NLE Choppa Goes Viral For Telling His Daughter To Use Curse Words On Camera

NLE Choppa is garnering a lot of online attention again. This time, the 21-year-old rapper included his three-year-old daughter, Clover Potts, in the internet antics.

On Monday (February 19), NLE Choppa shared a video of his version of the #BadWordChallenge on his TikTok, Twitter (X) and Instagram accounts. The video features the “Shotta Flow” rhymer instructing his child to use foul language.

“Here’s the deal, OK?” he begins. “I’m gonna give you a chance to say any curse words you wanna say after I walk out, OK? So after I walk out you can tell the camera any curse you wanna tell it.”

The little girl followed her dad’s instructions by saying “s### no” to the camera. After uploading the clip to social media, NLE Choppa added “Mane said s### no [face with tears of joy emojis].”

@nlechoppamusic

“S### no” 😂😂😂😂😂

♬ original sound – NLE choppa 💜

NLE Choppa joined other parents taking part in the #BadWordChallenge or #BadWordBathroomChallenge. Footage of kids using profanity with their guardians’ permission has racked up millions of impressions recently.

For instance, NLE Choppa’s TikTok video currently has more than 1.6 million views. He added another 895,000 plays and 129,000 likes on Instagram. His Twitter page collected roughly 439,000 views and 7,400 likes for the post featuring Clover cursing.

Many of NLE Choppa’s fans found the interaction with his daughter amusing. In contrast, some people thought the post was distasteful. It appears Clover’s grandfather supports her father. On Tuesday (February 20), NLE Choppa also tweeted, “My dad just told me I’m a good dad [purple heart emoji].”

USHER Admits Being Upset “Confessions” Didn’t Win Grammy For Album Of The Year

USHER has won eight Grammy Awards during his career. However, the R&B legend never took home the prestigious honor of Album Of The Year.

In particular, USHER’s Confessions lost the Album Of The Year award to Genius Loves Company by Ray Charles. The 45-year-old performer recently spoke about his fourth studio LP losing in that category.

“I didn’t win Album Of The Year that year, and I’m still a little like, ‘Damn.’ I don’t know if there’s been an album that has actually sold as many or been as influential as that album has been,” the vocalist told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe.

The Recording Industry Association of America certified Confessions as 14x-platinum on February 9 after the project reached diamond status (10 million units) in November 2008.

Confessions also held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 album chart for nine weeks in 2004. USHER’s magnum opus did win the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.

“Artists care [about winning Grammys],” USHER also admitted to Zane Lowe. “And I’m happy to see the progress that they are making, but it doesn’t change the fact that we have feelings and we have lived in a time where you’re supposed to be poised and conduct yourself in a certain manner.”

He continued, “But I think when you finally get to an age where you’re like, ‘Hey man, love it or hate it, this is how I feel,’ rather you choose to do something for history, not just for me or these young artists. That’s good. But do you do things for history? I did.”

USHER led this year’s Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in Paradise, Nevada. Before his headline-grabbing performance at the NFL championship game, he dropped the new Coming Home album on February 9.

“Joe Budden Podcast” Catches Heat For Making Fun Of Melyssa Ford’s “Granny Panties”

The cast of The Joe Budden Podcast faces backlash for a discussion that took place on the show. Melyssa Ford’s choice of underwear sparked a series of jokes that left some viewers uncomfortable.

“Can we discuss the topic?” Joe Budden asked Melyssa Ford on a recent episode of the podcast. The Canadian former music video model answered, “Yes.”

While Melyssa Ford agreed to have the conversation about her panties on the podcast, she warned her male counterparts that the audience would “eat you up.”

Fellow co-host Antwan “Ish” Marby replied, “These girls are about to tear Mel’s ass up.” Joe Budden also added, “Yeah, I think she’s wrong. I think they’re gonna tear you up.”

Then Joe Budden, Ice, Ish, Queenzflip and Emanny proceeded to make fun of Melyssa Ford’s “granny panties” for nearly 10 minutes. A clip of the men joking about the Toronto native sparked negative responses from some X users.

“Yea this was super weird, sometimes them n##### act like they 17 with some of these conversations lol,” one person wrote on the X platform. Another X account posted, “This is weird but the fans are gonna defend it.”

Some devotees of the show did justify the sexually-tinged wisecracks directed at Melyssa Ford. For example, a supporter offered, “It’s weird but it has big brother little sister vibes.”

Another X account claimed, “This is the truest form of being one of the guys. Mel is comfortable, they’ve discussed if they can bring it up beforehand, I know it’s 2024 but some people can still have these relationships no matter how scared everyone else is.”

Other people implied Melyssa Ford could have a lot to expose about The Joe Budden Podcast in the future. Someone tweeted, “Yeah Mel going to go crazy with the tell-all books and interviews.” In addition, another person jokingly proposed, “Mel’s civil suit is going to ring [off] in the courtroom.”

Offset Tells Cardi B To Stop Being Scared To Drop Her Second Album

Cardi B fans have been waiting six years for her sophomore studio LP. The Bronx-bred rapper’s husband, Offset, thinks she should drop her next project soon.

Offset took to his Instagram Story to deliver a message to Cardi B. The Migos member tagged his wife in the post about her follow-up to 2018’s Invasion of Privacy.

“Stop being scary and drop the album, s### goes crazy [fire emojis] @iamcardib,” Offset captioned his Instagram Story video. The soundless clip featured Set seemingly reacting to music playing in the background.

Cardi B’s debut album, Invasion of Privacy, became a commercial and critical success for the former Love & Hip Hop: New York star. The LP debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It spent 222 weeks on the chart, making IOP the longest-charting female rap album in history.

Additionally, Invasion of Privacy earned the distinction of being the first solo project by a female rapper to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. The Recording Industry Association of America certified IOP as 4x-platinum.

Cardi B has released several singles since 2018. 2020’s “WAP” featuring Megan Thee Stallion and 2021’s “Up” both peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She also featured on tracks by Migos, Normani, Summer Walker, GloRilla, Latto, Offset and others.

Lil Durk Joined By 20 High School Students For Special “All My Life” Performance 

Lil Durk blessed lucky Pittsburgh students with the opportunity of a lifetime this week, selecting 20 of them to join him for a performance of his hit song “All My Life.” 

The Chicago native was in town on tour with Drake and his “All My Life” collaborator J. Cole. Durk was also scheduled to perform the song at PPG Paints Arena on Saturday (February 19).  

The uplifting track features a chorus of children, and the visuals include dozens of singing kids, so it’s not surprising Lil Durk wanted to perform alongside the Pittsburgh students. 

A week before the performance, Lil Durk’s team contacted the coordinator of Performing Arts for Pittsburgh Public Schools, Dr. Kimberly Price, to help.  

“He was so gracious with the kids,” Dr. Price shared following the performance. “I wish you could have seen it. He was giving kids high fives, [and] fist bumps. Originally, with the pictures, he stood to the side so the kids could get the spotlight they deserved.” 

According to CBS News, Lil Durk gave each of the young performers a $100 bill to thank them.  

“Our kids were like, they were so excited, they were crying,” Dr. Price explained. “It was a moment I will not forget, to see the kids do so well and be treated so well by an artist; they won’t forget it either.” 

“All My Life” is Lil Durk’s biggest hit to date, soaring to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Earlier this month, Durkio scored his first Grammy after winning the award for Best Rap Performance. He earned the win on his first-ever nomination, while it was J. Cole’s second golden gramophone.  

Monica Shoots Down BBL Rumors: “I Don’t Play Like That” 

Monica is rejecting claims she recently got a BBL after a recent performance left fans claiming she had some work done to her booty. 

The veteran R&B singer graced the stage at the 2024 Tycoon Music Festival at Atlanta’s State Farm Area last week (February 13). 

Monica donned a figure-hugging green velvet catsuit that left little to the imagination and showed off her toned figure. However, many viewers suspected her pert posterior was the work of a plastic surgeon. 

@simplyvee247

#monica #musicfestival #atlanta #fypシ゚viral

♬ original sound – simplyVee247

“Not Monica on my TL w/ a bbl reveal,” one social media user wrote.  

“If monica got a bbl I don’t like it bc her ass sittin higher than jesus,” added another. “Its givin d relly where the money reside booty.”  

However, others seemingly hit a little closer to home with their speculation. 

“Monica’s bbl looks like it can come off when she sleeps,” said a third person. “are y’all sure she’s not just testing out styles.” 

According to Monica, her “BBL” does in fact come off when she undresses and removes her Spanx shapewear. 

“Y’all got jokes,” Monica said during an Instagram Live Monday (February 19). Let me tell you something. My health is far too bad to be playing like that.” 

She joked, “for me a BBL would mean bought by Linda,” presumably a reference to her stylist, before revealing the secret to her shapely booty.  

“That’s all you gonna see,” Monica added, showing her Spanx to the camera. “Mama don’t play! I won’t even get lash extensions; I still wear strips I can rip off. I done kept it real with y’all so long y’all forgot.” 

Monica explained that while she wouldn’t judge anybody for having a BBL, it’s just not for her. “I don’t play like that,” she added. “But people going to say what they want to say. That’s why I pay their ass no mind.” 

Meek Mill’s Shocking Post Not All It Seems: “Burying My Mans Hope He Don’t Go To Hell” 

Meek Mill left his followers stunned over a post that seemingly implied he was hoping a recently deceased friend would make it to heaven and not hell. 

“Burying my mans hope he don’t go to hell!” Meek Mill wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday (February 18). 

The Dream Chasers Records founder had social media in an uproar over his post with many left in disbelief that he would talk about a dead loved one so callously. Additionally, multiple blogs shared the post leading to further outcry. 

“Meek mill has to have the oddest tweets,” one X user wrote. “His friend passed away and this man tweeted “burying my mans hope he don’t go to hell”. ¿ Like whattttttt ? Pray for his soul Meek. Jesus lol.”  

“yo homie lookin up at you rn,” another person wrote alongside a meme of a Jerry Springer Show guest.  

However, all is not as it seems. Meek Mill was in fact quoting lyrics from a rising Philly rapper and former collaborator LIHTZ.  

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The line is from his song “Serenity,” which has been making waves online and attracted the attention of some big players, including Timbaland.  

The superproducer responded to LIHTZ via the comment section on IG. “Nowwwww this rite here,” Timbo wrote alongside a trio of head-blown emojis. 

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However, Timbaland didn’t stop there after spotting his talent. The pair were soon on Facetime together before hopping in the studio together. Shortly after, Timbaland and LIHTZ debuted a new collab titled “Problem Child.” Watch the video below. 

Kai Cenat Rages Over Shannon Sharpe Roasting His “Three Feet Tall” Stature  

Kai Cenat lost it after hearing Shannon Sharpe joke about his height while discussing the Twitch streamer’s appearance at the NBA All-Star Weekend. 

The ex-NFL legend and Stephen A. Smith shared their criticism of the Dunk Contest on First Take Monday (February 19). While Sharpe considered Mac McClung a worthy winner, he was less than enthusiastic about Jaylen Brown’s final-round dunk.  

The Boston Celtic’s guard jumped over Cenat sitting in a chair while other contestants jumped over players even taller than themselves. However, Kai Cenat caught a stray as Shannon Sharpe clowned his height. 

“Jaylen Brown jumped over Kai Cenat sitting in a seat,” Sharpe stated. “What am I supposed to do with that, Stephen A.? They should have given him a two across the board. The man is already three feet tall. You put him in a chair, now he 1’5″.” 

Clips of his remarks were widely shared on social media and eventually made their way to the content creator. 

Kai Cenat became furious with Shannon Sharpe while watching the segment live on his Twitch stream. 

“Oh, f### you, Shannon!” Cenat raged, banging his fist on the desk, causing something to smash off-camera. “Oh, f### no! I didn’t know he said this s###! Shannon, f### you!”  

He continued expressing disbelief before adding, “Is this national TV, my n####? What the f###?” 

A few hours later, Shannon Sharpe watched Kai Cenat reacting to him while on Nightcap with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. According to Sharpe, he didn’t mean to make fun of Cenat, and the duo invited Cenat on the show to make amends.  

Benzino Responds To Jokes About Viral Meltdown Over Eminem On “Drink Champs”

Benzino has seen and heard the jokes clowning him over his emotional Drink Champs interview but insists the moment “really helped” him. 

The former publisher of The Source went viral as social media users shared clips of an intoxicated Benzino unraveling as he discussed his beef with Eminem. He broke down while addressing the decades-long feud and how it affects his relationship with his daughter, Coi Leray. 

However, while the jokes continued to fly, Benzino believes it’s not a laughing matter. He took to Instagram Monday (February 19) to respond. He shared a post from New York rapper Hocus 45th defending him and warning people not to play with Benzino. 

“I see a lot of people laughing at benzino crying,” the post read. “I don’t find that funny at all, I seen killers get emotional and start breaking down In tears. Crying don’t make you weak, crying is just a human emotion, don’t ever get it twisted, a n#### will cry right before he push ya s### back 700.” 

Benzino added, “yea sounds about right.” 

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He also shared a “Reasons Why Crying Is Good” infographic and said the emotional moment was cathartic.  

“I had so much built up anger, frustration and evil built up inside of me,” he wrote. “Ngl, minus the alcohol….I needed that s###…..it really helped.” 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3f1A2JOMmT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

During his Drink Champs interview, Benzino told N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN “I don’t have nothing against Eminem,” before adding, “I don’t want to talk about it no more.” 

However, he continued to take shots at him, posting a recording of Eminem’s manager allegedly selling him out. He also mentioned Em during an appearance on The Danza Project, claiming he heard Slim Shady was a guest on Jeffrey Epstein’s island.  

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Lil Tjay Claims Kanye West Is Cancel-Proof As He Petitions For “Vultures 2” Spot

Lil Tjay believes Kanye West just defeated the odds—despite the controversy surrounding him—and now, he wants to collaborate with Ye.

On Monday (February 19), Lil Tjay told TMZ West, who just secured the top spot on the Billboard spot with his Ty Dolla $ign collaboration, Vultures 1, could have sold even more records with major label support.

“I think that label s### help,” Lil Tjay said in part. “I think if he had some support he probably would’ve did triple the numbers. But you know, it is what it is—people like s### off the hype these days. It’s not even about the music anymore.”

Lil Tjay continued, remarking on the idea Ye can’t be canceled, which West alludes to on the Vultures 1 cult-favorite track “Carnival.”

”You only canceled if you cancel yourself,” he added, “if you allow them to cancel you.”

Lil Tjay also revealed he’s convinced neither her nor West can be canceled and that he needs to be on the next record.

”I feel like n###as can’t cancel me, n###as can’t cancel nobody—all they can do is block you out of the world,” he said in part. “And they world is limited to what they do. So be Kanye, and put me on that s### though.”

Check out the full interview above.

Alicia Keys’ On The Music Business: An Alien Universe

Alicia Keys believed she “had to conform to everybody’s expectations” when she first broke into the entertainment world.

The Grammy-award-winning singer felt as though the music business was an “alien universe” when she first started out.

Alicia, now 43, became famous in 2001 when she was just 19, with her album Songs in a Minor – and found it hard to navigate the industry.

“I always felt like on top of being a young girl just entering into the music business, exploring, being on television and performing under hot lights and sweating and just (being) in a whole new universe – it was like an alien universe,” she told People magazine. “I didn’t feel like myself. I felt like I had to conform to everybody’s expectation of what they thought I was or should be.”

She added, “And it really took quite a lot of discipline and a lot of time before I got to the place where I realized that I didn’t have to be this person, that I didn’t have to fulfil other people’s dreams of me. I could actually just be who I am.”

Recently, Alicia has embraced her natural side. In 2016 she decided to stop wearing makeup in public, which she did for several years.

She’s since said that this “rebellious moment” was about “how do you want to express yourself, and what space do you want to claim for yourself? And what boundaries do you want for yourself?”

Alicia recently performed alongside Usher at the Super Bowl halftime show.

Ma$e Warns Shannon Sharpe Over “Classless” Diss

Ma$e called out Shannon Sharpe after the Pro Football Hall of Famer took a shot at the rapper-turned-sports talking head on the Nightcap podcast. The former Bad Boy Records artist addressed Sharpe’s comments on the February 19 episode of It Is What It Is.

The former pastor did not appreciate being labeled a “gangster pastor” by Sharpe, who told Ma$e to sit his “rollie pollie ass down” for joking about Sharpe’s feud with Mike Epps.

“He called me a fake pastor,” Ma$e told his co-host Cam’ron. “Somebody sent it to me … Listen Shannon, I’m not the one to play with … You started out being very aggressive with Ja Morant’s pops at a Lakers game. If you are for Black people, this is not the way to carry yourself. And let me go further than that. You wanted to be tough with Mike Epps and you settled quicker than Diddy and Cassie.”

He added, “You wanna be aggressive with me, right? Listen, you showed poised, respect, wherewithal, resolve, compassion [and] reverence for Skip Bayless. Why are you so aggressive any time somebody Black say something?”

Ma$e believed Sharpe’s remarks were “ignorant.” He questioned why Sharpe singled him out since Cam’ron laughed about the ESPN employee’s beef with Epps too.

“I thought it was very classless because if we’re all joking, I looked at it like I was really giving some good advice,” Ma$e said. “Even though we joke, I’m giving good advice … You don’t really wanna run up on people or tell people you gonna run down on them because they don’t know if you’re serious or not … We both were laughing and I took it a way because he singled me out. Like you think Cam is tough and I’m not? I’m really like that.”

Ma$e claimed he respected Sharpe and did not want to clash with the ex-NFL star. Cam’ron was amused by the situation as he listened to his co-host run down Sharpe for several minutes.

Listen to everything Ma$e had to say below.

Suge Knight Claims TLC’s Left Eye & Chilli’s Husband Had Affair—Suggests STD Triangle

Suge Knight has made yet another bombshell music industry gossip claim, this time involving R&B group TLC. The former Death Row Records executive made the claim during a recent episode of is Collect Call W/ Suge Knight podcast, which he operates from prison.

At one point during the podcast, Knight recalls a disagreement that arose between group members Left Eye and Chilli. According to Knight, Left Eye slept with Chilli’s husband, Dallas Austin, and was apparently unapologetic about the affair.

“The other two members of the crew, I remember them being jealous of her,” Knight said. “I remember Chilli mad, because Lisa slept with Dallas Austin and they supposed to be in the group together and her response was, ‘Oh s##t we f###ed, but you know, you got herpes so I made sure he put on a rubber. So we all good.’”

As the segment continues, Knight went on on to say Left Eye created some of “the best music” ever and took a walk down memory lane, sharing his most precious moments with her. Knight begins recounting his memories with Left Eye around the 11-minute mark.

Watch the full podcast episode below.

Westside Gunn Blasts Racists Hassling Him At Canadian Border

Westside Gunn declared he would never return to Canada unless he received an enormous payday to appear in the country again. The Griselda Records rapper said racists working for the Canada Border Services Agency mistreated and blocked him from entering the country on Saturday (February 17).

“Unless I’m getting a big bag the way I was just treated in front of my kids I’m never going back to Canada, & it’s sad bc I love [Canada] the love I get from there is beautiful,” he wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “I have personal friends [there] but them racist MFs at the border BIG P#### & POOTIE called them broke.”

Westside Gunn posted footage of the aftermath on social media. He showed his viewers an “Allowed to Leave Canada” form, which is given to people deemed to be inadmissible by the country.

“Disrespectful m############ won’t let me in Canada, man,” he said in the clip. “For real. Disre-f######-spectful, man. Allowed to leave Canada. These m############ are crazy … Somebody put the call in so I can’t get in the country no more, man. What’s good? That’s how y’all you do me? That’s how y’all do me, Canada?”

AllHipHop contacted Westside Gunn for more information about the incident but did not hear back from him as of yet. The Buffalo native was presumably trying to cross the border near his hometown, which is relatively close to Canada.

Westside Gunn ran into trouble at the Canadian border several months after dropping his And Then You Pray For Me album. He claimed the project would be his last studio album, but fans know his past comments about retirement proved his plans should be taken with a grain of salt. Westside Gunn did say he would likely drop more EPs despite his intentions to not create another studio album.

Black Music Action Coalition Presses President Joe Biden On Racial Equality

The Black Music Action Coalition joined Democratic lawmakers and dozens of organizations to demand President Joe Biden’s help in passing racial equality and reparative justice legislation on Monday (February 19). BMAC urged the president to meet with Reps. Barbara Lee, Sheila Jackson Lee, Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman to work on rectifying historical and systemic inequities in the United States.

“We launched BMAC in 2020 and one of our first initiatives was calling for a racial justice commitment within the first 100 days of President Biden being in office through the power of narrative change content and a national coalition,” BMAC co-founder and CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers said. “As part of a call for a U.S. Truth Commission and Restorative Justice, we supported ‘17 More Ways You Could Be Killed If You Are Black in America’ with artists like Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Khalid and Quavo, as well as ‘The Resolution’ with activists like Billie Eilish, Brittany Packnett Cunningham and Dr. Marcus Anthony Hunter. Despite the largest outcry for racial justice in our nation’s history, the first 100 days of the Biden Administration passed without any racial justice policy. We received no justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and the countless other lives that were lost.”

BMAC and other organizations called for President Biden to use executive actions and orders to make sure a variety of bills get passed. The bills included restoring the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and establishing a commission to study and consider reparations for African Americans.

“In this crucial election year, we are joining the urgent demand for President Biden to move on executive actions and executive orders aligning with and supporting legislative efforts to achieve racial equity and reparative justice,” Stiggers said. “We will do everything we can to utilize our resources and be a true bridge between the creative community and lawmakers to help push this fight forward.”

Read the BMAC-backed letter to President Biden regarding these efforts below.

Open-Letter-to-WH-2.19.24-FormalDownload

GloRilla Threatens To Fight Over New Crush Damian Lillard

GloRilla decided to shoot her shot at NBA star and fellow rapper Damian Lillard on Monday (February 19). The CMG/Interscope Records artist publicly declared her interest in the Milwaukee Bucks guard after meeting him at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.

“Who n#### dis is?” she posted along with a photo of the two on X (formerly known as Twitter). “Cause I want him #GetEmGlo.”

Minutes later, GloRilla doubled down on her lust for Lillard. The Memphis-bred rapper let the world know she was willing to scrap for him.

“Whoever she is can’t whoop me so I really dgaf,” GloRilla wrote.

https://twitter.com/GloTheofficial/status/1759486341878788225

GloRilla may not need to worry about another woman as Lillard filed for divorce in 2023. The NBA All-Star reportedly hasn’t lived with his estranged wife Kay’La Hanson since 2022. Lillard cited “irreconcilable differences” in the divorce filing.

Lillard and his estranged wife were a couple for more than a decade. The college sweethearts got married in 2021. They share three children.

Hanson requested sole custody of their children. She said Lillard has “never been the sole parent responsible for the care of all three of [their] children, for any hours-long period without the help of nannies, assistants, and/or family members.”

Lillard filed for divorce just a few days after he was traded to Milwaukee. The blockbuster deal sent Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Bucks in a three-team trade, which included the Phoenix Suns. Lillard spent his entire career with the Trail Blazers before the deal.

The trade paired Lillard with a former NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their team got off to a bumpy start as the Bucks fired their head coach after just 43 games despite having the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. The Bucks hired Doc Rivers, who won an NBA championship as the head coach of the Boston Celtics, to replace Griffin.

Lil Wayne, Nas, André 3000, Jill Scott, Gunna, Victoria Monét & More Set For 2024 Roots Picnic

The Live Nation Urban-backed 2024 Roots Picnic will take place in June. This year’s installment of the two-day Philadelphia festival features a star-studded lineup, including Lil Wayne performing with The Roots.

The New Orleans-born rapper and Philly-bred Hip-Hop band will celebrate Lil Wayne’s hometown. Festival attendees can also expect special guest appearances by R&B singer PJ Morton and jazz/funk musician Trombone Shorty to complete the set.

In addition to Lil Wayne, Roots Picnic 2024 will host performances by music veterans such as André 3000, Nas and Jill Scott. Newcomers like Victoria Monét, Sexyy Red, Tyla and October London are on the list of scheduled performers as well.

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Gunna, Cam’ron, Smino and Wale will also represent Hip-Hop at the show. Plus, Black Thought, Method Man and Redman will serve as featured acts for a “Live Mixtape” presentation by record producer J.Period.

Roots Picnic’s Podcast Stage has been renamed the Parkside Stage. Attendees can listen to live editions of Gillie Da King and Wallo’s Million Dollaz Worth of Game as well as Cipha Sounds and Peter Rosenberg’s Juan Epstein Podcast.

The 2024 Roots Picnic returns to The Mann in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia on June 1-2. Alumni presale tickets go live on Tuesday (February 20) at 10 a.m. ET. The general on-sale begins Friday (February 23) at 10 a.m. ET. To purchase tickets visit therootspicnic.com.

Roots Picnic 2024 Full Line-Up:

  • Lil Wayne & The Roots Celebrate New Orleans featuring special guests PJ Morton, Trombone Shorty
  • Jill Scott
  • André 3000
  • Nas
  • Gunna
  • Victoria Monét
  • Sexyy Red
  • Babyface
  • Robert Glasper & Yebba
  • J.Period Live Mixtape featuring Black Thought, Method Man, and Redman
  • Adam Blackstone’s Legacy Experience featuring Fantasia and Muni Long
  • Smino
  • Cam’ron
  • Wale
  • Tyla
  • Marsha Ambrosius
  • Baller Alert Presents Backyard Band featuring Scarface & Amerie
  • October London
  • Leon Thomas
  • Tasha Cobbs Leonard
  • Funk Flex
  • Q
  • Leon Thomas
  • Blk Odyssy
  • OT7 Quanny
  • Kenya Vaun
  • N3wyrkla
  • Julian King
  • Rec Philly Presents Chioke
  • DJ Diamond Kuts
  • DJ Aktive
  • DJ Doc B
  • DJ RL
  • R&B Only
  • U+ME+RNB
  • They Have the Range
  • Million Dollaz Worth of Game
  • Tonight’s Conversation
  • Juan Epstein Podcast
  • World Series of Spades

*Lineup subject to change.

Drake’s Highest Online Bets

Canadian rap sensation Drake, known as much for his chart-topping hits as his preference for high-stakes gambling, has been making headlines with his astronomical bets when gambling online. Drake is not known for using Canadian online casinos when gambling, since aligning himself with the online cryptocurrency casino, Stake.com, Drake’s gambling exploits have been closely scrutinized, revealing a whirlwind of wins and losses that have left fans and critics alike in awe.

Examining Drake’s betting frenzy over the past years, it’s evident that the rapper isn’t shy about rolling the dice, whether it’s on the outcome of sports events or the spin of a roulette wheel. From January to November 2022, Drake’s wagers amounted to staggering figures, with wins totaling over CA$101.9 million ($76.4 million) and losses reaching CA$39.5 million ($29.6 million).

While Drake’s gambling escapades span various sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, UFC, and Formula 1, his partnership with Stake.com has particularly thrust him into the spotlight. The rapper, under the alias “DeepPockets6,” wasted no time diving into the world of cryptocurrency betting, wagering over $1 billion in just two months.

Drake’s association with Stake.com has not only amplified his gambling endeavors but has also sparked speculation and controversy. Dubbed the ‘Drake Curse,’ the phenomenon suggests that athletes endorsed or wagered on by Drake often suffer unexpected defeats. While skeptics debate the validity of the curse, Drake’s betting misfortunes in the UFC have only added fuel to the fire.

Despite facing setbacks in the octagon, Drake’s luck seems to turn when it comes to American sports, particularly the NFL. His strategic bets on teams like the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, and Kansas City Chiefs have resulted in substantial payouts, showcasing his astute understanding of the game.

Drake’s appetite for risk knows no bounds. Renowned for his six-figure spins on the roulette wheel, the rapper has raked in jaw-dropping winnings while donning his lucky Arsenal shirt. His partnership with Stake.com has further solidified his status as a high-roller, hosting exclusive live-streamed events where he dishes out Bitcoin prizes to lucky participants.

However, amidst the glitz and glamour of Drake’s gambling, questions linger about the legitimacy of his stakes. Speculation abounds regarding whether Stake.com fronts the money for Drake’s bets, raising eyebrows about the true nature of his gambling habits.

Beyond Drake’s individual exploits, Stake.com’s global partnerships underscore its ambitions to establish itself as a major player in the cryptocurrency gambling industry. From sponsoring top-tier football clubs to securing deals with international sporting events, Stake.com is making significant strides in expanding its reach worldwide.

List of Drake’s highest bets of all time

  1. May 2022: Single Roulette Spin

Amount Wagered: Over $17 million

Outcome: Win

  1. March 2022: UFC Bet on Jorge Masvidal

Amount Wagered: $275,000

Outcome: Loss of $1.03 million potential payout

  1. May 2022: UFC Bet on Justin Gaethje

Amount Wagered: $427,000

Outcome: Loss of $1 million potential payout

  1. July 2022: UFC Bet on Israel Adesanya

Amount Wagered: $136,000

Outcome: Win, pocketed $897,000

  1. July 2022: UFC Bet on Paddy Pimblett and Molly McCann

Amount Wagered: $2.2 million

Outcome: Win, pocketed $3.7 million

  1. November 2022: UFC Bet on Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira

Amount Wagered: $2 million

Outcome: Loss of $2 million

  1. October 2022: Football Bet on Arsenal and Barcelona

Amount Wagered: Over $600,000

Outcome: Loss due to Barcelona’s defeat

  1. February 2022: NFL Bet on the Rams and Odell Beckham Jr.

Amount Wagered: Not specified

Outcome: Win of $537,850

  1. November 2022: NFL Three-Leg Parlay on Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, and Kansas City Chiefs

Amount Wagered: $287,000

Outcome: Win of $2 million

  1. April 2022: NBA Bets on the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks

Amount Wagered: Not specified

Outcome: Combined win of $729,440

Meek Mill Backs Chris Brown By Supporting Black-Owned Rap Snacks Over Ruffles

Meek Mill is standing up for Chris Brown in the R&B singer’s online spat with Ruffles. Brown called out the PepsiCo-owned potato chip brand for allegedly blocking him from participating in the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game.

On Sunday (February 18), Meek jumped on Twitter (X) to show support for his “All Eyes On You” collaborator. The Dream Chasers co-founder co-signed the James Lindsay-founded Rap Snacks company.

“That’s why it’s important we support Rap Snacks… I live @RapSnacksNow over Ruffles, black-owned and taste better!!!!!!” the 36-year-old Philadelphia native tweeted. The Rap Snacks Twitter (X) account responded with, “We are the CULTURE @MeekMill… Thank you for the support fam.”

Brown alleged the NBA disinvited him to the Celebrity All-Star Game because of the 2009 felony assault of his then-girlfriend Rihanna. Brown also claimed the league agreed to rescind the invitation because of corporate sponsors like Ruffles.

In response to Chris Brown’s allegations, a February 17-dated statement from Ruffles read, “Ruffles sponsored last night’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, however Ruffles did not have any involvement in, nor visibility to, any player decisions or celebrity invite discussions.”

Brown fired back, “@RUFFLES I guess y’all tryna save face now! STAND ON BUSINESS. Don’t try to make it look like I’m trippin. YOU AND THE NBA representatives know exactly what y’all are doin!”

Numerous artists have had their own flavor of Rap Snacks products. The faces of Meek Mill, Snoop Dogg, Migos, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Boosie Badazz, Rick Ross, Lil Durk, Lil Baby and other acts graced the front of chip, popcorn and cheese puff bags.

Kanye West Surpasses Eminem For Third-Most No. 1 Albums By Rapper

Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign have the No. 1 album in America right now. The ¥$ duo’s Vultures 1 opened in the top spot of this week’s Billboard 200 chart.

Vultures 1 debuted atop the Billboard 200 with 148,000 first-week units. This gives Kanye West his 11th No. 1 project. Ty Dolla $ign scored his first Number One.

With 11 chart-toppers, West broke a third-place tie with Eminem for most No. 1 albums by a rapper. The Chicago-bred performer/producer only trails Jay-Z (14) and Drake (13).

Vultures 1’s Billboard chart success comes after Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign delayed the project’s release on several occasions. The body of work finally arrived on February 9.

However, Vultures 1 underwent a series of setbacks after it hit DSPs. For example, the Donna Summer estate accused West of copyright infringement for supposedly using elements from the late singer’s “I Feel Love” for ¥$’s “Good (Don’t Die)” song.

Apple Music also pulled Vultures 1 from the streaming platform, reportedly in response to the FUGA distribution company’s request to have the album removed. FUGA claimed Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign violated a service agreement.

West also faced backlash from heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne. The lead vocalist of Black Sabbath blasted Ye for allegedly sampling the band’s music without permission.

Osbourne also called the “Carnival” rapper an antisemite. In 2022, Kanye West made offensive remarks about the Jewish community and praised Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. He later apologized for the “unintended outburst” and “pain” caused by his comments.