Eminem stopped a Republican presidential candidate from using his music on the campaign trail. The Shady Records boss contacted BMI to remove his songs from the music rights organization’s deal with GOP hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, who once rapped under the stage name “Da Vek.”
Earlier this month, Ramaswamy infamously performed Slim Shady’s song “Lose Yourself” at the Iowa State Fair. According to a letter obtained by the Daily Mail U.K, BMI sent a cease and desist to Ramaswamy on August 23.
“BMI has received a communication from Marshall B. Mathers III, professionally known as Eminem, objecting to the Vivek Ramaswamy campaign’s use of Eminem’s musical compositions and requesting that BMI remove all Eminem Works from the agreement,” a BMI lawyer informed Ramaswamy’s campaign. “This letter serves as notice that the Eminem Works are excluded from the agreement effectively immediately.”
The letter continued, “BMI will consider any performance of the Eminem Works by the Vivek 2024 campaign from this date forward to be a material breach of the agreement for which BMI reserves all rights and remedies with respect thereto.”
Eminem shut down Ramaswamy a few weeks after adding a new rapper to the Shady Records roster. The diamond-selling artist signed Ez Mil as part of a joint deal with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment.
Check out AllHipHop’s interview with Ez Mil below.
Police identified a suspect in the murder of Blac Youngsta’s brother Tomanuel Benson. The Memphis Police Department issued a warrant for the arrest of Randy Ewing on Monday (August 28).
Blac Youngsta’s brother was shot and killed in Memphis on August 18. Last week, the MPD released a picture of a person of interest in the murder case. The crystal-clear image helped police secure a warrant for Ewing.
“During the investigation, Randy Ewing was identified as the person responsible for the homicide,” the MPD announced. “Randy Ewing is currently wanted for 2nd Degree Murder and two counts of Criminal Attempt 2nd Degree Murder.”
Police urged anyone with information about Ewing to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH. Tipsters could receive up to $4,000 for information that leads to Ewing’s arrest.
Blac Youngsta vowed to seek vengeance for his brother’s death. He said his “life will never be the same” in a series of Instagram Stories posts.
“I love [you] baby brother,” he wrote. “Rest up. I’m gone make the world pay. I swear to God. Nobody safe. Standing over everybody.”`
He added, “I’m ready for whatever come with this s###. It’s OK. Don’t feel sorry for me. I’m not gone feel sorry for nobody. Only God knows.”
Blac Youngsta previously lost two other siblings to gun violence. The latest death isn’t stopping him from releasing his Blac Sheep 2 project, which is scheduled to drop on Tuesday (August 29).
M Dot Taylor may have just released his biggest song to date: “Biggest Fan” featuring Jim Jones and Maino. Not only did he enlist two heavyweights in the rap game, but he showcases his standout vocals and ability to make a hit record.
The official music video for “Biggest Fan” sees all three artists bringing the song to life, alongside beautiful females, jewelry, and a whole lotta money. The song is produced by legendary producer Zaytoven.
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, but now residing in sunny Los Angeles, M Dot Taylor is a former military veteran, who now shifts his entire focus on his music career. Whether he’s rapping, singing, or songwriter, the rising star puts his best foot forward with each release.
When it comes to his sound, M Dot Taylor calls it “Gangster Harmony, because I’m a rapper but I do enjoying singing as well. I created a fusion of both genres to give off an authentic vibe of music that really represents my lifestyle and culture.”
AllHipHop spoke with M Dot Taylor to discuss his background, biggest influences, the making of “Biggest Fan,” losing both parents, goals, and more!
AllHipHop: Being from Detroit, how does that play into your life and career?
M Dot Taylor: Being from Detroit, I was blessed with the opportunity of being raised by stand up hustlers who made sure we had everything we needed all year round. I watched them not only shine in the summer, but grind in the winter with the temperatures being below zero at times. Still no matter what: if you don’t work, you don’t eat. You don’t grind, you don’t shine.
AllHipHop: Biggest influences?
M Dot Taylor: My biggest influences were my parents/grandparents before they passed away. They always kept it a buck with me and prepared me at a very young age to be a leader and to be there for my youth. Rest in peace to all of them.
AllHipHop: At what point did you realize this music thing was real?
M Dot Taylor: After my manager Hen Gee locked me in with Ice T and Dr Dre, I knew I was here to stay! Whenever you get the opportunity to meet not one, but two ICONIC figures in multiple industries, you can’t do anything but soak up game, apply it, and feel different. Shout out to Ice, Dre, and Hen. I got the coldest OGs in the game.
AllHipHop: What was the inspiration behind your name?
M Dot Taylor: The inspiration behind my artist name came from one of the Chiefs in the U.S Navy. When I was in the military, we grew accustomed to calling everyone by their last names. At this particular command I was at during the time (USS Harpers Ferry LSD 49), there were 5 other sailors with the same last name and same pay grade, so our uniforms would get mixed up in Laundry Call from time to time. I went to the uniform shop and got special name tags put on my uniforms with my first initial, a period, then my last name which read M.Taylor. The very next day, we had a uniform inspection and my chief noticed the change I made and immediately called me out, in a way and stated “We have a new sailer that wants to stand out, his name is M Dot Taylor.” Everyone laughed and started calling me M Dot or M Dot Taylor, so I just went with it.
AllHipHop: “Biggest Fan” featuring Jim Jones & Maino, how did this collab come about?
M Dot Taylor: The “Biggest Fan” collab came about all because I wanted to work with Zaytoven, so I reached out to him and he made me a custom track with the exact vibe I requested. After he sent me the track I wanted to go to Atlanta to let him hear what I did right away. After he heard it, we talked about some more business moves that I got coming down the pipeline in the near future, then I tapped in with my Dipset family in NYC. I let them hear the track, and the Lobby Boyz told me to pull up to New York and let’s make it a movie. The rest was history. Shout out Jim, Maino, Zaytoven, Pone730, and my brother Will C.
AllHipHop: What do you like about both artists?
M Dot Taylor: What I like about Jim, Maino, and Zaytoven is they’re all attached to greatness and longevity, and they keep finding ways to stay on top of the game while maintaining the respect from their peers in the industry. It’s a lot of one hit wonders out there, but those 3 catalogs combined is crazy.
AllHipHop: What was the creative vision with the music video?
M Dot Taylor: Since it was my first time in NYC, I left all the creative concepts to Will C of Street Heat. He’s shot some of the biggest artists in the world and I completely trusted his vision. He gave us the authentic NY Bodega, front porch in the neighborhood vibes, along with some dope futuristic graphics.
AllHipHop: Best memory from the music video shoot?
M Dot Taylor: The best memory I have from the video shoot is looking around ,watching everyone have a good time. There were kids there, beautiful ladies, a lot of good energy from everyone there. That’s the vibe I always want to have whenever I’m involved.
AllHipHop: What do you want fans to take away from the “Biggest Fan” visual/single?
M Dot Taylor: That it’s okay to spoil the ones that adore you the most. Sometimes it’s not about you, it’s about paying it forward to those that ALWAYS hold you down.
AllHipHop: You lost both your parents, how is music a coping mechanism for you?
M Dot Taylor: Losing both of my parents right before Christmas both times was catastrophic for me early on. My mom died from AIDS on WORLD AIDS DAY 12/1/1999, and my father passed 12/19/2010 by going to sleep and not waking up. I was able to prepare myself for losing my mom, but my father’s death was unexpected, which made it even more tragic for me and my family. That’s the reason I left the military, and I pursued music because it offered me a safe space to talk about things that were hard for me to discuss with others, and it helped me heal.
AllHipHop: How did serving in the Navy make you into the person you are today?
M Dot Taylor: Serving in the Navy made me the person I am today because it gave me an incredible sense of time management and organization. I’m able to organize my days, plan properly, and I’m a master at thinking critically, and team building.
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio?
M Dot Taylor: 1- My Engineer
2- Mary Jane
3- Food/Drinks
AllHipHop: Goals yourself as an artist at this point of your career?
M Dot Taylor: My only goal is to make a better version of myself each and every day, and I can achieve that as long as God wakes me up each day.
Future is in a whole different mode right now—but whatever mode that is, it doesn’t appear to be facing the direction of a new album.
In fact, the I NEVER LIKED YOU lyricist appears to be deep in his fashion icon bag and doing any and everything in his power to protect his energy whilst stylistically evolving. For starters, one of the ways Future is maintaining his status as the “Drip God” is by actually switching up his wardrobe at a feverish rate. How fast might one ask? He claims he’s changing outfits multiple times per day.
“This my fourth time changing clothes,” Future said in a video shared to his Instagram account. “I gotta change this s###—I got so much of this s### I gotta change five or six times a day.”
And apparently, another one of Future’s tactics at preserving the intensity of his looks is by completely omitting them from his Instagram page all together these days. Why? Simply because he’s tired of folks mocking swag.
“I ain’t been posting fits on my Gram because I don’t want y’all to know what I’m wearing because y’all gonna steal my style,” he said.
When you really think about it, this type of dedication to up-keeping the drippiest lifestyle in the rap game is actually somewhat commendable. It also makes me think Future could have another three-consecutive No. 1 album if he wanted to—and or was as focused on the music as he is the drip.
Anyways, it looks like it’s quiet for both new music from Future and style inspo from HNDRXX for the time being.
Run-DMC legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels has already established himself as the King of Rock, but now he reportedly wants to be the President of the United States.
According to Outkick.com, the “Down with the King” recording artist announced he’s running for president in the 2024 election cycle. He made the announcement at Lionel Messi’s Major League Soccer debut at the Red Bull Arena in New York City last week.
“I am running for president starting today, because in a beautiful place like this… what better place to announce it?” DMC declared. “But it’s all about togetherness and people coming together.”
The interview was originally about how Messi brings people together through sports.
“The whole beauty of everything that’s going on, Messi being here, soccer, MLS, everything that’s going on, this is what the world is all about,” DMC said. “We see so much division, but if we go to a soccer game or concert or museum, where the sports and art is, it’s a true representation of how great this world is. Not can be, is.”
Of course, there are other rappers with political aspirations. Kanye West is reportedly thinking of throwing his hat in the ring again. He unsuccessfully ran in the 2020 election as a Republican.
A recent club brawl involving several members of the Love & Hip-Hop franchise’ cast has proven life really does imitates art or vice versa.
According to Channel 2 Action News, Erica Mena, Rodney Shaw (A.K.A. Zellswag), Addie Richardson (A.K.A. Bambi Richardson) and an Atlanta man named Kareem Cadet were involved in a drag-out fight Lucca Lounge in Atlanta over the weekend.
An investigation into what transpired reveals the security detail attempted to kick the group—which included Zellswag, Lil Scrappy’s baby mother Bambi and Erica Mena—out of the club. However, they refused to leave.
Detectives noted they engaged in “physically aggressive” behavior toward both the bouncers and one of the arriving police officers. Mena was reported to have bitten one of the police officers.
All four were arrested, photographed and booked into the Fulton County Jail. Each was charged with willful obstruction of a law enforcement officer. Mena and Zellswag were also charged with simple battery. Meanwhile, Mena was the only party charged with simple battery against a police officer.
Sean “Diddy” Combs attended the 2023 Invest Fest in Atlanta. While in the southern city, the Harlem native announced a huge philanthropic contribution on behalf of the Sean Combs Foundation.
During the kickoff for the Cricket MEAC-SWAC Challenge, Diddy’s presented a $1 million check to Jackson State University’s football program. The former HBCU student addressed the seven-figure donation to the Mississippi institution of higher learning.
“As someone who went to Howard University and understands the invaluable experience of attending historically Black colleges and universities, it’s important that we all do our part to protect and preserve their legacy,” says Diddy.
He continues, “This contribution to Jackson State isn’t just about making a financial donation, it’s about giving back to a part of our culture that has changed countless lives and assuring HBCUs receive the support they deserve.”
Thomas “T. C.” Taylor, a former New England Patriots player, serves as the first-year football coach for Jackson State. He replaced Pro Football Hall of Famer/College Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders at the helm for the JSU Tigers.
“We are extremely appreciative of the gift that Diddy has provided for Jackson State football,” said T. C. Taylor. “For someone of the global magnitude of Sean Combs to believe in Jackson State is legendary. His investment will help the continued elevation of JSU Football to the next level of greatness.”
Taylor added, “For him to come to Atlanta to visit with and inspire our team prior to kickoff was an incredible moment for our players. For them to see up close and personal one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs was significantly impactful for our program.
Earlier this year, there was a lot of conversation about the fact that no Hip Hop album made it to No. 1 in 2023. Houston-raised rapper Travis Scott has now dominated the chart for a month.
Travis Scott’s Utopia spent a fourth week atop the Billboard 200. The 73-minute project remained at No. 1 on the latest rankings by amassing another 161,000 units over the most recent tracking period.
That feat makes Utopia the first Hip-Hop album to lead the Billboard 200 for its first four weeks since Drake’s Scorpion in 2018. Drake did manage to secure five nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 with 2021’s Certified Lover Boy.
Travis Scott tapped Drake for Utopia. The Canadian superstar appears as a guest feature on “Meltdown” which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They previously collaborated on the chart-topping “Sicko Mode” off Astroworld.
“Sicko Mode” spent one week in the Hot 100’s pole position in 2018. Astroworld topped the Billboard 200 chart for three weeks that same year. Scott also scored a Number One with 2016’s Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight.
Atlanta-bred rapper Offset has been preparing to drop his sophomore solo studio LP for a while. It looks like the project will finally hit DSPs in the near future.
“Albummmmmmm!!!!!! Turned in!!!!!!!” posted Offset on the X social media platform. That August 27 tweet collected more than 5,800 likes and 266,000 views.
Previously, Offset teased his forthcoming project would arrive in about two months. He stated in an interview, “Yeah, we’re coming in October but right now we’re just applying pressure… The rollout started from ‘Jealousy,’ so I’m going to just keep the rollout starting from right then.”
Offset released his first solo effort, Father of 4, in February 2019. That body of work debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart with 89,000 first-week units. Father of 4 featured Cardi B, J. Cole, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, Big Rube, Gunna, CeeLo Green, Quavo, and Gucci Mane.
The Recording Industry Association of America certified Father of 4 as Gold in February 2020. Additionally, Set received a Platinum plaque for his contributions to the Culture album by Migos. Culture II went 2x-Platinum.
Fellow Migos member Quavo released his second solo album Rocket Power on August 18. Both Offset and Quavo’s latest LPs will arrive after the tragic loss of their groupmate, Kirsnick “Takeoff” Ball. The 28-year-old rapper died from gun violence in November 2022.
Award-winning streamer Kai Cenat is back in the news. This time, the 21-year-old internet personality is catching heat for a moment with a Taiwanese fan during his show.
Kai Cenat had a 17-year-old named Ray on his livestream. At one point, a phone call with music producer Benny Blanco took place. Blanco invited the teenager to go to the strip club with him and Cenat.
“Ray, can we take you to the strip club?” asked Benny Blanco. Kai Cenat’s guest answered, “Oh, I’m seventeen.” That response drew laughter from Cenat before telling Blanco, “I’ll be in LA tomorrow, so we’re gonna take Ray to the strip club. But we gotta be lowkey.”
After the clip of the conversation made its way to social media platforms, some users called out Cenat for offering to expose an underage teen to a sexually explicit environment. In contrast, other people expressed the backlash directed at Cenat was overblown.
Earlier this month, Kai Cenat made international headlines after a riot broke out in New York City’s Union Square Park. The NYC native called on his followers to show up at the location for a chance to win special giveaway items like PlayStations.
Several thousand fans reportedly showed up at Union Square Park on August 4. Cenat apparently did not get the proper authorization from the city to host the event. The New York Police Department charged him with first-degree rioting, inciting a riot, and unlawful assembly.
“I am beyond disappointed with anyone who became destructive that day,” stated Cenat in response to the melee. “That s### is not cool. I want people to know that. I don’t condone anything that went on that day. None of that was my intention. I had good intentions for this whole thing.”
Former United States President Donald Trump faces multiple federal and state charges for various alleged crimes. Hip-Hop recording artist YG looks to make some money off Trump’s legal situation.
After indicting Donald Trump on racketeering and related offenses in the state of Georgia, Fulton County prosecutors released the Republican politician’s mugshot. YG’s 4Hunnid brand decided to use the photo for new merchandise.
4Hunnid’s official Instagram page revealed the “F#####” Donald Trump shirts which come in black or white tees. The company’s website sells the two versions of the item for $35 apiece.
YG has expressed not being a fan of Trump for years. The West Coast rapper dropped the “FDT (F### Donald Trump)” protest song in 2016. That track features California native Nipsey Hussle.
“FDT” eventually earned YG and Nipsey Hussle a Gold plaque from the Recording Industry Association of America. The DJ Swish-produced track also topped the iTunes chart following Trump’s loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential race.
While YG continues to troll the ex-POTUS, other rap stars have embraced the twice-impeached MAGA leader. For example, Buffalo’s Benny The Butcher recently endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign.
Hip-Hop superstar Kanye West famously backed Donald Trump throughout his four-year presidency. Both YG and Nipsey Hussle publicly reacted to West having a meeting with then-President-Elect Trump in 2016.
“Aye my n#### [Kanye West,] since you getting [close] to Trump [can] you tell him do something bout this? 2 days ago,” tweeted YG, referring to an alleged police shooting. Nipsey posted, “When people show [you] who they are believe them. Smart move but where ya heart at?”
Jamie Foxx will play God” alongside Mickey Rourke as the Devil in Not Another Church Movie. The Oscar-winning actor has already filmed his role in Johnny Mack’s forthcoming comedy, which also stars Kevin Daniels, Vivica A. Fox, Tisha Campbell, Jasmine Guy, Kyla Pratt and Lamorne Morris.
According to Deadline, Daniels plays the lead character Taylor Pharry, an ambitious man given a holy mission from God himself to tell his family’s stories and inspire his community.
The official logline reads, “His only concern? His family and community. What he doesn’t know is that the Devil has plans of his own.”
The film was shot before the writers’ and actors’ strikes and will likely be released later this year.
“We are thrilled to have Mr. Foxx be a part of this hilarious comedy and bring his incredible talent to the role of God, working with Foxx and Johnny Mack was a true blessing,” producer James Michael Cummings said in a statement. “This film is a unique blend of new and established talent, and we can’t wait to hear the laughs and for audiences to see the magic that happens on the big screen. This movie will not disappoint.”
The actor, who has since recovered from his health scare, can be seen in the new Netflix sci-fi comedy They Cloned Tyrone and heard in the new talking-dog comedy Strays.
He was in Atlanta, Georgia filming the movie Back in Action when he was hospitalized.
Billy Porter was told his “queerness would be (his) liability” when he started in the entertainment business. The “Pose” star, who’s openly gay, revealed in an interview with the Evening Standard that the warning turned out to be true because he was booted from mainstream R&B in the early years.
“When I got into the business in the late ’80s, I was told that my queerness would be my liability,” the 53-year-old stated. “Not just in the music industry, but across the board. And it was a liability. They kicked me out of mainstream R&B.”
However, he noted the cultural gatekeepers came crawling back years later after he won a Tony in 2013 for the stage musical “Kinky Boots” and an Emmy for “Pose” in 2019.
“(I) made a name for myself, period,” he said. “Not just Broadway. I won an Emmy. I’m a fashion icon. Now they need me. Winners write their history, because I’m not supposed to be here looking like this.”
The “Cinderella” actor then expressed gratitude that he made it through the AIDS crisis, which predominantly affected gay men, in the 1980s.
“I’m so grateful that I lived long enough as a gay man of a certain age,” he said. “I lived through the AIDS crisis, honey! I lost a whole generation of folks. (But I) know that I’m part of the generation who kicked the door down.
Billy Porter married Adam Smith in January 2017. They announced their divorce in July 2023.
He’s currently promoting his single “Broke A Sweat” from his upcoming album, The Black Mona Lisa.
Sean Dickerson, serving as the creative director of THE MADE Group since 2013, has been a visionary trendsetter for over two decades. He’s defined Hollywood’s social scene – producing events attended by elite celebrities and fellow tastemakers.
His flagship creation, Saddiq, has become the most sought-after party series, where celebrities such as Drake, Diddy, Doja Cat, Usher, Chris Brown, Cardi B, TakeOff, and more frequent sometimes regularly. This party became so big that Drake and 21 Savage even mentioned it in a verse on their song “Spin About You.”
Beyond Hollywood, his influence spans the globe producing iconic events in New York, Miami, D.C, and Paris. His recent events during Paris Fashion Week were at the legendary Lapérouse venue and Plaza Athenee, with LeBron James, Draymond Green, Offset, Teyana Taylor, and Push T in attendance, just to name a few.
Make sure to stay connected with Sean (@Sean_dickerson) as he continues to create unique experiences in the nightlife world and beyond!
Kanye West reportedly plans to drop his follow-up to 2022’s DONDA 2 in the near future. Two sources tell NBC News the polarizing rapper has been working on new music throughout the summer. One of the sources claims to have been in a studio with West and his second wife, Bianca Censori, when a conversation about the impending music took place. The source reportedly said, “New music is imminent.”
New Kanye West music, of course, has taken a backseat to his numerous controversies over the last couple of years. In October, West made headlines for wearing a “White Lives Matter” shirt during a Yeezy fashion show and later claimed Diddy was “controlled by Jewish people” in a text message he posted on social media. He followed up by saying he was going to go “death con 3 on Jewish people.”
He was swiftly kicked off Twitter account at the time, then was suspended again in December 2022 for making several anti-Semitic comments and praising Hitler. West’s comments were condemned by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), while adidas ended their longstanding partnership with West. In May, adidas CEO, Bjørn Gulden, announced the company would be selling a portion of the remaining inventory and donating some of the proceeds to social justice organizations. Balenciaga and GAP also cut business ties with West. He was dropped by his talent agency CAA and production company MRC.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvvcE4Xv7ec/?hl=en
West has had at least one small victory in recent weeks. Last week, he reportedly reached a settlement with Surface Media after the company sued him for not paying roughly $150,000 in rent for a Miami art studio.
“The Plaintiff and the Defendant hereby stipulate that the Plaintiff’s claims in the above-styled action be dismissed with prejudice with the parties to bear their own costs and attorneys’ fees,” Surface Media said in a filing. “The Court shall retain jurisdiction to enforce the terms of the Settlement Agreement, which is not currently filed as a record with the Court.”
Surface Media spent several months trying to track down West to serve him with legal documents. Its lawsuit accused him of bailing on the rent after the Miami art studio underwent a dramatic transformation per his instructions.
“My client pulled off what was essentially an overnight transformation of its art studio into a recording studio for Ye and accompanying artists,” Surface Media’s lawyer Jonathan Smulevich said. “In doing so, no request was too big or too small—Ye asked, and they delivered—and my client incurred significant costs and expenses to deliver. My client is simply asking for the payment they were promised by Ye for their hard work in customizing and renting this unique space to Ye.”
Kanye West’s settlement ended one legal battle, but he still faces several lawsuits. His pending civil cases include disputes with former Donda Academy employees, who sued him for wrongful termination.
Beyoncé has shared her birthday wish ahead of her 42nd revolution around the sun.
The music superstar took to her Instagram Stories to request that her fans dress in silver clothing to her upcoming “Renaissance” shows in honor of “Virgo season” and to celebrate the last month of her world tour.
“Virgo season is upon us,” Beyoncé, nicknamed Queen Bey by her fans, began the post. “This tour has been such a joy and as we approach the last month, my birthday wish is to celebrate with you wearing your most fabulous silver fashions to the shows 8.23 – 9.22!”
The “Crazy In Love” hitmaker continued, “We’ll surround ourselves in a shimmering human disco ball each night. Everybody mirroring each other’s joy. Virgo season together in the house of chrome. See you there! Your B at RWT.”
The star will celebrate her 42nd birthday on September 4, which is the same day she’ll perform at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Beyoncé is currently in the middle of the U.S. leg of her RENAISSANCE Tour, celebrating the release of her seventh studio album of the same name. The trek, which kicked off in May, is scheduled to wrap up on October 1 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Doja Cat shared details with Harper’s Bazaarabout her upcoming album, Scarlet, which will be released next month.
“This new album is more introspective, but I’m not leaning so hard into that to where it becomes boring. So I want to give stories and bops. It’s a nice mixture of both,” she teased. “I think this project is a really fun canvas for me to play with my rap skills and talk about what’s going on in my life.”
During the interview, the 27-year-old singer/rapper also shared how she appreciates her fans fighting for “something real” on social media. When asked whether she gets inspiration from other people, Doja said she loves “positive feedback.”
“I appreciate when people speak up for someone who is getting bullied or attacked by internet trolls. ..” Doja Cat continued. “Some of the most moving moments for me have been when my fans have stood up for me or for other people. That’s fighting for something real.”
Doja added, “I really appreciate that because people like to s##t-talk.”
The world of heavyweight boxing has always been a place fierce with competition, but recently smaller weight classes have been leading the charge to bring the sport back. Oleksandr Usyk, the man some say Tyson Fury is ducking, defended his unified IBF/WBA/WBO heavyweight crown against challenger Daniel Dubois. The largely one-sided some exciting moments, but it ended in controversy. The impact of a low blow ruling sent the internet into a frenzy.
The Usyk-Dubois encounter was widely anticipated despite the clear difference in skill levels between the two fighters. Oleksandr Usyk, a seasoned professional, entered the ring as a superior tactician with a more refined ring IQ compared to his opponent. The fight ended in a ninth-round stoppage in favor of Usyk, a result predicted by neophyte Jake Paul.
Despite the one-sided nature of the contest, Daniel Dubois fought valiantly and displayed occasional sparks of success. He managed to win a few close rounds (which could have gone either way), showcasing his spirit and effort in the face of adversity. Nonetheless, Usyk’s superiority remained evident throughout, affirming the pre-fight expectations.
Round 5 of the match sparked debates among fans, analysts, and experts. Dubois landed a shot that straddled caused the controversy, ultimately deemed a low blow by referee Luis Pabon. The shot could have easily been ruled a knockdown. Had Pabon ruled as such, the fight’s outcome might have taken a dramatically different turn, potentially counting Usyk out. Since the fight, online discussions have debated whether the shot was a low blow call or legal.
In retrospect, we have referees that are required to make in-the-moment decision without the luxury of slow-motion replays from multiple angles. At the same time, some are saying that there was some home-cooking for the champ. The debate surrounding the low blow incident underscores the complexities and subjectivity inherent in officiating boxing matches.
By the way, Oleksandr Usyk has broken his silence on the whole matter.
The Aftermath:Other Heavyweights Are Licking Their Chops
The low blow debacle sheds light on what other heavyweights might . Usyk’s vulnerability to body shots could be his Kryptonite, a weakness for his opponents to exploit in future bouts. While Dubois wasn’t able to capitalize on this weakness, the low blow incident highlighted the importance of attacking Usyk’s midsection early and consistently to undermine his resilience. Usyk’s complaints during the fight further emphasized the significance of a focused body attack in challenging his dominance.
Looking ahead, Tyson Fury and Usyk’s next mandatory challenger, Filip Hrgovic have something to gnaw on. Analysts suggest strongly that future rivals will prioritize targeting Usyk’s midsection, making it a central aspect of their game plan. This is definitely going to make for more interest in the heavy weight landscape.
Conclusion
The Usyk vs. Dubois encounter in 2023 will be remembered, primarily for it showing chinks in Usyk’s armor.
The heavyweight division in the realm of boxing has long held an exalted status, standing as the pinnacle of the sport and captivating audiences with unparalleled attention and exhilaration. The legacies of boxing greats such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Lennox Lewis have indelibly etched their impact into the annals of the division’s history. There’s a stark contradistinction to lighter weight divisions, which have had thrilling matchups like Errol Spence and Terence Crawford, or Ryan Garcia versus Gervonta “Tank” Davis. The heavyweight scene seems to lag behind.
Hopefully, the trajectory of the heavyweight division continues to go up in an effort to captivate more audience as the dynamic force it has historically been.
DC Young Fly was dealt a devastating blow in June when his longtime partner, Jacky Oh, unexpectedly died in Miami. Social media rumors claimed the Wild ‘N Out actress went to the Florida metropolis to undergo a “mommy makeover” (in other words, plastic surgery).
In the wake of her death, DC Young Fly—who shared three children with Jacky Oh—has been vocal about his grief on social media. On Sunday (August 27), DC Young Fly posted a video of some new ink he got on his back memorializing Jacky Oh.
“We in this together and forever!!!” he wrote in the caption. “My Angel my baby my wife the Queen of my children. I wish there was a reset button …. It may be a lot of things we don’t want to do but we are force to do.. we must continue on with the mission but GOD has granted us all strength. we must continue to give praise to THE MOST HIGH through the midst of pain.”
Plastic surgeon Dr. Zachary Okhah, who reportedly performed the surgery on Jacky Oh, released a statement not long after her death. He neglected to use her name and appeared to deflect responsibility for his role in her passing.
“To all my past, current and prospective patients, PH-1 Miami remains devoted to the highest quality medical care,” he wrote. “All aesthetic procedures are performed in a hygienically safe environment to universally recognized medical standards. I am relentlessly committed to advancing techniques in the realm of plastic surgery.”
He continued, “Most importantly my staff and I ensure that each patient is vetted, prepped and treated according to their individual patient history prior to any surgery. Our mission is to help his patients achieve the best possible results in the safest and most medically appropriate way possible.”
DC Young Fly broke his silence on Jacky Oh’s death just days after he received the tragic news. He made it clear his faith in a higher power is the only thing helping him make sense of his loss.
“I wasn’t in no rush to post this because I wanted it to be a dream so bad but every hour I’m reminded of realty so I wanna make sure I applaud you in the proper manner,” he wrote. “You are the GREATEST MOTHER I KNOW your soul was beautiful Yu always wanted the best for others and I admired how our family love each other!!! Never had to worry about our kids loving each other cause you were on top of Dat!!! You kno we GOD fearing and we are grounded by the spirit.
“we never question the HIGHER POWER. we roll wit the punches and continue to live righteous. will always tell our kids how much an amazing person you were especially a GREAT MOTHER!!! You know how our last convo went. I prayed for Yu and now we are here.. but it’s ok we willll continue to pray and hold on to our FAITH because that’s alll we kno!! Love you forever and our kids are super strong. they helpin me wit my tranquility no Kap!!!!! U wit me forever.”
He concluded, “The QUEEN of my children will always have a spot in my heart and the paradise (Yu gon get me for Dat, but it’s true) LOVE YOU FOREVER jus know we goinn harder than ever and GOD is in control and he got us covered.”
Keke Palmer has opened up about her “difficult” breastfeeding journey.
The actress/singer, who welcomed her first baby earlier this year, has shared an insight into her experience with breastfeeding during an interview with Essence.
“I think my breastfeeding journey was also very empowering because it was so difficult,” the 29-year-old told the publication candidly. “And I wanted to give up at so many different points, but I just kept pushing myself and kept trying to figure it out.”
Keke welcomed her son, Leodis Jackson, on February 25 with her now ex-boyfriend Darius Jackson.
“The relationship I had with my son during that process empowered me to get back up and do things for myself again,” the “Nope” star shared.
“In the midst of trying to work out and do things that I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do, like going to the Met Gala, I was able to say, ‘You know what, I’m gonna get out there and experience everything again, and I’m still gonna be there for my boy,” she continued.
Keke noted that the challenges of breastfeeding have helped her build her confidence.
“That kind of resolve built so much confidence and so much strength in me,” she shared. “I just got this overwhelming sense that I can do anything.”
