AllHipHop

EXCLUSIVE: Pras Has More Legal Issues; Former Artist Claims Rapper Jerked Him Out Of Millions

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Darin Espinoza, professionally known as Dante Thomas, a pop singer and songwriter, has recently accused rapper Pras and Warner Music Group of financial misconduct, alleging that he was deprived of millions of dollars due to a breach of their recording agreement established in the early 2000s.

Thomas claims that Pras, who owns the indie label Rat Pack Entertainment, Inc., has failed to fulfill the financial commitments outlined in their contract, leaving Thomas to fight for his rightful earnings.

Thomas, who has been professionally linked with Pras since 1999, claims that the rapper has not only withheld substantial earnings from him but also taunted him about the inability to recover the funds.

The dispute centers around the earnings from the song “Miss California” and the album “Fly,” both of which enjoyed considerable success in various international markets.

The financial intricacies of the case reveal a complex web of agreements and royalty rates, with Thomas asserting that he was entitled to a substantial portion of the revenues generated from the sales of the aforementioned song and album.

Despite the commercial success of “Miss California,” which became certified platinum and gold in several countries, Thomas alleges that he has only received a fraction of the payments stipulated in the agreement.

Over the years, Thomas made numerous attempts to rectify the situation, contacting Pras and Warner Music Group to request detailed accounting and revenue information. These efforts, however, have largely been met with resistance and evasion, further fueling the dispute.

The situation escalated when Pras allegedly taunted Thomas and said he would never receive any money.

“Pras [informed Thomas] that he did, in fact, have [Thomas’] money that was paid by Warner to Pras and that he wasn’t going to give it to him. Pras boasted that he had powerful attorneys, ‘the same attorney Micheal Jackson had’ and taunted [Thomas], stating that he wouldn’t be able to recover a dime from him,” Thomas’ lawyer Marye Dean Esq of The Wall Street Law Group, explained.

Fugees Pras Sued Ove "Miss California"

Thomas seeks a substantial judgment against Pras and Rat Pack Entertainment. He is demanding punitive, liquidated, and compensatory damages that exceed $1,000,000, with the precise amount to be determined during a trial.

Additionally, he is urging for an order that mandates Rat Pack Entertainment to furnish him with a complete and accurate accounting of financial details, attorney fees and costs incurred during the legal process.

The lawsuit is the latest headache for Pras, who was recently found guilty on ten criminal counts in a Washington, D.C. courtroom.

The charges are linked to his involvement with Malaysian businessman Jho Low in a scheme to gain political influence in the U.S., involving transactions amounting to $100 million.

The trial revealed that Pras was paid millions by Low to secure access to the Obama and Trump administrations, using these connections to advocate for Low and China.

Despite the serious allegations, Pras’ defense maintains that he acted based on advice from his financial manager and attorneys. He is currently appealing the verdict as he awaits sentencing.

Timbaland Delivers Some Promising News On Future Of Verzuz: “It’s A Big Brand”

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: Exclusives
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Timbaland and Swizz Beatz offered Hip-Hop fans a lifeline in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was just beginning its global rampage. As the concert industry shut down, Verzuz popped up, delivering historic matchups between some of Hip-Hop and R&B’s biggest stars. Beginning with Instagram Live streams, the platform evolved into a lucrative brand after it was acquired by Triller in 2021.

While the battles were initially announced at a dizzying pace, legal troubles arose in August 2022 when Timbo and Swizz Beatz sued Triller for $28 million. The following month, all parties reached an agreement that increased Timbo and Swizz Beatz’s ownership stake in Triller. In a recent interview with AllHipHop.com, Timbaland spoke about their plans for Verzuz and when we can expect the third season (or what he and Swizz Beatz have dubbed “Verzuz 3.0”) to begin.

“Verzuz is still a baby,” he says. “It was something that was built in the pandemic that’s now a household name. Look how you saying it. Now we back open. To make it have the longevity that we need it to have, we have to reorganize the ship. We have to know how are we scaling up. We have to do things not how people used to us doing things.

“With everything going on in the world, we have to convert back and really make this a real serious business model and a real serious thing, because I feel like Verzuz changes people’s lives. What me and Swizz have created, we have changed the lives of a lot of things and built up catalogs, so we have to really structure who we are and when we come back, what we stand for.”

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Since its inception, Verzuz has provided dozens of intriguing (and sometimes explosive) matchups that span generations and create memorable, viral moments. From Big Daddy Kane vs. KRS-One and Three 6 Mafia vs. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony to Earth, Wind & Fire vs. The Isley Brothers and Jeezy vs. Gucci Mane, the diversity of each card continued to draw in millions of viewers. While Verzuz hasn’t hosted a battle since July 2022, Timbaland says that will change before the end of the year.

“Once you reintroduce a business that you built in front of people, it has to be somewhat nostalgic of what it was, but as it builds into what the future is going to be, you have to organize—and that’s what we’ve been doing,” he adds. “I believe that we’re gonna drop some good ones before the end of the year. We’re trying to get at least one good one before the end of the year to recalibrate what Verzuz is going to be in the future.”

Each “V,” which Timbaland refers to as “the bat signal,” needs to be authentic and the scalability of the brand needs to be right because it’s “a big brand.” He continues, “It’s almost how we look at the WWE and wrestling. It’s like, ‘OK, now I gotta do WrestleMania, I gotta do this, I gotta do that.’ I gotta build this stuff to captivate the people.”

Timbaland is currently back in the studio with longtime collaborators Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado. The trio just dropped a new single called “Keep Going Up,” which came about with the help of Timbo’s company, Beatclub. Find more information here and check out a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the song below.

Lil Nas X Documentary Premiere Halted By Bomb Threat From Homophobic Caller

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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Lil Nas X was in Toronto on Saturday night (September 9) for the premiere of the Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero documentary at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). But things didn’t go according to plan. According to Variety, a homophobic caller claimed he’d planted a bomb near the Roy Thompson Hall, where the film was being shown.

Co-directors Carlos López Estrada and Zac Manuel as well as editor Andrew Morrow arrived on the red carpet first. Just as Lil Nas X was to join them, organizers were informed that a bomb threat had been called in that specifically targeted the rapper for being a Black queer artist.

Lil Nas X’s arrival was delayed by 20 minutes while security conducted a sweep of the venue. After they determined the threat was empty, the “Old Town Road” star joined Estrada and Manuel on the red carpet and the screening began. A spokesperson for TIFF said, “Earlier this evening, we were made aware by the Toronto Police Service of an investigation in the vicinity of the red carpet for the Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero screening. Our standard security measures remained in place during this time and the screening commenced with a slight delay. To our knowledge, this was a general threat and not directed at the film or the artist.”

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Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero offers a behind-the-scenes look at the rapper/singer on his first global tour.

As TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey said, “Long Live Montero is a triumphant ode to the extraordinary power of self-expression, music, and identity. In this groundbreaking documentary, we witness Lil Nas X challenging boundaries and reshaping the artistic landscape. The film’s captivating journey underscores the profound impact of Lil Nas X, who fearlessly brings audiences together through the universal language of music.”

The booking provided a boost for the festival, which lacked star power due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Top actors would normally attend TIFF, but they won’t be promoting their films at any festivals while on strike.

The Atlanta-Based Artist Merging Old School and Modern Sounds

By: Brxton Lee Updated Category: Music
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Introduction: The Journey of Young Adub

Born in the small town of Blue Ridge, Georgia, Young Adub has navigated a life that brought him to the bustling music hub of Atlanta. Here, he’s rapidly rising through the ranks as a formidable independent force in the hip-hop community.

“With my powerful delivery and captivating storytelling, I am quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.”

From his early life in a humble setting to living and working in Atlanta, Young Adub’s journey is an inspiring story for any aspiring musician. Take a moment to listen to his unique style on Spotify.

The Unmistakable Sound: A Tapestry of Influences

Young Adub isn’t just a rapper or a producer; he’s a musical polymath. With influences ranging from Lil Wayne to Young Thug and Wiz Khalifa, he draws upon the classics as well as the modern giants of hip-hop.

“Lil Wayne, Young Thug, & Wiz Khalifa are my 3 biggest influences. I’ve been listening to their music since I was in 2nd grade.”

But it doesn’t stop there. His taste is eclectic, pulling from genres across the board, thereby giving him a wide palette of musical elements to include in his work. This range is part of what makes him a standout Atlanta-based artist.

The Complete Artist: More Than Just Rhymes

Young Adub isn’t confined to just one aspect of music creation. He’s as adept at producing a beat as he is at laying down a verse or working the soundboard.

“Yeah, I’m always in the studio working. Whether it’s me being the artist, the producer, or the engineer… I do it all.”

His commitment to mastering every facet of the music creation process has resulted in collaborations with notable names like RIAA Platinum Producer AB On The Beat and Txzo Beatz.

Atlanta-based Artist Young Adub: A Message of Optimism

Young Adub doesn’t just want people to listen to his music; he wants them to feel something. Whether it’s the determination to overcome life’s hurdles or simply the desire to enjoy the moment, his songs are designed to evoke emotion.

“I want people to feel good when they listen to my music and feel motivated that they can do anything.”

Drawing from his own life experiences and struggles, Young Adub has a real story to tell — one that many can relate to, and be inspired by.

What’s Next: The Future is Bright

From setting his sights on world tours to aspiring to collaborate with some of the biggest names in music, Young Adub has grand plans for his career.

“I see myself doing major brand deals with large companies and features with some of the biggest names in music.”

Not just confined to music, Young Adub envisions a sprawling empire that includes clothing brands, nightclubs, and music festivals.

Conclusion: A Star in the Making

Young Adub is an artist worth watching. His multi-faceted skills, unique sound, and ambitious plans make him a figure of note in the hip-hop community.

“I plan on taking my entire music career to a whole new level so my fans better buckle up.”

Stay updated by following Young Adub on Instagram, as this Atlanta-based artist is on a trajectory that promises to redefine what we understand by modern hip-hop.

Doja Cat Updates Her Fans After Neck Brace Photo

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Doja Cat has clarified that she did not injure her neck, despite wearing a neck brace in a photo.

While speaking to Entertainment Tonight at a Victoria’s Secret event held in New York City, the “Demons” artist assured fans that her recent Instagram post featuring herself wearing a neck brace did not actually indicate an injury.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw24cDmLF_D/?hl=en

“I’m fine, my neck is fine,” Doja told the outlet. “So, my friend here, my date, my lovely date got whiplash and he takes it off sometimes and I stole it from him.”

She added, “I’m literally fine. Completely fine, my neck is great.”

Earlier, Doja Cat posted two photos of herself wearing the neck brace to social media. She did not reveal details behind the photos at the time.

The musician has been scheduled to perform at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on September 12.

She has been nominated for six awards, including Artist of the Year, Video of the Year for her song “Attention,” and Song of the Summer for “Paint The Town Red.”

T.I. Donates Tablets, Wi-Fi To Morris Brown College For Second Consecutive Year

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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T.I. continues to show support for the Atlanta University Center, providing students with the resources needed to have a successful school year. The executive from Grand Hustle collaborated with Moolah Wireless in 2022 to provide 200 students at the newly reopened Morris Brown College with tablets and complimentary WiFi access. As previously reported by AllHipHop.com, he also pledged a year’s worth of data service to the students, marking a significant milestone since the school regained its accreditation.

It worked so well in last year that he brought back the initiative. According to Fox 5, the rapper came to the campus and distributed free tables and WiFi again to students who were recipients of the Pell Grant. Reports say students loved their gifts but were even more excited to take pictures with the recording artist.

T.I. said he gave back because he wanted to show support and appreciation to those who have supported him, especially those committed to their education.

Morris Brown is not the only AUC school that T.I. has supported. In 2020, he partnered with Clark Atlanta University to teach a course on “The Business of Trap” with Dr. Melva Williams.

“HBCUs have a vital role in our community and have managed to withstand even while being some of the most under-resourced institutions,” he said. Our national HBCUs continue to underscore the fact that we have always had to do more with less. I am excited to be partnering with Clark Atlanta University in my hometown – Atlanta.”

Blueface Stripper Videos With Son Spark Police & Child Services Probe

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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As Blueface continues to party well into his mid-20s, his wild lifestyle is getting more and more attention from law enforcement. According to TMZ, the Los Angeles Police Department has been called to the “Thotiana” rapper’s home nine times since May for myriad reasons. Noise complaints are at the top of the list, but the Department of Child and Family Services are also on alert. Blueface has shared multiple video of his young son in the presence of strippers, apparently prompting a probe into the child’s safety.

In July, Blueface posted a video in which he questioned his son’s sexuality while women were taking their clothes off in a room nearby. The Department of Child and Family Services discovered the video and have since made numerous attempts to contact Blueface. Deputies have both called and shown up at his home but have yet to make contact.

Blueface questioned his son’s sexuality a second time in July—even though the child admitted he doesn’t understand what “gay” even meant. In a clip of the conversation, Blueface asked the little boy, “Are you gay?” The young boy said no and Blueface pumped his fist in relief before announcing to his viewers, “Hey guys, he’s not gay! We got hope.” He then asked his son, “You know what gay is?” to which his son said, “No, I really don’t. What else you got?”

Blueface continued, “Well, if you ever decide to be gay, I would be upset but I would still love you. I’ll still support you, take care of you.”

Blueface just welcomed another child with ex-girlfriend Chrisean Rock, which has stirred up even more drama. Just last week, he accused Rock of lying about why he missed the birth of their child.

“You already admitted to not inviting me I found out my baby was being born on instagram,” he tweeted. “Had you called me an given me information I would have made it you literally named the baby Chrisean jr your selfish decisions aren’t adding up with this cry baby story you literally live talking about my kids to make your situation seem better sad how far you’ll go manipulation.”

Blueface responded to an Instagram Live video in which Rock claimed he had the chance to be in the delivery room. Rock previously said he wasn’t welcome, and Blueface criticized her for trying to change her story.

“Don’t be bitter an make things up to fit your narrative,” he added. “just be at peace with the baby stop going live for a bit put your phone down an just enjoy it for a week atleast dam baby got a instagram with a email my son already taking bookings at 2 days old she did all this for clout.”

Young Thug Issues Legal Demand For Speedy Trial As RICO Case Drags On

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Young Thug has recently requested a speedy trial, a significant move in the ongoing RICO case that has kept him behind bars since May 2022.

The rap star is grappling with a series of legal complications that have stalled his music career and brought considerable distress and impatience.

Young Thug was initially indicted on May 9, 2022, after authorities accused him of being the co-founder and leader of Young Slime Life, a group they claim is a criminal street gang that caused a wave of violence in Atlanta by perpetrating murders, selling drugs, assaulting rivals and other crimes like selling drugs and committing carjackings.

However, Young Thug’s defense vehemently contests these charges, asserting that Young Slime Life is, in fact, a record label and not a criminal organization.

Young Thug recently filed court documents with the Fulton County Clerk to exercise his legal right to a speedy trial by demanding a quicker court process.

This demand, duly served to the prosecutor and the presiding judge, Ural Glanville, underscores Young Thug’s resolve to assert his legal rights.

Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, has been vocal about the “torturous” conditions his client has been enduring at the Cobb County jail.

According to Steel, Young Thug has been subjected to a diet of processed food with little nutritional value, resulting in significant weight gain and even hospitalization due to kidney issues.

Moreover, the rapper has reportedly not seen the sun since his initial arrest, highlighting the severity of his confinement.

A total of 28 people were named in a sweeping gang and racketeering indictment last year, including rapper Gunna, who secured his freedom by renouncing YSL and accepting an Alford Plea.

Logic Explains How Solving A Rubik’s Cube In Less Than 15 Seconds Helped His Rap Career

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Grammy-nominated rapper Logic recently showcased his incredible skills with the Rubik’s Cube while drawing parallels between the iconic puzzle and his journey in the music industry.

The video, uploaded by the official Rubik’s channel, showcases the personal significance the cube holds for him and how it is intertwined with his unconventional career in the music business.

In a frank conversation, Logic reflected on his unique position in the Hip-Hop industry, saying, “All I ever wanted was like to be accepted by people and this and that, but I’m walking into Hip-Hop solving Rubik’s cubes and talking about anime and ‘Star Wars’ and it’s like not a vibe, but through it, I was always myself. I am the first of my kind. [A] mixed race, Rubik’s cube-solving, anime-loving rapper, and there has never been nobody like me before.”

Logic also delved deep into the frustrations and triumphs of mastering the Rubik’s Cube.

“There’s been times when I was so frustrated trying to solve. Angry, you know, legitimately, it wasn’t fun. So when I would find myself upset because I couldn’t break a minute and then two months later, I was kicking myself because I couldn’t break 30 seconds, and then it was 20 seconds. I think that was a really special time because I cared so much, but then it wasn’t fun anymore.”

The rapper said the narrative mirrored the highs and lows of his musical journey, where passion sometimes gives way to frustration, only to be reignited by a deeper understanding and love for the craft.

Drawing a parallel between his approach to music and solving the cube, Logic explained, “The way that I learned the algorithm is very much so how I write raps. So if I was going to rhyme, I would do it one line at a time and then I would rhyme that rhyme constantly in my mind…the algorithm, I don’t even remember it anymore, so it’s become muscle memory, which is how I do my raps to this day.”

In the video, Logic immerses himself in solving the cube in less than 10 seconds.

“This is not a competition, this is not I’m not sitting trying to, you know, speed solve this thing, this is me just enjoying it, so I’m in no rush and I’m solving that first layer, and this is literally that,” he shares, emphasizing the joy and fulfillment that comes from the journey itself, rather than the accolades and recognition.

Did Kendrick Lamar’s First “Element” Demo Throw Shade At Big Sean, French Montana + More?

By: Devon Jefferson Updated Category: Rumors
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Even though Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. album was released well over five years ago, artists such as Big Sean, French Montana and Jay Electronica might take offense to newly leaked demos from the project.

An unknown source has apparently leaked an early version of “Element” in which K. Dot takes aim at Sean Don and French Montana, among others, seemingly with the intent of landing headshots on the rappers.

The not-so-subtle sneak disses start off with Kendrick addressing French, who spoke negatively about the TDE artist’s 2014 Grammy Awards saga during an interview with The Breakfast Club in 2016.

“French Montana speaking on me in interviews,” Kendrick Lamar raps. “Very cynical, dry hating something I don’t approve.”

Maybe French somehow caught wind of this because he did mess around and make that super bold claim he has more hits than Kendrick a few years back.

Kendrick also appeared to dish out some of his pen’s venom in an attack targeting Jay Electronica, who was also critical of the LA lyricist’s Grammy Awards campaign. “Jay Electronica threw silencers on my Grammy night,” Kendrick said. “Another dead Prophet hoping the God’ll give ’em life.”

There’s also a history of beef between Jay Electronica and Kendrick, considering Jay Electronica also once verbally lashed K. Dot in an archived Twitter live stream.

But the most disrespectful and intricate of all the disses embedded in the hypothetical version of “Element” are easily Kendrick’s bars about Big Sean.

“Big Sean keep sneak dissing, I let it slide/I think his false confidence got him inspired,” Kendrick Lamar raps. “I can’t make ’em respect you, baby, it’s not my job/You’re finally famous for who you date, not how you rhyme (boy)/Cute ass raps, get your puberty up.”

It’s kind of insane to believe Kendrick would even author lyrics like this aimed at Sean, given the fact the pair swear up and down they have a healthy relationship—but maybe in all reality, they are actually frenemies.

Truth be told, there are various red flags complicating the validity of this leak—with the main issue with the snippet being that a similar version featuring some of the same lyrics was released over a different instrumental in 2019. Whether or not the record is AI-generated or not, these bars are certainly ruthless!

Check out the full leaked clip below.

Wu-Tang Clan x Run The Jewels Show Reunites Deltron 3030 For First Time In Six Years

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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Wu-Tang Clan and Run The Jewels were tapped as co-headliners for a show in Denver, Colorado on Friday night (September 8). But Hip-Hop fans were also treated to a special reunion between Del The Funky Homosapien, Kid Koala and Dan The Automator—collectively known as Deltron 3030. Taking the stage at 6:30 p.m. local time, the trio sailed through several of their most celebrated singles, including “Virus” and “3030.” Del, rocking sunglasses, Nike blazers, a Nike t-shirt and a yellow Nike t-shirt wrapped around his head, ended the reunion set with the Gorillaz’s 2005 single “Clint Eastwood,” which initially came together with the help of Dan The Automator.

Speaking to SPIN in July, Del recalled how he was brought onboard in the eleventh hour. As he explained, “Dan the Automator and I were finishing up the first Deltron album, so I was aware of Gorillaz’s production like halfway through that. I also knew Jamie [Hewlett] from Tank Girl, and as soon as I seen some of the concept art, I was like, ‘Okay, this gonna be the s###.’

“Dan was supposed to be taking me back to the house from San Francisco. He just busted out on me like, ‘Yo, I got this song for Gorillaz. You think you could clean it up, write a song real quick?’ And I had been studying songwriting at that time, and he knew it. I guess he figured I could just whip up a song in like 30 minutes, which I could. He kept needling me, and I said, ‘Alright, I’ll do it.'”

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Run The Jewels—comprised of Killer Mike, El-P and DJ Trackstar—took the stage next and proceeded to light up the Colorado venue stage. They performed more than a dozen songs from their catalog,  including “Ooh La La,” “JU$T” and “walkin’ in the snow” from their latest album, Run The Jewels 4. Par for the course, the unrelenting bass hit the audience in the chest as both MCs rattled off their verses like the seasoned vets they are.

Meanwhile, members of the Wu-Tang Clan started trickling in backstage. Raekwon The Chef sat stoically on top of a monitor smoking a blunt, U-God stood around laughing with RZA and Ghostface Killah, GZA hung out in the dressing room while Inspectah Deck quietly meandered through the maze of people hanging in the back. Method Man, who was supposed to be there, wound up being a no-show after his plane sat on the tarmac for more than four hours. When it was time for Wu-Tang’s set, RZA warmed up the crowd as each member—one by one—stepped onstage for “Bring Da Ruckus.” Also on deck was Young Dirty Bastard, who routinely fills in for his late father and OG Wu-Tang member Ol’ Dirty Bastard. His unbridled energy rippled through the crowd as the legendary Hip-Hop group went into “Shame On A N####, “Da Mystery of Chessboxin'” and other Wu-Tang hits.

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There were several other memorable moments that stood out. Shortly after Del the Funky Homosapien wrapped up his setlist, he and Killer Mike were able to meet in-person for the first time. There was so much mutual admiration and respect between the two, it was palpable and truly set the tone for the evening. All three groups get to do it again on Saturday night (September 9), when they head up to Dillon, Colorado for another performance at the Dillon Amphitheater.

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A$AP Press Murder: 2 Men Sentenced To Decades In Prison For Rapper’s Death

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr. has sentenced two men for the murder of A$AP Mob member A$AP Press. Seven years after the incident, the New York State Supreme Court found Chester Taylor and Darius Hastings guilty of shooting the Harlem native in the back of his head, causing injuries that led to his death.

Per the press release, both were convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. They were sentenced to 20 years to life in state prison.

In July 2016, A$AP Press reached out to Taylor through a mutual friend because he had the hook up on luxury cars and he needed one for a video shoot. Taylor told the artist he’d able to rent two cars for $1,000. Weeks later, A$AP Press paid most of the rental fee upfront, but Taylor never dropped off either of the cars. Despite A$AP Press’ multiple attempts to get his money back, Taylor consistently snubbed him and refused to give it back.

A series of text messages show that on August 28, 2016, Taylor was getting upset that A$AP Press kept pressing him, which led to a threat. It was then Taylor contacted his longtime friend Hastings and they went to meet up with A$AP Press in Harlem, where they shot the A$AP Mob member in the head.

While he initially survived the shooting, he suffered a fatal seizure in March 18 while attending a music festival in Houston and died. The medical examiner determined that the seizure was a direct result of the head injury sustained in the 2016 shooting.

“Chester Taylor and Darius Hastings shot and killed a young Harlemite with great ambitions, talent and a bright future,” Bragg said. “Although Pressie Taylor Jr. miraculously survived the shooting in its initial aftermath, his life was forever changed. He made a valiant attempt at resuming his life and music career, but unfortunately, he succumbed to the effects of his serious injuries, depriving his family and community of a promising star.

“Thanks to the jury’s careful review of the evidence, both defendants were found to be responsible for his murder, and I hope that the sentences imposed today bring the victim’s family some form of peace.”

Kanye West Raps About Seeing The Devil In New Song “Israel”

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Kanye West has rapped about Jesus walking with him and now, he’s rapping about seeing the Devil up close. In a new track called “Israel,” West talks about meeting with the wicked one. The track is rumored to appear on Al Be Back’s new project, Dying Near A Charger.

“Tell me right now is it real,” he raps. “Y’all be talking about the devil I seen a close-up/Every night I could’ve told everything they told us/ They was talking about the style Cause a n###a Moses /In’t nobody pardon [Larry] Hoover but we got the closest/Y’all be talking about the devil I seen a close-up /I got b##ches out in Paris and I just rolled up.”

Ye claims to be a devout Christian. As previously reported by AllHipHop.com, he produced two gospel albums in 2019: Jesus is King and Jesus is Born. His almost fanaticism not only spawned his invite-only Sunday Service series, a gospel choir that performed secular songs remixed in a Christian way out in the desert, but has also brought the scrutiny of many.

Diddy Scores A Court Win Over Ex-Ciroc Partner In Racial Discrimination Case

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Mark Curry seems to think Diddy is on a downward spiral. The Hip-Hop mogul is giving out millions to HBCUs and returning the publishing rights to artists and songwriters from his Bad Boy Records label. But a recent victory in court could signal everything is just fine in Diddy’s world.

According to Spirits Business, Judge Joel M. Cohen ruled in favor of Diddy in his initial legal filing against Diageo, his partner in the Ciroc brand, who severed ties with Diddy earlier this year.

In June, Diddy decided to take the company to court, alleging Diageo engaged in racial discrimination against his company, Combs Wine and Spirits.

Diageo denies the claims. Still, Diddy and his legal team pushed to have the top court in New York assess the case and determine its validity. Diageo sought to have the accusations dismissed, saying this was just a ploy by Diddy to get money.  However, a New York state court judge decided the claim had enough merit to proceed with “broad discovery,” Diddy’s lawyer John Hueston explained.

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Hueston says Diddy believes the company cloaked “itself in the language of diversity and equality.” He also says the company has “proven unwilling to treat its Black partners equally – even when explicitly required by contract to do so.”

“This case has always been about getting fair and equal treatment,” Hueston said, referencing Diddy’s 15-year work relationship with the brand. “Today’s decision is an important step in the right direction. Diageo tried to end this action. Today the judge soundly rejected that effort.”

Diageo also released a statement about the ruling saying, “While we are disappointed with today’s procedural decision, it is important to underscore that this is not a ruling on the merits of the claims, which we maintain are false and baseless.”

 The company said it would still “considering legal options” and wouldn’t be giving up.

Jay-Z & Jack Dorsey Acquire African Bitcoin Talent Training & Resourcing Company Qala

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Jay-Z has joined forces with Block CEO Jack Dorsey for a Bitcoin non-profit called Btrust, with the goal of supporting Bitcoin technology and financial services in Africa and India. According to Forbes, the two moguls acquired a company called Qala, an organization that trains African Bitcoin and Lightning engineers. As a part of the acquisition, Qala has undergone a rebranding that includes a change in name. It will now be called the Btrust Builders Programme.

Btrust sought to acquire Qala because they had the link to the Bitcoin talent in Africa but didn’t have the resources.

“The challenge is that generosity and sometimes opportunities in Bitcoin kind of tracks with the price of Bitcoin just as hiring does, which is the second challenge we faced. So, when there is a bear market, bitcoin companies tighten their buckles,” CEO Femi Longe explianed, saying the company was designed as a social experiment never designed to earn money.

While Jay-Z hasn’t commented on the acquisition, one of the Btrust Board Members has.

“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Femi and his excellent team to Btrust,” Ojoma Ochai said in a press release. “With Qala’s extensive outreach and world-class programs, the organization has made rapid progress in driving open-source development in the Global South through the advancement of education within the region, which is heavily aligned with our core mission at Btrust.”

Exposing underserved communities to Bitcoins isn’t new to the pair.

As previously reported, the two worked together to create a Bitcoin Academy for residents at Marcy Houses, the public housing complex where Jay-Z used to live.

Lil Baby Reacts To Shooting At His Memphis Concert

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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A lot of the news surrounding Lil Baby’s It’s Only Us Tour has not been positive. This week saw the Atlanta-bred rapper call off a show in Memphis because violence broke out in the venue.

Law enforcement arrived at the FedExForum on September 7 following a shooting that reportedly left one man injured. CEO Jizzle, the apparent cousin of late Memphis rap legend Young Dolph, claimed to be the person shot.

The following day, Lil Baby reacted to the traumatic situation that forced his concert to shut down early. The Quality Control Music recording artist took to the X social media platform to address his fans in Tennessee.

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t perform last night in Memphis, Ima make sure everybody gets a refund tho,” posted Lil Baby on Friday afternoon. Local police are investigating the shooting. No suspects have been named, as of press time.

https://twitter.com/lilbaby4PF/status/1700215184164262186?s=20

Earlier this summer, Lil Baby had to cancel several dates of his nationwide It’s Only Us Tour. He removed ten cities from the schedule. Unverifiable online speculation blamed low ticket sales for the cancelations.

Lil Baby has a concert set to take place in Nashville, Tennessee tonight (September 9). The 28-year-old “Drip Too Hard” hitmaker’s current tour itinerary also includes stops in Charlotte, New Orleans, and other locales.

The It’s Only Us Tour launched in support of Baby’s It’s Only Me studio album which dropped in October 2022. That project debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with 216,000 first-week units. It’s Only Me hosts the “In a Minute” and “California Breeze” singles.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cup8svYL53U/

What Exactly Is Nas Saying?

By: illseed Updated Category: Rumors
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AGAIN! Nas is at the top of the G.O.A.T. pile right now. He’s on a run like never before. This run is unprecedented—unheard of—for any MC. I love that Nas is doing it this way. I don’t know what he’s doing it for, but he’s doing it. I have some suspicions, but forget what I think. Let us try to figure out what the man has given us.

Actually, before I do that, let me remind you of what we stated earlier this week. I suggested Nas had new music on the way. This was exclusive and, although other media tried to take credit on social media, it started right here with illseed. ME. Now with that in mind, a few short days later, Nas released a clip on Instagram (see below).

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw8iWxBSa38/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

Exclusive: Nas Prepping New Music—Without Hit-Boy

Inevitably, the use of the word “finale” has instantly started people talking about “retirement” with God’s Son. Personally, I’m having it. There’s no way Nas is going to retire in the middle of a run this epic. Also, let us address the elephant in the room. Nas is never going to stop this hustle until there’s no question he’s the King. To many, there is no question. I do believe there’s a commercial opinion that still includes some other notables—like Jay-Z.

Let us say the name. Jay has been very quiet in this 50th year of Hip-Hop and I wonder why. Nevertheless, his body of work has been incredible, but I hope Jay decides to step up and drop an album. Jay has never released an album that didn’t go to No. 1. It’s now a time in Hip-Hop where going to the top of the chart instantly is tough. Nas doesn’t seem to care about that. He seems to care about the art, legacy and culture.

Thoughts?

Illseed Thanks Nas For The Shoutout On King’s Disease 3! More Nas Rumors!

NAS: AllHipHop’s 2021 Emcee Of The Year

Nicki Minaj Takes The Reins Of 2023 MTV VMAs Ahead Of ‘Pink Friday 2’

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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MTV announced the return of Nicki Minaj as its emcee for the annual Video Music Awards. The Hip-Hop star will host the festivities and perform for the second year in a row.

Nicki Minaj won the Video Vanguard Award at last year’s VMAs. She will perform her new single “Last Time I Saw You” at this year’s event.

“Last Time I Saw You” will appear on Nicki Minaj’s upcoming album Pink Friday 2, which is scheduled to drop in November. The album is her follow-up to 2018’s Queen.

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Nicki Minaj scored six nominations for this year’s VMAs. She was nominated for Artist of the Year, Video of the Year, Best Hip-Hop Video, Best R&B Video, Best Visual Effects and Song of the Summer.

Diddy will receive the Global Icon Award at the 2023 VMAs. He will also perform at the event for the first time since 2005.

MTV booked Nicki Minaj’s collaborators Lil Wayne and Doja Cat as performers for the 2023 VMAs. The awards ceremony’s presenters include Ice Spice, GloRilla and French Montana.

The 2023 VMAS will be held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Tuesday (September 12). The show airs live on MTV and its sister networks. It can be streamed on Paramount Plus.

Birdman Says B.G. Is Back On The Cash Money Records Roster

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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B.G. rejoined Cash Money Records after his release from prison. Cash Money co-founder Birdman announced B.G.’s return to the label on the 85 South Show podcast.

“For the record, I just want n##### to know that [B.G.] is official Cash Money,” Birdman said. “Ain’t no cap in that, ya heard me? Ain’t nobody else he gon’ ever sign with besides this s###. I’m bringing all this s### back together, so B.G. signed to Cash Money. So, y’all ain’t gotta hear it from no one else.”

B.G. was released from prison on Tuesday (September 5). The New Orleans native spent more than a decade behind bars on gun possession and witness tampering charges.

Birdman was one of the first people to greet B.G. when the Hot Boys rapper got out of prison. Birdman planned to arrange a reunion with B.G.’s fellow Hot Boys members Lil Wayne, Juvenile and Turk.

“I’m doing that,” Birdman told the 85 South Show. “I don’t know if it’s gon’ be everybody, but I’m doing that. It’s gonna be some of them.”

According to TMZ, B.G. will remain on supervised release for two years. He must complete 400 hours of community service and enroll in an alcohol/drug treatment program. He’s also banned from possessing any firearms.

Check out Birdman’s interview on the 85 South Show podcast below.

Cardi B Hopes Her Next Collaboration With Offset Is “Freaky” Love Song

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Cardi B wants to make a sexually charged song with Offset. The Atlantic Records rapper revealed her desire to create a “freaky” record with her husband in an interview with SiriusXM’s Hip Hop Nation.

“I do wanna do more songs with him,” Cardi B told host Swaggy Sie. “I do wanna explore. I feel like we do so much rough songs and it’s like, let’s talk about f######. It’s like we always talk about the music. Let’s talk about f###### because I feel like we always like on attack mode when we do songs together. Let’s do a little something, something – freaky, freaky, freaky, freaky.”

Cardi B said she and Offset only recorded five songs together. The couple’s collaborations typically develop from their mutual interest in a track.

“He usually just have a song and I be like, ‘I like this song. I want to get on this song because I like this song,’” Cardi B explained. “But even with ‘Jealousy’ and everything, when I first did it, I was like, ‘I feel like I don’t sound too strong.’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, your voice is a little bit like, why you putting that girly sound on it?’ Because I change my voice when I rap … He was like, ‘You need to go like more tough,’ and it’s like, ‘What you said right there?’ I said this. He was like, ‘You gotta pronounce it better.’ We critique each other a lot.”

Cardi B stopped by the SiriusXM studios to promote her new single “Bongos” featuring Megan Thee Stallion. The track was their first collaboration since the smash hit “WAP.”

Watch the “Bongos” music video below.