Azealia Banks has opened up about almost giving up on music.
During an interview with The New York Times for a feature on the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the rapper recalled almost giving up her career to go to college.
Azealia, 32, told the publication that after submitting her song “212” to her then-record label XL, she was “dropped,” causing her to re-evaluate her career.
“I was thinking maybe I should go get a GED (General Education Development certificate) and go to college,” the rapper confessed. “Then I just get this phone call from Nick Grimshaw on BBC Radio 1, and he’s played it (‘212’) like a million times.
“I didn’t even know what BBC Radio 1 was. And then very quickly you go from getting paid $150 and a bottle of Smirnoff to perform to getting like, $5,000 at some weird charity event. I’d never had 5,000 anything all at once in my hands, ever. All I could think was, I’m going to get a weave and a laptop.”
As a result of her growing fame, Azealia even found herself at the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld’s house.
“One thing leads to another, and then I’m at Karl Lagerfeld’s house,” she said. “I didn’t even know who Karl Lagerfeld was when he invited me to perform at his house in Paris.
“I didn’t know what Coachella was when I got booked for Coachella. That Coachella date in 2012, it was like, all right, I’m here. I’m a star.”
The performer self-released “212” in December 2011 as the lead single from her 2012 debut EP, “1991.”
Nicki Minaj and her family have been swatted again—this time, a 911 caller claimed there’d been a shooting at her Los Angeles home. According to TMZ, several L.A. County Sheriff deputies rushed to Minaj’s home in in the San Fernando Valley on Saturday afternoon (July 29) with sirens blaring. They were led to believe someone had been shot at the home. Police made contact with Minaj once on the property, and she was reportedly furious.
After all, this isn’t the first time Minaj has been a victim of a swatting incident. In early June, L.A.P.D. officers were again dispatched to her home after a caller claimed her child was being abused. After speaking to Minaj and her husband, Kenneth Petty, they also checked out their 3-year-old son. They determined no crime had been committed and soon left the residence. Just hours later—around 3 a.m. local time—police received another call from someone who insisted Minaj’s home was on fire.
Swatting—a form of prank call where the goal is to get a police response at someone’s home—is a growing problem for police around the country but especially in California, where many celebrities live. Miley Cyrus, Ashton Kutcher, Justin Bieber, Tom Cruise, Kris Jenner, Paris Hilton, Rihanna and Justin Timberlake are among the many stars who’ve been targeted. Police are investigating the latest incident.
Listen. Terence “Bud” Crawford didn’t need Eminem and even Eminem recognized that. He walked the newly crowned Number 1 Pound-For-Pound champion halfway to the ring and let him do the rest on his own. Bud rocked a fisherman’s net, around him because he considered Errol Spence the big fish. ANYWAY, Eminem was ominious, because he really came out as support and to puncuate the inevitable.
Last night, Bud turned Spence into food. It was a crazy domination that nobody really expected. Most people saw Crawford winning, but Spence definitely had his die hard fans too. That was a pumelling! Now, I am wondering what is going to happen next. Spence is talking about “rematch this year” and everybody is like “Bro, relax.” You just got done looking like a Martin after fighting Hitman Hearns.
By the way, there are rumors that Crawford broke Spence’s nose last night. That seemed highly possible based on the flush shots he was taking. That jab was clicking! Also, I am hearing he is under medical suspension by the athletic commission, likely 3 months. Anyway, hopefully after Spence watches the mauling, he will come to his senses. There’e no need for a rematch. This ain’t a Rocky movie. A beating like that warrants nothing but “KIM (keeping it moving!)”
Kylie Jenner has recalled “crying” after realizing she wasn’t happy with her baby son’s name.
During the season three finale of “The Kardashians,” the youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner sisters opened up about becoming emotional over her 17-month-old son’s name, which she has legally changed from Wolf to Aire.
“I’ve officially started the process of changing my son’s name because his legal name is Wolf Webster,” Kylie, 25, announced. “So I’m going to do Aire Webster, A-I-R-E.”
The Kylie Cosmetics founder added that she had “always wanted to do a name for him that had meaning, and it’s a Hebrew name. It means ‘Lion of God.'”
“The advice I would give to you is: find your name before your hormones start raging and you have the child. It was the hormones that took me out,” she confessed to her best friend Anastasia ‘Stassie’ Karanikolaou.
“It was like, ‘I’m too emotional. He’s so special to me. There’s not a name good enough for him,'” Kylie remembered thinking.
In a confessional during the episode, Kylie opened up further about how her pregnancy hormones had impacted her.
“I didn’t realize the postpartum would hit me that hard. I never called him Wolf, ever. And then the second, that night, I cried in the shower,” she recalled. “(I thought,) ‘That’s not his name. What did I just do? Wolf?
Someone just told me this 24 hours ago, to name my son Wolf! It wasn’t even on the list!'”
Kylie and her ex-boyfriend, rapper Travis Scott, welcomed Aire in February 2022. The pair also share a five-year-old daughter, Stormi.
Rapper Meek Mill, who has been a vocal critic of the criminal justice system, recently teamed up with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to sign a new law.
This law, set to take effect from January 1st, aims to address non-criminal technical violations that often lead to individuals being re-incarcerated.
Meek Mill, born Robert Williams, has a personal history with the justice system, having spent nearly a decade under court supervision.
His legal battles have been widely reported, particularly with Judge Genece Brinkley.
Brinkley, who presided over his case, was accused by Mill’s legal team of harboring a vendetta against him after she sent him back to prison for failed drug tests, a fight in a St. Louis airport, traveling without permission, and most infamously – for popping a wheelie while riding a dirt bike.
The controversial judge claimed he violated the terms of his 2008 probation for a drug and gun conviction and ordered him to serve 2 to 4 years in prison. After intense pressures and boycotts, Meek Mill was released in April 2018.
Despite these challenges, Mill has emerged as a strong advocate for nationwide reform.
Speaking about his involvement in the law’s creation, Meek Mill said, “That’s a milestone in my life. When I started making music, I was just trying to get out of the ghetto and my environment. But to be a part of something that changes bills and laws that actually affect me and my people, it’s my legacy.”
He further emphasized the significance of this achievement, saying, “Before, all I had was music, and I helped inspire a lot of people to get through a lot of times. But now, I’ve got something real that I can say I do besides getting my mom out the hood. I actually helped change laws and help get people out of prison who don’t belong in prison.”
The new law is expected to impact around 100,000 people currently on probation, parole, or mandatory supervised release in Illinois.
A quarter of these individuals often return to prison within three years due to non-criminal technical violations, such as missing a meeting with a probation officer.
The owners of 810 Billiards and Bowling deny any responsibility for the shocking death of Hip-Hop titan Takeoff.
The nightclub where the fatal shooting of Takeoff took place has become the epicenter of a complex legal showdown. According to recent court documents, Patrick Xavier Clark and Cameron Joshua are at the heart of this narrative.
Takeoff was killed in a shooting incident after attending a private party with his group mate, Quavo, at 810 Billiards and Bowling before the shooting. The Harris County medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, with the cause of death being “penetrating gunshot wounds of head and torso into the arm.”
Takeoff’s mother leveled accusations at 810 Billiards and Bowling in a lawsuit earlier this year, suggesting a lack of adequate security measures at the club played a part in her famous son’s untimely death.
Stephanie M. Krueger, the legal representative for 810 Billiards and Bowling, is steadfast in placing the blame squarely onto Clark and Cameron.
“Ample evidence exists supporting a claim that Patrick Xavier Clark’s intentional criminal actions proximately caused, in whole or in part, the damages for which Plaintiffs now seek recover,” Krueger explained.
Clark, 33, was charged with murder following his arrest on December 2, 2022.
The narrative also involves Cameron Joshua, known in the Hip-Hop scene as Lil Cam 5th. The 23-year-old was arrested on November 22, 2022, on charges of felony possession of a firearm and unlawfully carrying a weapon.
Doubling down, Krueger reiterated, “Ample evidence exists supporting a claim that Cameron Joshua’s intentional criminal actions proximately caused, in whole or in part, the damages for which Plaintiffs now seek recovery.”
Krueger argued that the accused individuals were acting independently, thus absolving 810 Billiards and Bowling from any liability in the rapper’s tragic death.
The stance of the Houston Police Department in their ongoing investigations is in line with Krueger’s assertions, suggesting that the actions of Clark and Joshua were the proximate cause of Takeoff’s demise.
This revelation could potentially release the club from legal responsibility, shifting the focus to Clark and Joshua.
Takeoff, who was a member of the globally renowned Hip-Hop trio Migos, had a profound impact on the Hip-Hop industry.
His sudden death led to a widespread outpouring of tributes from fans and peers alike. Earlier this week, Quavo explained he still feels Takeoff’s presence.
“I hear him,” Quavo said. “I always smile ’cause that’s stuff that we talked about. We always talked about that … We always talked bout energy … So, when stuff like good spirit stuff [happens], I feel him. I know he’s here. I know he’s around.”
Bullpen Battle Rap League’s Mecca card proved to be the surprise battle experience of the year, while also serving as a triumphant homecoming for its boss, John John the Don.
The battle rap culture has been preoccupied with rumors about who people are dating, Jimz being exposed as an alleged racist and people violating contracts. It’s nice to have an event where the entire buzz around it was “who can rap better.”
Held at the Yonkers Arts Project Space, the event kicked off with two electrifying undercard battles: CNG TY vs. Quwan Da Rebel and Taj Milli vs. Wavyington. However, the real magic ignited when Cortez and Philly Haze took the stage as the main event.
There was something special from the jump when they both took the stage. The battle was top-notch good and a great introduction to the Mecca event.
The battle between these two Latino kings was nothing short of extraordinary, with both MCs delivering hard-hitting bars and clever jokes. Philly Haze showed immense promise as a rising star, impressively holding his ground against the seasoned veteran, Cortez.
He was clean, clear and consistent— which for a battle rapper is always a plus. He also did an insane freestyle that used every word on the wall, displaying his talent and showing his teeth—he wants another plate.
Cortez was his extraordinary self, leaning on his pen and personality to comfortably amuse the crowd before him. When the Murda Ave vet gets in his bag, with flow switches and name flips, it’s hard to deny the Puerto Rican king is one of the best to ever do it.
This was one of the best offerings either have had this year.
The intensity continued with Lady Caution and Bonnie Godiva stepping up next. The clash between these two queens was nothing short of an inferno, leaving fans in awe of their lyrical prowess. Fans were treated to a confident LC215 that’s been cooking all year.
She admitted Bonnie was her first vet and she treated her with the respect she deserved. Bar heavy, it’s easy to forget just how small-framed Philly princess is. She barks like a Mastiff. For Bonnie, she was home and comfortable in her pocket. As a Yonkers native, she knew the crowd intimately and gave them what she’s known for and what they all wanted: bars, jokes and clever wordplay. Another classic (and sure the word gets thrown around a lot but …) battle.
Next up was another female battle between the godmother of battle rap, E-Hart, and Cashflo Rizzy.
E-Hart is another Yonkers native, born and raised on the streets of one of New York’s extra boroughs. Her opponent was Norfolk’s Cashflo Rizzy.
Rizzy was getting crazy with her offering. She had to—she was standing in front of one of modern-day female battle rap’s first few real legends. She stood 10 toes down on the stage and competitively earned the respect of other lyrical giants in the building. She was amazing. But … E-Hart was more amazing. Like Bonnie, she was home and not leaving the stage without a body, pulling out all of the things that has made her so revered.
Watching E-Hart rhyme is akin to watching Floyd Mayweather box. Just like others walk away from a Money Team event with a complete sense of satisfaction (regardless of how great the other opponent appeared to perform), that’s how it feels seeing E-Hart.
The headliner featured John John Da Don facing off against Jae Millz in a battle of swag and lyrical prowess. Jae Millz brought his star power to the stage, backed by the likes of Murda Mook and Loaded Lux, promising an epic show.
The former Bad Boy star was in his bag. His rhymes were concise and relevant, flossing on JJDD with the 20 years of experience he has under his belt. He was funny. He was present. He had people on JJDD’s side grimacing and in the haymaker of the night had Tay Roc and Smack White, who were in the building going crazy.
Tay Roc reacts to Jae Millz, Jumps on Smack’s Back (Bullpen/The Mecca) NDS Photo
Now, John John was classic John John: EXTRAORDINARY!
One of the best to do it, it’ shocking he was able to pull the event together and rap had such a high capacity. That’s what’s interesting about JJDD—he just performed at NOME IMPACT and washed two of the Ultimate Rap League’s top newest talents and now, he’s standing in front of Jae Millz, who was on the first SMACK battle ever with the same energy and hunger. While this battle is arguably one of this writer’s favorite back-and-forths of the year, it’s important to note the Yonkers/Atlanta MC has another battle coming up in a few weeks (as well as hosting a tournament for his Bullpen league).
The event drew a star-studded audience, including battle rap luminaries like Ike P, Krissy Yamagucci and Phara Funeral, as well as members of the Ultimate Rap League team who brought the “HBO Real Sports with Bryan Gumble” film crew to capture some footage for an upcoming piece on the league.
Smack White was there to give a Certificate of Recognition from the Yonkers’ City Council that read: “We, The Yonkers City Council, join with the City of Yonkers in Honoring John McGhee, a young African American raised in Yonkers, who went on to become a renowned battle rapper, creating his own league. Going on countrywide tours and lending financial advice as well as exposure to up-incoming battle rappers.”
It was a good call because Bullpen represented all the phenomenal things that are right with the culture with the card— and if you want to check it out, the Pay-Per-View is available on Caffeine on Sunday (July 30) 4 p.m. local time.
Idris Elba has remembered being threatened at gunpoint during an altercation in the U.S.
The “Luther” star, 50, recalled the moment while speaking with the Daily Mail.
“I nearly lost my f###### life after attempting to stop a man threatening his girlfriend outside a club,” Idris Elba revealed. “A guy (was) whaling on his missus, screaming in her face, ‘I’ll f###### kill you,’ and so on. I come round, and I go ‘Look how beautiful she is. Why would you talk to this beautiful princess like that?'”
Idris, who has been married to model Sabrina Dhowre since 2019, claimed the man then “Pulled out a gun, stuck it right in my face, and goes, ‘You talking about my girl?'”
“He thought I was trying to hit on her,” “The Wire” actor recalled. “I remember thinking, ‘Don’t play negotiations like that’… Consequences, man.”
The Hackney-born actor starred in the Apple TV+ series “Hijack,” playing a character traveling on a flight from Dubai to London which turns into a hostage situation.
In an alarming trend that’s putting artists at risk, Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B became the latest performer to be targeted by an unruly fan during a live performance at Drai’s Beach Club nightclub in Las Vegas on July 29.
The incident occurred while Cardi B performed her hit song “Bodak Yellow” to a packed crowd. An unidentified individual threw an unspecified liquid at the rapper, prompting her to retaliate by throwing her microphone at the offender.
The repercussions for the fan, if any, remain unclear.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend where fans throw objects at live show performers. Artists like Harry Styles and Drake have also been victims of similar incidents in recent weeks.
Other artists have also spoken out against this dangerous behavior. Bebe Rexha was seriously injured in New York City when a fan threw a cell phone at her face, leading to the fan’s arrest.
Artists are pleading with fans to stop this disrespectful and dangerous trend.
During a recent show at The Colosseum in Las Vegas, Adele addressed the issue, saying, “People are throwing s### on stage. Have you seen that? I f###### dare you — I dare you throw something at me. I’ll f###### kill you.”
This trend of throwing things at performers while they are on stage must come to an end. (Bebe, Ava, AND NOW Kelsea Ballerini…) It’s so disrespectful and very dangerous. Please just enjoy the music I beg of you…
Charlie Puth echoed this sentiment on Twitter, stating, “This trend of throwing things at performers while they are on stage must come to an end. It’s so disrespectful and very dangerous. Please just enjoy the music I beg of you…”
As the trend continues, artists and concert organizers are grappling with how to ensure the safety of performers without compromising the live concert experience for fans.
Post Malone has admitted that having a child has “put a lot into perspective” for him.
In a new interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, the 28-year-old opened up about how his life has changed after welcoming his now 14-month-old daughter.
“Having a baby really put a lot into perspective, and it’s really slowed me down a lot, like party-wise, you know, going out and being crazy,” the Sunflower singer told Zane, adding, “But it’s like the most beautiful thing.”
When discussing his lifestyle change, the pop rapper explained that he is stepping back from the nightlife scene, which is often attached to the music industry.
“I just want to take some time now,” he said. “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.”
The artist added, “I never really got time or really got time or had the bandwidth to experience the journey to its fullest. So I guess that’s what I’m trying to do now.”
When addressing his relationship with alcohol, which he admitted is “very much” one of his weaknesses, the musician explained that he is currently in a “good spot” with it.
“I have a very hard time expressing myself via recording if I’m not a little f##### up,” he confessed. “It’s a good spot now because if I’m not recording or I’m not talking to people or if I’m not doing shows, I really do drink just to have fun. It’s having a beer with my dad or with my bud.”
The “Circles” artist said of fatherhood, “I really love hanging out with my baby, hanging out with the lady, playing video games, and in my garage working on projects. That’s what I love to do.”
Post Malone released his latest album Austin on Friday.
By coating raw reality in magnetic melodies, Rellyski draws a fine line between gritty Hip-Hop storytelling and soulful vocal delivery. The Opa-locka, FL phenomenon balances these dynamics in his music.
A hypnotic hook will give way to a hard-learned truth as he examines trials, tribulations, triumphs, and everything in between. After gaining traction via streaming and attracting acclaim among various platforms, Rellyski continues to hone his scorching signature style as a rising artist under the Bad Habit /Atlantic Records banner. Rellyski has much more to come, defining his vision in the process.
The young Florida rapper performed at the Rolling Loud festival recently for the second year in a row. He performed “See Through” produced by hitmaker 808 Mafia at the Toyota Culture Lab – where the crowd went wild over his electrifying performance of the assertive track.
Hip-hop has always blossomed from confidence and through an unapologetic trajectory that now dominates music trends and culture, as the most popular genre of music in the nation, it is evident that Rellyski is Hip-Hop’s latest call to action, delivering sonorous vibes with a universal resonance.
Ye had run afoul of the platform’s rules before. In October 2022, his account was restricted over antisemitic comments, leading to a similar ban.
His controversial remarks also led to severed ties with The Gap, Balenciaga, and Adidas, who stated that they “do not tolerate anti-Semitism and any other sort of hate speech.”
Despite the controversy, Ye’s account was reinstated earlier today (July 29). The rapper will not be eligible to monetize his account, and advertisements will not appear next to his posts, according to The New York Times.
Twitter/X says Kanye West’s account is being “turned back on.” It will be ineligible for a monetization and no ads will appear next to his posts, according to the company.
This comes after he shared an image of a s####### a few months ago.
Since his return, Ye has not posted anything new on the platform. His last post, dated December 1, 2022, was a controversial jab at his ex-wife Kim Kardashian.
Musk has not publicly commented on the reinstatement of Ye’s account.
In a follow-up post, he wrote in a caption, “Her Drawls Be Everything To Me!! Look How She Wear’em They Be Sagging Like She Ain’t Finish Put’em On!!! I Luv Dis Sh*t!!! #Plies#IGotMotion.” The crazy thing about the picture he screen-grabbed for the post is that the fit 41-year-old’s camo underwear was dental floss small.
The third Instagram post about the “Ooops … I Did It Again” singer was of him giggling and watching her dance.
Pliés could not stop laughing and said, “She takes me out every time.” He captioned the video with “That Damn Britt Back Again Looking Like A “Fruit Rollup” This Time Bih!!! Watch When She Walk Off & Turn Aroun On Y’all F*ck Azz!!!! I Can Watch This Sh*t All Day!! #Plies#IGotMotion.”
Ladies If U Ain’t Gone Wear Dem Panties Like This Ion Even Wanna See’em!!!! 🤣🤣🤣 Britt Got Dem MTFers Hanging!!!!! 😍😍😍 https://t.co/WiFxoD022J
Little did the rapper know, the singer is getting ready for a comeback for real.
On Thursday, July 26, she wrote, “A tease for a little project on the way !!!!!! Whose readyyyyyyyyyyyyyy !!! Had to do the yyyyyyyy because for some reason my sister does that on her gram !!!!!! Love y’all !!!”
Britney Spears teasing this new project!! 👀🔥
she wrote:
A tease 😈 for a little project on the way !!!!!! Whose readyyyyyyyyyyyyyy !!! Had to do the yyyyyyyy because for some reason my sister does that on her gram !!!!!! Love 💕 y’all !!! pic.twitter.com/wMYaP9vYJC
YouTube personality Tasha K and the flashy Bishop Lamor Whitehead are embroiled in a staggering $360 million lawsuit.
Tasha K, known for her popular YouTube show “Tasha K Live,” produced by Florida-based Yelen Entertainment LLC, has found herself in the crosshairs of Bishop Whitehead, a controversial figure in his own right.
The legal dispute arose after Tasha K Live reported on the controversies surrounding Whitehead, including an interview with him and why she decided not to publish specific allegations that Whitehead had encouraged her to report.
Following these episodes, Whitehead threatened to sue her for defamation, and now he has made good on his threat.
Whitehead’s colossal lawsuit challenges six statements made by Tasha K in her May 2023 videos.
These include claims that Whitehead bought a $2 million mansion with only $10 in the bank, that he tried to use Tasha K to intimidate a witness in a criminal case, and had a church transfer its building to him, which he was later evicted from – an act that could be considered fraud.
Yelen Entertainment, which produces Tasha K’s show, has countered these allegations, arguing that many of the statements are “fair and true” reports of judicial proceedings and are immune from defamation claims.
They also argue that most of the challenged statements are not actionable as they are opinions, speculation about the future, or loose, hyperbolic language.
Whitehead, a self-proclaimed Bishop and commercial real estate investor, has a checkered past that includes a five-year stint in Sing Sing for multiple counts of identity theft, a civil lawsuit for allegedly defrauding a church out of its building, and a current federal indictment for wire fraud, extortion, and related charges.
He wrote next to a picture of his son, “Miss u like $hit Dev My heart will forever have a Black hole in it but u know ur father gotta be strong to hold the family up.”
“Thanks 4 all the support from family, friends, and all of my followers y’all really helping me get thru these ruff times Me and my family appreciate and love y’all,” he continued. “Rest Well dev and watch over us u know I got chase. love u Cheese.”
YNG Cheese’ real name was Devin Spady.
Though blessed with the overflow of his father’s legacy, he stood on his own as an emcee and forged a name for himself in the rap community. He self-released music on YouTube and SoundCloud and collaborated with his father on the 2021 album Macc N Cheese.
AllHipHop.com continues to extend our prayers to the family and the whole of Philly as we all celebrate YNG Cheese’s life and mourn his tragic death.
Travis Scott’s UTOPIA has finally arrived, but people can’t seem to stop talking about Kanye West—and now an artist named B L A C K I E.
Don’t get me wrong, La Flame did his thing and cooked up. Plus, the star-studded guest list UTOPIA boasts draws an appeal of its own. Dawgy really put Bad Bunny and The Weeknd on an Afrobeat banger and called it “K-POP.”
The entire rollout of the album has been insane as well—complete with totem pole subwoofer sound systems, a feature-length film and an Egyptian Pyramids performance pump fake. La Flame really went in his Robert Horry bag and put up numbers on the board to promote this album.
And even with all of that noted, it seems callous fans have reduced the first 24 hours of the project’s life to comparisons of YE’s 2013 acclaimed YEEZUS album. What’s even wilder about it all is the fact that fans aren’t that far off at all by referring to La Flame’s new record as somewhat of a sequel to YE’s shock value-loaded experimental LP. It’s no wonder tracks such as “Modern Jam” feel like a 2023 version of “I Am A God”—considering a version of the track is interpolated in the song.
“Modern Jam”, Track 3 on #Utopia reuses the beat from a 10 year old version of “I Am A God” produced by Ye, Travis, Mike Dean and Daft Punk pic.twitter.com/uUbfFTpCJa
And yet, even beyond the obvious references, there’sa dark, viscerally distorted aesthetic to UTOPIA that feels oddly reminiscent of YEEZUS. But according to a music journalist, this audiovisual soundscape palette didn’t originate with YE. In fact, it all actually permeated from nearly 20 miles outside of La Flame’s hometown of Missouri City, Texas.
The artist in question responsible for the whole wave is Houston native B L A C K I E. According to an anonymous source, his music was in rotation in the studio while YE was creating YEEZUS. B L A C K I E appears to have released an internet-based project entitled ALL CAPS WITH SPACES in 2011. Records like “Joan Of Arc” and “Warchild” sound eerily similar to YEEZUS cuts like “On Sight” and “I Am A God.”
Truth be told, there’s no telling whether YE ran off with the sauce B L A C K I E cooked up or not. No matter the case, it’d be good for us all to just accept the fact that UTOPIA will likely dominate headlines for the next few weeks. So it’s best to give the news cycle a fair chance or else you stand to get annoyed hella fast.
And this year, the Ultimate Rap League is set to host another incredible battle rap card with Summer Madness XIII (SM13), the ultimate pinnacle event in the world of battle rap!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 27, 2023, at 3 p.m. EDT / 12 p.m. PDT, and head to The Ballroom at Warehouse Live in Houston, TX, for an adrenaline-pumping showdown that will redefine battle rap history.
This year the card consists of the following match ups: Tay Roc vs. Ave, T-Top vs. John John Da Don, DNA vs. Jerry Wess, Fonz vs. Shotgun Suge, and Nu Jerzey Twork vs. Hollow Da Don.
Method Man took to social media to shout out the URL family, throwing his support behind the biggest brand in battle rap culture.
Troy “Smack White” Mitchell, the visionary owner of URL, promises an unparalleled experience for fans, where battle rap is revered like nowhere else in the world.
“The URL prides itself on creating top-notch experiences for our fans to enjoy,” says owner Troy “Smack White” Mitchell. “Nowhere in the world is battle rap more respected and valued than it is on our platform— and with our talent.”
“By focusing on names that have consistently shown up for fans throughout the year, and those with proven records of pushing the culture when it comes to lyricism, creativity, and electric performances, we believe this year’s Summer Madness XIII will remind fans that you can’t copy respect nor the architect of the sport.”
Many people don’t know but Method Man got his start as a battle rapper in Staten Island. Excerpts of that were captured in the hit series, “Wu-Tang: The American Saga.”
He also recently battled former URL veteran and now podcaster, Math Hoffa.
Some of the battlers are already hyped.
SUMMER MADNESS 13 AUGUST 27TH HOUSTON IM BACC FOR 3RD TIME I MAKE MOVIES IN HOUSTON pic.twitter.com/PQKz2gWMCX
Can’t make it to Houston? No worries! Witness the action-packed battles live on URL’s Caffeine channel from the comfort of your own screen! But that’s not all! Once the smoke clears and the dust settles, exclusive access to the battles will be available only on The Ultimate Rap League’s App.
The Ultimate Rap League has revolutionized the industry, and its cutting-edge streaming app is the gateway to an unparalleled rap battle experience. The all-Black-owned URL App is also the largest battle rap library in the world.
For just $7.99 per month, fans can access the URL App on various servers such as Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TV, and XBOX, and on Androids, Apple Tablets, phones, and televisions.
It’s clear both Drake and Travis Scott were “looking for revenge” against the likes of Pusha T, Pharrell Williams and Timothèe Chalamet on UTOPIA.
For the most part, the jabs on “Meltdown” were warranted but definitely not lethal knockout blows. Don’t get me wrong, Drizzy rapping about melting down millions of dollars of jewelry he bought from Williams just to spite Pusha T seems like a major flex in theory. And La Flame roasting the Willy Wonka star and his baby momma’s rumored beau, Chalamet, was subtly entertaining. However, it’s one thing to flex grotesque wealth and popularity—and completely another to show off one’s personal hygiene.
I guess the idea here was to keep it cute—but in that case, I doubt the spicy lines even ruffle Williams’ feathers. And that’s likely because he’s probably going to be too busy pulling a nine-plus hour day in the studio to care about Drizzy and his OVO guys shelving their Louis Vuitton in a fit of petty jealousy. Seriously, according to Williams, his daily morning baths last longer—nearly as long as La Flame’s entire album. And during the ultra hot soak, P says he’s praying, meditating and other self-healing alien s### we are starting to believe contribute to his anti-aging superpowers.
Because no matter if Drizzy busts out a gaudy new OVO chain with Williams’ old bling or not, P is gonna forever look like he’s 30 years ol, and it’s all due to his insane spa-like regimen. Bro said he “exfoliates like a narcissistic madman,” I kid you not. That man is already SICK! Ain’t no way a few VVS clarity chains bringing his day down when his skin glows like 18K gold.
Alicia Keys recently performed in Brooklyn as part of the Keys To The Summer Tour. As she was backstage getting ready for the concert, her 8-year-old son had some wardrobe advice. On Friday (July 28), Keys shared an Instagram video of Genesis adamantly objecting to Keys’ pasties.
“Really gonna do this mom?” he asks Keys to which she replies, “What’s wrong?” Genesis then makes it clear he’s talking about her breasts possibly getting exposed during her performance. Keys assures him, “It’s cool,” but he squirms at the thought. “So everybody can see your boobs?” he asks. “I’ve never seen anybody do that.” She says, “Well, you’re eight.” Keys then demonstrates a dance move and says, “This is the worst it’s gonna be.” Genesis suggests an alternative move: “How about we do this?” he says, squatting to the ground. Keys ultimately concludes, “It’s not a big deal. They’re boobs. Everyone has them.”
Keys added in the caption, “Genesis was not a fan of my pasties. There is NOTHING like a hometown show. Brooklyn, I felt every part of your love. Full recap on my YouTube!”
Swizz Beatz, Keys’ longtime husband and father of her children, was proud of his son. He wrote in the comment section, “My guy,” followed by a laughing emoji.
Alicia Keys announced the Keys To The Summer Tour in April. Produced by Live Nation, the run was presented as a 360-degree “in the round” production.
“The Keys To The Summer Tour is going to be completely unforgettable and unmissable!” Keys said at the time. “I describe it as a celebration of freedom and self-liberation! It’s going to be colorful, magical and will light up your body, soul and all of your senses! This is my first time creating a 360 experience and we’ve made sure it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen! I’m so excited to see y’all this summer!”
The tour resumes on Sunday (July 30) in Seattle and concludes at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on August 2. Find more information here.
On July 27, Young Thug’s lawyers filed a motion with the Superior Court of Fulton County to exclude evidence involving one of his co-defendants from his RICO trial.
This co-defendant, Shannon Stillwell (also known as SB), was arrested on March 17, 2022, at a home in East Point during a religious ceremony that allegedly involved the sacrifice of goats, according to 11 Alive.
The prosecution wanted to use this evidence against Stillwell during the trial, but Thug’s defense argues that it has no relevance to the charges against Thug.
The defense also pointed out that Stillwell’s arrest is connected to a separate murder charge unrelated to the Atlanta rapper’s case. Thug’s lawyers referenced local court records in the motion, contending that presenting evidence of the religious ceremony to jurors would not benefit the case and could be influenced by biases against the religious practice.
Despite the ceremony’s unrelated nature to Thug, the defense believes it could still negatively impact both Thug’s and his co-defendants’ cases.
“A reasonable person can also view this as character evidence as well,” the motion reads.
