will.i.am Raves About USHER’s “Urban Olympics” at Super Bowl Halftime Show

will.i.am has reflected on his surprise appearance during USHER’s Super Bowl Halftime Show on Sunday.

The Black Eyed Peas frontman took to the stage at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as USHER’s guest star, 13 years after Usher appeared as Will’s guest star during the 2011 Super Bowl.

“How can I explain it? There’s no words to really explain that,” the performer told The Hollywood Reporter after the event. “Now 13 years later, it means something totally different. It’s beautiful. It was wonderful. It’s fantastic.”

Will also raved about USHER’s performance, which included dancers roller-skating and doing tricks on stage.

“The reason I say our section was the most. ‘What the F?’ is because we’ve never seen roller skating at any type of big world stage like that,” will.i.am said. “It felt like the urban Olympics. He brought the urban Olympics to the Super Bowl.”

Will added that the show, which featured 13 minutes of USHER’s hits, had a “lot of OMG moments… so many OMG moments that 60 seconds of OMG was all you needed because the show was ‘oh my gosh.'”

Will joined USHER to perform their 2010 hit song, “OMG.” They performed the same track during the 2011 Halftime Show.

USHER was also joined on stage by Ludacris, Lil Jon, Alicia Keys and H.E.R.

Azealia Banks Roasts Beyoncé For Country Music Pivot—Promptly Gets Dragged

Azealia Banks only seems to pop up when she has something negative to say; it’s been her pattern for years. Monday (February 12) was no exception. Mere hours after Beyoncé announced her Texas-themed album, RENAISSANCE: Act ii, would arrive on March 29, Banks hopped on Instagram to insult the Columbia Records artist for going “country.”

In a rant uploaded to her Instagram Stories, Banks said, “You’re setting yourself up to be ridiculed again. There’s a theatrical element to country music !!! Them critics are not just going to accept an ugly blond wig and bullying from JAY-Z… It’s giving big time musical grift. Yes black girls can make county music … but you’re just really not hitting the button.

“Beyoncé please stop the madness. The gay baiting, the overtly narcissistic attempts to lazily encroach into a genre you think your popularity is gonna gain accolades for you in… You’re looking like food sis. You will gag when k Michelle tears it.”

Banks went after Beyoncé in 2018 for allegedly stealing her choreography, calling her a “regular b####.” As she said at the time, “I realized that my ex dancer Ashanti choreographed for Beyoncé and stole the original choreography @gypjaq made for count contessa. Beyoncé needs to get over herself and just hire me ‘cause even though Coachella was cute…it was still more of the same.”

She also claimed Beyoncé “loves to push this female empowerment s### but is just ALWAYS trying to steal from talented women and outdo them…but she really never does.” She continued, “I really hope she gets real with herself soon and humbles herself enough to accept the visions and full projects women who admire her put together FOR HER.”

Needless to say, the BeyHive aren’t fans of Banks and promptly dragged her online. Find some of the best tweets below.

De La Soul Remembers Trugoy The Dove On One-Year Anniversary Of His Death

Dave Joliceour—better known as Trugoy The Dove or Plug Two from De La Soul—died one year ago on February 12. On the anniversary of his passing, fellow member Kelvin “Posdnuos” Mercer is remembering his friend in an Instagram post, admitting he had mixed feelings about doing so.

As he explained in the caption, “I feel conflicted posting this on this date…Dave disliked when people were publicly remembered on the day they were lost….The day they transitioned but I’m sure he also respected how people chose to remember those they love and have lost. So on this day I will stand alongside all the people who cherish him as well as kept us in their prayers but to be clear I miss him in the physical everyday, rep for him everyday & will talk to someone about him everyday.”

Several of De La Soul’s peers jumped in the comment section to pay their respects, including Pete Rock, Lateef the Truthspeaker, Ladybug Mecca, DJ Rhettmatic, Lord Finesse, Hi-Tek and Diamond D.

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AllHipHop had the unfortunate task of breaking the news in 2023. Trugoy had been struggling with his health over the past few years. In 2018, he opened up about his battle with congestive heart failure in an Instagram video and confessed he was struggling with being sidelined.

“I’m ready just to get back to the stage,” he said at the time. “I miss that. I love traveling. I love being around my guys and I want that back.”

In 2020, he sparked concern when he was briefly hospitalized. He appeared to be in good spirits, however, and was able to have an Instagram Live conversation with Posdnuos and Maseo.

It was supposed to be a triumphant year for De La Soul—and it was in many ways. De La had been fighting to get their first six albums on streaming services after a years of stalled negotiations with Tommy Boy Records, their former label. In 2022, Reservoir Media acquired the Tommy Boy catalog and wanted to help rectify the situation. After more than three decades, their groundbreaking debut, 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul Is Dead, Buhloone Mindstate, Stakes Is High, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump and AOI: Bionix became available on all DSPs last March.

But sadly, Trugoy didn’t get to celebrate. Instead, the surviving members of De La Soul carried the torch for him and will continue doing so.

Swizz Beatz Trends Following USHER & Alicia Keys’ Super Bowl Chemistry—He Replies

USHER performed for the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in Las Vegas on Sunday night (February 11), bringing a roughly 11-minute medley of his hits to Allegiant Stadium. As is typical with Super Bowl performances, several guests made their way to the field to join the veteran R&B singer, including Alicia Keys.

Keys, who was announced earlier in the week, showed up to duet with USHER on their 2004 collaboration, “My Boo.” There was a moment, however, where they looked more like a couple than two artists simply singing a song together—and the internet noticed.

Shortly after Keys departed the stage, fans took to Twitter to comment on what they’d just witnessed. Keys is married to Swizz Beatz and they have multiple children together, so it didn’t take long for his name to trend. The memes were plentiful., with one person writing, “Someone check on Swizz Beatz.” Even Boosie Badazz believes USHER owes Swizz Beatz an apology for his moves on Keys.

But Swizz Beatz isn’t worried about all the chatter. As the memes flowed, he hopped on Instagram to addresses the performance. He wrote, “Y’all talking about the wrong damn thing !!! y’all don’t see that amazing dress covering the entire stadium. Tonight’s performance was nothing but amazing with 2 amazing Giants ! Congrats @usher and my love @aliciakeys that song is a classic 🤍 We don’t do negative vibes on this side we make history. Go see GIANTS at @brooklynmuseum it’s open until July blessing.”

Check it out below.

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Killer Mike Reveals “Michael” Is Three-Part Album Series

Killer Mike is still riding high after winning three Grammy Awards at the 2024 ceremony. The Atlanta-bred MC’s “Scientists & Engineers” won Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance, while Michael took home the Best Rap Album trophy.

Fans of Killer Mike can expect more music from the Dungeon Family affiliate. He recently revealed Michael is the initial release in a three-part album series. Apple Music 1 spoke to Mike during Super Bowl LVIII weekend.

“This album is the first of three,” he said. “It’s gonna be three Michaels. “The first album we got to kinda take the nine-year-old to where I’ve grown into as an adult, but I wanna cut deeper. There’s deeper levels to go. We’re already plotting out what the next one’s gonna be. Me and Cuz Lightyear were in the studio with Mike WiLL the next night. And we’re working.”

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Kai Cenat & Joe Budden Clashed Over Killer Mike Winning Best Rap Album

Michael reigned supreme in the 2024 Grammy’s Best Rap Album category, which also included projects by Drake & 21 Savage, Metro Boomin, Nas and Travis Scott. The Recording Academy’s decision to honor Killer Mike’s sixth studio LP did cause some controversy.

Streamer Kai Cenat and podcaster Joe Budden had a back-and-forth on their respective shows about Michael beating out some of the other contenders. Cenat admitted to not knowing Killer Mike’s work and questioned why his project won Best Rap Album.

Budden then slammed Cenat for his negative reactions to Michael winning. Cenat and fellow streamer Adin Ross fired back at Budden. However, Killer Mike spoke positively about Cenat and Ross during an interview with GQ.

“I just want to say, to Kai, you should have invited me to the room because I f### with you and I’ll bring you a broom,” Mike stated, referencing his “sweep” at the Grammy Awards. “Adin, don’t waste all your time arguing with old folks, man. I salute you. I love to see what y’all young brothers are doing.” 

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Boosie Badazz Tells USHER To Apologize To Swizz Beatz For Hugging Alicia Keys On Stage

Boosie Badazz had a lot of thoughts about the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show. The Baton Rouge native publically shared some of his opinions about USHER’s performance on Sunday (February 11). He also offered a highly unlikely recommendation for another possible headliner.

As far as last night’s Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show in Nevada, Boosie took issue with one part of the performance. USHER brought out Alicia Keys to sing their Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping “My Boo” duet. Their on-stage interactions became a social media meme.

Alicia Keys, the wife of music producer Swizz Beatz, ran through her “If I Ain’t Got You” single before rising from the piano to join USHER for “My Boo.” At one point, the Coming Home album creator hugged Keys from behind which ignited online conversations about whether the embrace was inappropriate for a married woman.

Boosie Badazz took the side of the faultfinders with a message posted to his Instagram page. He wrote, “@USHER ENOUGH IS ENOUGH BRO!! U NEED TO APOLOGIZE TO [SWIZZ BEATZ]. SHE [IS] MARRIED MY N####. I KNOW THAT WASN’T PLANNED.”

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Boosie Says R. Kelly Songs Would Be “Amazing” To Hear At The Super Bowl

“IF R. KELLY WOULDN’T HAVE GOT [IN] TROUBLE HIS SONGS WOULD BE AMAZING AT A SUPERBOWL HALFTIME SHOW‼️ I CAN HEAR THAT VOICE NOW,” Boosie tweeted during the NFL’s championship game.

The 41-year-old recording artist then named some of R. Kelly’s most famous songs like “I Believe I Can Fly,” “Step in the Name of Love” and “Fiesta.” Boosie also suggested the convicted sexual abuser could join up with USHER for a live rendition of their “Same Girl” collaboration.

In 2022, a New York federal judge sentenced R. Kelly (born Robert Kelly) to 30 years in prison following racketeering and sex crimes convictions. In 2023, another federal judge in Illinois sentenced the self-described Pied Piper of R&B to 20 years. A jury found R. Kelly guilty of producing child pornography and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity in that case.

Soulja Boy Encourages Using Apple Vision Pro To Watch NSFW Content

Soulja Boy seems to be enjoying his Apple Vision Pro. The “mixed-reality” headset became a trending topic after being released to the American public on February 2.

According to Soulja Boy, the Apple Vision Pro can improve the enjoyment of pornography. The 33-year-old entertainer gave a personal review of Apple Inc.’s latest product.

“Watching p### on this joint? All your whole photo albums come on here, so imagine the flicks you got in your phone,” Soulja stated during a livestream. “Yo, I was just watching this s### in 3D like, ‘Whoa! Oh my god!’”

The “Kiss Me thru the Phone” hitmaker also said, “When y’all get this s###, whatever flicks y’all got in your phone, y’all gotta watch this s### on the Apple Vision. I’m telling you, this s### looks 3D.”

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/UDcOcbEYfhQ

In addition to Soulja Boy, other internet personalities posted recent content while wearing the Apple Vision Pro. The Joe Budden Podcast co-host Lamar “Ice” Burney recorded the latest episode of the show with the headset on.

Last week, Kai Cenat shared his first time using the Apple Vision Pro during a livestream. Cenat also displayed the Facetime feature by calling celebrities such as DDG and IShowSpeed.

Popular technology-focused YouTuber Marques Brownlee gave a positive review for the Apple Vision Pro. The product currently sells at retail for $3499 (256GB), $3699 (512GB) and $3899 (1TB).

K. Michelle Reacts To Fans Suggesting She’s Pressed Over Beyoncé’s New Country Music

Beyoncé once again stopped the world by announcing what appears to be a country album during a Super Bowl LVIII commercial on Sunday (February 11). Apparently, many social media users began tagging K. Michelle after Queen Bey’s big announcement about Renaissance Act II.

One X account posted, “Has anyone checked on @kmichelle? Bey will bring pressure to country music!!” K. Michelle quoted that tweet and addressed the speculation she may be concerned about Beyoncé dropping a country project.

“Why would anyone need to check on me?” K. Michelle asked. ‘I’m one of the greatest African American country singers of all times with no album even out.”

The Memphis-born vocalist continued, “Y’all been mentioning me ALL night. I’m just happy to be [spoken] about in my genre. I love Bey and will be supporting her like I always do.”

Even though most of her releases have been categorized as R&B, K. Michelle has recorded country music throughout her career. For example, the former Love & Hip Hop star appeared on “Country Love Song” by Justin Champagne.

“As soon as I heard [‘Country Love Song’], I instantly knew when I heard it that this was going to be great. It’s a great transition and I love him on it,” Michelle told People in 2023.

K. Michelle dropped the I’m the Problem studio LP in September 2023. The album joined a catalog that also includes the Billboard 200 Top 5 albums Rebellious Soul and More Issues Than Vogue.

Beyoncé’s Renaissance Act II is scheduled to arrive on March 29. The sequel to the Grammy-winning Renaissance from 2022 will host the newly released “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em” singles.

USHER’s “Yeah!” Hits No. 1 On iTunes Following Super Bowl LVIII Performance

USHER became a Super Bowl LVIII weekend highlight thanks to his live show during halftime. The R&B legend’s well-received set pushed one of his classic songs to the top of an iTunes chart.

Following his Super Bowl appearance on Sunday (February 11), USHER’s “Yeah!” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris jumped to No. 1 on the iTunes all-genre rankings. Plus, “U Got It Bad” made it into the Top 10.

“Yeah!” closed out the Atlanta-raised singer’s star-studded showcase in Paradise, Nevada’s Allegiant Stadium. Lil Jon and Ludacris joined the eight-time Grammy Award winner for his mid-game performance of the record.

The Recording Industry Association of America certified “Yeah!” as 13x-platinum on February 9, 2024. The 2004 single from the Confessions album spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

USHER also enlisted Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R. and will.i.am for the Roc Nation-produced Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show. He ran through hits like “My Boo,” “U Got It Bad” and “OMG” too.

In addition, USHER’s new studio LP, Coming Home, currently sits atop the iTunes all-genre album chart. Coming Home arrived on February 9 as well. The project features H.E.R., Burna Boy, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Latto, The-Dream, Pheelz and Jungkook.

Jay-Z & Beyoncé Bring Daughters Blue Ivy & Rumi To Super Bowl  

Jay-Z looked every inch the doting dad as he brought his daughters on a family outing to the Super Bowl. 

The Carter family stepped out for the Big Game in Las Vegas Sunday ahead of mom Beyoncé’s big announcement.  

Before the athletes took to the field, Jay-Z brought out his girls, Blue Ivy, 12, and Rumi, 6, to take in the moment. As photographers snapped away at the famous family, Blue tasked her dad with taking some shots of her own.  

Footage of the sweet moment was captured by a fan, featuring Hov making multiple attempts to get the picture just right. Blue wanted Jay-Z to capture her mid-leap, but the Roc Nation boss struggled to get it right. 

Blue shook her head at her father after the first try before making him take another photo. Although Hov thought he took the perfect shot, even showing the image to a nearby photographer for approval, his little girl was not satisfied.  

However, Jay-Z was determined to make Blue Ivy happy and seemingly succeeded on his third attempt. 

While Jay-Z took the spotlight last week after being honored with the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the Grammys, this weekend was his wife’s time to shine.  

During the Super Bowl, the superstar songstress teased her country-themed album, Renaissance Act ii. She starred in a Verizon commercial that sees Bey trying to break the internet with a series of attention-grabbing stunts. Beyoncé then surprised fans with two new singles ahead of the album, due March 29. 

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USHER Sparks Wedding Rumors After Obtaining Marriage License With Girlfriend Jenn Goicoechea  

USHER now has a prestigious Super Bowl Halftime Show performance under his belt, but could his next big event be a wedding?  

On Sunday (February 11), the iconic singer performed a medley of his biggest hits at the big game at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. He kicked off the energetic performance with “Caught Up,” before bringing out guests, including will.i.am, Ludacris and Alicia Keys.  

However, days before Super Bowl LVIII, USHER, who now capitalizes his name, reportedly obtained a marriage license with longtime girlfriend Jennifer “Jenn” Goicoechea. According to PEOPLE, court records show the couple were granted the license in Clark County, Nevada on Thursday (February 8.) 

USHER and Goicoechea share two children and look set to walk down the aisle any day now. 

“We’ve obviously made a commitment to life for life together because of our children,” he told the outlet earlier this month. “It wouldn’t be odd for us to get married. We already did here. You know what I’m saying? 

“And we’re going to be in each other’s lives until we die, obviously, because we have something to share. That’s beautiful. Our children. But not because of that. I really do feel like I have an amazing partner that I respect.” 

While USHER and Goicoechea, who have been dating since 2019, are gearing up for a wedding, they haven’t exchanged vows just yet. The couple are yet to file the marriage license, per the publication.

Drake Wins $2M Super Bowl Wager Thanks To Taylor Swift: “Can’t Bet Against The Swifties”  

Drake has more reasons than most to celebrate the Chiefs Super Bowl LVIII victory after winning more than $2m on the game, and it’s all down to Taylor Swift. 

The OVO honcho had San Francisco 49ers fans hoping the “Drake curse” worked in their favor after placing a $1.15 million wager on the Kansas City Chiefs to win the big game. The “Search & Rescue” hitmaker has become notorious for backing the loser ahead of high-profile sporting events. 

On Sunday (February 11), Drake took to Instagram to share his betting slip ahead of the Super Bowl. He bet $1.15 million on the Chiefs to win, with a payout of $2.346 million. 

“I can’t bet against the swifties,” Drake penned in the caption, referring to Chiefs star Travis Kelce’s high-profile relationship with pop sensation Taylor Swift. 

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However, luckily for the Toronto superstar, the “Drake curse” failed to materialize, and the Chiefs defeated the 49ers in a 25-22 overtime victory to win their third Super Bowl in five years. The victory was only the second overtime game in Super Bowl history, according to ESPN.

The $1.15 million bet scored him a gain of $1.196 million. Drake celebrated the mammoth win in a video posted on his Instagram Story. “I won a million dollars,” he shared.  

Meanwhile, last October, the serial gambler and ambassador of online casino and gambling company Stake lost his $400,000 bet on Jake Paul in his fight against Tommy Fury. 

Paul jokingly blamed the “Drake curse” after losing the fight in an eight-round split decision. “F###, this is Drake’s fault,” he stated. “Drake why you do this to me.” 

Kanye West Likens Himself To Robin Hood, Drops Yeezy Merch To $20

Kanye West is comparing himself to a Robin Hood character after lowering the price of all merch on his Yeezy store to just $20. 

On Sunday evening (February 11), Ye took to Instagram to announce the move and his motivation behind it. West claims he wanted GAP to give his Balenciaga collaboration to customers for free, but the brand refused to allow it.  

“I’m a bit of a Robin Hood,” Kanye West explains in an interview snippet. “People can go and say, ‘OK. This multi billionaire went and spent $4 million on Balenciaga in one year.’ But did I bring the designs back down to earth? As much as I could, because GAP didn’t take it to $20 the way I wanted to.” 

According to Ye, the brand wanted to “protect the classism of the idea of Balenciaga and the idea of GAP. Or the idea of a Gap and Ye collaboration and Balenciaga collaboration.” He added, “Let’s take it and get it to free, but at least get it to $20.” 

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Everything in his store, including all Vultures merch and his newly released Yeezy Pods, are on sale for $20. However, the move has angered fans who recently purchased the sock-like shoes at the original price of $200.  

“Bought them for $200 2 months ago now they’re $20,” one fan wrote in the comments of his video. “I’m sick.”  

It appears Kanye West is ready to go on another press run, despite the controversy that followed after he made a string of antisemitic remarks in interviews and subsequent rants during his last Yeezy campaign.  

Ye shared another snippet from an upcoming interview with Justin LaBoy. In the clip, Kanye West praises his Vultures collaborator Ty Dolla $ign. 

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The duo recently shared their new project, although the release hit a bump in the road, which saw the project temporarily removed from DSPs. Ozzy Osbourne lashed out at Ye on social media after learning Vultures Vol. 1 includes an uncleared sample of the Black Sabbath single “Iron Man.” 

“I want no association with this man!” Ozzy declared while wife Sharon branded Ye a “disrespectful antisemite” who “represents hate.”

Iggy Azalea Responds To Fan Criticism Over Playboi Carti’s “Thong”

Iggy Azalea is seemingly unfazed by the controversy that Playboi Carti, the father of her child, has caused recently due to his wardrobe choices.

On Saturday (February 10), Azalea shared a sultry post on Instagram in which she appeared to be smoking in her bathroom while wearing lingerie. In the comment section of the post, which has since garnered more than 400,000 likes, one troll in particular managed to gain Azalea’s attention by attempting to make a swipe at her and Carti all at once.

“Yo BD out here in the same outfit,” the user wrote, to which Azalea responded, “Well, who wore it better?”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C3J46EQNIN1/

Playboi Carti went viral earlier this week after photos of an outfit he wore to the studio while working with Kanye West began circulating online. The photos and video showed the Whole Lotta Red artist wearing what appeared to be a sheer bodysuit that many social media users argued could be considered a thong.

Beyoncé Announces “RENAISSANCE: Act ii” Release Date With 2 New Songs

The BeyHive were right all along. Moments after Beyoncé appeared in a Verizon commercial during Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday night (February 11), the Columbia Records artist announced the release date of her next album, RENAISSANCE: Act ii, which appears to be a country record. Minutes later, she released two songs from the project—”Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages”—which adhere to the country theme.

The Instagram announcement included a short clip, which looks to be set in the 1970s. It finds a wild cast of characters staring at a billboard that reads “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Beyoncé is then heard singing, “This ain’t Texas/ Ain’t no hold ’em/ Lay our cards down, down down” in what sounds like a nod to Kenny Rogers. The spot ends with “act ii” and a March 29 release date.

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Fans have been whispering that she may have switched gears musically and was working on a country album. The rumors were fueled by Beyonce’s outfit at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on February 4—not only was she wearing a ribbon tie, which they interpreted as a nod to country attire, she was also sporting a large, beige cowboy hat, to boot.

Considering Beyoncé comes from Texas, some believe it wouldn’t be completely out of left field for her to work some wild west energy into her repertoire. There’s also the name she gave her 2021 sportswear collaboration with Adidas: Ivy Park Rodeo. At the time, Beyoncé said the name arose in homage to the eclectic musical influences she had growing up.

“I grew up seeing artists like Selena and Frankie Beverly and Maze and today it is just as eclectic with artists like Kacey Musgraves to Mary J. Blige,” Beyoncé said. “I remember the trail ride, with people riding from all over to the Houston Rodeo.”

Check out the new singles below.

Jermaine Dupri Roasted For Super Bowl Fit: “JD Dressed Like A 3YR Old Ring Bearer”

Jermaine Dupri is one of the dopest Hip-Hop producers. Not only Hip-Hop, he’s an R&B virtuoso as well. However, fashion is clearly not his strong suit. His suit was a topic of discussion at the Super Bowl. USHER took to the stage live from Las Vegas and tore it up. He brought out a whole consortium of megastars, including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, H.E.R, Lil Jon, will.i.am and supporting cast.

IT WAS LIKE ATLANTA WAS IN THE BUILDING. It was a glorious affair. Now, some people were commenting on Alicia Keys’ cracking voice at the very beginning of her performance, but we’re gonna let that go. Also, people were talking about a warm embrace between USHER and Keys, but we’re gonna forget that for the moment, too. What they didn’t forget was Dupri’s short set. He seemed to don the clothing of a toddler for goodness sake. People continued to comment on it, comparing him to Wednesday Addams, Eddie Munster, various forms of an Oompa Loompa, Boss Baby and more. It was funny!

On top of it, scores of people thought Dupri was CeeLo Green, another legend from Atlanta. I didn’t think that, but there were enough people who did for me to comment. The reality is it, it’s hard out here. I don’t know who told him to wear lace socks, but the internet went in.

OK! Let me stop before we get in trouble.

-illseed out

Post Malone Turns Into Post Apocalyptic Culture Vulture

Oh, snap! Post Malone took the stage at the Super Bowl 2024 in Vegas, and everybody is talking! Let me tell you, it was nothing short of interesting. And I do not mean that in a good way. Rocking blue jeans, a suede blazer, and a statement bolo tie, Malone brought his D-game to the Allegiant Stadium, serenading the crowd with “America the Beautiful.” Bro had his acoustic guitar, looking like a homeless meth head from the future. Thankfully, Andra Day had saged the place up with her version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Posty ain’t getting off the hook that fast. So many people from the Black Diaspora wondering what happened? He was a rapper and then he’s abandoned the Blacks. I was never a fan, but a lot of people liked him due to “White Iverson.” Anyway, a lot of people said something. To me, he joins the ranks of Kid Rock, MGK and others that have used rap to get ahead. Here’s QuestLove’s comment and some others.

Anyway, here you go…

-illseed out

Super Bowl LVIII Commercials: Lil Wayne, LL COOL J, Ice Spice, Fat Joe, J. Lo & More

The Kansas City Chiefs and San Fransisco 49ers are halfway through Super Bowl LVIII, with the 49ers up by 10. But, for those who care more about the commercials and less about the football, the last hour has been undeniably entertaining.

A slew of Hip-Hop/rap artists have popped up so far, including LL COOL J, Lil Wayne and Ice Spice. LL COOL J plays a train conductor in a Coors Light commercial dubbed “Chill Train” alongside country star Lainey Wilson. Lil Wayne appears with Schitt’s Creek star Dan Levy for a Homes.com spot, while Ice Spice plugs the PepsiCo drink Starry flanked by two animated lemon/limes.

Fat Joe, meanwhile, shows up in a Dunkin Donuts commercial with Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Jack Harlow, Tom Brady and Matt Damon. Decked out in Dunkin Donuts branding head to toe, Affleck shows up to Lopez’s recording studio, where he tries to impress her with his “skills.” Needless to say, it doesn’t go so well.

Other rap stars got a look in terms of syncs. E-Trade features two s###-talking babies in a pickleball court featuring Coi Leray and David Guetta’s “Make My Day,” a remake of Technotronic’s “Pump Up The Jam.” Run-DMC ‘s “It’s Tricky” was also featured as the game went to a commercial break. Much like Hip-Hop/rap has dominated the music industry in the last several years, there was no shortage of representation at the Super Bowl. Watch the available ads below and check back for updates.

JAY-Z’s First-Ever Roc Nation Super Bowl Party Draws Travis Scott, Ciara, Tom Brady + More

JAY-Z rubbed elbows with the biggest names in the sports and entertainment industries following the Grammy’s for the first-ever Roc Nation Super Bowl party.

On Friday (February 9), a host of A-List stars joined Hov at The Poodle Room in Las Vegas with D’USSÉ for a Roc Nation celebration in honor of the newly announced Versace partnership. Among the numerous star-studded attendees included Oscar Winner Leonardo DiCaprio, NFL champion Tom Brady and artists such as Travis Scott, Ciara, Janelle Monae, Fat Joe, Remy Ma and Memphis Bleek. Additional attendees included Roc Nation Sports’ client roster signees Dez Bryant, Todd Gurley and Victor Cruz, in addition to Roc Nation signee Kalan.FrFr.

Several stars touched the stage and performed along with DJ Zack Bia, including Justin Beiber, Travis Scott and Ciara, who performed a rendition of her hit song “One, Two Step” with Dreamville rapper J.I.D by her side (it has since gone viral on social media).

On Friday (February 9), a multi-year partnership between Versace and Roc Nation was announced, revealing a framework of process designed to support cause-focused initiatives through the sponsorship of high-profile events. For example, the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University, which offers programs in entrepreneurship, music technology, sports management and more, will benefit directly from the partnership with Versace.

Kanye West’s “The College Dropout” Bear Looked Liked This—At First

Kanye West’s former fiancée has shared a glimpse of the polarizing artist’s creative process during The College Dropout album era amid the 20th anniversary of its release.

According to Ye’s ex-fiancée, Alexis Phifer, his initial sketches of the iconic bear were drafted at her house in 2004 just before the album dropped. She shared a lengthy Instagram Story recently detailing a great deal of West’s process crafting the bear, remarking on how Ralph Lauren exclusively inspired the bear and that he started drawing the head first.

Phifer claims West was going to throw the sketches away after he faxed them to the record label until she convinced him to let her “keep the art.”

Phifer dated West on and off for years before getting engaged in 2006, only to call it quits about a year later. Not only have the drawings, considering she kept the drawings for some 20 years, stood the test of time, much like the music, but so has West’s influence.