AllHipHop

50 Cent Reaches Out To Terrence Howard Over “Empire” Lawsuit: “I Will Get You The Money” 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

50 Cent does not play when it comes to collecting money owed to him, and he’s offering his skills to Terrence Howard after the actor filed a lawsuit alleging his talent agency urged him to take a lower salary for his Empire role. 

The rapper-turned-entertainment mogul reached out to his Get Rich or Die Tryin’ co-star via Instagram Thursday (January 4). 

“Damn @theterrencehoward call my phone,” he wrote alongside a report featuring Howard’s lawsuit claims. “I will get you the money they was supposed to get for you. Im not playing no games over here.” 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

Fiddy recently showed love to Howard’s Empire co-star Taraji P. Henson, offering to work with her following her emotional viral interview about the pay gap between black actresses in Hollywood.  

“They dropped the ball f### em @tarajiphenson I’m ready to work let’s get it !” he wrote last month.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

50 Cent’s latest offer to Howard sparked excitement in the comment section from fans eyeing up a potential role for the two former Empire actors in his TV universe.  

“Taraji & Terrence belong in the Power Universe,” one person wrote. “If Taraji and Terrence enter the Power U… It’s over for everyone else,” another added. 

Terrence Howard: “Sooner Or Later You’ve Got To Stand Up”

“I can’t say for certain this was a racial issue, but I can’t imagine another counterpart – a white counterpart – with the same accolades, name recognition and numbers that I had, receiving the lowball pay that I was receiving,” Howard explained to Rolling Stone. 

He continued, “I drank the Kool-Aid. I believed that I was going to get paid, or that I was getting compensated properly, but I wasn’t. I just didn’t want to p### off CAA and Fox. They’re big companies to go to war against. But sooner or later you’ve got to stand up, because they’re just trampling over the rights of the artists.”

Ludacris Hits Back At Katt Williams’ Wild Allegations In New Freestyle: “Never Been Illuminati” 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Katt Williams has been the talk of social media since his viral Club Shay Shay podcast talk, where he aired his grievances with multiple celebrities, including Ludacris. 

The comedian implied Luda secured his role in the Fast & Furious movie franchise after making a secret pact with the Illuminati. The rap icon fired back within 24 hours, rebuffing Williams’ claims with a freestyle over “Devil in a New Dress” beat off Ye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. 

Ludacris insists he’s “Never been illuminati,” and says, “I only left with b###### when coming from any party.” He also addresses earning his Fast & Furious checks,” before urging, “Comedians, check ya temperature.” 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ludacris (@ludacris)

Katt Williams’ Wild Theory About Ludacris Pact With The Illuminati

Katt Williams had the internet in shambles with his wild tales and theories. He told Shannon Sharpe a wild story about Ludacris making a shadowy deal for Hollywood fame.  

“So there was a crossroads where we were both invited to an Illuminati thing,” Williams shared. “It had to be one or the other of us, and decisions had to be made. So it was both of us. We were equal. One of us had to cut off all their hair and couldn’t do the sideburn thing no more with the points. 

“And the next person they said was going to get $200 million because they were going to pay him $10 million a movie to do 20 movies. And that’s how the conversation happened. One of those persons turned out to be Ludacris and the other person turned out to be Katt Williams.” 

Ludacris isn’t the only person responding to the claims in Katt Williams’ nearly three-hour-long interview.  

“Gotta get that anger up outcha champ….It’s honestly sad. In the meantime…. Please enjoy MY MOVIE TRAILER to my next film LIFT which will be dropping on @netflix in 8 days!!!!!” Kevin Hart replied in response to Katt Williams. 

Travis Scott Gives Fan Rare Nikes Off His Feet During Chicago Makeup Concert

By: Devon Jefferson Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Travis Scott made a fiery return to Chicago after a last minute cancelation resulted in the postponement of the original date for his Circus Maximus Tour date in the Windy City.

On Wednesday (January 3), La Flame made good on his promise to bring his UTOPIA album live concert experience to the United Center after an apparent hours-long delay at the airport derailed the show on December 16.

“It wasn’t a runway a a bus a plane a train a pilot a conductor a cab, Uber or car service that was gonna keep me away from CHICAGO TONIGHT,” Scott wrote in a tweet hours ahead of the show.

La Flame’s excitement clearly bled over into the show as the highlighted moment of his performance manifested in a moment he shared with a fan that has since gone viral. While surveying the crowd in the pit on the floor, La Flame and a lucky fan locked in as the Cactus Jack lyricist shared the microphone with him to perform “Lost Forever.” At the end of the verse, which the fan rapped word-for-word, La Flame gave him the shoes off of his feet.

“Don’t sell my shoes man,” Scott told the fan. “Them are my favorite pair of shoes so don’t sell them you dig.”

The shoes in question, dubbed the “Shark-A-Don,” are reportedly an unreleased Nike silhouette that are part of Scott’s Cactus Jack line. On top of all of that, Metro Boomin appeared to share a snippet of an unreleased collaboration with Future in which Scott seems to be involved.

ILoveMakonnen Calls Kid Cudi “Gay” Over “SNL” Dress Defense

By: Devon Jefferson Updated Category: Rumors
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

ILoveMakonnen has given his two cents on Kid Cudi’s recent tweet in which he defends his wardrobe choices and denies they’re part of any Illuminati rituals.

On Thursday (January 4), ILoveMakonnen shared his response to a post covering Kid Cudi’s recent viral exchange with a Twitter (X) user. Makonnen criticized Kid Cudi’s 2021 Saturday Night Live ensemble—a floral dress designed by the late Virgil Abloh—as the opposite of heterosexual beauty standards in his retort following the “Tequila Shots” rapper’s initial remarks.

“This gay,” he wrote. “Period. Men don’t need to wear dresses to express themselves. And this is coming from the one who started this gay s##t.”

The Twitter (X) user in question shared a clip of Kid Cudi’s SNL performance, alleging he wore a floral dress during the performance as part of a “ritual” to gain fame.

“Kid Cudi participating in an illuminati humiliation ritual…Is the fame and fortune worth it…? #WeWantAnswers,” the person wrote.

Kid Cudi replied, “Dear Issac u silly stupid lil person and all people under this post. Its the start of a new year and I got time for muthaf###as like u today. This post is mad f###in lame of u and sad. A black man cant express himself and be confident AND successful with out it being some conspiracy. My success was givin to me by God with the help of my many angels.

“All u people in the comments that have been tweetin me all day about this s### can gargle on my mayo. This moment was a proud moment for me, a shinin moment for all people who express themselves in their art. I felt free and alive, it inspired people and nothing u stupid simple a##es say can take that away from me. Happy New Year u f###in simp.”

Kid Cudi has explained the look was inspired by the spirit of late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain multiple times. Cudi revealed its origins via Twitter, writing, “Virgil designed the dress for me. I told him I wanted to show love to Kurt [with] a floral print sundress and this man made a masterpiece. Thank You @virgilabloh ur a f##### genius!! Love you man we did it!!!”

Yung Miami Lashes Out After She Gets Dragged Into Katt Williams Drama

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Yung Miami aired out her critics after her show Caresha Please was compared to Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay on social media. The City Girls member reacted to the chatter following Katt Williams’ memorable appearance on Sharpe’s podcast in an X (formerly known as Twitter) post on Thursday (January 4).

“Yall always got me & Caresha please name in yall mouth,” Yung Miami wrote. “S### if it’s not that good who tf be watching it then? Corny ass b######.”

An X user went viral for claiming Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay was just the male version of Yung Miami’s Caresha Please. The post generated 3.4 million views in less than 24 hours. The comment elicited debates on the platform as other X users criticized Yung Miami’s show.

Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay created a firestorm on social media with the release of an interview with Katt Williams. The comedian bashed fellow comics and other celebrities in a lengthy conversation with Sharpe.

Williams called out Kevin Hart, Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey, Rickey Smiley and many more in the episode, which racked up more than 7 million views on YouTube as of January 4. Williams also brought up a salacious offer he received from disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein.

Hart responded to Williams on X, writing, “Gotta get that anger up outcha champ….It’s honestly sad.” Cedric the Entertainer, who was accused of stealing Williams’ jokes, fired back in a comment on Instagram.

“Revisionist History, regardless of whatever Katt’s opinion my career can’t be reduced to One Joke Katt Williams claims as his,” Cedric wrote. “I been over 40 movies, my specials and brand speaks volumes for I am. The ppl I have put on including ‘Katt in the Hat.’ At the Gibson Amphitheater.”

Listen to everything Williams had to say on Club Shay Shay below.

How the Best Cannabis Breeders Win at the Autoflower Cups

By: Brxton Lee Updated Category: Uncategorized
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Both the international Autoflower World Cup in Barcelona and the domestic American Autoflower Cup in Los Angeles have been testing independent cannabis breeders and breeding collectives on their skills in seed selection, cultivation, and autoflower genetics. The process of successfully growing crossbred cannabis strains is both an art and a science, requiring expert knowledge of the best cultivation techniques and the biological processes of autoflowering cannabis. The most successful breeders are celebrated by the wider community and the trendsetters of cannabis culture at both Autoflower Cups.

At competitions such as these, autoflower strains are judged according to several criteria. Both the American Autoflower Cup and the Autoflower World Cup follow the same general scoring criteria, rating autoflower samples based on appearance, aroma, taste, effects, and the overall experience of smoking the joint. In addition, both competitions feature separate categories for sativa and indica strains. However, here is where the similarities end, with the American Autoflower Cup featuring one more exclusive category, Best Autoflower Breeder, and the Autoflower World Cup featuring several more, such as Best Seed Bank, Best New Strain, and Best CBD Strain.

While this may sound like a straightforward blueprint for success, the process of achieving excellence in all of these criteria is anything but easy. Breeders will have to manufacture the perfect combination of outside factors influencing the growth of their strain, including choosing the right soil, nutrients, light schedule, water level, and temperature for creating the ideal characteristics in a strain. Furthermore, breeders will have to impress cannabis industry veterans and cannabis connoisseurs who know the difference between exceptional autoflowering cannabis and subpar autoflower strains.

At the first American Autoflower Cup, entrants were judged by cannabis culture thought leaders such as Joey Burger, Nick Bradley, Jenny Beth, Sincerely Cali, and Jessica Cueb. At the Autoflower World Cup, industry stalwarts from all over the world such as Joint Doctor, Maka Comunicacion, Camilla Leota, and Vince and Weed have served on the judging panel.

To get the attention of these industry heavyweights, the eventual winners have made sure to create unique, potent strains that are both memorable and satisfying. The Autoflower World Cup-winning strain Gorilla Punch Auto from Fast Buds drew judges’ attention with its colorful purple buds and hints of lemongrass in the taste. The American Autoflower Cup also counted Fast Buds among its inaugural winners, with the breeder’s Strawberry Gorilla Auto strain taking home the first prize in the sativa category and its Banana Purple Punch Auto winning in the indica category. Both of these strains featured strong fruit flavors, making them a favorite among the event’s judges. 

The last element of success is simple but easy to overlook. Breeders aiming for gold at the Autoflower Cups should ensure they are following all the requirements for samples. Making sure samples are free of bugs and microorganisms is the bare minimum while making sure all samples adhere to the right measurements is the next crucial step. 

Potential entrants will need to do their research on the requirements for entry, especially in anticipation of the upcoming second annual American Autoflower Cup in February 2024 and the 2024 edition of the Autoflower World Cup in March. 

Nicki Minaj Reveals Heartbreaking Details Of Final Conversation With Her Father

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Nicki Minaj discussed the last time she spoke to her late father Robert Maraj in an interview with Apple Music on Thursday (January 4). Minaj said she talked to him hours before he was killed in a hit-and-run crash in 2021.

“One day, I was rocking the baby in the rocking chair in his room, and I do not normally even have the phone on me when I’m rocking him,” Minaj recalled. “Because at that time, I was mad strict … But anyway, that day, as I’m rocking him, the phone rings. I look down, I see it’s my father. I normally would not have picked up. I promise you. I would’ve said, ‘OK,’ because I don’t like to be on the phone with the baby there … But something said pick up the phone.”

She continued, “I picked up. He was very happy. He was like, ‘Baby, I can come on Monday.’ Because he had been waiting to come to Cali to help me. And I kept saying, ‘Come on out.’”

Minaj mentioned how excited she was to have her father visit and spend time with her son. But the Hip-Hop star’s dad never got to make the trip. Minaj received a devastating call from her mother later that night.

“That was Friday,” she told Apple Music’s Ebro Darden. “He said he wanted to come on Monday. And we were so happy. I was like, ‘Yes! We’re gonna get help.’ And then we went to bed and sometime late while we were all asleep, the phone rang. It was my mother telling me that my father was in an accident and that she didn’t know what was gonna happen and she would call me back. And then everything started spinning, like literally.”

A driver named Charles Polevich struck Maraj, who was on foot, in Mineola, New York in February 2021. Polevich stopped his vehicle and got out to look at Maraj before fleeing the scene. Maraj was hospitalized in critical condition.

Maraj succumbed to his injuries a day later. Polevich pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it and tampering with physical evidence. A judge sentenced him to a year in jail in 2022.

Lil Nas X Promises Big 2024 As Documentary Finds Home At HBO

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Lil Nas X announced HBO picked up his documentary Long Live Montero, confirming a report by The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday (January 4). The film will debut on HBO on January 27 at 8 p.m. ET and be available to stream on MAX.

“Good News World!” Lil Nas X wrote on social media. “Long Live Montero Tour Doc HBO MAX January 27. BIG 2024.”

Long Live Montero tells the story of Lil Nas X’s first tour. Co-director Zac Manuel praised the Columbia Records artist’s transparency in the film in a 2023 interview with Variety.

“I think there are a lot of different layers to the film, which is surprising maybe for a music documentary,” Manuel told Variety. “I think what was really important was that Montero himself was so transparent in his identity and also his journey toward being the fullest version of his identity that he really wanted to be. And I think sharing that journey with us and going on that journey with his family ended up really becoming the heart of the film.”

Manuel continued, “He is a really intelligent and thoughtful person, and he’s able to reflect on his place as an artist in the international pop music world. But he’s also able to put himself in perspective as a part of a continuum of other Black queer artists and performers who came before him. I think his reflections on those things became the spine and the heart of the film — and it became really important to the narrative and also to how we understand him as more than just an artist, but understand him as a person.”

Long Live Montero premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. The documentary’s premiere was disrupted by a bomb threat from a homophobic caller who targeted Lil Nas X for being a Black queer artist.

Rick Ross To Transition From Rapper To Boxing Promoter?

By: Devon Jefferson Updated Category: Rumors
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Rick Ross just might be venturing into the lucrative space of celebrity boxing on a multi-million dollar whim. Rozay not only broke Adin Ross’s chair during his recent appearance on stream, he also seemingly broke the news that he would be interested in financing a celebrity boxing match. The revelation arrived seemingly on the spot after Ross told Rozay he was interested in boxing another trending streamer.

“Who you got on a scope right—who No. 1 right now?” Rozay asked Ross.

It seems Ross really got Rozay’s attention when he mentioned he would be willing to spar his friend and fellow stream iShowSpeed over AMP streamer Kai Cenat.

“If I wanted to put up $5 million would you do that—you versus him [iShowSpeed],” Rozay asked Ross. “I believe this is a great situation, this is a great business venture, am I wrong?”

As if his earnest reflection on the business side of the brawl wasn’t enough of an indicator of his interest, Rozay went on to up the ante further, telling Ross “I need to get you and Speed in the gym,” before the end of the video.

What do y’all think? Can Rozay help Ross and Speed put up Jake Paul numbers in the arena of amateur professional boxing?

Check out the clip below.

Ja Rule Stirs Up 50 Cent Beef—Again

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Ja Rule boasted about signing a new record deal, thanking his fans and taunting his detractors in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday (January 4). The former Murder Inc. Records claimed his deal could be worth up to $100 million.

“Just signed my new label deal potentially worth a hundred mill… LFG!!!” he wrote. “Thanks for the love and to the haters SMD…”

Ja Rule’s announcement sparked multiple arguments with X users. One person accused him of lying about the deal, which provoked a response from the multi-platinum-selling rapper.

“Another Sucker,” he wrote. “Imagine saying no one giving me 100 mill unless it’s for my catalog which I OWN and is actually worth OVER 100 mill… you can’t make this s### up… s### goofy.”

Several people antagonized Ja Rule by mentioning his longtime rival 50 Cent. An X user encouraged Ja Rule to restart their feud but received a quick dismissal of the idea.

“Loser mentality,” Ja Rule wrote. “That’s beneath me!!!”

But fans kept bringing up 50 Cent’s name in the replies. Ja Rule bickered with several people before calling his old foe a rat.

“You dick riding goofy what you tagging that rat for?” he asked an X user who tried to get 50 Cent’s attention.

Ja Rule’s back-and-forth with social media trolls made him wish for fans who’d be willing to fight his online battles. He urged his fans to be more “savage” because he was ready to be petty in 2024.

“I need them a###### fans that go at ppl head for talking bad on my name lmao my fans not savage enough,” he wrote. “I wanna follow all my savages lol… I’m on b####### this year!!! Tired of being the bigger man taking the high road f### that… Meet Petty Murphy!!!”

Ja Rule has not released an album since 2012’s Pain Is Love 2. He most recently clashed with 50 Cent in September 2023.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AllHipHop (@allhiphopcom)

Usher Set to Kick Off 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show

By: Staff Writer Updated Category: Uncategorized
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

The Super Bowl halftime show has become a hallmark event, showcasing a fusion of sporting excitement and musical extravagance. With Usher announced as the 2024 headliner, the stage is set for an electrifying performance.

The Evolution of Super Bowl Halftime Shows: From Marching Bands to Global Icons

What began as simple intermission entertainment with marching bands has now transformed into a global stage for the most renowned music icons. This evolution reflects broader trends in entertainment, marking the halftime show as a significant cultural event in its own right.

Usher’s Musical Odyssey

Usher performs at La Seine Musicale concert hall. Featuring: Usher Where: Paris, France When: 25 Sep 2023 Credit: Abaca Press/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**

Usher, a multi-platinum recording artist known for his smooth vocals and electrifying dance moves, brings a unique blend of R&B and pop to the Super Bowl stage. His career spans over two decades, marked by chart-topping hits and dynamic live performances, setting the stage for a halftime show that promises both musical depth and widespread appeal.

“It’s an honor of a lifetime to finally check a Super Bowl performance off my bucket list,” Usher said about playing the show.

“I can’t wait to bring the world a show unlike anything else they’ve seen from me before.” 

2019: Travis Scott and Big Boi’s Hip-Hop Showcase

Travis Scott
Travis Scott

The last two times superstar quarterback Tom Brady played in the Super Bowl we saw rappers Travis Scot and Big Boi in 2019, and Canadian star the Weekend in 2021. While this year’s Super Bowl won’t feature the New England Patriots or Tom Brady, you can be sure Massachusetts sports betting promos will be used by many sports betting fans across the nation looking to add more excitement to the game. 

The 2019 halftime show, featuring Travis Scott and Big Boi, was a landmark event for hip-hop on the Super Bowl stage. This performance was not just about the music; it was a cultural statement, showcasing the genre’s mainstream appeal and its ability to energize and engage a global audience.

The Influence of Hip-Hop and R&B: Shaping the Modern Halftime Show

Hip-hop and R&B have increasingly shaped the narrative and style of the Super Bowl halftime show. These genres, known for their dynamic rhythms and deep cultural roots, have introduced a new level of energy and relevance to the halftime spectacle, resonating with a diverse and global audience.

Anticipated Guest Artists: The Excitement of Surprise Collaborations

The speculation about potential guest artists adds an extra layer of excitement to the halftime show. Past collaborations have often been show-stopping moments, and the anticipation of who might join Usher on stage this year is a topic of much discussion among fans and media alike.

Based on who Usher has collaborated with throughout his career so far, many are anticipating Chris Brown, Alicia Keys, Summer Walker, and Beyonce as potential guests that join him on the halftime stage.

Past Halftime Shows: A Journey Through Music History

Looking back at past halftime shows offers a journey through music history. From rock legends to pop icons, each performance has left an indelible mark on the fabric of entertainment, setting the bar higher for future shows.

The Artistry Behind the Show: A Masterclass in Production and Performance

The halftime show is a testament to the art of live performance. It combines advanced technology, intricate choreography, and creative stage design to create a spectacle that is much more than just a musical performance.

Setting Expectations for 2024: Usher’s Potential to Redefine the Halftime Show

With Usher’s versatile artistry, the 2024 halftime show has the potential to redefine what a Super Bowl performance can be. His ability to blend musical genres, coupled with his dynamic stage presence, suggests a show that will be both innovative and reflective of his storied career.

Reflecting on Rihanna’s 2023 Show: Last Year’s Show as a Benchmark

Rihanna Super Bowl

Rihanna’s 2023 performance was a benchmark in terms of artistic expression and production value. It blended music, fashion, and visual art, setting high expectations for what is to come in 

Usher’s performance.

The Cultural Impact of the Show: Beyond Entertainment: A Cultural Reflection

The Super Bowl halftime show transcends entertainment, reflecting and sometimes even shaping cultural and musical trends. It’s a moment where music, sports, and popular culture intersect, creating a shared experience that resonates globally.

EXCLUSIVE: Big Meech Could Be Free Next Year If New Bid For Reduced Sentence Is Approved 

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Exclusives
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory, co-founder of the Black Mafia Family (B.M.F.), is asking a judge to take more time off his three-decade prison sentence, AllHipHop.com can exclusively report. 

Big Meech was convicted for running a nationwide criminal enterprise and laundering money, accumulating more than $270 million in drug proceeds from the late 1990s until 2007.

Originally sentenced to 360 months (30 years), U.S. District Judge David M. Lawson agreed to lessen his sentence to 324 months, a reduction of three years, in June 2021. 

It was granted under USSG amendments 782 and 788, which revised the drug quantity and chemical quantity tables for all drug offenses. The amendments made Big Meech eligible for a reduced sentence. 

The combination of factors contributed to the decision to reduce his sentence, which is now scheduled for release in May 2028 instead of 2031. But Big Meech and his lawyer, Brittany K. Barnett of the Buried Alive Project, argue he deserves to have his sentence further reduced. 

READ: Big Meech Flenory: The AllHipHop Interview Part 1

Barnett has cited section 18 582(c)(2) of the United States Criminal Code (U.S.C.) that allows a judge to reduce someone’s prison time if the rules for sentencing crimes like theirs are changed to be less strict after they were sentenced. 

In April 2023, the United States Sentencing Commission enacted Amendment 821, modifying how the guidelines apply to certain individuals with criminal history “status points” slapped on them for offenses committed while serving out their sentence. 

Specifically, Amendment 821 eliminated additional criminal history points for defendants with six or fewer such points, which should significantly impact Big Meech and his bid for an earlier release. The law went into effect in November 2023. According to Barnett, Big Meech qualifies to have two points he received in 1991 knocked off his record.

During Big Meech’s nearly 16 years in prison, he’s been relatively trouble-free and made positive changes. He earned his G.E.D., completed a 24-month special management program and took health awareness, money management and parenting classes. 

“Notably, Federal Bureau of Prisons (B.O.P.) staff observed that ‘Flenory has displayed a dedication to remaining physically fit and has taken it upon himself to lead and teach exercise classes to other inmates,” Barnett explained. “He also leads regular focus groups out of various self-help books and appears to [have] a positive mental health effect of other inmates.”

Furthermore, Big Meech has initiated community events and proposed starting a new program called “Build More Families” to rebrand B.M.F.

In April 2020, he and his brother, Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, sought compassionate release due to COVID-19 risks. While his brother was released to home confinement, Big Meech’s request was denied four times by a judge and an appeals court.

If Big Meech’s latest bid for an early release is successful, he could be home as early as next year. Big Meech has become a household name, thanks to rapper 50 Cent, who turned the story of B.M.F. into a hit series on STARZ. 

The show delves into the operations of Big Meech and Southwest T’s organization and has added to 50 Cent’s growing television empire on STARZ, which includes successful projects such as “Power” and its spin-offs. 

No, Young Thug Wasn’t Wearing Suicide Vest Under His Sweater In Court

By: Devon Jefferson Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Young Thug fans shouldn’t be concerned that the So Much Fun rapper is on suicide watch based on his appearance at his recent court date.

On Wednesday (January 3), an update was provided regarding the bulging object Thug had wrapped around his chest during the ongoing YSL Rico trial proceedings on January 2. According to Jozesef Papp of the Atlanta Journal-Constitutional, Thug was equipped with a disciplinary apparatus such as a shock device or a suicide vest but rather a special type of personal electric heater.

“Confirmed that Young Thug was wearing a heating pad under his sweater. The courtroom doesn’t feel that cold today but I wonder if it was yesterday. #YSL,” Pap wrote in the tweet.

This isn’t the first time Young Thug’s wardrobe has been the topic of conversation during the trial. Last month fans were under the impression he was trolling the courtroom based on a mohair Amiri sweater he was wearing.

Check out the clip below.

How “The Murder Master Music Show” Managed To Document Hip-Hop’s Darkest Corners

By: Chuck Creekmur (@ChuckCreekmur) Updated Category: Features
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

The Murder Master Music Show, inaugurated in 2004 by Scott Bejda, was conceived with the mission of preserving authentic underground Hip-Hop and ensuring due recognition for the genre’s legends and pioneers. The original run of the show spanned until 2008. In 2012, “Prezident Bejda” revived the show, and since its return, it has expanded significantly, adding nearly 800 episodes to its impressive roster.

Names affiliated with The Murder Master Music Show include Renizance, Mi$tuh-G, Darkroom Familia, X-It Only, Lord Nexus, Boxx A Million, Ganxsta NIP, Jackboy D-Payne, Xklusiv Mr Serv-On, and many more. Personally, Scott has covered ground in the culture as a journalist for 25 years and counting, interviewing greats like Ice-T, Busta Rhymes, Snoop, 50 Cent, Rick Ross and more.

Get more familiar with Prezident Scott Bejda and his legacy in Hip-Hop in this as-told-to interview with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur.

My name is Scott Bejda and I am a music journalist from Illinois. My story is one of tragedy and triumph within the Hip-Hop world. I caught the Hip-Hop bug very early in life just like many from my generation who instantly gravitated towards Run DMC, Fat Boys, and Whodini. Eventually came along Ice-T, Eazy-E & NWA, Too Short, Geto Boys, 2 Live Crew, and many others. By listening to those artists, I found many other artists in the Underground world of Hip-Hop that kept me going to the record stores as often as possible throughout my childhood. 

Becoming a Music Journalist 

When I was about 17 or 18 I found a Hip-Hop publication called Murder Dog Magazine. It had big-name artists alongside underground talent which was something other magazines weren’t doing. I instantly loved it. It had the respect of the streets and was known for giving out free subscriptions to people who were incarcerated. I called the office and connected with the owner Black Dog Bone and started passing out and selling the magazine all throughout Illinois and Indiana and other areas in the Mid-West. After a year, I was asked if I heard of Esham out of Detroit. I told the publisher that I had his entire catalog. In the next issue, I was credited with doing the Esham/RLP discography in 1998. In the following issue, I did close to 20 reviews and was now officially a contributor to the magazine. Some of my reviews over the years included DMX’s Flesh of MY Flesh, Three 6 Mafia’s When The Smoke Clears, Twista’s Kamikaze, and The Geto Boy’s final project The Foundation to name a few. 

Illness and perseverance 

I was a couple of years into working with Murder Dog Magazine and developed double vision as well as muscle weakness. I was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system and muscles with the possibility of being placed on a ventilator or death. Not long before I came down with the disease I just started to do interviews on top of reviews. Also, Murder Dog Magazine got distribution and was blowing up. We started to compete with The Source, XXL and Vibe in many markets putting up really good numbers. This was before the internet really took over, when magazines still sold a lot. Now people like Jay-Z, Nas, and all the heavyweights of Hip Hop wanted to be on the cover. Here I am with double vision expected to type out 90-minute interviews. At first, depression hit me hard, but I never gave up. I started to fight through the pain and conduct cover stories with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Z-Ro, The Game, T.I., 50 Cent, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Jim Jones and many others. I worked my way up from contributor to becoming one of the editors of this publication that many called the Street Bible of Hip-Hop at the time. 

****@*******op.com/messages/SU5CT1guVHJhc2g=.248932/attachments/9?csrf=bde01133645f4fad955f809b7f093199&wsid=b5a0606235f14ea2b7bceac09ff59c79-22697c7451ec403abdb223b9dbab4883″ alt=”Inline image” title=”Inline image”/>

Busta Rhymes Murder Dog Magazine Cover Story 

****@*******op.com/messages/SU5CT1guVHJhc2g=.248932/attachments/2?csrf=bde01133645f4fad955f809b7f093199&wsid=b5a0606235f14ea2b7bceac09ff59c79-22697c7451ec403abdb223b9dbab4883″ alt=”Inline image” title=”Inline image”/>

One of Rap’s earliest podcasts 

The term podcast was coined in 2004 in the UK. That was the same year that I started “The Murder Master Music Show.” The original version was a weekly pre-recorded online radio show that featured 15-minute previews of interviews for upcoming issues as well as music that I was reviewing. It was a way to promote the magazine.  Murder Dog gave us an ad in every issue and we landed on various rapper’s websites including BG and Tech N9ne. It lasted from 2004 to 2008 but then brought back in 2012.

BG advertising  Murder Master Music Show interview on his website 2005

****@*******op.com/messages/SU5CT1guVHJhc2g=.248932/attachments/8?csrf=bde01133645f4fad955f809b7f093199&wsid=b5a0606235f14ea2b7bceac09ff59c79-22697c7451ec403abdb223b9dbab4883″ alt=”Inline image” title=”Inline image”/>

Becoming one of Hip Hop’s most quoted podcasts 

 After coming back, it immediately started to get media coverage from all the major Hip-Hop news outlets. To date, there have been hundreds of articles published from content that came from Murder Master Music Show. Interviews with Jerry Heller, MC Shan, DMC and others went all over. The show eventually started to hit news outlets such as NY Post, People, Huffington Post, BET, and countless other media outlets. 

People quoting the podcast after an interview with Larry Hoover Jr 2022

****@*******op.com/messages/SU5CT1guVHJhc2g=.248932/attachments/6?csrf=bde01133645f4fad955f809b7f093199&wsid=b5a0606235f14ea2b7bceac09ff59c79-22697c7451ec403abdb223b9dbab4883″ alt=”Inline image” title=”Inline image”/>

Thank you again for taking the time to journey with me through the last 25 years of my life covering Hip Hop music. I was just a fan like everyone else. I had no college degrees or connections, I was just a kid with passion for music. I was hit with a life-threatening illness and somehow persevered with the odds stacked against me. I never thought I would do a cover story with Snoop Dogg or have my podcast featured in books, on TV, or in documentaries. I stuck it out and gave a quarter century of my life to the Hip-Hop community and don’t regret it at all. Hopefully will be around for many more years to do what I love. 

Murder Master Music Show 

****@*******op.com/messages/SU5CT1guVHJhc2g=.248932/attachments/7?csrf=bde01133645f4fad955f809b7f093199&wsid=b5a0606235f14ea2b7bceac09ff59c79-22697c7451ec403abdb223b9dbab4883″ alt=”Inline image” title=”Inline image”/>

Scott Bejda 2023

****@*******op.com/messages/SU5CT1guVHJhc2g=.248932/attachments/4?csrf=bde01133645f4fad955f809b7f093199&wsid=b5a0606235f14ea2b7bceac09ff59c79-22697c7451ec403abdb223b9dbab4883″ alt=”Inline image” title=”Inline image”/>

The late DJ Ready Red(Geto Boys) holding up his Murder Master Music Show Shirt 

****@*******op.com/messages/SU5CT1guVHJhc2g=.248932/attachments/3?csrf=bde01133645f4fad955f809b7f093199&wsid=b5a0606235f14ea2b7bceac09ff59c79-22697c7451ec403abdb223b9dbab4883″ alt=”Inline image” title=”Inline image”/>

Rage Against The Machine Announces Third Breakup Following Rock Hall Induction

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Rage Against The Machine has once again called it quits. The band’s drummer, Brad Wilk, made the announcement on Wednesday (January 3).

“I know a lot of people are waiting for us to announce new tour dates for all the canceled RATM shows,” Brad Wilk posted on Instagram. “I don’t want to string people or myself along any further. So while there has been some communication that this may be happening in the future… I want to let you know that RATM (Tim, Zack, Tom and I) will not be touring or playing live again. I’m sorry for those of you who have been waiting for this to happen. I really wish it was.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brad Wilk (@bradwilk)

Zack de la Rocha, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford and Brad Wilk formed Rage Against The Machine in the early 1990s. The 2x-Grammy-winning group released their self-titled debut album in 1992 via Epic Records.

Evil Empire (1996), The Battle of Los Angeles (1999) and Renegades (2000) came out before Rage Against The Machine split in 2000 and 2011. Their most recent reconciliation took place in 2022. However, RATM had to cancel that reunion tour when Zack de la Rocha ruptured his Achilles tendon.

Rage Against The Machine has a long association with Hip-Hop culture. In addition to contributing to the mainstream success of ’90s rock-rap, members of the former Coachella festival headliners partnered with members of Hip-Hop groups Public Enemy and Cypress Hill to form Prophets of Rage.

In addition, Hip-Hop legend Ice-T inducted Rage Against The Machine into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 class. Tom Morello was the only RATM representative to attend the Rock Hall ceremony on November 3, 2023 in Brooklyn.

Kevin Hart Fires Back At Katt Williams: “Gotta Get That Anger Up Outcha Champ”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Katt Williams decided to go scorched-earth during his recent Club Shay Shay interview. The comedy legend targeted multiple other comedians, including Kevin Hart, as the Cincinnati-born entertainer aired out his many grievances.

While speaking with Shannon Sharpe for over two hours, Katt Williams took time to address his longtime rival, Kevin Hart. At one point, Williams accused Hart of being a Hollywood plant who embellished the rise of his career.

“Gotta get that anger up outcha champ….It’s honestly sad. In the meantime…. Please enjoy MY MOVIE TRAILER to my next film LIFT which will be dropping on @netflix in 8 days!!!!!” Kevin Hart tweeted in response to Katt Williams.

The Philadelphia native also posted, “There is a moment in the trailer where @gugumbatharaw says, ‘They Really Love You’… I now know she’s talking about ‘Katt.’ [face with tears of joy emojis]. Mark yo calendars world!!!! This one is SPECIAL!!!!”

This was not the first time Kevin Hart and Katt Williams publicly clashed. In 2018, Hart defended his Night School co-star, Tiffany Haddish, after Williams criticized Haddish as a stand-up comedian and claimed her success was the result of wanting to sleep with white men.

Both Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish then appeared on an episode of The Breakfast Club. Hart addressed Katt Williams’ comments by alleging the Emmy Award winner’s career stalled because of unprofessional behavior and drug usage. Williams later knelt at Tiffany Haddish’s feet and acknowledged the errors of his ways.

During his podcast appearance with Shannon Sharpe, Katt Williams denied using any drugs except marijuana. The internet-breaking conversation also featured the Friday After Next star reacting to previous remarks by Ricky Smiley. Additionally, Williams called out Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey.

Dee-1 Condemns Viral Video Of Young Girls Rapping Drake & Sexyy Red’s “Rich Baby Daddy”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Dee-1 has no issue expressing his views about rappers’ content and Hip-Hop culture in general. The New Orleans native has now turned his attention to Drake’s “Rich Baby Daddy” featuring Sexyy Red and SZA.

On Tuesday (January 2), Dee-1 reposted a clip of a group of young girls rapping the lyrics to “Rich Baby Daddy.” The filmed karaoke performance also featured the kids dancing along to the music.

“This ain’t cool, man. And this ain’t cute,” Dee-1 stated in a video posted to social media. “But the real question is, what are we gonna do about it? It takes artists to make the music, it takes fans to support the music and it takes adults to figure out what they’re gonna expose their kids to.”

The Uno album creator also said, “So first off, as fans you gotta make sure you’re not supporting this and you’re not promoting this type of music. Matter of fact, you need to be vocal about the fact that you’re opposed to this if you really have a problem with it.”

Previously, Dee-1 took issue with rappers such as Meek Mill, Rick Ross and Jim Jones. A 2023 appearance on Sway In The Morning included Dee scolding the three entertainers. He accused them of glamourizing violence in their lyrics.

Meek Mill responded to the Emmy Award nominee. In addition, Rick Ross and Jim Jones fired back at Dee-1. The ordeal eventually led to the musician/educator releasing “Lines Drawn” which he claimed represented a shift in the rap genre.

“I did this song as a response to the industry being so shaken by me drawing a line in the sand and saying that we need some accountability for the messages we’re glorifying inside Hip-Hop,” Dee-1 explained in December 2023.

Katt Williams Says Ice Cube Asked Him To Write “Friday 4” Movie, Clowns Chris Tucker

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

Katt Williams lit the internet on fire with his sitdown interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast. The über-viral episode included Williams discussing a potential addition to the Friday film franchise.

Screenwriter/producer Ice Cube and director F. Gary Gray created a comedy classic with 1995’s Friday. Next Friday arrived in 2000 followed by Friday After Next two years later. Katt Williams starred in the second sequel as Money Mike.

Sharpe asked Williams if he would be willing to do another Friday movie. According to the 52-year-old comedian, there have been conversations about making a Friday 4. He also revealed some interesting news about his possible contributions.

“Cube already asked me to write it,” Williams said. “I was supposed to have been writing it. This is what these guys are mad about.”

Earlier in the interview, the former Wild ‘n Out cast member accused Rickey Smiley of lying about saying he almost had the role of Money Mike.

Chris Tucker Catches Stray During Katt Williams’s Explosive Interview

Katt Williams also told Sharpe, “We lost some great people before this movie [Friday 4] could come out, regardless. So yes, there desperately needs to be one. But we miss John Witherspoon in a way that can’t really be quantified. And the Chris Tucker we got now is ‘Epstein Island’ Chris Tucker.”

The first Friday featured Chris Tucker playing the iconic Smokey. Tucker didn’t return for Next Friday or Friday After Next. The late John Witherspoon played Willie Jones in all three Friday motion pictures. Witherspoon passed away in 2019 at the age of 77.

Williams also claimed Tucker didn’t want to be the “poster child” for smoking marijuana like his Smokey character. The World War III stand-up comedian said, “[Chris Tucker] don’t smoke weed like that. He’s in the church. He was Michael Jackson’s best friend… Michael Jackson called him ‘Christmas.’ You ever met a man that gave you a little nickname like that?”

NLE Choppa Challenges Blueface To Celebrity Boxing Match: “He Undefeated Vs Women”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

NLE Choppa and Blueface spent Tuesday night (January 3) and Wednesday morning (January 4) exchanging words online. The back-and-forth included both men calling out the other for a fight.

“N#### rap about my wesydes all year long and mad when I rap about his,” Blueface tweeted. “She decided to indulge in the circus on her own free recognizance she entered the chat nobody safe. I’m not worried about a Muslim vegan cryp on sY bet that small fry… squabble up or shut up.”

A few hours later, NLE Choppa took to X (aka Twitter) to respond to Blueface. The Cottonwood 2 album creator offered a challenge for the two rappers to settle their issues in the ring.

“Let’s box @bluefacebleedem,” Choppa wrote on the social media platform. “Who can set up [a] celebrity boxing match in Vegas? Me and him, hit me ASAP. He undefeated vs women ion respect a n#### that put his hands on em anyway!”

The public bad blood between the “Shotta Flow (Remix)” collaborators apparently began when the mother of Choppa’s son made some claims against Blueface. Marissa Da’Nae accused the Crazy In Love reality show star of hitting on her.

Blueface later escalated the situation by mentioning NLE Choppa and Marissa Da’Nae on “Barbie Remix” by Jaidyn Alexis. He rapped, “F### yo feelings, you a son of a b####. Oh, N-L-E baby mama wanna hit. Why you lying ’bout the number, b####? You know I got the digits.”

If a boxing matchup featuring NLE Choppa and Blueface does take place, one entertainer would go into the bout coming off a TKO victory last year. Blueface defeated Ed Matthews in an April 2023 exhibition fight. He also beat Kane Trujillo in a 2021 amateur match.

DDG Trolls Fans By Revealing “Daughter” With Halle Bailey 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
Preferred Source Publisher Button>

DDG has had enough of the speculation that he and his girlfriend, Halle Bailey, have welcomed a baby together. 

After sharing his frustration over the rumors, he took to Snapchat to shut down the gossip. The snap was DDG posing for a mirror selfie with a doll in his arms. “Finally showing my daughter,” he wrote alongside the photo. 

He followed it up with a photo of him holding a toddler captioned with the same text.  

Earlier this week, DDG responded to a fan who asked if he and Halle Bailey had a baby. “No,” he replied before airing out his feelings about the speculation over his relationship.  

“Bro, I don’t know why people is so invested in what I got going on or what we got going on,” he said on Snapchat on December 30. “Mind your business.” 

Advising fans to “go outside,” he continued. “Touch some grass,” he added. “Go do a cartwheel in the backyard or something. It’s weird. I genuinely don’t be understanding. Why do y’all be so invested in people that don’t know you?” 

The Michigan-bred rapper and YouTuber concluded by telling his followers to focus on themselves instead of his private affairs. 

“Whatever is going on in my life or her life is not going to change yours,” he declared. “Let’s focus on ourselves [in] 2024. Let’s try to lock in ourselves, not other people. Please, mind your business.”