Rot Ken, a rapper signed to Taz Taylor’s Internet Money Records, was arrested for the murder of a 24-year-old man in Augusta, Georgia.
According to the Augusta Press, authorities identified Rot Ken as one of the two suspects in an April shooting. The rapper and his accomplice allegedly shot two men, leaving one of the victims dead.
Online records show Rot Ken was charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a first offender and possession of a firearm during a crime. Authorities caught the second suspect, Vinston Moultrie, on Sunday (June 18).
Rot Ken, whose real name is Kenneth Williams, and Moultrie allegedly approached two men in a vehicle on April 26. The attackers opened fire at the car, killing a passenger named Usaini Yunusa.
Kobe Burns, the driver, survived the shooting but crashed into trees after he sped away from the scene. He was taken to the hospital.
Authorities said Burns was drunk. The 20-year-old victim faced DUI charges.
Rot Ken spent 10 days in jail for a probation violation before winding back behind bars on a murder warrant. He landed on probation from a past conviction for burglary, carrying a firearm during the commission of a felony and theft by receiving stolen property.
Jason Martin, the rapper formerly known as Problem, claimed Nicki Minaj stole Saweetie’s idea to sample Aqua’s single “Barbie Girl” for the Barbie movie.
Martin, who worked with Saweetie on a song sampling “Barbie Girl,” detailed his allegations on Twitter and Instagram Live. Martin accused Nicki Minaj of taking Saweetie’s song idea after a proposed collaboration.
“As a writer on this, I can confirm this song and idea was sent to [Nicki Minaj] last year to submit for the Barbie movie,” Problem wrote. “It’s sad to see that the original artist has been pushed off a song that was her idea and was meant for both of them. I have no side in this, but I will be compensated.”
As a writer on this, I can confirm this song and idea was sent to her last year to submit for the Barbie movie. It’s sad to see that the original artist has been pushed off a song that was her idea and was meant for both of them. I have no side in this, but I will be compensated.… https://t.co/gbVkItEVmM
Saweetie previewed her song sampling “Barbie Girl” in late 2022. According to Martin, Nicki Minaj agreed to team up with Saweetie on the track. But Nicki Minaj allegedly bailed on the collaboration and created a new track titled “Barbie World” with Ice Spice. The situation left Martin frustrated and looking for compensation for his work.
“If or when I need to detail the whole way it went down in regards to this Barbie s###, you will understand why all writers need to be compensated with day rates and contracts protecting their intellectual properties the day of,” he wrote. “Hopefully this gets sorted out quietly. But please no I don’t scare easy.”
Listen to Martin’s side of the story below.
Jason Martin Speaking On How Nicki Minaj Allegedly Stole The “Barbie World” Idea From Him And Took Saweetie Off The Song For Ice Spice. #Barbiepic.twitter.com/oUUrWDqtJP
Quincy Jones was rushed to hospital over the weekend over a bad reaction to something he ate.
Paramedics were called to the “We Are the World” producer’s home on Saturday afternoon before Quincy, 90, was taken to the emergency room.
A representative for the record producer and composer told TMZ in a Sunday statement that Quincy suffered a bad reaction to some food he ate, so out of an abundance of caution, he called 911 for help.
The spokesperson clarified that Quincy never lost consciousness during the ordeal, and was in “great spirits” by the time doctors gave him the all-clear and released him from the hospital.
Previously, Quincy suffered a brain aneurysm in 1974 that required two operations that left the producer with six steel pins in his head.
“I actually had two brain aneurysms,” he recalled in his 2018 documentary Quincy. “So I guess I would classify as having some experience with trauma to the brain. Also, my mother suffered from mental illness.”
He was also hospitalised in 2015 for chest pain and shortness of breath.
An exasperated Ari Fletcher has evidently had enough of the shenanigans. In fact, being unable to contact her young son, she decided to demand some attention by putting Taina Williams digits on social media. Only then was she seemingly able to establish contact.
Countless women have had to contemplate a partner’s infidelity. This situation is no different. If and when she decides to use social media to voice her frustration, the outcome often hits differently.
Please, don’t forget, her combined social media presence yields more than seven million followers. Time after time, many inquisitive eyes and opinions amplify many a messy situation. Therefore, when The Don reacts it makes a resounding impact.
I don’t even like Ari Fletcher and she had a point ! She has every right to want to know about her child’s well-being and safety. It’s not different from how most concerned mothers are. https://t.co/MGklovlXlt
— Pimp C’s woke lil cousin (@Privacym9) June 17, 2023
While she may need to work on her delivery, the message is clear: don’t play games with this concerned mother and her child. Needless to say, when the determined businesswoman puts the game on two-player, people cry afoul.
Be that as it may, Ari Fletcher has taken the time to wholeheartedly address the situation. Within a thorough social media post, she summarized the entire ordeal.
With those Twitter fingers typing away, she directly addressed her actions. “Let me say this too real quick cause y’all gotta let the ‘bitter babymama’ thing go. Respectfully, saying I wanna be with my baby daddy is like saying I’m broke b**** it’ll never ever happen.
Furthermore, she contends, “I treat herb like a brother. I have no desire to f*** with him outside of a coparenting relationship. Being a side b**** to your own baby daddy is the lowest most embarrassing thing you can be in the world. So cut that s*** OUT!”
Bronx rapper and now battle rap league-owner Remy Ma had her first “Grudge” card, the only event she’s hosted since the controversial anniversary card that placed the Terror Squad vet at odds with her former friend, Troy “Smack White” Mitchell, and the Ultimate Rap League. The four-battle card had the potential to be really good. Find some highlights below.
First Lady Flamez solidified herself as the premier female battle rap MC out of Virginia, performing like a true champion. Fans had long awaited her battle against the first lady of Rare Breed Entertainment. The frequent URL battler dominated from the start to finish, with Kausion being able to land a few scathing lines. But it wasn’t good enough and she might need to figure stuff out if she comes off her platform to play against other stamped female MCs. She’s actually on her third loss against vets, which makes the Champion Rookie of the Year fall flat.
Brooklyn’s Toni Blanco went up against newcomer Cheyraq in what really was a grudge match. The two both have been or are involved with the same battle rapper, DOT. This battle was a great back-and-forth. Cheyraq boasted about how fast she got some big names and how it only took her a year to make it to the big stage. However, there’s something to be said about the marinade and paying dues.
What one learns is to keep their composure, because she looked bothered and spazzed out at the end, she looked like the loser. While the new Ms. Dot looked super cute, Toni snatched the “L” because she made the debatable exchange look more like a scolding, reducing the Massachusetts rapper with each round.
DOT Mob’s Chayna Ashley is incredible and showed the battle rap world can stop playing with her name. Aggressive but poised; articulate but comprehensively intricate, she’s by far one of the most frighteningly dope MCs in the culture.
Unfortunately, her gift was not as apparent against Tori Doe, who seemed to crumble standing in front of the seasoned veteran. Tori Doe forfeited two rounds by not saying anything—not one bar.
Whatever is the next Chrome 23 card, fans hope Chayna is blessed with a great talent with a strong work acumen and résumé. She deserves to be showcased as the queen she is.
While those were shining spots of the battle, several hiccups have it in the running as one of the worst battle rap events. There were quite a few outbursts that compromised the night, including Cheyraq’s freak out after Toni Blanco’s ending bars seemed to strike a little too close to home. Elsewhere, Tori Doe spaced out and refused to rap one bar while standing before Chayna Ashley, 40 BARRS looked at her phone during her battle against Yoshi G and Remy’s security interrupted the battle by arguing about 40 BARRS seemingly intimidating Yoshi G by standing in front of her and laughing at her choke. Then, both 40 BARRS and Yoshi G choked (automatically losing the rounds), Yoshi G got upset and threw a bottle at 40 BARRS because she was mocked by Team 40 for messing up her third round and the nasty rumor that Eazy the Block Captain got beat down by Remy’s husband and Tunecore executive, Papoose.
Remy Ma took to Twitter to apologize to the fans.
“I’d like to apologize to everyone that was disappointed tonight because we couldn’t get 3 full rounds from all the opponents,” she wrote. “I tried…and can y’all pleasee STOP with the Eazy & Pap LIES. There’s NO place like Chrome! Right back at it ; see y’all in August #Chrome23.”
I’d like to apologize to everyone that was disappointed tonight because we couldn’t get 3 full rounds from all the opponents… I tried 🤷🏾♀️…and can y’all pleasee STOP with the Eazy & Pap LIES🤦🏾♀️ There’s NO place like Chrome! Right back at it ; see y’all in August 😈#Chrome23
Remy Ma followed up with amazing stats that shows growth in the new league’s position in the culture: “Chrome23 The Grudge Card Trending #7 WORLDWIDE EVERY artist on the card trended at some point during the night Over 2 million impressions And a substantial increase in subscribers Despite the hiccups… There’s No Place Like Chrome!”
#Chrome23 The Grudge Card Trending #7 WORLDWIDE EVERY artist on the card trended at some point during the night Over 2 million impressions And a substantial increase in subscribers Despite the hiccups… There’s No Place Like Chrome ! pic.twitter.com/SIfMfeqzbD
Russell Simmons experienced a Father’s Day that he would presumably rather forget, as his estranged family has leveled serious accusations against the music mogul, claiming he excels at gaslighting and has pushed them to their breaking point.
The day started on a bitter note when Russ’s eldest daughter, Ming, publicly snubbed her father and instead wished her mother, Kimora Lee Simmons, a Happy Father’s Day. That’s a big no-no. Just wish her a Happy Mother’s Day, but I digress. For some reason, the mogul-turned-yogi decided to take it to Instagram. He then posted a not-so-subtle message, calling out ex-wife Kimora Lee. He claims she’s responsible for creating obstacles in his role as a father to their children.
His children didn’t see things the same way and went in. On Juneteenth of all days, Kimora Lee went live and delved into the deep rooted issues with Russ, revealing she’s had him blocked him on social media for quite some time, yet he persists in posting as if they are good friends. Aoki, Russ’s other daughter, also shared a multitude of distressing text messages exchanged between her and her father, along with a muted video of him angrily ranting during a FaceTime call. There’s more about that FT call below.
Aoki expressed to her followers that she feels she has exhausted all options for repairing their relationship. Some in the family believe Russ may be grappling with a mental health issue. Well, I think all if this can bring out the worse in people. This has been a long time coming…
Earlier this month, Kimora Lee and Russell Simmons’ youngest daughter became one of the youngest graduates from Harvard University. However, we noticed her Def Jam pops was absent from both daughters’ graduation ceremonies in New York this month. Also, Russell Simmons stopped following Aoki on Instagram. In an Instagram post where Aoki expresses her gratitude and acknowledges everyone who played a role in her educational accomplishments, she noticeably doesn’t mention her famous father.
This has gone left. I hope they can get it together. This shouldn’t be our business.
By the way, one thing that seems to be for sure is Russell Simmons’ finances are being taxed. At 65, he’s lived the life of a king, but it would appear his money is funny. In between the lines, his daughter seems to be talking about her money and career. It doesn’t seem like he’s able to help her with either.
Last year, Kimora Lee Simmons defeated Rush in court to the tune of $100,773.37. The exes are also former business partners. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled in favor of Kimora Lee Simmons’ motion for attorney fees to be paid. At the time, he was ordered to pay the entire amount within 30 days of the court order. I guess he paid it.
The legal dispute began when Kimora Lee Simmons filed a lawsuit against Russell Simmons in July 2022. This came in response to a lawsuit filed by Russell Simmons in 2021, when he accused her and her now-estranged husband, Timothy Leissner (an investment banker) of an unauthorized stock transfer.
SZA felt like she “disrespected” her parents by dropping out of college after two semesters.
While speaking to Elle, the “Kill Bill” chart-topper spoke about her brief stint at Delaware State University, where she studied marine biology.
She earned straight A’s for two semesters before losing interest and dropping out.
The 33-year-old told the publication, “I’m like, ‘I told you I was smart and I proved my point. I have to leave now.'”
SZA, real name Solána Imani Rowe, explained that she just stopped going to class and “completely flunked out of school and stopped working at jobs that make any sense to people.”
In hindsight, the Grammy Award winner regrets the stress she put her parents through during that time.
“I really disrespected my parents for a long time… Me telling my mom I would rather go run in the streets and bartend at the strip club so I can pay for studio time (than go to school). It’s crazy,” she shared.
In 2013, the performer signed with Top Dawg Entertainment, becoming the first female artist to join the label, and she released her debut album Ctrl in 2017.
SZA is currently in the middle of the European leg of her SOS Tour. The trek began in February and is set to wrap up on October 29 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Pregnancy can be a beautiful experience. Although it’s a rewarding adventure, challenges often arise. Overall, it seems like Chrisean Rock is handling it well. That was until she was allegedly seen on Instagram Live rolling up what appears to be marijuana.
Thus far, it’s no secret the candid personality shares a tumultuous relationship with rapper Blueface. Most times, the romantic relationship seems fleeting. However, these two are always going to be responsible for the well-being of their child.
Be that as it may, the Baltimore Baddie may be smoking marijuana. In many instances, this would be no big deal. A lot of states are even working diligently to decriminalize recreational use of the popular herb.
But to some people, smoking weed while pregnant is categorically sinful. Yes, women should always have the right to decide what happens to their bodies. So, is the “Lit” rapper in the wrong? Nonetheless, GloRilla tosses her an alley-oop, which she nearly drops. All the same, there is no direct footage of her smoking said blunt.
Socially, there’s still a negative stigma attached to a pregnant woman indulging in the elevating activity. On the other hand, will this taboo eventually become normalized and accepted. Thoughts?
Music industry veteran Justin Wright, also known as J. Wright and founder of Camp Entertainment Worldwide, will be spending the rest of his life behind bars. According to WSB-TV, the songwriter was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of Wilanna Bibbs, his former 20-year-old girlfriend in Iowa.
During the proceeding, Wright sat in complete silence and didn’t utter one word about the killing, his conviction or sentencing. Bibbs’s life was just beginning. Originally from Durham, North Carolina, she wanted to be a singer. This appeared to make the couple, who dated for a few months, an easy pair.
However, the young lady was fatally shot on May 9, 2021, in a home in Davenport by her lover. Wright, who’s worked with Bow Wow, Timbaland, Kash Doll, Gucci Mane, Future, 21 Savage, Rick Ross and DJ Khaled, was found guilty of first-degree murder in April.
Scott County Attorney Kelly Cunningham said Wright and Bibbs were in Davenport visiting relatives of the songwriter during the deadly altercation. Thomas Bibbs, the victim’s father, said his daughter was killed after the two allegedly got into an argument over $70.
After being sentenced, Wright wasn’t able to address his mother. His mother asked if she could say goodbye to her son, but a deputy escorting him out of the court, shook his head “no.” After denying the request, he walked him back to his cell.
The internet seems to be reeling after an alleged email from Tory Lanez’s first lawyer, dated November 21, 2022, has emerged. The screenshot of the email was posted by “Legal Affairs and Trials with Meghann Cuniff.” In the correspondence, it shows attorney Shawn Holley was “not comfortable” using Megan the Stallion’s former friend as the scapegoat in the Canadian recording artist’s murder trial.
The subject title for the email says, “CONFIDENTIAL/ ATTORNEY-CLIENT COMMUNICATION.” In the body, the lawyer said, “Tory, As we discussed on Saturday, I am not comfortable advancing the ‘Kelsie Defense’, primarily because I don’t find it to be a viable strategy. I don’t believe my position will change unless Quan is persuasive in the preview of his testimony and you are persuasive under mock cross-examination by George and/or Lisa.”
Holley continued, “Even if both of those benchmarks (Quan/you) were satisfied, I am still not certain that I would be willing to go forward. In light of that, you should discuss with George [Mgdesyan, the other attorney at the firm] his willingness and ability to move forward with that defense and if he can do so by the trial date (December 6). I will help him get up to speed, if that is something you/he are interested in.”
Despite Holley’s uncertainty the strategy would work, he argued Kelsey Harris shot her friend five times in a jealous fit with a semi-automatic firearm around 4:25 a.m. on July 12, 2020. The “WAP” co-artist was later hospitalized, where bullet fragments in both feet were removed by surgeons.
The jury deliberated for seven hours over two days before convicting Lanez last December of first-degree assault, discharge of a firearm with gross negligence, and having a concealed and unregistered firearm in a vehicle. Now, Lanez is waiting for his sentencing which is scheduled for August 7.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge David Herriford will determine his fate. He’s currently looking at 13 years in prison.
After breaking chart records with the release of their collab single earlier this month, Dave and Central Cee have retained the top stop on the U.K. charts, despite fierce competition from Drake and J Hus.
Dave and Central Cee amassed the biggest streaming week ever for a rap song in the U.K. with the release of “Sprinter” on June 1. The pair raced to No. 1 on the U.K.’s Official Singles Chart Top 100. The track also scored the biggest opening week so far in 2023.
According to Billboard, “Sprinter” racked up 13.4 million streams surpassing the previous record held by Stormzy’s “Vossi Bop” (12.7 million streams) set in 2019.
However, another heavyweight duo joined the race last week with the Drake-assisted J Hus release, “Who Told You.” While the surprise collaboration soared up the charts after release on June 8, it failed to surpass Cench and Santan’s offering, which remained at No. 1 for a second consecutive week.
It isn’t just “Sprinter” making U.K. chart gains either. Dave and Central Cee also dropped the four-track Split Decision EP on June 5 in celebration of their 25th birthdays. Dave reached the milestone on their release date, while Central Cee turned 25 the day before.
“Trojan Horse” climbed two places this week, landing at No. 12 on the singles chart, while “UK Rap” ended the week at No. 14, up three spots from the previous week.
Watch the “Sprinter” video below and stream Dave and Central Cee’s Split Decision EP at the end of the page.
Beyoncé is shining a spotlight on Black fashion designers in honor of Juneteenth, showcasing a tour wardrobe made exclusively by Black creatives during the Amsterdam stop of her Renaissance tour.
On Sunday (June 17), a day before the annual holiday to mark the ending of the institution of enslavement of Black people, Beyoncé took to Instagram to share a carousel of images. The shots come from her recent tour stop at the Johan Cruijff Arena in the Netherlands.
“In honor of Juneteenth, everything I wore for RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR tonight was created exclusively by Black designers,” Bey announced in the caption.
Among the couturiers styling Beyoncé for her Juneteenth tribute are Ethiopian fashion designer Feben. She took to her Instagram Stories to thank the “Cuff It” hitmaker for sporting her customer design at the concert.
It isn’t the first time the pair have collaborated. Beyoncé snapped up Feben fresh out of fashion school, asking her to create the costumes for the “Brown Skin Girl” video in 2020. Feben also handled the costumes and styling for Bey’s Disney movie, Black Is King, later the same year.
During an interview with Elle last year, Feben revealed the kind of woman she has in mind when crafting her designs.
“Someone with an eclectic vibe, who likes mixing stuff and has been exposed to different cultures,” she said. “I want people to feel like they’re wearing something special.”
Raz B wound up laid out on the canvas after asking for smoke on a new episode of Bad Boys Texas.
The B2K member was a Top. 10 trending topic on Twitter Sunday (Jun. 18) after footage of Raz B getting punched in the face hit the net. In a clip from the Zeus Network series, the singer walked into a studio announcing to his fellow Bad Boys cast that he’s with all the smoke.
“So I’m walking into the studio, which I probably shouldn’t have even went to the studio because I was still turnt up,” Raz B admitted in a confessional. In the clip, the singer can be seen climbing the stairs while shouting threats. He entered the room, greeting his castmates with the warning, “I want smoke with everybody. What’s up?”
He continued ranting as he approached the others but was quickly stopped in his tracks. “I ain’t afraid of nobody. You, none of you n#####,” Raz B can be heard saying before a fist comes flying his way.
Twitter users attributed the punch to Bad Boys Texas alum Jonathan Wright. Check out the clip below.
Meanwhile, the “Bump, Bump, Bump” hitmaker and Jonathan exchanged words in another scene from the episode. The hairstylist intervened after Raz B got into a heated argument with Orlando Brown, with the pair claiming gang ties.
“It’s been a lot going on on tour,” Raz B explained. “Things that I probably normally wouldn’t say, I’m saying them today.”
Both incidents sparked fresh concern from fans worried about his mental health. Last month, the B2K member was placed on a 72-hour hold by Kansas City police after the singer climbed onto a Kansas City hospital roof. Police negotiators coaxed him down from the roof ledge, and he was treated by medical staff.
Tory Lanez has dropped a new single, just weeks after the track leaked online. The R&B singer took to Instagram Sunday (June 18) to announce the collaborative track, which features his brother, Yoko Gold.
“Two and a half years ago my brother Yoko and I orchestrated this record for his project,” Tory Lanez began. “We never thought nothing of it. It collected dust in a hard drive. Guess God had a different plan for it.”
Lanez expressed his gratitude to those who leaked the song, thanking them for making sure the track heard the light of day.
“Never thought I’d say this but I wanna thank the Umbrellas for LEAKING this record,” he added. “Yoko it’s your time. Hold the Umbrella down while I’m gone.”
Earlier on Sunday, Tory Lanez shared an update from behind bars as he awaits sentencing, more than six months after a jury found him guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion.
“I want y’all to know I haven’t lost my faith in God and that I’m in high spirits,” Lanez explained. “I’m praying for the best and remain confident that God will bring me through this. I have spent the last 7 months rehabilitating my mind, my body and my soul. Though I came to jail a good person, I will leave as a great person. He also vowed to continue dropping new music beginning with “Hurts Me.”
“I’ve turned this jail cell into my work office,” he said. “I will continue the legacy of the Umbrella from here or anywhere else. I won’t let anything stop me from being a positive light and a help to those in need.” Read his post in full below.
Offset and Quavo have put aside their rumored differences to reunite in honor of Takeoff on the day he would have turned 29.
The Migos rappers joined forces to celebrate the life of their late group member at a private birthday tribute Sunday, June 18. Like everybody at the gathering, Offset and Quavo wore white shirts with an image of Takeoff’s face on the front.
Offset and Quavo came together to celebrate Takeoff’s birthday today:
Paper lanterns filled the sky in a Rocket Man tribute as family and friends gathered to mark the first time Takeoff was absent from his birthday celebrations following his passing at a dice game last November.
Quavo began celebrating a day early, taking to Instagram on Saturday (Jun. 18) with a video of Quavo.
“Happy Birthday @yrntakeoff can’t wait for days like this again!!!” he penned in the caption. “BEST believe we goin up all week the Rocket way GEEKD 😵💫 u 29 n#### 🚀♾🚀♾🚀♾🚀♾🚀♾🚀♾🚀♾🚀♾🚀♾🚀♾🚀♾🚀 “
Offset shared a carousel of images to celebrate Takeoff on his birthday Sunday.
“Happy birthday rocket man 🚀 the greatest to touch a mic!! best spirit ever!!” he shared. “Purest man I know your heart was golden bring me peace bra we celebrate your life because you still right here I love you gang 🚀🚀🚀🚀”
Quavo Announces Takeoff Tribute Album
Last month, Quavo announced plans to release an album dedicated to his nephew, his first since Huncho in 2018.
“This album is a true reflection of how I feel right now. Sometimes I’m Good, sometimes I’m Down, sometimes I’m Disappointed, sometimes I fall apart but then I ALWAYS find my strength again,” wrote Quavo on Instagram. “I know everything might not be alright right now, but the rocket showed me a way to make it RIGHT!”
Meanwhile, Offset also opened up about his struggle to cope with Takeoff’s death in a Variety interview last month.
“It’s hard for me to talk about s### right now,” Offset said. “I’ve never talked about this stuff. Seriously. Talking about Take is hard, man. Talking about all this s### is hard. That’s why I don’t, to be honest. That s### hurts. Like, it’s gonna put me in a mood, and I don’t want to get in that mood. Some things I don’t never tell nobody. He’s not here. That s### feels fake, bro. I get through my day thinking it’s fake. And I don’t say nothing to nobody about it.”
Appreciating a heavenly birthday is often the hardest. On Sunday (June 18), the rap world stopped and wished Takeoff a happy one. Of course, the remaining Migos members—Quavo and Offset—respectfully sounded off.
It’s often said God doesn’t make mistakes. Be that as it may, the ability to discover grace in times of tribulation is, in fact, a blessing. So, with the unexpected demise of the respected rapper, not too much is making sense.
On the other hand, his family, peers and supporters are honoring his enduring memory. Although Takeoff was laid back, the composed Gemini still created a lasting impression. Through different social media platforms, his public is working to ensure June 18 is transforming into the day of Take.
The “Straightenin'” spitter was fatally shot last December. Of course, both Quavo and Offset are working to find the words to express their grief and appreciation. The former took to Twitter and wrote, “Everyone Wish My Nephew Happy Birthday,” before closing with, “Miss You So Much!”
Quavo just shared this video of Takeoff being in awe of the Yeezy jean jacket 🤍 happy heavenly birthday Takeoff 🕊 pic.twitter.com/QydFbK4QJb
Additionally, a series of photos, along with an accompanying message shared Offset’s perspective. With poignant prose he delivers, “Happy birthday rocket man. the greatest to touch a mic!! best spirit ever!! purest man I know your heart was golden bring me peace bra we celebrate your life because you still right here I love you gang.”
Trippie Redd is responding to a post from Spotify Head of Urban Music Carl Chery. The music exec shared his thoughts on the state of the culture via Twitter on Saturday (June 17). He wrote: “Hip-Hop needs new leaders who are intentional about dictating where the music and culture are going. It feels like artists either don’t think about it or don’t want that responsibility. We need it tho. Who’s gonna step up?”
Trippie Redd responded, “He right. we gone bounce back tho. We let country and Spanish music take over cuz we too divided. That s### lame as f###.”
Hip-Hop needs new leaders who are intentional about dictating where the music and culture are going. It feels like artists either don’t think about it or don’t want that responsibility. We need it tho. Who’s gonna step up?
Country and Latin music has exploded in recent months. So far in 2023, not one rap artist has held the No. 1 spot on Billboard. In fact, country artist Morgan Wallen’s latest album, One Thing at a Time, has dominated the top spot for 13 non-consecutive weeks. Other No. 1 albums this year include the K-pop group Stray Kids’ project 5-Star and SZA’s SOS—in other words, not rap.
On the Latin side, artists such as Karol G, Bad Bunny and Peso Pluma continue to soar in popularity. Trippie Redd, meanwhile, dropped an album in January called Mansion Musik that failed to land at No. 1. Instead, it debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, selling roughly 56,000 total album-equivalent units.
The first annual Strange Famous Fest took place at the Levitt Pavilion in Denver, Colorado on Saturday (June 17). Helmed by label head Sage Francis, the free, family-friendly event boasted performances from a healthy chunk of the SFR roster, including Wheelchair Sports Camp, Metermaids, Cas One, Sleep, BlackLiq, Jivin Scientists Mopes, Seez Mics, Jesse The Tree, Onry Ozzborn, Early Adopted, Storm Davis, DJ Zole and, of course, Sage Francis.
The familial vibe bounced off the rolling green hills, with generations of hip-hop fans scattered throughout the audience. Backstage, the reunion between labelmates and longtime friends who hadn’t seen each other since the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered the concert industry was nothing but joyous.
Sleep, who rose to notoriety with the Northwest Hip-Hop crew Oldominion, admitted he hadn’t performed some of his songs in more than 15 years. But with the confidence of any seasoned MC, he stepped up to the plate and killed his set.
At one point, he uttered, “There’s nothing like family,” which brilliantly summed up the entire evening. If there’s one thing Sage Francis has done extremely well (aside from rap), it’s create a family of loyal, hardworking artists who carry the Strange Famous flag wherever they go (both literally and figuratively).
Wheelchair Sports Camp—fronted by the inimitable Kayln Heffernan—brought along her killer live band and found the mighty MC displaying her signature sense of humor, especially on the song “Hard Out Here For A Gimp” where she rhymes, “I’m still tangled up in the mic cable/And not able to eat at high tables or live life stable/Fit all your right labels/But didn’t get cat called/And ain’t complaining at all/They’re like Kalyn you talk too much/Shut up you walk too much.” And with that, a collective laughter roared through the crowd.
“It was really so sweet to play such a special free show for the whole family,” Heffernan tells AllHipHop. “So many of us got to meet for the first time, the sunset was in full swoon, so many folks from out of town came and it went better than any of us could’ve asked for. It was great to have everyone in the hometown feeling so loved and supported.”
As for Sage Francis’ headlining performance—which involved a garbage bag full of raw broccoli—he sailed through live renditions of songs like “Sea Lion,” “Make Em Purr” and “Makeshift Patriot.” He also spit a scathing spoken word track about the socio-political climate that stopped people dead in their tracks. His writing prowess has always stomped the competition, and this occasion was no different.
Atmosphere co-founder Sean “Slug” Daley, who happened to play at the Fiddler’s Green Amphitheater the night before, joined the unsuspecting crowd and was quickly swarmed by shocked fans wanting a photo with the Rhymesayers Entertainment giant. When asked backstage if he was planning on rapping, Slug told AllHipHop he was simply there to support his friends. But, considering his profession, it was only a matter of time. As all of the performers gathered onstage at the end of the show, Slug took the mic and spit a freestyle, sending the crowd into a frenzy. For a moment, it looked like Slug and Sage Francis might take it back to the days of Scribble Jam and battle each other, but with the park curfew just minutes away, the grand finale was slightly rushed.
Even so, the inaugural Strange Famous Fest was a welcome reminder of the importance of family—no matter how one defines it. As Sage Francis instructed the crowd to hold a finger in the air, he paid tribute to those who’ve passed over the years, including former SFR artist and longtime friend Alias, Rhymesayers’ Eyedea and keyboardist Ikey Owens. It was a tear-jerking moment for those witnessing the scene unfold and subtly reminded everyone how fleeting life is.
Sage Francis spoke to AllHipHop about the event on Sunday (June 18), but it was clear the magnitude of what transpired hadn’t fully sunken in. He did offer, “All I can say at this very moment is how proud I am of our artists and fans for making something like this even possible. People have been gushing with positive feedback, but I’m currently sweating from running to the next concourse. I’m missing Father’s Day with my kids, but Strange Famous Fest made up for it!”
And Strange Famous fans felt similarly. Walking back to the parking lot after the festival had come to a close, one attendee was overheard shouting, “That was the best Hip-Hop festival I’ve ever been a part of!” There’s a sense it won’t be the last.
Featured image: E. Jourdain, Jr. for Under The Lights
Quincy Jones, legendary songwriter, producer and composer, was reportedly rushed to the hospital on Saturday (June 17). According to TMZ, Jones suffered a medical emergency he felt was serious enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room. Paramedics arrived at Jones’s Los Angeles home and transported him via ambulance to a local hospital.
A rep for Jones explained something he ate didn’t fair well with his digestive system and he called emergency responders out of caution. Jones was assessed by a medical team and released. He was apparently in “great spirits” and never lost consciousness.
Jones, who turned 90 March, has worked with numerous icons over the course of his career. While working on The Wiz in 1979, he agreed to produced Michael Jackson’s solo album, Off The Wall. The project went on to sell more than 20 million copies. The follow-up, 1982’s Thriller, moved around 65 million units, a testament to Jones and Jackson’s innate musical chemistry. Jones went on to contribute to Jackson’s Bad album, which sold 45 million copies.
Following Jackson’s unexpected death in 2009, Jones said, “Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the ’80s. To this day, the music we created together on Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world, and the reason for that is because he had it all … talent, grace, professionalism, and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer, and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”
Quincy Jones has also worked with Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin and Little Richard, among many others. He’s won 28 Grammy Awards, been nominated 80 times and won the Grammy Legend Award in 1992.
Could it be? Is one of Hip-Hop’s greats stepping from behind an imposed cloak of privacy? Just a while ago, Kendrick Lamar’s alleged, burner Instagram account has been found. Let’s delve deeper.
As a matter-of-fact, to his loyal supporters, this purported revelation is most pleasing. Moreover, the carefully cultivated page offers intriguing access. Recently, Mr. Morale just celebrated another birthday. However, he is the one who seems to stay blessing others.
Through, his creative acumen and entrenched work-ethic, K-Dot keeps the public talking. Accordingly, this previously private account is now a very big deal. Somehow, its simplistic offerings elevate the ordinary.
So, the ability to create a resonating impression is a gift. With this, the self-professed Omega continues to give of himself to others. Via, the alleged pseudonym, @jojoruski, he is captivating the masses.
Whether, cradling the brilliant future; or, contemplating the prolific past, Cornrow Kenny is now. As, one of the genre’s crowned kings, his voice and his actions are highly lauded. Indeed, the ongoing reactions range from sheer disbelief to welcome anticipation.
Undoubtedly, this array of easy images and candid videos are highly regarded. Kendrick Lamar’s insight is different. From his voice, the Compton Cowboy speaks for the have-nots.
