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Phonte Regrets Not Checking On Rapper Big Pooh In Hospital Before Little Brother Reunion

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Phonte wished he responded differently to Rapper Big Pooh’s health scare in 2013. Following the release of Little Brother’s documentary, May The Lord Watch: The Little Brother Story, Phonte reflected on their past rift and explained why he didn’t check on Big Pooh in the hospital in an interview with SPIN.

“It’s definitely something I would have done differently,” Phonte told SPIN. “One of the things of the film is brotherhood and how that means different things to different people. And also conflict and how that means different things to different people. For me at that time, the conflict was, ‘If we ain’t f###ing with each other, then we ain’t f###ing with each other.’ When I got the call that Pooh was sick, it was never a thing of like, ‘I’m glad’ or whatever. There was a moment like, ‘Man, I hate to hear about that. I’m gonna pray for him and keep it pushing.’ But in my mind, I didn’t think he wanted to hear from me. I didn’t think me reaching out mattered to him because of where we were.”

May the Lord Watch explored the highs and lows of their complicated history. The two decided not to include a scene in which Phonte tried to rationalize staying quiet while Big Pooh was in the hospital.

“We had another version of the scene in the film where I was talking more about how I didn’t realize how severe his position was—because it wasn’t Pooh reaching out to me, it was another mutual friend of ours letting me know,” Phonte noted. “We had that in the film at first, but after watching it, me and Pooh talked and decided to take it out. We didn’t need to have a whole bunch of, ‘Well, see, what had happened was…’ No, own your s###. Your man was in the hospital, and you didn’t call him. Hindsight is always 20/20. Emotionally that’s where I was at the time, and the only thing I could do was just own that and grow past it.”

May the Lord Watch premiered in November. The documentary is available to stream for free on YouTube.

Cardi B & Offset Sued For Allegedly Trashing Beverly Hills Rental As Marriage Crumbles

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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As Cardi B and Offset’s marriage continues to crumble, they apparently have some legal troubles to contend with first. According to TMZ, the estranged couple is being sued by a property owner who’s accusing them of trashing their Beverly Hills home. Court documents allege they not only bailed on the rental property in October without notice but also left the home with “significant property damage.”

Owner reportedly discovered permanent scratches in the tile floors, rugs and curtains, broken furniture, holes in the walls and burn marks on tables, counters and cabinets once they left. They were allegedly behind on rent and utility payments as well. The landlord estimates Cardi B and Offset owe around $85,000 since they began renting the home in 2022, and that they’ve attempted to resolve the issue more than once.

Zillow

Cardi B is likely more concerned with her pending divorce from the Migos rapper. Although she admitted she’s been “single” for awhile, she only just revealed the news publicly. In an expletive-laced rant, an emotional Cardi B destroyed Offset, saying, “This motherf###er really liked to play games with me when I’m at my most vulnerable time, when I’m not the most confident, he liked to play games with me, because he knows I’m not an easy girl.

“You really been f###ng feeling yourself, you b#### a## n###a, with your b#### a## album and s##t, and you’ve really been f###ing doing me dirty after so many f###ng years that I motherf###ng helped your a##, not even a f###ing thank you did I get from your b#### a##! I’m so f###ing tired of it!”She also tweeted, “@OffsetYRN you a b#### a## n#### …and trust me imma f###in take it there! Motherf###as will try you when you at ya lowest and your most vulnerable time.. you out here feeling yourself but trust me the tables turn.”

Cardi B confirmed their split on December 11 after Blueface claimed Offset slept with Chrisean Rock. She wrote: “I don’t know if you guys been getting clues for me from my Lives or from my Stories when I put some certain music or find my own followings. When it comes to today’s events, I don’t know if it’s true. I don’t think it’s true. I don’t care to find out because I’ve been single for a minute now.”

She added she didn’t think Offset cheated on her with Rock but also didn’t “care to find out.” She continued, “I want to start 2024 fresh, open. I’m curious for a new life, a new beginning. I’m excited.”

Check out some of Cardi B’s comments below.

Cam’ron Says Kanye West Is “Crazy When It’s Convenient”

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Cam’ron disputed the notion of simply describing Kanye West as crazy during an appearance on Showtime’s All the Smoke podcast. The Dipset member believed there was a method to the madness when asked about his thoughts on Ye.

“Kanye, he crazy with who he wanna play crazy with,” Cam said. “That n#### crazy when it’s convenient.”

Cam’ron collaborated with Kanye during Dipset’s glory days. Ye produced several Cam songs, including “Dead or Alive” and the single “Down and Out.”

Years later, Cam’ron took shots at Kanye on the 2017 song “Coleslaw.” Cam also dissed Kanye on Dipset’s 2018 album Diplomatic Ties, calling Ye an Uncle Tom on “Intro: Stay Down.”

Cam’ron downplayed any beef with Kanye in 2019. He reiterated all was well between the two on the All the Smoke podcast.

“Every time I see Kanye—I seen Kanye about a year and a half, two years ago … n#### was sane as a m###########,” Cam told hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. “He was like, ‘Sup Cam? Sup n####, you need some beats?’ N####, I’m like, ‘Yeah’ … Two days later, n#### going crazy on the news and all types of s###. Every time I see Kanye, he’s perfectly fine. I’ve never seen a crazy Kanye, personally, ever.”

Kanye infamously lost several business deals after going on antisemitic rants in 2022. Adidas was the most notable company to cut ties with Ye, ending their successful Yeezy partnership.

Adidas said Ye’s comments and actions were “unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.” The split caused problems for Adidas, which still has roughly $320 million worth of unsold Yeezy shoes in its inventory. The company’s CEO conceded it may need to write off the remaining inventory as it tries to recover from the loss of Yeezy.

Eminem Rejects Need For Deposition In Dispute With “Real Housewives”

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Eminem dismissed Real Housewives stars Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon’s attempt to depose him in a trademark battle over their Reasonably Shady podcast.

According to legal documents obtained by AllHipHop, Slim Shady responded to Bryant and Dixon’s motion to compel him for a deposition in a December 15 filing. Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, countered their arguments and requested a protective order.

“As a threshold matter, Applicants’ Motion to Compel is premature and procedurally improper as Applicants have yet to serve Opposer with a notice of deposition, a necessary prerequisite to taking and requesting that the Board compel a deposition,” Eminem’s lawyer contended. “Opposer’s Motion to Compel the deposition of Mathers is also premature and unwarranted because, despite Opposer’s expression that the deposition would be both duplicative and unduly burdensome given Mathers’ limited knowledge of the subjects at issue, his absence of unique knowledge of the subjects at issue and others’ superior knowledge of said issues, Applicants have made no attempt to obtain the discovery they seek via more convenient and less burdensome means.”

Eminem claimed three people, including his manager Paul Rosenberg, were more qualified to answer questions regarding his Shady trademark. The rap superstar believed Bryant and Dixon were misguided in their pursuit of a deposition.

“Opposer has offered to produce three other individuals having equal and superior knowledge to Mathers on the relevant topics,” his lawyer wrote. “However, without making any attempt to assess whether they will be able to obtain the relevant information from said individuals, and having taken no depositions to date, Applicants remain insistent on deposing Mathers, a high-level and removed decision maker. Accordingly, Applicants’ Motion to Compel should be denied and … Opposer asks this Board to issue a protective order precluding the deposition of Marshall Mathers III.”

Earlier this year, Eminem objected to Bryant and Dixon’s attempt to trademark their Reasonably Shady podcast’s name. He believed it was too similar to his Shady trademark. Bryant and Dixon denied any likelihood of confusion.

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EXCLUSIVE: Former Bad Boy Records Rapper G. Dep Granted Clemency For Murder

By: Houston Williams Updated Category: Exclusives
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Rapper G. Dep, who was on Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, has been granted conditional clemency. The artist (real name Trevell Coleman) was in prison after he confessed to a murder in the 1990s.

G. Dep decided to come forward and take responsibility due to his remorse for the crime and his need for redemption. He’ll go before a parole board in the spring that will scrutinize his sincerity. He’s expected to be granted conditional clemency at that time due to volunteering his confession and his remorse for the crime.

“I was at a point where I wasn’t doing anything that would’ve been fruitful in the long run because I wasn’t right,” G. Depp tells AllHipHop. “Everything was kind of fruit of the poisonous tree. Everything that I was doing, it was alright on the surface, but it wasn’t really coming from a genuine place.”

Conditional clemency is typically granted to inmates who have demonstrated rehabilitation and a commitment to personal growth during their time in prison.

G. Dep emerged on the Hip-Hop scene in the late 1990s and early 2000s as part of the Bad Boy Records roster. His distinctive flow and gritty lyrics quickly gained attention, and he became known for his collaboration with Diddy, Black Rob, Foxy Brown, Busta Rhymes, The Notorious B.I.G and others. Songs like “Special Delivery” and “Let’s Get It” showcased his lyrical prowess and made him a recognizable figure in the rap game.

In 2010, G. Dep made headlines for a confession that would change the course of his life. He walked into a police station in New York City and admitted to a crime he had committed nearly two decades earlier. He confessed to shooting and killing a man during a robbery attempt in 1993. 

This astonishing revelation led to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.

G. Dep’s confession resulted in his conviction for second-degree murder. The court sentenced him to 15 years to life in prison. It was a stark contrast to the fame and success he had experienced in his music career. 

But he had no regrets for coming forward. 

“I really didn’t have any other choice…I really don’t have any regrets about that,” G. Dep told AllHipHop in an exclusive interview. 

If G. Dep were to receive such clemency, it could mark a new chapter in his life, allowing him the opportunity to contribute positively to society once again. G. Dep said he may consider getting back into Hip-Hop once he is released in the Spring. 

“I would love to record again. I always enjoyed the recording process, the whole thing of putting together a song. Just actually listening to the finished product and especially the whole finished project once everything is done. I’m a fan of Hip-Hop. I really make stuff that I would want to listen to. I enjoyed that aspect of it and being able to listen to something that I felt like was my ode to Hip-Hop.”

Young Thug Launches Kids Christmas Toy Drive From Jail

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Young Thug did not let his legal troubles stop him from giving back to his community during the holiday season. The YSL rapper teamed up with Peewee Roscoe and the Nexus Church to sponsor a toy drive at the Trap Music Museum in Atlanta on Wednesday (December 20).

“We are overjoyed to be in partnership with [Peewee Roscoe] and [Young Thug] to serve them, the families and children that will be blessed by this Christmas gifting initiative,” Pastor Horatious Harris of the Nexus Church said. “Giving shows the heart of God and it is our heart at Nexus to connect all with Christ within the community. We hope this movement of contagious unity will spread through the city and beyond.”

Young Thug’s event helped bring joy to kids in need of toys for Christmas while he was stuck in jail for the holidays. Thugger remained in custody while on trial in the YSL RICO case.

The highly publicized trial began on November 27. It went into recess on December 12.

Young Thug’s RICO trial was disrupted when one of his co-defendants, Shannon Stillwell, got stabbed in jail. Jurors were supposed to hear another week of witness testimony before their holiday break, but Judge Ural Glanville sent them home early due to the stabbing.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office identified an inmate named Willie Brown as the man who attacked Stillwell. Brown allegedly stabbed Stillwell multiple times during an altercation in the Fulton County Jail.

Stillwell was taken to the hospital. He was in stable condition but unable to appear in court on December 11 and 12. Authorities charged Brown with aggravated assault and possession of prohibited items.

Young Thug’s trial is scheduled to resume on January 2, 2024. He is one of six defendants on trial in the YSL RICO case.

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Tahjaee Drops Scandalous New Single “Big Sexy” featuring Louisiana’s Finest, Fredo Bang

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: Music
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Tahjaee(@ThaRealTahjaee), a rising star on the Dallas scene, recently released his highly anticipated single “Big Sexy,” featuring none other than Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s own Fredo Bang. Surrounded by women Tahjaee and Fredo trade verses over seductive beats and clever lyricism, that make this song poised to become clear Summer anthem, even though we are still in the Winter. 

Tahjaee’s charisma and distinctive style have garnered attention across Texas, making “Big Sexy” one of the most awaited releases of the year when it comes to the visual release.. The collaboration with Fredo Bang, known for his dynamic flow and grityy and storytelling, promises a fusion of talent that will leave fans entertained. 

“I said it in a interview before, but my music is an extension of me. Music should reflect you and your different times and places to see who you are. My music is me. Sometimes I’m happy, sometimes I’m sad, sometimes I’m turnt,” Tahjaee said.

The accompanying music video for “Big Sexy” is a visual flaunt that adds a layer of sultriness to the already lit track. Directed by the acclaimed Prophecy, the video captures the essence of the song, blending artistry with sensuality. Set against a backdrop of shaking women and palm trees, Tahjaee and Fredo Bang are joined by an ensemble of stunning and curvy women, bringing the lyrics to life.

“Its always gonna open up some of the fake love when you do well. I went on the internet today and saw someone do a post on my music and how the big features are hitting differently. I’m someone who really put the groundwork in and touched a lot of people in the city, that’s really me. It hit different because they’ve seen me come up and everybody is just happy for me,” Tahjaee.

The “Big Sexy” music video is a celebration of self-confidence, body positivity, and unapologetic sensuality. The choreography, coupled with Tahjaee and Fredo Bang’s magnetic presence, creates an electric atmosphere that is both visually stunning and emotionally charged.

“Tahjaee is not just a rapper; he’s a storyteller, and ‘Big Sexy’ is his latest chapter,” says Manman from the Dirty Game Records management team. “Tahjaee’s teaming up with Fredo Bang has elevated the track to new heights, and the music video is a testament to the bold and unapologetic energy that Tahjaee brings to the industry.”

“Big Sexy” is now available on all major streaming platforms. Fans can expect a sonic journey that pushes boundaries and challenges the status quo of contemporary hip-hop. The music video, an opulent display of visual artistry, is now available on YouTube. 

Hip Hop’s Biggest Gamblers

By: Staff Writer Updated Category: Uncategorized
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Hip-hop artists love to spend big. In 2021, rapper Lil Uzi Vert made global headlines after implanting a $30 million diamond on his forehead. Interestingly, fans pulled the gem out of his head the same year.

While rappers have been buying outrageous stuff since the birth of hip-hop, they also spend some of their millions on entertainment. In this article, we’ll focus on rappers who love to gamble. 

Precisely, we’ll highlight hip-hop’s biggest sports and casino gamblers. Let’s dive right in.

#1: 50 Cent

Rapper 50 Cent is perhaps the biggest gambler in the world of hip-hop. No year goes by without the Candy Shop hitmaker placing a jaw-dropping sport bet. Sometimes he also tweets about his big bets in Las Vegas.

In 2012, 50 Cent made two huge bets that turned out very profitable. First, he bet $500,000 on the New York Giants heading to the Super Bowl. Next, he backed the same team to win Super Bowl 46. He won both bets.

 In 2015, Fiddy made another big bet on his nemesis—Floyd Mayweather—to defeat Manny Pacquiao in a bout. Fiddy allegedly spent $1.6 million on the wager and won $2.3 million in return.

Interestingly, the rapper later fell out with Floyd and even bet $750,000 that the boxer couldn’t read. Mayweather refused to participate in the wager.

#2: Nelly

Rapper Nelly is known for hit songs such as Dilemma, Hot in Here, and Pimp Juice. Among those who follow him closely, Nelly is also a massive poker fan. In fact, Nelly is so good at the game that he participates in high-stakes poker competitions regularly. 

For example, he participated in a celebrity poker tournament organized to celebrate Rolling Stone’s 40th anniversary. He won the game and donated all his money to charity. 

Still on poker, rapper Nelly has also participated in several World Series of Poker competitions. He’s won over $100,000 over the years, a decent amount for a part-timer who donates most of his winnings.

#3: Jay Z

Jay-Z is one of the smartest men in hip-hop. He’s a billionaire rapper, something only one other man has ever accomplished—Kanye West. Against that backdrop, Jay-Z is always looking for new ways to invest his money.

In 2021, Jay Z partnered with Caesars Entertainment to bid for a new casino that was to be built at Times Square. The 99 Problems rapper had proposed to build an establishment that would benefit millions of New Yorkers, from Broadway workers to taxi drivers.

While Jay-Z’s bid did not succeed, New Yorkers won. Not only did the Empire State legalize casinos, but it also permitted sports betting. You no longer need to visit New Jersey to find online casinos when the best options are in New York. All you need is a smartphone or PC laptop to play slots or bet on football in the Big Apple.

#4: P. Diddy

Rapper P. Diddy, AKA Puff Daddy, is a big casino fan. When he’s not driving around Hollywood while clad in expensive outfits and jewelry, the Coming Home and I’ll Be Missing You hitmaker is usually playing blackjack or poker.

P. Diddy has been spotted at Las Vegas’s biggest casinos many times. At one time, the rapper tipped a casino employee $250,000 after winning $2M in the same venue. 

While $250,000 is a lot of money to tip someone, rapper Sean Combs has more than enough to tip generously. He has a net worth of around $850 million, ranking him among the top five richest men in Hip-Hop.

What’s Diddy’s favorite casino game? Diddy prefers blackjack, a game he’s really good at. In fact, most of the money Combs has won in Vegas came while playing blackjack. That said, he also dabbles in poker, slots, and roulette.

#5: Young Thug

Rapper Young Thug has had a lot of legal troubles in the past couple of years. He’s fighting RICO charges that could put him behind bars for the rest of his years. Before he got into legal problems, however, the Day Before rapper was a jovial man who loved to gamble.

According to his employees, rapper Young Thug gambles a little bit too much. In 2021, the 32-year-old Atlanta native tweeted that he had lost $800,000 while gambling in Las Vegas.

The rapper supposedly tried to chase after his losses. But he only made $100,000 back before losing it again. His Twitter (now X) fans had promised to help him revenge against the casino where he lost his fortune. But he never revealed the casino’s name.

That said, Young Thug is probably not so worried about money problems caused by casino losses. He charges up to $1M per show. The rapper is more worried about his court cases, something that could hinder his ability to utilize his rapping talent indefinitely.

#6:  Birdman

Birdman is best known for co-creating Cash Money Records. His record label has worked with the best rappers in the industry, including Drake, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, and Blueface.

Besides producing music, Birdman is a rapper with hits such as Bugatti, Black Ball, and Pop Bottles. Thanks to his contributions to hip-hop, Birdman has accrued enough money to gamble high-roller amounts.

The New Orleans-born rapper has a net worth of $160 million. So, when 50 Cent said Birdman had wagered $5 million on Super Bowl 46 in 2012, many people believed him. 

While Birdman’s $5 million wager was never authenticated, he’s placed several high-stakes wagers. He wagered $2 million on the Miami Heat to win the 2011 NBA finals, which they did. 

In the same year, the rapper said he had won $1 million after betting on the Green Bay Packers to win the Super Bowl.

#7: Drake

Canadian hip-hop mogul, Drake, is a big-time spender when it comes to sports betting and casino games. Sometimes he’s won a lot of money through his bets. But for some reason, Drake has a tendency to back the losing side.

In fact, Drake is associated with a sports curse. A section of fans believe that whoever athlete Drake backs to win ends up losing. That said, the Hot Bling hitmaker has also won some big wagers over the years. For example, he once won $17 million at a roulette table. 

“Aquaman 2” Is Total Wash-Out, Bringing Whole DCU In Question

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: Opinion
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By Chris “Boogie” Brown

Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom reunites the original cast to continue the established storyline. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s character, “Black Manta,” remains obsessed with avenging his father’s death from the first film by taking down Aquaman, portrayed by Jason Momoa.

In his relentless pursuit, Black Manta acquires the mystical Black Trident, granting him unprecedented power. To counter this formidable foe, Aquaman enlists the help of his brother, Orm (Patrick Wilson), whom he had defeated for the throne of Atlantis. Together, the two brothers must overcome their differences and work to thwart Black Manta and save Atlantis from impending catastrophe.

As a fan who thoroughly enjoyed the 2018 Aquaman film, I regret to say that this sequel left me disappointed. While I expected a Superhero/Action-Adventure film, the tone and pacing of the movie felt erratic, and the dialogue left much to be desired. Overall, the film appeared uninspired and formulaic, a stark departure from the excellence of its predecessor.

Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II delivered commendable performances given the material they had to work with. However, the film’s narrative and character motivations felt uneven. Although Momoa embodies the superhero role convincingly, it occasionally seems more like Jason Momoa playing himself rather than the character of Arthur Curry/Aquaman.

In the first film, director James Wan skillfully balanced edginess, humor, horror elements, stunning visuals, and exhilarating action sequences, contributing to its immense success at the box office. Regrettably, the sequel suffered from a weak storyline, inconsistent pacing, slapstick-style humor, unfunny comedic bits, underwhelming action scenes, and noticeable visual effects that had markedly declined in quality since the first installment five years ago.

Watching the first Aquaman movie shortly before the sequel revealed a stark contrast in the quality of underwater scenes, with the original boasting cleaner, crisper, and more enthralling visuals. Whether attributed to budget constraints or last-minute reshoots, the sequel’s visuals failed to match the aesthetic beauty of its predecessor.

Despite initial promise in the trailers, Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom ultimately failed to live up to expectations as a worthy addition to the DCEU. The film underwent several rounds of reshoots following unfavorable test screenings. Additionally, James Wan received directives from the new head of DC Studios to include new scenes and remove others to align with the evolving direction of the DCU. This compromised creative freedom, evident in the final product.

As this marks the end of the DCEU, it leaves a bitter taste. While Blue Beetle and Shazam 2 remain unwatched, The Flash and Black Adam received positive reception. The future of the DC Universe lies with new leadership planning a fresh slate of films. Only time will reveal their success. However, attention is turning to the “DC Elseworlds” brand from Warner Bros. Pictures, which has produced darker and more serious films such as Joker, The Batman, and their upcoming sequels.

Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom may offer a different experience to others, but for me, it was a significant letdown.

Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign’s “Vultures” Album Pushed Back Again, New Release Date Revealed

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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At first, fans anticipated Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s Vultures would drop on December 15. Then reports claimed the album would arrive on December 31. The duo, collectively known as ¥$, pushed back the project again.

A representative for Kanye West told Billboard that Vultures is now scheduled to come out on January 12. The long-running music publication previously reported the album had a December 31 release date.

The rollout for Vultures has been rocky. Issues with sample clearances reportedly caused some delays. An apparent unauthorized Backstreet Boys interpolation also raised questions about the potential final product.

Ty Dolla $ign shared a list of songs for Vultures on an Instagram post dated December 8. The Backstreet Boys-inspired “Everybody” does appear on the tracklist. ¥$’s “Everybody” interpolates BSB’s “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” from 1997.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C0nBsoTLcM4/?hl=en

According to Ty Dolla, Vultures will also contain “New Body.” That song originally featured Nicki Minaj. However, Minaj said she turned down Kanye West’s request to approve her vocals for the record.

“That train has left the station, OK?” Nicki Minaj stated. “No disrespect in any way. I just put out a brand-new album. Now why would I put out a song that has been out for three years? Come on guys.”

In addition, Kanye West made headlines in recent days for a 10-minute diatribe that went viral. The 46-year-old rapper/producer ranted about Jesus, Adolf Hitler, Zionists, Donald Trump, Jay-Z, Drake, Adidas and more.

West faced widespread backlash in 2022 for making anti-semitic remarks and praising Hitler. He also aligned himself with white nationalist Nick Fuentes. Before those controversies, Ye angered some of his supporters by promoting White Lives Matter shirts and spreading conspiracy theories about the death of George Floyd.

Ice-T Shows How “The Player” Was Born With Series Of Epic Throwback Photos

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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Ice-T is one of Hollywood’s biggest success stories. From running the streets and enlisting in the Army to immersing himself in Los Angeles’ electro scene, becoming an early pioneer of gangsta rap and playing Detective Odafin Tutuola on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for more than 20 years, he’s the definition of a hustler. But before he became the Ice-T we know and love, he was Tracy Morrow, just another student at Crenshaw High School in South Central.

On Thursday (December 21), Ice-T shared a throwback photo from his high school days. He wrote in the caption, “Crenshaw High School South Central LA. Class of 76 Fro was on point. Sharp as Steak Knives. Young Iceberg.”

But Ice-T wasn’t done there. He also shared another high school yearbook photo with the caption, “Young ICE, 9th grade year book. Fro, sweatshirt.. Take the Fn picture.” He followed up with a third photo that captured his evolution from street kid to player. He added, “From a Fro to the Perm… The Player was born.. ‘My smoothe personality is a Trap’ ICEBERG.”

Ice-T was among the presenters at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on November 3. The Original Gangster was on deck to induct Rage Against the Machine, who joined Sheryl Crow, DJ Kool Herc, Link Wray, Al Kooper, Chaka Khan, Missy Elliott, Willie Nelson, The Spinners and Gorge Michael in the 2023 class.

The ceremony was streamed live for the first time in the Rock Hall’s 38-year history thanks to Disney+, which provided for some colorful moments. Beforehand, Rock Hall Chairman John Sykes addressed the media room, which included AllHipHop, and suggested he was slightly nervous about what could go wrong. As it turned out, Sykes did have one thing to worry about—a barrage of cuss words. Throughout the evening, presenters and inductees alike kept letting “f-bombs” and other expletives slip. Ice-T let at least one “muthaf###in” out but kept it pretty tightened up otherwise.

Tom Morello was the only member from Rage Against the Machine to attend the ceremony. He proceeded to deliver a passionate acceptance speech, which—true to Rage form—challenged the current systems put in place.

“The world is worth fighting for,” he said. “Dream big and don’t settle. Don’t wait for us. Rage is not here, but you are. You’re the ones who must testify.” He ended with, “History is like music—it’s not something that happens, it’s something you make.” Backstage, he posed for photos in true Rage fashion with a sign that read simply, “Cease fire,” a reference to the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict.

Vin Diesel Denies Sexual Assault Allegations

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Vin Diesel faces a sexual battery lawsuit. His former assistant, Asta Jonasson, claims the actor assaulted her in 2010. Diesel’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, issued a statement about those accusations.

“Vin Diesel categorically denies this claim in its entirety,” Freedman stated. “This is the first he has ever heard about this more than 13-year-old claim made by a purportedly 9-day employee. There is clear evidence which completely refutes these outlandish allegations.”

Asta Jonasson filed her lawsuit under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act. The 2022 law established a one-year window for plaintiffs to sue alleged abusers even if the statute of limitations has expired.

According to court documents, Jonasson alleges Vin Diesel (born Mark Sinclair) assaulted her in an Atlanta hotel suite during the filming of the Fast Five movie. She accuses the star of motion pictures such as XXX and Find Me Guilty of groping and kissing her without consent.

Asta Jonasson also claimed Vin Diesel forced her to touch his penis before he began masturbating. In addition, she suggests Diesel’s sister fired her hours after the assault allegedly took place.

“It was clear to her that she was being fired because she was no longer useful — Vin Diesel had used her to fulfill his sexual desires and she had resisted his sexual assaults,” Asta Jonasson’s lawsuit reads.

Yung Miami’s Reality Show Reportedly Headed To BET

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Yung Miami is taking her talents to the small screen for a new reality show. According to a new report, one-half of the City Girls duo will showcase her life on a cable channel.

The Jasmine Brand published an article on Thursday (December 21) claiming Yung Miami’s upcoming series will air on BET. A Day In The Life of Miami has been floated as a title for the program.

“I got a reality show coming out, the City Girls dropping an album, my podcast. Just everything,” Miami told Billboard on the red carpet of the September 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.

Yung Miami hosts Caresha Please. The “Act Up” performer’s podcast won Best Hip-Hop Platform at the 2023 BET Awards in June. Caresha Please has featured interviews with Trina, Summer Walker and more.

During an October interview with The Breakfast Club, JT confirmed that she will not be a major part of Yung Miami’s reality show. The other City Girls member expressed wanting to focus on music instead.

City Girls released their third studio album, RAW, on October 20. The 18-track project only collected around 10,000 first-week units, which led to some social media users making fun of the QC-backed group.

While Yung Miami’s reality series has apparently found a network home, Hulu recently dropped her boyfriend’s pending reality series. The streaming service scrapped Diddy’s show after numerous sexual misconduct and abuse allegations against the mogul came to light.

Ice Spice’s Debut Album In The Works, Says Producer RiotUSA

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Ice Spice took the music world by storm in 2023. The Bronx-bred rapstress let loose her Like..? EP in January. It looks like her official studio LP will arrive in the coming months.

Billboard spoke to Ice Spice’s frequent producer, RiotUSA, about working with the Hip-Hop neophyte. According to the beatmaker, additional tunes from Spice are in the works. 

“Fans should know I produce and record too, so look out for my music,” RiotUSA stated. “Also, look out for new classics with Ice in 2024. We’re working on her debut album as we speak.”

RiotUSA crafted some of the biggest hits of the year. He provided the sounds for Ice Spice’s “In Ha Mood” and “Deli” as well as the Nicki Minaj-assisted “Princess Diana” and “Barbie World.”

In addition, RiotUSA served as an executive producer for Like..? That project peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart and No. 4 on the Billboard Top Rap Albums chart.

Ice Spice’s successful 2023 earned the 23-year-old recording artist four Grammy Award nominations, including a nod for Best New Artist. She already won Best New Artist at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards.

This year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards also crowned Ice Spice as the Best Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist. Plus, Billboard named her as the 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie Of The Year. Spice was among the top trending searches on Google as well.

U.K. Rapper Ghetts Vows To Ditch Explicit Lyrics After Tongue-Lashing From Mom  

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Ghetts has vowed to clean up his act after getting a talking-to from his mother following the release of his latest single.  

The East London rap icon is a lyrical force to be reckoned with, but he could only muster up an apology when his mother scolded him over his explicit lyrics.  

Ghetts took to Instagram earlier this week with a screenshot of a DM from his mom, who had somehow gotten hold of a preview of his latest single, “Twin Sisters.” 

“Which one of you lot showed my mum twin sisters?” he asked in the caption. According to her text, it’s not the first time Momma Ghetts has reprimanded her son over his raps.  

Writing in Patois, his Caribbean mother reminds him that she already told him to “cut out di bad word dem” in his songs. She then urges him to take her advice before warning him not to make her repeat herself again.  

“Apologies mum,” he replied to his mom. “Basically moving forward it’s all clean cut,” he vowed, sharing the post on X.  

Despite his mom’s objections to the lyrics, Ghetts released “Twin Sisters” featuring fellow London rapper Skrapz on Wednesday, December 20.  

“Twin Sisters” is set to appear on Ghetts’ fourth studio album, On Purpose, With Purpose, expected early next year. The project follows his critically acclaimed offering, Conflict of Interest. Released in 2021, the MOBO Award-winning LP debuted at No. 2 on the official U.K. Top 100 chart and No.1 on the U.K. Hip Hop and R&B Charts.     

Watch Stephen Colbert’s Hilarious Response To Nicki Minaj In Freestyle Battle Rap Segment 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Nicki Minaj is on a whirlwind press tour to promote her Pink Friday 2 album, and with so many interviews, the NYC icon is pulling out all the stops to entertain audiences. 

On Wednesday (December 20 Nicki Minaj stopped by The Late Show for a sit-down with Stephen Colbert. While discussing the album, Colbert asked Minaj to drop a freestyle, who challenged him to spit some bars of his own. 

Drumming on the desk, Minaj flipped lyrics from Pink Friday 2 cut “FTCU,” rapping, “High heels on for Stevie/If I marry Stevie, he ain’t ever gon’ leave me,” before challenging Colbert to respond.  

“High heels or not, Nicki/You better hope you never meet my wife Evie!” the host fired back at a stunned Nicki Minaj.  

“Did you realize we just battle rapped each other?” the “Barbie World” hitmaker asked before shouting out Mrs. Colbert.  

While The Barbz have had a while to process the record-breaking Pink Friday 2, Nicki Minaj is still adding to the project. She recently released two new bonus songs, “Beep Beep,” her first collab with fellow NYC icon 50 Cent, and “Love Me Enough,” with R&B songstresses Monica and Keisha Cole.   

However, she also teased a possible Rihanna PF2 feature. “The full gag city deluxe ain’t coming out until Queen Rih send her vocals. POW” Minaj wrote alongside a video of Rihanna dancing to “FTCU.” 

Cassie’s Friend Speaks On Diddy Abuse Allegations: “This Guy Is Dangerous” 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Cassie Ventura’s longtime friend is speaking out in support of the singer’s allegations against Diddy. 

In a new interview with NBC News, Grammy Award-winning songwriter Tiffany Red, who met Ventura in 2015, claimed she witnessed Diddy’s verbal abuse, and her friend confided in her about other alleged assaults. The sit-down chat follows her open letter to Rolling Stone magazine earlier this month.  

According to Red, Diddy confronted Ventura during her 29th birthday party in 2015 and demanded a “freak-off.” She claimed Diddy had Cassie “backed into the corner and he was like, cussing her out with his hand in her face.” 

Things escalated later that evening when Red woke up at Ventura’s house to the sound of Diddy yelling. She recalled, “I felt like I was in the presence of his monster inside.” Red said Cassie appeared “sedated,” although she had never seen her high before.  

“And he says, ‘Tell your girl she wants some birthday dick,’” she added. “He’s saying this to me and I’m like, ‘Well, she doesn’t have to have sex with you if she doesn’t want to.” Red recalled realizing, “This guy is dangerous.” 

Elsewhere in the interview, Red claimed Cassie Ventura recently explained what “freak off” involved Diddy hiring male sex workers to sleep with her while he watched.  

“She told me the only time he was willing to work on her music or go through any plans, any of that, was when she had a freak off,” Red stated. “To find out that like, I spent all these years writing these songs for him to rape my friend to? It’s just disgusting.” 

Cassie Ventura filed a bombshell lawsuit against Diddy on November 16, accusing him of rape and physical abuse, among other startling accusations. The former couple settled out of court less than 24 hours after the news broke, but multiple other women filed lawsuits in the following weeks.  

Chrisean Rock Previews Blueface Diss Hours After He Threatens Restraining Order 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Chrisean Rock has previewed a new Blueface diss hours after her the “Thotiana” hitmaker threatened to file a restraining order against her. 

The former couple’s toxic relationship continued to play out on social media Thursday (December 21). After accusing him of punching her in the face while she held their baby, Chrisean Rock shared a snippet of a new Blueface diss on the remix of Sexyy Red’s “Bow Bow Bow (F My Baby Dad). 

Rock sat in her car alongside her new man K Suave while she rapped about making her baby daddy babysit “while my new n#### give me backstrokes.” 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1I9ElRrrWn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Chrisean Rock Claims Blueface Wanted Sexyy Redd On A Jaidyn Alexis Diss Track

The track comes after Chrisean Rock claimed Blueface tried to get Sexyy Red on a track that featured his fiancé Jaidyn Alexis was throwing shots at Rock.   

“He tried to pay Sexyy Red to hop on a verse with Jaidyn, knowing damn well Jaidyn diss track is against me and knowing damn well me and Sexyy ride for each other. That’s my sister,” Rock said on Instagram Live earlier this month. “For real, from another mother and father. So he tried to politic in the industry… Bro, somebody pray for Blueface, bro. He need prayer.” 

Meanwhile, Blueface took to social media following their altercation. He again denied being Chrisean Rock. Jr’s father and warned he would take legal action against his ex.  

“Finna put a restraining order on her an the dam baby,” he wrote. “B#### drove to my house talm bout she not leaving till her ride get here this the typa b#### yall believe fr that don’t even make sense.

https://x.com/bluefacebleedem/status/1737965922156183630?s=20

“Stop showing up to my house knocking on the door every other day crying talm bout let me in this yo baby,” he added. “That baby looks nothing like me idk why she keep forcing this on me that’s not my child scientifically proven already.” 

T.I.’s Spreads Cheer With Harris Community Works’ 8th Annual Holiday Caravan

By: Houston Williams Updated Category: News
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T.I.‘s nonprofit organization Us or Else forges ahead with generosity and community spirit as the Harris Community Works held its 8th Annual Holiday Caravan this past week.

The award-winning multi-hyphenate-turned-philanthropist personally stepped out to give out gifts and also give wisdom to attendees, demonstrating his commitment to his community.

“When you’ve been blessed as I am, it’s important to give back to those who may need a little extra assistance. I look forward to these events every year and will continue to serve my community as long as I’m able to,” T.I. stated.

The week-long caravan commenced on December 13 (Wednesday), at the DTLR at Camp Creek Marketplace in Atlanta. Mentees from the Next Level Boys Academy diversion program were allowed to shop for clothing. Gary Davis, Founder and CEO of the Academy said, “For many, this is their Christmas. T.I. and Harris Community Works have been longtime supporters of us, and we appreciate all they have done and continue to do for us.”

In addition to their shopping sprees, the young men received Hawks drawstring bags and tickets to a Skyhawks game, courtesy of the Atlanta Hawks.

The caravan continued its mission on December 15 (Friday), at My Sister’s House, a shelter for homeless women and families affiliated with the Atlanta Mission. This organization not only offers food and shelter but also programs to help families transition into their own homes.

Katrina Dangsm, Director of Program Support Services at the Atlanta Mission, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “When we have community partners like Harris Community Works come in and give Christmas gifts, it allows our children to feel safe and dream child-sized dreams.”

T.I. and his wife Tameka received a positive welcome. They also had breakout sessions for teens and mothers. T.I. shared words of wisdom with the teens about the challenges they face. Tameka and Congresswoman Nikema Williams addressed the mothers about the trials of being working parents and how to overcome adversity. The women were surprised with Visa gift cards.

The caravan’s last stop on the same day was the graduation ceremony for students in the Project Pinnacle Diversion Program. T.I. personally handed out diplomas to the graduates and delivered an inspirational speech about resilience and giving back. This program provides first-time, non-violent juvenile offenders with an alternative to a prison sentence, focusing on anger management, life skills, and a supportive network for their future. Judge Asha Jackson, Founder of Project Pinnacle, praised the graduates, stating, “These amazing young men and women are ready to embrace all their life goals while leaving the criminal justice system behind.”

See more from Harris Community Works (HCW) below.

Quando Rondo Released On $100K Bond—With A Catch

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Quando Rondo received an early Christmas gift as he was able to get out of jail in Savannah, Georgia on Thursday (December 21). According to local news outlets WJCL and WTOC, the Atlantic Records artist posted a $100,000 bond but was placed under house arrest in a federal drug case.

Earlier this month, authorities arrested Rondo on federal drug charges. A partially unsealed indictment accused him and several other defendants of participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Savannah area.

“The indictment in USA v. Grant et al. alleges that the defendants conspired starting at least as early as January 2021 to possess and distribute illegal drugs including methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia said in a press release. “A conviction on the conspiracy charge carries a statutory sentence of up to 20 years in prison, along with substantial fines and penalties, followed by a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.”

Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Bowman, was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He pleaded not guilty at his court date on December 12.

The 24-year-old rapper was previously arrested on state charges in June. He was charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia’s controlled substances act, participating in criminal activity in association with a street gang and use of communication facility in commission of a felony involving controlled substances.

Prosecutors claimed Rondo was the leader of the Rollin’ ’60s Crips street gang in Savannah. The prosecution objected to releasing him on bond in the state case, but he was able to secure his release. He was out on bond for several months before the FBI busted him on federal drug charges.