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Brody Brown Talks 8 Grammy Wins, Working w/ Bino Rideaux & Releasing ‘The Kick Back’

By: Shirley Ju Updated Category: Breeding Ground
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Brody Brown has accomplished what many wish they could in a lifetime. The Compton, California native boasts 8 Grammy wins to his name, which includes Bruno Mars’ smash hit “24K Magic” winning Record of the Year in 2018 and Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open” winning Best R&B Song and Song of the Year last year. 

In describing himself, Brody Brown states he’s “an executioner. I’m an executioner for a lot of artists. I’m the sniper boy [with my pen game], and with my talents when it comes down to playing instruments as well.”

Real name Christopher Steven Brown is the true definition music-lover, really getting musically-inclined while growing up in the church. All his family on his mom’s side were singers, while his grandmother played instruments. To date, Brown plays the keyboard, organ, drums, bass and guitar.

As a member of the production team 1500 Or Nothin’, Brody has worked with all the elites in the music industry. His impressive catalog of credits include Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa’s “Young, Wild & Free,” Mark Ronson’s “Feel Right,” Cee Lo Green’s “F*ck You,” T.I.’s “Love This Life” Adele’s “All I Ask,” Nipsey Hussle’s “Feelin Myself,” and many more.

Now, Brody Brown shifts his focus into his own artistry, releasing his own music as a recording artist. To kick off the year on a high note, he released his long-awaited debut album titled THE KICK BACK, with features from Bino Rideaux and BLXST. The 10-track project pays homage to the kick backs he grew up going to in the city of Angels.

AllHipHop spoke with Brody Brown via Zoom, who was knocking out some spring cleaning in his home. Read below as we discuss

AllHipHop: Being born and raised in Compton, what was that growing up? 

Brody Brown: Of course, I started gangbanging. I started doing a whole lot of things that I wasn’t supposed to be doing, but was doing them anyway. It was a challenge. I had to really choose if it was gon’ be the streets or a career. My mama raised me right, my daddy wasn’t there. I knew who he was, but he wasn’t in my life the way he needed to be or I wanted him to be. My mom raised me by herself. I didn’t get Jordans growing up, I got a keyboard growing up. I got drum sticks. I wasn’t fresh, I wasn’t fly, but I was neat. My mama always had been neat. Going outside, leaving the porch, started gangbanging. I was doing all types of drugs. I had to choose, and I chose music.

My mother didn’t believe all the way at first, even though she nurtured me into playing instruments. Her, my auntie, and my grandmother, they seen that I love instruments so that’s all they bought me. I didn’t get Jordans, I didn’t get FUBU, didn’t get none of that growing up. If I was to get it, I had to work for it.

AllHipHop: What was your first foot in the door?

Brody Brown: Honestly, there’s levels to this. When I knew I was on the verge of being somewhere and something I wanted to be is when I got asked to play bass., started going on tour with Chris Brown. I dropped out of high school so I wasn’t allowed to work at Food 4 Less. I wasn’t allowed to work at Ross. I wasn’t allowed to do nothing but music. Good thing my guy asked me “man, do you do secular music?” Like getting outside of the church. “Do you play for other artists?” 

I’m like, yeah I play. He said “you heard of Chris Brown?” I’m like, yeah I think I heard of Chris Brown. Mind you, that’s my real name. Brody is something I came up with, my real name is Christopher Brown. So I went on tour with Chris Brown, they used to call me CB2 on the road. Girls used to knock on my door in the hotel rooms. He used to go by an alias, so I’m the only one with my real name Chris Brown. They’d show up to my room like, “where’s Chris?” Goodbye. [laughs] You might want to go check the rest of the rooms. 

That’s when I knew I was getting somewhere in life, because I’m starting to play with top-tier artists. My next gig was Lil Wayne, then I did Lupe Fiasco. I did T.I., Katherine McPhee.

AllHipHop: You were playing music with them?

Brody Brown: Yeah, I’d tour with them as a bass player. I was playing for a lot of people, then I got signed as a writer. That’s when I met Bruno Mars.

AllHipHop: Definitely want to talk about that, how did you meet Bruno Mars?

Brody Brown: After I started touring as a musician, I’m tired of flying city to city, state to state, country to country. Waking up, not knowing where I am. I just want to stay home. I’m always a homebody. I figured I can make enough money writing songs in LA, in Hollywood, the land of the living. Getting my rocks off here, in LA. IRetire my mama, do all this all in LA. I got signed at 17.5 to a guy named Steve Lindsey. He signed a lot of people, he signed me and Bruno for sure. 

He said “I want you to meet somebody man, this kid Bruno.” Alright fasho, so that was my start as a songwriter. As a musician, I’ve already toured with Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, T.I., Snoop Dogg, everybody. This is all before 17/18. While I was on tour, I was signed to a publishing deal. I left tour, I came back and met Bruno Mars. Me and him were signed to the same publishers

We started working together. He got signed to Atlantic Records, and he asked me to come work on his first album. 

As a songwriter I wrote “Grenade” on his first album. We were young doing this. From then on, I wanted to become an artist. I always wanted to become an artist, outside of producing and songwriting. Because I’m always quiet, I’m a quiet guy unless I’m doing music. Other than that, I’m very shy and timid, won’t even tell you who I am if you don’t ask. [laughs]

AllHipHop: Bring us back to when you won your first Grammy.

Brody Brown: I was nominated with “Grenade,” “F*ck You” by CeeLo Green, “Young Wild & Free” by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa. My first Grammy was 2016, I was 17. That was Adelle, on her 25 album. “24K Magic” came out the year before I won my first Grammy, we just didn’t meet the Grammy requirements in time for voting. When 2018 came around, that’s when “24K Magic” was nominated for these categories. I won five that year, so that’s six Grammys. Then Silk Sonic came out, I did “Leave The Door Open.” I got two more Grammys, so I’m at eight right now.

AllHipHop: How does that feel? Did you ever think you’d be getting that coming up in Compton?

Brody Brown: Hell no! Not at all. I always wanted one. I’ve been nominated 10 times and I got eight Grammys. I think I’m doing okay. [laughs]

AllHipHop: Talk about the progression from being a songwriter to your own artist. Do you ever feel it’s hard for people to take you seriously?

Brody Brown: All the time, but I don’t care. It’s millions of people doing music. My whole thing is, I’m not going to sit here and cry about the people that don’t believe. I’m about to show you. I’ve been doing this professionally for a long time. A lot of people are surprised at how it actually sounds. They thought I was gonna do the Bruno Mars thing, everything else I do for everybody else. The Lukas Graham’s, but music is an extension of who I am for real life. 

If you don’t know me, then you won’t get it. But that’s the issue here, a lot of people don’t know me. When writing records, I have to make sure I’m being strategic about who I’m making this music to. The people that don’t believe in me, don’t believe in me. The people that will, will. That’s the way I look at it. A lot of people doubt me because where was I when I was 21? I was writing for other artists, trying to feed my family forreal. I didn’t have to be in the front, I’m an Indian. That’s how I was raised, to serve forreal.

Nobody put a gun away and told me I need to be signed at Def Jam, I need to be an artist. It’s something I wanted to do. You know what? I’ma do it! It’s 10 million people doing music in the world, who said I can’t do it? Transitioning from songwriter/producer to artist, it’s all home to me. After me being an artist, I might be a record label owner. This is my field. I’ve been country to country, went through three passports already, it’s nothing new to me. 

I don’t want to seem like a know-it-all or arrogant, I want to keep it real. I don’t want y’all to be blinded by who they’re talking to. Very much so grateful though, I do believe that anybody can be in this position. I’m grateful for Def Jam taking a leap of faith, when it comes down to my artistry. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

AllHipHop: What inspired your project, The Kick Bank? What do you want people to get from it?

Brody Brown: Honestly, I want them to get a feel of who I am right now. The Kick Back was something I wanted to bring up and about because in LA, we have kickbacks. I remember going to kickbacks. Not really so much a house party, but a kickback vibe. This is an extension of me. I have a lot in me, this is just the start.

AllHipHop: Talking about linking with Bino Rideaux on “No (Know).”

Brody Brown: Bino, that’s my n*gga man! That’s my boy. I reached out like man, you think Bino would want to get on this? Because everybody knows I’m quiet in LA. Unless you know me, you know me. But if you don’t, you’re like who the f### is this? I never thought that everybody would know me the way I perceive them to know me. When I reached out, I was expecting everybody to say no. You I reached out to India Love, she said yes.  I reached out to BLXST, he said yeah. I reached out to be Bino, he said yeah. I reached out to RJ, he said yeah. I reached out to Buddy, he said yeah. 

Okay cool, I guess I do got a little name on me. I be thinking people don’t care about the Grammys and money. They’d think getting the Grammy is corny, but for me, that’s one of the highest we can do it in our in our field of music. That’s one of the highest things. My mother beat breast cancer, I retired her, all off music. I don’t know how to do nothing else. I got a basketball court here I didn’t put together. I got a car drive, I don’t know how to change tires. I don’t know how to do none of that, that’s not my specialty. My specialty is strictly music. 

Linking up with Kacey Khalil, Rance 1500 and Mike&Keys, I never thought — I did a lot of Nipsey records. I did “Last Time That I Checc’d.” 

AllHipHop: With 1500 Or Nothin?

Brody Brown: Yeah, I’ve got it tattooed on my belly! [shows tattoo] “Hussle & Motivate,” I’m a part of all these records. I’m a part of the Hip Hop, pop, country. I do all types, whatever you want me to do. I feel very blessed to do that. When I reached out to Bino, he immediately said yeah. He came to the studio the night of, cut the record, it was done. Amazing.

AllHipHop: Do you have any goals for yourself? 

Brody Brown: Just to keep going, that’s my only goal. I can’t I can’t let my kids down, knowing this is all I do. I want to have a Gold record, and to reach the people too. I want them to know ya’ll don’t have to keep seeing the same old talent. Y’all can see somebody new. If I cut my hair, I look like I’m 18. But I gotta keep up with the youth. [laughs] It’s hard, but it is what it is.

AllHipHop: Is there anything else you’re excited for?

Brody Brown: I’m excited for my band, I got a band called Striktly Bidness that’s supposed to be coming out this summer. It’s a group of producers, musicians, and songwriters. We all got together and created a band, just to keep music going. Different genres like funk, R&B, that’s what we basically are.

Killer Mike Acquires Another Fintech Company

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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Did you know that rapper Killer Mike is not just a phenomenal emcee and political activist, but an outstanding businessman making major moves in banking and financing?

The Georgia recording artist, whose real name is Michael Render, founded a company called Greenwood with former Atlanta mayor, Andrew Young, in 2020 with the goal to empower Black and Brown people, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

In 2022, the company, currently valued at $325 million, acquired two Black-owned companies: the Atlanta-based networking hub and workspace The Gathering Spot, and Valence, an online career development platform.

Now, after buying those businesses, it has purchased Kinly, a fintech firm with a mission to serve Black customers also.

Before joining forces, Greenwood and Kinly were rivals.

“One of the things that I always think about is the old African proverb, you know: ‘You want to go fast, go alone, you want to go far, you know, go together,’” U.S. For Donald Hawkins, CEO and founder of Missouri-based Kinly said.

Like Greenwood, Kinly started in 2020 also. The brands launched within a month of each other.

The financial details of the acquisition have not been shared, but Hawkins will come into the company as a vice president.

“We believe that it takes a mosaic of individuals, of corporations — VCs included — to close a generational wealth gap that existed in this country for centuries,” said Ryan Glover, Greenwood’s CEO. Glover is also one of the company’s founders.

With Killer Mike at the helm, Greenwood was able to secure a $45 million funding round led by Black-founded investment firm Pendulum. This money is helping to shape the mission to effectively serve and empower its approximately 150,000 banking customers.

‘King Talk’: Shaq Drops New Song With Rapper Blackway

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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NBA All-star and Hip-Hopper at heart, Shaquille O’Neal has dropped a banger for the summer, enlisting the support of Ghanaian American rapper Blackway to kick off the intensely affirmational track produced by Koko, “King Talk.”

An inkling the song was going to be a monster hit came when Shaq teased the song with an animated video to celebrate LeBron James’ NBA scoring title. According to sources, the clip reached over 16 million views after its release on social media.

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A post shared by DR. SHAQUILLE O'NEAL Ed.D. (@shaq)

He captioned the post, “Congratulations @kingjames job well done my man my boys @iamblackway and @kokostopit had this waiting for you.”

The fans exploded with all kinds of fire emojis and basically said they wanted it. Dr. Shaq gave them exactly what they asked for— a musical slam dunk.

“KoKo and I have been sending beats back and forth for a minute now and after he played me this one, I knew I had to jump on it. I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment for a collab with Blackway and this was it,” the proud member of Omega Psi Phi stated.

Adding, “This is the type of record that gets me hyped like I’m walking out for game seven of the finals. The lyrics and vibe of this track was so perfect for the moment when LeBron James set the NBA scoring record and I knew I had to share it with the world—a king recognizes a king. It was crazy to see so many people connect with the song when they heard the teaser, just like I did when we created it.”

“King Talk” is one of the first joints fans have gotten from the baller since he dropped “Shaq Diesel” and “Shaq-Fu: Da Return” in the mid-’90s.

In an interview with NORE and DJ EFN, he said he left the rap game because, after his platinum-selling record, he didn’t make enough money.

Seems like he has been bitten by the bug again and gearing up to release music. Shaq has never been far away from music. His cousin Shotgun Suge is one of the culture’s hottest battle rappers and emerging filmmakers.

N.O.R.E. Promises To Never Diss Cam’ron

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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It appears whatever friction may have been rising between N.O.R.E. and Cam’ron has settled down. The two veteran rappers/media figures supposedly spoke by telephone to settle their differences.

Cam’ron took issue with N.O.R.E.’s comments on an episode of The Joe Budden Podcast. During his sitdown with Budden, the Queens representative once known as Noreaga slammed some of his competitors in podcasting.

“I’m looking at these rappers trying shows now, rappers from our era. And they are so failing. They’re doing sports shows, they’re doing comedy shows. They’re talking about, ‘Yo, I’m up. I’m just doing this for fun.’ No, you are not,” stated the Drink Champs host.

Cam’ron, host of the It Is What It Is sports commentary program, responded. The Harlem native wrote, “Damn, @therealnoreaga told you I couldn’t trust you. Lolol. I’m just f###### [with] ya. But what other rapper from the 90s got the sports and cooking show?”

That Instagram post by Cam’ron led to N.O.R.E. firing back. The “Superthug” hitmaker tweeted, “Me and you are friends from the 90s. You have my real-life phone number… If you thought at any time I was going at you, why would you go to the internet 1st?”

However, N.O.R.E. returned to Twitter in order to let the world know there is no current beef between him and Cam’ron. On Monday afternoon, the Capone-N-Noreaga rhymer tweeted, “Just spoke to Cam. We good!!!”

N.O.R.E. also doubled down on his conciliatory message about Cam’ron by also addressing the situation on his Instagram page. He shared, “Thank [you] killa @mr_camron I will never diss [you]. I loved our phone call thx!!!”

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Vic Mensa: Police Are Not The Biggest Issue Compared To Violence From “Your Own Kind”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Chicago rapper Vic Mensa has been a very outspoken activist against police brutality and government-backed violence against African-Americans. Seven years ago, Mensa released a song titled “16 Shots” which addressed the 2014 police killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald.

“I’ve been harassed by police my whole life and seen people who looked like me treated like animals at the hands of law enforcement. That’s how I feel: F### police,” stated Vic Mensa in 2015.

Spin interviewed Mensa for the outlet’s latest cover story. The 29-year-old emcee shared his current views on law enforcement and the street violence perpetuated by Black males.

“The police are not your biggest issue,” Mensa said. “They may be the definitive factor on if you live or die today, but you’re gonna deal with much more run-of-the-mill violence from your own kind.”

He added, “Because that’s just the psyche and the programming of our communities. So it’s like you as a young Black man learn that you must become the aggressor unless you wanna be a victim.”

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Vic Mensa Has Had Run-Ins With The Law

Last year, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority officials arrested Vic Mensa at Washington Dulles International Airport after allegedly discovering drugs in his baggage. Mensa pled guilty and accepted a sentence of 12 months probation.

In 2017, the man born Victor Kwesi Mensah also pled no contest to carrying a concealed firearm. The former Kids These Days member received two years probation for those weapons charges in Beverly Hills, California.

“Obviously it’s whacked to have to go to jail and be plastered all across global news. But I think it’s pretty beautiful that, just a few months after that, I was able to launch the first Black-owned legal cannabis company in my state,” Mensa told Spin. He launched the 93 Boyz marijuana brand in 2022.

The Roc Nation recording artist released his debut studio album, The Autobiography, in 2017. Vic Mensa’s discography also contains his 2013 breakout mixtape Innanetape. In addition, he dropped 2016’s There’s Alot Going On EP, 2017’s The Manuscript EP, and 2022’s Vino Valentino EP.

Cardi B Admits To Dealing With Anxiety Over Red Carpet Appearances

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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Once again, a Met Gala night ends with Cardi B as a top trending topic on social media. The “WAP” rapper sparked a lot of conversation about her two outfits for the NYC event held on Monday.

At first, Cardi B showed off a pink gown at her hotel before arriving at the Met Gala in a black-and-white dress with a collared white shirt and tie. Both looks took inspiration from a photo of designer Karl Lagerfeld and model Lily-Rose Depp.

This year’s Met Gala paid tribute to the late Chanel creative director Karl Lagerfeld. The annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute selected “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” as the theme for the evening.

Vogue caught up with Cardi B at the Met Gala. The interview included the 30-year-old recording artist discussing the mental stress from dealing with high-profile appearances like “Fashion’s Biggest Night” yesterday.

“Sometimes I be like, ‘I’m not doing the Met Gala next year. I just can’t do it.’ It’s bad for my health,” admitted Cardi B with a smile. “The anxiety is insane.”

When asked what makes her nervous about walking red carpets like the one on the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cardi responded, “Everything. Bad pictures, people not liking my outfit. Everything. The pressure.”

Despite feeling anxious about possibly receiving negative feedback for her attire, Cardi B has managed to regularly wow fashion insiders with her Met Gala looks. She has found her name on several “best dressed” lists over the past five years.

YoungBoy Never Broke Again Becomes Youngest Act To Earn 100 Hot 100 Entries

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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YoungBoy Never Broke Again just made Billboard chart history. The 23-year-old rapper charted his 100th song on the Billboard Hot 100 becoming the youngest artist to ever achieve that feat.

“Big Truck” is NBA YoungBoy’s latest Hot 100 entry. The song debuted at No. 100 this week. With that chart placement, the Baton Rouge-bred rhymer surpassed Lil Baby (27 years) for the record.

In addition, YoungBoy Never Broke Again is just the thirteenth act to reach the 100-song milestone on the Hot 100. Fellow rap star Drake leads the list of all-time Hot 100 hits with 294 career entries.

YoungBoy is just five entries behind Pop singer Justin Bieber (105) and Hip Hop legend Jay-Z (105). The Top 10 also includes Lil Wayne (184), Future (161), Kanye West (141), Lil Baby (134), and Nicki Minaj (129).

Of his 100 songs to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart, YoungBoy Never Broke Again only has one track that made it into the Top 10 region. “Bandit” with the late Chicago rapper Juice WRLD peaked at No. 10 in 2019.

YoungBoy also found success on the Billboard 200 chart. His Don’t Try This at Home studio album opened at No. 5 on the most recent Billboard 200 with 60,000 first-week units, his fourteenth Top 10 project.

Don’t Try This at Home dropped on April 21 via Never Broke Again/Motown Records. NBA YoungBoy recruited Nicki Minaj, Mariah the Scientist, Post Malone, and The Kid Laroi as guest features for the album.

Throughout his career, YoungBoy Never Broke Again topped the Billboard 200 chart for four cumulative weeks. 2019’s AI YoungBoy 2, 2020’s 38 Baby 2, 2020’s Top, and 2021’s Sincerely, Kentrell each led the Billboard 200 for one week.

Lil Nas X Reacts To Mixed Reviews For 2023 Met Gala Outfit

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) Updated Category: News
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The 2023 Met Gala took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday (May 1) night. Georgia-raised rapper Lil Nas X was among the attendees at the annual fundraising gala.

“Fashion’s Biggest Night” always provides celebrities and their stylists the chance to show off new looks. Lil Nas X generated a lot of discussion by arriving at the event wearing metallic paint, crystals, a mask, and silver thong.

Some social media users praised Lil Nas X for embodying a cat as a tribute to the late fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld. This year’s Met Gala featured the theme: “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.”

https://twitter.com/LilNasX/status/1653217031263600645?s=20

Lil Nas X also garnered negative reactions for his full-body transformation and Dior Men undergarments. Walking the carpet with a painted bare behind led to online critics blasting the 24-year-old entertainer.

Critics had a field day with the “Old Town Road” hitmaker by comparing him to troll dolls and more. Lil Nas X took to Twitter to respond to the criticisms of his Met Gala attire by Pat McGrath. He tweeted, “Maybe it’ll grow on y’all [I don’t know].”

Numerous celebs attended the 2023 Met Gala. In addition to Lil Nas X, the guest list included Diddy, Yung Miami, Doja Cat, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Cardi B, Lizzo, Teyana Taylor, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, Burna Boy, and others.

U.K. Rapper Rapman Announces Black Superhero Series “Supacell’ Coming To Netflix 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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British rapper and screenwriter Rapman has come a long way from the web series that brought him international acclaim, announcing his upcoming Netflix superhero series, Supacell. 

Rapman gained initial success and caught the eye of Roc Nation with his viral three-part web series Shiro’s Story. After signing to Jay-Z’s entertainment agency, the South Londoner made his directorial debut with the musical crime drama Blue Story in 2019.  Rapman discussed the movie with AllHipHop.com back in 2020. Watch the interview here.

Over the weekend, Rapman – real name Andrew Onwubolu – shared a trailer for the series on social media. He urged his followers, “Do not forget the name SUPACELL.” The show will follow a group of ordinary Black South Londoners who unexpectedly develop superpowers.  

“We’re going global baby 190 countries. Get ready, Supacell to the world,” Rapman teased in the video. He also revealed that while the series is packed with special effects, “The deeper meaning of the show and the deeper theme of the show is love.” He also revealed that the only thing the main characters have in common is that they’re Black. Check out the trailer below. 

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Rapman Says ‘Supacell’ Uses Groundbreaking Technology To Highlight Black Skin

The series utilizes revolutionary technology to complement Black skin tones. The five Black protagonists were all filmed using an Arri 35 camera, reportedly the first in the U.K. to use the technology. 

“It’s groundbreaking technology. Often with shows that only have one or two Black characters, they don’t look as good as it’s not the focus but this is different,” Rapman explained to Metro during a Netflix event. “The camera launched just before we started filming, and we had to pitch to use it.”  

Meanwhile, Rapman revealed that the streaming service surpassed his already vast expectations for Supacell.  

“I thought Netflix would see the script and feel like it’s a bit too big and tell us ‘Let’s reign it in,’” Rapman admitted. However, he claims in reality, it was “the opposite” adding, “they let us fly to the sky with it.” 

Rapman is yet to announce a release date, but Supacell is expected later this year.

50 Cent Says “TV Will Never Be The Same” After Launching G-Unit Film Studio 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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50 Cent is planning on expanding his ever-growing television and production empire with the introduction of a G-Unit film division, complete with a 985,000 square feet studio to boot. 

After taking over television with a run of hit series like Power and BMF, Fiddy is ramping things up a notch. He took to Instagram over the weekend to unveil his latest venture and the next step to film and TV dominance.  

He shared a video of the space, which is currently a blank canvas for him to build his dream on.  

“Well, would you lookie here,” 50 Cent said in the video before adding, “985,000 square feet. Can you say G-Unit studios?” 

Fif continued in the caption: “G-unit film &Tv 💣BOOM 💨 I need room to work 🤷🏽‍♂️ I don’t miss 🎯,” he penned “📺will never be the same.”  

Check out the vast space in the video below.  

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50 Cent Announces The End Of His STARZ Partnership

50 Cent gained his considerable foothold in the industry with shows like Power, PowerBook II: Ghost, PowerBook III: Raising Kanan, and Powerbook IV: Force and BMF, in partnership with STARZ. However, last year Fiddy announced he ended his STARZ deal and filed a trademark for a new company for his upcoming projects.  

“Shout out to BET, I won Hustler of the year. No one from music culture has had success in Television production. I have 25 shows now and I’ve made some big deals away from TV. I’m out of my deal at STARZ tomorrow,” he announced last September.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/CikZwL6jOIx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Meanwhile, in April, 50 Cent vowed not to sell any more shows to STARZ and expressed his regret over their deal.  

“I have the number 1,2,3, and 4 top TV shows in African American, and Latina households and I hate that I made them with the wrong people,” he penned on Instagram. “I’m not doing any BMF spin offs or selling any other shows to STARZ. ✌🏽” 

Rihanna & A$AP Rocky Serve Couples Fashion Goals At 2023 Met Gala  

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Rihanna and A$AP Rocky arrived fashionably late to the 202 Met Gala in New York Monday, but the stylish couple proved worth the wait. 

The Harlem rapper went viral on social media after he made a dramatic entrance before the event began. A$AP was caught hopping a barrier outside New York City’s Carlyle Hotel Monday afternoon (May. 1), using a woman to help propel him over the barricade.  

As the Met Gala officially began, fans were on the edge of their seats, awaiting the famous couple’s grand entrance. Just when it seemed the most fashion-forward parents might have skipped this year’s annual get-together, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky emerged from their hotel. 

Although everybody wanted a glimpse of her outfit, the nine-time Grammy Award winner kept her gown under wraps with a sweeping old Hollywood-style fur coat.  

Nonetheless, Rihanna had switched outfits once she made her official red-carpet debut, donning another dramatic Met Gala look in keeping with her previous appearances.  

When she arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rihanna sported a white Maison Valentino gown with a long, sweeping train. She also wore an eye-catching rosette-filled white top covering her head and upper body. Rihanna accessorized the look with matching opera-length fingerless gloves and cat-eye sunglasses with fake eyelashes attached.  

Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky wore a Gucci fit in tribute to Karl Lagerfeld, who was the theme of this year’s Met Gala. He donned a black blazer, a white dress shirt, and a red plaid pleated kilt with a train layered over a pair of jeans. 

The couple flicked it up for the camera, and Rihanna unbuttoned her billowing top to display her blossoming baby bump.  

Serena Williams Stuns At Met Gala With Surprise Pregnancy Reveal 

By: London Jennn Updated Category: News
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Serena Williams is expecting her second child with husband Alexis Ohanian, debuting her blossoming bump at the star-studded Met Gala in New York. 

The retired tennis star teased her announcement ahead of the event Monday night (May 1) with an Instagram post.  

“Was so excited when Anna Wintour invited the 3 of us to the Met Gala,” Serena Williams captioned a post of her and her husband showing off their looks for the high fashion annual gala. In case anybody missed the hint in the caption, Serena lovingly cradled her growing belly in one image.  

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A short time later, Alexis Ohanian also shared his own set of Met Gala snaps and revealed that their five-year-old daughter longs for a sibling.  

“Mama (@serenawilliams) & Papa love this parenting-thing, so we’re back at it 😁,” he penned in the caption. “@olympiaohanian is gonna be the best Big Sister—she’s been asking & praying for this for a minute.” 

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Serena Williams Steps Back From Tennis To Focus On Family

Last year, the 23-times major winner announced her plans to step away from tennis. However, Serena Williams revealed that she’s evolving rather than quitting the sport.  

“I have never liked the word retirement. It doesn’t feel like a modern word to me,” she wrote in an essay for Vogue. “I’ve been thinking of this as a transition, but I want to be sensitive about how I use that word, which means something very specific and important to a community of people. Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution.” 

Serena Williams opened her essay last August by explaining how her desire to grow her family affected her decision to step back from the sport she dominated for over two decades.  

“Believe me, I never wanted to have to choose between tennis and a family. I don’t think it’s fair. If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labor of expanding our family,” she stated. “A lot of people don’t realize that I was two months pregnant when I won the Australian Open in 2017. But I’m turning 41 this month, and something’s got to give.” 

Diddy Sweats Buckets When Asked About Yung Miami At Met Gala

By: London Jennn Updated Category: Rumors
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Diddy and Yung Miami donned matching outfits for their date night at the prestigious Met Gala, despite the City Girls’ claims just weeks ago that they broke up. 

The duo arrived together looking loved up, walking the not-so-red red carpet hand-in-hand Monday night (May. 1). Although the pair were the picture of poised perfection as they posed for the cameras, the Hip-Hop mogul appeared under pressure once they met the press. 

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Host La La Anthony asked Diddy and Yung Miami for a relationship status update.

“So, I have the million-dollar question right now. You ready for it? The million-dollar question is so, do y’all officially go together real bad?” She asked, playing off Yung Miami’s comment to Diddy on the debut episode of her Caresha Please podcast.  

While Diddy initially tried to dodge the question, saying, “She gonna answer that,” referring to Yung Miami, he eventually gave La La the answer she wanted.  

“We definitely go together real bad!” he said before adding, “She’s my date for the night. We don’t put titles on it. Everybody wants us to put a title on it, we don’t put titles. This like my best friend in the world, one of the most beautiful people God has blessed me with. And I’m blessed that she’s my date tonight.” 

However, the conversation had Diddy sweating buckets and he had to ask for a tissue. Check out the clip below.  

Last month, Yung Miami insisted she and Diddy had broken up, although they remained friends.  

“That’s not my man,” she explained during an interview with The Cut. “We had our own situation. I’m not gonna put a title on it. We were f###### with each other hard. We were together every day at one point. He supported me, I supported him. I’ll let the internet call it whatever they want to call it.” 

Diddy, Lil Nas X & Doja Cat’s 2023 Met Gala Looks Stir Up Twitter: See Them All

By: Kyle Eustice Updated Category: News
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Diddy, Usher and Lizzo were among the many famous faces who popped up at the 2023 Met Gala in New York City on Monday (May 1). Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, the annual soirée is a chance for celebrities to flex their creativity when it comes to fashion.

Par for the course, there were a few looks that had fans scratching their heads—like Doja Cat. The Planet Her singer (sometimes rapper) waltzed down the carpet with prosthetic makeup that essentially turned her into a Whoville character. But apparently, this was Doja Cat’s best impression of designer Karl Lagerfield’s cat Choupette. In all fairness, the theme of this year’s event was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” so many applauded Doja Cat for “understanding the assignment.” Simultaneously, they urged her to seek therapy.

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Then there was Lil Nas X. The “Old Town Road” breakout star sauntered in basically naked (sans a pair of thong underwear) and coated head to toe in silver body paint. People were quick to criticize Lil Nas X online, with many telling him to put some clothes on.

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Diddy, meanwhile, arrived with Yung Miami despite her recent claim they were no longer romantically involved. He revived his own brand, Sean John, for the evening. Dressed in an all-black ensemble and rocking a pair of sunglasses, the Bad Boy Records mogul looked regal with a giant cape and custom-tailored tuxedo. Constructed from wool and rayon, the tux showcased 600 8mm Swarovski crystals and black pearls as a tribute to Coco Chanel’s and Karl Lagerfeld’s enduring use of this elegant feature.

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Lizzo, Bad Bunny, the Kardashians, Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, Ice Spice, Jared Leto, Teyana Taylor, Billie Eilish, Finneas and more served up more outrageous outfits (some more outrageous than others) throughout the evening.

Check out some of the photos below.

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Daz Dillinger Calls BS On Suge Knight Saying Dr. Dre Didn’t Produce ‘Doggystyle’

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Daz Dillinger denied producing Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle after Suge Knight claimed Dr. Dre took credit for Daz’s work on the classic album.

Knight said Daz ghost-produced the album and signed paperwork giving Dr. Dre the rights to the music in an April interview with TMZ. Daz responded to Knight’s allegations via Instagram on Monday (May 1).

“I @DAZDILLINGER DENIES WHAT MR FAT AZZ NO LEGS JERKIN SUGE KNIGHT CLAIM EVERYTHING HE TELLS IS A LIE,” he wrote. “SHOUT OUT TO @drdre & @snoopdogg DOGGYSTYLE 4LIFE.”

Daz elaborated on his denial in a video. He insisted Dr. Dre produced Doggystyle in its entirety.

“I did not have nothing to do with that,” he said. “Dr. Dre did it on his own. Suge Knight is lying. I ain’t sign a m############ thing.”

Daz accused Knight of trying to cover up “shady” business with eOne Music’s Alan Grunblatt. Tha Dogg Pound member mentioned how Snoop Dogg’s purchase of Death Row Records led to the discovery of the label’s alleged misdeeds under Knight’s leadership.

“He just covering s### up because [of] everything that Snoop and them has uncovered in the Death Row [purchase] … He just making up s### right now,” Daz said. “All that s### he said was a m############ lie … That b#### n#### lying.”

Listen to the veteran rapper/producer’s reaction to Knight’s allegations below.

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N.O.R.E. Clears The Air With Cam’ron Over Apparent Diss On Joe Budden Podcast

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Cam’ron and N.O.R.E. settled their issues over the latter’s comments on the Joe Budden Podcast.

N.O.R.E. said he talked to Cam’ron about their friction on Monday (May 1). Last week, Killa Cam called out Noreaga for mocking other rappers creating podcasts and web shows.

“Just spoke to cam we good!!!” N.O.R.E. declared via Twitter.

Earlier this year, N.O.R.E. mentioned “sports shows” while he and Joe Budden laughed at rappers failing at podcasting. Months later, Cam’ron shared the clip on Instagram. The Dipset rapper felt insulted since he hosts a sports show titled It Is What It Is.

“Damn @therealnoreaga told you I couldn’t trust you,” he wrote to N.O.R.E. in April. “Lolol. Im just f###### wit ya. But what other rapper from the 90’s got the sports and cooking show? U know u my n#### for life. But ya man hoe buddons threw u under the bus on the very Nx episode said he didn’t know who u was talking bout. I don’t give a f### how his numbers is N.O. Stay away from that crack head!!!! @itiswhatitis_talk THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK.”

N.O.R.E. denied dissing Cam’ron. Noreaga noted they’ve been friends since the ‘90s in a response on Twitter.

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Snoop Dogg Hits The Ice With Bid To Purchase NHL Team

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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Snoop Dogg emerged as a potential buyer for the Ottawa Senators on Monday (May 1).

The Hip-Hop legend confirmed his interest in purchasing the NHL team on Instagram. Snoop Dogg joined an ownership group led by Los Angeles-based entrepreneur Neko Sparks, who is trying to acquire the hockey franchise.

“Amazing what @neko_sparks is trying to do in Ottawa & I’m looking forward to being apart of that ownership team,” Snoop Dogg wrote. “I WANNA BRING HOCKEY TO OUR COMMUNITY.”

Snoop Dogg commented on the bid after The Athletic reported his involvement in Sparks’ ownership group. The rapper was one of more than a dozen investors aligning with Sparks to buy the Senators.

“He’s passionately involved,” a source told The Athletic. “He’s coming up with ideas. And he’s legitimately excited. He wants this team.”

The Senators are expected to sell for more than $1 billion. If Sparks’ group purchases the team, he would be the NHL’s first Black owner.

Last year, Snoop Dogg made a splash when he bought Death Row Records. He expanded the Death Row brand with cannabis, wine and other ventures after acquiring his former label.

The Doggfather removed the Death Row catalog from streaming services in 2022. The music returned to digital platforms in 2023.

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YSL Drama: Lawyer Writes Essay To Avoid Jail Ahead Of Young Thug’s Trial

By: Justin Ivey Updated Category: News
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A defense lawyer penned a court-ordered essay to stay out of jail while working on the YSL RICO case.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, attorney Eric Johnson faced 20 days behind bars for leaving the court without permission. Judge Ural Glanville offered Johnson the opportunity to write a research paper as an alternative punishment.

The lawyer had to write about “the importance of professionalism in the legal field.” He submitted his research paper to the court on Friday (April 28).

Johnson represents Christian Eppinger, one of Young Thug’s co-defendants in the YSL RICO case. Eppinger, Young Thug and other YSL members continue to wait for their trial to begin.

Jury selection started in January. No jurors were seated over the past four months.

Last month, Young Thug requested bond for a fourth time since his 2022 arrest. His attorney Brian Steel asked the judge to reconsider a pre-trial release due to the slow-moving court proceedings.

“[Young Thug] has been languishing in the County Jail without bond,” Steel argued. “[He] has previously put forth compelling evidence, without doubt, that conditions can be imposed which permit bond to be set.”

The rapper and various YSL members were indicted on RICO charges in 2022. Young Thug maintains his innocence.

Rapper Tsu Surf’s Mother Calls For Tsu’sday Fast

By: Kershaw St. Jawnson Updated Category: News
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The mother of rapper Tsu Surf is calling for his fans and supporters to pause once a week in honor of her son, hoping that the positive vibrations will help her him return home quicker.

A spiritual family, his mother posted on social media the heralding call to believers to fast every Tuesday until the fall on behalf of the “What Changed” recording artist.

She posted on Instagram, “If you know what fasting does. Join us as we go on a Tsu’sday fast every Tuesday starting May 2nd ending September 12th The devil has no win here. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Health Hildegard said, “Because spirituality is deeply personal, there are no ‘one-size-fits-all’ personal spiritual benefits of fasting.”

Many hopped into her comments and said they were open to fasting.

“I’m down what are we fasting from?” one said.

Another person wrote, “We already won!!! Let’s claim it NOWWW.”

“I’m in !!! My grandma would tell us “ For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them … Matthew 18:20,” Yeerrrleish wrote, quoting one of the scriptures.

Likewise, Callme__bleu went spiritual and wrote, “God said For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them!!! I’m in my WAR CLOSET with YOU mama!”

Many, like his Gun Titles brother Tay Roc, just want him to come home.

“FREE U SOON KID! Miss My Dawggggg,” the Baltimore rapper said.

AllHipHop.com reported the Justice Department released a statement sharing the battle rapper, whose real name is Rahjon Cox, pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges and possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. 

Tsu Surf is one of the most talented battle rappers in the game. He is also celebrated and respected as a commercial rapper, having songs with Chris Brown, Mozzy, Nipsey Hussle, and many more.

Bebe Rexha Explains Why She Slid Into Snoop Dogg’s DM’s

By: AllHipHop Staff Updated Category: News
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Bebe Rexha slid into Snoop Dogg’s DMs to ask him to collaborate on a song with her.

During a recent appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” the TV host asked the “Meant to Be” singer how she got the legendary rapper to feature on her new track Satellite.

Accordingly, Bebe recalled how she simply sent Snoop a request via Instagram.

“I feel like you always have to hustle to make things happen yourself sometimes. So, I went on Instagram and was like, ‘Let me just send him a message.’ I said, ‘Hey, I have a song, I’d love to send it to you. If you like it, I’d love for you to rap on it, do your thing, if not (that’s O.K. too).’ And he called me the next morning at 7 am with a (marijuana) blunt in his mouth, and he smoked and like blew his smoke to the phone and was like, ‘Check your email.’ And I was like, ‘WHAT!'”

Bebe released her self-titled third studio album last month, with the project also featuring appearances from David Guetta and Dolly Parton.

Yet, the star insisted Satellite remains her top song at the moment. “It was one of my favorite songs on the album,” the 33-year-old smiled.