Hip-hop culture has been heavily influential for over 30 years and is being recognized by the opening of a museum in its birthplace of New York City. In 2017, Harlem and midtown Manhattan will welcome the Hip-Hop Hall Of Fame Museum, which will feature donated memorabilia from Run-DMC, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Outkast, Salt-N-Pepa, Common, Afrika Bambaataa, Eminem and Young Jeezy, according to the New York Daily News.
“This will be the home of hip hop history,” said JT Thompson, who produced BET’s one-time Hip-Hop Hall of Fame Awards show, to the News. “People need to understand the importance of hip hop, the elements, the DJs, the B-boys and B-girls and the graffiti writers.”
The Harlem location on 125th street will be 12,000 square feet and have a coffee and juice bar along with shops and television studio. It will also enroll 50 children in a youth media program every year. The midtown location will be a much larger space, boasting 50,000 square feet and will take fans on 90-minute tours and offer an interactive exhibit for fans. It will also be close to New York City’s Times Square.
Out of the $80 million that is needed to open the museum, $50 million has been raised so far. An Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign has been started to raise $500,000 more.
Organizers are hoping to start the building process in the summer of 2015 so that the museum can be unveiled to the public in 2017.
This isn’t the first hip-hop museum though. The National Museum of Hip Hop is also in Manhattan on fifth avenue. The Universal Hip-Hop Museum in the south Bronx will also be launching in 2017.
Besides being one of hip-hop’s finest, Snoop Dogg is also a loving father whose son, Cordell, is one of the top football players in the country. The 17-year-old wide receiver has received recruiting offers from 15 schools so far including Louisiana State, Baylor University, Notre Dame, University of Southern California and more. Throughout his young career, his superstar dad has been there every step of the way and ESPN is creating a reality series based on that. On Jan. 14, ESPN is premiering Snoop & Son: A Dad’s Dream, a five-part series that will follow Snoop and Cordell and give fans an exclusive look into what it’s like to have a top football player prospect as a son.
(AllHipHop News) It appears Beyoncé’s groundbreaking “no promo” album release strategy is becoming the industry norm. R&B singer Miguel became the latest artist to release a surprise project.
The creator of the Grammy-winning single “Adorn”gifted his fans with a 3-track EP overnight. Miguel posted the cuts “nwa” featuring Kurupt, “hollywooddreams,” and “coffee” to his Soundcloud.
(AllHipHop News) Nicki Minaj has been very open about her breakup with longtime boyfriend Safaree “SB” Samuels. She touched on relationship issues on her new album The Pinkprint, and the Young Money rapper even began crying during a recent interview while talking about her ex.
According to TMZ, the fall out is hitting Safaree hard as well. His friends reportedly told the site that SB has shut himself in and openly talks about committing suicide. He is apparently also on mental health doctor prescribed medication that is making him more emotional.
The sources also claimed that Safaree blames Meek Mill for the relationship failing. They say SB believes the MMG rapper falsely accused him of cheating on Nicki. There have been rumors that Minaj is now dating Meek, but she told Angie Martinez that the “Believe It” rhymer was just a friend.
I doubt I’d want to spend any type of holiday with The Kardashian klan either…
Word is Kimmy and Kanye are at odds about where to spend Christmas at. You see Kim wants to spend the holidays with her fam and Yeezy ain’t having it. He’d rather kick in Paris with just him, his work, Kim and baby North.
RadarOnline reports:
“Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s first Christmas together as a married couple just may be their last. RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned that they’re currently facing off in an epic showdown because West insists he won’t spend the holiday in L.A. With Kardashian’s family, and she doesn’t want to join him in Paris!
“Even though Christmas is a time for family, Kanye doesn’t want to spend the holiday with Kim’s family at Kris’ house,” an insider told Radar. “Kris always has a huge party on Christmas Eve, and Kanye just isn’t feeling it this year.”
Instead, the source explained, “He wants to go to Paris with Kim and North. This would allow him to spend time with them, and also work.”
“But Kim absolutely refuses to even consider spending Christmas in Paris,” the source said. “She has said there will be no way North would be away from the cousins,” Kourtney’s kids Mason, 5, Penelope, 2, and her new son.”
Trouble may be brewing between Bow Wow and Erica Mena. The couple have plans to wed sometime next year, but RhymesWithSnitch is reporting there may not be a wedding:
“Last month Bow Wow was absolutely giddy with excitement flooding his social media pages with pictures of his beloved and day by day updates of his and Erica’s upcoming wedding plans then all of sudden radio silence.
Coincidentally all mentions of the wedding have since been deleted from Bow Wow’s Facebook page and no pictures of Erica Mena have been posted on Bow Weezy’s instagram in over two weeks.
Instead Bow Wow’s timeline is now dedicated to his new role on the latest CSI spin-off, ‘CSI: Cyber’ who’s IMBD page currently lists Bow Wow as appearing in an “unknown” number of episodes.”
Is Bow strictly focusing on his career? Are the plans on hold?
(AllHipHop News) Producer/songwriter Yung Berg was involved in a lot of drama while staring on Love & Hip Hop Hollywood, but he was caught in some really wild rumors off camera. The Chicago born rapper was accused of being gay by an associate of one of his LHHH cast mates.
Ray J’s manager Cash “Wack 100” Jones attempted to expose Berg as being gay. Jones claimed to have walked in on Berg in a studio being affectionate with another male. He also stated he once saw Berg with a transvestite in Atlanta.
Berg stopped by Sway In The Morning to set the record straight on the accusations that he is a homosexual. He also suggested Wack 100’s motive of starting the rumors was to possibly get selected to appear on the next season of the VH1 reality show.
“No, I am not gay. I’ve never thought about being gay,” stated Berg. “Let’s go a little further. Wack 100 has never, ever been in any recording studio with Yung Berg in my entire life… He’s 100% lying. He’s a grown man liar. I think he’s trying to get on Love & Hip Hop season 2. He might want to take my spot.”
According to Berg, the two men had a confrontational phone conversation right before Wack 100 posted the accusing caption on Instagram. Later in the Sway interview, Berg added that he no longer respects his “Sexy Can I” collaborator Ray J, because Ray did not publicly or personally address his manager making the gay allegations.
“God bless ray. He’s got his own issues. Maybe he didn’t step up because he’s dealing with his own cases,” said Berg. “But I’m a grown ass man. You’re not gonna talk s**t about my manhood and not see me come to Sway In The Morning and clear the air.”
(AllHipHop News) Meek Mill recently came home from a stint in jail, so the Philadelphia native has fresh memories of what it’s like to be behind bars. That is probably why Meek stood up for another young rapper that is currently facing incarceration.
Brooklyn’s Bobby Shmurda was arrested this week on charges that include gun possession and conspiracy. Almost instantly, memes making fun of the “Hot N***a” performer spread around the Internet. Meek did not take too kindly to the jokes, and he expressed his thoughts about the situation on Twitter.
This a different era when people laugh at a kid losing his freedom! #weirdos and I'm not up for comments yall different than us!
(AllHipHop News) Azealia Banks gave a 45 minute interview with Hot 97 that included the “212” rapper discussing her view that award shows and the media unfairly celebrate White performers – like longtime rival Iggy Azalea – over Black artists.
“The Grammys are supposed to be accolades for artistic excellence. Iggy Azalea is not excellent,” said Banks. “I have a problem when you’re trying to say that it’s Hip Hop, and you’re trying to put it up against Black culture.”
After an impressive 14 year run, America’s No. 1 music variety show on cable television, 106 & PARK, will host its final daily on-air show tonight December 19, 2014. The show will be hosted by 106’s first and arguably favorite hosts, Free & AJ. The 106 & PARK brand will continue to produce various specials throughout the year, including its annual New Year’s Eve show, 106 & PARTY, along with live event experiences at the BET Awards and BET Experience. 106 & PARK plans to become the hottest online hangout as it will make a shift to a digital only format on BET.com.
Free and AJ took to their Instagram pages to express their excitement for hosting the final show as well as their appreciation for being a part of a show that impacted so many.
Free stated,
“Soooo. On Friday December 19, AJ Calloway and I get to do it one more time like we used to do it.. Together for the final act of 106 & Park. So grateful to have been a part of this show, when we started it was but a dream! Join us as we say goodbye…. and celebrate 14 years of amazing guests, talented hosts and the livest audience on the ONE and ONLY 106 & Park! Salute BET.
AJ stated,
“This Friday Dec 19th 2014 we will be in the building to host the final 106 & park AJ Calloway and Miss Free this is the end of an amazing journey that started in a small studio called Metropolis on the corner of 106th St and Park Ave in Spanish Harlem on Sept 11, 2000 and it impacted so many around the world. We love and thank all of the fans over the years, tune in Friday for our final bow together.”
Stephen Hill, BET’s President of Music Programming and Specials, had this to say about the show via BET.com:
“AJ accepting Janet Jackson’s challenge to…dance. Bow Wow laying that kiss on Tyra Banks (or was it the other way around?). Free crawling around the set LIKE Catwoman WITH Catwoman Halle Berry. Julissa’s taking over Halloween as “Wonder Woman.” Keshia brilliantly bonding with First Lady Michelle Obama. Paigion flying around the world with Rihanna on a 777. Rocsi salsa dancing with Victor Cruz and putting him to shame. Shorty and Ms. Mykie’s killer rap, “The History of Justin Timberlake,” visably thrilling JT himself. Terrence beatboxing while Jamie Foxx rhymed. Tigger making Tom Cruise do the of-the-moment “motorcycle dance.”
One thing is for sure we’ve all been touched by an era of 106 & Park whether it be the Free and AJ, Big Tigger & Julissa, Terrence and Rocsi, Pagion, Shorty, Mykie, Bow Wow or even the latest with Keshia and Bow Wow. 106 has put Hip Hop, R&B, entertainment, and pop culture as well as youth culture on television daily since the turn of this century. BET plans to take 106 to the digital realm as it’s the space in which their audience interacts with music the most. BET wants viewers to understand that there will still be major specials 106 & Party, and for the BET Awards 106 & Park Presents: Live, Red and Ready. The network, being sure not to minimize the new direction, stated that they realize it’s a big change but the “livest audience” will still be entertained well in the digital domain.
106 & Park will have its final daily on-air show tonight at 6 p.m. on BET.
Today marks the end of an era. It’s the last televised episode of BET’s iconic music video countdown show, 106 and Park. From here on out, 106 will appear online only. “The livest audience on television” is now a thing of the past, but the excitement which earned that title came just as much from what happened between videos than the videos themselves.
In honor of 106 and Park coming to an end, AllHipHop.com has gone back to the beginning and put together a list of the ten best moments in the history of the show.
10). Michelle Williams Falls: In 2004, Destiny’s Child appeared on 106 to perform their smash-hit “Soldier.” The most notable part of the performance though was right when the trio went on stage and Michelle Williams took a fall.
09). Bow Wow Kisses Tyra Banks: During his teen years, Bow Wow ruled 106 and Park. Therefore, it’s not surprising that he was crowned “Mr. 106 and Park” due to racking up the most #1 videos on the show. In 2013, things came full circle and Bow Wow became the host of the show which helped make him a star. And while his videos don’t rule the countdown like they did at one time, he did leave a lasting impression as host too when he locked lips with the stunning Tyra Banks.
08). Keisha Chante Upsets August Alsina: Despite being advised not to prior to the interview, Keshia Chante still proceeded to ask R&B singer August Alsina about his issues with Trey Songz. He then became so mad at her about it that he later apologized.
07).Kanye West and 50 Cent: It was on 106 and Park that Mr. West and Mr. Jackson announced that their albums would be going head-to-head on September 11, 2007. When the first week sales came in, Kanye was victorious and Graduation outsold Curtis by a little over 250,000 units.
06). First Lady Michelle Obama Visits 106 and Park:
When Michelle Obama appeared on the show, she was shown the utmost respect (and rightfully so). Her time on the air was a great balance of fun questions with positive messages.
05). Lil Wayne Kisses Birdman: With all the current tension in the Cash Money Camp, memories of happier times within the crew seem to be fading further and further away. The picture of Birdman and Weezy kissing years ago got a lot of attention, but some people forget that Wayne kissed him on TV too. It was obvious no one expected to see what they saw.
04). The Announcement of Michael Jackson’s Death: When a show is live, anything is possible and there are few examples that rival the intensity of 106’s hosts at the time, Rocsi and Terrence J, finding out about Michael Jackson’s death while at work and on the air in June 2009.
03). Rocsi Walks Off: A very memorable moment in 106 and Park history is when Terrence was taking shots at Rocsi, and she ended up walking out because of it. Terrence then used an audience member to be his co-host in order close out the show.
02). Jin Dominates “Freestyle Friday”: One of the things that made 106th and Park so memorable were the weekly “Freestyle Friday” competitions. It not only put a spotlight on aspiring emcees, but it also provided a national platform for battle rapping. And of all the talent that was showcased, no one left a more lasting impression than Jin. He was such a standout that his undefeated streak even earned him a deal with Ruff Ryders Entertainment.
01). Aaliyah’s Last Interview: The poorly received recent television biopic about Aaliyah made many of her fans cherish this even more – her final televised interview which took place only days prior to her fatal plane crash.
What’s your favorite moment in the history of 106 and Park? Please share your thoughts in the comments section!
itsADOLLA is a 21-year old artist from East Orlando, who just released his freshman mixtape titled Witness executive produced by TCMG. More production on the tape comes from The Speaker Knockerz before his tragic death. Currently, “Plug 2.0″ featuring OG Maco and Father has been picking up with its catchy hook and plug lingo. itsADOLLA’s debut mixtape also boasts features from Gunplay, King Los, Speaker Knockers, iLoveMakonnen ands many more.
(AllHipHop News) Azealia Banks has caught heat for her tendency to attack other celebrities on social media. The Harlem singer/rapper stopped by Hot 97 to talk about her willingness to speak her mind.
During the interview the Broke With Expensive Taste album creator explained her issues with Iggy Azalea, T.I., & the media, talks about getting released from Universal, and breaks down while discussing the appropriation of Black culture by white artists.
The album cost $2 million to make. Just because I was still finding myself creatively, and we were still paying for a lot of things I wasn’t using. I guess it got to a point were they had spent so much money on the record, they felt like, “We don’t feel like we have anything that will cross into the Top 40.”
The deal that I had wasn’t a 360, so I was keeping all my money off touring. So I was just like “eff’ this. I wanna do cool music, I wanna perform, and I wanna enjoy myself. I don’t wanna do anything that I think is wack.
On Iggy Azalea:
I feel like in this country when it comes to our things like Black issues, Black politics, or Black music there’s always this undercurrent of a “f**k you.” There’s always a “f**k y’all n***as. Ya’ll don’t really own s**t.” That Macklemore album wasn’t better than the Drake record. That Iggy Azalea s**t is not better than any f**king Black girl rapping today.
The Grammys are supposed to be accolades for artistic excellence. Iggy Azalea is not excellent… I have a problem when you’re trying to say that it’s Hip Hop, and you’re trying to put it up against Black culture…
When they give these Grammys out all it says to White kids is “You’re great. You’re amazing. You can do whatever you put your mind to.” And it says to Black kids, “You don’t have s**t. You don’t own s**t. Not even the s**t you created for yourself.” And it makes me upset.
On T.I.:
Here you have coon-head ass T.I. T.I. you’re out here trying to promote this White b***h. Why do you got your wife on VH1 and that b***h can’t f**king read. You got your priorities f**ked up. That’s really how I f**king feel about you. You’re a f**king shoe shining coon. How dare you?…
The fact that you’re focused on what the f**k I have to say about this b#### saying that she’s a runaway slave master – that’s really what you’re attacking me for. You have no other reason to come at me, besides from the fact I said something about her calling herself a runaway slave master…
I’m talking to another girl. Mind your f**king business. Shut the f**k up. Mind your business. I’m not talking to you.
On the media and the appropriation of Hip Hop and Black culture.
What bothers me is when you have the media [which] is really evil. I told you that undercurrent of like “f**k you” and the sensationalization that comes around it. There was this time in the summer where I picked up the New York Post, and the cover was “Hip Hop Is White.” They do that on purpose.
They’re trying to erase us. They’re trying to erase all of our books and scripture. Everything that we’re supposed to know about ourselves is gone. Completely f**king gone. Never to be seen again.
The fact that metallurgy was started in Africa – agriculture, all those things that created the world are ours. It’s really upsetting when you read your social studies textbook and all you see is stories of you under some White person’s foot or you failing… I don’t wanna share [Hip Hop] with y’all. I’m sorry I don’t…
This little thing called Hip Hop that I created for myself, that I’m holding on to with my dear f**king life – I feel like it’s being snatched away from me. It’s not, but they do that just to f**k with you. Why y’all trying to f**k with me?
Bobby Shmurda’s label has his back, as Epic Records has decided to bail the rapper out of jail.
A lawyer for the rapper revealed that the legendary label would get him out of the jail as the 20-year-old faces a number of charges that include drugs, gun, attempted murder and murder.
Sha Money XL, the Epic executive that signed Shmurda, was present at the time of the arrest. He expressed his disenchantment with the whole ordeal and also cleared up some rumors.
“I was not arrested. They held me until they searched the studio then let me go. I signed these kids to give them a better way in life not to be dragged down by the media and gunned down by the 40 cops that raided the studio and pointed guns at me for working my job. You have no idea how this makes me feel or look when I’m one of the only few black men signing black artist from the streets and giving them a chance to do better in life.”
Dean Meminger, a reporter in the New York area, said there were multiple task forces working to bust Shmurda and company.
Denzel Washington is the latest name revealed in a series of Sony emails that have recently been leaked to the media. The series of leaks have been especially embarrassing to the studio, as it was revealed numerous artists and celebrities were slandered in the emails.
Those slammed include Kevin Hart who was called a “w####” and President Obama who Sony producers sent emails about joking “Should I ask him if he liked Django Unchained?” “12 Years a Slave. Or the butler. Or think like a man?”
Now a new email sent from a producer to Sony chairman Michael Lynton indicates the studio felt a Black lead could hurt the chances of a film’s longtime success.
Conversations leaked from the latest hack:
“I am not saying The Equalizer should not have been made or that African American actors should not have been used (I personally think Denzel Washington is the best actor of his generation.”
“I believe that the international motion picture audience is racist – in general pictures with an African American lead don’t play well overseas.”
“But Sony sometimes seems to disregard that a picture must work well internationally to both maximise returns and reduce risk, especially pictures with decent size budgets.”
Nu West World artist David Cash has been hard at work creating an abundance of new material. So much so that he has decided to release a new mixtape before the holidays to hold listeners over until the arrival of his highly anticipated mixtape California C.A.S.H., which will come will appearances from the likes of of Metro Boomin, Jay 305, Eric Bellinger, Young Thug, Scotty ATL, Alley Boy, and more.
Cash’s new mixtape L.A.D.I.L.A. (Live And Die In L.A.) comes with 16 brand new tracks and two previously released tracks — “Blu N Red” and “Alien Nation”. As far as features go, Scotty ATL, Tae Snap, and Fat Pimp all make contributions to the mixtape.
Bobby Shmurda has pleaded not guilty Thursday to damning charges of conspiracy, reckless endangerment and gun possession Wednesday.
The rapper appeared in court and he was hit with a proverbial litany of other allegations that included shootings, drug-related activity and even a murder
Bobby Shmurda, real name Ackquille Pollard, has been held on $2 million bail in state Supreme Court in Manhattan.
Howard Greenberg, the rapper’s lawyer, said that the charges are unfounded.
“Does it make sense that he would resort to committing crimes when he has the world in the palm of his hand? It’s ridiculous,” Greenberg said, per the Associated Press.
Police say they found two handguns and a some crack cocaine in a car that carried the rapper as well.
The totality of the investigation was even deeper. There were 15 defendants in the case, 10 of which were arrested with Shmurda.
Shmurda already has gun and drug related arrests this year.
Let Me Be Great is Chicago rapper/producer Jamahd 5 track offering and its an introduction to a bigger body of work that Jamahd will be releasing over the next year. This first offering includes the lead single “Slowdown” which will be accompanied by a video in the coming month.
