Victoria Monét Teams With Black Music Action Coalition To Help Emerging Artists

The Black Music Action Coalition joined forces with Victoria Monét to create a new grant designed to empower the next generation of Black artists. The BMAC x Victoria Monét Music Maker Grant recipient will receive $5,000, access to mentorship opportunities and career advice from Monét.

“We are honored to partner with Victoria Monét to uplift a young and deserving Black artist and help further their dreams within the music industry,” BMAC CEO and co-founder Willie “Prophet” Stiggers said. “Her story is one of resilience and perseverance and it is in that spirit we will continue to pay it forward. BMAC’s mission is to create a more equal playing field by breaking down barriers to entry for our community. Our BMAC Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Music Maker Dinner is a perfect room to celebrate this initiative.”

Monét’s grant recipient will be chosen following a nationwide search. The grant bolstered BMAC’s extensive lineup of grants and programs aimed at helping Black industry professionals and emerging artists. The organization previously launched a Music Maker Grant with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who will host BMAC’s Grammy Week Music Maker Dinner in Los Angeles on Wednesday (January 31).

“I met Victoria years ago as a songwriter and to see where her gifts have brought her to today has been an incredible journey to watch,” BMAC co-founder Shawn Holiday said. “As a co-founder of BMAC, I am proud to honor her work with establishing the BMAC x Victoria Monét Music Maker Grant and have the opportunity to work together to uplift the next generation of our industry.”

Monét partnered with the BMAC after scoring seven nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards, which take place on Sunday (February 4). The singer-songwriter’s single “On My Mama” was nominated for Record of the Year, one of the most coveted awards in the music industry.

Ruby Rose Mistakenly Receives Death Threats Over Nicki Minaj & Megan Thee Stallion Beef

Ruby Rose mistakenly received death threats over Nicki Minaj’s rap feud. In a case of mistaken identity, the Australian actress and TV presenter received messages intended for rapper Rubi Rose.

Rubi Rose had weighed in  on an online feud between Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion, making a number of defamatory claims about Minaj’s health and body. Rubi Rose’s Instagram post caught the attention of Minaj’s die-hard fans, the Barbz. But it was the other Ruby who bore the brunt of the Barbz’s ire.

“I have a ‘Y’ in my name, not an ‘I’,” Ruby wrote in her own Instagram post, pleading with the Barbz to understand she wanted no part in the drama.“I never thought I’d see the day when I was being flooded with death threats for involvement in a rap beef.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeHCWyYpbH0/?hl=en&img_index=1

 

Ruby Rose added that her personal Instagram posts were more likely to feature puppies than rappers.

“I do not post about rappers on my Close Friends story,” Ruby wrote. “I assure you my Close Friends list is never used for anything but more dog photos. I don’t know much about the inner workings of the rap world, period.”

The ongoing war between Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion has captivated fans of the former friends and was sent into overdrive when Megan released “HISS” on January 26. The song features lyrics that many interpreted to be a veiled insult aimed at Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty.

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Discover the Magnificent $18 Million Luxury Haven of Music Mogul Ryan Kane

Prepare to be dazzled by the stunning retreat of music industry titan Ryan Kane, CEO of Secure the Bag (STB) Entertainment. Kane has made a bold decision to part ways with his opulent $18 million luxury estate nestled along the pristine shores of Sarasota, Florida. This remarkable 8,006 square foot family sanctuary stands as a beacon of unparalleled luxury and waterfront living on Florida’s esteemed Gulf coast. Situated on a newly expanded one-acre double lot, this estate is fully walled and gated, offering an oasis of privacy along with the extraordinary privilege of accommodating a 40+ meter yacht.

Immersed within the prestigious San Remo Estates, a community steeped in rich history and coveted exclusivity since its inception in the roaring 20s, Kane’s residence is a jewel among gems. With its unique blend of Mediterranean revival and Spanish Colonial architecture, San Remo Estates has long been a magnet for discerning residents seeking the epitome of coastal sophistication. Kane’s home has recently earned a spotlight on MTV’s Siesta Key and has served as the backdrop for numerous music videos, adding an extra layer of allure to its already prestigious profile.

Step inside this architectural marvel and be swept away by its lavish interior, meticulously crafted to cater to the most discerning tastes. The main residence is a testament to luxury living, boasting two master suites with private Bayview balconies, three additional en-suite guest bedrooms, a home theater, game room, fitness room, rooftop balcony, elevator, and a 2-car garage. A detached property adds a climate-controlled 3+ car garage and a professional recording studio, with provisions for additional guest quarters above.

From the grand foyer to the two-story family room, every corner of this estate exudes elegance and sophistication. The chef’s kitchen is a culinary haven, outfitted with Viking stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, a 1,000-bottle walk-in wine cellar, built-in espresso maker, hammered copper sinks, and more.

But it’s not just the interior that will leave you in awe. Step outside into a paradise of leisure and entertainment, complete with a custom-designed pool/spa area, Alfresco kitchen, swim-up bar, multiple lawn areas, and a professional basketball/sports court. Boating enthusiasts will rejoice at the sight of the 75′ dock equipped with a boat lift, sun deck, secondary dock, and jet ski platforms, all nestled within a no-wake zone for the utmost tranquility.

As Kane sets his sights on new endeavors out West, this residence in San Remo Estates stands as a testament to his legacy, blending historic charm with modern luxury in a symphony of coastal elegance. For those seeking to experience the pinnacle of Gulf coast living, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Contact Mark Coppens of Living Vogue Real Estate at (941) 444-0436 or ma**@*********ue.com to embark on your journey to luxury living at its finest.

Blueface & Chrisean Rock’s Newborn Trends After Twitter User Suggests Grim Diagnosis

Chrisean Rock’s recent Instagram live with her newborn baby is causing a concerning stir among users on Twitter (X). On January 29, Rock spent a good deal of time addressing the backlash she’d been receiving for recently moving back in with Blueface, in addition to tattooing a portrait of his mugshot on her cheek. Throughout the video, viewers appeared to notice Rock’s care, or lack thereof, concerning caretaking for her four-month-old son.

“No shade, but why does Chrisean Jr’s cry sound like that?” one person wrote. “And idegaf about her stupid ass tattoo, but she held that poor baby for all of two minutes before she put him back down & told him to play w/his toys (he’s 4 months old. so she cld get back online, that’s f###ing sad.”

One user pointed out that Chrisean Rock Jr. bore a resemblance to NBA legend Charles Barkley. 

“Yeah that’s Charles Barkley’s baby alright,” the X user wrote in a tweet, while another X user replied with a more grim explanation: “This is fetal alcohol syndrome.”

The comment was a reference to Blueface’s remarks about the child, who he previously disowned during a domestic dispute with Rock last year. He was apparently upset she brought her son to his home in a car without a car seat.

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Ice Cube Slams “Secret Meeting That Changed Rap Music” Conspiracy Theory

Ice Cube did not hold back when addressing a decade-old conspiracy theory spreading across the internet. The N.W.A member took time to address a social media user’s attempt to implicate him in the alleged covert scheme.

A clip of Krayzie Bone discussing a 2012 anonymous letter titled “The Secret Meeting that Changed Rap Music and Destroyed a Generation” made its way to X. That blind item claimed powerful individuals in the music business met in 1991 to push an agenda of promoting criminal activity in rap music to help fill for-profit private prisons.

“I believe [Ice Cube] likely has direct knowledge of ‘the secret meeting’ that Krayzie Bone was referring to in the above long clip,” @The_777_lioness tweeted on Monday (January 29). The X account also suggested N.W.A inspired record labels and the prison system to boost “crime culture” for profit.

Ice Cube quote-tweeted @The_777_lioness and added, “Opinions are like a#######. Everybody has one and they all stink! What evidence do you have to make a statement like that?” That response from the Hip-Hop legend led to an apology from the self-professed fan of far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

Ice Cube & N.W.A Left Undeniable Mark On Pop Culture

N.W.A rose to national prominence in the late 1980s with singles such as “Straight Outta Compton,” “Express Yourself” and “F### Tha Police.” The gangsta rap pioneers faced significant backlash from police organizations, the FBI and conservative politicians.

Ice Cube eventually parted ways with Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren and DJ Yella to pursue a solo career. The Los Angeles-raised MC dropped classic albums like 1990’s AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and 1991’s Death Certificate.

Kendrick Lamar inducted Ice Cube and the other members of N.W.A into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. A year earlier, the critically acclaimed F. Gary Gray-directed Straight Outta Compton biopic grossed over $200 million at the global box office.

6lack Discusses Black Men Dealing With Mental Health Struggles

6lack took a five-year break between releasing 2018’s East Atlanta Love Letter album and 2023’s Since I Have a Lover album. The Atlanta native released 6pc Hot EP and singles during that layoff. However, he mostly laid low.

A new interview with Billboard featured 6lack discussing now being in healthy relationships with himself and the people around him. The Grammy-nominated singer/rapper also talked about Black men addressing mental health.

“One of the simplest things is just having conversations that don’t feel good. Especially with my friends that are guys,” the 31-year-old Love Renaissance representative stated. “I think that women have a better sense of having circles and having moments in conversations with each other.”

6lack also said, “We’re so in our own space that it’s hard for us to come together and address serious things. We can come together for a basketball game, football game, concert, club, you know whatever else. But it’s a lot less of a common thing for us to get together and just talk.”

Since I Have a Lover earned a Best Progressive R&B Album nod at the upcoming 66th Annual Grammy Awards. 6lack’s third studio LP competes against The Love Album: Off the Grid by Diddy, Nova by Terrace Martin & James Fauntleroy, The Age of Pleasure by Janelle Monáe and SOS by SZA.

6lack previously received Grammy nominations in 2018 and 2019. He came up short three times in those prior instances, including a Best Urban Contemporary Album nomination for 2016’s Free 6lack.

Since I Have a Lover contains guest features from Don Toliver and Wale. The project peaked at No. 24 on the Billboard 200 chart, No. 7 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 3 on the Top R&B Albums chart.

Beyoncé’s Not “Moving The Needle” Like Taylor Swift According To Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe has inserted himself in the longstanding, online stan war between Taylor Swift’s fans and Beyoncé’s fans. The athlete-turned-broadcaster made a bold declaration about the two megastars.

A segment on Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson’s Nightcap podcast centered on Taylor Swift’s takeover of the conversations about Kansas City Chiefs games. The two former NFL Pro Bowlers questioned if any other celebrity has the drawing power of Swift.

“I got it. Beyoncé,” Chad Johnson suggested. Shannon Sharpe responded, “Not like this. These eight-to-15-year-old eyeballs. Ocho, I love Beyoncé. Beyoncé ain’t moving the needle like this chick, Ocho.”

Then Sharpe added, “[Taylor Swift is] the closest thing to moving the needle like Michael Jackson that we’ve seen. This is it.” The three-time Super Bowl champion also called Swift a “different animal.”

Additionally, Shannon Sharpe claimed the NFL would choose Taylor Swift to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show over Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Rihanna. The First Take analyst said, “I ain’t telling you what I heard, I’m telling you what I know. She turned them down.”

Beyoncé has performed at the Super Bowl multiple times during her career. The Renaissance album creator headlined the mid-game performance in 2013 and joined Coldplay for the halftime show in 2016. Rihanna secured the gig at Super Bowl LVII last year.

Taylor Swift’s connection to the Super Bowl LVIII-bound Chiefs because of her relationship with tight end Travis Kelce has become a polarizing topic. For example, rapper Plies recently called on the NFL to “stop forcing Taylor Swift on football fans.” However, Swift reportedly generated over $330 million in “brand value” for the Chiefs and the league.

Jonathan Majors Says Prayer Keeps Him Positive Following Assault Conviction

Jonathan Majors is still dealing with the fallout from his assault and harassment conviction in New York. Future career plans for the award-winning actor remain unclear.

TMZ caught up with Jonathan Majors on Monday (January 29) in West Hollywood, California. The former MCU star’s answers about his current state of mind centered around his religious beliefs.

“God is good. God is great,” Majors responded when asked how he has been holding up since the guilty verdict. He also said prayer and faith keep him positive during this difficult period in his life.

In December 2023, Jonathan Majors found out his fate in the domestic violence case involving his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. A jury convicted Majors of one count of reckless assault in the 3rd degree and a charge of harassment as a violation.

The 34-year-old California native began dating actress Meagan Good in May 2023. Good divorced Seventh-day Adventist preacher DeVon Franklin in 2022 after ten years of marriage. The Think Like a Man cast member accompanied Jonathan Majors to court during his trial.

Following the conviction, Marvel Studios dropped Majors from all upcoming projects. He previously played Kang the Conqueror in 2023’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania movie. Rumors suggest Colman Domingo or John David Washington could take over the role in the MCU.

Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hiss” Projected To Debut In Top 10

Megan Thee Stallion released her latest single “Hiss” on January 26. The LilJuMadeDaBeat-produced track will likely open in the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10.

According to Talk of the Charts, “Hiss” is on pace to debut at No. 9 on next week’s Hot 100. If the projections hold up, Megan Thee Stallion will earn her fourth Top 10 hit.

UPDATE (January 30, 6:30 am ET): Talk of the Charts now projects “Hiss” will challenge for No. 2 on the next Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Megan currently has two No. 1 singles in her catalog. 2020’s “Savage” featuring Beyoncé spent one week in the top spot. Her “WAP” collaboration with Cardi B ruled for four weeks that same year.

Megan Thee Stallion’s “Hiss” Dominates Streaming Platforms

As of press time, “Hiss” remains the top trending music video on YouTube. The song also sits at No. 1 on Apple Music’s Top 100: USA chart and No. 1 on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs USA chart.

“Hiss” arrived with widespread media attention. Megan Thee Stallion allegedly used the song to throw subliminal shots at several foes, including Nicki Minaj. Specifically, Meg rapped, “These hoes don’t be mad at Megan, these hoes mad at Megan’s Law.”

The Megan’s Law line appeared to be a reference to Nicki Minaj’s partner, Kenneth Petty. That 1994 federal statute requires convicted sex offenders to make their home address public. Petty pled guilty to attempted rape by force in 1995.

“Hiss” also sparked a 72-hour internet rant by Nicki Minaj. The Queens, New York-raised rapper eventually fired back at Megan with the “Big Foot” diss record. Minaj’s song was met with mixed reactions online.

If “Hiss” does land in a Top 10 position in its opening week, the feat will mark the first time a solo Megan Thee Stallion single launched in that region. She also scored a Top 10 entry as a feature on “34+35” by Ariana Grande.

Megan Thee Stallion Under Fire From Family Of Megan Kanka Over “Megan’s Law” Lyric 

Megan Thee Stallion has upset the father of the late Megan Kanka after the Houston rapper quoted “Megan’s Law” in her latest song, “Hiss.” 

Many took the reference as a dig at Nicki Minaj and her husband, who is a registered sex offender. “These hoes don’t be mad at Megan, these hoes mad at Megan’s Law,” Meg raps on the track. 

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Nicki Minaj went off at Megan Thee Stallion online before responding with “Big Foot.” However, Richard Kanka reportedly finds the whole affair offensive to his daughter’s memory. 

The law is named after Megan Kanaka, who was seven years old when she was raped and murdered by a neighbor in 1994. Her killer, Jesse Timmendequas, was previously convicted of assaulting two children. The law requires law enforcement authorities to make information available to the public regarding registered sex offenders.   

Richard Kanka told TMZ that he’s not a rap fan and hasn’t heard the song. However, he is aware of the reference to Megan’s Law.  

According to the outlet, Kanka objected to the usage of his daughter’s name in this disrespectful manner. TMZ says Kanka considers “using his daughter’s name in such a graphic/offensive manner” as “highly offensive to the pain his daughter and family felt.” While Megan Thee Stallion may have brought more awareness to Megan’s Law, it doesn’t change how he feels about it.  

In addition, the publication reports that Kanka is “actually considering looking into his legal options to see if Meg’s track went too far.” 

Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj continues to wage war, teasing “4 more” songs and a possible messy remix

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21 Savage Wins $300K Bet Against Kai Cenat—Streamer Loses His Mind

Kai Cenat went berserk after losing a whopping $300,000 bet to 21 Savage. 

The “Rich Flex” hitmaker was the latest Hip-Hop star to join the controversial personality for a hilarious livestream on Monday (January 29. 

Cenat proved himself a sore loser after 21 Savage beat him in a game of Madden NFL with a small fortune on the line.  

“It’s over,” 21 Savage said, laughing after winning the $300,000 wager. Cenat then launched his controller across the room before proceeding to total his gaming setup.  

“F###### d###### f###### game,” he ranted. “I’m done with all this s###. I lose every f###### time. Every time, I’m losing bro.” 

21 Savage shared a video of the aftermath on his Instagram Story.  

“This n#### Kai broke everything,” he said before teasing Cenat. “Say ‘Da-da.’”  

Cenat was unamused and clearly still in a strop over losing the $300,000 bet.  

“Bro! $300,00 bro.” he said as 21 laughed off camera. “It’s not funny. I’m deadass, $300,000!” 

Before his tantrum over the bet, Cenat continued his customary high kinks, bringing out a pair of large snakes during the stream. However, 21 Savage is not a fan of the creatures and freaked out, backing himself into a corner to avoid them. 

“Keep that s### over there, on God man. That s### drippin’!” 21 hitmaker yelled at Cenat. 

Despite 21 Savage’s obvious anxiety, Kai Cenat taunted the rapper, singing The Lion King song “Hakuna matata” while teasing him with the reptiles.  

“I’m not touching no snakes. On my mama,” 21 Savage declared while using a cardboard box as a shield.” 

Mos Def Responds To Backlash Over Saying Drake Isn’t Hip-Hop

Yasiin Bey—better known as Mos Def— is clarifying his remarks after facing backlash for saying Drake doesn’t make Hip-Hop and comparing his catalog to background music at Target. 

His take became a trending topic, with many criticizing the veteran MC’s remarks. Two weeks after going viral, he took to Instagram Live Monday evening (January 29) with a message for the OVO founder.  

Mos Def insisted he wasn’t trying to “slander him or to clown on him.” He also revealed he reached out to Drake but hasn’t heard back.

“I will say this, the young man is very talented,” he added. “He’s been able to be very successful with that talent and I have no issue with that success or anything he’s been able to achieve as a result of his talent.” 

He went on to say that Drake has received “mean-spirited and unfair” criticism in the past. “I don’t want to participate in that,” Mos Def stated. “And if I was perceived to be harsh or mocking or taunting, that is not my intention. Drake if you’re watching, that’s not my intention.” 

Mos Def Says He Requires More From Drake

Mos Def also had some feedback for Drake. “You are a very talented MC,” he shared. “But for me, I require more of myself and others than just talent or charm or charisma—particularly in times of urgent crisis. And what I would like to see in terms of creators or creative people in the world, as it relates to our culture, is for people to connect with us beyond the jukebox or the dance floor.” 

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Drake reacted to Mos Def’s previous remarks via his Instagram Story earlier this month.  

“What umi say again? Lemme shine my light, king, don’t switch up now,” Drizzy wrote. 

“Drake is pop to me,” Mos Def said in his interview with The Cutting Room Floor podcast. “It feels like a lot of his music is compatible with shopping.” 

In his Instagram live Monday, Mos Def said he answered the question “as honestly and diplomatically” as he possibly could. He added, “Forgive my Brooklyn.” 

Nicki Minaj Co-Signs “Big Foot” Remix Tied To Megan Thee Stallion’s Ex-Friend Kelsey Nicole

Nicki Minaj is teasing a remix of her Megan Thee Stallion diss “Big Foot” created by Houston producer XO, who’s managed by the husband of Meg’s ex-friend Kelsey Nicole. 

XO shared a clip of his remix on social media Monday (January 29), tagging the NYC rapper. “What we doin,” he wrote in the caption. I just went crazzzzyyyyyyyy.”  

Minaj is a fan of the new beat and wants her label to clear the “Big Foot” sample “Immediately.” She responded in the comment section with multiple Number 10 emojis, adding, “THEN TAKE AWAY 2!!!!! yall 8 it up again.” She posted the snippet on her Instagram account, writing, “REPUBLIC might have to throw this up on streaming. WHOA.” 

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Nicki Minaj also shared a clip of the track on Twitter while taking yet another jab at Megan Thee Stallion.  

“Oh I am moving to THIS hunty!!!!!!” she declared. “Lemme get this up as an alternate version ASAP chiiii. Might call it: Kelsey’s Revenge.” 

Kelsey Nicole: “We Working!”

Kelsey Nicole cleared up rumors that her husband, Darien Smith, aka D Boy No Sleep, made the song. 

“He’s our producer but definitely family & when one eats .. we all eat ! we’re just working,” she confirmed.  

Kelsey Nicole was with Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez on the night of the infamous shooting in July 2020. However, their relationship turned sour shortly after Meg accused her former bestie of taking hush money from Lanez, and the pair went back and forth online. Before Lanez’s conviction, his defense team accused Nicole of being the shooter. 

Furthermore, Darien Smith is an executive at Meg’s former label, 1501 Certified Entertainment. Megan recently parted ways with the label following a drawn-out legal battle.  

Nicole took to her Instagram Story to hit back at her critics. “Stop hating! We Working!” she wrote, before adding that she doesn’t owe anybody “a mf thang.” 

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YFN Lucci Compared To Styles P, Magic Johnson & More Following New Mugshot

YFN Lucci’s most recent mugshot is making the rounds on social media as his fans debate the severity of his appearance. After he reached a 20-year plea deal and issued a viral courtroom apology, Lucci started trending once again due to the reactions to his new haircut.

“Damn they shaved YFN Lucci’s head,” one user wrote in shock.

According to his fans, without his dreads Lucci either looks like a legendary East Coast lyricist or NBA Hall of Famer from the ’80s.

“They saying YFN Lucci look like Magic Johnson now s### crazy,” one user wrote while another added, “They got yfn lucci out here wit a baldy lookin like styles p.”

Either way, it’s not the Wish Me Well 2 fans were expecting to see come home mere months from now—based on the massive reaction from Twitter (X) users.

“That new YFN Lucci mugshot wild, they got that n#### in jail lookin like Kayne West now,” another user remarked.

However, Lucci’s female fanbase appeared to show their unwavering support, despite his drastic appearance change.

“YFN Lucci is so fine,” one ride-or-die fan wrote before another added, “I can’t wait for @YFNLUCCI to get out in three months cause chileee the streets been missing you.”

YFN Lucci pleaded guilty to one count of violating the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act. As a result, he received a 20-year sentence after accepting the plea deal. He was ordered to serve 10 years in custody and the rest on probation. YFN Lucci received credit for three years of time served. He’s eligible for parole in three and a half months.

Check out the side-by-side comparison below.

Roc Nation Shuts Down JAY-Z Album Rumors

JAY-Z fans shouldn’t get their hopes up for new music any time soon now that Roc Nation has responded to new album rumors—even though some HOV loyalists likely are clinging on to hope. Over the weekend, social media saw several blog accounts and Hip-Hop Twitter (X) Stan pages circulating what appeared to be glimpses from the filming of a closed set in connection with an upcoming release from JAY-Z—but not just any release. The leaked image from the set shows a production reel labeled “JAY-Z 2024 ALBUM.”

The source of the rumor appears to be artist and director Hidji World, who implied he was on set with the “99 Problems” rapper. Hidji’s official account, @hidjiworld, originally shared the candid shot via an Instagram Story. Hidji mentioned he was “shooting today” with JAY-Z. In another Story, he teased a photo of a first-take film slate labelled “JAY Z -2024 ALBUM.” On it, Hidji’s name was written as director, and Leroy Farrell was listed as director of photography.

And while Hidjiworld may seem like a credible source, given he’s worked on visuals with artists such as $not and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Roc Nation defiantly shut it down by replying to the post, “That’s news to us.”

It’s hard to blame eager fans for falling for the dupe as quickly as they did, considering HOV hasn’t dropped a solo project since 2017’s 4:44. The streets, AKA the old-head Hip-Hop connoisseurs 30 and older, have been waiting, although they did get “New York (Concept de Paris)” featuring the late Gil Scott-Heron last April. The signs appear to be leaning in favor of a release, right? Well, apparently not. He also released Everything Is Love with Beyoncé as The Carters, which was the first joint set from the husband-and-wife duo.The 54-year old has previously talked about only wanting to make music when it’s about something meaningful.

“I’ll say I wanna make music, but it has to be something important,” he told Gayle King last year. “I don’t wanna just make a bunch of tunes. That’s not gonna serve me. It has to mean something, you know? It has to mean something to a larger society.”

Kevin Gates Backs Lil Wayne’s “Lightskin Hate” Theory About Drake

Kevin Gates has found some common ground with Lil Wayne regarding his recent comments about Drake. On Monday (January 29), TMZ caught up with Gates, who expressed his opinion at length concerning Wayne’s comments about the plight of lightskin artists. However, instead of generalizing his comments to focus on his interactions in the rap world, Gates opted to expand his remarks to cover a much more broad spectrum of society.

“No, I ain’t going just say just rappers I’ll say like, just bright people,” Gates said in part. “Bright people they have it. They the first ones to get picked. Some people never did nothing ain’t even gangster, they just ugly. So people stay away from them.”

Gates continued, revealing how he has personally shouldered the flak he’s received and utilized it to affirm his identity’s authenticity.

“But like I’ll say, adversity, builds character you know what I’m saying, so I’ve been battle tested,” he added. “I’m stamped, I’m sealed I’m certified and I’m approved.”

Lil Wayne recently appeared on The Richard Sherman Podcast, during which Sherman questioned the Undisputed sportscaster about the negativity directed at his protégé.

“Why they be hating on Drake like this? That’s what I don’t understand,” the five-time NFL Pro Bowler asked Lil Wayne on the show. The 5x-Grammy Award winner responded, “He’s red, he’s light-skinned.”

The “2 Phones” lyricist went on to explain the the significance of the title of his upcoming album in addition to plugging his fledging new coffee bred Rituals.

Jam Master Jay Trial Begins As Prosecutors Say Greed Fueled Killers

A New York jury heard opening statements in the Jam Master Jay murder trial on Monday (January 29). Assistant U.S. Attorney Miranda Gonzalez accused Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington of killing the Run-DMC for cutting the two men out of a drug deal.

Jordan and Washington are two of the three people charged in the murder of Jam Master Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell. The third defendant, Jay Bryant, will be tried separately.

“October 30, 2002 was the last day of Jason Mizell’s life,” Gonzalez said, per the New York Daily News. “It was an ambush, an execution, and you’ll learn that it was motivated by greed and by revenge.”

Prosecutors claimed Jam Master Jay acquired 10 kilos of cocaine and planned to distribute it with the help of his alleged killers. The late DJ and Washington drove to Baltimore to see a dealer, who refused to work with Washington. As a result, Jordan and Washington were left out of a deal worth $200,000.

Jordan and Washington allegedly got their revenge by killing Jam Master Jay with the help of Bryant. Prosecutors said Jordan shot the DJ in the head and wounded Uriel “Tony” Rincon. Jam Master Jay’s manager Lydia High and Rincon are expected to testify in the trial.

Washington’s lawyer Ezra Spilke told jurors the prosecution had “no clue” who actually killed Jam Master Jay. The attorney characterized the case as taped together by glue and raised doubts about the validity of the witness testimony.

“We’re not saying they’re all a bunch of liars,” he said. “We’re not saying that. But common sense tells you that memories can fade.”

Jordan and Washington pleaded not guilty to murder charges. They face at least 20 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors will not seek the death penalty.

Kanye West Takes Woman’s Camera & Berates Paparazzi Over Question About Wife

Kanye West’s beef with the paparazzi continued in Los Angeles on Monday (January 29). The controversial artist grabbed a woman’s camera after she ran up on him and asked if his wife Bianca Censori had free will.

“Don’t come ask me that dumb ass s###,” he told her. “I’m a person. You got kids? Exactly. So, what do you do? Who do you work for? Why do you feel like it’s OK—I’m a human being … Y’all set celebrities up, all this b#######. I don’t give a f### what y’all got to do. What y’all got to do? What y’all got to say? Don’t come at me with that s### … What, you think because you a white woman you can walk up on me like that and ask me some dumb ass s### like that?”

Kanye reprimanded the woman for her approach during their face-to-face confrontation. The masked rapper/producer was outraged by the suggestion of him controlling his wife, calling it “disrespectful.” Ye held the camera and fired off his own questions, telling the woman he was on his way to Charlie Wilson’s Walk of Fame ceremony.

“This is America,” he said. “You got free will or you work for the devil? I’m a legend. You understand that? I’m here to support Charlie Wilson. You come ask me some dumb ass s### about my wife. That’s my wife! You understand? You wasn’t asking s### when I couldn’t see my kids.”

Ye eventually gave the camera back to the woman as their tense interaction settled down. He even offered her a job, promising to pay her more than TMZ.

“Whatchu make a year?” Kanye said. “I’ll pay you double what they paying you. You wanna work for me instead? Now you smiling. Get her contact.”

Watch footage of the incident below.

42 Dugg Accused Of Backing Down From Fight After Getting Punched By Offset

Wack 100 doubled down on accusations of Offset punching 42 Dugg in the mouth over a dice game. Wack 100 shared text messages from Offset, who said 42 Dugg was lying about the incident.

“@42_dugggg Wasn’t robbed I made sure that didn’t happen,” Wack 100 wrote on Instagram. “He’s only guilty of getting hit in his mouth & not fighting back. Other than that he’s a rappers gangsta. I mean who ever labels 42 as a fighter. Lil guy feet do want eve touch the floor when he takes a Sh!t ‼️”

Wack 100 previously told his version of the story, claiming Offset took money from 42 Dugg’s pockets after the Detroit-bred rapper got upset over the dice game. Earlier this month, 42 Dugg denied anyone swiped his money on Instagram Live.

“Dugg got his pockets ran, a n#### swung, fired on Dugg, hit him in his—and ain’t nobody died behind this s###, bro?” he said. “My money … We don’t even play like that.”

Wack 100 responded in an Instagram post on Monday (January 29). He accused 42 Dugg of being scared, insisting Offset punched the Detroit native.

“42 Dugg, no, you didn’t get robbed,” Wack 100 said in the video. “I wouldn’t let you get robbed. You got hit in your m############ mouth. You was scared to fight back. That’s it, buster s###. You did it. So be it. N####, whatever it is, it is. You 4’2” don’t nobody expect you to be able to fight back.”

He continued, “Shout out to Offset for being a man, handling himself. You can scream and screech and all. Don’t nobody give a f### about none of that. Any n#### that’s speaking for you, f### them too. They wasn’t there.”

Read Offset and Wack 100’s alleged text conversation about 42 Dugg below.

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Breakfast Club Reveals Charlamagne Tha God & DJ Envy’s New Co-Host

The Breakfast Club’s search for a new co-host concluded on Monday (January 29). Radio giant iHeartMedia announced the hiring of comedian Jess Hilarious, confirming rumors of her joining the popular morning show.

“I’m very excited to have Jess Hilarious join The Breakfast Club,” iHeartMedia Executive Vice President of Programming Thea Mitchem said. “She is a force in her own right, an actress, comedian, podcaster, and now, the co-host of The Breakfast Club. Jess was the standout choice to join Charlamagne and DJ Envy to build upon The Breakfast Club’s legacy of entertaining, informing and enlightening the community.”

Jess emerged as an obvious candidate to replace former co-host Angela Yee after guest-hosting The Breakfast Club in 2023. The comedian was one of the multiple guest hosts who filled in following Yee’s 2022 departure.

Last December, Jess said she landed the job as the permanent co-host of the show. But Jess was noticeably absent from the show during the first few weeks of 2024. Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy provided no answers as they discussed the host search on the air and dodged questions about Jess.

The Breakfast Club and Jess ended the speculation by releasing hype videos on Monday. The videos poked fun at the chatter of her supposedly losing the job opportunity and the doubt surrounding the show’s future.

Jess will debut as Charlamagne and DJ Envy’s permanent co-host on February 5. The comedian joins the Power 105.1 radio team after appearing on the TV series Rel and Nick Cannon’s Wild ‘N Out.

“I’m looking forward to joining forces with one of the largest media platforms,” she said. “I’m confident that taking the third seat at The Breakfast Club will show people that Jess Hilarious is not just comedy, but culture.”

Check out the hype video for Jess below.