Chris Brown Celebrates Chloe Bailey Ahead Of New Collab: “You Are A Queen!”

By: London Jennn Updated Feb 23, 2023 at 4:00amCategory: News

Chris Brown is showing love to Chloe Bailey ahead of their upcoming collaboration “How Does It Feel,” due later this week.

The Chloe x Halle songstress is facing backlash for working with Breezy because of his 2009 assault against his then-girlfriend Rihanna and for other abuse allegations.

On Wednesday (Feb. 22), Chris Brown, currently packing arenas in London on the European leg of his Under The Influence tour, took to Instagram to celebrate his collaborator. He shared an uplifting message for Chloe, urging her to live out her dreams.

“24th ❤️ @chloebailey you are a beautiful soul,” he wrote in the caption alongside a pair of pictures of the duo. “TAKE OVER THE WORLD SHAWTY and DONT LOOK BACK🙏🏽! YOU ARE A QUEEN! DONT LET NOBODY TELL YOU NO DIFFERENT! You followed your dreams and now the universe is fulfilling that manifestation 🙏🏽❤️”

Chloe Bailey responded to Chris Brown, expressing her excitement for the upcoming single. “🥹can’t wait for the world to hear the magic we created💕,” she wrote in the comments.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by BROWN (@chrisbrownofficial)

Last week, Chris Brown engaged in a back-and-forth with former Cheetah Girls member Kiely Williams over the Chloe collab.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, the 24-year-old singer announced her debut album, due next month.

“IN PIECES 3.31.23 🫀” she penned on social media, alongside a poem and a trailer for the project.

“my tears are like the water.

my heart is like the sun.

through chaos, beauty grows.

there’s power in my pain.”

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A post shared by Chlöe (@chloebailey)

Consequence Shares ‘Disappointed,’ Slams Lack Of Support For Kanye West In New Video

By: London Jennn Updated Feb 23, 2023 at 3:00amCategory: News

Consequence is airing out his grievances with his G.O.O.D. Music associates in a new song, “Disappointed,” defending Kanye West, despite his recent Anti-Black and antisemitic remarks.

On Wednesday (Feb. 22), Consequence announced the single on social media in a lengthy post in which he also explained his support of Ye, suggesting that others abandoned the G.O.O.D. Music founder when he needed them most.

“My outlook is this,” he stated. “It’s easy to be self serving and ask someone for HELP, who’s in a position of Power to change your life’s trajectory. But, what happens when the tables turn and that person needs you.”

He also highlighted lyrics from the new single, stating, “The whole Label ran/Instead of having YE’s back.” Another line reads, “I guess crabs in a barrel/Is a curse from being Black.”

According to Consequence, “If you were only around for the G.O.O.D. times then you were never on OUR team to begin with.” He declared, “I’m Disappointed In ALOT of N#####!!!” before teasing his upcoming LP. Check out a clip in the post below and watch the video at the end of the page.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co-am6Xjugg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

As Cons stated, he’s been “vocal” about the rift with Pusha T, who announced he was resigning as G.O.O.D. Music president last year as brands began severing ties with Kanye West.

During an interview with The Art of Dialogue last December, Consequence lashed out at Pusha.

“The whole Good Music president s###? That’s cap. There was no G.O.O.D. Music president s###, n####. That s### is cap. It ain’t been that s### for years. When n#### kickin’ some resignation s###, there ain’t no resignation s###. Just say you mad about the Donda 3 party in Chicago when he ain’t let you on stage. Say that.”

While Cons believes Kanye West and Pusha T could settle their differences, he remains disappointed.

“They may communicate and find resolve to that situation,” he says. “But as it stands, I don’t f### with that ‘cause I expect more out of Pusha T, honestly. This n#### base everything he stand for on the streets. I ain’t saying you gotta support it or not. If Pusha T wins a Grammy, Ye did half the album. So what? You’re not going to thank him? Or you gonna thank him and act like you ain’t say you resigned?”

Monopoly Quil Drops New Album Perception #2

By: Staff Writer Updated Feb 23, 2023 at 2:28amCategory: Music News

Monopoly Quil is an artist who has been making music for almost a decade now, and with each passing year, he continues to evolve his craft. It is evident that Monopoly Quil is an artist with a unique perspective on the world and his music. He is signed to Bentley Records and is a Scout in the industry. In his upcoming album “Perception #2”, he is showcasing his talents and his unique genre.

One thing that is clear is that music has been a vital part of his life for a long time, and without it, he feels he might have been stuck working in a store or in some other unfulfilling job. It wasn’t until he realized that he had the talent and potential to actually be a successful rapper then he began to take his craft more seriously.

Monopoly Quil’s style of music is unique and he categorizes himself as an artist who puts himself in his own genre. He writes his songs in his head and then heads to the studio to record them. He feels that his sound will evolve as he continues to experience life, and as he gets more life experiences, it will reflect in his music.

In terms of his message, Monopoly Quil does not necessarily explore any particular theme or message in his music. He writes what comes to his head at the time, as long as he thinks it is hot. He aims to make a difference by creating good music, and he hopes that people take away a positive message from his work.

Monopoly Quil’s latest album, Perception #2, is all about having fun, and it is a departure from some of the more serious work that he has put out in the past. This album showcases his talent and his ability to make music that is both fun and meaningful.

One of Monopoly Quil’s favorite moments of his career so far has been networking. It’s clear that he has a lot of passion for what he does, and that he is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. Clearly, it will be very exciting for him and his followers as he rolls out more music and continues to make professional-grade moves daily. Stay tuned to see his next moves for you.

Follow Monopoly Quil

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/monopoly_quil/

Spotify:

Lil Yachty Reflects On His Relationship With Drake: “I Never Had Many Rap Friends”

By: London Jennn Updated Feb 23, 2023 at 2:00amCategory: News

Lil Yachty has opened up about his relationship with Drake, praising Drizzy for being a true friend to him.

The Let’s Start Here album creator also reflected on working with Drake on Her Loss, the Toronto native’s joint album with 21 Savage. During a new interview on Rap Radar, Elliott Wilson labeled Yachty “the genius behind” the No.1 project and asked him how he came to feature so heavily.

“I, for a very long time, wanted to do anything involving music with [Drake],” Lil Yachty explained. “So I’ve been telling him for the last, like, I don’t know how many years, like, ‘Bro…can I even just be in the room? I just wanna soak it up and see how you do it. I wanna see you rap, I wanna anything, you know?’ For real.”

Lil Boat holds his friend in the highest esteem, declaring him the G.O.A.T. “I just feel like he’s—to my opinion…the greatest rapper ever. And that’s my personal opinion. I ain’t arguing with nobody or their mama,” he added.

The admiration is mutual. Lil Yachty has writing and production credits on multiple Her Loss cuts. Tracks including “Major Distribution,” “Privileged Rappers,” “Circo Loco,” and “Jumbrotron S### Poppin,” were Yachty assisted.

“He always loved my beat selection,” the Georgia native revealed. “He was one of the first people to post one of my albums and just be like, ‘Man, your beat selections are so crazy.’ And that’s crazy to hear from him, especially during times when nobody was really f#####’ with me. Like, I never had many rap friends. I feel like a lot of the rap people I even hung around was because I was probably [in Quality Control]. … I probably would never met any of those people if I wasn’t QC.”

Catch out the clip below and watch the full episode, which premieres today (Feb. 23) on Apple Podcasts.

Drake Shows Love To Lil Yachty

Meanwhile, last year Drake gave Yachty his flowers for all of his Her Loss contributions, which included the unique cover art.

“WHERE WOULD I BE WITHOUT OUR FRIENDSHIP,” Drake wrote on Instagram Stories last November. “I LOVE YA KID THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME YOUR INCREDIBLE TALENT AND YOUR ADLIB GAME.”

Did 50 Cent Sue The Shade Room?

By: illseed Updated Feb 23, 2023 at 1:27amCategory: Rumors

UPDATE:

The news section is so on-point. I did not even see, but they actually settled the situation out of court. Read up on it in the link below.

EXCLUSIVE: 50 Cent Settles Penis Enhancement Lawsuit With The Shade Room

The old stuff is below.

I saw this and was like “OH.”

I do not think I have ever seen such language from The Shade Room ever. We all know 50 Cent is not to be played with! He’s got a team of hitters on just about every level. If you fk around, you will, in fact, find out. That said the language on a previous post probably suggested strongly or stated explicitly that 50 Cent had some sort of enhancement in the p##### area. This simply did not happen and we have reported on it rather extensively.

READ ALSO: 50 Cent Refuses To Let Go Of Penis Lawsuit; Says His Reputation Irreparably Harmed By Sexually Charged Comments

Anyway, here is what it said:

The Shade Room previously published an article about penis enhancements on its website and social media accounts. The article and links to the article included a picture of Curtis J. Jackson, Ill p/k/a 50 Cent juxtaposed with an image of a faceless male obtaining a penile enhancement procedure, with a euphemistic eggplant emoji covering the exposed groin area. The Shade Room has since deleted that article and social media posts and wants to make it abundantly clear that 50 Cent did not have penis enhancement surgery or any other procedure to augment his genitals and any implication to the contrary is false.

Hopefully, all parties work it out. I know The Shade Room is a black-owned business and 50 Cent deserves respect. This could have been a warning and they needed to do a straight up retraction to prevent it from going the legal route.

Let me know what you think in the comments.

Master P Brings Receipts Over Former Artists’ Claims He Owes Them Money

By: London Jennn Updated Feb 23, 2023 at 1:00amCategory: News

Master P has had enough of his former associates slandering his reputation.

The No Limit Records founder initially addressed those airing out their grievances during a recent interview, insisting he treats his artists well and calling for a statute of limitations on former associates complaining about him.

However, he doubled down in a pair of new Instagram posts, denying Fat Trel and Jess Hilarious’ claims that he owes them money.

“I wish @fat_gleesh_ the best. But he is owed nothing from me or my company,” he began, referring to Fat Trel’s assertion that he and Atlanta rapper Alley Boy are owed money for an album Master P allegedly released without their knowledge.

“The only business we ever did was put out a free mixtape on Livemixtapes.com in 2013 which is available to download for free today. We also put it on iTunes, which it didn’t sale because you could get it free from Livemixtapes. I covered the entire production costs, paid for flights, an apartment and rental cars that were trashed and damaged.”

Master P Says: “I Have The Receipts To Prove It”

Furthermore, Master P insisted, “I’m the only one that made a financial investment in this project and took a loss.” He also claimed, “I have receipts to prove it. Everyone that was around us at that time knows the truth.”

To Alley Boy, Master P said their record “didn’t Pop back then because we didn’t have a Hit Record.” He claimed he also lost money on investing in the project and hasn’t been able to recoup from streaming. “That’s one of the reasons why I got out of the music industry and into the product game. Product don’t talk back,” he added.

The New Limit CEO also addressed Jess Hilarious. She recently said “I’m still owed some bread” for the I Got the Hook-Up 2 skit. Master P said he loves the comedian but she ” got paid what she was owed.” In a separate post, he stated he had “the copy of the check that was cashed and paid, but if she tryna squeeze me for another 10k she got that.”

Check out the posts below.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co-S-c9LgcS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/Co_JvNqr6vV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Are Nelly And Ashanti Getting Back Together?

By: illseed Updated Feb 23, 2023 at 12:17amCategory: Rumors

I knew this was going to happen! But I thought the rumors of “sponsors” were so prevalent. Recently, the internet has been stalking Nelly and Ashanti’s moves. And those sleuths have determined that they just might be back together again.

Let’s go back – back into time. Almost 20 years ago, these two dated. Irv Gotti was allegedly abusing his duties as a label head and Ashanti found love with Nelly. And, well, they dated for quite some time – like 11 years. Last year they performed “Body on Me” and there seemed to be real chemistry. Nelly was damn near slobbering! And Ashanti is looking better now than she was when they dated in the early 2000’s. That said, it is looking like they are seeing each other. By the way, Ashanti is now 42 and Nelly is 48. They are getting older!

They look great though!

Here’s what the internet has determined!

Ashanti has been wearing Nelly’s chain allegedly:

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by FAN MODE (@fanmode2022)

Ashanti’s DJ and other random people are in the back there. I would not have known it had they not said something.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by FAN MODE (@fanmode2022)

Apparently, they have both been seen in Las Vegas at the same time. These Sherlocks have determined, because of this, they are dating. But are they? I am not so sure they are not playing with the affections of those that want to see them together.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by FAN MODE (@fanmode2022)

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl4DtRzvntN/

Anyway, I was always told that Ashanti had a very low-key relationship with a very rich man. And, she was taken care of. On another note, Nelly apparently cheated on her so there’s a contingency that does not want them together because he allegedly cheated. Need go back, they say! But, what if a man grows up and becomes a better person? What if they are in a different place than they were 20 years ago? Think about it and tell me what you believe in the comments!

Quavo Seemingly Confirms Future Of Migos In New Takeoff Tribute Single: Watch

By: London Jennn Updated Feb 23, 2023 at 12:00amCategory: News

Quavo continues to honor Takeoff, returning with another tribute to the late rapper.

Following on from his emotional tribute single “Without You,” released last month, the Atlanta rapper shared a new upbeat song, celebrating his late nephew Takeoff’s “Greatness.”

Hours before the release, Quavo teased the song by posting the cover art on social media. The image features Quavo sitting on the floor surrounded by platinum plaques.

“Countdown to Greatness,” he wrote in the caption. “#ForTake🚀.”

Quavo reflects on his loss in the new song, rapping that he would “give away all this s### just to see my dawg just one more time.”

He also seemingly confirms the end of the Migos. “So don’t ask about the group, he gone, we gone / Young n####, it can’t come back, damn,” he raps. However, despite the tension between Quavo and Offset, he also honors the group’s legacy, adding, “Never forget that the Migos amazing.” Check out the video below.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by QuavoHuncho (@quavohuncho)

The single arrives nearly four months after Takeoff was fatally shot outside a Houston Bowling Alley.

Quavo’s second dedication to Takeoff follows his tribute during the Grammys “In Memoriam” segment. The two remaining Migos reportedly clashed at the awards show over Quavo’s refusal to let Offset participate in the tribute.

However, Offset denied the reports. “What tf look like fighting my brother yal n##### is crazy,” he wrote via Twitter earlier this month.

Will Dr. Umar’s School Be Open Soon?

By: illseed Updated Feb 22, 2023 at 10:55pmCategory: Rumors

Umar Rashad Ibn Abdullah-Johnson!

You might know him at Dr. Umar. That’s my dude! No matter what you say, my dude’s on point. He has been working steadfastly to open a school in Wilmington, DE. Much has been made over the FDMG ACADEMY. The Frederick Douglass Marcus Garvey Academy has been going on and on for a very long time, but there seems to be good news. Recently, there has been considerable slander on the good Dr. Umar. Some people, sadly those in Delaware have been peddling propaganda suggesting that he was living within the school. Well, my sources tell me that he’s simply working really hard to open the school this year.

People have wonder what is taking so long. I was told that the school, which was formerly called The Maurice J. Moyer Academy, was essentially gutted. The “fiends” and whatnot stole anything that could be stolen, such as copper pipes and plumbing. Stuff like that had to be re-bought and re-installed. And that does not mention the remodeling. From what I understand, the community there in Wilmington does actually respect Dr. Umar’s efforts and have not messed with things since he took over.

Anyway, I am hearing that soon he’s going to be opening things up so that people can see the fruits of his efforts. And he’s been lifting this weight heavy and largely by himself. The Breakfast Club interview a few years ago explained much of the issue at that time. He added that HVAC (air conditioning) and electric work were other areas.

The rumored goal is it opening things up this spring sometime and open The Frederick Douglass Marcus Garvey Academy in the fall for boys.

He’s watching you!

Young Thug Co-Defendant Seeks Mistrial Over YSL Woody Interrogation Leak

By: Justin Ivey Updated Feb 22, 2023 at 8:00pmCategory: Uncategorized

Gina Bernard, an attorney representing Young Thug’s co-defendant Jayden Myrick, filed a motion for a mistrial in the YSL RICO case.

According to multiple reports, Bernard sought a mistrial after an interrogation video from the case leaked online. The footage showed YSL Woody (a.k.a. Kenneth Copeland) talking to detectives.

“While said evidence may not directly implicate my client, it along with all of the publicity and courtroom incidents since the start of this trial … make it impossible for him to receive a fair trial, as well as a jury that is honestly and truly fair and impartial,” Bernand wrote, per the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Bernard’s client is already serving life in prison. Myrick was convicted of murder in the 2018 death of Christian Broder.

Young Thug, Myrick and 12 others await trial in the YSL RICO case. Prosecutors asked Judge Ural Glanville to investigate the leak of the YSL Woody interrogation video.

“The state has absolutely no interest in leaking this video to members of the public as its dissemination serves only to intimidate and harass witnesses called upon by the state to testify in a very serious and high-profile case,” prosecutors wrote.

Jury selection is ongoing in Young Thug’s trial. More prospective jurors will appear in court in March, April and May.

LL Cool J Trolls Fans By Claiming He Won’t Drop Album With Q-Tip

By: Justin Ivey Updated Feb 22, 2023 at 6:55pmCategory: News

LL Cool J played a trick on his social media followers.

The Hip-Hop legend made fans think he scrapped his comeback album on Wednesday morning (February 22). LL Cool J posted a series of since-deleted tweets saying he won’t drop the project, which was executive produced by Q-Tip.

“I’m really trying to figure this album out,” he wrote. “SMH. Just not feeling like this album is worthy of being released. I tried.”

He added, “Not dropping it.”

LL Cool J continued to troll fans on Wednesday afternoon. He posted a video on Instagram with the following caption: “Explanation behind my choice to not release my album.”

The clip revealed it was all a ruse to hype his upcoming collaboration with Q-Tip.

“I was considering not putting the record out because it’s too f###### good!” he said with a laugh. “Q-Tip, you a genius, baby. Yo, this my favorite album I’ve ever made. I can’t wait for y’all to hear this. Date, tracklisting, coming soon.”

LL Cool J hasn’t released an album since 2013’s Authentic. Since then, he’s continued his acting career as one of the stars of the CBS series NCIS: Los Angeles. He also launched his Rock The Bells platform, which ran its first festival in 2022.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co-oWPVPU3V/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY%3D

SZA Cherishes The Support She Receives From Lizzo

By: Justin Ivey Updated Feb 22, 2023 at 5:46pmCategory: News

SZA can’t say enough good things about Lizzo.

The 33-year-old singer spoke about her appreciation of Lizzo in an interview with Billboard. SZA praised Lizzo for consistently championing the TDE artist.

“There’s nobody in the industry that f#### with me and that I f### with the way that Lizzo f#### with me and the way I f### with her,” SZA said. “She never made me feel like because I don’t have a No. 1 song or I [previously] didn’t have a No. 1 album that I wasn’t capable. She’d been telling me that she thought I was the one for years.”

She added, “The way that she thinks of me so highly as a human being and as an artist means so much to me. I just have never met anybody like her in this entire industry.”

Earlier this month, SZA and Lizzo teamed up for a remix of the latter’s song “Special.” The original version of the track appeared on Lizzo’s album Special, which dropped in 2022.

SZA fans can expect more music soon since she’s preparing to release a deluxe edition of her SOS album. According to Billboard, the expanded project will feature 10 new tracks.

Listen to Lizzo and SZA’s “Special” remix below.

EXCLUSIVE: Kanye West Finally Finds A Lawyer Willing To Represent Him

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Feb 22, 2023 at 5:25pmCategory: Exclusives

Kanye West’s legal woes continue to haunt him, but at least he has an attorney finally willing to represent him. According to court docs obtained by AllHipHop, Oregon-based attorney Peter Hawke has signed on to continue West’s fight against Ultra Music Publishing. The required paperwork was filed on Tuesday (February 21) with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

West has struggled to retain an attorney since his anti-Semitic tirade last October. He’d originally hired New York City law firm Greenberg Traurig, but their relationship quickly went south. In early February, the firm was able to serve West with the necessary docs needed to withdraw counsel—after months of trying.

Greenberg Traurig went to extreme lengths to try to locate West. Last month, they asked a judge if they could run an ad in several Los Angeles newspapers requesting his attention. Soon after, United States District Judge Analisa Torres found Greenberg Traurig failed to make “diligent efforts” to locate him. Consequently, Torres denied Greenberg Traurig’s request, instead suggesting they hire a private investigator to determine West’s whereabouts.

Torres granted Greenberg Traurig’s motion to withdraw as West’s counsel on November 30, 2022. The firm was originally representing Kanye West in his legal battle against Ultra International Music Publishing. Now, it’s up to Hawke at Angeli Law Group LLC. in Portland.

Meet Gaten, The Rapper Behind “Hummin” That’s Taking Over Atlanta

By: Shirley Ju Updated Feb 22, 2023 at 5:01pmCategory: Breeding Ground

If you’re in Atlanta, you’ve probably heard Gaten’s “Hummin” taking over the streets, clubs, and airwaves. The undeniable banger serves as the first single off of his upcoming mixtape titled Glitch God, set to release in the near future.

The inspo behind the record? Straight hustle. Gaten states, “Everyday you wake up to new challenges, living in a country built to break you. ‘Hummin’ inspires you to get up everyday and strive to reach your goals! My goal everyday is to wake up and get me some BRAND NEW MONEY!”

Hailing from East Atlanta, Gaten is a rising star who reminds me he’s “Da One.” When it comes to his sound, the one word he uses is “electrifying.” His versatility and ability to switch up his flow does not go overlooked, and his lyrics will touch your soul. His one advice: you gotta have the volume turned all the way up.

To date, Gaten has opened for the likes of Bankroll Fresh, Lil’ Keed, No Plug, and Young Dro.

AllHipHop spoke with Gaten to discuss his roots in Atlanta, biggest influences, “Hummin” going crazy, studio essentials, tattoos, and more!

AllHipHop: Talk about who Gaten is, for those who don’t know.

Gaten: I am the one and only, the real deal. I’m from the Eastside of Atlanta, Georgia. I represent the Eastside of Atlanta, Georgia. Bouldercrest and Candler Road. But I was born in Atlanta. I was born in the Bluff, but I migrated to the Eastside of Atlanta when I more so started going to school.

I started going to Cedar Grove Elementary, Cedar Grove Middle, Cedar Grove High School. Then I went to Douglass, back to the Westside. So I’m tied in with both of them. I just represent the Eastside of Atlanta, that’s me.

AllHipHop: Can you describe the Eastside of Atlanta?

Gaten: We get our money, but it gets rough though. The Westside of Atlanta is different. You gotta know the difference between the Westside and Eastside. The Eastside of Atlanta: we get our money but it’s smooth. The Westside of Atlanta: they get their money, it’s rough but they wide open.

Gaten: Ain’t no smoothness, hard ball. We smooth with ours, but we get our money.

AllHipHop: When did you fall in love with music?

Gaten: I grew up around music. I grew up in the music game. A lot of folks who were rapping, a lot of folks who got on, they’re my personal bro. Lucci, Keed, Bankroll Fresh, Solo Lucci, Thug. I grew up around it, I was 13/14. Then I got into a car accident when I was 14, my best friend died. That’s what made me really want to stick to rapping and make something out of it.

AllHipHop: Biggest influences growing up?

Gaten: I grew up listening to Gucci, Tip, and Wayne. They were the three.

AllHipHop: Do you have a favorite Lil Wayne song?

Gaten: My favorite song is “A Milli,” but that’s just because my best friend. Before he died, that was the only song he was singing all day. So that’s my favorite song too, I gotta ride with him.

AllHipHop: What was the moment you wanted to do music for real? Was it when your friend passed?

Gaten: Yeah, that’s when I had really got serious. When my friend, that really woke me up. That made me figure out I had to really do something with my life. When I started taking music serious, that was about three years ago. Once I dropped my first single and it started doing something. It started getting a little traction and folks started getting some feedback, that’s what had me like oh I’ma start rapping. Start pushing, see where I can get with it.

AllHipHop: Where’d the name Gaten come from?

Gaten: I created Gaten. Gaten is the spiritual meaning of GOAT. I created it, it’s custom. I represent that. I’m the energy Gaten, I bring it so that’s what it is.

AllHipHop: Talk about your song “Hummin” going crazy!

Gaten: “Hummin” right now, it’s going crazy. It’s in the clubs, it’s on all the radio stations. 94.5, they played it on 107.9. I made “Hummin” when I was really grinding. I was grinding every day. I came up with the whole hook, just waking up and getting some new money everyday. I put it out, my whole everyday what I was living and going through. I put it out on the song.

AllHipHop: Did you think it would do what it did?

Gaten: Honestly, I can’t say I knew, because I make a lot of music. I probably have 500 songs recorded.

I can’t say I knew it was gon’ go, I just had to have the right folks around me and they picked it out. The CEO of the label, Mon, he personally handpicked that song.

He liked that song. A couple of folks that were around, we were picking some other songs. “That one’s hard, that one’s better.” He picked it out like he knew that’s the one. We put it out, them folks ate it up and we ran with it.

AllHipHop: Best memory from the video shoot? It looked super lit.

Gaten: Yeah the video shoot was lit for sure. Just having everybody around. At the last function, everyone’s on one accord and vibing out. Vibing out with the people. I like vibing out with the — I don’t even call them fans. These are real people and real supporters, so vibing out with the supporters. Have a chance to link with everybody, see how they support me. That was fun.

That and riding the 4-wheelers. I like riding 4-wheelers. I can do one hand, another hand, I do all that on the 4-wheels. I couldn’t do it on the video because I didn’t want to mess my shoes up, but I can get nasty on the 4-wheelers.

AllHipHop: What do you want fans to get from your story?

Gaten: I really want them to understand and feel I came from nowhere. I came from the mud. I came from the bottom of having nothing. Came from the same background as — if you came from the mud, I really came from the mud so you gon’ really feel it. Damn near everything I’m rapping is real life, it’s nothing made up. Anybody can relate. If you don’t feel it, somebody around you can relate to it. That’s what I really want you to get from me rapping, it’s a whole story behind it. A whole meaning behind it, for sure you can relate to it.

AllHipHop: Three things you need in the studio at all times?

Gaten: I got to have some food around, gotta have that. I be having the bros, but when the bros come, they gotta bring some vibes in there. Gotta have some vibes in there so it makes sense. The brothers, you can’t come thinking it’s just me and y’all. Gotta have some vibes to even it out.

Some weed, some vibes. Third, probably some Hennessy or something. So we can get extra lit or something. But I don’t need the Hennessy, I’m already turnt as is.

AllHipHop: What’s your favorite tattoo?

Gaten: Man, I got so many tattoos. My last tattoo is my favorite now, I got Gaten across my stomach. That’s my last tattoo.

AllHipHop: Did that hurt?

Gaten: Yeah, on the ribs it hurt. [laughs] The stomach more so kind of, then right here hurt. [points to ribs] I got sleeves, all types of tattoos. I got Jimmy Neutron, that’s my second favorite tattoo.

I got road to riches, I got Atlanta right here. The Hawks, the Falcons. My best friend who died, he right there. I got studio, I wish you could see it all.

AllHipHop: What else can we look forward to? What you got going on next?

Gaten: We got a lot going on. The way it’s looking, ain’t no telling. The single’s going so crazy, we got “Hummin” on the streets right now everywhere. I got the Glitch God on the way, that’s the mixtape in the vault. I got a couple videos we already shot, we trying to figure out which one to drop first. We got so much fire, we smashing the gas on them.

I got music in the vault so you really gotta stay tuned. Stay tuned on Instagram, really follow so you can see how we coming next. Right now, it’s moving fast for me. We got SXSW, we got a couple stages. We got the plug with DJ Holiday. We got a tour coming on March 15th, we gon’ be gone for a week and a half.

Nipsey Hussle’s Killer Sentenced To Decades In Prison

By: Justin Ivey Updated Feb 22, 2023 at 4:53pmCategory: News

A judge sentenced Nipsey Hussle’s killer to 60 years to life in prison on Wednesday (February 22).

Last year, Eric Holder Jr. was convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Nipsey Hussle. A jury also found Holder guilty of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon and two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter and assault with a firearm.

Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke II sentenced Holder to 25 years to life for Nipsey Hussle’s murder. Holder received an additional 25 years for firearm sentencing enhancement and 10 years for assault with a firearm.

Lauren London and Nipsey Hussle’s family did not speak at Holder’s sentencing. The late rapper’s friend Herman “Cowboy” Douglas, a key witness in Holder’s trial, provided an impact statement.

“Nipsey was my friend, he was like a son, he was like a dad,” Douglas said, per the Associated Press. “Our community right now, we lost everything, everything we worked for. One man’s mistake, one man’s action, messed up a whole community.”

Holder shot and killed Nipsey Hussle outside of The Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles in 2019. Prosecutors said the two men discussed rumors of Holder snitching prior to the shooting.

K-Shine Says He And Ultimate Rap League ‘Back A Step Closer To Positivity’

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Feb 22, 2023 at 3:26pmCategory: News

After months of back and forth on social media, it seems that battle rapper K-Shine and the Ultimate Rap League have come to an agreement about how they would go forward in business.

According to an exclusive interview with HipHopIsReal.com under their paid subscription feature, the Harlem native likes what he hears from the team over at SMACK.

“I spoke to URL and we spoke about some things that is kinda suitable for both of us. I agree to do some things if they agreed to do some things,” the rapper said. “I really like what I heard and if they’re gonna honor that, then we straight Nonetheless, we are back a step closer to positivity as far as K-Shine and the URL is concerned.”

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Fans had their thoughts about his comments.

One person said, “The way shine was talking and acting I would’ve let him go … prolly would’ve sued him too.”

Another fan wrote, “Talk spicy for what knowing url got all them and a headlock.”

“Sounds like Father Beasley put Kshine over his lap and sent him Back to his room😂😂😂,” Bodega_a007 commented.

While stillstanding_4meandmines offered, “Can’t wait to see 👀 you back 😍I miss you 😢 on the stage my favorite ❤️ battle rapper.”

Hopefully, this means a K-Shine showing can happen in 2023.

‘Afrobeat Is Hip-Hop’: RZA Comments On Lil Duval Statements

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Feb 22, 2023 at 2:00pmCategory: News

After Lil Duval tweeted that “Afrobeats might be the death of hip hop as we know it,” many have been chiming in on the validity of the statement.

afrobeats might be the death of hip hop as we know it
— lil duval (@lilduval) February 20, 2023

One respected voice that has emerged is Wu-Tang Clan leader RZA who shared that Afrobeats is a part of the culture, not something that will take over or bring it to an end.

In an interview with TMZ, Bobby Digitals said, “I understand that would you mean by killing it”

“Afrobeat is Hip-Hop. They basically are doing their form of Hip-Hop,” the Staten Island native says. “ Just like Trap was Hip-Hop … Just like G-Funk was Hip-Hop. It’s just their rendition.”

Adding, “And you know what? They deserve a chance, just like the rest of us deserve a chance, for our music to be heard around the world, inspire, and feed families.

The statement was sparked by the amazing half-time show during the NBA All-Star Game.

Three major Afrobeat artists such as Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema took the stage and created magic.

So popular is the subgenre of Hip-Hop (or genre of music) that Billboard created its own chart for it in 2022. According to AfricaNews, the magazine would team up with festival company Afro Nation to launch America’s first-ever Afrobeats chart.

Afro Nation founder, Obi Asika told Billboard in 2022, “I am humbled to have made a contribution to growing the genre alongside many talented, passionate people.”

Hip-Hop is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary as a cultural movement and has seen other vibes of Black music intertwine with it over the years. Do you think there is an end in sight? Or, considering Duval’s “as we know it” addition, do you think it will continue to change into something different than what we see?

Malcolm X Family Files $100M Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against NYPD, FBI, And Other US Government Agencies

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Feb 22, 2023 at 12:00pmCategory: News

The family of Malcolm X is suing the government for $100 million after discovering the United States hid evidence regarding the civil rights leader’s assassination.

According to Law and Crime, Malcolm X’s daughter Ilyasah Shabazz was one of the relatives that announced the wrongful death lawsuit on Tuesday, Feb. 21 with their attorney Ben Crump.

She said, at a news conference on the 58^th anniversary of her dad’s murder, her family plans to file the multi-million federal lawsuit against the New York Police Department, the FBI, and other government agencies for withholding evidence regarding the assassination of the family’s patriarch.

The news conference was held at the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, the location then known as the Audubon Ballroom. Crump said the lawsuit was not just for the family but “for his people and this world.”

Shabazz, who was 2 years old when her father was shot, said, “Today, we will celebrate our father’s life and legacy with the community because it is something that my mother did every year for as long as I can remember with my sisters and just the larger community, we will also seek justice for a man, a very young man, who was only 39 years old, who gave his life for human rights.

“For years, our family has fought for the truth to come to light concerning his murder. And we’d like our father to receive the justice that he deserves,” she stated.

Shabazz, her mother Dr. Betty Shabazz, and most of her sisters were all present when her father was killed on Feb. 21, 1965. The then-39-year-old was shot 21 times in front of his family.

Two men, Muhammad Aziz, formerly known as Norman 3X Butler, and Khalil Islam, then Thomas 15X Johnson, were arrested and convicted for the killing. In 2021, the men were exonerated after new evidence emerged proving they did not kill the leader.

With the help of the Innocence Project, the government paid the men $26 million in a settlement.

“The truth about the circumstances leading to the death of our father is important not only to his family but to many followers, many admirers, many who look to him for guidance, for love,” she continued.
“And it is our hope that litigation of this case will finally provide some unanswered questions.”

Man Convicted Of Nipsey Hussle’s Murder To Be Sentenced

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Feb 22, 2023 at 11:21amCategory: News

Eric R. Holder, 32, the man convicted of killing rapper Nipsey Hussle in broad daylight in 2019 is scheduled to be sentenced on Wednesday, Feb. 22.

In July 2022, jurors found Holder guilty of the first-degree murder of the West coast star, who was on the brink of mainstream success. The shooter faces a potential life prison term with the possibility of parole.

The then-33-year-old Grammy-nominated chart topper was hanging outside of his Marathon clothing store in the South Los Angeles neighborhood when he was approached by Holder for calling him a “snitch.”

The two men both were from that community, were acquaintances and had connections to the Rollin’ 60s sect of the Crip gang.

However, Nipsey was changing and the people around him knew it.

According to NBC News, Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney John McKinney said during the trial, “This man was different “He wanted to change the neighborhood. He kept the same friends. And the neighborhood loved him. They called him Neighborhood Nip.”

“He was no longer a gangbanger. He was a world-known recording artist and so much more. It really is a shame that his life was so brutally and coldly taken, on his own property, in his own neighborhood, by someone from his own gang. By somebody that he considered a friend,” he added.

The shooting was captured on camera— and was immediately shared on social media, traumatizing legions of fans.

In addition to murder, Holder was convicted of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter and two counts of assault with a firearm for gunfire that hit two others present at the scene of the crime. Those men survived.

LVRN Label Appoints Bryan-Michael Cox As Senior Vice President

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Feb 22, 2023 at 9:30amCategory: News

Grammy-winning producer/songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox will take on a new executive position for the Love Renaissance (LVRN) record label. The Atlanta-based company announced Cox as Senior Vice President, A&R, and Executive Producer.

“A&R has become a lost art in this new generation of music because of the gap in the relationship between A&R, the artist, and the label. Bryan-Michael Cox is a respected and accomplished producer and executive, and he’s the perfect addition to our team to help continue in bridging that gap,” states Justice Baiden, co-founder of LVRN.

Baiden, continues, “Bryan not only speaks the same language as the artist, but he also shares the same values as LVRN. We are on an unwavering mission to disrupt and redefine the rules of the music industry while also preserving the quality and integrity of the music. When I think of someone who handles the music with care, I think of Bryan, and we’re excited to welcome him home to Atlanta and LVRN.”

Part of his new role with LVRN includes Bryan-Michael Cox working to break new acts. The Houston-bred hitmaker will also help develop signed LVRN talent such as Still Over It album creator Summer Walker and “Calling My Phone” singer 6LACK.

Bryan-Michael Cox Calls Union With LVRN A “Perfect Fit”

“The time is right for this union because what LVRN has been able to do culturally is incredible. The commitment to the full picture of artist development is something that this business has been missing,” says Bryan-Michael Cox. “From the single selections to album track listing to the rollouts, each artist has been launched uniquely with care.”

Cox adds, “Justice pays attention to detail, and he has a great understanding of what hit records should sound like without compromising the artists’ creativity and identity. I have a great track record of being able to bond with artists, get the best out of them, and, of course, being able to create or identify hit records. This is a perfect fit.”

Bryan-Michael Cox won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 2007 for his contributions to “Be Without You” by Mary J. Blige. In addition, Cox has written records for other musicians like Aaliyah, Mariah Carey, Usher, Destiny’s Child, Chris Brown, and Justin Bieber.