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Swizz Beatz & Timbaland Sign Exclusive Deal With Elon Musk’s X For Verzuz Distribution 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Swizz Beatz and Timbaland are joining forces with Elon Musk to bring Verzuz to X (Twitter), in an exclusive distribution partnership. 

The future of the virtual battle series appeared in the balance after a legal dispute with Triller, who acquired the platform in 2021. However, the super producers sued the platform in 2022, resulting in a $28 million settlement. 

After teasing “Verzuz 3.0” during an interview with AllHipHop.com earlier this year, Swizz and Timbo are ready to unveil the next phase of the platform. 

Swizz and Timbaland will maintain full ownership and creative control in a “mutually beneficial” deal, granting exclusive distribution rights to Musk’s platform with its 550 million active users. 

In a statement, Swizz Beatz said he and Timbaland “are beyond thrilled to have found the best partner for Verzuz.” Together, they intend to “help X build the biggest entertainment company in the world.” 

Timbo added, “Our goal has always been to bring Verzuz to the world which we can now do bigger than ever.” 

The new business partners linked up in Cannes, where Elon Musk is attending the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The billionaire tech mogul is reportedly trying to win back advertisers after many withdrew their support following a series of controversies, including Musk’s enthusiastic response to an antisemitic tweet in November 2023. 

Elon Musk Addresses Past Controversial Remarks

Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s Verzuz announcement arrived as Elon Musk faced fresh controversy for amplifying problematic posts on X. Users accused Musk of racism after he seemingly supported a post that falsely compared the rates at which Black Americans murder their white counterparts. 

Musk was asked whether he regrets any of his past comments on X during a discussion at Cannes Lions. 

“I do shoot myself in the foot from time to time,” Musk admitted, per Deadline. “But at least you know it’s genuine, not some sort of PR. If you speak freely, there’ll be times when you are foolish, of course, but if you’re constantly going through a filter, you’re not real, so I guess it’s better to be real than go through a filter.” 

Jim Jones Embraces Puerto Rican Heritage Ahead Of “Broken Spanglish” Album 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Jim Jones is gearing up to take the second half of the year by storm, dropping three projects, including a Latin American language album, Broken Spanglish. 

Originally scheduled for release in summer 2022, the project is a blend of Capo’s Black and Puerto Rican heritage. Broken Spanglish features artists like J Balvin, Arcángel and Nelly Nelz and sees Jim Jones explore a different soundscape, including Spanglish drill, Latine trap, reggaeton and more.  

The Harlem native says making the album tested his linguistic abilities. “I learned more Spanish recording this album than I’ve known my whole life,” he said during an interview for Remezcla. 

“I’m grateful for my heritage and my Puerto Rican people,” Jim Jones added.  “I’ve been to Puerto Rico a few times, but not on the basis of trying to see my family or look where my family is from and things like that.” 

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Nonetheless, Jones is planning to explore his Puerto Rican ancestry in the near future. “I’ll take that excursion pretty soon because it’s well-needed. It’s part of my roots, and I need to learn more about it,” he shared. 

Jim Jones originally intended to release Broken Spanglish in the summer of 2022 after releasing his joint project with Maino, The Lobby Boyz. 

He’s now planning a follow-up to his Maino collab alongside a tour later this year. If that wasn’t enough, Jones reportedly intends to release successors to his debut album, On My Way to Church, and his 2013 mixtape, Vampire Life 3. 

Quavo & Vice President Kamala Harris Tackle Gun Violence On “Takeoff Day” In Atlanta 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Quavo marked his nephew Takeoff’s birthday with a summit against gun violence in collaboration with Vice President Kamala Harris. 

The first Rocket Foundation Summit in Atlanta was held in honor of the late Migos rapper, who would have turned 30 on Tuesday, June 18.  

Quavo joined forces with Vice President Harris and the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Takeoff’s mother, Titania Davenport and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens were also on hand, declaring “Takeoff Day” in the city.  

The event also included panel discussions about the importance of community intervention and building youth support systems in preventing gun violence.  

“You have chosen to use your celebrity and the gifts you have as an artist to talk about and actually work on with action. It’s extraordinary. You are an incredible leader. A national leader on this,” Harris told Quavo.  

Last year, Quavo took his mission to end gun violence to Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. He met with members of Congress in Washington and hopes to continue to build on his progress. 

“It hits hard when it hits home,” he said. “We’re trying to avoid that. Just because it’s next door, you don’t close your door. You can open the door and help your neighborhood. It’s joining hands with the world and making sure this awareness is on a national billboard. That’s my platform.” 

Cam’ron Claims JAY-Z Doesn’t Love Hip-Hop Like Nas: “He Likes Money More” 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Cam’ron has sparked a debate about who “loves” Hip-Hop more between JAY-Z and Nas after claiming Hov cares more about money while Nas is really passionate about it. 

The discussion arose after Antonio Brown criticized Hov for his performance at Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Although Cam’ron credited JAY-Z as a “Hip-Hop” historian, he believes the Roc Nation mogul is more passionate about business.   

“I believe that JAY-Z, to me—my personal opinion—is not in love with Hip-Hop,” Cam said on a recent episode of his sport’s show, It Is What It Is. “I think he likes Hip-Hop a lot, [but] I think he likes money more and opportunities to take his brand to the next level.”

Over the weekend, Antonio Brown called out JAY-Z for not participating in Hip-Hop 50 events last year. He responded to a social media post of Hov’s surprise performance at the ceremony on June 12. 

“Jay didn’t perform at any Hip-Hop 50 concerts last year where the fans would have known every word to his songs, but he makes time to get ignored by rich white folks. Smh,” he wrote. 

However, Cam said some of the Hip-Hop 50 festivities “may not have been up his alley.” Additionally, Cam’ron believes JAY-Z’s appearance was probably connected to his role with the NFL. 

Cam then mentioned Nas saying it was “refreshing to watch” Nas pay homage to the pioneers at Hip-Hop 50 celebrations.

“I don’t think he loves it as much as somebody like Nas loves it. Nas loves Hip-Hop,” he added.  “He’s another money n#### too, but he loves Hip-Hop. Nah threw a Hip-Hop 50 [event] in Yankee stadium. It don’t get more Hip-Hop than that.”

Pusha T & No Malice Dragged For Carrying Purses At Louis Vuitton Paris Fashion Week Show 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Pusha T and No Malice are getting ridiculed online after showing off their designer threads at Paris Fashion Week. 

An Instagram fit-check account caught up with the Clipse duo to get a rundown of their outfits. However, before they could show off their custom-made Louis Vuitton and adidas fit, someone off camera interrupted to tease the brothers over their accessories. “Hold on. What’s up?” they asked, holding up King Push’s bag as everyone laughed wildly.  

Sharing a fashion tip, No Malice said, “Be yourself. Whatever you feel comfortable in is you.” Meanwhile, Pusha T advised, “You always got to feel like you in your pajamas. You ain’t coming like that, then it ain’t you.”  

Fans rushed to the comment section to roast Pusha T and No Malice for carrying a purse.  “Never thought I’d see the day them boys carrying/wearing purses,” one person wrote.

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Another user questioned why the Clipse members need to carry a purse. “Don’t care how much it cost it is what it is…that is a purse it can be 1 of 1, made from whatever it is still a purse. And the funny thing is women have a ton of stuff in those bags men don’t. Why you need a purse for homie.”

The siblings were in the French capital to support Pharrell in unveiling his latest menswear collection for Louis Vuitton. Pusha T and No Malice also debuted an unreleased song at the show for the second consecutive year since Pharrell took over as creative director.  

Elon Musk Under Fire Over Response To “Insanely Racist” Tweet About Black Homicide Rates

By: London JennnCategory: News

Elon Musk is facing backlash after amplifying a tweet with a false claim about Black homicide rates.  

On Monday (June 18), Musk shared a characteristic response to a post claiming there was a significant increase in the number of Black people killing white people in America in the decades since the 1950s.  

“It’s true that things have changed since the 1950s,” a user with the handle eyeslasho shared. “1950s: Blacks killed about 600 more whites each year than whites killed blacks. Now: Blacks kill nearly 1,500 more whites each year than whites kill blacks.” 

Elon Musk expressed his amazement at the post, replying with “!” and highlighting the tweet to his 197 million followers on the platform. 

Elon Musk’s response attracted backlash from angry users, furious he would amplify such a post. “This is so insanely racist,” one person wrote.  

“This kind of stuff is why I’m trading in my Tesla smh. Elon has went full racist.” another person wrote.

“Look what this is in response to,” a third person said, quoting Musk’s post. “If Hitler had a twitter Elon would be under every tweet saying ‘wow very interesting.’” 

Elon Musk failed to clarify the figures, review any sources, consider any possible nuance or perform any other due diligence before responding. Alleged disparities in homicide rates between races are often used and misconstrued by racists to promote the bigoted idea that Black people are violent by nature.  

The tweet Elon Musk responded to reportedly drew from data that doesn’t include information about the race of the perpetrator of a homicide, only of the victim. FBI figures posted at the Bureau of Justice Statistics paint a different picture. 

Figures show most homicides are intraracial, committed by offenders of the same race as victims. In 2022, FBI data showed that 87 percent of white or Black homicide victims killed by a white or Black person were killed by someone of their own race. Additionally, the post failed to account for dramatic changes in population since the 1950s. 

Willie Mays Passes Away Aged 93, Tributes Pour In For MLB & Negro League Icon 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Legendary Hall of Famer, and Negro League icon Willie Mays, has passed away at the age of 93. 

The baseball icon beloved by fans, considered one of the sports’ greatest players and the first African American team captain in MLB history, died peacefully on Tuesday afternoon (June 18).  

“My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” his son Michael Mays said, per San Francisco Chronicle. “I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.” 

The MLB mourned his passing with a tribute post to the “24-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glover, 2-time MVP, World Series champion, Hall of Famer.” 

The legendary slugger, nicknamed “The Say Hey Kid,” for the enthusiasm with which he greeted teammates, began his career in the Negro Leagues. He played with the Black Barons, helping them reach the final Negro Leagues World Series in 1948. 

Mays experienced a culture shock after joining the Giants three years after Jackie Robinson broke the sports’ color barrier. The pioneer spent 21 years with the Giants and is forever immortalized in a 9-foot-tall bronze statue in front of San Francisco’s Oracle Park at 24 Willie Mays Plaza. 

The Giants Mourn Willie Mays

“Today we have lost a true legend,” Giants chairman Greg Johnson said. “In the pantheon of baseball greats, Willie Mays’ combination of tremendous talent, keen intellect, showmanship, and boundless joy set him apart. A 24-time All-Star, the Say Hey Kid is the ultimate Forever Giant. He had a profound influence not only on the game of baseball, but on the fabric of America. He was an inspiration and a hero who will be forever remembered and deeply missed.” 

Mays was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2015. “It’s because of giants like Willie that someone like me could even think about running for president,” Obama said at the ceremony.  

Following his passing, Obama and others paid tribute to the pioneer. 

50 Cent Threatens BMF Co-Founder Over Link Up With Enemy’s Son 

By: London JennnCategory: News

50 Cent has warned Terry “Southwest T” Flenory after the BMF co-founder had a meeting with Kenneth McGriff Jr., whose father “Supreme” was suspected of plotting to kill the G-Unit honcho. 

On Tuesday (June 18), 50 Cent slammed Southwest T over the link-up, posting a screengrab of a comment from a fan blasting T for teaming up with somebody who spent the “past couple of years trying to antagonize 50.” 

In the caption, 50 Cent noted his BMF series made Southwest T and his family millions but threatened to pull the plug. The show tells the story of Black Mafia Family founders Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory. Big Meech’s son, Lil Meech, plays the role of his father in the series.   

“Hey I know T feel like he is not making the money @lilmeechbmf is making,” 50 Cent began. “But I thought they would all be happy for him. It’s not like I didn’t help your family make millions. Cool when STARZ start suggesting the wrong moves, I’m simply going to sit and watch. Don’t worry you will be off the air in no time.” 

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On Father’s Day (June 16), Kenneth McGriff Jr., “drove nine hours” to personally hand Southwest T “Preme and Meech Living Legends” shirts.   

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McGriff Jr. Also posted a series of photos with Southwest T while calling for his father’s freedom. 

“Free meech Free preme shirts right now,” he wrote in the caption. “It’s all love baby. Family Queens to Detroit BMF & Supreme team.” 

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McGriff’s father, notorious drug lord Kenneth McGriff, also known as “Supreme,” allegedly conspired to murder 50 Cent in 2000 when he was shot nine times. 

Kenneth McGriff Jr. has taunted 50 Cent in recent years by linking his rivals, including Fat Joe and Rick Ross.  

Missy Elliott Confirms Six Albums Worth Of Music Since Last Release

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Missy Elliott is set to return to the spotlight in grand fashion, teasing fans with promises of a deluge of new music.

The Hip-Hop luminary, absent from the album scene since releasing The Cookbook 19 years ago, revealed she has produced enough material for six new albums.

In April, the revered artist announced her imminent first headlining tour, “Out of This World: The Missy Elliott Experience.”

The tour, featuring collaborators Ciara and Busta Rhymes, will captivate audiences across North America from early July through late August.

Promoting the tour in an interview with Variety, Missy Elliott hinted at the arrival of a fresh album.

“When you are a writer and a producer, I’m quite sure I can probably speak for a lot of those types of people, that they’re recording all the time. So I probably have at least six albums worth of music at this point,” Missy Elliott disclosed.

She spoke of her longtime collaborator Timbaland urging her, saying, “‘What you waiting for? So what you waiting for then?’ I be like, I don’t know.”

Elliott suggested her album may be announced unexpectedly.

“I believe that it’ll be a day that everybody’s going on about their way, and then you just look online and see an album date from me. So yeah, I think that’ll happen sooner than later.”

FUBU Co-Founder Daymond John Calls BS On Brand’s Scripted TV Series

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Daymond John denounced a scripted television series about the Hip-Hop fashion brand FUBU, which he co-founded in 1992. John declared he had nothing to do with the TV show, calling it an unauthorized production.

“It was news to me,” John told TMZ. “It’s not authorized. You can’t have a FUBU story without Daymond John, the founder and the CEO. I thought it was clickbait. It’s definitely not ‘For You By Me’ … It’s one of those unauthorized ones.”

Deadline reported on Radar Pictures and For Us By Us Studios developing a FUBU show on Monday (June 17). FUBU co-founder J. Alexander Martin is involved in the project.

“FUBU as always been about empowerment and breaking boundaries,” Martin said. “Partnering with Radar Pictures allows us to tell our story authentically and with the respect it deserves. We are eager to showcase the journey of FUBU from a small startup to a global brand, and the impact it has had on our culture.”

John said he wasn’t involved in any talks regarding the Martin-backed production. The Shark Tank cast member wanted to see FUBU’s story explored in film or television but disapproved of Radar Pictures developing the show.

“I haven’t had any discussions about that stuff,” John said. “I’m having discussions with people. And I’ve been talking about it for 10, 20 years ‘cause I think it’s a great story. But some people just take the liberty to—anybody can write a story! You can write the FUBU story, your understanding FUBU. I don’t know.”

He added, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime story, so we’re waiting for the right people to do it. Because we only have one shot at doing it right, not unauthorized.”

FUBU was co-founded by John, Martin, Keith Perrin and Carl Brown. It grew from humble origins into a $60 billion company.

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John Legend Takes Credit For Co-Writing Success But Gives Props To Collaborators

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

John Legend articulated his songwriting journey, crediting persistent practice and collaboration for his longevity in the industry.

“The more you write the better you get at it. It’s such a good thing to go to the well a bunch of times, and everything you make is not going to be amazing,” John Legend said.

The EGOT recipient, who has crafted hits for two decades, highlighted the role of repetition in fostering creativity.

“The more you go to that well the more likelihood that you’re going to come up with something special,” he explained.

John Legend, known for his collaborations with artists like Kanye West and Alicia Keys, underlined the significance of teamwork in his process.

He pointed out that working with others can “help spark that idea that’s going to change your life.”

Reflecting on his career, John Legend added, “A lot of my biggest songs have been collaborations.”

He elaborated on how these partnerships shape his creative direction.

“Even though I’m still responsible for a lot of the creative content that comes out of those co-writing sessions I believe a lot of those songs wouldn’t have happened if I weren’t in the room with somebody else that sparked the idea and pushed me in a certain direction,” he said.

Legend also spoke about the importance of humility in creativity, advising aspiring songwriters to acknowledge their own limitations.

“Creatives should be humble enough to realize that they don’t know everything,” he noted. “Pick the brains of people who are experts at what they’re experts at and know what you bring to the table but also know what your deficiencies are.”

Doja Cat & Post Malone To Headline 2024 Global Citizen Festival

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Doja Cat and Post Malone are set to headline this year’s Global Citizen Festival. It was announced on Tuesday (June 18) that Doja and Post will join Jelly Roll and Rauw Alejandro at this year’s edition of the annual charity festival.

The event, which will take place on the Great Lawn in New York’s Central Park on September 28, is an annual music festival organized by the Global Poverty Project.

The festival will be hosted by Global Citizen ambassador and actor Hugh Jackman, featuring appearances from UN Messenger of Peace Jane Goodall and Global Citizen Festival curator Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

In a statement, Doja Cat said she was looking forward to working with the organization.

“It’s been a few years since I was last on the Global Citizen Festival stage in Paris, and I’m excited to join forces with Global Citizen once again in Central Park this September to drive as much action as we can to make the world a better place,” Doja Cat said. “We all have a part we can play to help end extreme poverty and stand up for equity. I’m looking forward to being part of this major evening of positive change.”

Additionally, Hugh Jackman shared, “As a longtime supporter of Global Citizen and its mission, I am thrilled to be returning as host of the Global Citizen Festival this fall.”

“For over a decade, Global Citizen has driven life-saving impact for nearly 1.3 billion people worldwide, and we’ll gather once again on September 28 to help end extreme poverty, defend the planet, and demand equity.”

The Greatest Showman star added, “I can’t wait to see you all on Central Park’s Great Lawn to collectively call for change on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable communities.”

Performers at last year’s festival included BTS’ Jung Kook, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Conan Gray.

Trick Daddy Accused Of Removing Woman From “Love & Hip-Hop” Over Refusal To Have Sex

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

Trick Daddy has been accused of tampering with a Love & Hip-Hop cast member’s opportunity to be on the show after she refused his sexual advances.

On Tuesday (June 18), the Florida rapper shared an explicit text message thread with an unidentified individual in which he called the person a “s##t eater” and criticized them for allegedly choosing the wrong partners. Shortly after sharing photos of the text thread, Trick Daddy went live on Instagram to address allegations that he deleted texts from the thread, in addition to claims that he foiled a woman’s chances of being a part the production of Love & Hip-Hop due to the fact she wouldn’t have sex with him.

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In response to his posts, a woman who goes by the name Ravinia is Ricki shared a series of Instagram Stories and posts via her personal page @sounique945 in which she refuted all of Trick Daddy’s claims and introduced another series of text threads that showed the Miami rapper alleged sexual advances and disrespect toward her. In the initial post, Ricki doubled down on her claim that the “I’m A Thug” rapper was the individual who had her removed from the show.

“Trick daddy got me kicked off love n hip-hop because I wouldn’t give him no coochie why tf would you waste my mf time like that knowing damn well them people don’t pay you if the episodes don’t air I’m not obligated to have sex with no mf body,” Ricki wrote in the post.

Ricki also shared a screenshot of a text thread that appeared to confirm that Trick Daddy did indeed make the move to remove her from production after writing, “I just told them no more recording with you.”

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Post Malone Trying To Shake Off Legal Mess Over Ex-GF’s Abuse Allegations

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Post Malone struggled to resolve a lawsuit stemming from his alleged abuse of an ex-girlfriend. According to The Blast, the diamond-selling artist continued to battle his ex’s lawyers as a California court refused to dismiss the case against him.

“The Court learns that the settlement has not yet been finalized and therefore continues today’s hearing,” read court documents dated June 14.

Post Malone’s ex Ashlen Diaz recruited Martorell Law to sue the Republic Records singer for abusing her. Attorneys claimed the hitmaker convinced Diaz to drop them in exchange for a $350,000 settlement. Martorell Law sued the former couple for preventing the law firm from receiving a commission for its work on Diaz’s case in 2022.

Martorell Law told the court it settled the matter with Post Malone and Diaz out of court, but the negotiations deal crumbled. The court scheduled another hearing for August 1.

Kodak Black’s lawyer Bradford Cohen criticized Martorell Law when reports of the lawsuit emerged. Cohen said the case was an example of what “disgusting lawyers do” to give attorneys a bad reputation.

“This firm, Martorell Law, at one time, represented Posts ex GF seeking a palimony settlement,” Cohen wrote on Instagram. “She fired them and settled privately with Post. She then requested the Judge to dismiss the case. These guys now sue and say they have texts and pictures to show abuse. I would imagine given to them by their ex client.”

He continued, “They want to get paid for the ‘work’ they did and claim that Post somehow should be responsible for their contingency fee. This lawsuit is idiotic, in my opinion, breaches several legal fiduciary duties and is something that gives attys reputations of being jerks. Nasty move and a nasty way to try and get 100k in fees. Weak lawyering weak case and weak move.”

Last month, Post Malone pivoted to country music with his latest single “I Had Some Help” featuring Morgan Wallen. The song confirmed longstanding expectations that he’d ditch Hip-Hop at some point in his career.

USHER’s Morning Routine: Lemon, Ginger & Cayenne Pepper

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

USHER spends his Wednesdays more quietly than most, punctuating his life of fame with a ritual steeped in family tradition: fasting.

The 45-year-old singer, in a conversation with WSJ magazine, shared a personal practice that is not rooted in religion but inspired by his grandmother’s habits.

“I fast on Wednesdays. I typically try to start around 11 p.m. the previous day, then go the entire day on Wednesday just drinking water,” USHER said.

Mornings that do welcome food begin with an invigorating blend.

“I like to start the day with a concoction of lemon, ginger, water, and cayenne pepper. I drink it hot,” USHER explained.

Physical movement is a non-negotiable prelude to breakfast, with activities ranging from walking and yoga to simply enjoying the sun.

“I don’t like to eat breakfast before I’ve worked out or done something physical: taking a walk, stretching or doing yoga, sitting in the sun and raising my body’s natural heat levels. Then I eat,” he said.

Meditation also weaves into his daily lifestyle, offering quiet moments of reflection and mental stimulation.

“I try to wake up early enough to have a moment of reflection. Some days, I may grab a book and read to stimulate my mind. I may sit quietly and meditate,” the artist detailed.

Amidst his disciplined routine, Usher also focuses on getting in shape for his upcoming tour, promoting his ninth studio album, Coming Home.

His fitness regime includes specific knee activations, swimming, and minimal weight lifting.

“Normally, my workout regimen starts with either walking or with certain knee activations and reverse walking that I do to really engage my quads, my knees and glutes. Other than that, swimming is a really good thing to get me going and bike riding. Weight lifting, don’t do a lot of that,” USHER noted.

Performing at the Super Bowl halftime show in February, USHER remarked on the intensity of the experience, calling it the “hardest 15 minutes” of his life.

The singer, who has accumulated eight Grammy awards, continues blending his physical and mental routine with a demanding professional schedule, demonstrating a commitment to personal wellness and entertainment excellence.

Reason Reveals He’s Ditching TDE

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Top Dawg Entertainment watched another artist exit the label just two years after Kendrick Lamar’s departure. Reason announced he left TDE on Tuesday (June 18).

Reason expressed his gratitude for the last seven years. The West Coast rapper called his TDE run a “surreal” experience but felt it was time for him to embark on the next chapter of his career.

“It comes with great appreciation and excitement that I want to announce my split with TDE,” he wrote. “I want to give a huge thank you to Top himself, not only for giving me a chance to live out my dream but also for hearing me and understanding my decision to travel a different path after the years. There’s truly no words for the amount of respect I have for you and that’ll never change, no matter what.”

Reason also thanked TDE fans and his fellow artists.

“I also want to thank every single TDE fan who embraced me and allowed me to share my music with them,” he wrote. “There’s no world in which you don’t mean the absolute most to me. Last but not least, a thank you to all the artists who embraced me. Thank you for being a constant inspiration and ear while trying to navigate this industry and music.”

TDE arguably boasted the most stable roster of any Hip-Hop label over the past 15 years. Longtime members Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q, SZA and Isaiah Rashad remain with the label. TDE’s most recent addition was Doechii.

The label lost its biggest star when Kendrick released Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, his final album for TDE, in 2022. Now, Reason has followed suit. Reason didn’t say if he intended to sign with another label or move forward independently.

Read his TDE exit letter below.

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Cardi B Slams House Military Draft Bill: “You Want To Send These New Kids To Fight These Wars?”

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: Rumors

Cardi B didn’t hold back when expressing her opinion on why the House military draft bill will be ineffective due to the temperament of the young Americans the bill targets.

The “Up” rapper begin training earlier this week after a video of her ranting about how ill-equipped generation Z is to go to war went viral and began circulating on social media. It appears Cardi’s main discrepancy with bill is the idea that Young men will automatically be registered for the draft regardless of their actual ability to serve the nation.

“So I just read an article saying that the House just passed a bill that they’re going to automatically register men from 18 to 26 for war, OK,” Cardi said. “And all I wanna say is, to America, good luck with that [laughs]. These new little n###as are TikTokers, baby.

“These m############ ain’t going to fight no war. You gon’ die! You might as well just keep motherfcking investing money in y’all guns, ’cause these new kids? You want to send these new kids to fight these wars? The TikTok f###### hip-shakers? Out of your mind [laughs].”

She continued, remarking on her belief that America is in a totally different space than the previous century when the draft occurred, and in no way shape or form ready to face another country like Russia in a war.

“This is a new America, baby, this ain’t the 19-muthaf###ing,” she added. “No, like, seriously, you gonna draft these kids that be TikToking all day to fight them, what, most likely what, them Russians? Them muthaf###ers that be fighting bears and sht, and motherfcking clammy monsters to go to school and whatever? I got some news for you motherf*ckers.”

The recent defense bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives includes a provision for automatic registration for the military draft, specifically targeting men aged 18 to 26. Under this new legislation, all eligible males would be automatically registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) upon reaching the age of 18, using information from existing federal databases such as those held by the Social Security Administration and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

The change aims to streamline the registration process, reduce administrative costs and ensure a more complete database for potential conscription if a draft is ever reinstated. However, it doesn’t currently include women nor equate to immediate conscription but rather prepares for the possibility of a draft in the future.

Listen to Cardi’s full rant in the video above.

Virginia Rapper 23 Brazy Arrested For 10-Year-Boy’s Death After Months On The Run

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Authorities apprehended 23 Brazy, a rapper accused of killing a 10-year-old boy, in Virginia on Tuesday (June 18). The arrest ended a 10-month search by the U.S. Marshals Service, which was offering a $20,000 reward for information that led to her capture.

23 Brazy, whose real name is Tashawnda Nicole Drayton, allegedly killed a 10-year-old boy and injured a 37-year-old man in an August 2023 shooting in Franklin. Police said four people, including 23 Brazy, went to the older victim’s house on August 9, 2023. An altercation led to the rapper firing gunshots, which hit the 10-year-old boy and the 37-year-old man.

The child died from his injuries at a local hospital. The older victim survived the shooting.

U.S. Marshals arrested 23 Brazy in Boykins, a town about 15 minutes away from Franklin. Authorities said a relative was hiding her.

23 Brazy was charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, shooting into an occupied dwelling, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, threat to burn or damage a building, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and discharge of a firearm in a public place.

According to 13NewsNow, 23 Brazy was out on bail at the time of the shooting. She was previously charged with grand larceny, conspiracy attempted malicious wounding and destruction of property.

Young Thug Trial’s Judge Refuses To Exit Case Despite Clash With Lawyer

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Judge Ural Glanville denied a motion seeking his recusal in Young Thug’s RICO trial on Tuesday (June 18). Defense attorney Brian Steel sought the Georgia judge’s disqualification a week after a heated confrontation between the two in court.

Glanville held Steel in contempt for refusing to reveal how he learned about a private meeting involving the judge, prosecutors and witness Kenneth Copeland. Steel accused Glanville of joining the prosecution’s team and displaying clear bias against Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams.

“The court is so biased against undersigned counsel and/or Mr. Williams, the court ignored all laws and pursued contempt penalties to attempt to intimidate undersigned counsel to violate the law and ethics in order to continue to help the prosecution convict Mr. Williams and all others,” Steel wrote in his motion.

Steel added, “The court abused its authority by holding undersigned counsel in contempt for refusing to divulge privileged information and for protecting Mr.Williams’ Constitutional rights to due process, right to a fair tribunal, right to a fair trial, right to be present and effective assistance of counsel. This court’s refusal to acknowledge these rights and protections has created an unfair tribunal based upon bias against Mr. Williams and/or his counsel and favoritism to the prosecutors.”

Young Thug’s lawyer said Glanville attempted to intimidate the defense by sentencing Steel to 20 days in jail for contempt. A Georgia Supreme Court ruling prevented Steel from going to jail, but the defense viewed the judge’s antics as proof of favoritism toward the prosecution.

“This court’s conduct raises a strong finding that it has become personally embroiled in the case,” Steel contended. “It is clear, even to a casual observer, that this court’s involvement in this controversy requires this court be disqualified/recused/removed from all further proceedings … and another Judge, who will duly exercise the powers of the judicial branch, with partiality, clarity and fairness, must be appointed to this case.”

Glanville claimed Steel’s arguments were insufficient to refer the case to another judge. But Glanville will give the defense a transcript of the meeting between the judge, prosecutors and Copeland to review before Copeland faces cross-examination.

Young Thug’s trial began in November 2023. He has remained in custody since his 2022 arrest.

Ashanti Reveals Nelly Shocked Her With “Beautiful, Intimate” Proposal 

By: London JennnCategory: News

Ashanti is opening up about her relationship with Nelly, revealing details about his proposal and their wedding plans. 

The couple is expecting their first child together after rekindling their on-again, off-again romance last year. Fans were overjoyed earlier this year when the couple announced they were engaged and welcoming a child. 

In a new interview with ET Online, Ashanti revealed she was floored when Nelly popped the question.  

“It was just such a beautiful, intimate moment,” she recalled. “We were not dressy.” Although Ashanti believed a proposal “was gonna come soon,” she was still “completely” shocked when the time came.  

“The way it happened was so funny,” the singer said, revealing she was lying in bed wearing Nelly’s T-shirt and boxers at the time. “It’s not really sexy.” 

Ashanti said the proposal brought her to tears, and she “FaceTimed everyone I know,” after giving Nelly “the biggest hug and kiss ever.” The couple plan to have the baby before tying the knot in a ceremony on the beach.  

While Nelly sparked pregnancy rumors after rubbing Ashanti’s belly on stage at his Black and White Ball in St. Louis, neither of them knew she was expecting at the time. However, after missing a period, she took a test and realized he had predicted their blessing.  

Nelly was delighted with the news. “He was so happy and we were both smiling and it was so funny,” Ashanti explained. “I was actually at his mom’s house… He was in the studio. It was a really cool moment. It was a little bit of everything.” 

Ashanti surprised Nelly with a Father’s Day balloon arrangement while he was performing at Denver’s Ball Arena on Sunday (June 16). “Y’all make some noise for my baby mama in the building!” Nelly told the crowd.