The search to find the person who killed Blac Youngsta’s brother, Tomanuel Benson, continues. As previously reported, Benson was fatally shot on the South Side of Memphis at a Valero BP gas station iin August and died around the time paramedics arrived at the scene. At the time, people were tight-lipped about who shot him but said the young man was shot in a drive-by.
According to Fox 13, the Memphis Police Department has identified the man they believe committed the murder: Randy Ewing. The MPD released an image of Ewing just days after the shooting.
In an effort to secure Ewing and get justice for Blac Youngsta’s family, the U.S. Marshals Service has put up a $5,000 reward for Ewing’s whereabouts or solid information that would lead to his arrest. The reward was announced to the public on Wednesday (September 6).
Law enforcement has had its share of frustration capturing this seemingly dangerous and slippery suspect. The U.S. Marshals said he has two active warrants in Shelby County: one for attempted second-degree murder and the other for violating the sex offender registry mandate he has from an earlier conviction. Benson is the third brother of Blac Youngsta to be killed. One died in 2016 and the other in 2019.
A star-studded list of celebrities attended Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour stops in Inglewood, California. Caresha “Yung Miami” Brownlee was among the famous names to show up at SoFi Stadium.
Yung Miami shared photos of her getup for the Renaissance World Tour on Instagram and X. However, at least one person on social media slammed the “Act Up” rapper’s choice of attire for the evening.
“Caresha blew me with that costume for [Beyoncé’s] concert… Girl,” read a message from the @_kiarajsmith X account. The person later deleted the post or limited who could see it.
That did not stop Yung Miami from responding to @_kiarajsmith before the remark was removed. The Caresha Please podcast host had some choice words for her online critic.
Yung Miami clapped back by posting, “Hoe shut up it was a COSTUME!” That tweet collected more than 13,000 views since showing up on the platform around 11:16 p.m. on September 6.
Over the last several months, Caresha has used her social media pages to react to criticisms directed at her. For example, Miami blasted media personality DJ Akademiks in May for calling her a “side chick” for Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Even Diddy fired back at Akademiks. The “Gotta Move On” performer stated, “So think what you want. But know that if you do something to hurt mine, I’m gonna come to your house and we’re gonna talk about it like human beings. LOVE.”
News broke this week that Sean “Diddy” Combs decided to finally return the publishing rights to artists once signed to his Bad Boy Entertainment label.
According to reports, acts such as Ma$e, The LOX and 112 as well as The Notorious B.I.G.’s estate received ownership over the performers’ original content. However, one former Bad Boy rapper took issue with Diddy’s move.
“Diddy gave the publishing back… So what.. it has no value… I want him to give me a million cash and then I can plan the rest of my life out well,” wrote Mark Curry on his Instagram page.
Mark Curry also posted a video further explaining his dissatisfaction with Diddy. The East Coast representative claimed he got back his publishing rights years ago but the musical compositions are worth less than $500/year now.
“Y’all think he’s doing a good thing because he gives back some publishing? “It’s not worth anything,” said Mark Curry. The 52-year-old author of the Dancing with the Devil book also added, “[Diddy’s] just trying to do whatever he can to keep his name relevant.”
Mark Curry is likely best known for the now-ironically titled single “Bad Boy for Life” from 2001. Sean “Diddy” Combs (then professionally known as P. Diddy) and Black Rob appear on the song as well.
“Bad Boy for Life” was a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Curry also contributed to other Bad Boy-backed records such as “Gangsta S###” by Diddy (then professionally known as Puff Daddy).
Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) saluted some of the top stars in the music industry at the 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards in Miami. Lil Wayne was one of the big winners of the night.
BMI presented Lil Wayne with the BMI Icon Award. Previously, the 40-year-old Young Money label founder was named BMI Songwriter Of The Year on four different occasions.
Lil Wayne now has 53 BMI Awards. In addition, the “Tha Block Is Hot” rapper also won five Grammy Awards throughout his career, including a Best Rap Album victory for 2008’s Tha Carter III.
As a recipient of the BMI Icon Award, Wayne joins other legends like Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Janet Jackson and Patti LaBelle. Big Freedia, Bobby V, NLE Choppa and Trombone Shorty took part in a special tribute to Weezy at the BMI ceremony.
Broadcast Music, Inc. also recognized rising New York recording artist Ice Spice. The “Barbie World” performer earned the first-ever BMI Impact Award. The event also celebrated the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop culture.
In addition to Lil Wayne and Ice Spice, BMI awarded Tay Keith and Lil Yachtywith the Producer Of The Year trophy. Songwriter Of The Year was a three-way tie between Chris Brown, Doja Cat and Tems. Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” won Song Of The Year.
This year has seen several high-profile female rap collaborations. It appears a joint effort with Latto and Sexyy Red is on the way.
“🍑🍆 remix Friday,” posted Latto on the X platform on September 6. The Georgia-bred rapper also shared a clip of herself and Sexyy Red dancing to Young Nudy’s “Peaches & Eggplants.”
The original “Peaches & Eggplants” came out on May 16, 2023, via RCA Records. Yung Nudy recruited fellow Atlanta representative, 21 Savage, as a guest feature on the song.
Adding Latto and Sexyy Red to “Peaches & Eggplants” could elevate the Coupe-produced track further up the charts. Yung Nudy’s breakout mainstream hit has peaked at No. 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 so far.
Latto has already experienced Billboard success in 2023. In fact, The Rap Game reality show winner became the first Hip Hop act to lead the Hot 100 this year as a feature on “Seven” by South Korean singer Jung Kook.
Additionally, Latto broke into the Hot 100’s Top 20 when “Put It On Da Floor Again” featuring Cardi B charted at No. 13 in June. Sexyy Red also scored a Billboard entry in 2023 with the Nicki Minaj-assisted “Pound Town 2.”
The ever-outspoken Boosie Badazz has shared his thoughts on the headline-grabbing My Way The Las Vegas Residency. Usher’s live concert experience became a topic of debate this year.
Social media users clashed over whether Keke Palmer publicly disrespected Darius Jackson or if Jackson publicly overreacted to the situation. In either case, Boosie feels men need to stop taking their significant others to see Usher in concert.
“Usher’s the truth,” stated Boosie in an interview with VladTV. “He looks 14. He’s gonna sing your b####’s drawls off. The Louisiana native added, “It couldn’t be me. I would’ve left that b#### right there. And we gonna fight when we get to the room.”
Boosie Badazz also said, “That n#### will grab your hand and pull you off your n####’s lap… He couldn’t do it to me and I was drunk. I’d kick him in his dick – ‘Get your ass back! Gone head!’ You take your b#### to see Usher, that is your fault.”
This was not the first time Boosie joked about how going to see the My Way The Las Vegas Residency could damage a relationship. In July, he posted on X, “AT THIS POINT USHER ON A ‘TAKE YOUR GIRL TOUR’ lol.”
Meanwhile, Usher continues to release new music. The official video for his “Boyfriend” single co-stars Keke Palmer as the main love interest in the visuals. He also recently dropped “Good Good” with Summer Walker and 21 Savage.
Jeezy has made the prestigious New York Times Best Sellers List with his memoir titled Adversity for Sale: You Gotta Believe.
The book charts the 45-year-old Georgia rapper’s journey from the streets to success on the Billboard charts.
His TV host/producer wife, Jeannie Mai Jenkins, announced the good news with an adorable video featuring their baby daughter Monaco.
In the video, Mai tells the infant, who turned one in January, to say grace with her before eating her food. The little girl repeats the prayer after her mother. She thanks God for her family and the meal she’s about to eat, before turning to her famous father.
“God thank you because my daddy made the New York Times bestsellers list,” she said before Monaco erupted into spontaneous applause.
“God thank you for my daddy and his work to help people believe in themselves, just like he teaches me. Amen,” the mommy-and-daughter duo concluded. Watch the cute celebration below.
Jeannie Mai Jenkins paid tribute to her husband’s “remarkable milestone” in the caption.
“Your story has always been an inspiration to me,” she began. “But seeing it in print has left me even more in awe of your strength and wisdom. You invited us into the most intimate corners of your life, where pain and triumph coexist. This moment isn’t just a testament to your literary skills baby, but a recognition of your ability to inspire through the power of storytelling.”
She ended her post, “I’m endlessly grateful for your voice in this world. Honored to walk beside you my love.”
Jeezy Tackles Mental Health In New York Times Bestseller
Jeezy launched the book in August to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. He opened up about his battle with depression in the memoir to enable fans going through similar mental health struggles to “take a page out of Jeezy’s book.”
Adversity for Sale: You Gotta Believe currently sits at the tenth spot on the NYT bestselling non-fiction list and is available through the HarperCollins publishing company.
50 Cent rarely lets an opportunity to troll his longtime nemesis Ja Rule pass him by, and the “Always On Time” hitmaker’s latest performance was no different.
The pair have been exchanging jabs since the late 90s in one of Hip-Hop’s longest-running feuds. Fiddy decided to resurrect the simmering tensions with an Instagram post trolling Ja’s set at the BMI R&B Hip-Hop Awards.
Ja Rule was one of the night’s performers at the ceremony at LIV Nightclub in Miami Beach, Florida, Wednesday evening (September 6.) He delivered a highly theatrical display, emphatically rapping his 2020 hit “One of Us” while bound to a cross.
50 Cent found the performance highly amusing and took to Instagram to troll Ja Rule. He shared a clip of Ja’s set while clowning him in the caption.
Look at this s### head, is he supposed to be Jesus,” 50 wrote alongside a laughing emoji. “WTF you can’t make this s### up. LOL so stupid !”
Meanwhile, in other Ja Rule news, it appears fans can soon expect some new music from him after waiting for more than a decade.
Shortly after his set at the BMI Awards, Ja took to Instagram to tease a new offering. He shared a trailer featuring a montage of his performances over the years. “Can we watch the sunrise together???” he wrote in the caption before teasing a drop.
However, the wait isn’t quite over, with Ja’s offering set to arrive on June 1, 2024. Watch the trailer below.
Cardi B is giving some lucky owners of her new single a little piece of herself, including her DNA, after licking various single covers and rubbing others on her body parts.
Over the weekend, the NYC icon announced she was reuniting with “WAP” collaborator Megan Thee Stallion on “Bongos,” due to arrive later this week (September 8).
Cardi B got busy signing limited edition CD and DVD video covers to prepare for the drop. However, a lucky few will receive a lot more than just her signature.
Ever the multi-tasker, the “Jealousy” hitmaker worked while chatting with her fans on Instagram Live.
“Y’all want scratch and sniff videos? Hold on,” she added before rubbing one of the DVD covers between her legs.
“Y’all want a signed scratch and sniff video?” she asked while brushing another cover on her breasts. “This one smells like t######.”
Cardi B continued signing the “scratch and sniff covers” while updating fans on their apparently distinct scents. “This one smells like p###,” she said before adding, “This one smells like ass cheek.”
Cardi B then decided it wasn’t enough for fans to merely receive her scratch and sniff scent; she wants them to have her saliva too. She signed another batch of sleeves, but this time, Cardi gave each one a lick.
Elsewhere during the live stream, Cardi B revealed that the raunchy cover art belies the song’s actual content. “Bongos” comes with two sizzling cover images featuring the rap stars in barely there, brightly colored bodysuits, reminiscent of their classic 2020 collab “WAP.”
Although Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion teased their upcoming collab single “Bongos” with a pair of racy album covers, fans can expect something totally different from the new joint offering.
The rap stars first unveiled the sizzling images on social media over the weekend. Both Cardi and Megan wear brightly colored, barely-there bodysuits on the covers. The photos hint at another raunchy collab akin to their 2020 offering “WAP.”
However, Cardi B says she and Megan the Stallion “tricked” fans with the images, which don’t actually correlate to the song’s content. The New York City native let a few details slip during an Instagram Live session Wednesday night (September 6).
“Let me tell you something,” Cardi B began. “Me and [Megan Thee Stallion], we tricked y’all. We tricked you muthafuckas. These covers we tricked you b##ches.”
Cardi continued, explaining that they wanted to deceive fans into thinking another “WAP”-like single was coming with the steamy photos, but she and Megan will actually deliver something drastically different in content.
“You wanna know how we tricked ya?” she continued. “Because this is not the theme of the song or the video. We want y’all to believe that it’s giving something that it’s not [laughs].”
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP” debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100, becoming the first female rap collaboration to do so.
After weeks of teasing, Drake has finally announced a release date for his upcoming eighth studio album, For All The Dogs.
The OVO founder first teased the project back in June with the release of his poetry book, Titles Ruin Everything: A Stream of Consciousness. Then in July, he gave fans an update during the opening night of the It’s All A Blur Tour in Chicago and vowed to resurrect “old Drake” on the project.
When the tour arrived in New York a few weeks later, he gave fans a date of sorts, although that date has since come and gone with no new music.
“New York I will be back soon,” the Hip-Hop superstar declared on July 26. “I have an album dropping for you in like two weeks.”
However, while fans speculated a drop on August 4 or 11, no album materialized. When August 25 rolled around, fans felt sure Drake would unleash his new body of work at midnight. Once again, the album did not arrive, something Drizzy’s friend and frequent collaborator Lil Yachty found highly amusing.
“Y’all stupid, [nobody] even said For All the Dogs was [coming] out tonight,” Lil Yachty posted at 12:11 a.m. on the morning of Friday, August 25.
Nonetheless, Drake has finally put fans out of their misery and given them an official release date. He announced the project’s arrival on Instagram with the help of a throwback video of his father, Dennis Graham.
“FOR ALL THE DOGS,” Drake wrote in the caption. “SEPTEMBER 22.” Check out the video below.
Hours before he made the announcement, Drake gave fans a hint that had the internet buzzing. He shared a photo of himself with his back to the camera. He decorated his braids with colorful hair clips of the numbers.
The barrettes featured the numbers zero, nine and two number twos in sequence. Eagle-eyed fans speculated that Drake was teasing the release date, and they were correct.
RZA announced three shows to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his group’s album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The Wu-Tang Clan rapper/producer will bring a “live orchestra experience” to New York’s Gramercy Theatre in November.
“Come enter the 36 Chambers through a live orchestra experience @gramercytheatre this November 7th, 8th, & 9th,” he wrote on Instagram. “Tickets on sale September 8th.”
Earlier this year, RZA teamed up with the Colorado Symphony for his first ballet. His orchestra-backed shows 36 Chambers of Shaolin and A Ballet Through Mud were held at the Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver.
“As an artist, I’m always striving for ways to grow and evolve and when you get a chance to hear your music translated by an orchestra, it’s so fulfilling,” RZA said prior to the events. “The vibration of it, the feel of it. As musicians, we strive to inspire or give inspiration to our listeners. At the same time, I was inspired to take my own music in a new and different direction.”
RZA did not reveal if his fellow Wu-Tang Clan members will perform with him at the Gramercy Theatre. The group is on tour through the end of October.
Wu-Tang Clan released their classic debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) in November 1993. The album went platinum in 1995. It was certified triple platinum in 2018.
It appears baby momma drama is brewing just as POWERBOOK II: GHOST actor and recording artist LightSkinKeisha celebrates her 29th birthday, in addition to the announcement of her pregnancy with rapper/fiancé Coca Vango.
Just days after sharing her baby bump with her three million Instagram followers, Keisha jumped back on Instagram Live in a pair of lengthy sessions during which she directly addressed allegations made by Vango’s ex Lay—whom he shares a pre-teen daughter with. In the past, Lay has accused Keisha of sleeping with Vango’s brother—so there’s obviously some animosity there. However, Lay’s attacks this time around appeared to be solely directed at Vango, whom she accused of being an inconsistent and “deadbeat” father to their daughter Melia.
And while Lay’s grievances appeared to be centered on Vango, who allegedly hadn’t seen his daughter since March and purportedly banned her from his home amid a spat with her mother, Keisha took it upon herself to address them.
“Why you did this when we announced that I’m pregnant,” Keisha questioned during a live stream. “Huh? Because you’re obsessed with me. You have an obsession. This ain’t even about your child. You don’t make things about your child.”
This whole live was unnecessary and draining 🙄❗️ talking in circles, exposing unnecessary s###, and speaking for him is not it lightskinkeisha😖 I hope this don’t come back to bite cause them tables damn sure do turn ! And it’s a different kinda pain when it’s your child 🤧 pic.twitter.com/6rTbgsyVkw
Keisha continued, asserting the root of the issues Lay has with Vango are all rooted in her bitterness that the relationship with the father of her child didn’t work out and now he’s moving on with someone else.
“Let’s not cut the narrative like there are not women out there that exist that are bitter baby mommas,” Keisha started off. “That’s bitter as hell cause the n#### is moving on. Notice she not saying that she don’t get payments every month.”
Keisha goes on to allege that the whole reason she even decided to air the entire situation out on IG Live is because Lay purportedly complained about her to Vango’s sister and mother following the accusations she made about him. But that’s not even the half!
Believe it or not, that Artificial Intelligence-generated Drake and The Weeknd song that went viral earlier this year may be competing with real artists at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
If you recall, an anonymous creator by the name of Ghostwriter turned the music industry upside down after releasing an AI-generated collaboration between Drake and The Weekend. The vocals on the record “Heart On My Sleeve” share such an uncanny likeness to real verses from Drizzy and Abel that many people were under the impression that the track was a legitimate leak.
This AI generated song featuring Drake & The Weeknd trading lines about Selena Gomez dropped on Saturday.
Now, in a startling turn of events, “Heart On My Sleeves,” which was pulled from streaming platforms in April after UMG issued a copyright complaint has been submitted for Grammy consideration. According to a representative close to Ghostwriter, “Heart on My Sleeve” was submitted for Best Rap Song and Song of The Year award categories—which are traditionally awarded to songwriters rather than the song’s performers.
According to Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., those are the contention areas the song is naturally and rightfully eligible to compete within—despite its artificial origins. “It’s absolutely eligible because it was written by a human,” Mason Jr. told The New York Times in an interview.
While it’s unclear what the end gain will be for Ghostwriter, who has maintained his or her anonymity up until this point, should they actually win a Grammy Award for “Heart On My Sleeve.” Regardless of that, Ghostwriter appears to be here to stay and intends to be a leader in purveying AI-generated song technology within mainstream music. Ghostwriter’s next sonic social experiment? A thunderous—and fake—Travis Scott and 21 Savage collaboration. What a time to be alive!
Revisit the internet-breaking song above and check out Ghostwriter’s latest faux La Flame and 21 collaboration below.
Kanye West pursued legal action over social media accounts leaking his music. According to court documents obtained by Radar Online, Ye filed a lawsuit for breach of contract and misappropriation of trade secrets in California.
The lawsuit targeted accounts using variations of the handle @daunreleasedgod, which allegedly leaked Ye’s unreleased songs on Instagram and Twitter. The leaks were titled “Broken Road,” “I’ll Be Alright, “Jail,” “Mr. Miyagi,” “Shay Can’t Look,” “We Did It Kid, “Why They So Mad” and “Wouldn’t Leave.”
Kanye West also accused the accounts of leaking an unauthorized video of him in the studio, footage of a listening party and a mini-documentary. Ye insisted he took precautions to prevent the leaks, but the account still “wrongfully took, without permission or authority.”
Ye claimed he “suffered significant financial losses and damages as a direct result of the defendant’s actions.” He hoped to make the defendant cover his legal fees.
“The defendant’s actions amount to the theft of a trade secret,” his lawyers argued. “Ye’s musical composition, with its distinctive arrangement and unique elements, constitutes a trade secret due to its economic value, secrecy and the efforts taken to safeguard it.”
Kanye West requested a permanent injunction to shut down the leaks. He awaits a decision.
The Black Music Action Coalition plans to celebrate Lizzo despite the controversy surrounding her treatment of dancers. The organization announced it will present awards to Lizzo and Epic Records CEO Sylvia Rhone at the 2023 BMAC Gala, which is scheduled to take place on September 21.
Lizzo will receive the BMAC Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award. Rhone will be given the BMAC Clarence Avant Trailblazer Award.
“The Black Music Action Coalition is proud to honor Lizzo and Sylvia Rhone at this year’s Gala, as they join a group of trailblazers who have made immense impact within the music industry and beyond,” BMAC co-founder Willie “Prophet” Stiggers said. “We applaud their dedication to pushing boundaries, amplifying Black voices and crashing through those glass ceilings creating space for Black women.”
Jermaine Dupri, Keke Palmer and Trae Tha Truth are a few of the other notable names receiving awards at the 2023 BMAC Gala. The event will be held at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
Last month, three of Lizzo’s former dancers sued her for sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. She denied the accusations.
“Usually I choose not to respond to false allegations, but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed,” Lizzo said. “These sensationalized stories are coming from former employees who have already publicly admitted that they were told their behavior on tour was inappropriate and unprofessional.”
The singer’s ex-dancers stood by their allegations. Their attorney said more former dancers came forward with similar claims against Lizzo.
Delaware is again on the map in the music world as N.O., the spirited and innovative Hip-Hop recording artist, takes center stage with unveiling his highly anticipated sophomore EP, “A Goodfellas Cadence.”
Fans are ready to bask in the immersive auditory journey released by Judgemental Records, which has carved a niche of bringing mesmerizing rhythms and deep-rooted lyrics back to Hip-Hop’s forefront.
The EP’s lead single, “Scumbag,” is a hard-hitting anthem, echoing the end of summer with a pulsating energy that resonates with both bass enthusiasts and club-goers alike. Crafted meticulously by the adept producer Lino3X, the single portrays the seamless connection between the pair, showcasing a vibrant blend of fresh sounds and lyrical depth.
The journey of N.O., also hailed as the “nLightenedOne,” is marked with perseverance and an undying passion for music. Having initially embarked on his musical venture with the group J-Squad, he has steadily carved out a niche for himself in his hometown and across the Tri-State area.
His contributions to J-Squad’s debut mixtape “Welcome 2 Hellaware” and multiple features on DJ Cosmik Kev’s “The Come Up Show” bear testimony to his evolving artistry and relentless pursuit of creating an independent lane in the music industry.
As N.O. gears up to mesmerize audiences with his fresh beats and potent lyrics, the music scene is abuzz with anticipation. The artist’s collaboration with Lino3X and the video under the deft direction of Mscenefilms promises an immersive musical experience, ushering in a new era of Hip-Hop with a cadence reminiscent of the iconic film “Goodfellas.”
As October approaches, music enthusiasts have another treat to look forward to – the release of “Gk X The Beat Bully Black Mobb Halloween 23.”
The journey of N.O., the self-proclaimed “Apollo Nox,” is unfolding, promising a vibrant tapestry of sounds that echo the heart of Delaware and beyond, heralding a golden era for lyrical aficionados.
Beastie Boys—the raucous trio of Mike D, Ad-Rock and the late MCA—turned rap upside down in 1986 with the release of Licensed To Ill (Def Jam Recordings). Full of party anthems, a healthy dose of misogyny and speaker-rattling beats for days, the Rick Rubin-produced effort produced gold (and eventually platinum). More than 35 years and seven albums later, they are etched in the Hip-Hop history books as one of the most successful groups of all time. On Saturday (September 9), the corner of Ludlow and Rivington Streets in the Lower East Side of Manhattan will be transformed into Beastie Boys Square.
The historic locale was once home to Paul’s Boutique—the namesake of Beastie Boys’ 1989 sophomore album. The eponymous shop was famously featured on the gatefold album cover. The ceremony will take place from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET and will include a guest DJ set by Jon Bless HiFi System. Both Mike D and Ad-Rock will be in attendance.
Good people of New York & beyond!
Beastie Boys Square Unveiling Celebration! Saturday September 9th Corner of Ludlow & Rivington Streets Lower East Side NYC 12P-2P pic.twitter.com/utmjEkMAEL
Beastie Boys Square gets its new name a decade after LeRoy McCarthy launched a petition to rename the street corner in Manhattan’s Lower East Side neighborhood. In 2014, a local community board rejected McCarthy’s proposal, banning him from reapplying for a minimum of five years. McCarthy’s most recent proposal was approved by the New York City Council last year.
“As many of us know, once the Beastie Boys hit the scene, it really changed the hip-hop game,” council member Christopher Marte, said at the time. “I see it as a celebration. A celebration for the Lower East Side, a celebration for Hip-Hop and especially a celebration for our community who has been organizing for a really long time to make this happen.”
In addition to spearheading Beastie Boys Square, McCarthy got a special mural to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Paul’s Boutique approved at the same LES spot. In 2013, a park in Brooklyn Heights was renamed for the MCA, who died the previous May.
Donald Trump suffered another loss in court on Wednesday (September 6). A federal judge found the former president liable for defamation in writer E. Jean Carroll’s second lawsuit against him.
Earlier this year, a New York jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. Jurors awarded her $5 million in damages.
Carroll’s first lawsuit accused Trump of sexual abuse in the ‘90s and defamation in 2022. Her second lawsuit targeted comments made while he was still in office in 2019.
Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled in Carroll’s favor, saying the jury’s previous decision determined the ex-president’s liability. A trial is scheduled for January 2024, but the judge’s ruling means the proceedings will only determine the damages owed to Carroll.
“The truth or falsity of Mr. Trump’s 2019 statements therefore depends — like the truth or falsity of his 2022 statement — on whether Ms. Carroll lied about Mr. Trump sexually assaulting her,” Judge Kaplan explained. The jury’s finding that she did not therefore is binding in this case and precludes Mr. Trump from contesting the falsity of his 2019 statements.”
Trump is appealing the verdict in Carroll’s original sexual abuse and defamation case, which she won in May. His lawyers believe it will be overturned, nullifying Judge Kaplan’s ruling in the second defamation case.
“We remain very confident that the Carroll II verdict will be overturned on appeal, which will render this decision moot,” attorney Alina Habba said. “We also anticipate that the Second Circuit will stay this trial as it considers the meritorious defenses that have been raised by President Trump.”
Trump’s latest legal defeat occurred a few weeks after he was booked and released from jail in Georgia. The former president and his allies were hit with RICO charges for trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
The Georgia election case is one of four criminal cases against Trump. He faces 91 charges in total.
Living Legends—the West Coast Hip-Hop collective comprised of Luckyiam, Eligh, The Grouch, Bicasso, Aesop, Sunspot Jonz, Scarub and (once upon a time) MURS—will return with their first new music since 2008’s The Gathering on Friday (September 8). Titled “Lettermen,” the track serves as the single from the group’s forthcoming (and aptly titled) album, The Return, and features a guest verse from Reverie. True to Legends form, the cut rattles with rumbling bass, with a snippet of LL COOL J’s 1985 Radio single “Hard As Hell” tying it all together.
Speaking to AllHipHop.com, Luckyiam’s excitement was palpable. As he explains, “This summer we got a house in Coachella Valley, set up two studios for a week and went to work. Our fans deserve this and the world needs this. Once again it’s time to set the bar. Living Legends are back. This is the best album we have ever made.”
Aesop adds, “It was very tricky getting the whole crew together. Many of us have families now and live in different cities, so we decided to take sabbatical in Cochella and rented an AirBnB. We put multiple studios in the 10 rooms and vibed for a week. It was therapeutic to be in the same house again with my brothers while we collaborated on song ideas. We banged out enough songs for two albums.”
Naturally, Living Legends are plugging the release on Instagram as well, writing in the caption: “NEW MUSIC 9/8 LIVING LEGENDS are back with their lead single ‘LETTERMEN’ ft. REVERIE. Produced by TROX with cuts by DJ MIKE C. It’s officially LEGENDS SEASON!!!”
Formed in California circa 1995, Living Legends grew out of the Mystik Journeymen and evolved into an indie powerhouse thanks to their relentless hustle. In 2008, L.A. Weekly called them “one of the biggest success stories in the indie-rap movement” after selling more than 300,000 albums independently. The group has released numerous albums and EPs, including Angelz Wit Dirty Faces (2000), Almost Famous (2001) and Creative Differences (2004). In the process, they amassed a loyal fanbase that continues to rock with them nearly 30 years later.
But each member has, at one point, branched off to do their own thing. MURS signed with Strange Music and focused on his solo career, while Eligh and The Grouch did several projects under the G&E moniker and MURS and The Grouch ultimately connected for Thees Handz. In June 2022, the group finally reconvened for a single called “LLXL” featuring Eli-Mac. It was the first, real tangible taste of what Living Legends was cooking up, which ultimately led to three more.
“Some of us got kids now, all of us got bars still,” The Grouch said at the time. “We’re all blessed to all be here and I’m trying to enjoy time and music with my guys for as long as that’s the case.”
Living Legends are preparing to hit the road as part of the annual How The Grouch Stole Xmas Tour, which kicks off on November 29 in Seattle with Brother Ali. The Return is scheduled for a September 29 release. While we wait, find all things Legends here.
