2023 has been a huge breakout year for Ice Spice. But some critics continue to take shots at the “Munch (Feelin’ U)” rapper for various reasons.
One Twitter user recently went beyond discussing Ice Spice’s music or rapping skills and took aim at her appearance. In a now-limited tweet, the @illy_ilz account compared the 23-year-old entertainer to a child with Down syndrome.
Ice Spice saw the meant-to-be insulting post and responded by showing love to the girl in the photo. The Bronx-raised rhymer quote-tweeted @illy_ilz and added, “[You] thought [you] ate but my sis cute [as f###].” Spice’s tweet amassed over 220,000 likes.
Meanwhile, Ice Spice racked up another Top 10 entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart this week. “Barbie World”— her latest collaboration with Nicki Minaj—debuted at No. 7 on the most recent rankings of the most popular songs in America.
Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj also linked up for “Princess Diana,” which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April. Additionally, Ice Spice made it into the Top 10 thanks to February’s “Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2” with PinkPantheress (No. 3) and May’s “Karma” with Taylor Swift (No. 2).
On June 25, Ice Spice performed “Munch (Feelin’ U),” “Princess Diana” and “In Ha Mood” at the 2023 BET Awards in Los Angeles. “In Ha Mood” also charted on the Hot 100, peaking at No. 58 in March. The Capitol recording artist dropped the Like..? EP in January.
Female rappers have been dominating much of the conversation in rap culture over the last year. Cardi B, Latto, Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, GloRilla, Coi Leray, Sexxy Redd, Lola Brooke, Doechii and others left a mark on the charts and in the clubs.
Rap fans also got to see several of these high-profile stars collaborate together for hit records. Cardi B teamed up with GloRilla for 2022’s “Tomorrow 2” and Latto for this year’s “Put It On Da Floor Again.”
In 2019, Cardi B joined forces with City Girls for “Twerk.” The following year, the Bronx native recruited Megan Thee Stallion for the global smash “WAP,” which earned a 7x-platinum certification from the RIAA.
The music video for “WAP” also featured cameos by Latto, Rubi Rose and Sukihana. Plus, a simple Cardi B co-sign can focus mainstream eyes on a rising talent like Scar-Lip.
Media personality Charlamagne Tha God gives Cardi B credit for ushering in a female rap era that centers around cooperation. The Breakfast Club radio host even compared the “Bodak Yellow” hitmaker to two male rap G.O.A.T. contenders.
“Salute to Cardi. Cardi shifted that in the culture,” Charlamagne Tha God said on the Its Up There Podcast. “Because Cardi made it where you’re the OG, you’re the person that’s made all the money, you sold all the records, but you have no problem putting your arm around that next person.”
CTG also added, “Cardi did for female rap what Jay-Z and Drake did. Whatever that next thing that’s out, Jay-Z would jump on it. Whether it’s Juvenile’s ‘Ha,’ whether it was Houston, whether it was Rick Ross, whoever it was, Jay was jumping on that.”
“Drake did the same thing. Drake did it with lesser-known artists. What Drake did was make the record big. I think what Jay did with those co-signs was he made the artist big,” Charlamagne told Big Loon. CTG continued, “I think Cardi’s doing both. I think Cardi’s helping to make the artist big and she’s helping to make the music big.”
Cardi B worked with another up-and-comer for a new song dropping on Friday, June 7. The Grammy winner collaborated with Chicago-based artist Fendi Da Rapper for an official remix of “Point Me To The S####” titled “Point Me 2.”
Yung Joc is best known for releasing the 3x-platinum “It’s Goin’ Down” single. He also gained fame for appearing on Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta and hosting a radio show on Streetz 94.5.
Earlier this week, 856 Entertainment shared a video in which someone asked people if they preferred to have a $50 Amazon gift card or 30 minutes with Yung Joc. Most of the women answered they’d take the gift card.
Yung Joc got wind of 856 Entertainment’s Instagram post about him. The 42-year-old New Joc City album creator jumped into the comment section to let the world know how he felt about the results of the impromptu poll.
“Y’all would have no choice cause I wouldn’t f### with not one of them in the first place. 1. I’m happily married 2. That s### [cap],” wrote Yung Joc on the social media platform.
Joc continued, “3. He never said have sex with me he just said 30 min with me and y’all would get at least $300 worth of food and shots if I did allow y’all in my immediate vicinity 😂😂😂 4. I ain’t never had a problem getting no woman lol 5. I would give y’all $100 Amazon gift card to stay the fvxk over there ❤️.”
Hypothetical questions like “50 Amazon gift card or 30 mins with Yung Joc?” have become a trendy topic on the internet. For example, social media users engaged in the “$500,000 or dinner with Jay-Z” debate for years.
Earlier this year, Soulja Boy took issue with people deciding that $250 in food stamps is more valuable than a dinner with the “Crank That” hitmaker. In response, Soulja Boy went on an expletive-filled rant where he called the women “AIDS-infested hoes.”
Sexyy Red has some hefty co-signs from her peers, including Nicki Minaj, who hopped on the remix to her breakthrough hit “Pound Town.” But she’s on the receiving end of a lot of hate, and NLE Choppa is speaking out about it.
The St. Louis native has been making waves since the Tay Keith-assisted smash hit “Pound Town” became a viral sensation on TikTok after its January release.
However, her recent appearance at the 2023 BET Awards made Sexyy Red the talk of the town after she and a heavily pregnant Chrisean Rock put on an impromptu performance of her raunchy hit song from the audience.
NLE Choppa caught wind of the negative comments and took to social media to defend his “S### me out” collaborator. He called out the haters, saying he loves the rapper’s energy and music. NLE Choppa urged people to stop the online attacks and be more open-minded in their music tastes.
“Y’all need people like Sexyy Red to create a balance from serious music,” NLE Choppa explained in a video. “And s### that you can have fun to.”
Y’all don’t know how comments can effect someone everyday life. Keep being you @SexyyRed314_ don’t change for nobody but yourself! You know I’m supporting ! pic.twitter.com/8M5UzybTlK
Choppa pointed out Sexyy Red has a child to support and “she’s making money trying to make sure that her baby is straight.” NLE Choppa also said he was defending Sexyy Red because he hasn’t seen anybody else do it.
“Why our own community gotta tear down our own people?” he asked before questioning why fans don’t embrace her or try to understand her music.
He captioned the video, “Y’all don’t know how comments can effect someone everyday life. Keep being you @SexyyRed314_ don’t change for nobody but yourself! You know I’m supporting!”
After years of delays, Lil Uzi Vert shows no signs of slowing down following the release of their highly anticipated album, Pink Tape.
The project is less than a week old, but the “Just Wanna Rock” hitmaker is already gearing up for his next release. But he’s not dropping a deluxe edition but another album, and it’s one that fans can’t wait to get their hands on.
However, Lil Uzi had one request for fans before delivering on their promise. They shared a photo of the Pink Tape album cover on his Instagram Story Tuesday (July 4).
“Get this 2 number one and I will drop the album y’all really looking for,” Lil Uzi wrote.
Lil Uzi Vert returned a little while later with a bio update to tease the project in question. “Luv is rage 3,” Uzi wrote, hinting at a follow-up to his 2017 debut album.
Lil Uzi fans just might get their hands on the album of their dreams. Pink Tape is expected to top the charts later this week, dethroning Morgan Wallen’s 15-non-consecutive week reign on the Billboard 200. The project would become the first hip-hop album of 2023 to debut at No. 1.
According to Chart Data, Pink Tape is projected to earn between 220,000 and 250,000 equivalent album units in its first week. If successful, it would be enough to secure a No. 1 debut on the chart.
While many fans rushed to run the number up, others questioned how Uzi has time for a new album. The Philly rapper recently announced they plan to tour later this year. During a live stream with Twitch streamer Kai Cenat last month, Lil Uzi promised he would hit the road for a Pink Tape tour beginning “right after the summer.”
Megan Thee Stallion wrapped up the 2023 ESSENCE Fest with a bang, inviting 20 fans from the crowd to join her onstage for a twerk session.
After rocking the stage with her hit songs, the self-proclaimed H-Town Hottie snapped up the best dancers to “pop their s###” for the crowd. The “Plan B” hitmaker directed them as they showed off their Megan Thee Stallion knees.
Janelle Monáe, who came under fire for flashing her breast at the festival, played hype woman, rousing the dancers from the side of the stage as they showcased their moves.
“Hot girl bootcamp was in full effect last night. It’s @janellemonae with the encouragement for us,” the outlet captioned the video.
India.Arie Calls Out Megan Thee Stallion And Janelle Monáe
However, not everybody was impressed with India.Arie sparking a discussion about whether the dancing was appropriate for the festival.
“This wont age well,” she wrote in a lengthy response in the comment section, questioning if twerking paints the culture in a respectful light.
“The issue is what is CONTEXT. Humanity does EVERYTHING. But does EVERYTHING BELONG IN A STAGE. No. is everything for KIDS? No. is everything for EVERY BODY?,” she began before adding “ NO. so when we as a culture make something like this mainstream ~ it shows a lack of discretion [and] discernment.
The “Brown Skin” singer acknowledged that others might not agree with her but also reiterated her point.
“Just as many folks have the right to want our MAINSTREAM International export – out Music – to show us in a respectful light,” she continued. “Id like to go on the record saying : this wont age well and thats my issue.”
India.Arie concluded by saying that although she loves Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monáe, “i dont like this moment.” Read her comments in full below.
Drake has been sporting a new look on his nails recently, but not everybody is a fan.
The rap superstar recently got a fresh pink manicure as part of his preparations for his highly anticipatedIt’s All A Blur Tour with 21 Savage. While the rappers had to postpone their first 10 tour dates to the fall, Drizzy kept the nail art. He showed off his new look on Instagram Monday (July 3) alongside an iced-out, rainbow-colored watch and freshly braided hair.
However, his new look received a mixed response, with some branding Drizzy a “weirdo” for painting his nails. Controversial influencer Andrew Tate was appalled after catching sight of Drake’s painted talons.
Although he’s currently facing a string of criminal charges in Romania, including rape, human trafficking and forming an organized crime group to sexually exploit women, Tate has been active on social media while he awaits trial.
“Theres a reason I deny meeting all the famous people who try to meet me,” he tweeted.
Theres a reason I deny meeting all the famous people who try to meet me. https://t.co/zMVaGkmchY
When Drake’s good friend and collaborator Lil Yachty saw Andrew Tate’s response, he trolled the British influencer in a reply dripping with sarcasm. Lil Boat frequently pains his nails and even launched his own nail care brand, Crete, in 2020.
“Man dis s### weird AF‼️” he penned on Instagram. “SMH u used to be our HERO DRAKE ‼️ u let dat boy yatchy get 2 u‼️”
Meek Mill is fighting back after growing tired of being the butt of internet jokes. He claims campaigns are being waged against him to twist fans’ perceptions of him.
The “Dreams & Nightmares” hitmaker went viral Tuesday (July 4) after sharing a photo featuring the aftermath of his Reform Alliance partner Micheal Rubin’s annual Fourth of July white party. The star-studded bash brought together a host of A-List celebrities, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Kim Kardashian, Kevin Hart, Kevin Durant and many more famous faces.
While guests like Lori Harvey went viral after sharing TikTok-worthy footage from the bash, posting a mini-fashion show with her model friends, Meek Mill garnered social media attention for all the wrong reasons.
After a heavy night partying with his friends, Meek Mill was a little worse for wear and posted the receipts himself. He shared a photo of himself bent over the toilet bowl with the caption, “Too much liquor smh.”
Screenshots of the image were widely shared on social media, and soon many of Meek Mill’s famous memes began reappearing. As one of the most meme-able rappers in history, Drake once ridiculed Meek with a PowerPoint full of the most notorious images at the height of their rivalry, netizens had many to choose from.
One post of his late-night restroom antics, captioned “Meek Mill is not a real person,” attracted more than 1.7 million views in just over nine hours.
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) July 4, 2023
Meek Mill Reacts
Meek Mill caught wind of all the jokes and took to Twitter to respond. He claimed “small internet campaigns” are being waged against him to sway perception of him.
However, he also pointed out artists now have their own platforms to communicate directly with their fans.
“We can say what we want at will in front of millions and they don’t feel that!” he said. “Anything I post they try to amplify it and me me look stupid. I wasn’t created on the internet and I know they got some of y’all in a trans threw social perception… that’s why content creators win because lead the narrative.”
Renowned director Benny Boom and his son, Mini Boom, discussed their shared legacy, the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, and their experience of working together in a recent interview with AHH’s Chuck “Jigsaw: Creekmur at the BET Awards.
The father-son duo spoke about their individual journeys in the music industry, with Mini Boom following in his father’s footsteps as a music producer.
“It’s really inspirational, honestly, because everybody here considers him as a legend, and I just want to build my way up to having that sort of legacy,” Mini Boom said, reflecting on his father’s influence on his career.
He started making beats in fifth grade, and his father encouraged him to take it more seriously. Benny Boom, known for his work in music, television, and film, expressed his excitement about working with his son.
“It’s insane because I’m at a different place in my career… it affords me the time and opportunity to spend some time with him,” Benny Boom said. He also spoke about the artists Mini Boom has been working with, including Serena Smart, Fivio Foreign, DFM $loan, and Busta Rhymes.
Benny Boom, born Benny Douglas on July 22, 1971, is an American director who has worked extensively in music, television, and film. He is best known for directing the 2017 Tupac Shakur biopic “All Eyez on Me.”
Raised in West Philadelphia and then Mount Airy, his curiosity about the visual differences between sitcoms and the evening news led him to film school.
Mini Boom, who has been making a name for himself in the music industry, has worked with a variety of artists and is carving out his own legacy. He has been in the studio with several artists, creating a vibe that makes everything flow better.
As Hip-Hop turns 50 this year, Benny Boom reflected on the genre’s evolution and the next iteration of the culture.
“I’m excited for what it has turned into…I’m excited about being able to usher in someone with the potential to actually change, be that next level of change, that next wave of change,” he said.
For more information about Benny Boom and Mini Boom, you can watch their full interview here.
Maryland’s State’s Attorney, Aisha N. Braveboy, is taking a stand against the Drill Rap music genre and its producers in response to a surge in violent incidents in the state, some of which have been linked to the genre’s provocative themes.
Drill Rap, a music genre known for its explicit lyrics and violent narratives, has recently been implicated in a deadly gunfight that claimed the lives of two local performers, Money Bag KZ and Risque Luck. The incident, which unfolded at a motel in Suitland, was shockingly reminiscent of the violent scenarios often depicted in their music.
Braveboy, in a recent statement, expressed her deep concern about the genre’s potential to incite violence.
“We are very concerned about this particular form of rap music that not only celebrates violence but also directs violence,” she said. She further emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “When you’re talking about things that you have done, violent acts that have actually happened, or things that you actually intend to do, that causes other people to react. It has caused homicides, shootings, and other acts of violence to actually occur
The State’s Attorney is no stranger to dealing with cases involving Drill Rap artists. She previously handled a case involving a 14-year-old rapper, Baby K, who’s incarcerated for allegedly attempting to murder a student on a school bus.
Braveboy is now turning her attention to the producers of Drill Rap, urging them to consider the potential consequences of their content.
She said admitting to crimes they plan to or have committed is different, and “that is not protected, and that is something that we are going to go after.”
Despite the potential challenges posed by the First Amendment, Braveboy is committed to finding legal solutions to this issue. She’s currently directing her team of prosecutors to explore possible legal actions that could be taken against those who produce and promote content that incites violence.
The upcoming sci-fi mystery comedy, “They Cloned Tyrone,” is set to make a splash with its unique blend of humor, conspiracy and cultural commentary.
Produced by Stephen “Dr.” Love, the film features a star-studded cast, including Jamie Foxx, Tiana Paris and John Boyega, who stumble upon a government mind control experiment in their neighborhood.
As they peel back the layers of this conspiracy, they also delve into the societal implications of redlining, control over food, music and religion, and the importance of maintaining control over one’s own culture.
“The movie’s about three people who realize the government is doing mind control experiments with the neighborhood, and they have to kind of unpeel that onion,” Love told AllHipHop during an interview at the 2023 BET Awards, where he was celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop.
The film not only tackles serious societal issues but also promises to be a musical treat. Set in the South, the soundtrack features a mix of legendary and emerging artists, including Project Pat and Big K.R.I.T.
Love expressed his excitement about bringing the culture together around the film’s music.
“As we celebrate the 50 years of Hip-Hop, one of the things that’s coming to the forefront is people are starting to realize we need to control our own sound and control our own music,” Love said.
“They Cloned Tyrone” seems set to explore this theme in depth, making it a must-watch for fans of thought-provoking cinema and Hip-Hop alike. The movie hits Netflix on July 21.
Rapper Young Thug has raised concerns about the heavy police presence in his ongoing RICO trial, arguing that it is prejudicing his chance for a fair trial.
The Atlanta-based rapper and his legal team have been vocal about the “fortress-like atmosphere” in the courtroom, which they believe influences the jury pool’s perception of Young Thug.
From the start of the case, Young Thug’s family members and supporters have been barred from entering the courtroom, instead assigned to a separate “viewing courtroom.”
The police presence, described as more than “heavy,” includes officers in tactical gear carrying heavy guns and ammunition.
Young Thug himself is brought into the courtroom daily in a leg brace, a sight his legal team argues further contributes to the impression that he is dangerous.
The court has overruled previous objections from Young Thug’s counsel regarding the police presence, leaving it to the discretion of the Sheriff.
The rap star’s legal team has argued that this decision, along with the closure of the courtroom to his supporters, creates a prejudice against him.
Young Thug’s lawyers have also raised concerns about the differential treatment of defense attorneys and prosecutors, with the former being searched in front of the jury panel while the latter often enter through a back door without being searched.
His legal team has requested a hearing to present photographs and other evidence of the police presence, the leg brace, and other elements contributing to an unfair trial environment.
They argue that this evidence is necessary for an Appellate Court to understand the extent of the police presence should there be a wrongful conviction.
Young Thug’s trial has been marked by delays and controversies.
His legal team has also made four attempts to secure bond for the rapper, who has been in jail since his arrest in May 2022. The jury selection process has been lengthy, involving over 1,200 potential jurors, and jurors still need to be seated.
Christian Keyes, the multi-talented actor, singer and songwriter, recently sat down to discuss his chart-topping music and his role in the hit BET show “All The Queen’s Men.”
Keyes, who had not released any music in about a decade, felt it was time to return to the music scene.
“It was time, man,” he told AllHipHop‘s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur. “I hadn’t put out any music in about 10 years or so, and you know, and god kept nudging me like, ‘Hey, you know, I’m blessing you in acting…you’re selling shows. You got to listen, even if you’re a little nervous.'”
His return to music has been successful, with songs suchc as “I’m Alright,” “Under That Veil and “I Know” hitting the charts. Keyes’ soulful R&B tracks have resonated with fans, earning him a spot on top playlists and music charts.
Keyes also discussed his single status and his song “Under That Veil,” which he described as a manifestation of what he wants.
“I’m currently single, so I don’t have a lady at the moment,” he said. “I’d like to rectify that very soon. [The song] was pretty much a manifestation of what I want. You got to declare what you want sometimes, and that is a goal when it’s going to be right.”
In addition to his music, Keyes is known for his role in the BET show “All The Queen’s Men.” The show, based on the popular book by Christian Keyes, follows the life of a female strip club owner and her male exotic dancers.
With his chart-topping music and successful acting career, Christian Keyes continues to make his mark in the entertainment industry.
His dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with his audience through his music and acting roles have solidified his place as a multi-talented artist to watch.
Boosie Badazz is coming to Coi Leray’s defense after the young rapper’s sophomore album, COI, hobbled onto the Billboard 200 at No. 102. Many of her fans wondered how somebody with millions of Instagram followers and a few hit songs could sell so little in her first week. But Boosie Badazz had a theory.
On Monday (July 3), the outspoken rapper headed to Twitter and offered, “@coileray SHOULD HAVE SOLD AT LEAST 100k the first week. NOBODY RECENT GOT MORE HITS THAN HER. either this s### rigged r CELEBRITY KIDS JUST GET HATED ON WHEN ITS TIME TO SWIPE. MFS BE HATERS str8 UP. MY FAM GO THROUGH the Same S### WE AINT STOPPING THO BELIEVE THAT.”
Coi Leray quickly retweeted Boosie’s post, seemingly in agreement with the Baton Rouge native.
@coileray_ SHOULD HAVE SOLD AT LEAST 100k the first week. “NOBODY RECENT GOT MORE HITS THAN HER” either this s### rigged r CELEBRITY KIDS JUST GET HATED ON WHEN ITS TIME TO SWIPE. MFS BE HATERS str8 UP ‼️MY FAM GO THROUGH the Same S### 💯 WE AINT STOPPING THO BELIEVE THAT 🖕🏽
Coi Leray released COI on June 23 via Uptown/Republic Records. The album featured guest appearances by David Guetta, Saucy Santana, Giggs, Lola Brooke, the late James Brown and Skillibeng. Its release was preceded by four singles: “Players,” “Bop,” “My Body” and “Run It Up.” Despite the hype, the fan support didn’t translate to sales for Leray.
Still, the 26-year-old is impressed by her accomplishments. She tweeted, “Grateful to have an album on the top 200 for my first week of my album release, again. This time with 3 hits on the hot 100 … woah. I’m super proud of myself. Bigger and better year every time. Keep streaming #COI. it’s an AMAZING project!”
Grateful to have an album on the top 200 for my first week of my album release, again.
This time with 3 hits on the hot 100 … woah 🤯. I’m super proud of myself. Bigger and better year every time. Keep streaming #COI 💘💘💘💘 it’s an AMAZING project !
Kim Kardashian recalled testifying at a murder trial when she was 14 years old.
While speaking to Vogue Italia, the reality star recounted taking to the stand in 1998 during the murder trial of Dee Dee Jackson, the mother of ex-boyfriend Tito Jackson.
The Kardashians star was asked by the interviewer about her life growing up in Los Angeles, to which she replied that it was “hectic.”
“My dad was going through all those trials, and it was pretty intense in my life,” the 42-year-old told the magazine. “My boyfriend’s mother whom I was really close, was murdered in 1994, and I had to be part of that trial.”
Dee Dee, real name Delores, was the wife of Jackson 5 guitarist Tito Jackson. In 1994, she was found dead in the pool of boyfriend Don Bohana in his California home.
“To have that experience at such a young age was insane,” Kardashian said. “And it was back-to-back with the OJ (Simpson) trial. There was just a lot of layers there.”
When asked whether she was involved in the trial itself, the SKIMS founder answered that she was. “I had to testify and was there every day with my boyfriend,” she added. “I was just 14, you know.”
Four years after Dee Dee’s death, Bohana was found guilty of her murder and sentenced to 15 years to life. He has spent 19 years in a prison in California.
Rick Ross hopped on Instagram Monday (July 3), and we assume his knees stayed good and sturdy—unlike his viral diving attempt. The Maybach Music Group boss took some time to break down the stunt, which he gave its own name.
“I did a double bounce and boy my knee caught a flat,” he said. “Bow! Don’t try my ‘DOUBLE DECKER SLAPPER’ dive at home!”
It all started over the weekend Rozay when threw an epic shindig at his Georgia estate. Of course, it had a few shenanigans. Somehow, a parachuting man became a part of the festivities.
Yung Rénzél then attempted his self-professed “double decker slapper” and, boy, did that water slap the taste out of his mouth.
Shameik Moore continues to rise. The talented actor has achieved iconic status in both the comic book and Hip-Hop industries. Best known for his role as Miles Morales in “Spider-Verse,” Moore is also an honorary Hip-Hop legend with his roles in Netflix’s “The Get Down,” cult classic “Dope” and also playing Raekwon in the Hulu series “Wu-Tang: An American Saga.” Miles Morales is the Brooklyn-based Spider-Man with a penchant for Hip-Hop.
AllHipHop’s Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur caught up with Moore, who shared his thoughts on what it means to be an icon, the cultural impact of “Dope” and his vision for the future of Hip-Hop. He also discussed his current projects, highlighting the importance of purpose and making a meaningful impact.
AllHipHop: What does it feel like to be an icon in both the comic books and Hip-Hop industries?
Shameik Moore: Man, I feel lucky, like I was bitten by that spider, you know? All that energy. Being an icon in two industries that I love, comic books and Hip-Hop, it’s a blessing.
AllHipHop: “Spider-Verse” has brought you tremendous success. What does it mean to you to be in that iconic status and have fans who love you for it?
Shameik Moore: It’s incredible. I remember writing in my journal, “I Am Miles Morales, I am Spider-Man,” while I was filming the movie called “Dope.” When the people in charge saw “Dope” at Sundance, they reached out to me, and it’s like my words became a real manifestation. I truly feel chosen for this role. With great power comes great responsibility, you know?
AllHipHop: Speaking of “Dope,” it’s considered a seminal movie that put a lot of people onto Bitcoin. Would you like to talk about its cultural impact?
Shameik Moore: Absolutely. “Dope” came out a few years before Bitcoin really had its moment. Rick Famuyiwa, who directed The Wood and wrote the script for Dope, did an amazing job with our movie. “Dope,” “Wu-Tang,” and “Spider-Verse” are culturally impactful projects that I’ve been fortunate to be a part of.
AllHipHop: It’s awards season, and Hip-Hop is turning 50. What are your thoughts on this milestone, and what do you envision for the future of Hip-Hop?
Shameik Moore: Hip-Hop is more than just culture; it’s a mindset, a lifestyle. It’s the way we walk, talk, and interact with each other. It’s our dreams. It goes beyond our own race, as other walks of life are inspired by our culture. We have the right to claim all of that success. Looking ahead, I believe the future of Hip-Hop relies on us coming together and making purposeful impacts. There are opportunities to monetize and unite the collective black consciousness for positive change.
AllHipHop: What projects are you currently working on?
Shameik Moore: Film-wise, I have two or three projects in circulation. They all carry different energies, and right now, it’s about determining which one to focus on. Additionally, I’m working on something meaningful, something that aligns with my purpose and the impact I want to make. While the art itself is fun and allows me to reach different audiences, what I do with that influence is going to be legendary. It’s about community and creating something that matters.
South London rapper Konan opens up about his battle with PTSD in a candid new documentary that follows the rapper as he receives treatment for the debilitating condition.
The Rap Game UK host began having flashbacks and other symptoms of PTSD—including anxiety, paranoia, anger and intense feelings of guilt—over a decade ago after his mother was shot and his stepfather killed by gang members who broke into his house attempting to get to Konan.
Konan announced the Channel 4 documentary on Monday (July 3) and shared his hopes to inspire others with PTSD to seek treatment.
“I hope this documentary encourages others to engage in open dialogue, rather than bottling up things like I did,” Konan shared.
A study for Konan – Trapped in Trauma: UNTOLD revealed about 311,000 16- to 24-year-olds in England and Wales have PTSD. Most of the individuals in the study, many of whom are undiagnosed, linked their cases to personal assault and violence.
I hope this documentary encourages others to engage in open dialogue, rather than bottling up things like I did. I hope it inspires them to seek help and actively pursue their own healing and self-improvement journeys. watch here: https://t.co/zJTIPfY4B8pic.twitter.com/eCPA8fuAuo
— KONAN THE WARRIOR (@konanplaydirty) July 3, 2023
In a new interview with The Guardian, the Krept & Konan rapper shared how therapy changed how he lives with his PTSD diagnosis.
“The therapy has made me open doors that I’ve had closed for a while. It’s made me more emotional,” Konan explained. “I’ve been taking in things and feeling a lot more. During this whole period, I learned to shut everything out and it made me a bit numb.
“I wasn’t feeling happy about things I was achieving, but when I sat in therapy sessions [the therapist] told me that because I shut off sadness, I couldn’t take in happiness.”
Ice-T has shared his concerns for the future of the current generation of rappers, claiming something must be done about the number of deaths among rap artists.
The gangsta rap pioneer reflected on the longevity of the genre during a talk at Essence Fest over the weekend alongside fellow trailblazer KRS-One. Ice-T explained his fears for artists and mentioned the recent slew of rappers getting locked up. He also pointed to the rate of rappers dying due to drug use or murder, including the likes of XXXTENTACION, Pop Smoke, Nipsey Hussle and Takeoff.
“I think people from my generation are really upset with what’s going on with the youngsters because every week somebody’s going to jail. People are dying off drugs, killing each other,” Ice T shared, per People.
According to Ice T, his generation of rappers “got the memo” after the murders of 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. in September 1996 and March 1997, respectively. “Everybody calmed down. We all figured this out: We [were] rapping to get out of the streets,” he added.
Ice-T Calls Out The New Generation Of Rappers
The Law & Order: SVU star questioned how many more of their peers have to die before the younger generation of rappers makes a change.
“But the youngsters who are out here behaving like that, these kids are millionaires,” Ice-T continued. “So I don’t know how many young people gotta get lost, I don’t know which one might trigger that message, but I think it’s time for this generation to get a hold of itself.”
During a recent episode of Drink Champs, Ice-T revealed he rarely returns to his hometown in L.A. because it’s too violent.
“We have gangs and the gangs are extremely dangerous; I don’t really f### around in L.A.,” Ice-T added, claiming that while he “survived” the city, he doesn’t go back. “Do you go back to prison for a visit?” he asked.
Kubla Kahn, an Arizona native, and rising artist, recently hosted a single release party for his highly anticipated track “Snow In California.” The event, held at the renowned venue Phoenicia, attracted a massive crowd of over 1,000 enthusiastic fans.
Collaborating with the esteemed Yellow Affair, Kubla Kahn brought his unique sound and energy to the stage, captivating the audience from start to finish. Despite the summer heat in Arizona, fans flocked to the venue, eagerly awaiting the performance.
The single release party not only featured a captivating live performance by Kubla Kahn but also included the screening of the music video for “Snow In California.” The crowd’s response to the video was overwhelming, demonstrating their excitement and support for Kubla Kahn’s artistic vision. As the video played, the chorus echoed throughout the venue, with everyone joining in, creating a truly epic moment.
Kubla Kahn’s success as a producer has set the stage for his transition into a performing artist. With a deep understanding of songwriting and production, combined with his natural talent, Kubla Kahn is poised for a promising future in the music industry. Following in the footsteps of renowned artists like Bruno Mars and Julia Michaels, who started their careers as songwriters before stepping into the spotlight, Kubla Kahn possesses the perfect blend of skills and artistry to make a significant impact.
As the single-release party came to an end, the enthusiasm and cheers from the crowd lingered in the air. The event showcased Kubla Kahn’s ability to attract a devoted following and create an unforgettable experience for his fans. With “Snow In California” generating such anticipation, the future looks bright for Kubla Kahn as he continues to make his mark on the music scene. Fans eagerly await his upcoming projects, ready to support him on his musical journey.
Get a taste of Kubla Kahn’s music on Spotify by checking it out here:
