JAY-Z Decides On Super Bowl Halftime Performer According To Emmy-Winning Producer

JAY-Z has the final say when it comes to the selection process for the Super Bowl Halftime performer, according to Emmy Award-winning producer Jesse Collins.

On Monday (September 16), Collins spoke to Variety about the daunting schedule he and his production company have taken on in conjunction with the upcoming show in February 2025, which features headliner Kendrick Lamar.

While Collins spoke on a range of topics concerning the vigorous activity he’s overseeing at his eponymous production company, it appears as though a large amount of focus has been diverted to his remarks about working with JAY-Z and Roc Nation. Along with seemingly confirming that Hov is the sole individual who makes the call when it comes to who gets to perform at the Super Bowl, Collins noted that’s been the standard from the start.

“It’s a decision that Jay makes,” Jesse Collins said when asked about the selection process of the halftime performers each year. “Since we’ve been on board with that show, he’s made it every year, and it’s been amazing. He’s always picked right!”

Roc Nation started its partnership with the NFL in August 2019 and began reshaping the production of the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2020. Though Roc Nation tenure, thus far, has been widely celebrated, countless fans and artists such as Nicki Minaj, Birdman, Juvenile, Fat Joe, Fabolous and more have spoken out in the weeks since Kendrick Lamar announced he was headlining the upcoming the Super Bowl in New Orleans over hometown rap hero Lil Wayne.

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While Collins did address the backlash the NFL, Roc Nation and JAY-Z have received since announcing the halftime headliner, he appeared to double down on his support for Kendrick Lamar as the best artist to take on the task.

“We love Wayne [Lil Wayne],” Collins says. “There’s always Vegas odds on who’s going to get to perform it. But I think we’re going to do an amazing show with Kendrick, and I think everybody’s going to love the halftime show. I know Kendrick is going to work exceptionally hard to deliver an amazing show.”

In addition to breaking the news his team will be responsible for several major productions including the revival of Netflix’s Rhythm & Flow in November and the BET Hip-Hop Awards in Las Vegas in October, Collins revealed production for the Super Bowl is already well on its way. In fact, Collins and his team are set to connect with Kendrick’s camp in New Orleans in the coming days despite the fact that they literally just wrapped production of the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 15 prior to the air date of the exclusive.

“It’s our first time with the artist team,” Jesse Collins Entertainment personnel Dionne Harmon said. “We’ve actually been a few times already in preparation, but since the announcement, it’s the first time Kendrick’s team and us will all come together.”

Collins won an Emmy Award in the Outstanding Variety Special (live) category following the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show in 2022 featuring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent.

Donald Trump Accused Of Staging Latest Assassination Attempt

Conspiracy theorists claimed Donald Trump staged a second assassination attempt following a shooting at the former President’s golf course in Florida. #StagedAssassinationAttempt trended on X (formerly known as Twitter) as skeptics questioned the shooting.

The Secret Service stopped what the FBI called an apparent assassination attempt on Sunday (September 15). Secret Service agents discovered an armed man hiding a few hundred yards away from where Trump was playing golf. An agent opened fire at the gunman, who left behind an AK-47 when he fled the scene.

Ryan Routh was identified as the suspect and arrested on Sunday afternoon. He was charged with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

Trump was unharmed. The Republican nominee declared he would “never surrender” in an email to his supporters. 

“I would like to thank everyone for your concern and well wishes,” he wrote on Truth Social. “It was certainly an interesting day! Most importantly, I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and his Office of brave and dedicated Patriots, and, all of Law Enforcement, for the incredible job done today at Trump International in keeping me, as the 45th President of the United States, and the Republican Nominee in the upcoming Presidential Election, SAFE. THE JOB DONE WAS ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING. I AM VERY PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!”

President Joe Biden also praised the Secret Service for keeping Trump safe.

“I am relieved that the former President is unharmed,” Biden said. “There is an active investigation into this incident as law enforcement gathers more details about what happened. As I have said many times, there is no place for political violence or for any violence ever in our country, and I have directed my team to continue to ensure that Secret Service has every resource, capability and protective measure necessary to ensure the former President’s continued safety.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s opponent in the 2024 presidential race, said she was “deeply disturbed” by the possible assignation attempt. She condemned political violence.

“We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more to violence,” she said. “I am thankful that former President Trump is safe. I commend the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement partner for their vigilance.”

Trump survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally in July. The gunman, Thomas Crooks, was shot and killed at the scene.

 

Young Thug Trial: Lawyer Says Witness “Will Not Survive” In Jail

Attorney Dennis Scheib sought the release of his client Quindarrius “Lil D” Zachary in the Young Thug RICO trial on Monday (September 16). Zachary’s health was a concern after authorities arrested him on a material witness warrant on Friday (September 13).

Scheib told Judge Paige Reese Whitaker his client would die if he remained in the Fulton County Jail. Zachary, whose name came up multiple times in Young Thug’s trial, was arrested to compel his testimony.

“He will not live, judge,” Scheib said.

According to Scheib, Zachary recently underwent two blood transfusions. Zachary’s family informed the judge he’s been battling sickle cell disease.

“He’s extremely sick,” Scheib explained. “He will not survive in Fulton County.”

Zachary was booked into the Fulton County Jail. Judge Whitaker said the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office told her Zachary was back in Grady Memorial Hospital. Prosecutors confirmed the judge’s information. Scheib and the family weren’t informed about the transfer. Scheib spoke to Zachary’s family at 2 a.m. The family was under the impression Zachary was still stuck in jail.

Kenneth “Woody” Copeland, another key witness in the Young Thug trial, sent well wishes to Zachary on social media. Copeland was accused of snitching in the YSL RICO case.

“I’m pray for you little brother,” Copeland wrote to Zachary. “And we call this our justice system. God has all the power. I’m with you.”

Copeland called for Young Thug and the incarcerated rapper’s co-defendants to be released in a separate post.

“Father God we need you now more than ever I pray that you answer our prayer and free Jeffery & co-defendants,” Copeland wrote on Instagram. “The world has seen the treatment our justice system has done to us lock us up forced us to tell untruthful stories. The mistreatment is crazy. Wrong is wrong we have sympathy for all the victims and their families as kids bad choices are made and punishment is acceptable but this is a different story this is corruption this is madness and very personal.”

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

Lil Pump Tells Taylor Swift To Go F Herself In Unhinged Pro-Trump Rant

Lil Pump, an ardent supporter of Donald Trump, attacked Taylor Swift for endorsing Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race. Lil Pump’s offensive rant was provoked by a fake post in which Swift purportedly called out the MAGA-loving rapper on social media.

“Taylor Swift… go f### urself,” Lil Pump wrote in response.

He added, “Lets just b clear wen I said @taylorswift13 should go f### herself i acknowledge maybe @tkelce isn’t doing it and will send her a vibrator of her choice if she gets some sense. Trump 2024!”

Lil Pump said a fan sent him a “deleted” post from Swift, failing to realize he’d been fooled. He told Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce to get her in check before threatening to have sex with the singer and NFL star’s mothers. Lil Pump continued his rant by focusing on Swift’s endorsement of Harris.

“Taylor Swift, you have no clue why ur even voting for Kamala. Maybe cuz ur a billionaire and voting for her has 0 impact on ur life,” he wrote. “You said do ur research, clearly you didn’t do ur research. Right after the debate u endorsed her lol. Right after she lied many many times!”

He continued, “Stop acting like ur so innocent. YOU ARE PUSHING PPL TO VOTE FOR KAMALA! Inflation through the roof and ppl are struggling to pay bills. They def won’t be able to afford tix to ur shows! She said she will make changes right away, WHY DIDNT SHE THE PAST 3.5 years?

Lil Pump concluded his diatribe with more sex-related insults, pro-Trump sentiments and a ridiculous declaration about the Super Bowl.

“Ayo f### TAYLOR SWIFT she can gobble on my pumpstick,” he wrote. “vote 4 trump and never look back fam. also i bet i perform at the superbowl before her cringe ass.”

Swift endorsed Harris after the vice president’s first debate against Trump. Swift said the U.S. needed to be “led by calm and not chaos.”

Nicki Minaj Drags Reporter For Claiming She Ducked Interview Question 

Nicki Minaj delivered a tongue-lashing to a reporter who claimed she avoided answering a question about unity during a recent interview. 

In a clip circulating online, DTLR radio host Fadam Got Da Juice asked Minaj if she thought unity amongst ‘our people” would ever be possible. 

After questioning “who are our people,” Nicki Minaj argued that humanity is divided as a whole.  

“Do we have unity amongst human beings? Like, if it’s eight billion people in the world, imagine thinking all eight billion people gon’ get along with each other,” Minaj replied. “I used to be a waitress. It was a bunch of people not getting along in there. I mean, no matter where you go, you’re going to be at odds with people. I think the point, though, is when you get to a place where nothing around you affects what’s inside of you.” 

However, Da Juice later claimed that the “Barbie World” hitmaker “ducked the smoke on the question man,” adding that “I had to take the shot though.” 

Nicki Minaj caught wind of his response and slammed him in a scathing tweet on Sunday evening (September 15). 

“The obsession,” she wrote. “Only thing I ducked was his fkng breath. Smelled like a double portion of 4 wings & some french fries  hot ASS & ketchup n!gg@.” 

X/Nicki Minaj

Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj delivered more than insults via her social media feed on Sunday. In another post, Minaj revealed she’s scrapped plans for a Gag City Reloaded deluxe version of her latest album. Instead she is releasing her new songs on Pink Friday 3.  

50 Cent Taunts Desiigner With Throwback Freestyle That Left Funk Flex Speechless 

50 Cent isn’t letting up on Desiigner following a recent back and forth after the G-Unit honcho explained why he didn’t sign the rapper. 

On Monday morning (September 16), Fiddy hopped on Instagram with another post aimed at the former G.O.O.D. Music artist. 50 Cent posted a throwback video of Desiigner delivering an a capella freestyle, much to the amazement of Funkmaster Flex.  

The radio host was left dumbfounded by Desiigner’s rapid-fire delivery, something that was not lost on 50 Cent. 

“Sometimes you don’t have to say anything at all,” 50 Cent captioned the post. “Ok moving right along !” 

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Desiigner recently dropped a 50 Cent diss after the entertainment mogul revealed he passed on signing the Brooklyn native years ago because “Panda” was his only hit. 

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“I had him at the office, ‘Yo, let me hear other records,’” 50 Cent explained during his recent “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” interview. “And I’m like, ‘That’s it?’ And the s### was so hot that he had it, I was struggling. I was like, ‘Nah, I can’t give that n#### that money. Let them give them what they gonna give ’em.’ I knew who I was when I made one record. When I made one record, I didn’t know how to make the next one.” 

Desiigner responded with a diss track and several posts arguing that despite lacking a catalog of hits, he has “shows all around the planet” and outperforms most artists.    

In return, 50 Cent replied to Desiigner and several other recent targets with a video montage promoting his latest book.  

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Cardi B Hits Gym Shortly After Giving Birth 

Cardi B is back in the gym less than ten days after giving birth to her third child on September 7. 

On Sunday evening (September 15) the NYC native took to her Instagram Story with a pair of brief videos documenting her progress. While she is shunning weight training for now, Cardi B is getting the miles in at the gym, putting in work on the stair master. 

“Since im off tonight im foing a late night gym session,” she wrote on one post. “No heavy lifting, no weight just straight stair master until next week and I start with @fitking_plem.” 

She added, “Remember ladies this is my third baby …with my other 2 babies I was still on bedrest on my first week postpartum.” 

Cardi B Reveals Plans To Hit The Gym

Before giving birth, Cardi B revealed her plan to get back into shape once the baby arrived. While she didn’t care about snapping back to her pre-pregnancy physique after the birth of her first two children, this time, Cardi is working on her revenge body to get back at body shamers.  

“Y’all was making fun of me thinking that I was getting extra surgeries,” she said on Instagram Live last month. “All along, I just gained 15lbs cuz I’m a pregnant hoe.“ 

Cardi said that although she’ll rapidly lose weight regardless due to her “naturally skin” frame, she’s working on getting “snatched” immediately.   

“The time as soon as I give birth I’m going to work out,” she said before turning the tables on the body shamers. “I remember how y’all made me feel in May, and y’all hurt my feelings,” she added. “Snap back is gonna be on a thousand.” 

Meanwhile, over the weekend, Cardi B shared a heartwarming look at her baby girl’s arrival. She posted a TikTok video featuring her estranged husband, Offset, and her two older children, Kulture, 6, and Wave, 3.  

@iamcardib

Babygirl 🌸 🌸 🌸

♬ original sound – Cardi B

NLE Choppa Declares Himself “Michael Jackson Of Hip-Hop” 

NLE Choppa is making a bold claim about his place in this generation of artists, branding himself the Michael Jackson of his age. 

The Memphis native performed to another packed crowd in Canada over the weekend on his world tour. He took to Instagram to flex his accomplishments alongside a clip from his performance. According to NLE Choppa, he is “the greatest” artist of his era. 

“NEWFOUNDLAND CANADA SOLD OUT SOLO/DOLO!!!” NLE began his caption. “PUT SOME RESPECT ON MY NAME. I AM THE GREATEST OF MY GENERATION… [middle finger emoji] THAT IM THE GREATEST. YALL GOTTA CATCH UP IM AHEAD OF THE PACK IM ONLY 21 SELLING OUT ARENAS !! DONT PLAY WITH ME.” 

He concluded with a comparison to Michael Jackson, adding, “I MIGHT AS WELL SAY HEEEHEEE ROUND HERE IM ON MY Y MJ !!!” 

NLE Choppa doubled down on the Michael Jackson comparison in a follow-up post. He shared a video of an arena full of fans singing along to his hit song “S### Me Out 2.” 

“Micheal Jackson Of Hip Hop. Point Blank Period,” he wrote.

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The 21-year-old rapper’s “King of Pop” comparison might have been prompted by a recent list of the twenty top rappers in their 20s. NLE Choppa was furious that he wasn’t included on the list and responded with an angry rant.  

“October, I’m gonna make y’all muthafuckas feel me,” he said in the video. “After September, I’m gonna get through this S### SZN s###, I’m gonna get this s### off my chest. And after that, I’m back on your muthafuckin’ ass. ‘Cause y’all got me f##### up, for real.” 

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Blac Chyna Celebrates Sobriety Milestone With Her Children 

Blac Chyna has reached a major milestone, marking two years of sobriety with a special celebration with her two children. 

The reality TV star has been on a transformation journey over the past two years, getting clean, dedicating her life to God and reversing her plastic surgery procedures. 

Over the week, Blac Chyna commemorated two years of sober living with multiple celebrations. She celebrated with a heartfelt Instagram Live alongside her son King Cairo, 11, and daughter Dream, 7.  

“I wanted to save the big cake for me and the babies together,” she explained. The children sang a special version of “Happy Birthday” before Blac Chyna made a wish and blew out her candles.  

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She was honored with another celebration at a recent event. “Their surprise cake filled my heart with joy and gratitude,” she wrote, posting a video on Instagram. “Here’s to new beginnings, cherished friendships, and the beautiful journey ahead.” 

Her sobriety journey wasn’t the only special celebration Blac Chyna marked this week. She also launched her new boutique, Designed for Hollywood, with a grand opening in Los Angeles.  

“Feeling incredibly grateful as I celebrate 2 years of sobriety and the launch of @Designed_for_Hollywood Sept 14,” she wrote. “Thank you to everyone who joined me in this special moment. Your support means the world to me. God has truly blessed me with grace, and I will cherish this journey forever.”  

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Last month, Blac Chyna opened up about her decision to ditch facial fillers, explaining she was “looking crazy” before abandoning the filler.   

Elon Musk Sparks Outrage With Controversial Tweet Following Donald Trump Incident 

Elon Musk is coming under fire with critics calling for him to be stripped of his security clearance and deported following a bizarre tweet in the wake of Donald Trump being targeted in an apparent “attempted assassination,” the second in two months. 

The Republican presidential nominee was reportedly targeted while playing golf at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday (September 15). Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw revealed his office was alerted to the incident at 1:30 p.m. ET after the Secret Service fired at a man armed with a rifle. Secret Service agents spotted the man hiding after noticing a rifle peeking through the bushes along the perimeter of the golf club. 

An agent fired at the suspect, who dropped the rifle and fled in an SUV. He was later detained by law enforcement in a neighboring county. The FBI said it is “investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump.” The Trump campaign noted the former President is “safe and unharmed” following the incident. 

Elon Musk shared his reaction on his social media platform X (Twitter).  He responded to a tweet, asking, “Why they want to kill Donald Trump?” Musk replied, “And no one is even trying to assassinate Biden/Kamala.” 

Elon Musk Deletes Post Amid Backlash

Social media users swiftly condemned Musk’s post, and #DeportElonMusk began trending. Musk later deleted his post amid the backlash, claiming it was a joke. 

“Well, one lesson I’ve learned is that just because I say something to a group and they laugh doesn’t mean it’s going to be all that hilarious as a post on 𝕏,” he wrote. “Turns out that jokes are WAY less funny if people don’t know the context and the delivery is plain text.” 

X/Elon Musk

Nonetheless, users failed to see the funny side and called for Elon Musk to be stripped of his security clearance. Check out some of the reactions below.  

Nicki Minaj Scraps Deluxe Album For “Pink Friday 3” 

Nicki Minaj dropped a major announcement on the Barbz, revealing she is scrapping her much-hyped Gag City Reloaded deluxe edition of her Pink Friday 2 album in favor of a brand new project continuing the series. 

Minaj has been teasing a deluxe album for weeks, dropping snippets of new songs and even performing them on tour. However, her plans have changed, and Nicki Minaj intends to drop a third project in her Pink Friday series. 

On Sunday night (September 15), Minaj took to social media to put fans on notice, revealing her new songs deserve a project of their own. 

“Instead of doing a DELUXE to Pink Friday 2, I’ve decided to do a brand new album,” she tweeted. “I’ll still incorporate new songs like #Mamita & [The “anxiety” song] for the remainder of the tour tho…and I’ll announce the new date within the next couple weeks. The new music is just too good to be thrown away on a deluxe album.” 

The “Barbie World” hitmaker continued, “Last night, the songs I recorded were just way too iconic. I love you guys so much. You know that. I know you do. I’ll still give you something leading up to the announcement, so no worries.” 

Nicki Minaj also revealed she learned “A LOT” since releasing PF2 and promised Pink Friday 3 “is about to do PRECISELY wtf BEEN needed to be done.” 

Minaj then elaborated on why she didn’t want to add the new songs to a PF2 deluxe album. 

“It’s just very special to me for so many reasons you guys aren’t aware of,” she explained. “I put every song on there in a specific order, etc. So to honor that, I’m going to give it the respect & integrity it deserves as a beautiful body of work & not add anything else to it. 1 or 2 songs is no big deal but 5-7 songs feels a little sloppy right now (In my humble opinion).” 

Check out her announcement in full below.  

Tito Jackson, Beloved Jackson 5 Member, Passes Away At 70 

Tito Jackson, a beloved member of the legendary Jackson family and founding member of The Jackson 5, has passed away at the age of 70. 

Jackson passed away on Sunday (September 15) while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma, according to Steve Manning, a longtime family friend and former manager. Manning shared the news with Entertainment Tonight, stating that he suspects Jackson may have suffered a heart attack, though the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed. 

The Jackson 5 was formed in the early 1960s in Gary, Indiana, originally as a family group. Tito was a founding member of the group, which also featured Michael, Jackie, Jermaine Jackson and Marlon (and, later, Randy Jackson). The group’s father, Joe Jackson, managed and guided their early development, encouraging their musical talents from a young age. The brothers initially performed at local talent shows and clubs, building a reputation for their energetic performances and harmonies.  

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They caught the attention of Motown Records in 1968 and, under the guidance of producer Berry Gordy, became one of the label’s biggest acts. Their debut single, “I Want You Back,” launched them to international fame, making them one of the most successful pop acts of the 1970s. The Jackson 5’s blend of soul, pop, and funk, along with their youthful charisma, was instrumental in their rapid rise to stardom. 

Tito Jackson played a crucial role in the group’s rise to stardom, with his rhythm guitar providing the foundation for hits like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.” While Michael Jackson became the star of the family, Tito’s steady musicianship was a vital part of the group’s success during their Motown era. 

Tito’s career extended far beyond his work with The Jackson 5. He pursued a solo career, releasing albums like Tito Time in 2016 and Under Your Spell in 2021, which leaned into his love for blues music. He frequently toured with his brothers as The Jacksons, keeping the family’s musical legacy alive, and even collaborated with the B.B. King Blues Band during various tours. 

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Tito’s passing marks the loss of another key figure in a family that profoundly shaped the landscape of pop music. His contributions, both as a musician and a steadfast family man, will be remembered for years to come. 

BandMan Kevo Is Living It Up In Thailand, But How So?

Bandman Kevo is definitely living his best life, and recently, it’s been widely discussed that he’s spending a lot of time in Thailand. There’s nothing wrong with that, but the internet has a way of stirring up all kinds of talk. Some people have speculated that he’s enjoying the company of individuals who may or may not have been assigned male at birth. (One poster called them ladyboys, which is very much a Thailand thing.) Of course, in today’s world, judgment is out of place, but this has sparked a lot of curiosity and questions surrounding his lifestyle.

Kevo initially gained fame as an artist but has since transitioned into an influencer and content creator. His time in Thailand has been filled with lots of filming and spontaneous, random content creation. In one notable video, he takes a woman with an unusual appearance to a tiger den for a photo op, which left many viewers puzzled. What do you make of that?

@livebitez

Bandman Kevo takes his lady friend to the zoo in Thailand #bandmankevo #thailand

♬ original sound – Livebitez

What stands out most is that earlier this year, Bandman Kevo experienced the tragic loss of his son. However, from what I’ve seen, he hasn’t shown any overt signs of grief, slowing down or reflection on such a profound loss, at least not publicly. It seems like he’s just focused on living in the moment. This year has also seen Kevo go through some controversial personal changes, including a Brazilian butt lift and a height enhancement surgery (he is supposedly 6’8″ now). He had lips before all of this. All in all, his public persona appears to be as unpredictable and unconventional as ever.

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Lecrae Responds to Kendrick Lamar In New Freestyle Boasting “White Forces”

Kendrick Lamar surprised fans with a new Instagram-only music drop dubbed “Watch the Party Die” by fans and media due to its catchy chorus.

In the track, Lamar voices his frustrations with the current state of the music industry and beyond.

After some internal debate, Lecrae decided to respond to his Compton brethren with some bars of his own. Visually, he used white Air Force to Kendrick’s black ones, which typically denote diabolical behavior.

In Lecrae’s freestyle, which uses the same beat, he says: “I was wrestling, like, should I write a verse? / The culture got enough clout-chasing vultures out here trying to prove they worth / They need attention, they can’t imagine me not trying to make myself look bigger off of this Kendrick mention / I can’t imagine his position.”

Lecrae continued with, “Before I got on my mission, I was a party victim / I bought the party favors, I used the trauma, my single mama to justify the commas to pay the Devil’s wages.”

His powerful lyrics have garners a significant, largely positive response from fans. A known Christian Hip-Hop artist, Lecrae opted to reflect on his past and reveal how he navigates the challenges within the industry.

“Watch the Party Die” has also introduced Kendrick Lamar to new fans, because of the nonsecular themes in the song. Despite working within a niche genre, Lecrae has collaborated with mainstream artists like Ty Dolla $ign, Big K.R.I.T, and others.

Kendrick Lamar has been making headlines ever since his legendary rap battle with Drake, and his remarkable year has now led to him being selected by a committee, JAY-Z’s Roc Nation and Apple Music and the city of New Orleans for the Super Bowl LIX halftime performance.

Beyoncé Compares Fame To Prison

Beyoncé likened fame to imprisonment after she opened up about her challenging relationship with the spotlight.

The 43-year-old global sensation has captivated audiences since childhood, performing in girl groups and rising to prominence in the mid-1990s as a founding member of Destiny’s Child.

The Texas-born singer revealed she enjoys creating music but feels confined by her high-profile life, preferring to retreat between album releases and tours.

In an interview with GQ, Beyoncé shared, “I create at my own pace, on things that I hope will touch other people. I only work on what liberates me. It is fame that can at times feel like prison. So, when you don’t see me on red carpets, and when I disappear until I have art to share, that’s why.”

Her reflections extend to her family life, as she expressed apprehension about her children navigating fame.

The superstar and her husband, musical icon Jay-Z, are parents to 12-year-old daughter Blue Ivy and 7-year-old twins Rumi and Sir.

During her “Renaissance” world tour, Blue Ivy joined her mother on stage, an experience that Beyoncé discussed at length.

“Blue is an artist. She has great taste in music and fashion. She is a fantastic editor, painter, and actress,” Beyoncé said. “She has been creating characters since she was three. She’s a natural, but I did not want Blue onstage. Blue wanted it for herself. She took it seriously and she earned it. And most importantly, she had fun! We all watched her grow more and more every night before our eyes.”

Flavor Flav Apologizes For Monopolizing 2024 MTV VMAs: “I Was Just So Happy”

Flavor Flav is enjoying his third act. Following his success with Public Enemy, he pivoted to television and starred in VH1’s reality show, Flavor of Love, in the mid 2000s. Now 65, he’s an omnipresent pop culture force, the official sponsor of the U.S Women’s Water Polo team and self-proclaimed “King Swiftie.”

But apparently, Flav thinks he hogged the spotlight at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, which took place at the UBS Arena in New York on September 11. Flavor Flav, who presented Best Collaboration to Taylor Swift and Post Malone for “Fortnight,” admittedly couldn’t contain his enthusiasm and hung out on stage a little longer than expected.

“I watched some videos from last night and feel like I might’ve stayed on stage too long,” he wrote. “My bad. I was just so happy and excited that I didn’t realize it. Oops!!!” He included a photo of himself jumping in the air as Swift and Malone accepted the trophy.

Comments under Flavor Flav’s post made it clear he had nothing to worry about. “Dude. You are a legend. You can stay anywhere you want for as long as you want! I saw you in concert back in the 90s when you toured with U2 at ASU. I’ve been a fan forEVA!!,” one person said, while another wrote, “omg no don’t apologize it was great!!! such a sweet way to show taylor how much you support her and she definitely felt it. also i loved when you gave jordan her bronze clock, such special moments & it was all bc of YOU!!”

Flavor Flav’s love for Taylor Swift has been making headlines after he was spotted attending her Eras Tour concert in Detroit last year. He not only expressed his admiration for Swift and her music, he also posted pictures of himself wearing Swift-themed merch, further fueling the buzz about his fandom.

From Atlantic City to Tampa: D.I.O.’s Genre-Bending Musical Journey

Born and raised in the electric streets of Atlantic City, NJ, D.I.O. was immersed in music from an early age, destined for a life in rhythm and rhyme. As he navigated the complex beats of hip-hop culture in the Bronx, NY, D.I.O. began to develop a sound that was distinctly his—seamlessly blending the grit and energy of hip-hop with the smooth, melodic tones of R&B.

Now, he’s taken his talents to the sun-drenched streets of Tampa, FL, where his name is becoming synonymous with versatility and creativity in the music world. D.I.O. is more than just a rising artist; he’s a music chameleon, effortlessly weaving through genres to create something uniquely his own. With every new release, he continues reimagining what hip-hop could be.

Drawing inspiration from heavyweights like 2Pac, Drake, J. Cole, and Lil Wayne, D.I.O. bridges the gap between old-school authenticity and modern-day innovation. His influences have shaped his sound and his approach to storytelling, allowing him to craft songs that resonate deeply with listeners.

His latest E.P., Say It, is proof of his growth and creative vision. Featuring standout singles like “Cold Hearted” and “Great Wine,” D.I.O. showcases his lyrical prowess and vocal versatility. The project has garnered praise from fans and industry insiders, cementing D.I.O.’s status as one of the most exciting new voices in hip-hop and R&B.

But D.I.O. is more than just content with a strong catalog of music. He’s making waves on stage, too. After sharing the spotlight with renowned artists like Kamaiyah and Dreamville, D.I.O. is gearing up for more extensive tours and collaborations. His ambition is clear: he plans to release two songs and accompanying music videos monthly, ensuring his audience stays hooked on his evolving sound.

One of D.I.O.’s greatest strengths is the tight-knit team behind him. His collaborators, from producers to engineers, share in his vision and help shape the authentic and captivating sound that fans have come to love. This close collaboration allows D.I.O. to push the envelope, consistently delivering fresh and grounded music.

Looking ahead, D.I.O. has big plans for the future. He is set on performing at major festivals like Rolling Loud and continuing to tour, bringing his genre-blending sound to stages across the country. At just 29, he’s only scratching the surface of his potential, with each new project driving him closer to the forefront of the hip-hop and R&B scenes.

D.I.O. is on a mission to leave a lasting impact on the culture, and with his relentless work ethic, magnetic personality, and undeniable talent, he’s well on his way. Every beat he composes and every lyric he writes carries the passion and dedication of an artist determined to elevate his craft. As his journey continues, one thing is sure: D.I.O. is a name you’ll want to remember.

Stay tuned for more from this rising star as he continues to break new ground and deliver music that resonates with fans worldwide. Follow D.I.O. on all platforms for the latest music and updates:

Spotify | YouTube | Instagram

Highway Grizz: Breaking Through the Noise with Originality and Unique Sound

Highway Grizz, a prominent new voice in the music industry, is becoming more well-known in the South and abroad. His quick ascent as a young artist from Youngstown, Ohio, indicates a broader trend in the business, as there is a growing need for originality and new viewpoints. Yet it is difficult to stand out in a crowded market, particularly for up-and-coming artists. Highway Grizz presents himself as a solution by offering an authentic narrative with a distinctive melodic sound.

Challenges Face

New musicians, like Highway Grizz, find it challenging to make an impression in the oversaturated music business. Online streaming services algorithms prefer well-known artists, and radio stations frequently overlook new music. It seems possible for an artist to lose their individuality due to pressure to follow current trends, which makes it harder for up-and-comers to become well-known.

How Highway Grizz Addresses These Challenges

Highway Grizz is breaking through the clutter in spite of these challenges by staying true to his origins and emphasizing what makes his music unique. His most recent song, “Don’t Walk Away,” perfectly encapsulates his style. Along with showcasing his distinct melodic voice, the song has a depth that appeals to listeners of different backgrounds. The song analyzes the internal battle between keeping true to oneself and managing life’s harsh realities, drawing from his personal experiences growing up in Youngstown.

The Rise of Highway Grizz

At the start of the year, Highway Grizz achieved a noteworthy feat; he was included iniHeartRadio’s “Top 24 Artists of 2024.” This achievement has paved the way for several more successes. Grizz is progressively establishing his reputation, from appearing on Atlanta’s Hot 107.9 FM “Who’s Hot” show to playing at prestigious events like the Juneteenth Day Celebration in San Francisco’s Fillmore District. His celebrity has increased as a result of his performances with such artists as Yolanda Adams, The Whispers, and Jacquees.

The Unique Appeal of Highway Grizz’s Music

Highway Grizz’s ability to establish a personal connection with his audience makes him unique. His songs provide an intimate look at the difficulties of city living, from the allure of the streets to the hope for a brighter tomorrow. The song “Don’t Walk Away,” where he portrays the conflict between his environment and the voices telling him to leave that life behind, best exemplifies this contradiction. His label, Multi Music Moguls, helps him realize his ideas and understand the music business while upholding his integrity as an artist. 

The Future of Highway Grizz

Highway Grizz is readying himself for a larger audience as his first EP approaches. His music fills a need in the world provided by something unique in an otherwise monotonous setting. As the year progresses into its second half, Highway Grizz’s tale is far from over. He is an artist to watch in the upcoming years because of his authenticity, distinctive voice, and capacity for telling stories in his songs. 

Rap Roulette & Revenue: Drake’s Gambling Legacy Across Both Industries

Although Drake excels in the music industry with thirteen No.1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and most top 10 singles (78), his performance as a high-stakes gambler is less impressive. 

Drizzy has been undertaking significant financial risks in recent years since his affiliation with Stake.com, an online casino and sports betting enterprise he partnered with in December 2021. Since then, he has allegedly staked over a billion bitcoins on the platform and squandered a substantial sum of actual money on sporting events. 

Whether it’s rap, roulette, or revenue, Drake is leaving a legacy across all industries due to the eye-watering money he earns and spends. But win or lose, it would seem the Canadian rap legend has an endless pot of money, and a few million lost or gained, to him, is a minorrrrr.

Drakes Rise to Superstardom & Net Worth

Drake, a prominent player in the music industry, has had a remarkable career since his debut in 2001. Originally known for his role in the Canadian television series Degrassi: The Next Generation, Drake turned to music in 2006 and rapidly attained widespread fame.

His inaugural album “Thank Me Later,” launched in 2010, ascended to the pinnacle of the charts, and he has sustained his preeminence thereafter.

Drake’s net worth is estimated at $250 million, demonstrating his substantial accomplishments in several domains, including music, acting, and business.

Drake has amassed almost $500 million over his career, underscoring his status as one of the highest-paid performers worldwide, although his yearly income has fluctuated considerably.

From June 2017 to June 2018, he accrued $45 million, while his profits for the year 2017 amounted to $95 million. In the subsequent year, he generated $75 million; from June 2018 to June 2019, he accrued $50 million.

Drake generates roughly $30 million annually, primarily from his music, touring, and other commercial endeavours. Then, a substantial increase in his net worth resulted from his 2022 agreement with Universal Music Group. This “long-term global partnership” includes recorded music, music publishing, film, television, and brand partnerships. Reports indicate that this agreement may have encompassed a $400 million first payment, substantially improving his financial position.

Drake the Entrepreneur

Drake’s income is not only derived from his music and contractual agreements. He has expanded his revenue sources through endorsements with prominent businesses such as Sprite, Nike, Apple, Burger King, and many more.

His enterprises, including the OVO Sound record label and the Virginia Black whisky brand, augment his riches.

Furthermore, Drake’s real estate assets are significant. He has many high-value homes, including his previous YOLO Estate in Hidden Hills, California, and an expansive estate in Toronto. In 2022, he acquired a house in Beverly Hills for $75 million and subsequently listed it for $88 million in 2023 and 2024.

One of the primary and most spotlight-driven out-of-music endeavours Drake has been involved with in recent years doesn’t stem from any of those mentioned above. He loves to gamble, and whether it’s roulette or sports betting, you won’t find Aubrey far from a sports betting app or online casino. 

Drake’s Love for Roulette

During a 2022 Livestream interview with Stake, Drake identified roulette as his preferred game when using the best legal online casinos and remarked that his passion for gambling emerged recently:

I wasn’t gambling five years ago,” Drake commented. “I wasn’t really into it. I started in Vegas. I had a residency at one point in Vegas, and I would perform at this hotel, and that kinda got me into it. I started to attach emotion to it, which people say don’t do, but I used to live by the mantra, ‘It’s business, not personal,’ but it’s personal and not business. Gambling is another thing I make personal. I bet my mom’s birthday. I bet my brother’s and kid’s birthday. I bet my birthday… and I just ride it out.”  

His most significant achievements occurred during live-streamed events in collaboration with Stake. Indeed, in May 2022, one play on a live roulette table resulted in a victory of over $17 million. 

In the same month, he incurred losses of over $660,000 from betting on Formula 1 and UFC. Aside from an eight-figure gambling loss (about $25 million alongside French Montana), all of Drake’s significant losses since January 2022 have been from his diverse sports bets.

Notwithstanding his setbacks, the Toronto native accumulated over $79.1 million in winnings since affiliating with Stake.com.

Stake.Com Partnership & ‘The Drake Curse’ 

The success of Stake Casino may be ascribed to its intuitive design, extensive game variety, and commitment to equitable gaming practices. The casino functions under a Curacao eGaming license, providing regulatory supervision and safeguarding for players.

Nonetheless, this crypto casino’s ascent to prominence in the online gaming sector was hastened by its unforeseen partnership with Drake, the renowned Canadian artist and entrepreneur. Drake’s association with the online casino was pivotal for the company, immediately enhancing its legitimacy and appeal.

The agreement significantly enhanced the visibility of the Bitcoin casino. Drake’s extensive social media presence and fan base ensured his sponsorship impacted millions globally. His tweets and references to Stake Casino on sites such as Instagram and Twitter elicited significant attention, resulting in a substantial influx of new users.

In step, ‘The Drake Curse.’ 

He isn’t just a partner but an avid bettor. However, Drake’s poor history with sports betting has led many to believe in the “Drake Curse,” which posits that any athlete backed or gambled on by him experiences a loss…When you look closely at his track record, it’s easy to see why. 

Since 2022, let’s take a look at Drake’s largest staked bets and the reason why ‘The Drake Curse’ continues: 

  • Soccer – Canada to defeat Argentina – Lost $300,000 (2024) 
  • UFC- Pereira to defeat Hill – Lost $425,000 (2024) 
  • Boxing – Fury to defeat Usyk – Lost $565,000 (2024) 
  • NBA – Mavericks to defeat Celtics – Lost $350,000 (2024) 
  • NFL – Chiefs to Win Super Bowl – Won $1.2 million (2024) 
  • UFC – Strickland to defeat Du Plessis – Lost $700,000 (2024) 
  • UFC – Adesanya to defeat Strickland – Lost $500,000 million (2023) 
  • Boxing – Jake Paul to defeat Tommy Fury – Lost $1.2 million (2023) 
  • NFL – Chiefs Win Super Bowl – Won $500,000 (2023) 
  • Soccer – Argentina to defeat France in World Cup – Lost $1 million (2022) 
  • F1 – Leclerc Wins Spanish GP – Lost $230,000 (2022) 
  • Soccer – Barcelona to defeat Real Madrid – Lost $600,000 (2022) 
  • NFL – Rams to Win Super Bowl – Won $300,000 (2022) 
  • UFC – Masvidal to defeat Covington – Lost $275,000 (2022) 

Final Thoughts 

As evidenced above, Drake’s luck on sports wagering hasn’t been as fruitful as his roulette endeavors. Still, either way, it’s imperative to avoid following the gambling pursuits of a multi-millionaire who lives a very comfortable lifestyle. The stakes that we witness Drake lay down aren’t that high when compared to his net worth, and as one of the biggest names in the rap industry, he can earn any losses back rapidly. 

Drake clearly loves to gamble, but he also bets on himself. Regarding sports teams and Kendrick Lamar, however, perhaps the Canadian rap mogul should sometimes think twice before allowing himself to take the gamble. 

Janet Jackson Almost Mooned Queen Elizabeth II

Janet Jackson shared a crazy memory of an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction that occurred while performing for Queen Elizabeth II in the early 1990s.

She opened up about her iconic fashion moments during British Vogue’s Life in Looks series, Jackson highlighted a black military-style outfit she wore during a performance for the British monarch.

The outfit, inspired by the 1966 dystopian film “Fahrenheit 451,” took center stage when Jackson suffered an unexpected mishap during her “Rhythm Nation” performance.

“Funny story about this outfit: I was performing for the Queen of England, and we were doing ‘Rhythm Nation.’ Sure enough, soon as I squatted, my pants split right in my booty crack,” Jackson recalled. “I couldn’t believe it happened. I thought, ‘Oh my God.’ And then I started feeling air back there, so I knew it had really happened.”

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The mishap put Jackson in a weird position, requiring an instant alteration to her choreography to maintain her professionalism.

“So, I never turned my back on her, which some of the choreography was supposed to. I just faced forward,” the pop star explained. The 58-year-old artist then mused, “Can you imagine if I just would’ve flashed her for just like a hot second?”

Queen Elizabeth II, a constant figure in British history, passed away at the age of 96 in 2022.

This isn’t the only time Jackson has encountered a high-profile wardrobe malfunction.

Most famously, during the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show in 2004, her right breast was briefly exposed when Justin Timberlake pulled at her outfit, an incident that remains one of the most talked-about moments in live television history.

Excerpt: Janet Jackson recounts an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction during a performance for Queen Elizabeth II while reminiscing on her career highlights.