Doja Cat is in a “chaotic place” when it comes to fashion. During an interview with Harper’s Bazaar for the September Icons Issue, the 27-year-old Grammy winner confessed that she is going through a “chaotic” time regarding her style.
“I’m in this kind of chaotic place right now when it comes to fashion, where I’ve just been going into my closet and picking out the most random, weird, not-fitting thing to mix with another thing that does not really fit,” Doja, real name Amala Dlamini, told the publication.
“It’s like mashed potatoes. But I’m embracing that,” the Woman artist continued. “It’s a little punk. It’s experimental for sure. It’s very manic. But I am going in a darker direction when it comes to visuals and fashion.”
Doja, who is known for her striking and adventurous style, noted that she likes to channel her emotions into her looks.
She added, “I have a lot of pent-up feelings and anger, and I want to express it with beauty.”
The artist shared that she has been experimenting with prosthetics lately, for example, when she famously wore cat prosthetics to the Karl Lagerfeld-themed Met Gala earlier this year.
Elsewhere in the interview, the “Say So” hitmaker revealed that she would like to branch out into other industries, including fashion and beauty.
“There are other kinds of projects I want to branch out into. I want to make clothing, dabble in makeup. I want to explore acting,” she stated.
Gunplay—real name Richard Morales Jr.—was arrested in Miami on Sunday (August 20). According to a Miami-Dade County inmate search, the rapper was taken into custody on multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment and child abuse. He stands accused of pointing a rifle at his wife while she was holding their six-month-old child. Gunplay’s bond has been set at $20,000.
Reporter Andy Slater confirmed the news, tweeting, “JUST IN: Rapper ‘Gunplay’ was arrested in Miami. He’s accused of pointing a rifle at his wife while she was holding their 6-month-old baby, law enforcement sources tell me. This allegedly happened after his wife told him to quiet down while playing Xbox. Gunplay denies it all.”
JUST IN: Rapper ‘Gunplay’ was arrested in Miami. He’s accused of pointing a rifle at his wife while she was holding their 6-month-old baby, law-enforcement sources tell me.
This allegedly happened after his wife told him to quiet down while playing Xbox.
Gunplay’s wife, Vonshae Taylor-Morales, addressed the incident on social media and revealed she’s obtained a restraining order. She’s also noted she’s in the process of filing for divorce.
“I just want everyone to know my daughter and I are safe,” she wrote. “My daughter safety is my first priority. Unfortunately Richard is back using and developed a very bad drinking problem. I’ve tried everything in my power to help him and love him. This is a demon he has to overcome on his own. At this point I really believe it’s too late.”
Taylor-Morales then confirmed the fight started over Gunplay’s Call of Duty game. As she explained, “To summarize last night event. I asked Richard to quiet down as he scared the baby sleeping by yelling playing call of duty. He started going off on me for asking him to be quiet. I tried collect a bag so my daughter and I can go to a room while he sobers up. He didn’t want us to leave and things went left fast. He was arrested last night, the weapon is in police custody. I have a restraining order, my daughter is in my custody and I am filing for divorce. He will never get he chance to disrespect us again.
“Thank you all for the well wishes and prayers. This is a very traumatizing experience. Please keep me in your prayers.”
Rapper Ugly God was arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 50-year-old man in Gulfport, Mississippi in June. According to WLOX, police responded to 911 calls of a shooting just before noon local time on June 29. When officers, they discovered Renaldo Delavallade dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Police Chief Adam Cooper later revealed they had a suspect in custody.
Ugly God has been relatively quiet since then—until Friday (August 18) when he resurfaced on Twitter, posting several photos of himself brandishing stacks of cash in his kitchen. In one of the photos, he’s holding a handgun in one hand and stacks of cash in the other. He wrote in the caption, “a lot can happen in a year. #dontbelievethehype.”
While Ugly God didn’t include any further details, many concluded he was referencing the deadly incident. Delavallade, who was purportedly Ugly God’s father’s best friend, was 50 years old at the time of his death. His sister, Tishia Delavallde, has essentially launched a smear campaign against Ugly God, posting several videos on social media accusing the rapper of murdering her brother.
She claims Ugly God wasn’t prosecuted for the crime after he argued he retaliated against the man in self-defense. In response to Ugly God’s latest tweet, the sister called Ugly God names and suggested the cash bundles in the photos were nothing more than props.
“YALL WE HAVE A #1 STUNNA!!!” she wrote. “Yall please give him a round of applause, lil PISSY UGLY GOD for flashing the most amount of fake money!!!”
A motive for the fatal shooting of Delavallde hasn’t been established and the circumstances surrounding the incident haven’t been made public. Watch the news report below.
Post Malone has revealed the change he made to his diet to help him lose weight.
During an appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, the Circles rapper shared that he weighed approximately 240 pounds before switching up his diet.
The 28-year-old then revealed that after minimizing his soda intake, he reduced his weight to 185 pounds.
“Soda is so bad. It’s so good, but so bad,” Post told the podcast host. “(If) I had a great show, and you know what, I’m feeling a little bit naughty. I’m gonna have myself a Coke on ice.”
“I guess having a baby really put a lot into perspective and it’s really slowed me down a lot, party-wise, going out and being crazy. But it’s the most beautiful thing,” he told Zane at the time. “I just want to take some time now. And actually you mentioned all the accoutrement of success and everything that comes with that. Now I just want to take a second and enjoy it.”
Post, real name Austin Post, and his fiancée welcomed their first child, a daughter, last year.
Lil Nas X has booked a trip to Canada for the premiere of his new documentary Long Live Montero. The pop star’s film will debut at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, which runs from September 7-17.
The upcoming film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the rapper/singer on his first global tour. Carlos López Estrada, one of the filmmakers behind Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, directed the documentary with Zac Manuel.
“Long Live Montero is a triumphant ode to the extraordinary power of self-expression, music, and identity,” TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey said. “In this groundbreaking documentary, we witness Lil Nas X challenging boundaries and reshaping the artistic landscape. The film’s captivating journey underscores the profound impact of Lil Nas X, who fearlessly brings audiences together through the universal language of music. We are thrilled to host [him] at TIFF this year.”
The booking provides a boost to the festival, which will likely lack star power due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Top actors would normally attend TIFF, but they won’t be promoting their films at any festivals while on strike.
Lil Nas X embarked on his global tour in support of his Montero album, which dropped in 2021. The project peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Will Smith is one of Hollywood’s biggest and most bankable stars (even with the Oscar’s debacle), but that wasn’t always the case.
The rapper-turned-actor met with Kevin Hart, and the two Philly natives talked about how he got one of the biggest gigs of his life, the lead in Steven Spielberg’s Men In Black franchise.
“I kind of understood ‘Men in Black’ a little bit, but I didn’t want to make ‘Men in Black.’ That was the next year after ‘Independence Day.’ So, I didn’t want to make two alien movies back-to-back,” Smith said.
Hart asked what changed the West Philly hometown hero’s mind.
“Steven Spielberg sent a helicopter for me,” he said. Smith said he was gagged. “It landed at his house, and he had me at hello,” he recalled.
If he had continued, he would’ve said, “Joker, you know, I made ‘Jaws’ or, you know, I. made ‘E.T.’”
Smith was very aware of that. He said when he walked into his house, he saw the Jaws and the Jurassic Park posters on the wall. The rest is history.
Logic evidently has no shame. Last week, a July performance from the former Def Jam Recordings artist started making the rounds online. In the clip, he rips off his shirt, revealing his “less-than-fit” upper body. He also seems to mimic a signature move from Ice Spice as he bends over and gyrates his hips.
While the emboldened act was intended to go along with the song he was performing, the aptly titled “DadBod,” social media was ruthless in its reception. Fans are now calling for Logic to be “canceled” immediately. Not long after the video was shared on Instagram and Twitter, comments like “cancel this man expeditiously” and “on behalf of the whites, you guys can keep this guy he’s not one of us” began littering the posts.
Some fans found the oddest part of the video to be the moment Logic sticks his finger in his belly button then sniffs it. As one person asked, “Did I just watch him finger swipe his g####?” while another demanded, “Man delete this s###.”
Logic has been the target of online ridicule for years. More recently, he was dragged from here to his hometown of Gaithersburg, Maryland for his cover of Ice Cube’s “It Was A Good Day.” For more than two minutes, he sings the G-Funk classic like he’s performing at a pretentious jazz lounge for hipsters. He ends the clip with a smile and the words, “That’s pretty authentic.” While one person attempted to defend Logic, others quickly came for his Hip-Hop card.
“Logic is half white, half black,” one person wrote. “There should have been some sort of internal conversation between both of those halves where one side explained how wrong this is to the other. It’s like watching someone club a baby seal. Just wrong.”
Ice Cube’s own son, O’Shea Jackson, weighed in after someone said the “Kim” line was cringy. He replied, “Bruh it made you cringe and that’s not yo moms. Lmfaooooo.” [Jackson’s mother is Kimberly Woodruff, Ice Cube’s wife.] But, there were more people concerned about his use of the “N” word. Although Logic has always claimed to be bi-racial, most agree he doesn’t get a pass.
Jack Harlow will be going on tour in his home state of Kentucky.
The 25-year-old musician took to Instagram to announce his upcoming tour, No Place Like Home: The Kentucky Tour, which will kick off in November.
“The only tour I’m going on this year. Six shows across the state of Kentucky. No Place Like Home 2023,” the “First Class” hitmaker wrote on Instagram alongside a graphic of him next to a map of Kentucky featuring the tour stops.
The trek will hit six cities within the state and commence on November 24 at Owensboro Sports Center in Owensboro. The rapper will then hit Pikeville, Covington, Murray and Bowling Green.
The tour will come to an end on December 3 in Lexington at the Rupp Arena. The trek comes three months after Jack was honored with a Hometown Heroes banner in Louisville.
In May, he launched The Jack Harlow Foundation, which will “serve as the Louisville, KY native’s primary philanthropic vehicle to reinvest, uplift and support organizations aiming to make the city that raised him a better place,” according to a statement.
The artist released his third studio album, Jackman., earlier this year.
The Big Grrrls official social media accounts praised the Truth Hurts singer for “(creating) a platform where we have been able to parallel our Passion with a purpose.”
“We had the time of our lives on The Special Tour. We have been so honored to share the stage with such amazing talent,” they continued. “The commitment to character and culture taking precedence over every movement and moment has been one of the Greatest lessons and Blessings that we could possibly could ask for.”
They also thanked Lizzo for “shattering limitations and kicking in the doorway for the Big Grrrl & Big Boiii Dancers to do what we love… Not only for Us, but for Women and All people breaking barriers.”
“So Grateful that the standards and existence of Beauty in THIS team goes beyond the surface!” they added. “We are a unit of unicorns, undeniably resilient and SPECIAL AF.”
The 35-year-old singer, real name Melissa Jefferson, issued a statement on Instagram earlier this month, insisting she was “not the villain” she had been portrayed as by her former employees.
The Special Tour ran from September 2022 to July 2023.
T.I. and Tiny Harris’ son King went viral this week following a recent dental procedure. On Friday (August 18), the teen boy took to social media to show off his new set of chompers but was mercilessly dragged for the size of them. Many believed they were way too big for his mouth. But Tiny begged to differ and pointed out they’ve always been that way.
As she explained on Instagram, “Would like to thank @drmariomontoya for giving @the_next_king10 a #BillionDollarSmile. Had to post slide 2 for the #BigTeethPatrol to show his smile been asf before; they’re just white now. Either way, he loves them and that’s all that matters! Regardless to what he does, everyone always seem to have their personal perspective of him, which is fine. -But y’all don’t really know him frfr, truth is real. fwh and the ladies love ‘em!”
T.I. was also asked about King’s viral video while speaking to DJ Diamond Kuts on iHeartRadio. He said he “respects the actual process” his son went through to get them done. But as the group of people were laughing about King’s purported new nickname, “Chief Teeth,” T.I. and Tiny’s 6-year-old daughter, Heiress Harris, is heard off-camera saying, “Don’t talk about my brother like that!” The comment, of course, elicited even more laughter from the spirited guests.
DJ Diamond Kuts later shared the clip to her Instagram page and made sure to say something kind in the caption: “My guys pulled up on me today. make sure you check em out tonight at Helium. Full interview dropping on my youtube tonight and King ya teeth are beautiful.”
Lil Tay’s mother has spoken up about the erroneous claim two of her children had died. As previously reported, the teen rapper’s alleged death was determined to be a hoax.
A lawyer working with the family posted an official statement on Lil Tay’s Instagram, attempting to explain what was going on in the family (but not the alleged hoax), saying it was something the media exploited.
“Lorne MacLean K.C and Fraser MacLean from MacLean Law are lawyers from Vancouver, Canada. They’re helping Tay Tian’s mom, Angela Tian, with some family stuff in court,” the post starts off stating, adding “There’s been some mixed-up info in the media, so they want to set things straight about what’s happening with the family in court.”
“But, because it’s important to keep kids’ info private, they’re only giving a quick update from what went down in the British Columbia Supreme Court,” the lawyer continued.
According to the post, the law firm helped the mother secure retroactive child support from their father dating back to 2014, which is around $275,000. Each child would also get child support every month and additional expenses that might incur.
The mother would be in charge of Lil Tay’s career, signing all of her contracts and maintaining physical custody until she is of age to move out.
Speaking of moving, the lawyers got an entitlement for Lil Tay and her mother to “relocate outside of Vancouver.”
Social media responded with confusion and some overall advice. One person wrote, what many thought, “girl i thought u was dead,” while another said, “I honestly just think this girl needs to be taken off social media and given a proper childhood.”
If she gets off social media, she’ll not be able to send messages to her fans like the one on her YouTube. Lil Tay posted “help me” in her channel’s description.
Artists like CeeLo are a rarity. Not only can he rap, he can also sing and by sing, he can really sing. That coupled with his showmanship and undeniably unique voice, it’s no wonder he cut through all the noise to become a Grammy Award-winning rapper/singer. On August 11, a day recognized by many as Hip-Hop’s official birthday, CeeLo was in Ontario doing what he does best—performing.
“August 11 was definitely a day and an event worth celebrating,” he tells AllHipHop in a recent interview. “Hip-Hop has inspired and changed so many lives completely, mine included. I’m honored to be counted and to have come from its origin—the atmosphere, community, cosmic quality of hip-hop music is undeniable. I was doing my own crossover brand of Hip-Hop. I’ve been jazz and rock and punk.
“I’m just a renaissance of music at the end of the day and, ultimately, that’s probably the only classification that would suit me. I am inspired by so much music, and I incorporate so much that it can only be classified as fusion but with Hip-Hop definitely being the base paint.”
An Atlanta native, CeeLo came up as part of the Dungeon Family, the musical collective of local artists like Outkast, Big Rube, Organized Noize, Killer Mike and, of course, Goodie Mob. Together, the defined an era and truly put Southern Hip-Hop on the map, blazing a path for other Atlanta rappers to follow.
“I think that’s definitely our contribution to the culture and to community—being able to spearhead and set into motion the rise and reign of Southern Hip-Hop,” he says, confidently. “We fought those first wars, and we fought for the civil rights and the equality of Hip-Hop. And with that equality, we gave the sentiment and the sound a certain kind of quality. There was an accountability here of where we wanted to do it pridefully, effectively and successfully. It was very important to have integrity as a curriculum as we taught it to be as it flowed through and was passed down as an inheritance to the ones who wave that banner today.”
Goodie Mob released six studio albums, including their 1995 debut, Soul Food. Along with Outkast’s Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, the gold-certified album is credited with introducing Southern Hip-Hop to a mainstream audience. CeeLo would ultimately find astronomical success with Gnarls Barkley, his duo with producer Danger Mouse. In 2007, he won a Grammy for the single “Crazy,” which has sold more than four million copies in the U.S. alone. His 2010 solo single, “F### You,” brought further critical acclaim, this time selling more than seven million copies.
But it seems a career in music was always on the menu. CeeLo says he was aware of his pipes “pretty early.” As he explains, “A lot of my sheer ability [to sing] stems from not taking myself too seriously. And I’m kind of in fan mode in that, so when I love something, there’s a pride. There’s a there’s a shamelessness. And I’m saying that shines through. As a kid coming up in those households like mine—almost my entire family stayed in one house at one point so we would have a ton of talent shows in the den area, which was a garage converted—that kind of got the jitters out, being supported by your family. My mom was one of those type of people who would egg me on. I might be asleep and she’d wake me up out the bed to sing. Sometimes I enjoyed it, other times it was torture.”
Whatever the case, it worked. While he’s had ups and downs in his career, CeeLo always manages to land on his feet.
“I’m on all sides of the spectrum,” he says. “I’m doing it all. I’m doing it my way. Jack Flash and CeeLo Green—we are The Pink. Look out for Soul Assassins Part III: Death Valley. I just did the first single with DJ Muggs called “Jokers Wild.” I”m rapping and singing. I’m being my usual charming, charismatic self.”
Check out “Serious” by The Pink below and find Goodie Mob’s iconic gladiator suit up for auction here, one of many Hip-Hop collectables available via eBay and KIRPA celebrity auction house.
Hernandez Govan, the individual accused of masterminding the murder of rapper Young Dolph, recently sought to have some of his bond restrictions relaxed.
However, a judge firmly denied his request, citing concerns for Govan’s safety and the extensive publicity the case has garnered.
“You’re on those restrictions for a reason, and part of those reasons [is] for your own safety,” the judge stated during a hearing. He went on to emphasize the dangers Govan might face, noting, “Memphis Shelby County, Tennessee is the first most violent metropolitan area in the country. This case has generated a substantial amount of publicity, and if you’re running around free… somebody might be trying to kill you.”
The judge’s stern words came in response to Govan’s requests to go shopping, work full-time, and travel without restrictions.
The backstory of Govan’s involvement in Young Dolph’s murder is a complex one.
According to an article from AllHipHop.com, Govan is believed to have orchestrated the fatal shooting of Young Dolph, which took place at a Memphis bakery in November 2021.
Following his arrest in November 2022, Govan spent several months in jail without bond. It was only recently that his bond was set at $90,000, and he was placed under house arrest while awaiting trial.
Prosecutors allege that Govan ordered the hit on Young Dolph, leading to charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder against him.
Two other individuals, Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith, are accused of executing the murder.
They face charges that include first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Additionally, a fourth individual, Jermarcus Johnson, has been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, believed to have provided payments to the gunmen.
Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy commented on the case, stating, “Our focus is on what’s going to happen to best put the case forward and make sure that justice is done.”
He further mentioned that new information regarding Govan’s role and medical conditions influenced their decisions in the case.
For more details on the hearing and the judge’s remarks, you can watch the full coverage on FOX13 Memphis’s YouTube channel.
Major figures a part of both the artist roster and label side of Top Dawg Entertainment were allegedly absent from Reason’s album release party—but he says the dust-up with TDE President Moosa isn’t to blame.
For anybody who’s late to the cookout, Reason was interrupted by Moosa while promoting his Porsches album during a live stream days before it was scheduled to drop.
Essentially, Moosa called into the live stream after Reason expressed his frustrations with his album rollout—culminating in Reason calling Moosa out for being manipulative. Moosa responded and sparked a viral exchange, questioning, “Can you name 10 Reason songs?”
It doesn’t help either that following the nearly 30-minute exchange Reason had with Moosa that he appeared on yet another media platform and dropped his hot take opinion that J. Cole will go down in history with the edge over Kendrick Lamar as an MC due to his upcoming album The Fall Off.
Assuming his notifications were blowing up on nuclear timing after the clip went viral, Reason even had to issue a statement on the matter where he essentially walked back the statement.
I genuinely hope that anybody that dives into the drake vs Kendrick vs Cole debates are only having these debates for fun. All 3 of these n##### are F##### INCREDIBLE and have provided soundtracks for our lives. Yes it’s a fun debate, but I hope y’all give y’all selves a chance…
And now, the 32-year-old rapper is claiming that not one person showed up from TDE to support him at his album release party this past week.
“Well that was what I thought would be the weirdest part,” Reason said in part about having the release party following his argument with Moosa. “But it ended up not being as bad. I had a release party—nobody showed up from the label.”
Reason continued, remarking that the only artist who actually showed up was his labelmate Ray Vaughn—however, he also says he wasn’t affected by it because it’s not as deep as you’d think.
“My bad, Ray Vaughn showed up,” he said. “Shout out to Ray Vaughn—he’s the only person from TDE that showed up. I took it as, you know, maybe n####s was just giving me space because they know how I am.”
Reason continued, further making it clear that he sincerely believes the lack of his fellow TDE member’s presence was more so a show of respect. “That’s how I took it, that’s how I genuinely took it,” he said. “I felt like it was one of those situations where, n###s kinda know me up there, I think that they kind of give me my space when I’m kind of on fire and s### like that. And that was how I took it.”
Blac Youngsta is currently mourning as his younger brother was fatally shot in Memphis at a Valero BP gas station on the South Side.
Responding officers, according to sources, say the rapper’s brother was killed shot at approximately 9:30 am in the morning and died when emergency workers arrived at the scene but are tight-lipped about why he was shot and who he was shot by.
Witnesses say that he was killed by someone driving by in a passing vehicle.
S#### TV identified the brother as Tomanuel Benson.
This is the third brother the recording artist is going to lay to rest. His brother HeavyChampTD was also killed in 2019, UrbanIslandz reported.
Another brother died in 2016. He made a tribute on his page around that time, writing, “I miss you so much lil brother. I swear to god when you died, I thought about killing myself no lie.”
Adding, “Sometimes I just wish god would have took me and not you lil brother, I just wish we could trade places. My life will never be the same without you in this s***. Just don’t feel right.”
“I change my life around lil brother. I don’t rob or sell dope no more. I’m an importing person now I don’t work for food no more little brother. I work for myself and I got our other two baby brothers out (of) the streets, and grandma and mommy not struggling no more cause I’m rich now. Baby brother, you’ll never be forgotten. As long as I’m living, you living,” Youngsta wrote.
An outpouring of prayers have been offered for the rapper and his family.
One post summed everything up in a few words.
“BlacYoungsta’s 3 younger brothers have all passed away. What a sad situation,” one person wrote.
BlacYoungsta’s 3 younger brothers have all passed away. What a sad situation 😞
The members of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony were honored with a street-naming ceremony in Cleveland on August 11. Proudly displayed at the intersection of E. 99th Street and St. Clair Avenue, the three “Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Way” street signs solidified the seismic impact the group has had on their hometown. But evidently, someone keeps stealing the signs—and now, all three are gone.
Speaking to AllHipHop, Layzie Bone admits he wasn’t exactly surprised when they started disappearing. As he explains, “To be honest, when I saw the signs going up I felt like they were coming down. They were so well put together with the name and then the group picture on the actual sign, too. I saw fans salivating to have one of their own. It felt like a piece of Bone memorabilia. Like a piece of history.”
As for who’s behind the disrespectful act—a fan or hater—Layzie Bone has his own theory. He says, “I believe the culprit or culprits behind the theft could’ve been haters or fans, but I’m leaning more toward the fans because Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s love in the city far outweigh the hate. My city is rough and tough, ‘thuggish ruggish’ even. The vibrations in the hood is low from poverty, so kids do whatever they can do to get the things they desire, and Bone memorabilia is one of those things. Those signs are probably hanging on somebody’s bedroom wall. We have work to do to uplift our community.”
According to News 5 Cleveland, the first Bone Thugs-n-Harmony Way sign was stolen on Sunday (August 13), the second on Tuesday (August 15) and the third on Thursday (August 17)—less than a week after they were put up. However, one has already been replaced. As for the solution to the problem, Layzie Bone suggests even bolting them into the pole won’t stop their rabid fanbase.
“Bolting the signs in is a temporary fix,” he says. “Bone fans are some of the most dedicated fans in the world for 30+ years. The naming of the street was just the beginning of our commitment to make a difference. Our part of the city is unfortunately the red lines part (if you know what that means). Heavy poverty causes heavy crime and la ack of opportunity, which decreases the morale. Like I said, we have work to do.
“Now that we’re established pillars in the ‘hood, we’re getting active to motivate and inspire our communities for greatness. My non-profit for helping the youth is called the In The H.O.O.D foundation. The H.O.O.D acronym stands for ‘Helping Others Overcome Differences.’ R.I.P. to our founder, Rob J. McQueen. Shout out to Krayzie Bone’s Spread the Love Foundation as well.”
T.I. is commemorating the musical embodiment of Trap Music. As a trailblazer in his own league, T.I. originated a term that evolved into a music genre embraced by the realm of Hip-Hop, particularly within his hometown of Atlanta. His second studio album, “Trap Muzik,” which dropped on August 19, 2003, marked a collaborative effort between Atlantic Records and his newly established Grand Hustle record label. During this conversation at WonWorld Studios, hosted by Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur and DJ Thoro, T.I. delves into the genesis of his contribution to the musical landscape, his discovery of camaraderie within the trap community, the role of Jeezy in defining the genre, and the commonality of all trap stars as “war on drugs” survivors. T.I. provides ample insights and context into this artistic phenomenon that is undoubtedly captivating.
T.I. also offered his Mt. Rushmore of Trap Music:
Trap Music originated in the Southern United States, particularly in the city of Atlanta, Georgia, during the early 2000s. The genre takes its name from “trap,” which refers to the environment in which illicit activities like drug dealing take (or took) place.
Trap Music is typically characterized by its use of heavy, aggressive beats, prominent hi-hats, and deep basslines. The genre often features elements of traditional Hip-Hop that often leans into use of electronic synthesizers. The beats in Trap Music are usually slower in tempo compared to traditional electronic rap music.
Lyrically, Trap Music often reflects the realities of hood life, including partying, hustling, and personal struggles. Sometimes they lyrics appear to glamorize the gritty lifestyle, but, more often than not, the artists provide insight into the challenges of these settings.
Trap Music continued to soar in popularity well into the 2010s and influenced various music genres, fashion, and even pop culture. While its roots are in the Southern United States, Trap Music has become a global phenomenon with artists and producers from all around the world creating their own interpretations of the genre. Salute.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued a warning, saying California will be hit by its first-ever tropical storm. The storm prompted a storm warning that extended from Los Angeles to the Golden State’s most Southern region.
According to CNN, the tropical storm was birthed out of the ferocious Hurricane Hilary, the first of its kind since 1939. The NHC said the storm is expected to unleash heavy rainfall and cause flooding in the Southwest, beginning on Saturday (August 19). The stronger core winds of Hilary could hit on Sunday morning (August 20), accompanied by potentially hazardous rainfall.
Southern California and Nevada might witness three to six inches of rain, with some areas getting up to 10 inches, as per the center. Other regions are predicted to receive one to three inches. The NHC cautioned that Hilary’s impactful core aside, strong winds and rain will start well before its arrival.
Many people are using this as an opportunity to address climate change.
“It would be nice if we had a pro-science president that declared a climate emergency day-1,” one person tweeted. “We also have an ongoing insurance crisis. Be ready: A significant, dangerous flash flood event could unfold in Southern California by Sunday/Monday as Hurricane Hilary approaches.”
It would be nice if we had a pro-science president that declared a climate emergency day-1. We also have an ongoing insurance crisis. Be ready: A significant, dangerous flash flood event could unfold in Southern California by Sunday/Monday as Hurricane Hilary approaches. #cawxpic.twitter.com/c4gajIPrTe
Others are giving updates. As one explained, “Here are the 8 PM PDT Friday Key Messages for Hurricane #Hilary. Life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flooding likely over much of Baja California and the Southwestern United States this weekend and early next week.”
Here are the 8 PM PDT Friday Key Messages for Hurricane #Hilary. Life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flooding likely over much of Baja California and the Southwestern United States this weekend and early next week. pic.twitter.com/PeB2WbvI9F
Beastie Boys exploded onto the Hip-Hop scene in 1986 with their one and only Def Jam Recordings release, Licensed To Ill. The album was a massive success and put King Ad-Rock, Mike D and MCA on the map. And while Licensed To Ill was full of party anthems and irreverence, ensuing albums Paul’s Boutique (1989), Check Your Head (1992) and Ill Communication (1994) established the group as serious musicians.
The Beasties took a break from recording for a few years but re-emerged with Hello Nasty in 1998 and a new DJ—Mix Master Mike. Once again, the Beasties had another hit on their hands, and Hello Nasty was certified 3x-platinum just two months after its release. Two additional albums—To the 5 Boroughs (2004) and The Mix-Up (2007)—followed, but in 2009, as the Beastie Boys were getting ready to release Hot Sauce Committee Part 1, MCA was diagnosed with cancer in his left salivary gland.
“I just need to take a little time to get this in check, and then we’ll release the record and play some shows,” he said in a written statement at the time. “It’s a pain in the neck (sorry had to say it) because I was really looking forward to playing these shows, but the doctors have made it clear that this is not the kind of thing that can be put aside to deal with later.”
It was the beginning of the end. In April 2012, right before the release of Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, MCA was forced to sit out their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It was a sign of what was to come. MCA died a month later. Needless to say, Mix Master Mike, Mike D and Ad-Rock really didn’t want to go to the Rock Hall ceremony. It didn’t feel right.
“During that time, I knew he wasn’t doing so well,” Mix Master Mike tells AllHipHop. “So at the moment, we’re on standby. We were like, ‘Oh, s###. When’s that day going to come?’ It was actually got to a point where it’s like, there’s nothing they could do. We were all in this weird space. And being at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was a weird space. I really didn’t care. Like none of us really cared about it. We were just going with it.
“And actually, the boys were gangster about that situation. They were asked to be part of the Rock Hall of Fame two or three years prior, and they denied it. I’m just like, ‘Wow, you guys are probably the only dudes that’s denied the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honor.’ Yeah, that was f###ing gangster.”
At that point, they felt like an induction signaled the end, and they had more to do. While Beastie Boys were ultimately inducted by LL COOL J and Chuck D, MCA’s absence was overwhelming. His death just a few weeks later was paralyzing.
As Mike D, Ad-Rock, Mix Master Mike and all those who loved him grieved, it was unclear how the Beasties would move forward. Understandably, they didn’t. Unlike De La Soul—who lost Trugoy the Dove in February—Mike D and Ad-Rock didn’t continue performing under the Beastie Boys name. They didn’t put out any music nor did they promise an eventual reunion.
“It was just a weird, weird time,” Mike adds. “But yeah, it happened and we were devastated. We just had to adapt to that reality of him being gone.”
While the Beastie Boys career came to an abrupt end, Mix Master Mike wasn’t ready to give up. In July 2021, he had an idea. As he explains, “I pushed to make something happen—and this is something that people don’t know. I actually reached out to Eminem. I called him and Paul [Rosenberg], and I pushed for a song. I had the beat made and everything. It was gonna be Beastie Boys, Eminem and a Mix Master Mike track. Eminem was like, ‘Let’s f###### go.’ I was spearheading this, so I brought it to Mike and Ad-Rock’s attention.”
But Mike D and Ad-Rock had some reservations. He continues, “They were like, ‘It’s kind of weird we don’t have Yauch anymore, so we feel a way that out of respect of Adam that we don’t do it.’ I’m like, ‘What are you talking about? Adam would love this.’ I was really trying to push this. It would have been f###ing insane. I was like, ‘Mike just give me 32 bars. Just rap.’ But I respected their wish to not do it. Our captain is not here anymore. But maybe if I push it again, who knows?
“I was in the process of getting bars from Eminem. He was so pumped cause these are his heroes. I was kind of fulfilling his dream. I’m the gatekeeper of his dream. I felt that was a responsibility on my behalf to present that to him. The great white hopes of Hip-Hop [laughs].”
In the meantime, Mix Master Mike is focused on his upcoming documentary, an audiobook, a book and touring with Godsmack, Ad-Rock is “low-key” scoring films and Mike D is helming The Echo Chamber on Apple Music. If all else fails, Mix Master Mike jokes he has a plan B.
“I had a plot that I would go and kidnap Adam [Ad-Rock],” he says with a chuckle. “I was kind of plotting it like a Grand Theft Auto thing. I was gonna kidnap Adam and bring him to my studio and not bring him home. Like, ‘We’re making music. That’s what we’re doing. I’ll feed you, you have a shower, you have everything you need [laughs].'”
In April, Ad-Rock did tease the possibility of sharing some unreleased Beastie Boys music during an interview with Kreative Kontrol. When asked about the status of Hot Sauce Committee Part One, he said, “We actually have a whole full album. I’m not even kidding.” When pressed for further details, he admitted, “That I can’t disclose, but I can tell you, with all honesty, there is a whole other album.” For now, we’ll just have to wait and see.
So So Def label founder Jermaine Dupri becomes the latest Hip-Hop veteran to express complaints about the culture’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.
Fans, performers, and media figures from around the world commemorated the day widely recognized as Hip-Hop’s birthday – August, 11. However, Jermaine Dupri indicated he expected more corporate-sponsored activities in his hometown.
“Just for the record! No brands have done any dinners or get-togethers in Atlanta celebrating the 50 anniversary of Hip-Hop. That’s Crazy!!!” posted Dupri on the X platform.
Jermaine Dupri also reposted a social media user who wrote, “It is truly insane how Coke doesn’t take advantage of things like this when it comes to Atlanta. They’re right here.”
Just for the record! no brands have done any dinners or get togethers in Atlanta celebrating the 50 anniversary of HipHop That’s Crazy!!!
The City of Atlanta did offer several Hip-Hop 50 events during the month of August. For example, Atlanta officials partnered with the Coca-Cola Company-owned Sprite to present the free “ATL 50 Hip Hop: Yesterday, Today and (404)ever Concert” on the 13th.
Jermaine Dupri took part in “ATL 50 Hip-Hop” performances at the Lakewood Amphitheater. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens hosted the show which also featured T.I., Goodie Mob, Crime Mob and other local legends.
According to atl50hiphop.com, Atlanta also partnered with Amazon, Mercedes Benz and more brands to sponsor the “ATL 50 Hip-Hop” campaign. Mayor Dickens stated, “It’s only fitting the City of Atlanta joins our community in celebrating the industry and culture we helped shape and helped shape us.”
