Cam’ron had some words for Joe Budden following Friday’s (April 28) interview with N.O.R.E. on The Joe Budden Podcast. On Saturday (April 29), the Harlem-bred rapper shared a video of N.O.R.E.’s conversation with Budden to his Instagram. The clip finds the two rap figures laughing about ’90s rappers’ perceived failures.
“You know what’s crazy? I’m looking at these rappers trying shows now—you know, rappers from our era—and they are so failing,” N.O.R.E. said during the sit-down. “… They doing sports shows, they doing comedy shows. They talkin’ about, ‘Yo, I’m up. I’m just doing this for fun.’ No you are not!”
Budden busted out laughing and says, “It’s great to see people fail … You can’t take the blueprint and hire different contractors. They sellin’ ass out here, huh?”
Convinced they were talking about his podcast, It Is What It Is, Cam’ron wrote on Instagram, “Damn @therealnoreaga. I told you I couldn’t trust you. Lolol. Im just f###### wit ya. But what other rapper from the 90’s got the sports and cooking show? U know u my n*gga for life. But ya man hoe budden’s threw u under the bus on the very Nx episode. said he didn’t know who u was talking bout. I don’t give a f### how his numbers is N.O. Stay away from that crack head!!!”
Not long after, Budden returned with a post of his own, writing, “Now that n***a know he too sensitive to do this w me. Chill before I feel like playin’ back & you start makin’ calls again. Focus on your suits and pink set, that ‘crackhead’ lapped you lonnggggggggggg ago.”
N.O.R.E. caught flak for the Budden interview in numerous ways. Fans felt he was referencing the late Combat Jack at one point, which Budden later addressed on an episode of The Joe Budden Podcast.
“N.O.R.E. sat there and sent some shots at, seemingly, Loud Speaker Network and Combat Jack,” he said. “He didn’t name names. He said ‘Tax’ but he didn’t name names. Anybody that know Joe know the respect that I have for Combat Jack. You will never hear me utter one bad word about Combat Jack … If I would’ve known that that’s what N.O.R.E. was trying to do, and I still don’t know that ’cause I’m not taking the internet’s word for anything. But if I thought that he was doing that, I would’ve stopped him in his tracks.”
Domani amassed millions of views for “I Did It” before it even dropped thanks to social media. The video was reposted on several all-star platforms thanks to the likes of Offset, Sonny Digital, Coach K, Rapsody, and more. This song is a departure from his emotive, through provoking side, the artist says. “This song is a braggadocious way of expressing confidence. Some may say ignorance,” he admits.
Domani should be dropping a new album this year and we’ll be waiting. In the mean time, he’ll be jumping on a tour of Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York City.
According to reports, Rapper Lil Pump seems to be facing a challenging financial situation,.
Not only has the IRS recently targeted him for unpaid taxes, but now City National Bank has filed a lawsuit against him for an unpaid line of credit.
The 21-year-old rapper, born Gazzy Garcia in Miami, Florida, rose to fame in 2017 with his viral hit “Gucci Gang,” which garnered millions of views on YouTube and peaked at #3 three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Despite his success in the music industry, the young artist appears to be struggling financially.
The government is actively trying to collect the outstanding balances from the rapper. However, the IRS is not the only organization seeking repayment from Lil Pump.
According to RadarOnline, City National Bank recently filed a lawsuit against him, claiming they extended a $300,000 line of credit to the rapper in 2019, before the pandemic shut down most live events.
The bank notified Lil Pump in August of 2021 that he had defaulted on the terms of the loan, but they received no response.
According to the bank, the rapper still owes them $98,000 of the initial loan, plus an additional $4,000 in interest, bringing his total debt to City National Bank to $102,000.
To date, Lil Pump has not responded to the IRS or City National Bank regarding these financial issues.
Lil Pump’s financial woes could impact his career, as well as his lifestyle. The rapper is known for his extravagant spending habits, such as purchasing luxury cars and designer clothing after signing an $8 million deal with Warner Bros. Records in 2018.
Meet the queen of quads, the diva of delts, and the empress of empowerment: Rahki Giovanni. This fitness influencer is not your average Instagram model – she’s a powerhouse of positivity and body love that’s taking the world by storm.
With legs so strong they could crush a watermelon like it’s a grape, Rahki is a force to be reckoned with.
But don’t be fooled by her muscular build – she’s all about self-love and body positivity. In fact, this Miami-based maven and mom is on a mission to empower women to embrace their curves, stretch marks, and cellulite and to never let anyone else’s opinion define their self-worth.
Credit: @rahkigiovanniCover Images
In 2015, Rahki embarked on a quest to level up her mental and physical health game. As a young adult, she was constantly teased for being “too big” and “too muscular,” leaving her feeling self-conscious. Rahki felt the weight of society’s beauty standards bearing down on her, leading to some disordered eating and exercise habits.
But, as she matured and started to explore her love for fitness and weightlifting, Rahki had an epiphany. She realized that her brawny body was nothing to be ashamed of; instead, it was something to be proud of!
“Seven years ago, when I started in the fitness industry, there was no one that looked like me. No one of my culture wanted to be ‘thick and fit’ – everyone chose to be slim, so I decided to break the barriers and change the fitness standard,” she explained.
With newfound confidence, Rahki started hitting the gym like a boss, training every single day for two hours straight. Her workouts became her secret weapon, her body her tool for strength and empowerment.
Credit: @rahkigiovanniCover Images
As if that weren’t enough, Rahki decided to go all-in, becoming a personal trainer, YouTuber, and influencer with over 766,000 followers on Instagram. She’s the epitome of fitness greatness and an inspiration to anyone who wants to reach for the stars in the fitness world. Forget burning calories. Rahki is all about high-intensity interval training, using higher reps and lighter weights to promote size and growth.
Of course, talking about Rahki without mentioning her incredible leg muscles is impossible. Her followers can’t get enough of her “thickest legs on Instagram,” and her leg day workouts and progress photos are always a hit. But Rahki wants people to remember that she’s more than just a muscular pair of legs – she’s also a mum to a son named Power.
“When I became a mother, my world changed in ways that are hard to describe. Suddenly, I had to take care of another life, watch my child grow and learn, and navigate the challenges that come with motherhood,” said Rahki. “Since having my son, I am constantly learning, not just about what being a mother is all about, but also about myself as a person. One of the most significant things Power has taught me is patience. Before becoming a mother, I never imagined that I would have as much patience as I do now.”
Credit: @rahkigiovanniCover Images
In addition to learning patience, Rahki has also discovered how parenthood can help cushion the blows life throws you.
“I faced a significant loss when my own mother passed away from Covid-19 in the middle of my pregnancy. But despite this tragic event, I was able to adapt quickly and tap into my innate mother instincts to become the best mother I could be for Power.”
While motherhood has been an incredible journey, Rahki, who looks up to former Miss Olympia 10-time champion Iris Kyle, is quick to admit her physical health did take a turn for the worst during her pregnancy and spiraled even further during the Covid-19 global lockdowns.
After suffering from preeclampsia, pre-diabetes, and high blood pressure, Rahki found herself weighing over 300 pounds. She knew she had to make a change, but with gyms closed because of the pandemic, she couldn’t train as hard as she used to.
Credit: @rahkigiovanniCover Images
“Training has 85% of everything that I do. Fitness is a huge part of my life and regime, so when I couldn’t train, I became very depressed and anxious. My dress size more than tripled, and I was buying 2XXL clothing,” she recalled. “I couldn’t even do one squat because I was so big, and my legs hurt.”
How, then did she manage to lose the weight and get her body back in shape?
“It was either I fight for my life, or I watch my entire life decline, so I started doing cardio here at my house,” she shared. “I purchased a treadmill during the pandemic and started working out inside of my condo. I started using weights on the balcony, then I hired a personal trainer, doing bench presses, bends over rows, reps of barbell curls, standing barbell curls, high and low incline dumbbell presses, and a lot of other workouts. After dieting for three months and losing my first 20 pounds, I decided to start going back to the gym and then started Pilates classes. Everything took off from there. I am so proud of myself – I’ve lost over 75 pounds!”
Credit: @rahkigiovanniCover Images
Today Rahki has regained peak condition and can now again run a mile in under six minutes and do 43 deadlifts at 315lbs.
When Rahki isn’t crushing it at the gym, she’s a woman of many talents. She’s a certified personal trainer, fitness model, actress, and business owner. She’s appeared in music videos, commercials, and TV shows, and she’s currently working on launching her own fitness brand.
Despite her accomplishments, Rahki remains humble and grounded, always putting her message of self-love and empowerment first.
She’s a true fitness powerhouse; we can’t wait to see what she’ll accomplish next!
Tax season is coming to an end and reports say one of the music industry’s biggest stars has taken issue with the Internal Revenue Service, quarreling about how much money they actually owe. The name might shock you, but Beyoncé evidently wants to go to war with the IRS. On April 17, she reportedly filed a petition disputing the agency’s claim she owes $2.7 million in taxes and penalties.
Now, she wants a tax court to possibly reconsider requiring her to pay the additional tax and penalties assessed by the IRS’ January 18 Notice of Deficiency, according to Forbes. The government is zeroing in on only Beyoncé’s personal account because she does not file jointly with her celebrity husband, JAY-Z.
Within the Notice of Deficiency, the IRS alleges Beyoncé owes $805,850.00 in taxes with $161,170 in penalty from 2018, an epic year for Beyoncé and her husband. The two released a studio album called EVERYTHING IS LOVE that accompanied their iconic On the Run II Tour.
She’s also disputing being on the hook for $1,442,747 in taxes and $288,548.40 in penalties for the year 2019, another big year. In addition to Beyoncé starring in Disney’s Lion King, she also produced and sang on the soundtrack, The Lion King: The Gift. Both 2018 and 2019 tax issues have incurred additional interest.
Beyoncé says the IRS got it twisted and has made an error when it comes down to her finances, and she’s willing to fight to prove them wrong. Mostly, she believes the IRS did not give her credit for $868,766 attributable to a charitable contribution carryover reported in 2018.
Michael C. Cohen of De Castro, West, Chodorow, Mendler & Glickfeld, Inc. will be her legal representation in the case.
Nick Cannon has hit back at the suggestion he “fumbled” his marriage to Mariah Carey.
During an episode of “The Daily Cannon” radio show, Nick’s co-host Courtney Bee Bledsoe told him he “fumbled” his six-year marriage to the Always Be My Baby singer.
“I mean, you fumbled Mariah,” Courtney said, to which “The Masked Singer” host replied, “Did I? Explain to me how I fumbled Mariah.”
Courtney clarified that she was simply “playing” before adding, “I don’t know. I just know you’re not with her, so that’s a fumble.”
Nick then replied, “Maybe she fumbled me.”
The TV personality insisted that he “was there” for the pop diva during the marriage before Courtney joked, “You didn’t make ‘Always Be My Baby,’ so… it’s a little different.”
Nick and Mariah got married in April 2008 and welcomed their twins, son Moroccan and daughter Monroe, in April 2011.
They separated in 2014 after six years of marriage, and their divorce was finalized in 2016.
The 42-year-old has gone on to welcome ten more children with five other women.
“The Daily Cannon” morning radio show launched on Monday.
Kim Kardashian broke down in tears as she discussed her divorce from Kanye West in the latest trailer for “The Kardashians.”
Producers from Hulu dropped a dramatic teaser for the upcoming third season of the hit reality TV show.
At the beginning of the clip, Kim asked an assistant about the last time they filmed the show, and the person commented, “You were still in a relationship (with Pete Davidson).”
“I was? Damn,” she responded, adding: “Things change really quickly.”
Kim dated the former “Saturday Night Live” star between November 2021 and August 2022.
Later, Kim appeared to address the finalization of her divorce from Kanye last November, over a year after she officially filed to end the union.
“I’m not O.K. I’m having such a hard day today,” she stated, appearing to tear up.
After Kendall Jenner commented, “I don’t know how Kim handles everything with her ex-husband,” the 42-year-old declared: “He has made up the most insane narrative. We stay silent through all the lies.”
Kim has steered clear of publicly discussing Kanye’s controversial behavior in recent months.
Late last year, the rapper was widely condemned after he made a series of antisemitic comments on social media and in interviews.
Elsewhere in the trailer, Kylie Jenner is seen asking her sisters to consider having a “conversation” about the “beauty standards” they are setting, Khloé Kardashian addresses her skin cancer scare, and Kourtney accuses Kim of using her wedding to Travis Barker in May 2022 to seek out a “business opportunity.”
“I’m really confused how this narrative came into her head. I couldn’t have been more mindful,” argued Kim, to which Kourtney fired: “People think it’s a misunderstanding. It’s not. It’s who she is to her core.”
Season three of The Kardashians is set to debut on May 25th.
Social media users have had a lot to say about Chance The Rapper’s marriage in recent days. The Chicago-bred emcee started an online firestorm because of his escapades at the 2023 Carnival in Jamaica.
Footage of Chance The Rapper dancing on an unknown woman at Carnival went viral. The clip shows Chance slapping the woman’s butt. Critics began questioning if the 30-year-old’s public actions disrespected his wife.
The Letter to My Daughter passage read, in part, “Most people don’t grow up. It’s too damn difficult.” Kirsten Corley-Bennett also captioned her cryptic Instagram post, “I hope one day, we all choose to grow up.”
Chance The Rapper also used Instagram to relay a less subtle message. Yesterday, Chance uploaded a snippet of comedian Bill Burr telling a joke about wedlock to his Instagram Story which reignited rumors of conflict in his household.
“Yeah, I love my wife to death. I love everything about being married f###### married,” said Bill Burr in the Paper Tiger comedy special. “But I’ll tell you this right now, we do fight a lot. We do argue all the time. If I’ve learned anything in five years of being married, it’s we’re always working on me.”
TMZpublished a report about Chance The Rapper and Kirsten Corley-Bennett’s current status as a couple. According to the website, a representative for Chance stated, “Everyone has their moments, but they’re all good.”
Prominent battle rapper Tsu Surf, born Rahjon Cox, is now in the spotlight for his criminal activities after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges and possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon.
The 32-year-old from Newark, who gained fame through his intense wordplay and stage presence, is now confronting the repercussions of his involvement with the notorious Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips.
Tsu Surf confessed to participating in the gang’s operations between 2015 and 2022, which included violent acts and the distribution of illegal drugs in New Jersey and beyond.
As a leader within the gang, Tsu targeted a rival gang member in a shooting on March 18, 2017. In another incident, on July 24, 2019, Tsu Surf, already a convicted felon, was found to have two loaded firearms in Essex County, New Jersey.
Authorities called a negotiation team, and Tsu Surf decided to surrender peacefully.
Tsu Surf’s career as a battle rapper saw him rise to prominence within the community, garnering a loyal fan base that admired his unique style and lyrical prowess. He is widely regarded as one of the top talents in the genre.
The charges against Tsu carry severe penalties.
The racketeering conspiracy charge alone could result in a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, while the firearms possession charge carries a potential 10-year sentence.
Both charges also include the possibility of a fine of up to $250,000. Tsu Surf’s sentencing is scheduled for September 12, 2023.
As Tsu Surf faces the legal ramifications of his criminal activities, his once-flourishing career as a battle rapper hangs in the balance, highlighting the stark contrast between his artistic success and his turbulent personal life.
Rapper Lil Pump, whose real name is Gazzy Garcia, is reportedly in trouble with the Internal Revenue Service, getting hit with two liens over the last couple of months. They want their money. He owes almost $2 million and the agency is leaning hard on him for the gwap.
The 22-year-old “Gucci Gang” chart-topper was notified by the tax collection company on March 1 about the first one, according to Radar Online. This was followed up a couple of weeks later by another one— both dating from taxes filed over the pandemic.
The federal agency claims for the year 2021, he owes a total of $141,340.56. They also note that for the previous year, 2020, he owes $129,801.88 in unpaid taxes.
This is not the first time the government has come knocking on the rapper’s door. In 2019, reports stated he owed the IRS $90,000 and the year before that, $1,676,738.65.
Out of the $2,037,881.09 he owed over the last four-year tax cycles (excluding 2022 before they should have been just filed), he only paid $90,000.
The artist has not released a statement about his tax issues. However, he is still doing shows. Just a week ago, he tore Penn State down with a jam-packed performance.
Kanye West is reportedly countersuing ex-business partner, Thomas St. John, who accused the embattled artist of breach of contract. According toTMZ, West claims he made a deal with St. John when he was “sleep-deprived, stressed, anxious and under duress.” West, who was in the middle of his divorce from Kim Kardashian at the time, believes this should make the contract unenforceable.
West says he met St. John around March 2022 and agreed to a $300,000 monthly retainer. But West was having one of his social media meltdowns and thinks St. John took advantage of his delicate mental state. West says he signed the paperwork without the presence and counsel of his lawyers. He also points out the number of paparazzi encounters amid the divorce was causing sleep deprivation, stress and anxiousness.
St. John filed a lawsuit against Kanye West in October 2022. He says after getting the first three payments, West got “heated and aggressive” during a meeting at Nobu in Malibu, saying he didn’t want to work with St. John anymore.
The was a clause in his contract, however, that stated St. John couldn’t be fired for the first 18 months of the agreement. West called the 18-month term “bulls***” and told St. John, “You’re insane for even thinking I would stick to it.”
St. John is asking for $4.5 million in damages, $900,000 for the months missed so far and another $3.6 million for the remainder of the contract. He wants punitive damages as well. If West has his way, it will be dismissed.
Rapper Post Malone wants fans to know that he is not doing drugs, a declaration he made after speculation about his dwindling weight has floated around.
While traveling around the world and being a new father and rock star, the “Circles” rapper took to Instagram to dispel rumors about his health and well-being.
“Hello everybody, I hope you’re having a great night.” he opened up, before jumping right into his statement. “I wanted to say that I’m not doing drugs.”
“I’ve had a lot of people ask me about my weight loss and I’d suppose performance on stage. I’m having a lot of fun performing, and have never felt healthier,” he said to his fans.
“I guess dad life kicked in and I decided to kick soda and start eating better so I can be around for a long time for this little angel. Next up is smokes and brews,” he added.
Post Malone also added that he spent some time in the studio and will be having some new music for his fans, saying he is “so excited to share,” because his fans have supported him so consistently.
“Thank you for your patience and support y’all,” he said. “You make my heart beat.”
Ed Sheeran picked up his guitar and sang a snippet of his song “Thinking Out Loud” as he testified in his $100 million copyright infringement trial on Thursday.
The heirs of Ed Townsend, who wrote “Let’s Get It On” with Marvin Gaye, are suing the British singer for allegedly copying parts of the 1973 song while writing his 2014 ballad “Thinking Out Loud.”
On Thursday, Sheeran returned to the witness stand in Manhattan Federal Court and demonstrated the four-chord sequence at the heart of his song on his acoustic guitar.
He performed part of what he insisted was the first version of “Thinking Out Loud,” revealing that the key lyric he and Amy Wadge originally wrote was “I’m singing out now” instead of “thinking out loud.”
He also sang the song’s opening line, “When your legs don’t work like they used to before.”
During his testimony, which lasted almost an hour, the 32-year-old explained that he and Wadge wrote the song during a two-day writing session at his home in England. He recalled stepping out of the shower and hearing Wadge strumming the chords and thinking, “We need to do something with that.”
He revealed that writing the song took little time, and they completed it within a day, with the lyrics inspired by the longtime love between his grandparents.
The singer will return to the stand for cross-examination when the trial resumes on Monday.
The Prince’s Trust Global Gala 2023 showcased the undeniable influence of “Black Girl Magic” as top celebrities and industry leaders gathered at the high-profile event to support the organization’s charitable efforts.
Co-chaired by Global Ambassador and Chairman of the Global Ambassador Board Lionel Richie and Edward Enninful OBE, Global Ambassador and Editor of British Vogue, the annual event celebrated the work of The Prince’s Trust.
The star-studded affair, held at the luxurious Casa Cipriani in New York, featured celebs like Tommy Hilfiger, Idris Elba, Rita Ora, and Kate Moss – but it was the dazzling appearances from Lori Harvey, Doja Cat, Winnie Harlow, Iman, and Emma Weymouth that captivated both onlookers and attendees.
The funds raised by the gala have been distributed to The Prince’s Trust charities worldwide, supporting their ‘Enterprise’ work in countries such as Australia, Canada, Greece, India, Jamaica, Jordan, New Zealand, Pakistan, Rwanda, and the UK.
The organization also allocated funds to explore support for young people in the United States, further expanding its global reach.
2023 The Prince’s Trust Gala at Cipriani South Street, New York.
Featuring: Lori Harvey
Where: New York, New York, United States
When: 27 Apr 2023
Credit: TheNews2/Cover Images2023 The Prince’s Trust Gala at Cipriani South Street, New York.
Featuring: Doja Cat
Where: New York, New York, United States
When: 27 Apr 2023
Credit: TheNews2/Cover Images2023 The Prince’s Trust Gala at Cipriani South Street, New York.
Featuring: Winnie Harlow
Where: New York, New York, United States
When: 27 Apr 2023
Credit: TheNews2/Cover ImagesThe Prince’s Trust Gala 2023 at Casa Cipriani, NY.
-PICTURED: Emma Weymouth
-LOCATION: New York USA
-DATE: 27 Apr 2023
-CREDIT: Janet Mayer/startraksphoto.com
Featuring: Emma Weymouth
Where: New York, New York, United States
When: 27 Apr 2023
Credit: Janet Mayer/startraksphoto.comThe Prince’s Trust Gala 2023 at Casa Cipriani, NY.
-PICTURED: Precious Lee
-LOCATION: New York USA
-DATE: 27 Apr 2023
-CREDIT: Janet Mayer/startraksphoto.com
Featuring: Precious Lee
Where: New York, New York, United States
When: 27 Apr 2023
Credit: Janet Mayer/startraksphoto.com2023 The Prince’s Trust Gala at Cipriani South Street, New York.
Featuring: Iman
Where: New York, New York, United States
When: 27 Apr 2023
Credit: TheNews2/Cover Images2023 The Prince’s Trust Gala at Cipriani South Street, New York.
Featuring: Ava Omagari
Where: New York, New York, United States
When: 27 Apr 2023
Credit: TheNews2/Cover ImagesThe Prince’s Trust Gala at Cipriani South Street, New York.
Featuring: Sabrina Elba
When: 27 Apr 2023
Credit: Darla Khazei/INSTARimages
Cookies founder and rapper Gilbert “Berner” Milam took to social media to talk about people in the cannabis investment space trying to take over and kick him out of the marijuana brand he created a decade ago.
He posted a dark video with soft music playing while smoking a joint titled “Public Berner Announcement.”
In it, he noted, the attack came as he was battling Stage 3 Colon Cancer, calling the period “extremely hard” and saying, “I literally was fighting for my life. What made that fight a lot more difficult and challenging was the fact that I was forced to fight for my business at the same time.”
According to the entrepreneur, a group of predatory investors started poking around the popular weed company with the intention of sabotaging the business relationships that made the company thrive. He said they were working from the inside out to get him removed as a decision-maker in the business.
“I ask what Cookies is without what we built together?” he said. “I don’t know.”
Berner said he was only speaking out because he wanted to put people on to how sinister the cannabis space is after a group of investors filed a lawsuit against him.
Lawyers for the group suing the rapper claim he bullied them into using his preferred vendors, stole cannabis strains, and even resorted to violence to get his way. They also claim Berner and other execs took millions in kickbacks.
The investors even claim Berner received millions in jewelry as an under-the-table form of payment from one vendor.
“I hate that more and more people in our industry end up in this situation,” he said. “Because I didn’t want to give in to wild demands and change the way that I chose to build Cookies, these guys are throwing a fit and trying to put me and my company in the corner and starve us out.”
Defiantly he said, “Well, that’s not gonna happen.”
Berner, even as he is recovering from one of the most terrifying health scares of his life, says he is still ready to fight.
Los Angeles-based R&B meets pop artist Darius Martin just released a new single and video for “Options” featuring enigmatic R&B artist Story. This song instantly pulls the listener in with a smooth hook and enticing lyrics. Poking holes in the overstimulation of modern romance, Darius confides, “It’s a record that speaks to dating in a social media-driven world. Both men and women are constantly bombarded with dating options on the gram.”
Over dreamy beats and lavish cascades of piano, Darius Martin captains the track with rich textural vocals. The track is brimming with energy, hitting all the dopamine centers with iridescent sonics and decadent lyrics. The accompanying music video is sublimely sensual, with shots of Darius Martin serenading his love interest over a massage table, riding side by side in a sports car, and dancing through the hallways of a luxurious mansion.
Writing about the beauty and struggles found in life, Darius Martin aims to connect with his listeners deeply and takes from real-life experiences and contrasting perspectives to highlight “the good, bad, and in between.” After getting his degree from the Los Angeles Film Institute, Darius Martin took to the recording studio to begin creating his sonic world. An abstract thinker, Martin toes the line of genre between hip-hop, alt R&B, and undertones of pop. “Options Ft. Story.” is his latest release, further immersing his audience in his imaginative universe.
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and producer Darius Martin pioneers expansive alt R&B music complete with pop-laced hooks and island-drenched soundscapes. Writing about the beauty and struggles found in life, Martin aims to connect with his listeners on a deep level, pouring his own emotions and autobiographical experiences into every release.
Born in El Paso, Texas, Darius Martin spent his childhood in Alamogordo, New Mexico where he took influence from the vastness of the desert. Relocating to Southern California in high school, Martin was an active and serious athlete in his teenage years. Fate though, had a different plan, and when a serious illness sidelined Martin, he began channeling his time into discovering his new passion for music.
Influenced by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Marvin Gaye, Martin began experimenting with different sounds and genres aiming to achieve a sound that is fresh as it is timeless. The songwriter attended the prestigious Los Angeles Film Institute where he graduated in 2020. His college experience further reinforced his passion and ambition to pursue a career in music. Equipped with the skills developed during his time at the Los Angeles Film Institute, he began recording music professionally.
In 2022, Martin released his debut single “Ring”, a sultry club-infused anthem drenched with intoxicating rhythms over deep dark basslines, pulsating beats, and melancholic lyrics that leaves a haunting memory of sensuality and abandonment. The single was followed by “Feel A Way”, a slow-burned, pitch-black alternative R&B track all about loss and regret. Martin’s emotive vocals fervently sing his remorse to a former lover, enticing the listener with every note.
“Already Won” is a melodic hip-hop single with Dribbletoomuch, where both artists take count of their accomplishments while celebrating their future success. An inspiring anthem that captures the relentless pursuit of excellence, the song inspires listeners to conquer their challenges and seize their moment in the spotlight. With “Waves”, Martin creates a seductive and introspective release detailing the pain of a push-and-pull romantic relationship. Organic percussion underlays layered brooding harmonies and visceral electronics highlighting the emotional upheaval of a broken relationship.
Darius Martin’s single “Options” details the whirlwind sensations of a wild romance. Shockingly seductive and sonically imaginative, the songwriter’s rich and textural vocals glide effortlessly over iridescent sonics and penetrating bass.
Crafting music that deeply resonates with his listeners, Darius Martin takes inspiration from real-life experiences and contrasting perspectives to highlight “the good, bad, and in between. I want real-life emotions and feelings to be poured out into my music.”
West coast legend Snoop Dogg is partnering with GaryVee on a new song called “Please Take a Step Back.”
The song will be released as an NFT, dropping on Friday (April 28) at 4:20 p.m.
According to a press release, the song and its accompanying video will be a feature of the Web3 project that they are working on. The one-of-a-kind effort will be available to those people registered for last year’s VeeCon.
Having a ticket from any of the VeeCon experiences will give you access to this new NFT offering. The song is said to be “a manifesto for their shared passion for entrepreneurship and positive mindsets.”
It also commemorated Snoop Dogg’s appearance at the entrepreneurship conference in 2022.
According to the Vee Friends blog, no other marketplaces or music NFT platforms will be able to sell this NFT as a primary purchase.
Also, the supply of the “Please Take a Step Back” NFT collection has been predetermined based on how many VeeCon 2022 NFT Tickets were burned.
“Rarities or metadata of VeeCon 2022 Tickets will have no implications on the burn to mint,” a blog about the collaboration said. “All newly minted “Please Take a Step Back NFTs” will have pre-reveal metadata and content before entering into phase 2.”
GaryVee spoke about the collaboration and said, “As a fan, Snoop has been a part of my life for 30 years. I could not communicate to you what 18-year-old Gary is feeling right now.”
He added: “The idea of taking a step back has been something that’s been woven through my content for 15 years. Every time I say ‘patience’ in my content, that’s saying take a step back. Every time I’m saying, ‘Be empathetic and care about the other person’, every time I’m saying ‘be self-aware, know yourself.’ What I’m really saying to people is take a step back, take a breath, take a beat, and figure out who the f*ck you are.”
Fans who own the “Please Take A Step Back” NFT will also be eligible to be selected as one of 10 winners to join GaryVee and Snoop Dogg during The High School Reunion Tour (with Wiz Khalifa) in Atlanta on August 9.
Hip Hop artist Coi Leray has been very vocal about facing criticism for her body shape. The Trendsetter album creator also publicly admitted to mental health struggles.
“To all my trendsetters, I’m sorry I let you down. I don’t have it in me to keep pushing. I feel like I’m brain-dead. Pray that everyone continues to keep setting trends and striving. Don’t know when I’ll be back but I don’t even want to think about it,” tweeted Coi Leray in February 2022.
Two months earlier, Leray called on people to stop focusing on other people’s image. She wrote, “Don’t [matter] how natural she is, who her doctor is, if she has curves, cellulite, big small, round square, let’s just make it a priority to spread love and worry the f### about yourself.”
The topic of the Boston-born rapper’s body came up again recently after she took issue with Latto namedropping her in the “Put It On Da Floor” single. The song includes Latto rapping, “Smoking on that gas, blunt big as Coi Leray.”
In response, Leray tweeted, “Latto bye. 😴 Here you go [talking] about my body. Please do not come on here and talk about nobody’s BODY. Lol like seriously. Out of all things. Lmaooo ya blunt my size? Lmaooo this s### is never-ending.”
Coi Leray Says She Helped Pave The Way For Slim Women In The Music Industry
Apple Music 1’s Eddie Francis recently interviewed Coi Leray to promote her new single “Bops” which dropped on April 27. She also released the “My Body” track today (April 28). The conversation with Francis included Leray once again addressing people body shaming her.
“I’m prepared for whatever honestly. I’ve dealt with the body shaming situation, honestly my whole entire career. Shout out to all the slim women out there. I feel like I actually paved the way in the music industry for a slim woman to just finally be accepted, honestly, after a very long time. I’m talking since [the] Mýa and Left Eye days,” said Coi Leray.
She added, “And it’s something important you talk about. It’s something very important you talk about. I wake up every day and say, ‘I love my body.’ I don’t give a f###. When I put my clothes on, I’m not saying, ‘Yo, I’m going to put this on to troll.’ I’m putting it on because I love to look good, I love to feel good. And that’s what I personally, genuinely love to wear and like. When they make it about my body, it’s just ongoing. This gets old after a while. It really does.”
Coi Leray is preparing to release her yet-to-be-titled sophomore studio LP. Trendsetter landed in April 2022 via Uptown Records/Republic Records. The album featured appearances by Nicki Minaj, Yung Bleu, Fivio Foreign, Young M.A, G Herbo, H.E.R., Nav, Lil Durk, Polo G, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Pooh Shiesty, and more.
For Khadija will premiere at this year’s Tribeca Festival on June 16. The documentary chronicles the rise of Morocco-born, Bronx-bred rapper Karim “French Montana” Kharbouch.
Mandon Lovett directed the For Khadija film. Hip Hop recording artists/moguls Aubrey “Drake” Graham and Sean “Diddy” Combs serve as executive producers for the project. An official trailer for the doc dropped on Thursday.
The Tribeca Festival premiere event at The Beacon Theatre will also feature a moderated panel discussion. After the screening of For Khadija, French Montana, Triplets Ghetto Kids, and other special guests will perform at the New York City venue.
“For Khadija. That’s for my mother,” said French Montana earlier this year. “You know she came out here and sacrificed for us. My father had left and she stayed, and she helped me become who I became, so I dedicated it to her. Drake is executive producing it.”
He also added, “It’s a real immigrant story, coming from Africa. I’m from Morocco to the Hip Hop culture in the Bronx and really just being in culture shock. Not knowing English when I was 13 when I came. And from there, just taking it from that.”
French Montana has released four studio LPs – 2013’s Excuse My French, 2017’s Jungle Rules, 2019’s Montana, and 2021’s They Got Amnesia. His catalog also includes the recently released Coke Boys 6 mixtape with DJ Drama. Plus, Montana became the first African artist to earn a Diamond Award from the RIAA.
The latest episode of Latto’s 777 Radio on Apple Music features the Atlanta-bred rapper’s sister, Brooklyn Nikole.
Latto and Brooklyn Nikole discussed the 2023 Coachella Festival, their parents, and other personal topics on 777 Radio. For example, at one point, Latto talked about getting plastic surgery.
“You know, I got a little work done on my body,” admitted Latto during the conversation with her sibling. Brooklyn Nikole responded, “A lot of people don’t even know that because you just look so good.”
Latto then told Brooklyn, “Because a b#### be looking natural. Because this one thing about it, if you going to do it, do it right. I’m going to do it right. I did it right. For a girl who has little tweaky tweaks, I be on your case about not touching nothing.”
In addition, Latto addressed dealing with body image concerns and self-esteem. The 24-year-old 777 album creator also offered advice to any female listeners considering cosmetic medical procedures.
“I’m telling you to all the young girls listening, all the women listening right now. I’m telling you from someone who’s been there, done it, find peace within your natural state,” stated Latto.
The RCA recording artist continued, “Because you’re going to find a flaw and another flaw and another flaw and another flaw. Surgery, any of that stuff, is not a permanent fix.”
Latto admitted fame played a role in choosing to alter her body. The “Big Energy” hitmaker also spoke about the conflicting negative comments people made about her looks over the years.
“When I didn’t have my surgery, they’re like, ‘Oh, she shaped like her white side.’ What the f### does that even mean? For real, what does that even mean?” asked Latto.
She added, “And then when I got the surgery, it’s, ‘Oh she’s botched. Oh, it’s too heavy. It ages her.’ You’re never going to win. So just find peace within yourself, whatever you want to do, do that.”