A jury convicted a New Jersey man for the 2011 murder of Brooklyn rapper Rhian “Kampane” Stoute years after the original conviction was overturned.
Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the verdict against Randy Manning on Thursday (June 8). Jurors found Manning guilty of multiple charges, including first-degree murder, at the end of a six-week trial in New Jersey on Wednesday (June 7).
Manning was convicted of nine charges in the murder case. The charges included possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a firearm, desecration of human remains, unlawful moving of human remains, arson, hindering apprehension by destroying or concealing evidence, hindering apprehension by giving false information to law enforcement and unlawful taking of a means of conveyance.
According to the Daily Voice, Manning was previously found guilty of Stoute’s murder and sentenced to life in prison in 2014. An appellate court overturned his conviction. The case reached the New Jersey Supreme Court, which upheld the lower court’s decision and granted Manning a new trial in 2020.
Years later, jurors found Manning guilty once again. Prosecutors said he shot and killed Stoute in a vacant house in Englewood, New Jersey in 2011. Manning burned the rapper’s body, put it in an SUV, drove to the borough of Paramus and abandoned the vehicle on a residential street.
Manning faces 30 years to life in prison. He will be sentenced on July 21.
Hey Wendy Williams … the world is asking “How you doing?”
After the media maven’s son made a clarion call about her health, her fans have been asking about her health and what’s next.
As previously reported, the one-time Queen of Mean’s only child, Kevin Hunter Jr., said he believed his mother was “being taken advantage of” by the people around her, and that his mother doesn’t seem to be “in her right mind.”
“I know the rate that she uses alcohol isn’t like a normal person—and we’ve spoken about it,” Hunter said. “I’ve said ‘This is one thing where you don’t know how to approach it normally, and that’s fine.’ And it’s gotten to a point where yes, it could have that effect that it might be fatal because it affects her way worse than a normal person since it stays in her system.
“They had her in a position where she was agreeing to a lot that she shouldn’t have. I feel that when it comes to people wanting to ‘help’ her, a lot of it is coming from a stance of, okay, she’s alone now.”
Alcohol is also playing a part in her demise, a dangerous substance considering her documented challenges with drug abuse and current physical and mental health battles.
“If they aren’t providing [the liquor], they are definitely enabling a type of personality and giving her the green light to drink,” he claimed.
Now, Williams’ manager Will Selby is sharing she is in rehab.
“Why don’t we just stop for a moment and just say, ‘Hey, how is she? Is she doing OK today?’” he asked. “Why is that not the focus? Why isn’t that what we’re talking about on a daily basis?”
Bri Trilla is a “Big Mood,” and the song a sure contender to be the anthem of the summer. With over five million global streams and thousands of users on TikTok making videos to the banger, “Big Mood” reminds audiences all around the world to get up out their feelings and get in their bag.
On the chorus, Bri spits, “If you my b####, then be my b####, and don’t turn on me for s###.
Nowadays these b###### sick and they gon’ turn on you for dick. He pourin’ his heart out, I just can’t fall in love for s###. I ain’t tryna get in my feelings, right now I’m tryna get rich.”
Hailing from a very small town called Uvalda, Georgia, the rising star has been doing music for a very long time, and with “Big Mood,” she’s finally getting the recognition she’s been working tirelessly for.
Bri explains, “I’m a very hard-driven student of the game type of artist. Very creative, very versatile when it comes down to beats and everything. Relatable messages in my music. I’m a little bit of everything in one. You can’t really box Bri Trilla in, it’s a lot that comes with her.”
To date, Bri has been co-signed by some big names, including Ari Fletcher, Glorilla, JT of City Girls and Lakeyah.
AllHipHop spoke with Bri Trilla in downtown Los Angeles to discuss her roots in Georgia, love for music, how she got her name, the virality of “Big Mood,” celebrity cosigns, and more!
AllHipHop: How small is Ulvada, Georgia where you’re from?
Bri Trilla: Compared to this, there’s one red light. That’s not even a red light, it’s one stoplight where I’m from. Everybody knows each other. It’s a small community. You gotta go somewhere else to go to school, with food and stuff like that. It’s a real deal country, cows in your backyard.
AllHipHop: How far is it from Atlanta?
Bri Trilla: Probably 3.5 hours? I moved to Baxley around the age of 8. It’s the same thing, small town. A couple more red lights, more food places, but it’s real country. Real, real small. You still got your people that go outside and eat food from the ground still. It’s real, real small, real. Everybody knows each other type of time.
AllHipHop: What made you fall in love with music?
Bri Trilla: At the age of 9 or 10, my uncle would come home from high school all the time and show me raps. Around 10 or 11, I really started to be like dang, I’d like to see how I could do it myself. I started getting a niche for instruments like guitars and pianos, my mom would buy me those things early on. I started to learn how to Google stuff, how to record, how to make beats. How to do that real real young. Over the years, I kept doing it. Went to college, was in a band. I’m a music head forreal forreal, it’s always stuck with me as a kid. Real deal being a music head seriously.
AllHipHop: What artists made you want to do it?
Bri Trilla: I’m a lyricist. Back then, I was listening to Nas, Nicki [Minaj], Biggie, all them at the time. Lil Wayne, the metaphors, I was big on that. As I got older and got into music, I was into Rihanna, Drake, Future, stuff like that as music advances. I was on New York rap pretty bad, really into battle rapping. That’s why I’m such a lyricist, because I still listen to that type of rap early on.
AllHipHop: How important is it for people to write their own bars?
Bri Trilla: For me, it’s important because you want to really give your fans you all the time. If you can write a song this way, then do it the same way tomorrow, you know for a fact your fans are going to love your artistry. It’s really really important to write from a perspective of where you coming from, so people can really now understand you as an artist. Really see what your pen is like and what you come to bring. It’s important, definitely.
AllHipHop: How’d you get your name?
Bri Trilla: Bri is part of my first name, which is Briana. Trilla, I had a group called Trilla Gang in college. It was a couple guys. I was Bri Trilla, C Trilla, etc. Bri Trilla just always stuck with me, it was a little gang I had. [laughs]
AllHipHop: I feel like trill had a moment, everyone said trill for a second.
Bri Trilla: Yeah, for a long time I thought it was gonna go away. But it represents me, the trillness. I’m a true person. I’m real, I’m authentic. What you get is what you get, I’m myself on and off the camera. It represents me too as a whole, so I stick with it.
AllHipHop: “Big Mood” out now! How you feeling?
Bri Trilla: I feel good. To be working for a long, long, long, long, long time, to finally get a song that grabs the world, it’s an amazing feeling. Where I was before I made “Big Mood,” okay this your time now.
AllHipHop: Where were you before “Big Mood”?
Bri Trilla: I was homeless. I moved to Atlanta now, but at that time I was homeless. I was sleeping on my homeboy’s floor. Waking up every morning, recording myself. Borrowing gas money to get to the studio, to record “Big Mood.” I was really in that space where dang, if you really giving it your all, why are you still going? You must be crazy. But I just knew I had to make a hit song, so I strategically planned to make a hit song. Let me work on a catchy…
AllHipHop: Really? Because most of the time it don’t be strategic.
Bri Trilla: I didn’t know it was gonna be a hit. But I did go into the studio that day with emphasis on, let me see what’s going on TikTok. What’s the new sound right now? What’s some good lyrics? What’s some good relatable captions that you can use so people can relate to? Because the females, the lane was wide open. I know I got bars, let me see how I can be funky and witty with it and create a hit. It just turned into a hit.
AllHipHop: What is a big mood?
Bri Trilla: To me, a big mood is a feeling. I think of it as a verb. You can wake up every day — if you came out of a relationship or fresh out of a relationship, you not crying, you living your best life. You getting money, you getting fine. You in a big mood. That’s your aura. That’s your feeling at the time, you in a big mood.
AllHipHop: Best memory from the video shoot?
Bri Trilla: Probably the girls that were on set with me. Because all the girls were super duper sweet, easy to get along with. They were fun. It was my first real on set type of video. Learning how the cameras and direction works, and being on set for hours, it was cool. But I really feel the girls really made it a real fun “Big Mood” boot camp.
AllHipHop: How’d it feel seeing K. Michelle dance to the song?
Bri Trilla: Lit! She reached out to me a while ago, when I was doing a show in Memphis. She wanted me to come to one of her shows. I was gone, I been on the road. I just happened to get on Instagram. They’re like “Yo, K. Michelle dancing to your song again.” Lit.
AllHipHop: That’s hard, how did she reach out to you?
Bri Trilla: In DM, Instagram. She said “you killing it,” blase base.. She wanted to bring me out to one of her shows in Tennessee, but I was in and out. She’s like “girl you killing it, I love this song.” We’ll gradually chat through the comment thread.
AllHipHop: How Glorilla cosign you?
Bri Trilla: I had to do a concert type of performance in Huntsville, it was her tour. She was headlining it. I was able to go in her dressing room, meet her and see what she was about. She was super duper, duper cool. We talked, we chopped it up. She gave me some real advice, from female to female.
AllHipHop: What’d she say?
Bri Trilla: Basically telling me how the internet works,how to avoid it and how to keep focus. How to still make your best music with everything going on. That’s when you make your music, putting in all of it into the mic and staying positive. It was lit, she knew the song. She was a vibe, she was cool as hell.
AllHipHop: Did you go viral on Tiktok? How’d you get your following?
Bri Trilla: At the time when I dropped “Big Mood,” I already had almost 100K followers on TikTok. I studied TikTok. I figured out the algorithms, I figured out how to work it. What helped me out, because my lyrics are so catchy. It’s so relatable and captionable, so I started putting my lyrics on the screen to old videos and songs I had. Certain songs would peak, and I kept doing it consistently. I’m posting 2, 3 times today. Real deal posting at the right time to build my following up.
When I posted a video like I normally do, of me on TikTok rapping that song “Big Mood,” it just shot up. [snaps] Started sharing it to Facebook, it hit a million views. On Instagram, it’s hitting a million views. Yo, this is different. This has never happened. Now, the TikTok’s still going up. YouTube subscribers going up. Everything started to go up from the song. I might hit 100K following on Instagram while I’m down here in LA, so it’s moving organically. It’s lit.
AllHipHop: Congrats! Are y’all gonna celebrate the 100K?
Bri Trilla: For sure, because we started at 4000 a few months ago. Everything is organic. Everything happened organically.
AllHipHop: What about JT from CityGirls?
Bri Trilla: I woke up from my sleep and somebody said, “JT dancing to your song on TikTok!” I’m like yo. A lot of celebrities have done songs to it. Ari, I think she knows the whole song. She Instagrams all the time. Tamar Braxton has reached out. Lakeyah, I ran into her at some event she had. She knew the song. Mellow Buckzz, she’s poppin’ right now. It’s one of them ones.
AllHipHop: Is it hard to manage all your content like that?
Bri Trilla: Facts, it is. That’s one of my most biggest thing,s because I do a lot of the content that I post on my own. I’m a real worker. If I leave here, I might edit and chop up some stuff to post. To keep going.
AllHipHop: How was it with Boosie?
Bri Trilla: That was lit! That was my first time in Houston. It was a big big big pool party, then I had an after event with Boosie as well at the club. It was lit too. Especially when I go places, it’s a new place and they know the song, it be lit. I got to meet Boosie, took some pictures. It was lit for sure.
AllHipHop: Have you always wanted to be a big artist?
Bri Trilla: Literally. I knew I was gonna be at this point. I’m a genius, seriously. Really at that age of 11, through everything that I went through life, I never put down the pen. I never stopped going to the studio, because this is what I’m supposed to be doing. You can look on SoundCloud, YouTube, I have things from 8/9 years ago. It’s my time. You worked hard, you’ve been consistent, your hard work paying off. I look at it like that, I’m supposed to be here.
AllHipHop: I know you lost your dad too. How did that affect you?
Bri Trilla: That was a major, major, major pivotal point in my life, everything that I had going. Because my dad was every girl’s dad. He passed away from COVID unfortunately, in 2020. But I look at it as if he’s still here, because November 21st is the last day I seen him. We put them in the ground. November 21st 2022, unknowingly I dropped “Big Mood.”
AllHipHop: On purpose?
Bri Trilla: No. I didn’t know until one day I was driving to work. I have his obituary in the car, I looked at it and it said “November 21st 2021.” Hold on, wait a minute. I go on YouTube: November 21st. That’s crazy. I didn’t even know it until I realized it.
AllHipHop: Are you spiritual?
Bri Trilla: Very. Very very very. Everything is showing me: no matter what you’re going through or what it may seem, still have hope. You gon’ be alright. You gon’ be good.
AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio at all times?
Bri Trilla: A Red Bull. If I’m allowed to smoke in there, a blunt will be great. Probably my phone. A cup of ice. I don’t eat heavy in the studio. I don’t really bring snacks, but those are some of the essentials. A Red Bull for sure.
AllHipHop: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Bri Trilla: I like to have fun. I’m the type of person where with my people, if we go do the most random things, like go across the street and go have fun, that to me is fun. Because I work a lot. Anything outside of music that’s bringing peace, going to the beach or the pool. I’m doing something where I’m able to spend time with them or my family, because I’m always busy. That’s where I get the most fun out of it. But right now, I’m always working. I don’t complain, because they’re able to experience this type of stuff with me too. So it’s cool, they’ve been with me since day one before “Big Mood” was even poppin’.
AllHipHop: What can we expect next? Are you dropping something?
Bri Trilla: I got “Big Mood” going out right now. I dropped another one called “Not Me,” which is doing pretty well. Got those two records going. I do plan on dropping the EP super duper soon. With that EP, it’s going to really introduce me. Introduce another sound, because a lot of people just hear “Big Mood,” Once you hear the EP, dang she got a little bit of pop. It’s nothing put together. It’s real structure, built from scratch music. Real deal, so they’re gonna be really impressed on that. This tour, I’ve been on tour since January. I got bookings through August, September. I’m gonna be on tour for the rest of the year with this song. I’m not trying too much, but I’m still working.
AllHipHop: Are you enjoying the tour?
Bri Trilla: I am. It’s different. It’s cool, because I manifested everything. For me to see everything happening and come in the past, it’s cool. Because I’ll look around like, dang. I’d be in Baltimore Saturday, Memphis Friday. I’m literally going state to state to state. Its new vibes every time, so it be cool.
AllHipHop: Any goals for yourself?
Bri Trilla: I’m a challenger, so I want to see myself with this amount of subscribers. This amount of so-and-so. I do want to at least peak on the Billboards. Stuff like that I’ve never done before, I’m ready to start doing it. It be small goals. Let me see if I can get this amount of so-and-so in this amount of timeframe. I be challenging myself to little small things, because I never want to get too comfortable.
AllHipHop: Anything else you want to let us know?
Bri Trilla: It’s just a “Big Mood!” I’m excited. This year is gonna be a really, really good year for the females, for a new wave of music to come through. I’m excited. I’m excited to see where I’m about to be in the next couple months, next couple years. I’m definitely excited for it.
So, the tumultuous pairing of Chrisean Rock and Blueface has run its course. Although, the romance has withered, these two are forever bound as co-parents. That being said, Rock recently hopped on social media and had words for Blueface.
Thus far, the Baltimore baddie has been both celebrated and shunned for her candid personality. So, what exactly did she have to say concerning her former boo’s latest arrest?
Knuckles cracking, she hopped on social media and allowed her Twitter fingers to do the talking. Well, actually, the mom-to-be has never been known to bite her tongue, so why start now? This most recent social media interaction has racked up over 1.2 million views.
As a matter of fact, this direct dialogue is showcasing the “Lit” artist’s maturation. In fact, Rock is growing in countless ways. She remains steadfast and shared her perspective. So, in a nutshell Ms. Malone contends people are responsible for their own karma.
Moreover, regardless of the sordid and celebratory experiences she’s had with “Bussdown” Buddy, she wishes him no ill will.
“If he wanna go out his way to troll me n his unborn kid that’s his karma but if anything happen to that man idc how much bad he wished on me or s###### on me I don’t wish jail or death on anybody fr. Obviously I distant my self because nobody deserves to be treated like that.”
Chrisean Rock is radiant. Growth looks good on her.
If he wanna go out his way to troll me n his unborn kid that’s his karma but if anything happen to that man idc how much bad he wished on me or s###### on me I don’t wish jail or death on anybody fr. Obviously I distant my self because nobody deserves to be treated like that.
Things have taken a crazy turn in the legal drama surrounding YFN Lucci, aka Rayshawn Lamar Bennett. The district attorney’s may have put a deal on the table.
And the plea deal they offered was no joke. If true, YFN Lucci is looking at a whopping 20 years in the slammer, with 17 of those years actually behind bars. Man, that’s a long time.
The charges against him are long too. One count of voluntary manslaughter was bad enough on its own. But on top of that, they slapped him with five counts related to his alleged gang activities.
But wait, there’s more. YFN Lucci also had to face six counts of aggravated assault. That’s like saying he was going around causing serious harm to people left and right. And as if that wasn’t enough, they accused him of having a gun during a felony. Was is worth it?
On a number of occasions, Young Thug’s crew has been accused of trying to kill Lucci. Well there is an ironic twist. YFN Lucci’s charges are more serious and so is the time. So he is caught between a rock and a hard place. The plea deal is reportedly and rumored to be on the table. I know they want to fight it, but I am not sure that this will workout.
Lucci is one of the dozen people who got hit with charges in Atlanta as part of a major indictment targeting the Bloods gang. Fulton County’s DA presented a 105-count indictment a couple of years ago. Overall, we are talking everything from racketeering and aggravated assault to murder, guns, armed robbery, property damage, theft—you name it. It’s like they piled it all on.
According to the indictment, YFN Lucci and the others are connected to sub-groups of the Bloods gang, both locally and nationally. They claim these folks had ties to each other and were involved in all sorts of criminal activities. Seems like the authorities are dead serious about cracking down on the violence and making sure these alleged gang members face the consequences. What do you think about this?
One of the Wu-Tang Clan’s biggest names is gearing up to paint the White House black.
As President Joe Biden and his wife prepare to celebrate Juneteenth, they have tapped Method Man to come to their home in the nation’s capital to commemorate the ending of the institution of enslavement of Black people and punctuate the importance of remembering African American fore-bearers.
The plan is to host a concert on the White House’s South lawn on Tuesday, June 13. In addition to recognizing Juneteenth, the president wants to also pay tribute to Black Music Month.
The press release from the White House stated the concert is an effort to “uplift American art forms that sing to the soul of the American experience.”
Staten Island’s own Method Man is one of the performers taking the stage on this occasion.
In addition to the Grammy Award-winning rapper, Audra McDonald, Jennifer Hudson, Ledisi, Colman Domingo, Fisk Jubilee Singers, Maverick City Music, Morgan State University Marching Band – The Magnificent Marching Machine, Hampton University Concert Choir, Step Afrika! And more will also perform.
The commemoration of Black Music Month and Juneteenth are both significant to African Americans. However, they hold weight for two very different reasons.
Black Music Month was founded by Music executive, songwriter, and producer, Kenny Gamble; radio host and media maven Dyana Williams; and DJ Ed Wright in 1979, according to the Grammy Awards.
When talking about why she, Gamble and Wright came up with the idea, she said, “[Music] is one of our greatest exports. That’s how we need to look at it. I want us to be celebrated. I want us to be respected. I want us to get what we rightfully deserve.”
Juneteenth, on the other hand, is the commemoration of informing people of African descent in Galveston, Texas by Union soldiers that they were no longer legally enslaved on June 19, 1885.
In 2021, this holiday recognized for the last 137 years by Blacks in Texas, was signed into law by President Biden.
He said on the day it became the country’s eleventh national holiday, “This is a day of profound weight and profound power, a day in which we remember the moral stain, the terrible toll that slavery took on the country and continues to take.”
We mourned the loss of the remarkable entertainer, activist, and humanitarian Harry Belafonte this hyear. While much has been said about his contributions to music, acting and the Civil Rights Movement, not enough attention has been given to his efforts in promoting Hip-Hop in Hollywood. It’s been 39 years since “Beat Street” was released, and it represented a significant milestone on several fronts.
Firstly, it was one of the pioneering movies to authentically showcase Hip-Hop from a New York perspective, specifically from The Bronx. With Mr. Belafonte serving as the producer, he ensured every aspect was executed flawlessly. Even today, actors and performers continue to receive royalty checks from the film. “Beat Street” gave rise to numerous stars, both in the Hip-Hop community and the acting world. MC Debbie D and the remarkable dancer Mr. Wave, a member of the renowned New York City Breakers crew, were two of the talents who emerged from this influential movie.
In honor of the late and esteemed Harry Belafonte, Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur brought together these two alumni of “Beat Street” to discuss the groundbreaking film and enduring impact of this great man who championed the culture.
WHO THEY ARE
MC Debbie D: Well, my name is MC Debbie D. I’m one of the matriarchs of the culture, which basically means one of the mothers, because I show up so early in the game. Which is in the ’70s from the South Bronx, Webster Houses and that’s where I started at on the mic. I’m a native Harlem girl, but I showed up in the Bronx in 1976 and hit the mic in 1977.
Mr. Wave: My name is Mr. Wave and my group was called the New York City Breakers. We were, at that time, one of the influential breakers on the planet. And I am too bred from the Bronx, born and raised out of the Bronx, and traveled a lot and done a lot for the culture. That’s because of the catalyst, Harry Belafonte.
ON HIP-HOP TURNING 50
AllHipHop: Before we talk about “Beat Street,” let’s talk about Hip-Hop real quick. On your thoughts on this 50 year anniversary, this landmark period in the culture as well as in American culture, not just Black history and Brown history. What are you guys thoughts about the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop?
MC Debbie D: Well, I’m in high celebration, as most pioneers probably confess. And I would say with them, we never thought it would really get this far. For years, as a kid, they kept telling us that it was going to be a fad. So we functioned on that level. Though we did what we did and we loved what we did and we did it continuously every day in the summertime. And also every weekend on the weekends and everything. But we really didn’t think it would really live out for 50 years. And so this is a hot time for us. And I’m proud to say as a pioneer, as a matriarch, along with all my brothers and sisters who are pioneers, we are the only ones who can really say that we are celebrating 50 years. So I’m honored just to be able to be say that. So it’s an exciting time.
Mr. Wave: Yeah, and I agree with Debbie. I think that the fact that it is recognized on a global level, is necessary. It allows lessons. It allows people to know what we’ve done for the culture and what it took to get here. It allows us to educate the babies and have them understand how important… 50 years in itself is important, any genre holding 50 year banner is really dope. But the fact that it’s a culture that we started. If you think about demographics, you think about at the way that technology is today. It wasn’t there for us. And we still here.
HOW MR. HARRY BELAFONTE IMPACTED HIP-HOP
Mr. Wave: But what I can tell you, in regards to Harry Belafonte and what he, as a gentleman, as a man, as a catalyst, did for us. He inspired us in different ways. Where he showed Lee and Debbie affection. He allowed some of us to generate this energy. He allowed some of us to create and he leaned on some of us, like the Melle Mels of the world.
He was very good at what he did. He was skillful, but he allowed some of us to grow, like me, and gain insight. It is just a very powerful man. And the fact that he merged Hip-Hop and our culture with art. And when you combine the two, you got something called “Beat Street.”
MC Debbie D: When I think about him, when we did our scene in “Beat Street,” me and Us Girls. We just kind of did our scene and I think we showed up again toward the end of the movie. And then we came back for the premiere. And it was at the movies premiere that you really got a chance to see all of these different characters and to see the movie and the fullness at one time. But it was, at the time, I was just 21 years old, so I didn’t process a lot of things.
But as I got older, and I began to look at the movie, one of the things that impressed me the most is how Harry Belafonte pulled on his resources. And what I mean by that, is when you look at Kenny. Kenny, who is the star of the show as the DJ. And he is the son of Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, which are amazing Black actors.
And I thought that was phenomenal. And then you have Rae Dawn Chong, who is the daughter of Chong of Cheech & Chong. These are people we grew up watching.
Mr. Wave: Yes. Yes. So what Harry was able to do is because he took a chance on us. He took a chance on Hip-Hop. And he wanted all of the elements there. See, we don’t live in the elements anymore.
The five elements of Hip-Hop. That’s why our younger generation is missing. Because I knew how to rap, I knew how to break dance, I knew how to pop, I knew how to hear music, I’ve been in studios. That’s gone. Harry realized that that was a key component to the culture. But what can I add to this culture because it should not die here.
MC Debbie D: Again, he used his star power. As a young kid growing up in Harlem, again, he was a name and a face. Everybody knew “The Banana Boat” song. Everybody grew up with that song. And seeing him on TV and all of those popular movies and TV shows and everything. But again, to say there’s something going on underground in the South Bronx, in particular. “Beat Street” is basically focusing in on the Bronx scene, is in the South Bronx. And of course we know at that time the buildings were burning down. It was a lot that was going on. But he used his own star power. He is a star.
And for him to put his own impression on it is one of the reasons why, again, as Wave says so poignantly, that allowed us to get our stardom. When I look at it now, I say to myself, my legacy is tied to his legacy. What an honor because he was just such a great man. So when you look at Jet Magazine and you look at all of these different publications that you have today, with his face on it. He didn’t have to do that. He could have stayed behind the scene.
THE TIGHTROPE OF MAKING A MOVIE THAT SERVES BOTH THE CULTURE AND THE STREETS
Mr. Wave: I think it’s true story. I think films, first of all, are hard to make. Let me just tell you why. Harry did not, and I make films today or documentaries, and I learned that from the movie “Beat Street” and Harry’s style. When you create a film, you have to concentrate on the masses. It’s not regulated to a culture or a genre. He was able to accomplish that. And I tell people every time that I speak to, when I say they go to film, they complain about what Hollywood needs. And they don’t understand, Harry understood. If you get 80% of your story in there, 20% of Hollywood, you win it.
Harry won.
MC Debbie D: And I think that’s one of the reasons why, even though in Hollywood standards, it didn’t do that well at the box office. But once it actually hit a Blockbuster, if anybody remember that place, once it hit those DVDs, those kids never returned those DVDs back.
And now it’s on a global scale. We’re still getting paid from it. We still get the residuals to be able to see from SAG all the different places where it was at. And I think that was only because Hollywood realized, and Harry realized, I need to make sure that I do it in a way where it’s palatable for a larger audience. And again, knowing that from his own background and his own experience in Hollywood, is what makes him so awesome about being the perfect person to do it.
HOW HARRY BELAFONTE MADE THE WAY FOR BARACK OBAMA TO BE PRESIDENT
Mr. Wave: This really short story. Harry Belafonte was an influencer. He was a reason for something that happened in our lives as major. I’m doing a documentary on Dr. Khalid el-Hakim, the Black History 101 Mobile Museum. And in his documentary, he has this document. And a document has three signatures on it. It has Harry Belafonte’s signature on it, Sidney Poitier, who was his boy, and it had Jackie Robinson’s. Those three got together and put the money together to bring it 55 Africans over to the United States. Well, one of those got in…And then went to Harvard, went to college. One of them became very, very famous. And I know you don’t know who it is, I’m going to tell you. He brought Barack Obama’s father over.
Is that not amazing? So there would be no black president without Harry Belafonte.
[Editor’s Note: During the 1950s, Harry Belafonte showed his support for the African American Students Foundation. This foundation provided a grant to Barack Obama Sr., the father of the 44th U.S. president, Barack Obama, enabling him to pursue his studies at the University of Hawaii in 1959.He would later study at Harvard. Barack Obama II was born August 4, 1961 in Hawaii.]
MCDebbie D: Paying it forward…that’s part of what Hip-Hop is about, paying it forward and pulling other people to the forefront. And I want to just pause and thank you (Chuck Creekmur) because that’s what you’re doing through this platform right here that you have. Again, it’s your resources. You used your resources and said, “Hey Debbie, come on. Hey Mr. Wave, come on.” And through this platform, other young people will get a chance to see. Because this is documentation of what it was like for us in our young years to connect with someone. So you are paying it forward. We are paying it forward. And thank you so much for doing that.
BRING ON THE LADIES – “US GIRLS CAN BOOGIE TOO”
MC Debbie D: Well, the first thing is, when we first went met Harry Belafonte at the Roxy. We were not called Us Girls. We were called Empress. Was the name that we came up with, back in the day before all of that. Lisa Lee used the term Queen. I used the term Queen. And we never had any issues, to this day. She’d say Queen MC, I say Queen MC or Queen rapper. But so we would call Empress because we thought of ourselves as the queens. We were the top of the line above everybody.
And so when we got to the movie and we began to go to the studio to perform the song and learn the moves and all of that kind of stuff. The name of the song, as you know, was “Us Girls can boogie, too.” We didn’t think too much of it at the time, because it really didn’t have that Hip-Hop swag to it. And they said, okay, here’s the space where you can do your thing and say whatever it is that you wanted to say. It took for me, it took a few years before I actually realized what they were really trying to convey.
And the point there was to really say to girls, again, globally around the world. You see all these guys doing it because, come on, let’s admit Hip-Hop is male dominated. But girls can do it too. And what I like about that is, and particularly today, is that girls don’t necessarily, at this particular timeframe, have to be an MC or a B-girl or a graffiti artist. Girls are now behind the cameras, they’re directing. Girls are doing so many different things. They’re authors, they’re journalists, they’re doing so many different things. I’m doing so many different things now. But I’m grateful to be able to say that the words of that song is what inspired a lot of these girls that came behind us. Who are great in the eighties and the nineties doing what they’re doing, came because they were inspired.
Monie Love is one of the most, I would say, out front female MCs who actually at the time saw the movie in her home country of London. Who actually have continually confessed. When I saw that movie, when I saw Debbie D, Sha-Rock and Lisa Lee, I wanted to be an MC. And she has held onto that story consistently.
It’s been almost 30 years since Tupac Shakur was murdered, but his legacy continues to live on. Recently, the late rapper received one of the highest honors a celebrity could receive in American pop culture: his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
As reported by AllHipHop, his star was received posthumously by his sister Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, a person referenced by the “Dear Mama” rapper often throughout his short life, on Wednesday (June 7).
Radio host Big Boy served as the host for the ceremony and one of 2Pac’s godfathers, writer and activist Jamal Joseph, gave a loving and endearing tribute to the “All Eyez on Me” legend.
Interestingly enough, filmmaker Allen Hughes, who had an up-and-down relationship with ‘Pac, also spoke. Many people knew Hughes was assaulted by the artist and other gang members when he got fired from the set of “Menace II Society.” However, few people know he was also the person who directed the video for ‘Pac’s breakout single, “Brenda’s Got A Baby,” according to People magazine.
During the ceremony, Set Shakur got choked up, thinking about what this would have meant to her brother.
“As the proud sister of Tupac Amaru Shakur, the daughter of Mutulu and Afeni Shakur, it fills my heart with honor to stand here today representing the Shakur family,” she began. “Tupac knew deep down that he was always meant for something great and as his little sister, I had the privilege to watch that greatness unfold.”
Shakur dropped a jewel for 2Pac trivia heads to treasure: “From the first time he stepped foot on the stage of the Apollo Theater at 13 years old before anyone recognized his name, he knew he had the dream to have a star here on the Walk of Fame.”
She continued, “Today, we’re not just honoring a star on the ground. But we’re honoring the work and the passion that he has put into making his dreams come true. His heavenly star will shine a little brighter today. And once again, he has made us all extremely proud. We love you, Tupac.”
Shakur believes this star represents “the lasting impact [Tupac] had on this world.”
Kid Cudi released his “Porsche Topless” single to DSPs on June 2. A lyric video for the track arrived on YouTube shortly after. A few days later, the Cleveland native took issue with Apple Music. Apparently, the streaming service posted the wrong lyrics for “Porsche Topless” on the app, which didn’t sit right with the song’s creator.
“Hey, guys @AppleMusic, I put in the time to write out all my lyrics and send them to [you],” Kid Cudi tweeted. [It’s] really stressful to see you guys just make up whatever lyrics you want and not include the proper lyrics that were given to you. Please fix ‘PORSCHE TOPLESS’ so my fans have the correct lyrics. Thanx! Scott ‘a fan/artist.'”
Kid Cudi’s “Porsche Topless” will likely live on a forthcoming project tentatively titled Insano. Last year, the Republic recording artist released Entergalactic. That studio album accompanied Netflix’s adult animated special of the same name.
Hey guys @AppleMusic I put in the time to write out all my lyrics and send them to u. Its really stressful to see you guys just make up whatever lyrics you want and not include the proper lyrics that were given to you. Please fix PORSCHE TOPLESS so my fans have the correct…
Entergalactic featured voice acting performances by Kid Cudi, Jessica Williams, Timothée Chalamet, Ty Dolla Sign, Vanessa Hudgens, 070 Shake, Teyana Taylor, Jaden Smith, Macaulay Culkin,and others.
Varietyforecasts Entergalactic could score a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Animated Program. Meanwhile, Kid Cudi also appeared in Disney+’s recently premiered science fiction adventure film Crater.
Cudi’s current filmography includes Need for Speed, Entourage, James White, Bill & Ted Face the Music, Don’t Look Up and House Party. In addition, he’s acted in the HBO programs How to Make It in America, Westworld and We Are Who We Are.
Hip Hop mogul 50 Cent appears in a new trailer for Expend4bles, the fourth installment in the film franchise out September 22. The trailer features 50 Cent as his Easy Day character alongside appearances by Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran and Andy Garcia.
Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren and Randy Couture return as a group of elite mercenaries known as The Expendables. Directed by Scott Waugh, Expend4bles had a reported budget of more than $100 million.
“It’s time for some new blood,” 50 Cent tweeted. “Watch the official trailer for #Expend4bles – only in theaters 9/22.” He added, “Expendables 4 my new movie is no joke, if you like action your gonna love this.”
50 Cent’s filmography includes appearances in other motion pictures such as Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and All Things Fall Apart. The NYC-bred entertainer also produces television series such as Power Book II: Ghost and BMF.
The Expendables first hit theaters in 2010. The movie brought in $274 million at the global box office. 2012’s The Expendables 2 ($315 million) and 2014’s The Expendables 3 ($215 million) also crossed the $200 million mark internationally. Watch the new trailer below.
Cypress Hill will headline one night of the inaugural Miracle In Mundelein festival in September. Queens, New York-raised MC Action Bronson is also part of the lineup.
Presented by RYTHM Premium Cannabis, Sacred Rose and Dayglo Presents, The Miracle In Mundelein will be a history-making event. According to organizers, the two-day festival will be the first music concert to permit onsite cannabis consumption in Illinois.
“It is no surprise there is a rich and deep history between music and cannabis. We believe that the two together can create more connectivity, positivity, and well-being,” Ben Kovler, CEO of Green Thumb Industries, said. “The Miracle is our way of celebrating this unique intersection – with amazing music, high-quality weed, and a welcoming community. We are excited to put on an incredible show while providing a safe, legal space for cannabis consumption for everyone 21 and over.”
Miracle in Mundelein Is Meant To Be A Testament To The Union of Music & Cannabis
The sale of cannabis won’t be permitted inside of the event, but The Miracle will take place across the street from RISE Dispensary Mundelein. Eventgoers will have access to a dab bar, cannabis beverage garden, joint rolling, chilled bongs and more
“Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of producing many live music events, but this is truly a first,” Peter Shapiro, Founder of Dayglo Presents, said. “The Miracle in Mundelein is more than just a concert, it is a testament to the relationship that music and legal cannabis can have when brought together in the right way.”
Shapiro added, “We named the event, The Miracle, because it really is remarkable that we can now bring cannabis and music together in 2023, and it is permitted and legal. Our goal is to create a new type of event, which showcases the uplifting impact of cannabis in a legal environment, while also supporting and growing a real community.”
The Miracle In Mundelein takes place on September 9 and September 10 in Mundelein, Illinois. A ticket presale begins on June 8 at 12 pm CT. General admission tickets will be available beginning June 9 at 12 pm CT.
J Hus appears to be gearing up to drop a new single with a rumored guest appearance from Drake shortly after teasing the launch of his highly anticipated upcoming album.
Whispers of a possible collab emerged on Wednesday (June 7), shortly after the East London-based Afroswing pioneer shared a snippet of some new music. He posted a video of himself dancing to the song, showing off some TikTok-worthy choreography while putting fans on notice that he’s ready to take over the summer.
“Who told u bad man don’t dance? Who told u gangsters don’t dance?…Summer is Already Mine,” J Hus declared in the caption. The single is expected to feature on his upcoming third studio album, titled DON’T SAY MILITANCY. Listen to the snippet below.
While J Hus remained tight-lipped about further details of the single, Drake took to his Instagram Stories to reveal the title while hinting at the release date and a possible collab.
“@theuglygram trouble is there tmrw,” Drake captioned the audio clip. Fans took the post as a collab hint, check out the responses at the end of the page.
It’s not the first time J Hus and Drake joined forces for a surprise announcement. In 2019, the “Did You See” hitmaker stunned the audience at The 02 Arena in London when he joined Champagne Papi on stage.
While Drizzy teamed up with multiple British rap royals on the U.K. leg of his Assassination Vacation Tour, this guest appearance was especially significant. At the time, J Hus was thought to be behind bars after receiving time for carrying a knife in public. However, Drake announced his release during the show and brought J Hus out to celebrate his freedom.
2Pac finally received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce immortalized the late rapper/actor on Hollywood Boulevard on June 7.
Dear Mama filmmaker Allen Hughes and radio personality Big Boy were among the attendees of 2Pac’s posthumous Walk of Fame ceremony. Activist/poet Jamal Joseph also attended the event.
2Pac’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, accepted the star on her brother’s behalf. In addition, she released a statement about 2Pac being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“We aren’t just honoring a star on the ground, we’re honoring the very essence of a person who fearlessly pursued his dreams and fought to turn them into reality,” she said. “This is 2Pac’s moment – the culmination of years of dedication and passion.”
Set Shakur continued, “Even before the world recognized his name, he dreamed of having a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. And today, the unveiling of 2Pac’s star not only pays tribute to his contributions to the entertainment industry but also speaks volumes about his lasting impact, even after 25 years.”
Prior to 2Pac’s September 1996 passing, he released the classic albums Me Against the World and All Eyez on Me. Several projects, such as The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, came out after his death.
2Pac also starred in movies such asJuice, Poetic Justice and Above the Rim. A biopic about his life, titled All Eyez on Me, hit theaters in 2017. Set Shakur concluded, “I couldn’t be prouder of my brother to watch his star now shine even brighter.”
Spotify unveiled its summer music predictions. Tracks by artists such as Aminé, Lil Durk, Toosii, Yung Nudy and Doechii made the streaming platform’s 20-track Songs of Summer playlist.
“Each year, we publish a list of the red-hot hits our global curation team thinks will pop off this summer,” a note from Spotify read. The team looks at a number of factors, like streaming numbers and current trajectory, and uses future forecasting to predict Spotify’s Songs of Summer.”
Portland rapper Aminé and record producer Kaytranada released the duo’s debut album, Kaytraminé, on May 19. Spotify selected the Kaytraminé track “4eva” featuring Pharrell Williams as a Song of the Summer contender.
Chicago’s Lil Durk connected with Dreamville Records leader J. Cole for the “All My Life” collaboration. The Billboard Hot 100 Top 5 hit also earned a spot in the Songs of Summer collection for 2023.
“Favorite Song” by Toosii and “What It Is (Solo Version)” by Doechii also landed on the Songs of Summer playlist. Spotify picked Yung Nudy’s “Peaches & Eggplants” featuring 21 Savage as well.
According to Spotify, there are more than 32 millionuser-generated “summer” playlists. With anearly 230 percent spike in daily average streams, both The Little Mermaid soundtracks have been popular on the streaming app heading into the summer season.
Bun B has opened his first Trill Burgers brick-and-mortar location in Houston just six months after unveiling his plans to move it into a permanent home.
After launching in 2021 as a truck and pop-up experience, on Wednesday (June 7), Bun B invited patrons into the 3,236-square-foot outlet. The queue wrapped around the block with hungry diners eager to sample Trill Burgers‘ award-winning patties.
“It’s been a dream for us, and it’s actually coming true,” the UGK legend said while announcing the store. “It’s been our sole goal to open up an establishment where we can serve you guys Trill Burgers consistently at a high level on a daily basis. And now we’re ready to do it. We are now officially open for business, ready to serve you.”
Trill Burgers earned the title of the nation’s best hamburger in Good Morning America’s “Best in America” competition last year. The saucy OG Trill Burger earned a victory in the “United States of Burgers” competition to claim the title. The Hip-Hop pioneer also nabbed the Golden Burger Trophy and a $10,000 check.
Bun B explained why he ventured into the food industry saying, “It’s great for me to have a good passion to put behind purpose. For years, rap music and recording was my passion, but now I’m looking to transition into different things. Food is the perfect place for me.
“These burgers are the perfect way for me to come into the culinary industry, and I can’t wait for the world to have a Trill Burger.”
Jim Jones wants to know what’s really going on with the cloud of smoke hovering over New York, questioning if end times are upon us in the wake of Quebec’s Wildfires.
“Weavah Man Jim” took to Instagram Wednesday (Jun. 7) to complain about the cloud of smoke over New York travelling from Canada.
“Enough is e-f######-nough. We really need to know who the really f### is in charge out here. What is going on?” Jim began. “It’s June, I still could wear a Pele tonight when it get chilly. And now the s### is yellow outside and my n##### uptown in the Heights might think Jesus is smoking Hookah ‘cause it’s so foggy.”
He continued, “What is this? Smoke? Y’all gone tell me the fire in Canada got my s### smoky out here? Somebody got to tell me where summer at, ‘cause right now this s### is not even making sense.”
Before heading back inside Jim Jones claimed the phenomenon means the apocalypse is imminent. “We definitely at the end of the Bible. What did God say? Fire and hail and … boy,’ he stated before trailing off. “I’m a go back inside. Somebody tell God this ain’t the club. Stop smoking Hookah up there. I’m out.“ Check out the video below.
Mayor Adams Says Air Quality In NYC Was “Hazardous”
New York City reported an air quality classified as “hazardous” on Wednesday (Jun. 7), Mayor Eric Adams said during a news conference per CNN. While air quality conditions were expected to improve into Thursday morning, experts predict worsening air quality again on Thursday afternoon and evening “as smoke moves back over the city,” the mayor cautioned.
“While there may be potential for significantly improved conditions by Friday morning, smoke predictability that far out is low,” he continued. “It’s difficult to predict the movement of the smoke… This is an unpredictable series of events and we cannot provide guidance more than a day in advance at this point.”
Boosie Badazz credits the late great DMX as the best live performer he’s ever witnessed in person, revealing the legendary rapper left him feeling emotional.
The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native was only a teen when he went to the Hard Knock Life Tour, his first major concert. Fourteen-year-old Boosie and his cousin were so in awe of the performance, they were moved to tears. Boosie opened up about the concert and the effect DMX had on him during a recent interview on Shade 45.
“The best person I ever seen perform was DMX,” Boosie said during an appearance on Sway’s Universe. “He made me cry. I was 14 years old,” he said, explaining that his uncle took him to the show. “JAY-Z opened up for him … I saw him perform in Jacksonville, Florida. DMX made me cry.”
By the end of the set, Boosie and his cousin were a mess, clinging to each other for emotional support.
“When he said that prayer at the end bro? Me and my cousin [were] holding hands,” Boosie said before adding, “man, we was holding hands crying.” He went on to explain, “It was my first big concert I ever been to … I never seen nothing like that in my life.” Check out the clip below and watch the episode at the end of the page.
Boosie Recalls Pimp C Pulling Strings To get Him Out Of Jail
Elsewhere during the interview, Boosie revealed Pimp C once helped get him out of jail as a teenager, despite having no previous relationship with the legendary rapper.
“I was in jail on a.. stolen car charge. I had to remain for 90 days and he came and got me out of jail,” Boosie explained.
He continued, “I called my mama and my mama like, ‘some guy named Pimp C and these boys they’re trying to get you out of jail boy, you know Pimp C?’ I’m like ‘yeah, I know Pimp C!’ A couple days later, I don’t know they pulled some strings and got me out of there. I did like sixty-something days they got me out and the rest is history.”
Kim Kardashian admitted dating in the public eye has been “kind of awkward” since splitting with Pete Davidson last year.
During the latest episode of The Kardashians, the SKIMS founder met up with Scott Disick for dinner. The two shared a candid conversation about being single, with Kardashian admitting she wants to play the field, especially as she’s “never dated” before.
“You obviously learn from every situation and the one thing I learned from my last situation [with Davidson] was the media made me feel like I was in a very serious relationship so quickly,” Kardashian shared in a confessional. “I just want to sneak around a little bit. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to sneak!”
Kardashian also revealed she’s dating someone knew, who she and Disick referred to by the alias “Fred.” Friends introduced her to the mystery man in New York, but the date didn’t quite as planned. Nonetheless, the reality TV mogul says “he so meets the standards” of what she’s looking for in a man.
A producer joked with Kardashian as she texted “Fred,” noting, “That’s a lot of smiling, young lady.” However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing after she was foiled by the press ahead of one rendezvous with “Fred” at an NYC hotel. Paps assumed she was going there to meet Pete Davidson as it’s a spot they used to go for low-key dates.
Kim Kardashian Admits She The “Lights Off” In The Bedroom Type
Elsewhere during the episode, Kim Kardashian admitted she’s shy in the bedroom, despite her confidence in public.
“I pretty much have the lights off now,” she told Disick. Later during her confessional, Kardashian elaborated on her shyness. “It’s so weird but then I can walk out of a photo shoot with 100 people working on set. I can walk out in a thong, but if it’s like you’re there with me, I’m like, ‘Wait, don’t look at me! Turns the lights off!'”
Kim Kardashian recently listed her criteria for a prospective beau. Watch the clip below.
Meet thegamblechild, a one of a kind new school rapper, who’s ability to shape, stear, and set his bars are quickly becoming an inspiration to new and old patrons of the genre. A rising hip hop star, Gamble has an unlikely musical persona that pairs the resilience he’s experienced in his young life with a burning desire to be a role model for the next generation. Born Chase Curran, this talented artist, songwriter, and proud Catholic grew up in the outskirts of London, facing a heavy hardship, poverty, abuse brought about by chronic addiction in his family.
Adversity has yet to deter his fate, as the complexity of his living conditions did not limit his will to unlock his inner artist. Even after enduring an unsavoury time in foster care, Chase’s life took a positive turn when his father rescued him and brought him to the United States. A fresh start many seldom have, but this new found stability gave Chase the perfect opportunity to build, and build he did.
Inspired by hip hop legends like Eminem and 50 Cent, thegamblechild developed his skills while immersed in the underground music scene. Many artists turn towards a degeneracy in their stage persona when handed the type of life that chase had. It’s easy, be it the rags-to-riches prince, the callissed-handed criminal, or the “real-G”, hip hop has a way to make urban culture into a violent ordeal. With very few maintaining an attachment to their lyrics outside of their imagery portrayed as a means of exposure, Chase has taken a clear step in the direction of something very different. Despite having all the reasons to do so, this artist is definitely different.
The stage name itself is a testament to his faith, wherein he is a fond believer of the risk that goes into the pursuit of one’s dream. As a recent interview with Pinch of Sol magazine went, Chase is challenging everyone to follow their dreams and have the courage to fumble, fall and get back up while doing it. It is never a matter of a clear meadowed path, life is its own hardship but no matter what may come your way, belief in the self to keep walking, and belief in a power greater than your own that is leading you, are fundamental to maintaining a level-head, straight back, and due course for life.
Chase’s journey as thegamblechild began in high school, where he stood out as the sole Irishmen in his class. When in America, this became a novelty especially when he started picking up the mic. Over the years, he honed his skills, recording and producing songs with top artists. Stepping out of the industry shadow, Chase has rebuilt his own brand, is signed to himself, and has no one holding a sword over his head. He is free to create and free to venture down his musical path.
“Beat up the Beat.”the debut track by his new persona has an innate flow, wired chorus, and filled with a very unique sense of entitlement in its tone. Definitely something that is authentically his own. In an industry known for its egotism and self-centeredness, thegamblechild is a breath of fresh air. His lyrics invigorate and motivate, aiming to empower listeners rather than boast about himself. Chase’s goal is clear: he wants to inspire audiences to believe in themselves, manifest their dreams, and rise above their circumstances.
London, UK – Meet Lauren, professionally known as Lollypop Beatz, an emerging female producer who is turning heads and making real noise in the world of hip-hop and trap music. Hailing from London, this rising producer derived her producer name from her nickname, Lolly/Lollypop, which perfectly encapsulates her vibrant and sweet yet bold and distinctive sound.
With a background in playing the piano and a passion for trap music, Lolly discovered her true calling when she started making beats as a hobby on FL Studios. It was an instant love affair, and she soon realized that producing was her true destiny. Fuelled by a relentless drive to succeed, Lolly combined the notion of starting from scratch with a commitment to constant learning and growth, setting the stage for her ascent as a successful full-time producer.
At the heart of Lollypop Beatz sonic identity lies her signature dark and intense trap sound. Deliberately crafting simple yet mesmerizing beats with hard-hitting drums and hauntingly ambient melodies, she weaves a sonic tapestry that captivates listeners and leaves a lasting impression. Influenced by luminaries like Chief Keef, Metro Boomin, Southside, and Tay Keith, Lolly continues to hone her craft, relentlessly pushing the boundaries of the sought-after trap genre.
Chief Keef himself, a significant influence and driving force behind Lollypop’s artistic journey, bestowed recognition upon her when he discovered her beats on YouTube. This co-sign was a pivotal moment that solidified her talent and motivated her to keep pushing forward. Reflecting on her creative process, Lollypop draws inspiration from the raw emotions that music evokes, infusing her beats with an undeniable energy that resonates with both artists and audiences alike. Driven by positive feedback and success stories from fellow producers and artists, she remains dedicated to constant progression and innovation.
Building her brand and online presence is a key focus for Lollypop Beatz. She adeptly harnesses the power of social media platforms, captivating audiences on TikTok with engaging content that showcases and promotes her beats. Her innate ability to tap into trends and experiment with different sounds has propelled her to viral stardom, amassing over 3 million views on a recent video and over 10 million views for the month. Additionally, her YouTube channel boasts over 20k subscribers, where she uploads beats daily, further cementing her position as a rising force in the industry.
As a beacon of inspiration for female producers, Lollypop Beatz is determined to break down barriers and level the playing field. She has already begun her journey to leaving an indelible mark on the industry, gaining the attention of many respected executives. Lollypop Beatz recently signed a management deal with Miami Music Management, opening the door to major production and business opportunities. Her pipeline of expected releases includes records with Rowdy Rebel, PGF Nuk & Sha Gz.
As the rise of female producers reaches new heights, Lollypop Beatz stands at the forefront, armed with her undeniable talent and an unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and blazing trails within the hip-hop and trap landscape.
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