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Meet Twynn: The LGBTQ duo Behind “HOETALE”

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Breeding Ground
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“HOETALE” by Twynn might just be the new anthem for this coming summer. Twynn is a musical duo composed of Shardae DéVine and Ayanna Ife, the latter of whom is visually impaired but incredibly talented. In fact, thanks to the virality of “HOETALE,” Ayanna has since doubled her followers on TikTok, inspired her to return back to her first love: music.

The song itself has accumulated over 27K remakes in just one month, with celebrities such as Latto, Lala Milan, and Erica Kane all making videos to the song on TikTok. The song also marks the beginning of Twynn, inspired by the fact that they both call each other their twin — especially when it comes to the music.

Both hailing from Philadelphia, Ayanna and Shardae are LGBTQ recording artists who have been in music damn near their entire lives. Now that they have their buzz going, they’re ready to drop bangers all year long. 

Speaking on their unreleased music, Ayanna states, “I want you to be prepared for a vibe. Be prepared for a party vibe. We’re like Kid ‘n Play, but in the 21st century.”

AllHipHop spoke with Ayanna and Shardae in downtown Los Angeles, who flew across the country from their hometown to meet the who’s who of the industry. Read below as we discuss how “HOETALE” came to be. 

AllHipHop: For those who don’t know, who is Twynn? 

Shardae: Go ahead, I think you got that one. 

Ayanna: It wasn’t prophesized, but it’s interesting how this whole thing came to be. Our moms are creative because they’re hairstylists. When we were kids, they worked at the same shop. They were this dynamic duo of Philly, the hot girls in Philly. We’re little kids, we always got dragged to all of the house parties. Little women’s parties they like to have, the empowerment things. They’d always drag us there, and it was always lit! It was so much fun. When we became teenagers, Me and Shardae didn’t really hang out. She had her own things going on, I had my own things going on. We connected because I wanted to shape up, and she’s a barber and a hairstylist. She did my locs too.

Shardae: [laughs] Yup.

Ayanna: Hey Shardae, can I get a shape up? She’s like, “Can I get a song?” I’m like, you know I’m in retirement. I put down the mic, I never was ever going to do this ever again. 

AllHipHop: Why? 

Ayanna: Because it didn’t go anywhere. I was tired of investing all my money and my time, then and it not working. But my TikTok was already poppin’ by this point, so it’s nothing wrong with giving it a try. At least I have more of an audience by this point. We did this song called “HOETALE.” One day, we woke up in the morning. Got up really early and tried to record it at the studio. The engineer did not like us. I don’t think it’s anything personal, but all I’m saying is he didn’t want to mix it. It was the laziest mix I’ve ever heard. Dude, I could put you on my TikTok and let them know you mixed this. I was trying to help him. He didn’t believe me, he thought I was a nobody, trying to make a corny song. 

Shardae: We did it three different times. 

Ayanna: We ended up going to MilkBoy, which is the most acknowledged studio in Philly right now. That’s where everyone goes, and that’s the one we ended up using. After we made “HOETALE,” we’re like yo, we really be on some twin type times. Especially when it comes to how we be vibing with the girls. We’re both studs, we both love to party. We have a good time. She didn’t know I’d love this, but her first thing to me after I asked for the shape up, she said “I want to do a freaky girl song.” That’s definitely my twin! You really know where I’m at with it. All we’ve made, the whole catalog is full of summertime freaky girl songs. And we love it. [laughs]

AllHipHop: Is there any significance in the spelling of the name?

Shardae: Definitely, I came up with it. She’s the one who sent me the beat, I got this vibe of summertime. Fun time. When I went to go spell it, because we already had the anthem part of it. It was done, but when we went to go pick the name of the song, it can’t just say regular hotel. A bunch of other people named their songs that. When I thought about a hoe and her stories, oh let’s put it together. A HOETALE.

Ayanna: To be honest, I’m like okay… 

Shardae: She didn’t like it at first.

Ayanna: Now, it’s the most brilliant thing. It’s so double entendre. It’s really killing me, I love it.

AllHipHop: Did “HOETALE” pop off because of TikTok?

Both: Yes. 

Shardae: We went to the abandoned train tracks up the street from my house in Philly.

Ayanna: We thought it was abandoned! Nearly got hit by a train, but that’s for another time. That’s where we shot the little home video. We climbed the grass to get to the top of the train tracks.

Shardae: With the dog.

Ayanna: With my service dog, we’re throwing the dog over the gate. We can make this happen, we just want to try. Because we didn’t think it would go big at all. We need to put something out to rap it to, to use it as a sound. Some kind of visual. We were up there, playing around, rapping on the train tracks. It went crazy, now it’s at sixteen million views. It went berserk. It wasn’t even a real official video. When that happened, everyone started using the sound. Latto made a video to the sound, so many wild things. All influential TikTokers have used the sound, it’s amazing.

AllHipHop: Organically too! People pay for that.

Ayanna: Forreal? They be paying for it? That’s crazy, because I’ve never even paid for a viewer or follower. I get this organically, so how much would it cost to get a big boost? What they’re offering for money, it’s something I was already getting organically. Wow, how the hell did my TikTok blow up like this?

AllHipHop: How did your TikTok blow up? Was there a certain thing that went viral?

Ayanna: Yes, oh my God. I don’t know if Shar knows the first first, because they took that account down a long time ago. The first thing that ever made me go viral, I was bored. I was sitting on my couch like, “if I’m strapping you down, giving it to you good. And you calling me daddy, you mine now. We married now.” It went crazy. They’re like “oh, she can’t even see!” I started defending myself on TikTok, so I’m the clapback king right now. That’s how I got started. It wasn’t new to me when Twynn started to get into picture, people stopping me on the street. But now, they know me for something else.

Shardae: You gotta think about it, when she was doing her clapbacks, her account was at 400K. Now, it’s at 700K. She gained all those followers just from putting “HOETALE” out.

AllHipHop: When did “HOETALE” come out? 

Ayanna: April 12th.

Shardae: A month ago. [laughs] Her s### went even more crazy after that, doubled the followers. That’s insane.

Ayanna: That is scary. When we got to eight million views, okay so something about this song is resonating with the collective youth. It’s something super relatable. 

Shardae: With the world.

AllHipHop: I saw Lala Milan make a TikTok, that’s my girl. 

Ayanna: Oh she did? I like Erica Kane. She’s a super big influencer. I was so happy when my favorite influencers were using the sound. I’m waiting for Kehlani to use it. We follow each other on there, I’m hoping that one day… I know deep in her heart, she wants to do it. Because she’s very open about being queer, as we are. This would be crazy, and since we follow each other… 

AllHipHop: Do they have DMs on TikTok?

Ayanna: Yeah, I’ve been too afraid.

Shardae: Her s### be flooded, she can’t even get to them all. It be so many.

Ayanna: It was a lot. Keke Palmer, and I didn’t know for days. I had to send her a message: “Keke, I really appreciate you showing me all of this love.” It’s insane. I don’t know what’s going on, but I was a random massage therapist. Now, I’m a part of a rap duo. A nuanced rap duo, where you’ve never seen two studs in a group. It’s niche. 

Shardae: For the most part when you look at it, a lot of studs don’t like studs. They don’t get along in our community. But when you see us, and we can get along, it gives everybody else the same type of view. Damn, you can like somebody who’s like you and not feel jealous or envious. 

Ayanna: We’re like brothers. We’re studs, but we have a song about getting our nails done. We’re not afraid to show femininity or do feminine things, because it’s fun. Super fun.

AllHipHop: How long have you guys been doing music? Talk about your love for music.

Ayanna: Oh gosh, respectively both 15 years. Not together.

Shardae: Yup, we just started doing it together in April.

Ayanna: I’ve been doing it since I was 14. I used to be a bored kid, I didn’t have anything else to do. I used to make music and someone told my mom that it was good. She’s like “wait, what? We’re gon’ try to take this thing to the top!” She went straight Joe Jackson in my youth, tried to take it to the top. But it got exhausting. Sometimes people don’t have loyalty when they’re doing music, they will try to backdoor you or manipulate you in some way. It’s overwhelming. I love being creative. I love doing things that are creative, but maybe not this. TikTok came back and I found a new outlet, it led me back.

Shardae: She’s the one who inspired me to do music. Because she’s a year or two older than me. When we were growing up, I saw her doing it. I went to high school with him [points to friend, CurtDaRula], he was working on his producing. He’s like “come on. You want to do it, let’s do it.” He forced me to get in the studio, that’s how I started. I was on Vine back in the day, dancing all the time. I was doing music in the background. Now, everything’s coming in full circle. So for all of us to be together now, it’s kinda creepy. 

AllHipHop: Do you guys have favorite artists?

Ayanna: Yes, Kehlani. The music, first of all it’s always been queer. She’s always been bi. But when Kehlani came out as non-binary and really embraced: I’m a lesbian, and started making songs about — already a dope writer. Already can sing, the vocals are unmatched. You add in that she’s queer, using she/they pronouns. You’re everything I’d want in an artist: gay, talented. Frank Ocean and Kehlani are definitely my favorites.

AllHipHop: Does that mean you make R&B too? 

Shardae: See, I’m getting her into that. 

Ayanna: This one is an amazing singer. She sounds like Omarion when she sings, she can sing forreal.

Shardae: A little bit. [laughs] I love Drake, because we got the same birthday. A day apart. Beyonce, those are my two alter egos. Sasha Fierce, then Lover Boy.

Ayanna: I love Drake. Drake’s lyricism inspires a lot of how I write. If you listen to me, you’d be like okay, she’s probably inspired by Drake. 

Shardae: Which one though? Which one of his bangers?

Ayanna: Probably not “nice for what to these…” All the songs he talks about loving strippers, being vulnerable and giving up his money. I understand him on a loving lesbian level. Drake and I are both lesbians. On that level, we relate.

AllHipHop: What’s your writing process in the studio?

Ayanna: Oh gosh.

Shardae: Can I explain yours? It’s so awesome, because the first time I saw it, I didn’t believe it. You know she suffers from her visual impairment, we not gon’ make that a thing. When she goes in and she can’t write anything down and read it, she has to navigate through the sound. She’ll put the earphones on. She’ll go in and stutter her way through until she finds her words. Once she found her words, it just comes out. Literally what you hear versus how it comes out is not the same at all. To see the process is f###### amazing, it gives me goosebumps all the time. 

AllHipHop: So you basically freestyle?

Ayanna: Yeah, I basically freestyle. What I try to do with my writing, a lot of lines in “HOETALE” could be trending sounds. “Err-err,” things I know people can relate to. I like to give people something to chant. “This is a just a HOETALE!” Something for people to chant that’s a bit taboo. Chant taboo things. I’m an Aquarius, I like going against the grain. If you’re going to shout some radical s###, let’s shout this out to radical s###. “Your ass real but this dick not.” Be bold.

Shardae: I’m more chill. No real process for me, I just go with the flow. Feed off the energy.

AllHipHop: Were you born with the visual impairment?

Ayanna: I was. It’s called Leber’s congenital amaurosis. It affects the rods and cones, which control light, detail, depth, perception, all of that. It also causes nystagmus, which is involuntary eye roving. So yeah, whole life.

EPMD’s Erick Sermon Announces Mother’s Death—Warren G, DJ Premier & More Show Support

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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EPMD legend Erick Sermon is mourning the loss of his mother. According to an Instagram post he shared on Thursday (June 1), Belinda F. Sermon will be celebrated on June 9 in Bayshore, New York. He wrote in the caption: “This is the hardest thing I ever had to deal with in my life. Please pray for my sisters @kaye_sermon @poet2006 and I. Plus my entire family.

“My mom wishes was for her family to come together. Love one another. Don’t let no one or anyone come in between us. For our family to communicate more. Support each other. And to celebrate life. We will do all of that. If you knew my moms you would know that she loved and helped everyone in her path prayed for them too no matter what. She was truly Gods gift. An angel. We will miss u mom. I will miss you. REST IN PARADISE QUEEN SEE you when I get there.”

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Erick Sermon’s post yielded an onslaught of reactions from his Hip-Hop peers. Warren G wrote, “Keep ya heads up homeboy I been there it’s hard but understand this what we have to go through much love to you and family she in good hands know that Stay strong.”

D-Nice added a simple, “Love you!” while DJ Premier wrote, “Salute to your MOM And your entire family E.” Big Boi, his EPMD brethren DJ Scratch, Layzie Bone, Immortal Technique, Lord Finesse, Hi-Tek, Jadakiss and Chali 2na were among the many flooding his post with condolences.

Erick Sermon has been open about his struggles in recent months. In January, he addressed his opioid addiction and his mother’s cancer diagnosis.

“2023 WOW,” he wrote. “so blessed to have lived this long. Life isn’t guaranteed so don’t take it for granted. I’m fresh out of rehab, [seven] months clean from opioids. During this time, my moms was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer liver, kidney, and chest. Changed my entire life around.”

Although Sermon didn’t confirm his mother died from cancer, it’s safe to say it’s likely what led to her passing. AllHipHop sends our condolences to Erick Sermon and his family.

Future Supports Atlanta Kids By Launching STEAM Lab In His Old Neighborhood

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Future gave back to his community by creating a STEAM Lab for students in Atlanta.

The rapper’s Freewishes Foundation opened the I Am a Dreamer lab in the Kirkwood neighborhood. Future and his foundation went beyond the STEM staples with a program that features the arts.

Future’s sister Tia Wilburn discussed the I Am a Dreamer lab in an interview with ABC News. She explained why the program included the arts in addition to science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

“A program that incorporates the arts into the curriculum has been proven to increase creativity,” she said. “Additionally, by Future being an artist, it’s important that we introduce students to career paths that land under the arts. We want to be sure that kids get that exposure to the arts. And it’s just really important, so that’s why we made sure to include it.”

ABC News spoke with Christian Phillips, a student enrolled in the program. He expressed his excitement to learn about entrepreneurship, robotics and gaming before revealing his acting aspirations.

“My dream is to be an actor,” he said. “And I feel like this program will help out to pursue my dream.”

Learn more about Future’s Freewishes Foundation here.

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R. Kelly Prosecutors Seek Funds From His Label And Publisher For Victim Restitution

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Federal prosecutors asked a judge to force Sony Music and Universal Music Publishing Group to hand over funds linked to R. Kelly.

According to Billboard, the feds think R. Kelly’s label and publisher are “in possession of property” that can help cover his debts from his sex crimes convictions. The disgraced artist owes $504,289 in victim restitution and fines.

Prosecutors previously seized roughly $30,000 from R. Kelly’s prison commissary account in 2022. But the feds find themselves competing with other parties who are trying to collect debts from the singer.

A victim named Heather Williams sought funds from R. Kelly’s Sony account after winning $4 million in a civil case against him. A property management company also intended to collect a $3.5 million judgment for unpaid rent. Earlier this year, a court ruling revealed R. Kelly had $1,544,333 in his Sony royalty account in 2020.

R. Kelly was convicted of sex trafficking and racketeering in New York in 2021. A judge sentenced him to 30 years in prison in 2022.

Last year, R. Kelly was found guilty of producing child pornography and enticing minors to engage in sexual activity in Chicago. A judge sentenced him to an additional year in prison in February 2023.

DC Young Fly Tragedy – Partner, Mother Of His Children Shockingly Dies

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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DC Young Fly’s longtime partner Ms. Jacky Oh a.k.a. Jacklyn Smith passed away at the age of 32.

According to TMZ, Smith died in Miami. No cause of death has been revealed.

Social media rumors claimed Smith went to Miami to undergo a “mommy makeover” surgery. No reliable outlets have confirmed the rumors.

DC Young Fly and Smith met in 2015. They were both featured on Nick Cannon’s popular show Wild ‘N Out.

Smith eventually left Wild ‘N Out and created a lip gloss line called the J Nova Collection. DC Young Fly remained with the show. The comedian was reportedly filming new episodes of Wild ‘N Out in Atlanta when he learned about his partner’s death.

DC Young Fly and Smith weren’t married, but the couple shared three children. Smith leaves behind two daughters named Nova and Nala as well as a son named Prince, who was born a year ago.

“I do a lot but being a mommy is my favorite,” she wrote in an Instagram post celebrating Mother’s Day 2023. “God chose me 3X. I promise i never take it for granted. I’m so damn blessed man!”

DC Young Fly hasn’t publicly commented on the death of Smith.

R.I.P. Ms. Jacky Oh.

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NLE Choppa Films “Champions” Video in Floyd Mayweather’s Infamous Car Garage

By: Jake Crates Updated Category: Music
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Mike Tyson, Angel Reese, Odell Beckham Jr., Floyd Mayweather, Jewell Lloyd, Michael Andrew, and LeBron James make cameos in NLE’s new video

NLE Choppa hails from Memphis and has released the video for his anthemic single “Champions” from December’s Cottonwood 2 (Deluxe). Follow HERE via NLE Choppa Entertainment/Warner Records. The video features cameos from renowned sports stars such as Mike Tyson, Angel Reese, Odell Beckham Jr., Floyd Mayweather, Jewell Lloyd, Michael Andrew, and LeBron James. Have a look HERE. In it, Choppa celebrates how diligence and dedication lead to becoming a true champion.

He can be seen working out and giving his all in weight rooms and at the gymnasium, additionally showcasing kids putting their minds to work both in classrooms and practice fields of marching bands. Delightfully enough, there is even a heartfelt scene of him with a little champion at a hospital who is still filled with joy while in difficult circumstances. Further on, he engages in conversations with champions coming from different backgrounds like Nancy Leiberman, Jewell Lloyd, Kyrie Irving or Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Andrew.

Kanye West Faces More Legal Trouble; Paparazzo Sues Him For Assault & Battery

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Kanye West became a defendant in another lawsuit due to his long-standing problems with the paparazzi.

A paparazzo named Nichol Lechmanik sued Kanye for assault, battery, negligence and violation of her civil rights on Wednesday (May 31). The photographer and her attorney Gloria Allred announced the lawsuit at a press conference on Thursday (June 1).

“The incident with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, was traumatic to me,” Lechmanik said. “He reached into my car as if he was going to hit me. He grabbed my phone out of my hand and then angrily threw it into the street. He caused me so much fear, I have not been able to be the same since then. His actions have interfered with my ability to work.”

Earlier this year, Kanye confronted Lechmanik and a different paparazzo when they tailed his car. Video of the incident surfaced online.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges against Ye. Allred said Lechmanik wanted “justice,” which is why she pursued civil action.

“Ye has a prior history of assaulting photographers, and we want him to be accountable,” Allred told reporters. “We are bringing this case because Nicole wants Ye to know that what he is doing to photographers is wrong. And in Nicole’s case, it was harmful to her physically, emotionally and financially.”

Allred previously represented photographer Daniel Ramos, who sued Kanye for assault. Ye and Ramos settled out of court in 2015.

Ukrainian Defense Ministry Quotes Pusha T For The Second Time In Eight Months

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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If you think that Hip-Hop has not made a global impact, you might not be paying attention to international politics.

Recently, the IBTimes reported the Ukrainian Defense Ministry quoted one of rap music’s most respected lyricists, Pusha T, while talking about the nation’s ongoing war with Russia on Twitter.

The post read, “In My Ukraine, there’s no Russia Kalashnikov, don’t p### me off”. @PUSHA_T Total combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022, to May 30, 2023,” before displaying an infographic of Russia’s combat losses since the conflict started in February 2022.

This is also not the first time they quoted Pusha T, proving whoever is running the social media in that country is locked into the Virginia rapper’s catalog.

The “Trouble on My Mind” rapper has yet to comment on the second mention.

As Ukraine taunts Russia with rap lyrics, Russia is bombarding the European nation with another drone strike. Reports say the Russians are using Iranian-made Shahed weapons on the Ukrainians.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that they were able to shoot down the majority of the drones, but a few were able to cause real damage, killing some of its citizens.

Jamie Foxx Trends After Dr. Drew Pinksy Show Claims Actor Is Paralyzed, Blind After COVID-19 Vaccination, Twitter Reacts

By: Nolan Strong Updated Category: News
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Acclaimed actor Jamie Foxx is trending after a report from Dr. Drew’s show claimed he reportedly suffered severe health complications, including partial paralysis and blindness, following a COVID-19 vaccination. 

Foxx, known for his roles in films like “Django Unchained,” reportedly developed a blood clot in his brain after receiving the vaccine, according to Hollywood journalist A.J. Benza.

Benza made the claim on a segment of the “Ask Dr. Drew” show after sources told him Jamie Foxx was hesitant about getting the shot but felt pressured due to the movie he was working on.

Foxx’s health complications reportedly occurred while filming his latest movie, “Back in Action.” The production has since moved forward without Foxx, using a body double in his place.

“I had somebody in the room who let me know that Jamie had a blood clot in his brain after he got the shot. He did not want the shot, but with the movie he was on, he was pressured to get it,” Benza claimed. “What I found out from the man in the room was that the blood clot in the brain caused him at that point to be partially paralyzed and blind.”

The news has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many users expressing their concerns using the hashtag #bloodclotinthebrain.

Twitter user, @DAVID_STOIC1, expressed shock at the news, tweeting, “Jamie Foxx got a blood clot on the brain??? After the vaccine???”

Others blamed Elon Musk’s Twitter for spreading misinformation – despite the story being reported on by sources like MSN.

Last month, in response to the media frenzy surrounding Foxx’s health, his daughter, Corrine, released a statement contradicting the severity of her father’s condition. 

She stated that Foxx had been out of the hospital for weeks and was recuperating. She even mentioned that he was playing pickleball, a claim that Benza dismissed as “all lies and baloney.”

Dr. Drew Pinsky, a television personality and medical professional, clarified that a blood clot in the brain differs from a stroke. He explained that a stroke occurs when a blood clot in an artery cuts off the blood supply to the brain, causing that part of the brain to die.

The news of Foxx’s alleged health scare has raised questions about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines again, especially among anti-vaxxers. 

However, it’s important to note that such severe side effects are extremely rare, and the benefits of vaccination in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweigh the risks.

The actual condition of Jamie Foxx and the exact cause of his health issues have not been officially confirmed.

Gunna Spotted Out For The First Time Since Plea Deal … Courtside At NBA Finals Game

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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While much of Hip-Hop culture has not given Atlanta rapper Gunna a pass for taking a plea deal in the RICO case in which he was indicted with Young Thug and others, the former YSL representative continues to live his life.

In fact, the 29-year-old was spotted out on Saturday, May 27, at Game 6 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals in Miami when the Celtics lost to the Heat. #Ballin

According to the Los Angeles Times, this was his first public appearance since he was freed from prison.

Gunna sat courtside with another Atlanta rapper named Nechie and wore a black graphic T-shirt and pink and black flower print pants.

Bobby Shmurda actually commented on him being out and said he was “disappointed” with how rappers nowadays move. He also said it is important to look into the histories of the artists because they are representing “a life they didn’t even live.”

It’s that kind of history that most street rappers believe would give a reason as to why Gunna would “fold under pressure.”

As AllHipHop.com has reported, Gunna’s plea agreement allowed him to serve no time.

He received five years in prison with four years suspended. The one year was later commuted to time served as he prepared for the trial under the caveat he completes 500 hours of community service.

Gunna was able to receive what is called an “Alford plea.”

According to Cornell Law School, it is “also known as a “best-interests plea,” registers a formal admission of guilt towards charges in criminal court while the defendant simultaneously expresses their innocence toward those same charges. Like the similar nolo contendere plea, an Alford plea skips the full process of a criminal trial because the defendant agrees to accept all the ramifications of a guilty verdict (i.e., punishment).”

Do you have an issue with Gunna being out?

Young Dolph Murder Suspect Busted With Drugs And Phone In Jail Cell

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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While the murder trial to convict the men allegedly responsible for killing Young Dolph seems to be dragging on, one of the suspects keeps making headlines. This time, authorities found narcotics and a cell phone in the jail cell of one of the suspects charged with fatally shooting the Memphis rapper.

According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the contraband was found in the cell of Justin Johnson, who is also known as Straight Drop.

Details of when this bust happened or what kind of drugs he had in quarters are not known but are being held as evidence for the SCSO to conduct an investigation, FOX 13 reports.

The secret cell phone comes as no surprise. Straight Drop lost his right to make pre-paid or collect calls after he made a rap song while talking to someone on the phone.

As AllHipHop.com reported, the song “No Statements” was released a few days before the first anniversary of Young Dolph’s death and has had over 269K views since it dropped.

The comments on the song, for the most part, showed outrage.

One wrote, “RIP Dolph!! This man took the life of a legend!”

“The police finna have a field day with this if I was his lawyer I’d straight drop this case,” The Maxamillion Dollaz Show said.,

According to reports, two of Young Dolph’s Paper Route Empire artists, Paper Route Woo and Snupe Bandz, issued statements addressing the track.

“It seem like somebody giving up some statements. It can’t be no statements. Somebody constantly getting pulled in so somebody giving some statements up,” said Paper Route Woo.

Authorities believe Hernandez Govan masterminded the murder plot. He was in custody but has made bond, so Paper Route Woo could be right.

“They just rapping about it, somebody talking in real life,” said Snupe Bandz.

Johnson is one of three suspects in custody.

The rapper, Cornelius Smith and Hernandez Govan have all been charged with first-degree murder in Young Dolph’s death. There are other counts leveled against the men, and with actions like finding drugs and phones in your cell, they are sure to work against the suspects when they finally head to trial.

Janelle Monáe Announces “Age Of Pleasure Tour”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Singer/actress Janelle Monáe became a trending topic last month. Her embrace of public nudity had a lot of people talking and posting.

“I’m much happier when my t###### are out and I can run around free,” stated Janelle Monáe in a recent Rolling Stone interview. She appeared topless on the magazine’s cover, à la Janet Jackson’s iconic image from 1993.

Monáe is currently promoting her upcoming studio LP, The Age of Pleasure, which drops on June 9 via Wondaland/Bad Boy/Atlantic. The 37-year-old performer will also travel across North America in support of the album.

The 26-city “Age of Pleasure Tour” kicks off on August 30 at WAMU Theater in Seattle, Washington. Janelle Monáe will also make stops in other locations such as Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, New York City, and Inglewood.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs6d9HJuV7J/?hl=en

Monáe’s The Age of Pleasure will join a discography that already contains 2010’s The ArchAndroid, 2013’s The Electric Lady, and 2018’s Dirty Computer. That latter effort earned an Album Of The Year nomination at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.

Additionally, Janelle Monáe has established herself as an award-winning actress with roles in films like Moonlight, Hidden Figures, and Harriet. She also starred in the 2022 Netflix motion picture Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

Monáe jumped back into her music career with the 2023 singles “Float” and “Lipstick Lover” off the forthcoming The Age of Pleasure. The Kansas City-born R&B/Hip Hop/Pop recording artist previously scored her first Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper and RIAA Diamond Award as a feature on “We Are Young” by the band Fun.

Joe Budden Calls Out DJ Envy Over Real Estate Scandal

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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The Breakfast Club’s DJ Envy finds himself caught up in an alleged real estate con. Rapper-turned-podcaster Joe Budden addressed the scandal on the latest episode of his show.

According to reports, DJ Envy worked with real estate investor Cesar Piña to present educational seminars covering the business. However, apparent clients of Piña have accused him of scamming them out of millions of dollars.

“I honestly don’t know, that’s between them and whatever happened,” said DJ Envy during a conversation with Tony “The Closer” Robinson. “But did I say, ‘There, take this money and give it to this person or do this with this money?’ I never did.”

The Power 105.1 representative continued, “If you ever came to my seminar, I tell everybody, ‘Everybody on this stage, whether it’s credit, prepare, or it’s a conventional lender, do your homework because I don’t trust anybody.’ If you’ve been to my seminars, I say that a million times.”

Joe Budden Warned DJ Envy That His Real Estate Proposal Sounded Like A Scam

Apparently, that response to the controversy was not enough for Joe Budden to give DJ Envy a pass. On the “Pizza Pizza” episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the New Jersey resident played old comments from Envy about investment opportunities.

“When I first started with real estate, right? If you follow me, you know that I’m really cool with [DJ Clue], I’m really cool with Fabolous, and I was really cool with [Joe Budden] at one time,” stated Envy in the clip.

He continued, “So when I first started, I called each one of them. I called Clue, who’s my brother, ‘Yo, I’m getting into real estate and I’m doing well. We should do some stuff together.’ They didn’t understand it. I remember calling Joe. Joe told me it sounded like a scam.”

Budden Says Envy Knew The “Heat Is On The Way”

Then Joe Budden and his co-hosts, including QueenzFlip, discussed the accusations against Cesar Piña and DJ Envy’s possible involvement in an alleged fraud scheme. Budden also blasted Envy for even being associated with Piña.

“Please, you knew something was fishy,” argued Budden about DJ Envy’s connection to Cesar Piña. “That little fat n#### ain’t been around in about a year and a half. Envy ain’t stood next to that n#### in about eighteen months. We ain’t seen a course, we ain’t seen an advertisement [or] commercial. These n##### know when the heat is on the way.”

The candid media personality also added, “Produce that little fat f###. Get him out here. Where he at? We can get to the bottom of this fast. You n##### been all around Hudson County, Essex County, every New Jersey county. Get that little f### to the front row and say, ‘Aye, Cesar – pizza, pizza – let’s get to it.'”

Both Rick Ross & Gunplay Beefed With Envy In Recent Days

DJ Envy has also been recently involved in public spats with Rick Ross and Gunplay. Joe Budden theorized that those online beefs were just distractions from Envy’s relationship with Cesar Piña and his possible illegal activities.

The Envy versus Rick Ross feud ignited over both celebrities attempting to promote their respective car show events. However, that conflict quickly got personal. Envy also inserted Gunplay and his family into the drama by referring to the Florida native setting up a GoFundMe for his hospitalized newborn daughter.

“Envy, [Charlamagne Tha God], I don’t need to hear none of that Gunplay s###. What else y’all got going on up there?” commented Joe Budden. “Bring Cesar up there. I’ll tell you the guest we want to see. I’m tuning in. That’s the one. Enough of all that bringing the political parties [and] Dr. Umar [on The Breakfast Club]. All that s### is cool. Get Cesar up there, though. Can’t be too hard to find him.”

Shannon Sharpe Reportedly Set To Leave FS1’s ‘Undisputed’

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Is Skip and Shannon: Undisputed coming to an end? According to a new report, Shannon Sharpe will leave the Fox Sports 1 series in the near future.

The New York Post ran an article this week claiming Fox Sports reached a buyout agreement with the Pro Football Hall of Famer. Apparently, Shannon Sharpe’s last show will air after the 2023 NBA Finals.

FS1’s Skip and Shannon: Undisputed premiered in 2016. Sharpe joined former ESPN commentator Skip Bayless on the sports talk show. Hip Hop superstar Lil Wayne recorded the program’s theme song.

There has been speculation of conflict between Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless in recent months. Bayless faced significant backlash for a tweet about Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s injury during a January Monday Night Football game.

Shannon Sharpe did not appear on the next episode of Undisputed. Instead, Skip Bayless addressed the television audience alone. When Sharpe returned to the show, he expressed that Bayless should take down his tweet about Hamlin in a noticeably tense segment.

Both Shannon Sharpe and Skip Bayless recently caught some heat online for their coverage of Memphis Grizzlies player Ja Morant’s off-the-court issues. Specifically, ex-NBA player Kwame Brown suggested Sharpe played a role in Morant choosing to carry firearms.

In addition to sharing his takes on Undisputed, Shannon Sharpe also presents Club Shay Shay on the Fox Sports podcast network. Since its launch in 2020, Club Shay Shay has featured the former NFL tight end having conversations with athletes, musicians, and other celebrities.

Hip Hop artists such as Ice Cube, Master P, T.I., Waka Flocka Flame, Too $hort, and Timbaland have sat down with Shannon Sharpe for Club Shay Shay. As of press time, there is no indication of what Fox Sports plans to do about potentially replacing Sharpe on Undisputed.

Candace Owens Blasts Lizzo For Blocking Her On Twitter

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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“Truth Hurts” hitmaker Lizzo has taken to social media to address people criticizing her weight. Right-wing provocateur, Candace Owens, is one of those online critics.

“The Love definitely [does] not outweigh the Hate on social media… all because I’m fat???? This is CRAZY,” tweeted Lizzo on Wednesday. That tweet collected over 17,000 likes on the platform.

She added, “Y’all don’t know how close I be to giving up on everyone and quitting and enjoying my money and my man on a F###### FARM.” Her tweets are currently only available to her followers.

Plus, Lizzo went on to say she leads with her talent and being “fat” is not her brand. The Special album creator insisted “feel good music,” “championing all people,” and “black girl liberation” is her brand.

Yesterday evening, Candace Owens decided to offer her thoughts on the Grammy-winning singer. The conservative talk show host claimed Lizzo blocked her on Twitter.

“I guess Lizzo wasn’t lying when she said ‘truth hurts.’ But yeah, clinical obesity is still the number 1 killer in America so let’s stop glorifying it. @lizzo,” tweeted Owens.

Previously, Candace Owens Fueded With Cardi B & T.I.

This is not the first time Candace Owens took aim at a chart-topping recording artist. The outspoken Donald Trump supporter infamously feuded with Lizzo’s “Rumors” collaborator Cardi B.

At one point, Candace Owens suggested Cardi B’s “WAP” song is causing the destruction of America. Cardi responded by playfully acknowledging Owens essentially promoted “WAP” to a Fox News audience.

Cardi B also clapped back at Candace Owens in 2022 after the Republican commentator called her “uneducated.” According to the Atlantic recording artist, Owens threatened to sue her with “no case.”

Atlanta rap legend T.I. also had friction with Candace Owens over political differences. Last December, Owens called out Black culture in defense of Cardi’s “WAP” partner Megan Thee Stallion.

At the time, Tory Lanez was on trial for shooting Megan in the feet in the summer of 2020. A jury eventually convicted the Canadian rapper/singer on three felony charges, including assault with a semiautomatic handgun.

Latto Taps Cardi B For “Put It On Da Floor” Remix

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Cardi B’s name was a top trending topic on Twitter yesterday after Latto announced a new collaboration with the Bronx rapper is on the way.

Atlanta-bred recording artist Latto took to social media on Thursday to disclose Cardi B will be a feature on the upcoming “Put It On Da Floor” remix. The two women appeared together in a 17-second promotional video.

“I put it on the floor. Now I’m about to put it on the floor again. Remix this Friday,” said Latto before revealing Cardi from under a plastic bag. The lyrics “rip me out the plastic, I’ve been acting brand new” has become an internet meme.

https://twitter.com/Latto/status/1664002136311726080?s=20

The original version of “Put It On Da Floor” caused some controversy. For example, Coi Leray took offense with her name being mentioned in the song. Apparently, Leray and Latto eventually settled that issue.

Additionally, many listeners believe Latto took subliminal shots at Nicki Minaj on “Put It On Da Floor.” Minaj clashed with her last year and possibly dissed the 24-year-old earlier this year on “Red Ruby Da Sleeze.” Nicki Minaj and Cardi B have been feuding for years.

Back in 2020, Latto provided a cameo appearance in Cardi’s internet-breaking “WAP” music video featuring Megan Thee Stallion. “Put It On Da Floor Again” will be the first time the RCA star and Cardi collaborated on a record.

Mozzy Drops New Single “10 Percent” After Early Release In Federal Gun Case 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Mozzy is a free man again, and he’s celebrating with a new single and music video.  

The CMG artist was expected to be released in July after serving a one-year-sentence for federal gun charges. However, a few weeks ago, reports emerged that Mozzy was released from USP Atwater Prison on May 4 after ten months behind bars.  

After laying low for a few weeks, Mozzy came back with a bang, on Wednesday (May 31). He surprised fans with some new music, taking to Instagram to announce his return while thanking fans for their support.  

“Let’s get back to this gangsta s###!!!” Mozzy penned in the caption. “Appreciate the unwavering love and support!!!! OUT NOW!!!” 

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A post shared by Mozzy (@mozzy)

The Sacramento, California native also dropped off the visuals for his new single. The video features cameos from fellow Cali rappers, including YG, MBNel, and $tupid Young. 

Watch the “10 Percent” video below and stream the new single at the end of the page.  

Meanwhile, Mozzy’s label boss Yo Gotti welcomed him home while teasing a “CMG Summer.”  

“Turn The Streets Uppppp!!!!! #CMGSummer 🔥🔥🔥” Yo Gotti wrote announcing the latest CMG releases. Alongside Mozzy’s “10 Percent,” Gotti shouted out new singles from GloRilla’s (Lick Or Sum), and Est Gee (Turn The Streets Up).  

He also touted the arrival of Moneybagg Yo’s highly-anticipated album Hard To Love, due later this week (Jun. 2). The project was due at the end of May, but the Memphis-bred rapper pushed it back to avoid clashing with Taylor Swift’s latest offering. 

Lizzo Threatens To Quit Music, Locks Twitter Account After Blasting Body-Shaming Trolls 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Lizzo has restricted her Twitter account and threatened to walk away from her music career after clapping back at the hateful comments and messages she receives on social media.  

Twitter/Lizzo

The Grammy Award winner admitted the cruel jibes are “starting to make me hate the world,” after sharing a recent post by author Layah Heilpern.  

“How is Lizzo still THIS fat when she’s constantly moving this much on stage?!” the tweet read. “I wonder what she must be eating.” 

The body-positivity icon had enough of the constant abuse over her weight and highlighted the tweet as an example.  

“JUST logged on and the app and this is the type of s### I see about me on a daily basis It’s really starting to make me hate the world.” The “About Damn Time” singer then responded to some in the comments who said she eats a lot of fast food.  

“I LITERALLY STOPPED EATING FAST FOOD YEARS AGO, she replied. “I’m tired of explaining myself all the time and I just wanna get on this app w/out seeing my name in some b#######.” 

In another post, Lizzo revealed how close she is to quitting the music industry for life on a farm.  

“I HATE IT HERE. The Love definitely do not outweigh the Hate on social media… all because I’m fat????” she stated. “Y’all don’t know how close I be to giving up on everyone and quitting and enjoying my money and my man on a F###### FARM.” 

Lizzo: “BEING FAT ISNT MY ‘BRAND'”

Lizzo continued her rant: “ALSO: to the people who haven’t had an original thought or fresh air in years… BEING FAT ISNT MY ‘BRAND’ BEING FAT IS WHAT MY BODY LOOKS THAT. THATS IT. THATS ALL. My ‘brand’ is FEEL GOOD MUSIC My ‘brand’ is CHAMPIONING ALL PEOPLE My ‘brand’ is BLACK GIRL LIBERATION.” Read her posts below.

Meanwhile on Instagram, Lizzo shared a video hitting back at the trolls during a recent performance. 

“I don’t just speak up for me, I speak up for everybody,” The YITTY shapewear line founder said in the clip. “We are all in an age where we can just be attacked by hateful messaging and comments on social media. And its not normal. this isn’t fair, this isn’t right This should never come with the territory of being a person, a human being, of existing.”

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A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating)

Yeezy Shoes On Sale Again As Adidas Drop $75M Battle Over Yeezy Funds 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Adidas has put some of their remaining Yeezy stock back on the market months after severing ties with Kanye West due to his antisemitic remarks and other offensive comments. 

Last month, the German sportswear giant confirmed they would begin selling off some of the tens of thousands of Yeezy sneakers in storage at the end of May. On Wednesday afternoon (May 31), the first batch of remaining Yeezy sneakers and slides went on sale.

The brand claimed it was poised to eat a $1.3 billion revenue loss in 2023 if it failed to sell the remaining Yeezy inventory. While Ye lost his billionaire status as Adidas and other brands cut ties, he will be entitled to 15 percent of Yeezy sales. 

Adidas pledged to donate a “significant amount” of Yeezy proceeds to organizations combating antisemitism and discrimination. 

“After careful consideration, we have decided to begin releasing some of the remaining adidas YEEZY products,” Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden said in a May press release. “Selling and donating was the preferred option among all organizations and stakeholders we spoke to.” 

He added, “We believe this is the best solution as it respects the created designs and produced shoes, it works for our people, resolves an inventory problem, and will have a positive impact in our communities. There is no place in sport or society for hate of any kind and we remain committed to fighting against it.” 

The sale came amid multiple reports Adidas dropped a lawsuit to freeze $75 million of Kanye West’s Yeezy funds. The brand made the abrupt reversal just hours after a federal judge denied Adidas’ request for an emergency order re-freezing money. 

Both parties agreed Adidas would voluntarily dismiss the case and pursue the money through private arbitration.  

Lil Uzi Vert Stuns Fans With Surprise Performance At Paramore Show  

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Lil Uzi Vert stunned Paramore fans when Hayley Williams invited the rapper onstage during the band’s Madison Square Garden show to perform “Misery Business.” 

The “Just Wanna Rock” hitmaker is a Paramore stan and cites their lead singer as the best artist of his generation. The band chose a fan to join them onstage for each show and it was Uzi’s turn on Wednesday (May 31).  

“[We’ve been] talking for a minute, but this is the first time we’ve met in person. I love you,” Haley Williams told Lil Uzi at the MSG show. “You’ve said too many nice things about me. You are so sweet to me and to Paramore, so can we do this bridge again together? And then we’re gonna melt their faces off. Alright? New York City, are you ready? Here we go!” Check out the clips below.  

https://twitter.com/aworldaIone/status/1664097490059100162?s=20

Lil Uzi Credits Paramore’s Haley Williams As An Inspiration

Lil Uzi went viral in 2016 when he revealed himself as a Paramore fan, sharing a video of himself listening to their 2013 hit “Ain’t It Fun.” He remains a loyal supporter and continues to record himself vibing to the band’s songs.  

In a 2017 interview, Lil Uzi said frontwoman Hayley Williams is a major influence on his songwriting. 

“She’s like the best,” he said. “It’s hard to top that. She’s like the best, just of my generation… There’s nobody bro.” 

A few years later, Hayley Williams admitted she turned down a collab with the Philly rapper because the request came at a bad time.  

“I remember, too, Uzi asking me to do some stuff with him,” she explained in 2020. “I know that fans are going to be so p##### at me for saying this, but I literally wrote him back on Instagram, and I was like, ‘Buddy, I love you so much, but I don’t want to be that famous.’ Told him like we were getting ready to take a break.”