By: ykyles Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) (AllHipHop News) Emcee/actor LL Cool J is now part of the SiriusXM family. Today, the 2-time Grammy winner and Kennedy Center Honoree is launching a new SiriusXM classic Hip Hop channel titled “Rock the Bells Radio.” “If you wanna be a fly on the wall in the world of classic Hip Hop, SiriusXM’s ‘Rock the Bells Radio’ is for you,” says LL. “It’s where fans can come and be immersed in the music, the culture, the energy and the history of classic Hip Hop.” The rap legend continues, “We’re gonna have great artists, legendary artists, lyricists, superstars, sex symbols. This is the place to be if you want uncut, raw, pure, classic Hip-Hop, but there’s one catch – it’s strictly for O.G.’s.” Acclaimed street artist Shepard Fairey designed the channel’s logo. Fairey became an internationally known figure by creating the iconic Barack Obama “Hope” poster during the 2008 presidential campaign. ​ ​ LL Cool J’s “Rock The Bells Radio” joins other SiriusXM channels like Eminem’s Shade 45, Diplo’s Revolution, and Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Radio. Subscribers can listen to “Rock the Bells Radio” (channel 43) on SiriusXM radios, via the SiriusXM mobile app, online, and on at-home devices. “We couldn’t be more excited that LL Cool J’s ‘Rock the Bells Radio’ channel will launch live from our special Los Angeles event. SiriusXM was at the forefront of the classic Hip Hop format, and with LL on board, it makes the channel that much more compelling,” states Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. Greenstein adds, “With both the channel and this unique event, LL will be taking SiriusXM listeners on a hip-hop journey that can’t be found anywhere else. For listeners looking for the origins and influences of today’s burgeoning Hip Gop culture, they need only turn to LL Cool J’s ‘Rock the Bells Radio’ to hear it. LL will make the channel feel as current and alive as today’s music with stellar presentation, surprising programming choices, and new cuts from classic artists.”

By: ykyles Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) (AllHipHop News) G-Eazy had a huge 2017. “No Limit” and “Him & I” hit the Top 20 of the Hot 100 chart and The Beautiful & Damned album opened with 122,000 units in its first week of release. Despite his commercial success, the Oakland rapper feels he is still in the process of justifying his place in the music landscape. He spoke about that internal struggle in a trailer for the Netflix docuseries Rapture. https://www.google.com/sorry/index?continue=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be%26v=IuT3KnsheLU&q=EgQ2uICCGNeVg_kFIhkA8aeDS6LPTZ_NJocLeXYygAqVk7-LCx78MgFy “I live in a constant state of wanting to prove myself,” said G-Eazy. “Every show I get to play is a blessing.” Rapture is set to debut March 30 on the streaming platform. Other Hip Hop stars – such as T.I., Nas, Dave East, Rapsody, and A Boogie wit da Hoodie – appear in episodes of the Mass Appeal production as well. ​ ​

By: ykyles Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY) (AllHipHop News) The 2018 Brooklyn and Atlanta editions of the Afropunk Festival have official dates. Afropunk BK is scheduled for August 25/26 at Commodore Barry Park, and Afropunk ATL will take place October 13/14 at 787 Windsor. Erykah Badu, Tyler, The Creator, Miguel, and Janelle Monáe are headlining the shows in New York City. Other acts to hit the stage in Fort Greene include The Internet, H.E.R., Daniel Caesar, Jaden Smith, Willow Smith, Denzel Curry, Smino, Jamila Woods, and Jessie Reyes. The southern sets will feature N.E.R.D, The Internet, Wicked Wisdom, Benjamin Booker, Noname, and Little Simz. Afropunk organizers selected “The People Resist” as the theme for this year’s festivals. https://www.google.com/sorry/index?continue=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vimbLw8wxbw&q=EgQi24toGMyCg_kFIhkA8aeDS89awYwtn7aKciwNfuEIfyk8PIGhMgFy THE PEOPLE RESIST This resistance is not new! We, the people who have lived under the thumb of white supremacy, gender inequality, homophobia, environmental rape and economic apartheid have always known that when the world is an outrage, the sensible thing to do is defy it. Resistance is survival, not just a hashtag. But if it’s going to be a social media call to political arms, let’s make that f##### count! This resistance is not only about the toxicity of sick men in power. We, the people recognize the laws they codify are pornographic fever-dreams of late-stage capitalism and white patriarchy, its bottom-lines built on the broken backs of individual human rights, and on development for the few but cheap plastic lives for those segregated from society. Our moral teachers taught us the ethics on which to build this fight, and our punk roots gave us the strategy. This resistance is not nihilism. When the People Resist, our collective “No” is actually “Yes” – to all, for all. We stake everybody’s claim, rejecting old colonial privileges. When the People Resist, it is inclusive, not exclusive -our arms open to the oppressed, and a finger in the air to the oppressors. We respond to the absurdity of their limited vision. When the People Resist, it is unity, not division – loud voices speaking together, even if they aren’t all saying the same thing. We reject the purity of agreement, for the righteousness of our displeasure. The People Resist…because there’s nothing else left to do now. ​ ​ ​ ​

(AllHipHop News) Drake’s monster hit “God’s Plan” will spend the “Holy Week” holiday at the top of the U.S. pop charts. The rapper’s tune has just locked down a ninth week at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, keeping Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line’s “Meant to Be” off the top of the countdown. Ed Sheeran’s former Hot 100 # 1, “Perfect,” drops a spot to three on the new chart, while Bruno Mars and Cardi B’s Finesse and Post Malone’s Psycho round out the top five. Rapper XXXTentacion makes his debut in the top 10 with “Sad!” – one of seven tracks from his number one album ? to feature in this week’s Hot 100. The album hit the top of the Billboard 200 on Sunday, days after the judge overseeing his legal woes agreed to relax the house arrest terms of his confinement, so the 20-year-old rap star, real name Jahseh Onfroy, could tour. 

(AllHipHop News) A judge has rejected a proposed bail package that would have sprung Juelz Santana from jail. The rap star has been behind bars since March 12th, which is the day he turned himself in for a wild incident at Newark Liberty International Airport. TSA agents claimed they found a loaded Derringer in the rapper’s luggage, as he attempted to board a flight to California.When the agents found the two-shot pistol, Juelz fled the airport, leaving behind Oxycodone pills and his ID card. Juelz, 36, caught a taxi and disappeared for several days before finally surrendering to authorities. Yesterday, a judge ordered he will stay locked up after ruling a proposed bail package for the rap star was insufficient, although no details were offered to explain the judge’s ruling. In addition to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and carrying a weapon on an aircraft, Juelz was also booked for unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of drugs, and an unspecified federal warrant. So far, a new date for Juelz to go before a judge to regain freedom has yet to be set. Juelz Santana, born LaRon James, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. If he is convicted, he could face at least 10 years in prison.

(AllHipHop News) A Tribe Called Quest has sure remained active, despite releasing their final #1 album We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service in 2016 The group just announced another new fashion collaboration, and this time they have partnered with Vans to offer up a two-day pop-up shop featuring exclusive gear. The latest collection captures the groups iconic album artwork and song lyrics on a range of Vans classic silhouettes including the UltraRange, Old Skool, Slip-On, Authentic, Sk8-Hi and Era. According to reps for Vans, “the Authentic” show honors the life of Phife Dawg, who passed away on March 22, 2016, of complications from diabetes. The news comes as the group prepares another high-profile fashion collaboration with Pharrell Williams called “The Space Program” capsule collection, which is available for purchase now. Take a look at the Vans collection below. ​ ​ ​

(AllHipHop News) Migos’ Quavo is planning on celebrating Easter Weekend by hosting a hip-hop fueled flag football game. The chart-topping rap star has assembled a who’s who in the Atlanta hip-hop scene to compete against each other – and some professional athletes- on April 1. 2 Chainz will coach Team Huncho, which will showcase players like Quavo, Offset, Lil Yachty, Lil Baby, Rich The Kid, Martavis Bryant, Alvin Kamara, and 21 Savage. Team Huncho will take on Team Julio, which will be coached by Julio Jones, and features talent like Jacquees, Trouble, YFN Lucci, Ezekial Elliot, Martellus Bennett and others. The game will be played at Berkmar High School, where Quavo played on the football team before he became one of the world’s best-known rappers. ​ ​

(AllHipHop News) DMX is attempting to get a judge to send him back to a rehabilitation facility, instead of a prison. DMX could be sentenced to five years in prison on Wednesday, after violating the terms of his bail in connection with a multi-million dollar tax evasion case. The IRS is after the rap star for intentionally hiding $1.7 million dollars in earnings, from 2011-2013. The rapper was getting treatment at a rehab facility in New England, but he fell off the wagon in January, after he tested positive for cocaine, opioids and marijuana. A judge deemed the rapper a flight risk and imprisoned him until his sentencing date. According to new documents filed in the case, former NBA Star Jayson Williams has extended DMX admission into his rehab program called the Rebound Institute. The faith-based rehab center could be appealing to DMX, who is just as known for his spirituality, as he is for his many arrests. DMX would have to agree to stay at the facility for a minimum of 45 days and undergo drug testing at least three times a week. Prosecutors have asked a judge to send X away for the maximum of five years, after labeling the rap star a “one-man crime spree.”

(AllHipHop News) Meek Mill’s mother has written an op-ed calling for the liberation of her son, who is currently incarcerated in Pennsylvania for two to four years. Meek’s lawyers have been petitioning against the harsh punishment claiming Genece Brinkley, the judge who sentenced him, was biased when she imprisoned the rap star for probation violations, relating to a decade old drug and firearms case. His mother Kathy Williams wrote a piece to “Lady Justice” which was published on Billboard. “I was always taught — and always believed — that you, Lady Justice, were fair, impartial and balanced,” Kathy Williams wrote. “That was until you took my son from me at the tender age of 19. His whole life he was struggling with the death of his father and the void of my presence since I worked three jobs to keep the lights on. In fact, he would hardly utter a word and mostly stayed quiet until he started rhyming. “My son was given a gift and he has been able to flourish with it, a gift that’s more like a savior,” Williams continued. “It has introduced him globally to many and given him opportunities to grow as a professional and as an individual. Like all of us, he has had ups and downs but always pushes forward with hope and a sense of survival.” “The problem is that the justice system has failed my son at every turn and hasn’t let go. You, Lady Justice, have allowed corruption at the highest levels of the system, and cruelty and spite have cast doubt on your very foundation. You are supposed to balance fairness and blindly always do what’s right, yet injustice has taken 11 years of our lives.” In recent weeks, Philly’s D.A., as well as Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf have called for and supported Meek’s release in a case that has reached the state’s Supreme Court. Check out the full op-ed.

(AllHipHop News) Chance the Rapper is heading to South Africa next month, for a performance at a huge festival in the country. Chance has been tapped to headline The Castle Lite Unlocks Music Experience this April. The rapper will hit the stage as the top act during the festival, along with the Shane Eagle, who is one of the top hip-hop artist in South Africa. Other well known performers from the country will join Chance during the April 30th concert. Popular artists Nadia Nakai and Frank Casino are also on the bill for the concert, which takes place at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg. Tickets are on sale now.

The Weeknd’s Comic Book To Launch This Summer The Weeknd has officially joined the Marvel comic book universe – his new graphic novel has landed a release date. The first issue of “The Weeknd Presents: Starboy” will be available on June 13. The project, which The Weeknd wrote with La Mar Taylor and Christos Gate, was inspired by the R&B star’s Grammy-winning 2016 album Starboy. His new comic book creation joins the ranks of other Marvel Comics heroes, including “Black Panther,” “Iron Man,” “Captain America,” and “Deadpool.” ​ ​

(AllHipHop News) Run The Jewels’ El-P has broken his silence on a controversial interview given by Killer Mike regarding gun control. The NRA dropped a video titled “The March to Less Freedom” featuring Killer Mike talking about his pro-gun stance. The interview came just as tens of thousands of students marched for stricter gun control laws over the weekend at “March For Our Lives” rallies around the country. https://www.google.com/sorry/index?continue=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKL0OuZkQrQ&q=EgQi3HnaGI_-gvkFIhkA8aeDSz6jGLBo3fGIRicvYbUyYiRs3I8UMgFy Earlier this morning, El-P dropped a lengthy statement regarding Killer Mike’s controversial interview and his views on guns. “I’ve been holding off saying anything until Mike had a chance to make an official statement. We are our own men and we speak for ourselves individually. We are not afraid to disagree with each other and we often change each other’s perspectives. That’s the respect and an understanding between us,” El-P explained. He continued: “A lot of people are saying a lot to me directly about Mike online. Please know this about me: I don’t drop friends from my life because I disagree with them or they went about getting a message out, even if it goes wrong.” El-P, said he’s completely in support of the students who rallied, in addition to their demands to congress to pass stricter gun laws. But, El-P said he would never turn his back on Killer Mike. “He stumbles and he makes bad decisions sometimes and he doesn’t always get his message across or even protect himself and I want to f##king strangle him cuz it’s stressful to watch when it could have been avoided,” El-P continued. “But the fact is Mike is someone I and many of you know consistently and ferociously tries to bring some light and love to this world, you simply can’t deny that. So while I’m bummed at the way this unfolded, I will always f##k with him.” El-P’s statement comes amidst intense backlash from Killer Mike’s comments. Mike himself has since apologized and blamed the NRA for exploiting an older interview, during such a sensitive moment in the country. “I’m sorry guys. I’m sorry that an interview I did about a minority – black people in this country and gun rights -was used as a weapon against you guys. That was unfair to you. It was wrong and disparaged some very noble work you’re doing,” said Mike.

(AllHipHop News) Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has thrown Meek Mill a lifeline as he fights for his freedom after revealing he supports a campaign to release the jailed rapper. Judge Genece E. Brinkley sentenced the “Ima Boss” hitmaker, who previously dated Nicki Minaj, to two to four years behind bars in November. Meek, real name Robert Rihmeek Williams, was sentenced for his involvement in a fight at a St. Louis, Missouri airport and for reckless driving in New York. The judge ruled both violated his probation in connection to a 2008 firearms offense. As the rap star’s lawyers continue to fight for his freedom, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner recently stated he would be “unopposed” to Mill’s release, and now Wolf has given the idea his blessing, stating: “I support D.A. Larry Krasner’s position in the case of Robert Williams (Meek Mill). “Our criminal justice system is in need of repair. That’s why my admin has made efforts to invest in programs that divert individuals from the system, improve public safety and promote fairness. But more needs to be done. I am calling on the PA General Assembly to pass the Justice Reinvestment II reforms to the criminal justice system, which help address issues from arrest, trial, sentencing, incarceration, to post-release.” Mill’s lawyers have launched a bid to Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court to secure their client’s bail and his legal representatives filed paperwork last week requesting his immediate release.

(AllHipHop News) Ski Mask the Slump God’s serious health condition continues to impact his budding hip-hop career. Last week, the rapper revealed he would be slowing down a little bit after doctors told him he had to have open heart surgery.Management for Ski Mask the Slump God has confirmed his upcoming European tour has been canceled in a deleted Instagram post. “Ski has been advised by doctors to avoid long flights at this time. We are very sorry for the appreciate all the fans that bought tickets [and] were coming to the shows. We promise to make it up to you all soon. Ski will provide a statement in his own words soon.” Last week, Ski Mask the Slump God revealed that he was facing open heart surgery soon, and he asked his 300,000 Twitter followers to pray for him. The news comes as Ski Mask prepares his new album Beware The Book Of Eli, which will feature Timbaland, Lil Yachty, Diplo, Offset Busta Rhymes and others.

(AllHipHop News) Rapper/actor Donald Glover and his brother Stephen Glover are out as executive producers of Marvel’s Animated “Deadpool” series. According to Marvel, a creative rift between Donald Glover and the company’s creative team sank the partnership. “Due to creative differences, FX, Donald Glover, Stephen Glover and Marvel Television have agreed to part ways on Marvel’s Deadpool animated series,” FX said in a statement. “FX will no longer be involved with the project. FX and Marvel have an ongoing relationship through our partnership on Legion, which will continue. Even though he has dropped out executive producing the 10 episodes of “Deadpool,” Donald Glover will be a busy man in 2018. He is set to star in the upcoming “Han Solo” movie, in addition to voicing Simba in a “The Lion King” remake, as well as starting in the hit television show “Atlanta.” Glover is also set to appear in Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming.”

(AllHipHop News) A member of staff at Kanye West’s offices in Los Angeles has reportedly been airlifted to hospital after severely injuring his leg. A man was transporting a heavy piece of machinery at the Calabasas Tech Center when it fell over and landed on his foot. The man was stuck under the equipment for several minutes, and it reportedly took at least seven people to lift it and remove his foot. Law enforcement sources said that they responded to a call about the incident, and confirmed his injury was so bad it required airlift transport for emergency medical care. A representative for the Life of Pablo rapper has yet to comment on the report.