The “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer’s family announced her death in a statement on Wednesday.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad,” they said. “Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time.”
The news of the hitmaker’s passing comes a year after her son Shane took his life at 17 in January 2022 after escaping a hospital while he was on suicide watch.
At the time of her death, the Irish singer was thought to be spending time between County Roscommon and London.
Sinéad O’Connor, who changed her name to Shuhada’ Sadaqat in 2018 when she converted to Islam, shot to stardom in 1990 with her cover of Prince’s#### “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which was named the #1 world single of that year at the Billboard Music Awards.
Sinéad, who recorded with a diverse group of artists, including MC Lyte, released 10 studio albums and was nominated for seven Grammys over the course of her career. She won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Performance for her most successful album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got.
Sinéad is survived by her three children, Jake, 36, Roisin, 27, and Yeshua, 16. No further details about her death have been disclosed.
Rapper-turned-businessman Flo Rida is expanding his entrepreneurial fingerprint.
The chart-topper and his firm have purchased the Cloverleaf Shopping Plaza in Miami Gardens, dropping a whopping $10 million on the property, according to the South Florida Business Journal.
LoopNet reports the rapper got it at a steal, as the original asking price was $14.5 million.
Real estate broker David Heinrich said Flo Rida’s team got a deal considering most of the tenants have had a substantial history in the plaza. Ninety-percent of the tenants have been renting stores there for more than 30 years, which might pose an issue. The former owner had offered the tenants rent far below market value and hasn’t raised the rent on the tenant in years. It’s yet to be seen if Flo Rida’s team will come in and boost the prices on the almost two-acre property.
The Cloverleaf Plaza is across the street from Miami Gardens Square Shopping Mall, one of the most high-trafficked areas on Miami Gardens Drive and US 441.
This marks the second big move Flo Rida has made in the last two months. His JettSet1 Enterprises partnered with Biom Therapeutics to purchase the first cannabinoid-derived company to help research rare childhood diseases like Angelman Syndrome.
Flo Rida recently settled a lawsuit with energy drink company Celsius for $82 million. In February 2023, Flo Rida gave a substantial portion to youth programming and kids’ charities, including Big Dreams For Kids and a youth football league.
Meet C. King, the brilliant, emergung comedian, actor, and producer known widely for his hilarious Denzel Washington impressions. Joining the esteemed ranks of Season 19, he’s now a cherished member of Nick Cannon’s long-running comedy show “Wild ‘N Out.”
C. King’s comedic pursuits began in high school and eventually led him to local productions in New York City. A charismatic host, he graced numerous events like the Church of Laugh, Kingdom Choice Awards and The Ology, leaving audiences in stitches with his infectious humor.
Social media helped C. King expand his reach and thanks to Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, he’s garnered immense popularity. Now, he’s collaborated with icons like KevOnStage Studios, Def Comedy Jam, now “Nick Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out.” AllHipHop’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur caught up with C. King and he revealed that he’s got so much more in store.
AllHipHop: C. King, I must say, I’m a huge fan of yours, especially your Denzel impersonations. Can you tell us how you developed that? Who were your inspirations for doing impressions, specifically Denzel Washington?
C. King: My first impression was actually Dave Chappelle, but as I started watching different comedians like Reggie Reg, Dean Edwards, Arie Spears, Jay Pharoah, London Brown, and others, I saw them doing Denzel impressions. I was inspired to do it too because Denzel’s mannerisms and style really hit differently. I started watching interviews and speeches of Denzel, I was able to go a little bit deeper, to capture his essence and go beyond just mimicking other impressions. (Seemlessly goes into Denzel mode) And a lot of people will say, “That sounds like Denzel doing a Denzel impression but I said I wanna sound more like him in general. You gotta do a a couple blinks, you gotta do the lip….” The lip is essential.
AllHipHop: At the “Fences” premiere, I had the opportunity to interview Denzel for just 30 seconds, but in that short time, he shared so much wisdom about being a man. It went viral for me, and now I’m hoping for a part two where I can talk to him about that topic again.
C. King: If you can’t get Denzel to do it, I’m hoping that he may call me and say “Hey this is what I want you to say. I want you to say in my voice. That would be an epic moment. He might says something like “True desire in the heart for anything good is God‘s proof to use it beforehand to indicate that it’s already yours.”
AllHipHop: [Laughs}
There’s times when I’ve had to watch speeches and interviews, and I’m like this man is cooking. His mind and how he moves and how he applies his knowledge to every day living [is amazing] When he was talking about “Fences” being so cultural, when he was talking about fake news and how people … his mind is mentorship. He’s mine is mentorship for sure.
AllHipHop: You mentioned being involved in something with Denzel. Can you provide more details about that project?
C. King: I’m not his official voiceover guy yet. But just recently, I’m happy about it, I just got called to do overdubs for “Equalizer 3.” So if y’all hear a point when you’re watching the movie, because your going to watch the movie. OK? It’s the first sequel to Denzel‘s ever done. Denzel’s never done a part two or part three to anything. Equalizer 3, I got called in the studio to do overdubs. If somebody ever says that you’re doing too much of one thing, never listen. There’s a lane, there’s a specific lane for everybody. I do all types of stuff, I act, I sing, no dance, but impressions was such a lane for me. It created and opened doors that people can’t fathom.
AllHipHop: Mastery is everything.Apart from your Denzel impressions, what other projects are you working on?
C. King: I just finished acting in a movie called “Dope Kings.” Currently, I’m also working with an acting coach, Tracey Moore, as I aim to explore opportunities in New York sitcoms or series. Additionally, I’m putting together a one-man show with a band. I believe in utilizing all my talents, and while Denzel impressions opened many doors for me, I’m grateful to God for guiding me along this journey. It’s only God that I’m here, bro.
AllHipHop: How has it been working with Nick Cannon on “Wild ‘N Out”? Can you share any jokes or funny moments?
C. King: Oh, you already know we’re talking about Nick Cannon and his many babies. As many babies as he has, that’s as many seasons, as we’re going to have [for Wild N’ Out]. It’s a beautiful thing to see that he’s confident in the children that he has. He’s not afraid to be a father. He steps to the plate at home and also on stage. I would say there are differences between bosses and leaders. Bosses is just delegate. Nick is a leader, he’ll sit down and tell us to “try this, try that.” I think that that’s great that’s leadership. That’s awesome leadership. Nobody can say anything bad about Nick in my eyes.
Judge Greg Mathis, the straight-talking TV judge, might be appearing in someone else’s court. According to TMZ, Mathis has been accused of pulling a gun out on city employees and now, the Los Angeles Police Department is involved.
Mathis allegedly threatened multiple employees of the L.A. Department of Water and Power with a firearm, flashing his gun after he was asked to move his vehicle on Tuesday (July 25). The employees were working in his community and wanted to move down the block to another resident in need of their service.
Mathis denies city employees’ account of the event. He says he was actually being blocked in and wasn’t able to pull out of his driveway.
The television star said the altercation escalated when he got out of his car and stood in the middle of the street. As the employee continued to berate him, threatening to run him over with his work truck, Mathis said he felt threatened.
At that point, Mathis said he told the worker that he had a weapon but never flashed or pointed it at anyone that day.
The incident eventually subsided, and the workers were able to complete the job. However, they reported the incident to the LAPD. Law enforcement is currently reviewing the case to see if any charges should be leveled against Mathis.
It looks like Sexyy Red is the latest female rapper to attract the ire of right-wingers. On Monday (July 24), conservative activist CJ Pearson took aim at the St. Louis native on social media.
“[B###### be] mad cause it’s me and not them,” Red tweeted. “I have superstar qualities, it’s very simple I was born to win,” to which the 20-year-old Trump supporter replied, “All you do is rap about your v#####. Have you ever tried saying anything impactful?”
All you do is rap about your v#####. Have you ever tried saying anything impactful?
Sexxy Red fired back by simply posting a photo of Pearson. Her response directed at Pearson garnered more than 10,000 likes and roughly 600,000 views on the platform. Pearson’s initial post barely crossed the 100-like mark.
Six hours later, Pearson returned to Twitter to try another line of attack against Sexyy Red. This time, the Republican commentator leaned on religion and Black youth as his ammo against the “Pound Town 2” rapper.
“I just woke up to the Wish.com Barbie and wannabe rapper @SexyyRed314_, best known for the song ‘Pound Town’ and the lyric ‘my coochie pink, my bootyhole brown’ coming for me,” Pearson tweeted.
He continued, “Instead of trying to find ‘Pound Town,’ maybe you should try to find God? Young Black girls deserve better than this to look up to.”
Other female rap stars have clashed with conservative pundits over their musical content. Social media users clowned The Daily Wire‘s Ben Shapiro for his tirade about Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP” single in 2020.
I just woke up to the https://t.co/uvlcNR2tgX Barbie and wannabe rapper @SexyyRed314_, best known for the song “Poundtown” and the lyric “my coochie pink, my bootyhole brown” coming for me.
Travis Scott is finally ready to let loose his fourth studio LP. The long-awaited Utopia is set to arrive on DSPs this Friday, July 28.
Utopia will join a Travis Scott album discography that already contains 2015’s Rodeo, 2016’s Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, and 2018’s Astroworld. The latter two projects peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
According to reports, Travis Scott commissioned five different covers for Utopia. He shared one of the official art pieces associated with the body of work on his Instagram page on Tuesday (July 26).
“THIS IS ONE OF THE COVERS FOR MY 4TH ALBUM UTOPIA SHOT BY PIETER HUGO,” Scott wrote in his Instagram caption. The IG carousel included five separate photos of men holding money in similar poses inside a car.
The Texan continued, “THE JOURNEY THRU THE ALBUM TOOK ME ALL OVER THE WORLD AND CAN’T WAIT TO FINALLY DROP THE ALBUM. THE MAIN COVER WILL DROP THURS UNTIL THEN A COVER EVERY DAY. LOVE U. SEE U IN UTOPIA.”
“AHHHHHH CANT BELIEVE WE FINALLLLY HEREEEEEEEEEEEE!!! LET’SSS EATTTTT. CIRCUS MAXIMUS IN THEATRES ON 7/27,” stated Scott on his Instagram page.
The Cactus Jack Records leader also added, “I WROTE AND DIRECTED THIS ALONGSIDE WITH SOME OF MY FAVORITE DIRECTORS. WE FOUND UTOPIA AROUND THE WORLD AND CAN’T WAIT TO EXPERIENCE THIS WITH U. SEEE U IN UTOPIA.”
Travis Scott’s Utopia hosts the “K-POP” single with Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny and Canadian R&B/Pop singer The Weeknd. An official music video for “K-POP” collected 7.7 million views on YouTube since its premiere on July 21.
Central Cee just got a major co-sign from one of the greatest professional basketball players in the world. NBA superstar Kevin Durant sees the British rapper as the standout Hip Hop newcomer of 2023.
The final episode of Spotify’s Inside RapCaviar series centered around Kevin Durant and sports journalist Taylor Rooks, as well as music producers Hit-Boy and Boi-1da, discussing their respective selections for MVP and Rookie Of The Year for the 2023 All-RapCaviar campaign.
“My co-MVPs this year [are] Drake and Metro Boomin,” expressed Boi-1da. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant said, “I’m gonna go with Central Cee [as Rookie Of The Year].” Hit-Boy gave the ROTY honor to Ice Spice, “Her visibility is undeniable.”
In addition to receiving recognition from Kevin Durant, London-born recording artist Central Cee recently linked up with MVP nominee Drake for their viral “On The Radar” freestyle. On The Radar Radio‘s video of Cee and Drake has amassed nearly 6 million YouTube views in less than five days.
Ari Lennox has opened up about her past struggles with alcohol in a candid post reflecting on her sobriety journey. On Tuesday (July 25), the R&B singer shared a sincere message with her Instagram followers, celebrating seven months sober.
“That’s a lot of sober flights,” Ari Lennox began her lengthy post. “A lot of sober conversations. A lot of facing things raw and head on.” She then revealed that although she’s unsure how long she will remain sober, she “can’t imagine going back to how things were.”
Lennox reflected on her past experiences, noting how “bad” things became. “Passing out in the airport or having my emotions more heightened than needed,’ she wrote. However, Lennox says she feels “more in control” of her emotions now and is happier and safer now that she’s “stable” and alert.
Ari Lennox On How Being Sober Affects Her Anxiety
Ari Lennox has been open about her struggles with anxiety in the past but says she has “less anxiety socially” now that she’ sober.
In a 2019 interview, the 32-year-old revealed: “I’ve been struggling with anxiety since the summer before my senior year.” The disorder resulted in “a lot of” time in the hospital after feeling like the world was closing in on her.
Last year, Lennox announced her fear of flying was “destroying” her health and she would no longer take any flights.
“For my mental health and my sanity I will not be doing any shows that require me to fly,” she wrote on her Instagram Story last June while she was aboard a flight to Minneapolis for a show. “I cannot keep torturing myself with this huge fear of mine. It is literally destroying my health. Enough is enough. I’m so sorry to all that are inconvenienced by this. Don’t know what this will mean for my career, but I just can’t do it.”
Nonetheless, Lennox has now accepted help and realized she’s not the best traveler” on her own, which was “a game changer.” She added, “Having help is ok.”
Ari Lennox continued, saying she enjoys “waking up with no hangover or embarrassment,” and not having “night terrors and panic attacks from liquor.”
Ultimately the “Pressure” hitmaker concluded, “Sobriety is a very present experience.”
Netflix will explore female rap history with a documentary series titled Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop. The limited program will feature some of the most successful artists in the genre.
Legendary emcees like Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, and Remy Ma will make appearances in the docuseries. In addition, contemporary stars such as Latto, Saweetie, Coi Leray, and Rapsody sat down for interviews as well.
Netflix’s Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop will debut on the global streaming platform on Wednesday, August 9. An official trailer for the 4-episode documentary arrived on YouTube and social media on July 25.
“This timely limited doc series recontextualizes the role the irrepressible women of Hip Hop played throughout the revolutionary genre’s 50 years by reinserting them into the canon where they belong: at the center, from day one to present day,” reads a description for Ladies First.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMcnPdp54aE
Some online Hip Hop fans expressed excitement for the forthcoming Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop. Others pointed out the apparent omission of historic performers like Lil Kim, Foxy Brown, Missy Elliott, and Nicki Minaj.
For example, one YouTube user commented, “Foxy Brown, Missy Elliott, and Nicki Minaj definitely should’ve been showcased in this trailer.” However, another person wrote, “Y’all complaining about no Nicki or Missy but there’s also, no Kim, no Foxy, no TLC/LeftEye (yes TLC contributed to Hip Hop as well), no Eve, no Trina… They probably could not contribute or appear on the doc so they don’t show them.”
It is not currently clear if the trailer represents the only female rappers discussed in Ladies First. Even though some people do not show up in the teaser video that does not necessarily mean the series completely ignores their contributions to the culture.
Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop comes at a time when many Hip Hop enthusiasts recognize the culture is currently experiencing a renaissance for women. Even chart-topping male rap star Lil Baby acknowledged the dominance of female rappers at the moment.
Sprite has a long history of working with Hip Hop artists. The soda brand’s latest campaign features rap legends Nas and Rakim as well as new school hitmakers Latto and GloRilla.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, Sprite presents its “Icon’s Delight” commercial. The 60-second ad includes a new spin on The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” Eric B. & Rakim’s “Don’t Sweat the Technique,” and Latto’s “Big Energy.”
Previously, Sprite worked with New York rapper Kurtis Blow for the “Now More Than Ever” spot in 1986. Over the course of the next 37 years, the soft drink company collaborated with other Hip Hop acts such as LL Cool J, Kris Kross, A Tribe Called Quest, Drake, 2Pac, Missy Elliott, J. Cole, and more.
Nas’ first Sprite appearance came alongside AZ for 1997’s “Obey Your Thirst.” Rakim also starred in Sprite’s “Obey Your Verse – Lyrical Collection” campaign in 2016. Plus, Latto joined Saweetie and Jack Harlow for 2021’s virtual “Live From The Label” concert series.
This has been a big week for Georgia-raised rapstress Latto. The 24-year-old RCA recording artist just earned her first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart as a guest feature on “Seven” by BTS member Jung Kook. Queens, New York rap icon Nas also recently dropped new music in the form of his Magic 2 album.
A ring designed by the late Tupac Shakur and worn by the rapper during his final public appearance has blown the initial estimate through the roof, selling for a whopping $1.02 million, Sotheby’s announced Tuesday.
According to the auction house, the sale sets the record for the most valuable hip-hop artifact ever sold at auction and the only one to surpass the $1 million mark.
Tupac designed the yellow gold crown piece, which is encrusted with 10 carats of cabochon rubies and nearly five carats of diamonds. He had it engraved with “Pac & Dada 1996″ in honor of the rapper’s engagement to Kidada Jones, daughter of Quincy Jones.
‘Pac wore the ring during his last public appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 4, 1996, in New York. Three days later, the rapper was fatally shot, and he succumbed to his injuries less than a week later. He died on September 13 at age 25.
The bespoke ring was originally expected to fetch in the range of $200,000 to $300,000. However, a wealthy patron decided to splash the cash and spend over $1 million to own the piece.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the rapper’s death could see a possible suspect facing charges nearly 30 years after his passing. Authorities recently raided a home linked to Duane “Keefe D” Davis, the uncle of the prime suspect in Tupac Shakur’s murder. Attorneys say it’s possible charges can still be filed against a suspect. Nevada has no statute of limitations in homicide cases.
Sandra Graham could barely maintain her composure when her son Drake shared a tender tribute to his mom on stage at Madison Square Garden.
The Hip-Hop icon brought his mother along to his NYC show Tuesday night (July 25). However, mom wasn’t just watching from the stands or backstage but was front and center with Drake onstage while he performed “Look What You’ve Done.”
The song features on Drizzy’s 2012 sophomore offering Take Care and is a tribute to Sandra Graham and his uncle and grandmother. As he reached the end of the track, Sandy Graham choked up and placed a hand lovingly on her son while Drake kissed his mom’s hand, seemingly trying to keep it together himself. Watch the heartwarming exchange below.
Drake never shies from speaking about his devotion to his beloved mother, and the pair enjoy a close bond. Last summer, he got his first face tattoo, an inking of his mother’s initials, “S.G,” believed to be a tribute to her.
When Drake was gearing up to release his 2021 Certified Lover Boy album, Graham penned a sweet poem sharing how proud she is of her superstar son.
“It’s finally come, the countdown has reached one, with each new album my heart skips a beat, being your mother has been my life’s greatest treat,” she wrote. “It’s been a long hard road together, now there’s one more day to go. I wanna celebrate you son, more than you’ll ever know.”
Ice Cube has come under fire again yet again after linking with another controversial conservative, Tucker Carlson.
Earlier this month, the N.W.A. founding member denied claims he was a “sellout” after meeting with outspoken anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Then on Tuesday (July 25), the Hip-Hop legend joined the right-wing pundit for a drive around Los Angeles for an episode of the Tucker on Twitter show. During their conversation, Ice Cube opened up on his refusal to get the COVID-19 vaccine and discussed his lack of faith in politicians, including Barack Obama.
“It wasn’t ready,” Ice Cube said of the vaccine. “It was six months, kind of rush job. And I didn’t feel safe.” Cube also said he never “told anyone not to get vaccinated, publicly,” adding that he was “pretty upset,” when it was reported that he turned down a movie role over his refusal to take the vaccine.
Ice Cube Talks Politicians With Tucker Carlson
Elsewhere during their chat, the rapper and actor said, ” I don’t believe in politicians,’ adding they have “hidden agendas.”
When asked about Barack Obama, Ice Cube said he was initially hopeful. “For the first time, I felt proud that America took that step,” he stated. “So that was a moment in time. But then you look around, years go by, and not much changed for people I know, people I care about.”
He went on to say, “It didn’t change with Bush, with Clinton, elder Bush, Reagan, Carter,” and said that Obama’s election was symbolic “In a lot of ways.”
Once the interview was shared online, many social media users called out Ice Cube for meeting the controversial former FOX news anchor.
“I told you Ice Cube is a right winger. He had a conversation with the baddy bad people, cuz he’s not good like us,” wrote one user. “He can’t sit at our lunch table until he obeys teacher and do what he’s told, cuz we change the world by only talking to each other about being morally superior.”
I told you Ice Cube is a right winger. He had a conversation with the baddy bad people, cuz he's not good like us
He can't sit at our lunch table until he obeys teacher and do what he's told, cuz we change the world by only talking to each other about being morally superior https://t.co/pRVXF1dwfx
— Black in the Empire (@blackintheempir) July 26, 2023
“Ice Cube has lost his got damn mind,” said another. “He let Tucker Carlson guide him w/loaded questions into taking shots at Obama, BLM&COVID vaccines, while Tucker sat there goading him&giggling. I used2think Cube was smart but he’s dumb as hell. He let Tucker use him in a big way. Dude is lost.”
Ice Cube has lost his got damn mind. He let Tucker Carlson guide him w/loaded questions into taking shots at Obama, BLM&COVID vaccines, while Tucker sat there goading him&giggling. I used2think Cube was smart but he’s dumb as hell. He let Tucker use him in a big way. Dude is lost https://t.co/gFSy3usVxw
Ice Cube hanging out with white nationalist Tucker Carson. It's official. He is WORSE than "the [REDACTED] in the first verse." I look forward to Cube clumsily attacking everyone that calls him out on this. https://t.co/MUbdJQBqu2
Ice Cube is a hotep and a sellout, conservatives acting like he’s the spokesperson for right wing Black folks even tho y’all burned NWA records in the 80s for criticizing the police, and him being anti-vax is some bs
Tucker is a full blown racist who would say ice cube deserved to be shot by the police for his music but here come cube tap dancing for his masters. Selling out wasn’t enough for him, he needs the white hood too. https://t.co/65MShidlFG
Blueface erroneously called out Lola Brooke after confusing her with fellow rapper Lady London on Tuesday (July 25).
Brooke was caught in the crossfire of Blueface defending his baby mama Jaidyn Alexis. London trolled Alexis for posting a song snippet over the weekend, prompting Blueface to respond. But he botched the whole situation by misidentifying his intended target.
“You ain’t gotta be no hater lolabrooks,” he wrote on Twitter. “we not checking for you saying what we really think about YOUR music make yo lil raps in piece keep it pushing but if you want to go back an fourth with Jaidyn we can dedicate the next song to you an use you fr you won’t win this battle.”
You ain’t gotta be no hater lolabrooks we not checking for you saying what we really think about YOUR music make yo lil raps in piece keep it pushing but if you want to go back an fourth with Jaidyn we can dedicate the next song to you an use you fr you won’t win this battle ✍️
London joked, “Damn, studio time is wild expensive too,” in her original jab at Alexis on Twitter. Alexis took notice of the comment and fired back on Monday (July 24).
“Been rappin ur whole life I just do this on the weekends,” Alexis wrote in one post.
London responded, “I wasnt being discreet. Lol my page been private for a week. Dont let the internet pump u up.”
Alexis released a video for “Workout,” the song that London mocked, via Blueface’s YouTube channel on Monday.
Dave East’s promotion of his sophomore album, Fortune Favors The Bold, has ventured into uncharted territory—specifically that of Pablo Escobar’s notorious Colombian Narcos cartel.
During a recent interview, the New York MC flexed how genuinely unique the plug talk embedded in his new album is by detailing his experience recording the project in one of Escobar’s drug cartel-controlled properties in Medellín. “We had the studio set up right in the crib,” East told Ebro Darden for Apple Music. “We actually stayed in one of Pablo’s stash houses.”
While East clarified he’s not inspired by the “destruction” the Narcos caused but rather their “hustle,” it appears he was also influenced by their style. “Pool inside the crib, some flavor, flavor, flavor crib,” East said in part. “But yeah, I did maybe 12, 13 records off the album in that house, right in the crib.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CvG01W4ge-o/
It was apparently the epitome of when Hip-Hop meets high-level trapping, considering East says they would enjoy prepared meals and spontaneous dips in the pool in between sessions. “They had the chefs in there making breakfast, [I’d] wake up, Mike [of Mike & Keys] already be in there making beats. We’d get to that pool in the crib, jump in the pool,” he said.
The thought of East dining on refined, balanced Colombian breakfasts, likely complete with flavorful cultural staples such as Arepa con Quesito and Huevos Pericos, poolside at Escobar’s in-home grotto before spitting pure coke-flow bars is comforting, in a sense. It lets me know that East painstakingly perfected the powder talk and further confirms he emits similar frequencies Pusha T vibrated on during his chart-topping run last year amid his It’s Almost Dry album saga.
As if that wasn’t enough, East received even more inspiration in the form of interaction with Escobar’s one-eyed brother. “I met his brother, his brother got one eye, I guess they sent him some … He was locked up, they sent him some mail or something in the jail, and when he opened it it blew up in his face,” East said.
Long story short, if the bundle bars didn’t work, at least East had the option of deferring to his storytelling bag to unfold tales of his Escobarian exploits.
The Broward County State Attorney’s Office confirmed its plans to retry YNW Melly for murder. According to NBC Miami, a status hearing is scheduled for Friday (July 28).
Jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict in the double murder trial. The jury reported a deadlock several times during deliberations. Judge John Murphy declared a mistrial on Saturday (July 22).
Prosecutors accuse YNW Melly of killing his friends YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser in 2018. But the prosecution failed to convince enough jurors of the rapper’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
YNW Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, was arrested for murder in 2019. He pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.
Prosecutors claim YNW Melly shot YNW Juvy and YNW Sakchaser while all three men were inside the same vehicle. YNW Bortlen, an alleged accomplice in the murder, will be tried separately in October.
YNW Melly’s first trial began in June. His manager 100K Track was optimistic after it ended in a mistrial.
“It’s a second chance at life, a second chance at a better defense, so I’m excited,” he said. “I really feel like Melly’s coming home. I’ve felt like that, but this just confirmed it.”
The 24-year-old rapper has remained in jail since his 2019 arrest. No date has been announced for his retrial.
Wiz Khalifa claims Pooh Shiesty mask-donning assailants attempted to break into Wizzlemania Manor and his fans are already pointing the finger—at YG.
According to reports, the would-be burglars were either bold or high enough to attempt the heist during broad daylight. Apparently, the Taylor Gang security team was functioning at a high clip at the time of the failed siege and nearly beat the intruders “Black and Yellow” while forcing their retreat. It appears Khalifa tightened up his surveillance team after he was indeed a “Lick” that was “Hit” in 2018 when some baby Shiesty broke into his home.
Nevertheless, in a short jab-like strike of a tweet, Khalifa remarked on the incident via X (formerly known as Twitter) in a fluent and articulate manner, of course. “3 n####s wit Pooh shiesty masks tried to run in my crib while i was on stage,” Khalifa wrote.
While it appears LAPD doesn’t have any suspects identified yet for the attempted robbery, social media fan detectives believe YG could somehow be involved. Their prime piece of evidence you ask? Introducing exhibit A: YG’s scam rap anthem, “How To Rob.”
— TheInfamousMell TV (Formerly BlackTMZ) (@BlackTMZ1) July 24, 2023
While it’s a reach that YG was specifically speaking about Wiz Khalifa when he dropped the record last year, he did definitely say, “He gone show his whereabouts on accident/He be high.” Social media rests its case.
Meanwhile, Wiz Khalifa was in Michigan during the incident as part of the High School Reunion Tour—which might’ve been a good thing for them Shiesty Boyz considering Wizzle Man has been going crazy in the gym. Nah for real, ever since that PFL (Professional Fight League) deal went through and he popped up on the Joe Rogan podcast, Khalifa has been training like he’s trying to get it “Back In Blood.”
And truth be told, if Wiz Khalifa kicks it in the crib anything like he does at the gym, the robbers probably would’ve voluntarily made their exit upon their uncomfortable confrontation. Presumably, because bro is in his Juijitsu short-shorts or literally kicking the crap out of them.
So the moral of the story is it pays in unending dividends to be comfortable with your masculinity—and trained in mixed martial arts. So Kudos Khalifa.
Snoop Dogg outright canceled his Doggystyle anniversary concert. The veteran rapper announced his decision on Tuesday (July 25), citing his support for Hollywood actors and writers on strike.
“We regret to inform you that due to the ongoing strike and the uncertainty of when this will be over, we need to cancel the Hollywood Bowl show,” Snoop Dogg explained via Instagram. “We continue to stand in solidarity with all of our brothers and sisters in the WGA and SAG/AFTRA during this difficult time and remain hopeful that the AMPTP will come back to the negotiating table with a REAL proposal and we can all get back to work.”
Snoop Dogg was originally scheduled to perform two shows at the Hollywood Bowl in June. He rescheduled the concerts for October in an act of solidarity with the WGA writers’ strike, which began in May.
SAG-AFTRA, which represents actors, joined the strike in July. Actors and writers both reached an impasse in their negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.
Snoop Dogg previously supported the strike and fairer distribution of money while speaking at the Milken Institute in May. He raised similar concerns as the actors and writers regarding streaming’s effect on pay in the music industry.
Boosie Badazz considered himself to be of higher stature than Jay-Z, at least in the South. The Baton Rouge native co-signed a social media user’s opinion, which said Southerners rank Boosie above Hov on lists of the best rappers of all time.
“I F### WITH JIGGA BUT THIS FACTS!” Boosie wrote on Instagram. “STREET N##### N DA SOUTH DONT PUT HOV OVER BADAZZ.”
Boosie never shied away from championing himself throughout his career. Earlier this year, he dropped an album titled Best Album Of 2023.
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The 40-year-old rapper’s opinions often garnered more attention than his music in recent years. He remained an outspoken critic of snitching, calling out rappers such as Gunna and Ralo.
Last week, Boosie criticized Kodak Black for working with Tekashi 6ix9ine. The outspoken artist believed Kodak Black abandoned morals and principles for money.
Boosie is currently out on bail after catching a gun charge in San Diego. He was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm in May.
The state gun case was dismissed in June, but federal agents arrested Boosie on the same charge once the state dropped its case. Prosecutors tried to convince a judge to keep him in jail on the federal charge, but he was released on bail in June.
Over the weekend, Rolling Loud performers Swae Lee and Bryson Tiller teamed up with the new social app CheckN to throw free parties for their fans who either couldn’t attend the festival or just wanted to see more of their favorite artist.
The 2-night block parties hosted by Rolling Loud live stream host Yes Julz, allowed fans to see free performances from the artists and received early access to the CheckN app, a new social utility app that will be launching in Miami in the coming weeks.
CheckN tells users where all the people are – friends and strangers alike (think “Waze” for people). In addition to being able to see where the crowds are, CheckN takes the guess work out of going out by helping you find the coolest events happening in real time. Once at a venue the app allows you to browse the profiles of everyone else there and connect with people – as well as receive exclusive offers from your favorite celebrities and venues.
For more information or to download the app click here
