screen.
Select “Add post to your story”: A new screen will appear with options for sharing the post. Tap on “Add post to your story” located at the top of the screen.
Customize the reposted story: After selecting the option, you can customize the reposted story by adding stickers, text, and other features.
Share the reposted story: Once you are satisfied with your edits, tap on “Share” to share the reposted story on your Instagram story.
Method 2: Repost a Story using Third-Party Apps
There are also third-party apps that you can use to repost Instagram stories. These apps can make it easier to repost stories, especially if you want to repost multiple stories at once. Here are the steps for using a third-party app:
Download and install a third-party app: Search for a reposting app on your app store, and download and install it.
Log in to your Instagram account: Once you have installed the app, log in to your Instagram account through the app.
Find the story you want to repost: Scroll through your Instagram feed to find the story that you want to repost.
Use the app to repost the story: The steps for reposting the story may vary depending on the app that you are using. However, most apps will have the option to repost the story directly from Instagram.
Customize the reposted story: Once you have reposted the story, you can customize it by adding stickers, text, and other features.
Share the reposted story: After customizing the reposted story, tap on “Share” to share the reposted story on your Instagram story.
Reposting a story on Instagram is a great way to share interesting or entertaining content with your followers. You can repost a story using the Instagram app or a third-party app. When reposting a story, it’s important to give credit to the original creator of the content. By following these simple steps, you can easily repost a story on Instagram and share it with your followers.
When it comes to producing Hip Hop beats, the choice of instruments can make a significant difference. This article explores a range of music instruments that are indispensable in the creation of Hip Hop music, guided by insights from the experts at MusicCritic.com.
For two decades, MusicCritic has been a trusted source of information for music enthusiasts, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to make their mark in the Hip Hop scene.
This article will explore some of the key instruments commonly used in hip-hop production, including drum machines, synthesizers, and samplers. We’ll also provide valuable tips to help you choose the right instrument based on the specific sound you want to achieve.
A Brief About MusicCritic.com
MusicCritic started as an online music review site over 20 years ago. They have since grown into a comprehensive music resource offering reviews of albums, singles, and even music gear. This is all thanks to a team of passionate music enthusiasts dedicated to helping their audience make informed music choices.
Drum Machines: The Heartbeat of Hip Hop
Drum machines play a crucial role in hip-hop production, providing the backbone and rhythm for the beats. These electronic instruments can produce a wide range of drum sounds, from classic kicks and snare to hi-hats and claps.
Some popular drum machines used in hip-hop include:
Roland TR-808: The TR-808 has become an iconic instrument in hip hop, known for its deep booming bass and punchy snare sound. It has been used on countless hit records and continues to shape the genre to this day.
Akai MPC Series: The MPC series has long been favored by hip-hop producers for its intuitive workflow and sample-based capabilities. These machines allow you to program drum patterns, chop samples, and create intricate beats with ease.
Native Instruments Maschine: Combining the best of software and hardware, Maschine offers a powerful platform for hip-hop beat creation. It provides a vast library of sounds and samples, along with intuitive pad controllers for expressive drum programming.
Synthesizers: Shaping Hip Hop Sounds
Synthesizers are another essential tool in hip-hop production, allowing producers to create unique and captivating melodies, basslines, and atmospheric sounds.
Here are a few synthesizers that have made their mark in hip-hop:
Moog Minimoog: The Minimoog is a legendary analog synthesizer renowned for its warm and fat sound. It has been used in hip-hop to create powerful basslines and rich lead melodies that cut through the mix.
Native Instruments Massive: Massive is a software synthesizer widely used in hip-hop for its versatility and ability to produce modern, cutting-edge sounds. It offers a wide range of presets and customizable parameters, making it a go-to instrument for crafting unique sonic textures.
Korg Triton: The Triton series has been embraced by hip-hop producers for its rich selection of sampled sounds, including pianos, strings, and brass instruments. It allows for expressive playing and layering of sounds to create lush and dynamic hip-hop tracks.
Samplers: Flipping Samples and Adding Texture
Sampling is a fundamental element of hip hop, and samplers are the tools that enable producers to chop and manipulate audio samples to create new musical compositions. Some popular samplers used in hip-hop production include:
Akai MPC Live: The MPC Live is a standalone sampler and sequencer that offers a seamless sampling workflow. It allows you to sample directly from vinyl, CDs, or other audio sources and then manipulate the samples using the built-in controls.
Native Instruments Maschine: In addition to its drum programming capabilities, Maschine also functions as a powerful sampler. It provides advanced slicing and editing features, making it ideal for crafting unique beats from sampled material.
Choosing the Right Instrument for Your Sound
When selecting musical instruments for hip hop production, it’s essential to consider the specific sound and vibe you want to achieve. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right instrument:
Experiment and Explore: Hip hop is a genre that thrives on innovation and pushing boundaries, so don’t limit yourself to traditional choices. Embrace new technologies and experiment with different sounds to find your unique style.
Consider Your Workflow: Think about how you prefer to work. Some producers enjoy the tactile experience of hardware instruments, while others prefer the convenience and flexibility of software-based solutions. Find the setup that enhances your creativity and allows you to work efficiently.
Research and Listen: Take the time to research and listen to hip hop tracks that inspire you. Pay attention to the instruments and sounds used in those tracks and identify the elements that resonate with you. This can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions when selecting your instruments.
Budget and Accessibility: Consider your budget and the accessibility of the instruments you’re interested in. While some instruments may be out of reach due to their high cost, there are often more affordable alternatives that can still deliver great results.
Collaborate and Network: Don’t be afraid to collaborate with other musicians and producers in the hip hop community. Building connections and sharing knowledge can open doors to new opportunities. Engage in forums, attend workshops, and seek feedback from experienced producers to enhance your understanding of instrument selection.
Remember, the instruments you choose are tools to help you express your musical vision. Don’t be afraid to break the mold and create your unique sound in hip hop. Explore, experiment, and let your creativity guide you as you select the instruments that best complement your style.
Conclusion
In the world of hip-hop production, the choice of musical instruments plays a crucial role in shaping the beats and sounds that define the genre. Drum machines, synthesizers, and samplers are among the key instruments that have shaped hip-hop music over the years. By understanding the capabilities and characteristics of these instruments, you can create captivating beats and melodies that stand out in the hip-hop landscape.
R&B band LA’DY recently released their debut single, “Love Me Down” produced by Harmony Samuels. Soulful singer Ashley Kimbrae leads the melodic track while band members Kris Callazo, Zuri Appleby, Michel’Le Baptiste, and Ari O’Neal slay the keys, bass, drums, and guitar.
It’s the first single from LA’DY’s forthcoming EP, which is slated to deliver later this year.
“We are extremely excited for our first single ‘Love Me Down’ to be released,” says LA’DY. “We hope everyone enjoys this sultry R&B single and can’t wait to give y’all more! We’re appreciative to Dare Records for believing in us and pushing this record!”
The world’s newest, all-Black female band, LA’DY is composed of five musical powerhouses. Social media brought the ladies together, through each of their pure musical talents and sonic attraction to each other.
The band was officially formed in 2019 and joined by Kris Callazo on keys, Zuri Appleby on bass, Michel’Le Baptiste on drums, and Ari O’Neal on guitar.
As seasoned musicians who worked together previously with many of the industry’s top artists, the ladies felt inspired to bring their artistry to the forefront.
LA’DY’s debut EP is forthcoming with the sultry track “Love Me Down” as the lead single.
Each member of LA’DY, hailing from each end of the US, has a long history of music from childhood. They grew up singing and playing in their respective hometown church choirs and bands. Their combined experience includes working with top music artists such as Kanye West, Lizzo, Nick Jonas, Beyonce, Jay-Z and SZA.
Their classic R&B sound is infused with refreshing upbeat tempos and instrumentation that has no comparison to any bands from the past or present. LA’DY represents the union and unconditional collaboration of women. As they hold their instruments (together), they are ignited to empower generations of girls who never see women of color rock out. Check out their new single below!
Ludacris received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday (May 18).
Hip-Hop legends LL Cool J and Queen Latifah attended the ceremony along with Ludacris’ family, friends and colleagues. LL Cool J praised Ludacris for being a “true titan” of the industry in a speech at the event.
“I just wanna let you know that Hip-Hop culture celebrates you and appreciates you,” LL Cool J said. “I respect and appreciate you, and I salute you for all that you’ve done in your career. And I wish you all the best moving forward. And I just wanna say this thing to all the kids around the world watching: Ludacris is proof that it can be done.”
Ludacris expressed his gratitude for LL Cool J and many others at the ceremony. The Fast and Furious star explained why it was so special for him to have LL Cool J speak at the Walk of Fame event.
“LL inspired me to wanna rap,” Ludacris said. “That’s why I’m here today. He is the man that inspired me to wanna rap. Thank you for all the hard work. You inspired me, LL … We’ve had numerous talks and conversations. I take all of that and I’ve taken it with me and that’s why I stand here today.”
Fetty Wap’s attorneys requested a lenient punishment for their client, who awaits sentencing for a federal drug charge.
According to Billboard, the rapper’s lawyers sought a five-year prison sentence. Fetty Wap is scheduled to be sentenced next week.
“What makes this case unusual is [Fetty Wap’s] motivation,” his attorneys wrote. “Personal gain was not his motivation. Rather, he was motivated by his commitment to financially support others. He now realizes that he does not have to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.”
Sentencing guidelines recommended Fetty Way spend seven to nine years in prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess and distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine in 2022.
Fetty Wap’s attorneys said he struggled with financial burdens during the COVID-19 pandemic. They argued his drug dealing stemmed from a lapse in judgment.
“Suddenly it felt like life was going in reverse and he became ashamed when he began to struggle to keep up the lifestyle that he created for so many,” the lawyers wrote. “His judgment became impaired. Desperate to keep up with his financial obligations, [Fetty Wap] became involved in the instant offense for a few months in the spring of 2020.”
Fetty Wap was originally supposed to be sentenced in January. His sentencing was delayed twice over the past five months.
NLE Choppa faced backlash for his “S### Me Out” remix video, but Sexyy Red claimed he shouldn’t receive any blame for the controversial visual.
Sexyy Red said she told NLE Choppa to dog walk her and Sukihana by their hair in an interview with Bootleg Kev. Sexyy Red defended NLE Choppa and criticized anyone who was outraged by the visual.
“Y’all lame and wrong for that,” she told Bootleg Kev. “He didn’t do nothing wrong. They so lame. I ain’t understand. But he really didn’t do nothing wrong. He was just doing what I told him.”
She explained, “We was on our knees twerking then I just said, ‘Pull my hair.’ S###, pull my hair. We gon’ twerk and walk. S###, people get their hair pulled all the time … That’s why I didn’t understand [the backlash].”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CqiyBVcL1E6/
Lil Mama was among the notable people who spoke out against NLE Choppa dog walking Sexyy Red and Sukihana. Lil Mama called it a “disturbing” visual and argued with Sukihana on social media.
NLE Choppa released the video for his “S### Me Out” remix in April. The original version of the song dropped in 2022.
Listen to Sexyy Red’s reaction to the backlash below.
Rapper Young Juve provided an update on his health after reports surfaced about his involvement in a shooting.
Juvenile’s son responded to a blog’s Instagram post, which said he was shot in the face in a rental car. The post included a brief clip of the shooting’s aftermath.
“I’m Gucci,” Young Juve commented.
Young Juve also reacted to an Instagram user suggesting Uncle Murda’s song “Hard to Kill” as a new anthem for Juvenile’s son.
“Hell naw,” he wrote. “I’m not even bout to play wit the universe like that Imma just appreciate the blessed and keep steppin.”
Young Juve addressed the shooting on his Instagram page as well. He seemed to be in good spirits after reading some of the social media chatter on Wednesday night (May 17).
“These comments got me rollin y’all hella funny,” he wrote on Instagram Stories. “I’m good tho.”
A few days earlier, Young Juve shared a photo of his bandaged face. He referenced the shooting in the post’s caption.
“Gangstas f### up all the time and b#### sneak around bullets hit car rule #1 don’t put yo head down #killuminati,” he wrote.
Young Juve’s latest project Mac with a Mac dropped in 2021. It featured collaborations with his father, Neno Calvin, Cuban Doll, Lil Soulja Slim and more.
Days before the Notorious B.I.G.’s birthday, two of his oldest and most trusted friends linked up to celebrate a new venture.
Junior Mafia member Lil Cease traveled out to Pennsylvania to check out Farm House Poconos, a restaurant owned by Damion “D-Roc” Butler.
The “Crush on You” rapper took to Instagram to post food of him chilling with his childhood friend and some of the delicious meals he had while there like Steak Mac Cheese and Lobster & Grits.
The Notorious B.I.G. would have turned 51 on Sunday, May 21, had he not been killed on March 9, 1997, in Los Angeles.
Little Cease and D-Roc were his friends, growing up with the chart-topper when he lived in Clinton Hills, Brooklyn.
Since his death, multiple tributes have been made, with special efforts landing on both the anniversary of his transition and his born day. Perhaps, the most meaningful tribute to his life are the last friendship and memories his friends have of him— and their continued success.
D-Roc not only has this restaurant but also has a clothing line called “Invisible Bully.”
Rapper Trina is one of Miami’s revered influencers and brightest stars.
However, when her niece 17-year-old niece Toni Chester, also known as “Baby Suga,” was killed in a 2022 shooting, that star was dimmed.
Ten months later, “The Baddest” is hosting an event in South Florida in honor of Baby Suga’s life on the blocks of 63rd-65th Street & NW 15th Avenue in “The Magic City.” The event is not far from where the beloved niece was killed.
According to Local 10, “The Welcome to Suga Land,” a free family-friendly event for the public, is planned for Saturday, May 20, and will raise awareness about the effects of gun violence.
The Love and Hip Hop star tweeted about the event, sharing that the Diamond Doll Foundation will be working together to bring the event to the people, adding it will also be the celebration of Trina Day 2023.
May 20th 💜 Sugaland 💜 6400 NW 15th Ave ❣️This Is a FREE Event for family and kids 💖🧡💜💛💙💚💘💖💝 pic.twitter.com/FnzhlBuBk2
Cops also discovered two others at the location, who had suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency workers brought the other two victims to Jackson Memorial Hospital. They both sustained gunshot wounds, but like the teen, their conditions and identities have been withheld from the public.
While the rapper Tupac was born in Harlem, NY, and raised in Baltimore, MD, it was actually Oakland, CA where he cut his teeth and became a man.
Now the city that gave birth to the emcee in Tupac has voted to memorialize him by renaming a section of MacArthur Boulevard (between Grand and Van Buren Avenues) for the late rapper, according to KTVU.
In a unanimous vote taken on Tuesday, May 16, the Oakland City Council declared
The portion will be known as Tupac Shakur Way.
Commemorative plaques are going to be placed as markers to designate the street’ renaming.
Tupac moved to Oakland, CA in 1988 and became a member of Digital Underground in 1990 as a background dancer and emcee.
According to Queen Latifah, spent time with him when he was in Oakland as a dancer for Digital Underground. She says Tupac invented one of Hip-Hop’s most iconic dance, the Humpty Dance.
She said in his mind, the dance should look like him falling off the wall.
“I watched him literally make up the Humpty Dance,” the Queen said on Sway’s Universe.
“Like trying to think of somebody falling off the wall, you know what I’m saying? Like what would Humpty Hump [look like] you know if he fell off the wall. He an egg. So, he’s like ‘oooooh’ acting like he was falling.”
“He had skills. Like… he could dance, you know what I mean? So, he turned it into a dance,” she remembered.
Belcalis “Cardi B” Cephus adds another corporate sponsorship to her growing endorsement portfolio. The Invasion of Privacy album creator is the featured celebrity for the new Beats Studio Buds + campaign.
This week, the Beats by Dre electronic brand released a Cardi B-starring, 41-second advertisement. Cardi also posted the “Level Up” video on her social media pages. The Instagram version amassed more than 6.4 million plays on the platform.
“Yeah, girl. She’s gonna go broke trying to keep up with me,” says Cardi B in the Beats Studio Buds + commercial. The Bronx native’s chart-topping single “Up” serves as the soundtrack for the Beats by Dre ad.
“As our fastest-selling product ever since its launch, Beats Studio Buds are beloved earphones for so many people around the world and we’re thrilled to be taking them to the next level,” said Oliver Schusser, Vice-President of Beats and Apple Music.
Schusser adds, “With beautiful new colors to choose from and vast improvements to Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency, call performance, and battery life, Beats Studio Buds + deliver an unmatched combination of fashion and function for both iOS and Android consumers.”
In addition to promoting Beats by Dre’s Beats Studio Buds +, this year has also seen Cardi B partner with Walmart for the “Mother of All Savings Memberships” campaign. McDonald’s also selected the 30-year-old “WAP” hitmaker and her husband, Offset, for the company’s first-ever celebrity duo meal.
A star-studded lineup of music acts will hit the stage for the second annual Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom. CNN and OWN will simulcast the special concert experience.
Live Nation Urban and Jesse Collins Entertainment will produce the upcoming event taking place at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. The initial list of performing artists includes Miguel, Kirk Franklin, SWV, Davido, Coi Leray, and Jodeci.
“We are proud to once again partner with Live Nation Urban to broadcast this powerful Juneteenth event on our platforms,” says Chris Licht, Chairman and CEO of CNN Worldwide. “We want to be a destination for people to both understand and celebrate a holiday of this magnitude.”
Additionally, multi-instrumentalist/Emmy winner Adam Blackstone and The Roots co-founder/Oscar winner Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson will serve as musical directors for this year’s Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom.
“Last year, we launched Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom, and it was emotional and unforgettable for everyone involved. We’ve teamed up with our partners at CNN and Jesse Collins Entertainment again and this year we are broadcasting live from the historic Los Angeles venue, the Greek Theatre,” says Shawn Gee, President of Live Nation Urban. “We are looking forward to educating and celebrating the Juneteenth holiday.”
President Biden Made Juneteenth A U.S. National Holiday
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 after President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. June 19 commemorates the day Major General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom for enslaved people in Texas in 1865. Granger announced his General Order No. 3 over two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
“This is a day to celebrate, to educate, and to act. As we mark Juneteenth, my Administration will continue our efforts to root out inequity from our country and institutions and ensure true liberty and justice for all,” read a 2022 statement by Biden.
Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedomwill air live on CNN platforms on Monday, June 19 at 8 pm ET. Pre-show coverage begins at 7 pm ET. Additionally, OWN will broadcast live programming from 8 pm ET-12 am ET.
“OWN is honored to simulcast this year’s concert. Juneteenth continues to be deeply important to our audience and it’s this deep significance that makes this simulcast really feel like an opportunity to be of service,” said Tina Perry, President, OWN TV Network & OWN OTT Streaming. “We are taking this day to celebrate alongside American families and reflect on this historic turning point for our nation.”
RCA recording artist Dimitri “Rich The Kid” Roger offered a mea culpa to the mother of his child. The 30-year-old Rich Forever label head took to Instagram to apologize to Tori Hughes (aka Tori Brixx).
Rich The Kid recently made the news for allegedly paying another woman $35,000 in hush money to keep quiet about her pregnancy by the Queens-born entertainer. The unnamed woman reportedly filed a lawsuit against Roger in Massachusetts court.
“I’d like to make a public apology to my best friend, my lover, and fiancée, for any disrespect, disloyalty, or allegations of anything,” wrote Rich The Kid in an Instagram post shared on Wednesday.
He continued, “I’m a grown man, I’ve done wrong, and I’m owning up and asking for forgiveness from a beautiful strong woman that has taken care of not only me but our family for years… I’m not like these [others]… I know I’ve been wrong and will fix it, love you @toribrixx, I am so sorry.”
Rich The Kid’s apologetic Instagram caption accompanied multiple photos of the couple. The final slide included a picture of their now-four-year-old son. RTK and Tori Brixx began dating in 2018 after Roger’s wife, Antonette Willis, filed for divorce.
“You deserve the world & that’s what I’m going to give you!!! I love you more than life itself!! Who coming to our wedding???” wrote The World Is Yours album creator about his proposal to the Black Girl Stuff talk show host.
Who is more informed about Hip Hop facts – D Smoke or Buddy? Both California-based emcees put their knowledge to the test on the latest episode of Rap IQ.
Red Bull’s Rap IQ pits D Smoke and podcaster WeezyWTF against Buddy and digital creator Eutel Wallace. YouTube vlogger Patrick Cloud served as the host for the Hip Hop trivia show.
D Smoke and Buddy had to play games such as “Cap or Fact,” “Bounce The Track,” and “Lucky Number.” In addition, Patrick Cloud interviewed the contestants about their careers.
For example, Cloud asked D Smoke if he would ever release a Gospel album. TheRhythm + Flow season one winner responded, “I would not put that out of reach. I love Gospel music.”
Both D Smoke and Buddy imitated late rap legend DMX on the program. Buddy channeled X for the “Rapped Up” round. Smoke provided a DMX-inspired performance of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
After taking the crown on Rhythm + Flow in 2019, D Smoke earned Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album (Black Habits) and Best New Artist at the 2021 ceremony. He also appeared as a cameo in the Peacock series Bel-Air.
Westside Boogie versus GRIP and LaRussell versus P-Lo took place on previous editions of Rap IQ. Upcoming episodes of the Red Bull-backed series will feature Kamaiyah, Flau’jae, Gloss Up, and more.
Rap IQ lives on the Red Bull 1520 YouTube channel, Red Bull’s new home for Hip Hop content. In addition, Red Bull 1520 presents rap cyphers with Coast Contra, KenTheMan, Baby Tate, LaRussell, Nana, Buddy, and more.
J. Prince issued a warning to NBA YoungBoy, telling the Baton Rouge, Louisiana rapper to end whatever beef he has with Drake, whom he referred to as “my son.”
Last week, NBA YoungBoy took aim at the Rap-A-Lot Records founder and Birdman as well as Drake on the shots-filled “F### the Industry Pt. 2” cut on his new album, Richest Opp.
He targeted Birdman and J. Prince, rapping, “N####, bring your bold ass to Salt Lake, you a gangster, n####/Go ask J. Prince, I’ll kill your daddy, b####, I ain’t worried, n####/I got Stunna with me and, b####, I got Fee, that’s to get money with me.”
J. Prince took to Instagram on Wednesday (May 17) to address the track. He shared a photo of himself alongside Birdman and NBA YoungBoy alongside a lengthy caption.
“As you all can see, I had a good time kicking it with the homies in Utah,” he began. “On behalf of the Lil Homie YB, me and my brother Birdman were able to have a real conversation face to face.”
He continued, “I must address the song where my name and drakes name were mentioned.”
The Mob Ties honcho then addressed NBA YoungBoy’s beef with Lil Durk, which YB referenced in “F### the Industry Pt. 2.” YoungBoy said he’s not cool with Drake because of Drizzy’s relationship with Lil Durk who is embroiled in a long-running feud with YB.
NBA YoungBoy Targets Drake
NBA YoungBoy shared the lyrics on Instagram last week, highlighting Drake and Durkio’s names in red.
“B####, I send them hitters to hit at you, boy, don’t say s### to me/Talk to Drake, cross FaceTime, he wasn’t feelin’ me,” NBA YoungBoy raps. “Told me that he f### with Durk, damn, that s### was gettin’ to me/Told me that he like the s### I’m doin’, but can’t do s### with me/So when we cross our ways, f### what you say, b####, you my enemy.”
J Prince Claims He Tried To Mediate Between Drake And NBA YoungBoy
J. Prince claimed he and Drake have “nothing but love for Durk,” and attempted to get the Toronto rap superstar on the phone with YoungBoy to squash the beef.
“To the lil homie, as I said to you privately, I say to you publicly that Drake is my son, he roll with me. Therefore, I think it’s a good idea to take him off your enemy list,” J Prince continued. “Because the truth of the matter is that we got nothing but love for Durk and your accomplishments. When I put Drake on that facetime call with you, my intent was for y’all to move forward, not backwards. Two things we get every day is a chance and a choice. The choices we make determine our destination.”
Leland “Metro Boomin” Wayne currently has a Top 10 album on the Billboard 200 chart. The St. Louis-born producer will oversee another major project dropping this year.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is the sequel to 2018’s Academy Award-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The computer-animated superhero film about New York City teenager Miles Morales hits American theaters on June 2. The soundtrack drops the same day.
“The concept for the next installment of Miles’ story demanded a contemporary and culturally significant musical collaborator. Metro Boomin was clearly the perfect cultural voice to sculpt the musical environment to support this amazing next chapter,” says Spring Aspers, President of Music, at Sony Pictures.
Metro Boomin Teamed With Republic Records To Produce The Soundtrack
Dana Sano, EVP of Film & TV for Republic Records, comments, “Metro Boomin is a true visionary who continues to raise the bar. For the Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack, Metro curated and delivered with fierce passion and integrity. Republic is thrilled and honored to be reteaming with the filmmakers and our amazing partners at Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group.”
Republic Records also released Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Soundtrack from & Inspired by the Motion Picture) in 2018. That project included the 17x-Platinum, Hot 100 chart-topping “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee.
In addition, Metro Boomin’s Heroes & Villains came out via Republic on December 2, 2022. Heroes & Villains currently sits at No. 10 on the latest Billboard 200 album chart after debuting at No. 1 with 185,000 first-week units.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse features Shameik Moore as the voice of Miles Morales. The cast also includes Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Karan Soni, Jason Schwartzman, and Brian Tyree Henry.
