Rico Love Talks About His New Album And Says Urban Radio Is Promoting Death

On May 18 Rico Love dropped his new album “Turn The Lights On”. He says this album is some of his best writing to date. That’s a bold statement coming from someone who wrote countless hits for just about every artist in the game. He also talks about radio and how they are only promoting the turn up. Check out what else he had to say in this interview.

 

Domestic Violence Charges Against Ray Rice Dismissed

The domestic violence charges against  Ray Rice have been dropped, USA Today reports. Judge Michael Donio dismissed the charges after he was informed by a prosecutor that Rice completed his pretrial requirements, including $125 in fines and anger management counseling.

The former Baltimore Ravens running back was charged with third-degree assault after he was seen on surveillance video striking his then-fiancee, Janay Palmer, and then dragging her out of an elevator at the the Revel Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ.

Rice was initially suspended for two games by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after the surveillance footage was viewed privately. Once it was posted publicly, Rice was suspended indefinitely. After appealing his suspension, he was reinstated into the league in November 2014. He still has not been signed by a team.

A New Nicki Minaj & Jay Z Collaboration Is On The Way

Photo by Kevin Mazur WireImage/ Getty Images

It looks like Nicki Minaj and Jay Z have been in the lab working on a new track. Nicki tweeted (and soon deleted) a tweet saying that a collab with Jay Z would be coming out in 3 days. A new Nicki & Jay collab would be nice! Who’s here for this? We are!!! Will this make you sign up for Tidal though? LOL.

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Chinx’s Funeral Is Scheduled For Next Week

Family and friends will be gathering to say farewell to rapper Chinx next week. His wake and funeral have been scheduled for Tuesday, May 26th at the Greater Allen A.M.E Cathedral of New York in Queens, the New York Daily News reports.

His wake will be scheduled for 11 a.m and the funeral will follow at noon.

His family has set up a GoFundMe page to ask for donations to help them “fill part of the financial void” they are anticipating after losing their head of the household.

“As you can imagine, in today’s challenging economic climate, losing your primary source of income can be devastating,” read the page. “When that loss is due to the unexpected death, it leaves a void that can never truly be filled…our donations will help provide much needed financial stability to a family who deserves so much more than what they have been dealt.”

Chinx, born Lionel Pickens, was fatally shot while in his car around 4 a.m on May 17th in the Jamaica section of Queens. He was 31-years-old.

French Montana Addresses Negativity Surrounding Chinx’s Death

Photo via French Montana’s Instagram

French Montana took a moment out to address the negativity surrounding his close friend Chinx’s murder and funeral arrangements. He also points out that the bigger issue is people lost a friend and relative, and that a life was lost period. It seems that people were confused thinking that the GoFundMe account was set up to also cover Chinx’s funeral arrangements. However, it was set up for Chinx’s widow and children to establish financial support.

French said,

“I hate having to address the negativity during this time of grief. It is irrelevant. I pray that everyone would consider that real people lost a real man, friend, brother, father before spreading hateful speech. His funeral is taken care of. My brother is in good hands. If you don’t have nothing positive to say keep it to your self #ripchinx.”

Are K. Michelle & Safaree Getting Even Closer?

Photos via K. Michelle and Safaree’s Instagram

Are K. Michelle and Safaree getting even closer now? Safaree has been after K for a while as he sent her flowers and showered her with compliments across social media. The two have been rumored to be seeing each other in an open relationship type of way, but now they may be getting closer. K. Michelle and Safaree were spotted out together getting a bite to eat. Safaree seems too corny for K. Michelle though.

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Photo via @ThaCelebrityTea IG

Khaotic – “Dime Piece”

Miami native Khaotic drops the latest single off of his upcoming EP Boola. The track has been gaining traction in Florida, but with an extremely high quality visual directed by Jon J (Rick Ross, T.I., Meek Mill, French Montana, and more). In the video we find Khaotic coupled up with a dime piece, speeding through some of the bluest waters you ever seen, all while absorbing the vibrant atmosphere.

YoungN’ – Special Delivery (Freestyle)

YoungN’ is back for another week of “Thriller Thursdays” & keeps the classic renditions coming–this week he freestyles over G Dep’s “Special Delivery.” YoungN’ toys with flows & shows you how definitive his style is through the wordplay laid out over the early 2000’s####. Now on his 4th installment to the series, YoungN’ doesn’t plan on letting up. Thriller LP is on the way, but in the meantime, The C8S forerunner is having fun with the game.

Migos’ Offset Says Noisey Documentary Put Them In Jail

Photo via Migos’ Instagram

The remaining jailed member of the rap group, Migos, claims that a documentary the group starred in was the reason why police came down so hard on them with the charges. Offset of the Migos told Hot 107.9’s The Durrty Boyz radio show that he feels this was an epic setup by Noisey and his documentary to make the Migos appear to be nothing more than gun-toting gangsters. Offset also claims to have experienced racism, and said that others are looking to make him look bad in the eyes of the law. These rappers have to be careful when bragging about this trap lifestyle.

Kanye West Breaking With Jay Z’s Tidal, Ready To Release Album With Apple Music?

Here we go again. There’s more talk on the interwebs that Kanye is ready to cut business ties with Jay Z. Rumors have been flying for years that Ye and Hov are not as tight as they used to be.

Now Hits Daily Double is claiming Kanye is done with his association with Jay’s Roc Nation and Tidal companies. Not only that, but the site says Kanye could be teaming with Tidal rival Apple Music for his upcoming Swish album.

HDD reports:

Kanye West is making changes, distancing himself from Tidal, firing Roc Nation and managing himself, with an unofficial assist from the Jenner-Kardashian clan. As for Kanye’s long-delayed album, there’s some chatter that the release will be connected to Apple Music’s launch.

Not sure about this one. Kanye did send out a tweet promoting Tidal last month, and sources in his camp already killed a previous rumor about him jumping ship from Roc Nation.

But if this is true that’s a major image blow for Tidal since Kanye was one of the stars on stage with Jay when he announced the company. Guess that would mean the Watch The Throne 2 album will never happen either.

Beanie Sigel Talks Possibly Reuniting With State Property (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) Much of the Hip Hop world was excited to see Beanie Sigel, Freeway, and Young Gunz come back together with former Roc-A-Fella Records boss Jay Z last weekend. The collective known as State Property joined Hov on stage for two nights at the Brooklyn legend’s B-Sides Concert in New York City.

[ALSO READ: Freeway Talks Reuniting With Jay Z & Beanie Sigel At Tidal “B-Sides” Concert + Meeting Freddie Gray’s Family In Baltimore]

The moment ignited hope from some fans that an official SP reunion could possibly be in the works. Beanie and Freeway recently stopped by Boom Philly, and Beans spoke about the chances the crew would rejoin for another run.

“I don’t want to spoil it,” said Beanie. “Whether we’re on the same page or not, the public wants that. I think after giving them that for two days – and the reaction from it – it’s undeniable it’s gotta happen.”

Roc-A-Fella co-founder Dame Dash has already announced he is teaming back up with Beans and fellow Roc alum Noreaga for the third installment of the State Property film franchise. Nore also confirmed his participation in the movie.

[ALSO READ: Dame Dash, Beanie Sigel & Noreaga To Film “State Property 3″]

Watch Beanie Sigel’s interview below.

Lil B Threatens To Curse Rockets Star James Harden For Stealing His Dance Move

(AllHipHop News) Will the curse of Lil B hit Houston Rockets All-Star James Harden? The California rapper says that could be the case. B told TMZ that Harden could be joining Kevin Durant on the list of NBA players jinxed to never win a title, and it is all over a celebration dance.

[ALSO READ: Kevin Durant Addresses “Lil B Curse”]

“If Harden doesn’t tell what he is doing, which is the Lil B cooking dance, he will be cursed,” said Lil B. “He needs to stop stealing Lil B swag without showing love.”

The I‘m Gay (I’m Happy) album creator is giving Harden until game three of the Western Conference finals to publicly acknowledge his “cooking” dance before the curse is put into effect. Harden has yet to respond.

B may be upset, but Harden’s on court action is most likely inspired by Chedda Da Connect’s “Flicka Da Wrist.” The Houston native’s single has sparked numerous celebrities – including Rihanna and Justin Bieber – to imitate the hand motion in viral videos.

Harden and the Rockets are currently down 0-2 to the Golden State Warriors in the WCF. The next game is scheduled for Saturday, May 23 in Houston.

[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Chedda Da Connect Talks “Flicka Da Wrist” Viral Videos, “Chedda World” Mixtape & Achieving Long Term Success]

Crowdfunding Campaign Set Up To Help Establish Financial Support For Chinx’s Children & Family

(AllHipHop News) There has been an outpouring of sympathy and condolences from the Hip Hop community for the members of Lionel “Chinx” Pickens’ family. The Queens rapper’s loved ones are now asking for financial help as well.

 [ALSO READ: French Montana, Jay Z And Diddy Mourn Chinx]

Chinx’s manager Douglas Ellison of Four Kings Management has set up a Go Fund Me campaign on behalf of his late client’s family. All proceeds from the fundraiser will be placed into a trust for Pickens’ children and family. As of press time the campaign has raised $13,540 of the $100,000 goal. 

The description on the fundraiser’s GFM page reads:

The Hip Hop community lost a rising star: Lionel ‘Chinx’ Pickens was gunned down in the early morning hours of May 17, 2015. A father, husband, son and brother, Chinx leaves behind a legacy of music for his fans. He was truly a great life cut short. As Chinx’ extended family, please consider helping out his family during this devastating time. This fund will be established to provide some financial support for the tough road ahead.

Chinx was killed on May 17 during a drive-by shooting. Police are still investigating the incident. Funeral arrangements for Chinx are scheduled for May 26 at The Greater Allen A.M.E Cathedral of New York.

[ALSO READ: More Details Released About Chinx Shooting, No Arrests Have Been Made]

Watch an interview with Chinx’s widow Janelli Pickens below.

Sincere YE – “I Promised Mama”

Chicagos Sincere YE gives us a perspective from an artist who had high expectations from himself, in this record he apologizes to his mom for not being able to meet up to all of his expectations. Stream Sincere YE’s single “I Promised Mama”, produced by Apollo Brown below.

Afrika Bambaataa Says Hip Hop Artists Need To Join Together In A Federation (VIDEO)

(AllHipHop News) Teachers have unions. Police officers have unions. Professional athletes have unions. But music artists – rappers in particular – do not have a united representation to protect their rights. Hip Hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa believes it is time for that to change.

[ALSO READ: Afrika Bambaataa Discusses 2Pac’s Affiliation With Universal Zulu Nation (VIDEO)]

The creator of the classic 1982 single “Planet Rock” spoke with VladTV about the future of Hip Hop. Bambaataa made it a point to talk about the culture uniting for the better of the community.

“I’d like to see Hip Hop on this planet get more organized into politics, so it won’t be no ‘poli-tricks.’ And to have health insurance,” said Bam. “And to think about keeping the culture alive, and forming a federation of Hip Hop artists that will stand for each other when the injustice happens in Hip Hop music or any music on our planet.”

[ALSO READ: Afrika Bambaataa Talks Hip Hop History & White Artists’ Early Contributions To The Culture]

Watch Afrika Bambaataa’s interview below.

Fabolous & DJ Clue? Announce “Friday Night Freestyles” Project

(AllHipHop News) Rap veteran Fabolous and record producer DJ Clue? are set to join forces agin for a new project titled Friday Night Freestyles. Fab and Clue announced the joint effort on their respective Instagram pages.

[ALSO READ: DJ Clue – “Banned From CD 2015” (Mixtape)]

NEW WAVE ALERT : #FridayNightFreestyles the Mixtape

A photo posted by Fabolous (@myfabolouslife) on

#FridayNightFreestyles The Mixtape..Don't Be Fooled By Cheap Imitations..We About To George Bush The Button ! ?

A photo posted by djclue (@djclue) on

The two Desert Storm affiliates have been working together for years including partnering on previous mixtapes. Clue also released the 3-part The Professional album series from 1998-2006. Fabolous’ discography contains numerous albums. His most recent LP was the well received The Young OG Project in 2014.

[ALSO READ: Fabolous – “Black Girl Lost” (Friday Night Freestyle)]

 

Jolene Cherry’s The Cherry Party Signs With Red Distribution

(AllHipHop News) Former Senior VP of A&R at Universal Music Jolene Cherry has signed The Cherry Party to a deal with Red Distribution. The Cherry Party was previously part of a joint venture with Sony Music Entertainment’s RED Associated Labels, but the company is now an independent label. Joseph Charles is to serve as the General Manager of the label and Gillian Arditi is to facilitate A&R/Creative.

“Jolene Cherry’s experience and background as a successful pop music A&R executive and the addition of The Cherry Party will add greatly to Red Distribution’s efforts to grow this aspect of its label group and repertoire,” states Alan Becker, RED’s Senior Vice President of Product Development. “With this move, Red Distribution solidifies another core commitment (to a radio driven formula for success) and strengthens its #1 position in the independent marketplace. We enthusiastically welcome The Cherry Party to RED Distribution.”

The Cherry Party joins other brands like Cinematic Music Group, Mass Appeal Records, Ncredible, and Rap-A-Lot Records under the Red Distribution umbrella. Cherry’s label roster currently includes acts such as Judith Hill, Unlocking The Truth, and Christian Rich.