In an industry characterized by constant evolution and shifting trends, keeping pace with change can be challenging. Kat Nova, acclaimed DJ, and producer, has faced these dynamics head-on, navigating the music industry’s capricious nature while maintaining her unique artistic identity.
One of the primary challenges Nova encountered was the music industry’s continuous transformation. With genres rising and falling in popularity, staying relevant while staying true to one’s style requires a delicate balance. Kat, however, managed to master this balance by continuously evolving her sound, merging house music with various genres to create a unique vibe that resonates with her audience.
In addition, being a woman in the traditionally male-centric music industry presented unique challenges. However, Nova, far from being deterred, leveraged these as opportunities for growth. She stood her ground with confidence and determination, transforming these challenges into a platform for progress. Her unyielding resolve not only solidified her standing in the industry but also served as an empowering beacon for other aspiring female artists.
Kat Nova’s story is one of passion, resilience, and evolution. It serves as a testament to her strength and dedication, painting a picture of an artist who is unafraid to take on challenges and transform them into opportunities for growth. As Kat continues to create and inspire, her journey reminds us that obstacles can indeed be the path to success.
The impending debut of Triller on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is poised to rewrite the narrative of the digital world. As the stage is set for Triller’s grand entrance, a star-studded lineup of celebrity investors including Swizz Beatz, Ashanti, T-Pain, Russell Westbrook, Troy Carter, The Weeknd, and Lil Wayne underscores its credibility and momentum.
At the heart of Triller’s allure lies its formidable AI technology, Amplify. This AI engine has become the industry standard for innovation, adopted by industry giants such as Verizon, Nike, and Activision. The underpinning value of Triller, however, isn’t solely derived from its high-profile backers, but rather from the seamless fusion of celebrity influence and strategic brand partnerships.
While superficially likened to social media contenders like TikTok, Triller’s significance cuts deeper. It signifies the embodiment of a digital paradigm shift, where technology, entertainment, and influencer culture intertwine to create a revolutionary platform. The bedrock of Triller’s advancement is Amplify AI, which effortlessly integrates into major social networks—Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat—with the finesse of a well-practiced dance. This integration unfolds within native messaging apps, resulting in an impact that reverberates through engagement rates that surge as high as 70%, dwarfing the performance of conventional digital advertising campaigns.
The brilliance of this integration is the enhancement of user experiences and the simultaneous provision of a powerful medium for businesses to effectively engage their target audience. Amplify, often dubbed “ChatGPT for brands,” boasts an illustrious array of partner brands that include Verizon, Nike, Activision, Hulu, DAZN, Nissan, L’Oreal, NYX, Comedy Central, Universal, WWE, Pepsi, P&G, Mini, SBI Bank, HBO Max, Glamnetic, Walmart, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Neutrogena, Disney, Puma, Google, Lange Beauty, HINT, TIVO, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Victoria Beer, CBS, Logitech, Dr. Pepper, Paramount, Sony Playstation, and many more.
Amplify AI: The Backbone of Triller’s Power
Triller’s most valuable asset resides in its AI system, a crown jewel acquired and rebranded as Amplify.AI. This transformative technology has rewritten the digital playbook, revolutionizing the way social media marketing, advertising, and user experiences are conceived. Amplify’s adaptive nature and exceptional self-learning capabilities enable it to orchestrate interactions across behemoths such as Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, and YouTube. With the force of a technological titan, it powers over 750 million interactions per quarter, paving the way for revenue-generating opportunities while heightening user engagement. In an astonishing parallel to industry leader OpenAI, Amplify’s meteoric rise mirrors a valuation reminiscent of OpenAI’s monumental $23 billion benchmark.
Empowering Brands and Influencers: Triller’s Unrivalled Role
The numbers speak for themselves—Triller’s community boasts over 2.2 million creators and partnerships with a staggering 25,000 brands. The platform has successfully streamed more than 3000 events. However, the crux of Triller’s prowess lies in its exceptional ability to foster brand engagement and forge connections. Its identity as a unique brand tool is further bolstered by an engagement rate that soars above 41%, an opt-in rate exceeding 36%, and an average message open rate that stands tall at 85%. The click-through rate paints a similarly impressive picture at 24%.
In the domain of influencer marketing, Triller’s meteoric rise is undeniable. Its dominance in this realm is underscored by partnerships with top-tier influencers on a global scale. In the constellation of its achievements is Julius—a potent marketing platform facilitating collaborations between celebrity stakeholders and a sprawling network of over 2.2 million influencers. Boasting the stature of a virtual marketplace, Julius upends the traditional influencer-brand dynamic, solidifying Triller’s status as an industry frontrunner.
Triller’s reach extends far beyond its social media footprint, stretching its arms into the realm of combat sports and beyond. The watershed moment was the 2019 Tyson VS Jones Pay-per-View event—an event that resonated as the most successful digital PPV in history. But Triller’s ambitions don’t halt there. The acquisition of BKFC and fight.tv underscores its audacious goals. In fact, BKFC is poised to match the formidable valuation of the UFC, standing at an impressive $10 billion. Additionally, fight.tv challenges the status quo of platforms like DAZN, boasting a valuation exceeding $4 billion.
Triller: Redefining the Landscape of Engagement
Triller’s unique approach is a testament to its innovation. Rather than setting out to eclipse social media giants like Instagram and Twitter, Triller enhances their worth. The company’s modus operandi centers on “onboarding” users—550 million registered users, to be exact—onto its platform, while simultaneously encouraging them to maintain their routine activities across other social networks. Here, Triller’s AI comes to the fore, seamlessly bridging brands and customers across diverse platforms. Rather than locking users within its walled garden, Triller’s AI flourishes by collaborating with other social networks, allowing it to unleash its full potential.
Valuation Insights: Unearthing the Potential
In the realm of valuation, Triller’s potential offers an intriguing saga. The acclaimed AI-based tool ChatGPT commands a market valuation of $28 billion, a testament to its widespread adoption. Likewise, Amplify, the “ChatGPT for brands,” shares the same potential. Triller’s impending public offering assumes a position of grandeur, drawing parallels to giants such as UFC ($10 billion) and DAZN ($3.5 billion).
A Vision Beyond Horizon: Triller’s Odyssey
Triller’s aspirations transcend the confines of social media and combat sports. The company’s shrewd understanding of the influencer landscape cements its position as a torchbearer in the digital age.
In essence, Triller is the vanguard of the future of digital interaction, harmonizing sports, entertainment, influencer marketing, and AI-driven technology. As the platform takes center stage with its NYSE debut, the magnitude of its endorsements, strategic acquisitions, and financial projections point to a trajectory that promises to redefine the very fabric of the digital universe.
Food has a historic culture. It’s our history. It has a story and it can be very transformational. Food is always an adventure with a mouth-watering combustion of savory flavors. It is no surprise that everyone loves food; *tasting it, feeling it, and just the smell of it can stop you in your tracks. The food looks so good that you have to take pictures of each plate; share it on social media, and above all else, experience it and talk about it!
The owner, Dr. Lance London, received the 2022 President Joe Biden Presidential Award and was honored at the Power Networking Conference as “Entrepreneur of the Year” 2022. Dr. London is no stranger to success and knows his way around a kitchen. Presently operating multiple successful Carlina Kitchen restaurants in the DMV, Dr. London is currently underway with the expansion of seven additional restaurants throughout Maryland and D.C. The Carolina Kitchen currently serves over 1.3 million patrons annually.
The Carolina Kitchen has a reputation and savoir-faire for inclusive atmospheres, and decadent southern cuisine beckons some of the most notable people in the world – stars like Hip-Hop icons, Lil Baby, Future, Meek Mill, Wale, Jamie Foxx, and T.I. are amongst regular patrons that frequent Carolina Kitchen for an experience that is good for the stomach and great for the soul – the fusion of culture and culinary satiation speaks to an impeccable dining experience. Just ask a few of your fave Hip-Hop stars, and they’ll tell you that Carolina Kitchen is at the top of their list, right up there with Spotify’s coveted Rap Caviar.
Happiness is great food and great company. The Carolina Kitchen is the culinary embodiment of this philosophy.
Stay tuned, Stay connected and I’ll see you at the Carolina Kitchen where you get your chicken and much much more.
@cook4soul
@carolinakitchen
Recent Developments
Summer 2023
– Dr. Lance London’s popular restaurant chain “The Carolina Kitchen” – will be the culinary experience of choice for a notable women’s organization.
– Dr. Lance London will be one of two celebrity experts to judge a cooking competition against the Police and Fire departments of Prince George’s County, Maryland. The event will boast attendees such as Marylands Governor Wes Moore and other important public figures, politicians, and dignitaries to a crowd of approximately five thousand people.
Accompanied by his huge crew, Dr. London is relocating the warehouse for NéVetica, an innovative concept in pet care inspired by the tragic loss of his beloved dog “Rocky”- Dr. Lance London turned tragedy into a triumphant experience with a successful pet brand that is the ultimate white glove experience for pets. The decision to move to a new location was necessary to accommodate NéVetica’s flourishing sales. “Stay tuned, Stay connected and I’ll see you at the Carolina Kitchen where you get your chicken and much much more”
Nicki Minaj and the Barbz are winning amid the worldwide Barbie movie-fueled pink out—but Kanye West still gets the last laugh.
While the seemingly misunderstood and manic YEEZY mastermind continues to live his best life in Italy with two women, the self-proclaimed Black Barbie appears to be lamenting over collaborations past behind AI filters on TikTok live. Given the aforementioned scene, with the added context that Minaj also hopped on the dystopian NPC social media trend, it all seems like a sad existence for Minaj. SIKE! It’s all for promo.
As the Queens native readies for her upcoming Pink Friday 2 LP, which she recently pushed back to November, she’s been walking down memory lane reliving moments from the creative process of the album’s predecessor. In the process of remarking on key collaborations like “Blazin,” Minaj says Ye actually wanted to hop on “Right Thru Me” instead—but she blocked West’s attempts.
“I don’t know if you guys have heard this story about ‘Blazin’ but.. I wanted Kanye to be on ‘Blazin’ and he wanted to be on ‘Right Thru Me’,” Minaj started off before concluding, “Dumbest f###### decision I ever made.”
It’s clear West had a true affinity with pop-tinged rap anthems of the 2000s era—and what’s even clearer is that Minaj feels she missed out on her opportunity for a radio hit like Ye and Keri Hilson’s “Love Lockdown” in 2008. She probably could’ve even gotten the baby My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy visual treatment for the “Right Thru Me” music video had the collab actually came to fruition.
Alas, even though “Blazin” is still no slouch, this is clearly one of those “oh, what could’ve been” moments. Its also definitely a mythical moment in Hip-Hop history, so to speak, considering this may be one of the first documented instances where it appears West was out-bullied by someone in the studio—and just took it on the chin.
I’ll remind all of you that Ye literally put “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” out after Jeezy basically passed on the record because Ye completely deviated creatively from the theme of the track while The Snowman was up against a tight album deadline.
I guess now the big question is whether Minaj and West can, and will, match each other’s creative zeal, and disobedience, again in 2023 on Pink Friday 2?
Watch the clip in full below.
Nicki Minai revealed on TikTok Live today that Kanye initially wanted to be on 'Right Thru Me' from 'Pink Friday':
"I don't know if you guys have heard this story about 'Blazin' but.. I wanted Kanye to be on 'Blazin' and he wanted to be on 'Right Thru Me'…..dumbest f######… pic.twitter.com/OKmH3DXI48
MSNBC host Joe Scarborough got lost when Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy started spitting verses from Eminem’s#### record “Lose Yourself” while on stage at the Iowa State Fair.
For the talking head, it was apparently too much to bear and he eventually asked him (or his show’s producers) to “please stop.”
On Monday (August 14), Scarborough and his wife/co-host, Mika Brzezinski, talked about the GOP gathering on their broadcast. Brzezinski eventually addressed Ramaswamy’s suspected ploy to attract younger voters.
“The headline out of Iowa, Iowa State Fair this weekend, Vivek Ramaswamy rapping to Eminem’s ‘Lose Yourself,'” she began per The Messenger. “The song was played after his fair-side chat with the Iowa governor, and Ramaswamy went with it. Rapping several bars of the Oscar-winning song.”
But Scarborough wasn’t having it and repeatedly asked her to stop.
“Yeah. In the words of Gene Wilder in ‘Willy Wonka Factory,’ ‘Please, don’t, stop,’” the former Florida congressman said.
The performance was an early highlight on Saturday morning.
MC RAM SWAM finished up a fireside chat with Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds at JR’s South Pork Ranch inside the Iowa State Fairgrounds and decided to bust out in rhyme, the Des Moines Register reported.
It had to be planned because he grabbed a red cap and let the beat drop. Once the tuned-up song pulsated, MC RAM SWAM started to go crazy rapping the rap god’s lyrics.
Ramaswamy is 38 years old, making him the youngest candidate running for the Republican nomination. He’s going up against Donald Trump, the former president who is pushing 77.
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony celebrated 50 years of Hip-Hop with a street-naming ceremony in their hometown of Cleveland. The dedication took place at the intersection of E. 99 Street and St. Clair Avenue on Friday (August 11) with Bizzy, Krayzie, Flesh, Layzie and Wish in tow. But somebody apparently wanted more than memories—they wanted something tangible.
On Sunday (August 13), Flesh hopped on Instagram and revealed the sign had been stolen. He wrote in the caption: “Now! Which one of y’all did this s###? SMH #bonethugsnharmonyway.”
Bone Thugs’ former manager Steve Lobel—who attended the ceremony—said it perfectly, “Wow that’s f###ed up!” But fortunately for the legendary group, there was more than one. Speaking to AllHipHop, Krayzie Bone addressed the situation and was pleased to inform his fans it’s not as bad as it looks.
“That’s Cleveland,” he tells AllHipHop with a laugh. “They put up three signs up—one at both ends of the street and one in the middle of the street. I guess someone stole the one in the middle, thinking it wouldn’t be noticed, but left the other two. It’s all good though, no worries. All love.”
Krayzie Bone spoke to AllHipHop in July about the lack of respect for Hip-Hop’s pioneers and architects.
“With Hip-Hop, I’ve been blessed to be here,” he said at the time. “To be here at the beginning, to watch and see every phase that it’s went through, I’m excited to see what the next 50 years is going to bring. Hip-Hop is definitely here to stay as a music genre, but it’s still so young.
“I just want to see Hip-Hop mature and be more kind and respectful to the artists that carry this genre. I want to see a balance between artists and corporations. It’s still young, but it needs to mature a lot. We need to realize and understand how to treat all legends like other genres of music.”
Hip-Hop was being celebrated all over the world on August 11, and the street-naming ceremony was just one of many events Bone Thugs attended over the historic weekend. On Saturday (August 12), Bone Thugs headed over to the Rocket Mortgage Field House to perform alongside a roster of Hip-Hop legends as part of The F.O.R.C.E. Tour, LL Cool J’s first tour in years. Performers included The Roots, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Z-Trip, Common, Method Man, Redman, Jadakiss and MC Lyte.
Clarance Avant reportedly died at his Los Angeles home on Sunday (August 13) at the age of 92. Members of Avant’s family— son Alex Avant, daughter Nicole Avant and son-in-law Ted Sarandos—made the announcement on Monday (August 14).
“It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant,” the family said. “Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘The Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports. Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come. The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
Avant founded Sussex Records and Tabu Records in 1970s and ‘80s and was chairman of Motown Records in the’90s. Early in his career, the North Carolina native managed several jazz and blues artists, including Jimmy Smith and Little Willie John before launching one of the first fully Black-owned radio stations, KAGB FM in Los Angeles. As his career evolved, he connected Janet Jackson with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and promoted Michael Jackson’s 1988 Bad tour. Along the way, he became a mentor to budding music executives Sylvia Rhone, L.A. Reid, Babyface, Jheryl Busby, Jon Platt, Irving Azoff, Snoop Dogg and Diddy as well as the aforementioned Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
Rest in paradise Clarence Avant. Thanks for everything you’ve done for me and countless others!
Fellow industry giant Clive Davis said, “Clarence Avant was truly one of a kind. His passing is a great loss of someone who is irreplaceable. Clarence’s extraordinary contribution to music and the barriers he broke throughout his career are unrivaled. He was the mentor to all Black executives in the music industry for decades, providing invaluable guidance and support while always standing up for equal rights. Clarence was humane and fair and inspired love and respect from all who knew him. I personally loved him and will miss him forever.”
For anyone who wants to learn more about Clarence Avant’s impact, PLEASE watch ‘The Black Godfather’ doc on Netflix!
Avant received the Recording Academy’s Trustees Award in 2008, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2016, the Industry Icon Award at the 2019 Grammys and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. He also received Thurgood Marshall Lifetime Achievement Award, an NAACP Image Awards Hall Of Fame Award and a BET Honors Entrepreneur Award. He earned the nickname “The Black Godfather” due to his revolutionary business leadership and vast connections. In 2019, a documentary about Avant, The Black Godfather, was released on Netflix.
In December 2021, Avant’s wife of 53 years, Jackie Avant, was fatally shot during a home invasion at their Beverly Hills residence, a tragic end to their marriage. Condolences are pouring in on Twitter. Find some of them below.
Maaaan, woke up this morning and couldn’t believe this news!! RIP to The Black Godfather Clarence Avant, thank you for all the wisdom you’ve shared and the path you paved for artists like myself🫡👑💔🕊️ pic.twitter.com/DNQ3KlNFFl
Big salute to a man who lived a full life! Thank you to the undeniable trailblazer Clarence Avant!! You’ve left a formidable blueprint of discipline, strategy & fearlessness that will undoubtedly help guide future generations of visionaries towards their… https://t.co/BluI7jpZ8tpic.twitter.com/YeJxzTPlHA
Clarence Avant isn’t just the “Godfather Of Black Music,” he is our cultural Godfather. Throughout his life, he burst through doors and tore down ceilings, changing lives and providing opportunities for generations. A true pioneer, a mentor and a champion, Clarence Avant is and… pic.twitter.com/nZYc311Wh3
André 3000 of OutKast famously declared “the south got something to say” at the 1995 Source Awards. Nearly 30 years later, Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell is still standing up for Hip Hop acts from the southern state of Florida.
Hip Hop commemorated its 50th anniversary on August 11, 2023. Numerous celebrations took place around the world as rappers, fans, streaming services, networks, and other entities spotlighted the history of the culture.
However, Uncle Luke believes Florida-bred Hip Hop performers did not receive enough attention during the events acknowledging Hip Hop’s longevity and impact. The 2 Live Crew frontman shared a message to other FL residents on Instagram.
“Hip Hop fans from Florida. Don’t be upset they don’t recognize your favorite Floridian artists as part of Hip Hop’s 50th year celebrations,” posted Uncle Luke. “This industry has never considered us as Hip Hop from the time I started Hip Hop in the south.”
He also added, “You can only imagine the names they called us. Country booty music, trash music. I can go on and on [about] the disrespect towards Florida Hip Hop. Still to this day, we fight for our respect, and you have stood behind us every step of the way.”
2 Live Crew’s Uncle Luke Defended Hip Hop & Free Speech In Court
Uncle Luke helped elevate southern rap to the forefront as a member of 2 Live Crew and as a soloist. Additionally, the Miami native won a landmark criminal case in 1990. The state of Florida failed to convict 2 Live Crew of violating obscenity laws for performing the explicit “As Nasty as They Wanna Be.”
Luther Campbell also famously won a 1994 U.S. Supreme Court copyright infringement case filed by Acuff-Rose Music. 2 Live Crew released “Pretty Woman” as a spoof of Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman.” The Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. decision established that a commercial parody qualifies as fair use.
In conclusion, Uncle Luke’s Instagram statement read, “There will be a day this year where we come together and celebrate Florida Hip Hop [artists] from the top of the state to the bottom. We love you. Thank You for your support.”
Florida has produced some of the most successful rappers in the history of Hip Hop culture. Besides Uncle Luke and 2 Live Crew, the Sunshine State was once the stomping grounds for acts such as City Girls, Denzel Curry, Flo Rida, Kodak Black, Plies, Rick Ross, Rod Wave, Trick Daddy, Trina, XXXTentacion, and many more.
DeAndre “Soulja Boy” Way typically takes credit for being the first rapper to do almost everything. The “Soulja Boy Did It First” meme was mostly taken as light-hearted fun, but the rapper recently took to social media to proclaim his actual importance to Hip Hop culture.
“When I came in the game they said I killed Hip Hop. But really, I birthed the new wave of Hip Hop with internet/streaming. Ahead of my time. #HipHop50,” wrote Soulja Boy on X (formerly Twitter).
He also added, “Now everyone vlogs their career like me. Now everyone uploads their music to the internet. Now everyone goes live for their fans. I started it. Thank me or not. Flowers/Credit or not. #HipHop50.”
When I came in the game they said I killed hip hop. But really, I birthed the new wave of hip hop with internet/streaming. Ahead of my time. #HipHop50
Now everyone vlogs their career like me. Now everyone uploads their music to the internet. Now everyone goes live for their fans. I started it. Thank me or not. Flowers/Credit or not. #HipHop50
Soulja Boy Tell’em broke onto the national Hip Hop scene with 2007’s crossover smash “Crank That.” His self-produced track spent seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Crank That” also earned 3x-Platinum certification from the RIAA.
In addition, Soulja Boy scored Top 20 hits with “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” and “Turn My Swag On” in 2009. His initial rise in the industry during the Ringtone Rap Era was met with accusations of him being the genre’s grim reaper.
Fifteen years later, despite many of his Ringtone Era peers no longer commanding attention from fans or the media, Soulja Boy continues to remain relevant. The Mississippi-raised rhymer has released numerous music projects throughout his career. He also appeared on reality TV franchises and starred in his own The Life of Draco docuseries on Revolt.
In addition, Soulja Boy played a huge role in Hip Hop’s digital revolution over the last two decades. Back in 2006, he was one of the earliest rappers to use a burgeoning video-sharing platform called YouTube to present his music and videos. After building an online following, Soulja eventually signed a deal with Interscope Records.
Once again, Utopia is the most popular album in America. Travis Scott’s fourth studio LP remained at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart for a second consecutive week.
After opening with 496,000 first-week units, Utopia brought in 147,000 units in its second week of release. Travis Scott held off Country singer Morgan Wallen from reclaiming the top spot with One Thing at a Time (92,000 units).
Utopia‘s two-week reign makes Travis Scott the first Hip Hop act to hold onto the Billboard 200’s No. 1 position for more than one week in 2023. Philadelphia rapper Lil Uzi Vert’s Pink Tape spent a week at No. 1 in July.
In addition, Utopia is the first Hip Hop album to spend its first two weeks at No. 1 since 2021. Drake’s Certified Lover Boy dominated the Billboard 200 for three straight weeks that year. Certified Lover Boy held the top spot for a total of five weeks.
Tyler, The Creator’s Call Me If You Get Lost debuted at No. 1 in July 2021. The Grammy-winning album returned to the pinnacle of the Billboard 200 chart in April 2022 after its one-week run on top a year earlier.
Travis Scott received mostly favorable reviews for Utopia. The blockbuster release arrived with contributions from Drake, Beyoncé, 21 Savage, The Weeknd, Playboi Carti, Young Thug, Kid Cudi, Bad Bunny, SZA, Future, and more.
Previously, Travis Scott led the Billboard 200 with Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight in 2016 and Astroworld in 2018. Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight controlled the No. 1 spot for one week. Astroworld had a three-week run as the chart leader.
After three years of rampant speculation and gossip, Megan Thee Stallion finally got some legal closure for a 2020 shooting that left her injured. A California jury convicted rapper/singer Tory Lanez of assault and a judge recently sentenced him to 10 years in prison.
Megan Thee Stallion publicly named Tory Lanez (born Daystar Peterson) as the shooter. Lanez was later found guilty of assault with a semiautomatic handgun, having a loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and gross negligence in discharging his firearm.
While Tory Lanez continued to maintain his innocence, other prominent Hip Hop figures seemingly sided with the Canadian. Podcasters such as DJ Akademiks and Joe Budden expressed doubt that Megan told the truth about the situation.
Even Drake had some bars on the Her Loss album that seemed to question Megan Thee Stallion’s truthfulness. On “Circo Loco,” the Hip Hop superstar rapped, “This b#### lied about getting shots, but she still a stallion.”
Now that Lanez’s criminal trial has ended with a conviction, Megan addressed her doubters at Sunday’s Outside Lands Festival. She told that San Francisco crowd, “I just wanna say… F### all my haters! None of that s### you was doing or saying broke me.”
Megan also thanked her Hotties fanbase for their support. Even though some male rappers/commentators attempted to discredit Meg at certain points, individuals like Bun B, 21 Savage, and Noah “40” Shebib publicly backed the Houston native.
The Traumazine album by Megan Thee Stallion came out in August 2022. That project did include the Roc Nation-endorsed recording artist’s thoughts on dealing with the various trauma in her life. Traumazine featured Key Glock, Latto, Pooh Shiesty, Rico Nasty, Jhené Aiko, Future, Dua Lipa, and more.
Leading 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump may be facing multiple state and federal indictments, but that has not stopped Benny The Butcher from expressing his support for the MAGA leader.
Donald Trump, the former one-term President of the United States, has been a polarizing politician since announcing his presidential campaign in 2015. While becoming a god-like figure for many conservatives, Trump is equally as detested by many liberals and progressives.
“I’m votin’ Trump 2024,” posted Benny The Butcher on the X social media platform. Many of the Buffalo native’s fans began questioning why he chose to back Donald Trump’s latest run for the White House.
One person asked Benny if his Trump endorsement was a roll-out for new music. The 38-year-old rapper responded, “Naw, I’m [just] voting for Trump… never had to do silly [s###] for a roll-out, y’all be aight.”
Another person pointed out Benny The Butcher’s lyrics from his 2016 track “Tom Ford Socks” where he raps, “I hope the Democrats steal the election from Trump.” Benny replied, “Yea, that’s old my boy.”
Another X user asked Benny, “Hov [Jay-Z] never needed a president to make money so why [are] you doing it?” The Tana Talk 4 album creator answered, “Everybody ain’t Hov… it’s not for money, my boy, I’m rich already.”
Benny the Butcher rose to prominence in Hip Hop circles as a member of the Griselda collective alongside Westside Gunn and Conway The Machine. Griselda released several projects, including 2019’s WWCD, which came out via Eminem’s Shady Records.
Tory Lanez is adjusting to life behind bars after being sentenced to 10 years earlier this month after being found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion.
The Canadian crooner is housed at Los Angeles County Jail where he will remain until he’s transferred to prison to complete his sentence. While there, Tory Lanez is being segregated from the general population inside the jail and is only allowed out for a minimal time, TMZ reports.
According to the outlet, Lanez is allowed out of his cell for 2 hours each day but must spend his time alone. He is allowed to venture outside for recreation time, but only for up to three hours a week.
Law enforcement sources also told TMZ Tory Lanez is set to be transferred to an intake center within the next month. From there, authorities will determine which prison he will serve the remainder of his sentence.
Tory Lanez broke his silence last week for the first time since his sentencing hearing. He refused to apologize to Megan Thee Stallion while maintaining his innocence. Lanez’s attorney Jose Baez announced plans to appeal his conviction.
“We’re extremely disappointed that Tory did not get the sentence that we had certainly hoped for. I think the sentence handed down was incredibly harsh,” Baez explained to the press after the hearing.
He called the decade-long sentence “extreme” and claimed Tory Lanez was unfairly punished.
“To get a ten-year sentence is extreme,” Baez added. “And really just another example of someone being punished for their celebrity status. And someone being utilized to set an example.”
The music industry is a vast landscape, filled with a diverse array of artists who create their own unique ripples. Amidst this vast sea of creativity, there emerges individuals whose journeys transcend the ordinary and leave an indelible mark. One such remarkable artist is Magg-1, a gospel drill rapper whose trajectory from humble beginnings to becoming a revered figure in the music scene is nothing short of awe-inspiring. With an unwavering faith, unyielding determination, and a profound musical talent, Magg-1’s career stands as a testament to the power of belief and dedication.
A Transformative Path to Triumph
Magg-1’s ascent to prominence is a narrative of transformation against all odds. Emerging from a background of tireless effort and relentless perseverance, Magg-1 not only etched a space for himself in the music industry but also embraced the role of an entrepreneur. Yet, amidst his rapid rise, Magg-1 remained grounded, acknowledging that his accomplishments and blessings were a divine gift.
The evolution of Magg-1 from a tenacious entrepreneur to a gospel drill phenomenon is a story that resonates deeply. His unwavering faith, his ceaseless commitment to his craft, and his resolute determination to spread the message of God through his music have firmly established him as an influential artist.
Awakening of Spirit and Divine Calling
What sets Magg-1 apart is his steadfast devotion to his faith and his unshakeable conviction in a higher purpose. Through his unwavering dedication to worship, praise, and the study of God’s word, Magg-1 experienced profound spiritual awakenings, including visions and dreams. It was on that significant day, June 15th, 2020, that Magg-1 encountered a life-altering revelation – the Holy Spirit endowed him with a clear purpose and direction: to proclaim the gospel through his music.
This divine calling fundamentally altered the trajectory of Magg-1’s artistic journey. Recognizing that his talents were a conduit for something beyond personal achievement, he embraced his role as a messenger of faith and inspiration. His music transformed into a medium through which he could convey profound spiritual truths to a wider audience, bridging the gap between the sacred and the contemporary.
Inspiration Through Musical Expression
Magg-1’s music transcends the boundaries of mere songs; it serves as a wellspring of inspiration for those in search of meaning and purpose. Through his poignant storytelling, Magg-1 shares his own expedition through faith, struggles, and victories, extending an invitation to listeners to embark on their own voyage of self-discovery and spiritual growth. His music operates as a vessel of optimism and hope, a testament to the compatibility of faith and artistic creativity.
What elevates Magg-1’s artistry is the authenticity woven into his lyrics and the raw emotions that permeate his music. His creativity transcends the realm of entertainment; it serves as a conduit for introspection, empowerment, and motivation. In extending the boundaries of the gospel drill genre, he employs his platform to address genuine challenges and offer spiritual guidance.
A Luminary’s Path Forward
As Magg-1 progresses as an artist, his influence on both the industry and his audience is poised to expand even further. His distinctive amalgamation of faith-driven messaging and contemporary musical style resonates with individuals from all walks of life, forging connections between diverse communities through shared values and aspirations.
Magg-1’s journey underscores the potential of music as a transformative force – capable of touching souls, altering lives, and instilling hope. His commitment to spreading the gospel through his music attests to the potency of faith and the profound impact artists can effect when they channel their talents for a higher calling.
In a world where genuine messages often struggle for audibility amidst the cacophony, Magg-1 emerges as a symbol of authenticity and motivation. His music bears a divine message of optimism and salvation, beckoning us to introspect on our own journeys, embrace our faith, and strive for greatness. So, keep an ear attuned to Magg-1’s transformative rhythms and inspiring verses, for his melodies convey more than mere entertainment – they carry a divine message of hope and redemption.
For those eager to experience the fusion of faith and musical ingenuity, Magg-1’s album can be explored here: Listen on Spotify
Drake shared a heartwarming father-and-son moment with Adonis during the little boy’s first time at his superstar dad’s show.
The 5-year-old watched on in awe as his father made his entrance at Inglewood, California’s Kia Forum Saturday night (August 12). Drake then joined Adonis mid-performance, sweetly serenading his son, who bobbed his head to the track.
Meanwhile, earlier in the evening, Drake warned concertgoers to keep it “real PG” while his son was in the stadium. After previously requesting fans only throw their bras and not other objects onstage, the “Rich Flex” hitmaker asked the audience for a family-friendly show this time.
“Hey, look, imma be honest with you,” Drake said to the crowd after a concertgoer threw their bra at him. “I can’t talk about t###### tonight in L.A. because my son is at the show for the first time ever.”
He added: “So we have to keep this real PG tonight. Y’all keep them bras on.”
Drake told the crowd last night to keep it PG & keep their bra’s on cause Adonis was there 😭 pic.twitter.com/QgrhX1iUX9
Despite his hectic touring schedule, Drake has been making the most of his time with Adonis. He recently shared an image of him doing his son’s hair which drew a hilarious response from Lil Yachty.
“It’s no way your sitting here acting like your braiding his hair for the internet,” Yachty trolled in the comments section. Drake quickly hit back at his good friend’s jab with an amusing shot of his own. “I was unbraiding it b####,” Drizzy replied. “Your son said you ain’t hit him in 6 months on his finsta he said he need some Jordans and a backpack for school.”
Papoose paid tribute to the legendary DJ Kay Slay during a posthumous street-naming ceremony in Harlem during a weekend of celebrations for Hip-Hop’s 50th birthday.
The honorary street sign was unveiled Sunday (August 13) in the DJ’s native Harlem. Family and friends gathered to see the big reveal alongside fellow NYC icons Busta Rhymes, Papoose and Remy Ma, among others.
The head of Hip-Hop at TuneCore honored his longtime friend and collaborator DJ Kay Slay and promised to carry on his legacy during an uplifting speech at the unveiling.
“I just want to recognize his achievements and all of the great things he did and what he stood for,” Papoose began. “I’m definitely here to carry on the legacy of my brother because I know he would have did the same thing for me.”
He then thanked LL Cool J for allowing him to take over Slay’s iconic radio show The Drama Hour. The show relaunched on the Rock The Bells station Friday (August 11).
Papoose continued, praising DJ Kay Slay for launching and revving rappers’ careers on The Drama Hour.
“When their career was on that respirator and they needed to get hot again they had to come back to Slay. Because they know he was authentic,” he added. “Slay didn’t play that popularity contest, he didn’t care about politics. That’s why he was who he was.”
Papoose Confirms DJ Kay Slay’s “Rolling 200 Deep”
Elsewhere during his tribute, Papoose confirmed Kay Slay the rumor DJ Kay Slay had been curating a follow-up to his 2021 mega-posse cut Rolling 110 Deep. Pap announced Rolling 200 Deep, featuring a mind-blowing 200 MCs, will be released next month.
“He wanted to see that 200 Deep come out,” Papoose explained. “Slay gave me my first opportunity. Now that I’m head of Hip-Hop at TuneCore I’m going to make sure that happens. September 15th, we releasing 200 Deep.”
Checkout a clip of Papoose’s speech below and watch highlights from the ceremony at the end of the page.
Drake has announced the return of British crime drama Top Boy which will return to Netflix this fall.
The highly acclaimed show has built a cult global following, and is frequently praised for its authentic portrayal of life on an East London housing estate while tackling pressing social issues, including mental health, racism and poverty.
On Sunday night (August 13), Top Boy Executive producer Drake revealed the show will return for a third and final season next month. He previewed a dramatic teaser for the finale on Instagram, promising to leave “No.Loose.Ends.”
“Top Boy, The Final Chapter. September 7th,” Drake penned in the caption. Check out the gripping trailer below.
Drake called for the show to be revived after two seasons of the original Channel 4 series, which aired between 2011 and 2013, and joined as executive producer for the subsequent three series.
While fans called for Drake to make a cameo on Top Boy, cast members revealed that he was once slated to appear in the first series of the Netflix show. However, his role was axed for fear of harming the show’s authenticity.
“I don’t think it would be right,” Micheal Ward who plays “Jamie” explained to Cosmopolitan. “Because, you’ve gotta remember, Top Boy is quite authentic. So as soon as you see someone like Drake’s face, who is so huge in what he does … it might take you out. So I feel like just having it with the people from next door sort of vibe, it’s just better that way.”
Boosie Badazz is singing R. Kelly’s praises again, championing the disgraced R&B singer, who he claims cannot be beaten in a Verzuz, not even by the likes of Michael Jackson.
The Baton Rouge Louisiana native shared his thoughts during an Instagram Live chat with his fans Sunday (August 13). According to Boosie, R. Kelly has so many hits he could take on an entire streaming platform and still be victorious.
“Nobody got more hits than R. Kelly,” Boosie insisted. “You gone’ have to put him in a Verzus with Spotify.
He then brought up the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, claiming R. Kelly would “smoke” Michael Jackson in a head-to-head clash. “Hit for hit, he would blow Michael Jackson,” Boosie stated before questioning who has more hits.
“How many Michael Jackson songs you know and how many R Kelly songs you know?” he continued. “Aint nobody got more hits than Kellz. Y’all don’t wanna keep it real ‘cause he in the position he in.”
Boosie Says R. Kelly Should Be Allowed To “Make A Difference”
While many social media users pushed back against his claims, Boosie is a firm supporter of the Chicago-bred singer. He called for a lower sentence when Kelly was given 30 years following his 2021 conviction on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, claiming the singer could come out and warn young girls about predators.
“People getting 15/20 years for murder n he get 30,” Bossie tweeted after Kelly’s sentencing. “Yes he was wrong af for manipulating young girls n sexing them but he didn’t kill anyone, aggravated rape anyone .N no blame on the parents who knew everything. Resentence this man College professors get probation for this s###.”
Boosie continued. “Get this man some help n some jail time but don’t give him a death sentence ,30 years Maybe he can one get out one day n warn these young girls about older predators n make a difference ?but 30 years like Come on world.”
Timbaland’s former rap partner and Missy Elliott affiliate, Magoo, has reportedly died. News of his death started pouring in on social media late Sunday night (August 13) and quickly became a trending Twitter topic. Digital Black of Playa expressed his sorrow with an Instagram post that read simply, “Man can’t believe this RIH Magoo damn big bro wasn’t ready for this at all #superfriends.”
At the time of publication, Timbaland, Missy Elliott nor any one from their respective camps have commented on his passing. No cause of death has been revealed either.
Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, Magoo began his collaborative journey with Timbaland in 1989 after meeting as teenagers. During their formative years, Magoo and Timbo were part of a group called SBI (Surrounded By Idiots) that included Larry Live and a then-unknown Pharrell Williams. Timbo was referred to as “DJ Timmy Tim,” while Pharrell was called “Magnum the Verb Lord.”
But their debut album as Timbaland & Magoo, 1997’s Welcome to Our World, yielded their highest-charting single, “Up Jumps Da Boogie.” After releasing two more studio albums as a duo—2001’s Indecent Proposal and 2003’s Under Construction Part II—they pivoted to working with fellow Virginia native Missy Elliott and, ultimately, Aaliyah.
In August 2021, Blackground Records—the label that launched Aaliyah’s career, solidified a distribution partnership with Empire Distribution. Under the new deal, Timbaland & Magoo’s catalog was introduced to a more contemporary audience with multiple re-releases.
Naturally, tributes are exploding on social media. Check some of them out below. (This is a developing story.)
Rapper Lil Durk’s concert at the United Center was abruptly halted Saturday night following a false report of an active shooter.
As panic ensued, attendees rushed for the exits, leading to a chaotic scene. The Chicago Police Department later confirmed that the report was a false alarm.
According to TMZ, the United Center stated they are collaborating with authorities to investigate the incidents from the WGCI Summer Jam show.
“We are working closely with authorities to investigate all incidents from last evening at the WGCI Summer Jam show. It became apparent for all involved that ending the show early was in everyone’s best interest as the safety of our guests and employees is a priority. We are thankful that initial incident reports were false and that guests exited the facility safely,” a rep said in a statement.
An active shooter alert at Lil Durk’s concert last night. Instead of running for their lives, many for the loot.
As some concertgoers left the venue, they seized the opportunity to grab merchandise, with Lil Durk later acknowledging these fans on social media. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Despite the disruption, Lil Durk took to social media, urging fans not to “believe the hype” and expressing gratitude to Chicago.
He also humorously addressed those who took merchandise during the commotion, asking them to tag him so he could repost their actions.
Next Durk concert I go to, I’m paying for meet and greet if they have it. Idc how much it is😭
