Leila Steinberg, Tupac Shakur’s original manager, bemoaned the music industry’s financial exploitation of her friend in an interview with Allison Kugel. Steinberg specifically called out former Death Row Records boss Suge Knight, accusing him of maintaining a vise grip on the late rapper’s money in Tupac’s final years.
“I don’t think, I know Tupac was exploited financially,” Steinberg told Kugel. “I witnessed it. I witnessed the direction of his career and the power people that didn’t want to hear my voice or my resistance. I did choose to stop managing him, but I stayed close and there were people making a ton of money from the beginning of his career until the end of his career. Back then, if you were an artist in the early ‘90s, you got an eight to 12 point deal. Points are percentages (one point is equal to one percent), so if you look at a pie and you look at 100 percent, back then with CDs selling for $15, a piece and you sell a million, and he sold a lot more than that. Just look at the numbers. Let’s say he got 12 points. You pay your producer four of those 12, your manager. You really walk away with what? Four or five points of your 100. That was typical, and we’re still talking about the exploitation, primarily of people of color.”
She added, “Tupac did make some money, but he didn’t have access to it. At the end, Suge controlled all of it. Millions we made. Tupac did own some houses. He saw a million, but what’s a million? It’s crumbs. There were hundreds of millions made off of Tupac. There are people who own homes and property now off of Tupac money, and it’s not those of us that were there grinding and working.”
Steinberg believed Tupac never wanted to sign with Death Row but did so out of desperation. She said the decision ultimately cost him his life.
“The deal with Suge, you can’t come back from that,” Steinberg remarked. “He couldn’t just walk away. I don’t think he ever wanted in [Death Row]. He was in jail and desperate, and he made a move based on desperation. And he did not understand the cost or the consequence because he was dealing with real gangsters. He is not alive today because he was dealing with real gang members. That was not him. He thought he could do this deal, get out, give Suge these three records and have his freedom. It didn’t work that way. It was never going to work that way.”
Check out the entire interview with Steinberg below.
An apparent bombshell lawsuit accuses NBA All-Star Dwight Howard of the sexual assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and false imprisonment of another man.
Howard said the two started exchanging messages on social media in May 2021 during the pandemic. Harper made the initial outreach on Instagram and eventually shared his cell phone for the two to correspond. According to Harper’s lawsuit, the former Los Angeles Laker told him he was into “freaky” stuff and even asked him to share explicit photographs of his body.
The complaint included the alleged text messages between the two. The first text message submitted opens with Harper saying “sup sexy” before telling him that he’s about to get into the shower.
Howard responded with bugged-out eye emojis to which Harper responded “I gotchu” with a tongue hanging out.
In the second set of text messages, Harper is pushing to link with Howard, but the baller seems cautious, asking him to verify his name and also to send him pictures.
“I was waiting on you to send pics,” he allegedly texted. “I was waiting.”
The third text submitted, which is clearly an edit of their full exchange, has Howard asking for “more” of something (perhaps pictures and movies). Harper answers, “I gotchu papi. Also what are you into? You like freaky s##t?”
“Yeah, I’m into freaky s##t?” he said, adding, “Now, I want you to know I’m not like gay or anything. I’m jus a lil nast sometimes. Ion wanna offend you.”
Harper said he wasn’t offended. At that point, after liking and loving a set of pictures and videos, he sends three drooling emojis and texts, “lemme see [eggplant emoji].”
Another text thread, Harper asks Howard what he is doing and he replies, “Thinking about that meat” and on yet another thread Howard says, “I just wanna see ur [eggplant emoji and bugged-eyes emoji].”
The two allegedly text for three months via text before he actually came to his house on July 19, 2021. Howard insists Harper knew that he was in for a sexual romp with him and a man dressed in women’s clothing. Harper says, he thought it was just going to be the two of them engaging in a night of pleasure.
This discrepancy is at the center of the lawsuit.
Harper says that when he saw Kitty, he immediately was turned off and refused to participate in a threesome. However, Howard ignored Harper’s wishes and forced him to engage in several sex acts, including giving him oral sex against his will. He said he felt threatened because the athlete was so much larger than him— and, at one point, was pinned to the bed.
“Defendant stood up (towering over Mr. Harper), grabbed Mr. Harper by the thighs, forcibly removed Mr. Harper’s underwear, held Mr. Harper down, and performed nonconsensual oral sex on Mr. Harper,” the complaint read. “Mr. Harper was in fear of imminent bodily harm when he was pinned down and forced to remain in place while Defendant continued to sexually assault him.”
Howard’s version of the story is different. He admitted that the three men went to his bedroom, removed their clothing and “engaged in consensual kissing.”
Howard’s lawyers also said in a counterclaim to the accusations, the “Plaintiff was aware that [Kitty] would also be arriving at the home prior to Plaintiff even arriving at Defendant’s home.”
“The three agreed to touch one another and to engage in consensual sexual activity,” Howard’s lawyer wrote.
Federal prosecutors are seeking a two-jury trial in the latest twist involving the 2002 murder case of Jaso “Jam Master Jay” Mizell. The motion, submitted recently by the government, aims to streamline the proceedings against the three defendants: Karl Jordan, Jr., Ronald Washington and Jay Bryant.
On the evening of October 30, 2002, Jam Master Jay was at his recording studio in Hollis, Queens, New York. At about 7:30 p.m. ET, the trio—Washington, Jordan and Bryant — allegedly made their way into the studio.
The Feds claim a terrifying sequence followed where Washington brandished a firearm, making one of the individuals inside lay down on the floor. Mizell, caught in the grim scenario, found himself face to face with Jordan, who supposedly shot him at close range, resulting in his untimely death.
Another individual, Uriel “Tony” Rincon, was injured in the incident. After the fatal shots, all three culprits fled the scene. A crucial piece of evidence left behind, an article of clothing, connected Bryant to the crime through DNA traces. Although Bryant later bragged about being the triggerman, feds claim contradictions arose in his claims.
Witnesses in the studio have consistently identified Washington and Jordan as the shooters. And both Washington and Jordan allegedly spoke to other people, hinting at their involvement in Mizell’s murder.
May 30 of this year marked a pivotal point when the grand jury added Bryant as a defendant in the murder counts of Mizell in a second superseding indictment. Fast forward to October 13 and the Court granted Bryant’s motion for severance from his co-defendants, Jordan and Washington.
The reason? A concerning revelation—Bryant had admitted to a “potential neutral third-party witness” that he was, in fact, the one who pulled the trigger.
In both trials, the government anticipates eliciting from the Third-Party Witness Bryant’s complete statement, which acknowledges his participation in the murder but exaggerates his role. One key concern revolves around the testimony from this Third-Party Witness. They are set to testify that Bryant confessed to being a part of the murder, painting himself as the shooter during an ill-fated robbery.
“It is also likely that Jordan and Washington will seek to call the Third-Party Witness to buttress or supplement their defense strategies. Given these eventualities, a joint trial with two juries would provide the Court with maximum flexibility in dealing with any prejudice or jury confusion that could potentially arise,” argued United States Attorney Breon Peace.
Yet, the government’s proposition of a dual-jury trial has potential roadblocks. In fact, such a trial setup can pose logistical challenges. However, the government believes that a two-jury trial is worth the consideration. The implications of the severance doesn’t alter the government’s core case. Their argument remains consistent against each defendant. Jordan and Washington are set for trial on January 29, 2024, while Bryant’s trial date remains uncertain.
“Motel Transylvania” is the first music video for Twin Fork Tribe, a Hip-Hop duo consisting of GIA$CO and Ben Flexin. The video captures the dark and gritty vibes and aesthetics that represent the unique sound of the duo. The video was shot and edited by the talented team Iris Visuals.
Twin Fork Tribe is a two-man Hip-Hop powerhouse from Long Island. GIA$CO and Ben Flexin are both singers, songwriters, and rappers who bring their unique styles and sounds to the group. When they collaborate, they create a new wave in their music, rapping about pain and life experiences in a smooth and captivating way that resonates with their listeners.
GIA$CO and Ben Flexin are on the rise in the music industry, and they are dedicated to showcasing their talent, style, and authenticity in their craft. They aim to make a lasting impact on the Hip-Hop scene and have upcoming releases and performances.
Ben Flexin draws inspiration from legends like Notorious B.I.G., Wu-Tang, and Busta Rhymes. His style is gritty and authentic, and he’s an avid skateboarder. Ben’s dedicated to staying true to his craft and will never compromise his creative vision. He’s dropped two solo EPs and has performed at Soho House and toured with Rome Streetz. Ben’s upcoming album, “LI Confidential,” is sure to become a classic in his musical journey.
On the other hand, GIA$CO is a soulful singer-songwriter who drew inspiration from artists like Amy Winehouse, Max B, and Kanye West. He blends different genres into his unique style and is influenced by fashion icons like Pharrell and A$AP Rocky. GIA$CO’s mission is to spread love and prosperity through his art and bring hope to those who need it most. He aims to team up with Ben Flexin to conquer the music industry and make their mark as a dynamic duo.
RaaShaun “DJ Envy” Casey continues to remain a major topic of conversation. His alleged involvement in a real estate scam has a lot of people talking, including longtime rival Desus Nice.
According to the feds, Cesar Pina partnered with The Breakfast Club radio host DJ Envy to conduct real estate seminars across the country. Pina allegedly used those seminars to build his social media following and recruit potential victims.
Desus Nice Hosts Comedy Central’s The Daily Show This Week
“Not DJ Envious. That was never on my radar,” Desus Nice sarcastically chimed in while guest hosting The Daily Show on October 24. “Wow, DJ Envy’s in trouble for real estate fraud. What a serious story.”
Desus continued, “It’s definitely not funny. There’s certainly nothing personal that makes it funny to me. It’s not like RaaShaun accosted me on the radio for making a little joke about him and his wife, which I only thought we were friends.”
The Bronx-born comedian also said, “It’s not like he called me ‘d#######’ and then got so mad he locked himself in the studio for the rest of the show and then told the building security I was a threat. But even if that happened, that’s all in the past.”
The Daily Show segment also included Desus Nice playing a clip of DJ Envy recalling Joe Budden telling him that his real estate investment idea sounded like a Ponzi scheme. Desus also jokingly stated, “I don’t want Envy to go to prison. Imagine getting locked up for one of the corniest crimes in Hip-Hop history.”
In addition, A Boogie prepared his followers for a special union with the 21-year-old internet personality. On October 19, he tweeted, “Me and my brother @KaiCenat have something on the way. Ya’ll ready?”
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie premiered the “Did Me Wrong” music video on October 24. Kai Cenat served as the director for the shoot. The video began trending in YouTube’s music section upon its release.
“Did Me Wrong” lives on A Boogie wit da Hoodie’s B4 BOA EP. That 3-track project arrived before the Atlantic recording artist’s forthcoming fifth studio LP, Better off Alone, which could drop by the end of 2023.
Two Grammy-winning southerners will once again join forces for a new collaborative project. Atlanta-bred rapper 2 Chainz and New Orleans-bred rapper Lil Wayne united for the upcoming Welcome 2 ColleGrove.
Previously, 2 Chainz released 2016’s ColleGrove which heavily featured Lil Wayne. The two Hip-Hop stars officially collaborated for the Welcome 2 ColleGrove sequel which lists both men as lead artists for the album.
Apple Music’s Zane Lowe recently spoke to 2 Chainz about Welcome 2 ColleGrove and working with the Young Money leader. Chainz admitted to feeling some competitive pressure from having to record bars with one of the all-time greats.
“I think me and him just have that chemistry,” said 2 Chainz about Lil Wayne. “We enjoy working with each other a lot, and it’s a lot of respect there. And as I always say, steel sharpens steel.”
He continued, “So, it’s always that little piece of anxiety of knowing that this verse has to be better than the last one. I think it’s healthy. I think competition is healthy in any and everything that we do.”
The original ColleGrove debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 by earning 53,000 first-week units. Reports suggested the LP was meant to be an official joint effort by Chainz and Wayne but record label issues prevented that from happening.
As part of the rollout for Welcome 2 ColleGrove, Lil Wayne will present new episodes of Young Money Radio on Apple Music. A trailer for the series features a conversation with 2 Chainz. Young Money Radio premieres on October 27. Welcome 2 ColleGrove drops on November 17.
It has been a rough few days for DJ Envy (born RaaShaun Casey). Envy’s name trended on social media all week after stories suggested the iHeartRadio host could be in some serious legal trouble.
Last week, news broke that federal officials arrested DJ Envy’s business partner, Cesar Pina (aka Flipping NJ), for allegedly defrauding dozens of real estate investors.
People began to wonder what role, if any, DJ Envy played in the alleged Ponzi scheme. Envy repeatedly promoted Pina on The Breakfast Club show. The two men also ran seminars together on how to flip houses to make a profit.
According to a new report by legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff, it appears Envy could be working with the federal government. Attorney Massimo D’Angelo insisted that his client is one of Pina’s victims in this case.
“Obviously, Envy is going to be assisting and cooperating fully,” Massimo D’Angelo is quoted telling Meghann Cuniff. “He paid out substantial sums similar to some of the other investors who thought they were getting money back.”
D'Angelo says Envy invested $500K with Pina but "didn't get any money back."
"He paid out substantial sums similar to some of the other investors who thought they were getting money back."
D’Angelo claimed Envy invested $500,000 with Cesar Pina but he never saw any return on his investment. That is a similar stance the Hip-Hop media personality took when addressing Pina during a broadcast of The Breakfast Club.
“Now, Cesar? If he took money, I wasn’t privy to it nor did I even know,” stated DJ Envy on October 11. “But, I do understand how people feel if they did give him money, because I gave him a lot of money that I didn’t see a dollar of returned.”
Envy also said, “I’ve been on radio close to 30 years and never in my 30 years’ time did I do nothing but try to uplift people and show people a different way through the business mind. And I would never take a dollar from somebody.”
Some social media users believe there could be some rising tension between Latto and Sexyy Red. The two rappers became the talk of the internet this week as fans questioned if subliminal shots have been thrown.
The rumored beef began after Latto shared a few photos of herself in True Religion apparel at an Atlanta-themed party. Sexyy Red, 25, then reposted an Instagram Story that called out celebrities for wearing the decades-old brand after the St. Louis native hit the scene.
As speculation about the drama spread across the internet, Sexyy Red decided to openly address the topic. The “Pound Town” performer tweeted, “Definitely not shading her, I’m direct [with] it whatever I gotta say.”
In addition, Latto took to the X platform in order to give her side of the situation. The 24-year-old 777 album creator retweeted old pictures and videos of herself in True Religion from last year.
After another X user blasted Latto for defending herself, the “Issa Party” rhymer wrote in response, “No, what’s crazy is y’all accuse me of copying any and [everything] and when I prove y’all wrong I’m doing tewww muchhhh.”
Sexyy Red broke out on a national level earlier this year when “Pound Town” became a Billboard Hot 100 hit, peaking at No. 66. She also recently teamed up with Latto for “Peaches & Eggplants (Remix)” by Young Nudy.
Yall hoes def not fast… I was addressing Shaderoom comments under a post of ME f### is u talm bout dizzy b#### if u gone be messy at least KEEP UP https://t.co/bP8SNHYq8u
The worlds of Hip-Hop and basketball have collided in a new NBA rap battle featuring some of the sport’s biggest superstars.
Bleacher Report joined forces with Rap Off, the platform behind viral animated clashes like Ketchup vs. Mustard, to create a battle rap cypher written by several of the culture’s nicest pens. The cartoon, released on Tuesday (October 24), features a star-studded lineup of players.
The cypher, hosted by Shaq features LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić. The athletes compete with bars written and voiced by battle rappers Illmac, Frak, Pass and The Saurus. Fellow battler Real Deal’s impressionist son Trevor Weller Jr. stars as the voice of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. Watch the video below.
While the video is going viral, racking up over a million views on X alone, Rap Off has even bigger plans. The platform hopes to collaborate with Bleacher Report in future animations featuring other battle rappers.
“Maaan we appreciate all the love on the NBA cartoon,” Rap Off shared. “Tryna bring that real battle rap to new heights with real battle rappers too. The goal is to make this a series so let @BleacherReport know how yall feel about it.”
Rap Off has a series of viral animated rap battles showcasing the artform in novel ways. Ketchup vs. Mustard caused a sensation when released in 2018 followed by Dog vs. Cat the following year. Their most recent offering is Kraft Singles vs. Fancy Cheese which dropped last year. Check out below.
Kodak Black is the latest guest on the popular Hip-Hop talk show Drink Champs, but a trailer for the podcast has fans concerned for the rapper’s health.
In a teaser ahead of the upcoming episode, Kodak Black appears jittery as he answers questions and takes shots. He discussed his controversial collab with 6ix9ine, shooting his shot at Yung Miami and wanting to mentor Kanye West, among other topics.
However, the video left many on social media worrying about the Pompano Beach, Florida native’s health.
“I pray he gets the help he needs,” one person wrote about Kodak Black in the Drink Champs comment section on Instagram. “That n#### on heavy heavy drugs,” added another.
“He high smh this not a good look,” one fan wrote. “I wish him the best tho hope he gets the help that he needs.”
In another snippet from the show, which airs Thursday (October 26) on RevoltTV, Kodak Black addressed his admiration for Donald Trump. The former president pardoned him for federal weapons offenses in 2021.
“I f### with that boy,” the “Super Gremlin” hitmaker said. “He a Gemini like me — his birthday two days after my s###. And that boy, like, he be vibin’ out here too.”
When N.O.R.E. asked if he would give Trump a million dollars if he needed it, Black was unequivocal. “Of course, n####,” he fired back. Check out the clip below.
Getting high with Snoop Dogg is a bucket list achievement for many artists, but not Pharrell Williams, who accidentally got stoned during a studio session with the Death Row Records honcho and Stevie Wonder.
The Doggfather shared the story during a chat with Latto for a Rolling Stone feature published October 24, revealing it was one of his favorite memories from the recording studio.
“We smoking,” Snoop Dogg told Latto. “We in a little ass room. Pharrell’s done got high; he got secondhand smoke. Now Stevie in the booth, and Pharrell ain’t saying s###. Stevie in that m########### trying to figure out what to do. I’m like, ‘Pharrell, produce this n####.’”
Latto chimed, commenting that Pharrell was “stuck” and Snoop Dogg agreed, revealing the super producer was “so high, he leaves Stevie in the booth, and don’t give him no direction.”
He continued, “I don’t know what the f### to do. I’m not a producer. I told the n####, ‘Just play anything.’ When we finished, Pharrell took all of the good s### that he played.”
Snoop Dogg shouted out Stevie Wonder for being a good sport, adding Pharrell left him to “walk out by himself.”
The trio joined forces on Snoop Dogg’s 2015 track – California Roll. Check out the video below.
Snoop Dogg – California Roll ft. Stevie Wonder, Pharrell Williams
Meanwhile, Latto has her own Skateboard P tale, revealing she had a week of studio time with him early in her career. The “Lottery” hitmaker admitted she couldn’t believe Pharrell embraced her as a newcomer to the industry.
“I had a week of sessions with [Pharrell] in Miami,” she said. “I kept [asking] him, ‘What made you want to f### with me?’ And he was just like, “I f### with you.’” As someone new stepping into the scene, it’s indescribable to be embraced by people who have already made it in your lane.”
Days after Blueface got down on one knee, Jaidyn Alexis has another reason to celebrate after signing a new record deal with Columbia Records.
The couple and their two children traveled in style, taking a private jet to the Columbia Records office on Tuesday (October 24). The MILF Music founder and his protégé sipped champagne with execs as the “Barbie” hitmaker inked her deal. Alexis is signed to BuVision for a single via a joint venture with Columbia Records.
“Shout out to your music,” Blueface said during a celebratory speech. “Being the marketing and budget behind Jaidyn so Columbia can see what we doing. I want to go far, I want to go to the top, I want this to never stop. I f###ing own you guys now, you guys work for us. Raise your hand if you work for MILF Music.”
The terms of the deal are unknown, but in a meeting with the record label last week, Blueface joked that Jaidyn Alexis should ask for $4 million, one million for each family member. After the Columbia Records visit, Blueface took to X with some announcements about the new developments.
“My wife is worth Ms….maid that,” he declared before adding, “It’s so much money coming in my wife an kids will never want for nothing.”
He also promised “Barbie remix will be everywhere,” thanks to Columbia Records and MILF Music. “She will be the hottest artist by 2024,” he said. “Mark my words.”
Jaidyn Alexis shared a series of photos on social media celebrating her latest move.
“first lady,” she penned in the caption. “Yea im signed n im sealed w a deal.”
Meanwhile, Blueface will need all the millions he can get his hands on after a judge ruled he must pay a whopping $13.1 million in damages over last year’s strip club shooting.
Nicki Minaj has confirmed she has pushed back the release of her long-awaited fifth studio album, Pink Friday 2.
The project was originally slated for an October 20 release before being postponed to November 17. However, fans were concerned as Nicki Minaj’s mentor Lil Wayne also announced his forthcoming joint album with 2 Chainz, Welcome 2 ColleGrove, for release on the same day.
On Tuesday evening (October 24) the Grammy Award winner took to Instagram Live to address the chatter. According to Nicki Minaj, the release date was quietly pushed back before Lil Wayne confirmed his release.
“I have changed my album date,” the “Barbie World” hitmaker said before acknowledging fans’ concerns. “It’s been changed for some time now behind the scenes. Weezy and 2 Chainz, they announced their date and you know how me and Weezy play. He would never do that if that was my album date.”
She continued, revealing that the album would come out on a meaningful occasion.
“The new album date for this incredible body of work, that I am so proud of is on a special day to me and to the Barbz — it will come out on my birthday,” Nicki Minaj added. “Pink Friday 2 I am so happy to announce will be out on my birthday.” Check out the clip below and watch the Live at the end of the page.
Pink Friday 2 follows her 2018 album Queen, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and included tracks like “Chun-Li,” “Bed” and “Barbie Dreams.”
Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj has also announced plans for a Pink Friday 2 tour next year. The album is out on December 8 via Republic Records and is available for pre-order.
Once you hit play on Jastin Martin’s music, it’s hard to stop listening.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Jastin is a trap-soul singer, songwriter, and producer, boasting an undeniably soothing voice that separates herself from other artists in the music industry. Growing up to the likes of Bob Marley, Lenny Kravitz and Evanescence, the rising star pulls from a melting pot of influences — all of which mold her into the artist she is today.
In describing herself, she states she’s “extremely ambitious, as well as extremely outgoing. Very much a people person. Very free- spirited. I flow with the days.”
Fast forward to 2023, Jastin Martin unveils her highly-anticipated debut album titled Miss Me Yet? Clocking in at 10 tracks, the project perfectly showcases her minimalist approach, giving fans a front row seat into her world over evocative instrumentation.
AllHipHop spoke with Jastin Martin, who was in high spirits in her hometown of Houston. Read below as we discuss her roots in Houston, favorite artists, signing to Def Jam, her debut album, studio essentials, goals, and more!
AllHipHop: How would you describe your sound?
Jastin Martin: I usually always like to say a mix between R&B and trap-soul. Neo-soul. It’s a mesh.
AllHipHop: Being from Houston, talk about your roots in the city. There’s a lot of music culture out there.
Jastin Martin: So much, I love my city. I love being from Houston. I always say I’ll probably never move away. [laughs] But yes, so many different sounds. We have the Beyonce’s, the Travis Scott’s, the Don Toliver’s. It’s very easy to be heavily influenced by all the different sounds. I grew up listening to a lot of different music too, just influenced by what all my family was listening to. It mixed in with me also me from Houston.
AllHipHop: What was the moment you fell in love with music?
Jastin Martin: I loved music since under the age of eight years old. I remember I used to go to church. I was super young, seven or eight. I literally would cry when the choir would sing, because it’d touch my spirit. That’s around the time when I started writing songs and playing instruments. I played instruments pretty much my whole life until I turned 15. I got to high school, then I switched to choir. So I fell in love with music at a really young age.
AllHipHop: Who are your favorite artists?
Jastin Martin: One of my favorite artists is my labelmate, which is crazy. It’s Jhene Aiko.
AllHipHop: Talk about signing to Def Jam, that’s huge.
Jastin Martin: It’s so crazy for me. It’s still surreal, because Jhene is now my labelmate. I remember growing up, I was around the age of 10 when my mom put me on to her. The first song I ever heard by Jhene was “Stranger,” it was so different. I fell in love with her sound and sonically. It’s crazy to be signed to Def Jam, but also to know that some of the most amazing and talented artists are my labelmates is even more crazy to me.
AllHipHop: How did you find your way to Def Jam? Or how do they find you?
Jastin Martin: I posted a singing video. Funny story, I’ma try to make it quick. I’ve been building all of my social media platforms since I was in middle school, grade school. I was posting covers and remixes of me singing and I built my Instagram. One day, my Instagram got deleted. I was heartbroken because that’s where the labels and everybody was discovering me and reaching out. Because they were following on Instagram. So when it deleted, I was like oh my God. I made a new Instagram and I only had a thousand followers. I thought I’m never going to get seen, and that’s how I was found. Somebody that posted me off the smaller Instagram was followed by my A&R that first found me. That was crazy too. Alignment is crazy.
AllHipHop: Why did your Instagram get deleted?
Jastin Martin: Somebody reported it. It was one of those scams where it was “send me this much money or I’m reporting your Instagram.” I guess they reported it so many times, it deleted. It was crazy.
AllHipHop: God got your back though!
Jastin Martin: Right, exactly. [laughs] I was heartbroken girl.
AllHipHop: Is Jastin Martin your real name?
Jastin Martin: Yeah, mmhmm. It is. I wish I would’ve went by Jas. Jas is my childhood nickname. Everybody calls me Jas. I’m like, why did I go by my whole name? [laughs]
AllHipHop: Congrats on the release of your debut album, Miss Me Yet? How are you feeling?
Jastin Martin: Yes, it’s my first debut album. I feel so good about it. It’s getting so much love and so much great feedback. I’m really happy. I also got to get that off mentally too. Now when I write these days, I don’t even write heartbreak songs and sad songs. I’m in a whole nother space, I think it’s because I finally got that off. Just going with the wind.
AllHipHop: What was the creative process behind the project?
Jastin Martin: The creative process was my usual process. I have a couple of different processes. Three things I would do in the creation of Miss Me Yet?, I’d either go to the park with my guitar, start from scratch and write. That’s why quite a few of the songs on the album are just guitar. It’s acoustic because that’s how I made it. I fell in love with it just like that, super simple with no drums added. Also I’d write some songs in the bathroom. The remainder of the songs, I’d write on a rooftop, looking at my city downtown.
AllHipHop: Why’d you name is Miss me Yet?
Jastin Martin: Basically the title, there’s two sides. There’s the side where you see now, I’m doing good. I’m signed, I’m getting discovered. I’m moving up. I’m chasing my dreams, gaining my success. Do you miss me now? You wish you was here, you wish you could been a part. Then it’s the other side that’s do you miss me? I might miss you, depending on if you say you miss me. It’s two sides: the emotional side and the ego.
AllHipHop: The title track is “Miss Me Yet?” Did a certain someone inspire that?
Jastin Martin: Definitely. The whole album mostly was about one specific relationship and experience.
AllHipHop: Does he know about him?
Jastin Martin: I’m pretty sure. [laughs] I’m almost positive that they do.
AllHipHop: Do you have a favorite song off the project?
Jastin Martin: Yeah, my favorite song is “Up.” It was the last song that I made. I always like to throw out there that I made it on my Instagram Live, so it’s still up on my page when I first made that in my house from scratch. It’s my favorite one. It hits the hardest. It hits the most for me.
AllHipHop: Three things you need in the studio at all times?
Jastin Martin: Girl my red wine. Sweet red wine. Hot chips are my thing. Every studio I go to, they know I have red wine in the back and Hot Cheetos. [laughs] And my phone, because that’s where my Notes are. My lyrics.
AllHipHop: What is it you want fans to get from your story?
Jastin Martin: I really want people to be able to relate and feel it how their spirit wants to receive it. Feel it because I know how I feel and how other people’s music makes me feel. For example, Jhene’s music. I want it to be received however their spirit receives it.
AllHipHop: What do you like to do when you’re not doing music?
Jastin Martin: I love to workout. I’m a full workout head. I also box, that’s super fun for me. I like to go to the park. I live by the park, so I walk to the park. Play the guitar. I know that’s still music, but my guitar. That’s it.
AllHipHop: Talking about linking with Maleek Berry on “Replacement.”
Jastin Martin: That was so crazy. Malik is one of my favorite Afro artists. I’ve been listening to him for years. Never once would I have thought that I’d have a song with him, so that’s crazy. I want to step into Afro because I’m super influenced by and love Afro. I made the song, now who could I get? What Afro artists would even want to get on the song? Because I’m a little American artist that just signed. Nobody really… and he jumped on. I’m super grateful for that, because he didn’t have to do that.
AllHipHop: How’d you guys get in touch?
Jastin Martin: See, my label. They’re good friends, so it worked out.
AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself at this point in your career?
Jastin Martin: I do have some goals. I’m vlogging behind-the-scenes and stepping into a new era of myself. That’s something that I love. I’m obsessed with growing and changing and transforming, constantly changing. One of our goals is to really start incorporating dance, because I made the soul ballads and the sad songs and heartbreak songs. But behind-the-scenes, I’m stepping out of that and stepping into more feel-good music and more sexy music. Just incorporate dance and yes, some some fun, exciting things. So be looking forward to
AllHipHop: Anything else you’re excited for?
Jastin Martin: I’m also excited, there is a deluxe version of my album that’s coming out very soon. It’s going to be pretty fun. Got some surprises coming for that too.
AllHipHop: Give us a feature!
Jastin Martin: [laughs] So we gon’ do a remix. We gotta do a remix. I’m also going to extend some of the favorites that are super short, because I’m the queen of doing one minute songs. One of the favorite ones, we’re going to extend and make it longer.
Joey Bada$$ explained how fatherhood changed him for the better during an appearance on Good Morning America. The Pro Era rapper discussed his life as a girl dad promoting his new mentorship program on ABC’s morning show.
“[Becoming] a girl dad has made me a very soft individual,” Joey Bada$$ said with a laugh. “But in the best possible. It’s made me have way more patience than I’ve ever had. It’s made me become a better listener and just become more of a gentle being.”
Joey Bada$$ was asked about his desire to help men of color through the creation of his Impact Mentorship program. He told GMA it was important to open a pathway for others to find professional and financial independence.
“I’m finding ways to give back,” Joey Bada$$ said. “I’m finding ways to create opportunities for other people who are not particularly represented or spoken for or have access to the resources. I feel like when I’m doing that, I’m living in my purpose the most.”
Applications for the free mentorship program close on October 29. The program offers opportunities to learn from Joey Bada$$, 9th Wonder, Young Guru, former Supreme creative director Tremaine Emory and more.
Tekashi 6ix9ine received bail in an assault case, allowing the controversial rapper to get out of a Dominican Republic jail on Tuesday (October 24). He was released on $500,000 bail, per Antena Noticias 7 in Santo Domingo.
Authorities arrested 6ix9ine in the Dominican Republic on October 15. He was accused of assaulting producers Cristian Anthony Rojas and Nelson Alfonso Hilario García at a studio. According to TMZ, 6ix9ine was allegedly upset about the producers spending time with his girlfriend Yailin La Más Viral.
6ix9ine, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, reportedly tried to leave the country after the attack. He was stopped by a charter flight company, which checked him for outstanding warrants. Police apprehended the 27-year-old artist at the Hotel Balcones del Atlántico in Sanchez. Authorities transported him to the province of La Vega.
A La Vega court granted bail to 6ix9ine but issued a restraining order to keep him away from his alleged victims. He was also ordered to undergo anger management.
6ix9ine celebrated his release in a video posted on Instagram Stories. He thanked his Dominican supporters by speaking to them in Spanish. A large group of fans previously gathered outside of the jail to ask for his release.
A homeless shelter volunteer sued Kanye West for copyright infringement stemming from his 2021 visit to the nonprofit Los Angeles Mission. According to Radar Online, volunteer Elijah Graham claimed a video he filmed of Ye’s visit was wrongfully used to promote the rapper’s fashion and music.
“[Kanye], without permission or authorization from [Graham], actively copied and/or displayed [Graham’s] video on the account and engaged in this misconduct knowingly and in violation of the United States copyright laws,” Graham contended in his lawsuit.
Graham called himself an “event planner” for the Los Angeles Mission, which offers shelter and meals to the homeless. Graham filmed Kanye’s speech when the unpredictable artist appeared at the nonprofit’s Thanksgiving event in 2021.
Kanye ranted about needing to “be back home” with his family at the event. He was going through a divorce with Kim Kardashian.
Graham sued Ye for unspecific damages. Graham accused Kanye of profiting off the video and ruining the potential value of the footage.
The copyright infringement lawsuit added to Kanye’s already extensive list of civil cases. Last month, his former project manager Tony Saxon sued the G.O.O.D. Music founder. Saxon claimed he was fired for not complying with a “dangerous” request to remove all windows and electricity from Ye’s Malibu home. Ye also faced lawsuits from former Donda Academy employees.
Avid sports fan Lil Wayne became a part-owner of a professional sports team. The diamond-selling rapper joined the ownership group of Major League Pickleball’s Texas Ranchers.
“Pickleball is the moment and I’m excited to be part of the Texas Ranchers ownership group,” Lil Wayne said in a press release. “I’ve enjoyed watching and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join this team of owners.”
The Ranchers’ ownership group includes The Kid LAROI, country artist Zach Bryan and Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons, among others. Lil Wayne will serve as a strategic advisor for the Austin-based team.
“We’re so excited to have Lil Wayne on board,” Ranchers CEO Evan Floersch said. “From the get-go, we set out to build a team that, at its core, was centered in pop culture to support our mission of becoming one of the most recognized brands in American sports. Having Wayne’s guidance, along with the rest of this incredible ownership group, emphasizes our stance on redefining sports ownership and being a positive force for good in our local pickleball community and beyond.”
Lil Wayne’s ownership stake was announced as he prepares for the release of his ColleGrove 2album with 2 Chainz. The collaborative project is scheduled to drop on November 17.
A Black-led affiliate of Disney and ESPN, Andscape and ColorCreative, is about to begin production on a documentary detailing the extraordinary life of controversial Bad Boy artist, Shyne. As previously reported, Shyne’s journey has taken him for a recording artist to an inmate to becoming the Leader of the Opposition in the Belize House of Representatives and leader of the Belize United Democratic Party.
Now, his life is being made into a film, The Honorable: Shyne. The movie will be directed by Marcus A. Clarke, the man behind projects such as Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali. He also worked on Future’s documentary, The WIZRD.
Per Billboard, the executive producers on the project are DJ Khaled, Ameer Collier, Carolina Groppa, Raina Kelley, James Shani and Talitha Watkins.
Watkins said she believes the movie “paints a comprehensive picture of a man who has overcome immense challenges, to redefine his life, make a positive impact on his community and reconcile with his past.”
Shyne also released a comment on the documentary and what it means to him to have the story of his life on the big screen.
“Immigrating from Belize to Brooklyn as a child left to survive and thrive in the concrete jungle of New York, Hip-Hop had a massive influence on my life, giving me the space and community to explore my creativity and amplify the voice of my pain and purpose,” he said. “The difficult decisions of my life have shaped me into the person I am today, steadfast in my desire to build a better life for the people of Belize and humanity.
“By bringing my story to audiences, I hope to inspire them to find the indomitable spirit within so they can overcome all adversities and be the best version of themselves positively impacting their part of humanity with their unique footprint as I have done through music, faith, and public service.”
