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Kanye West Targets Scooter Braun & His Baby In “Vultures” Song Leak

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

Kanye West’s return to the music industry is already marked by controversy after his new song, “Vultures,” leaked online. The track features startling lyrics that have reignited discussions about his past behavior, particularly his targeting of Jewish people.

In “Vultures,” West not only addresses his previous antisemitic remarks but also explicitly claims he had sex with Scooter Braun’s ex-wife, Yael.

“How I’m anti-Semitic/I just f##### a Jewish b####/I just f#####/Scooter’s b####/We ran up like Olympics/Got pregnant in the threesome, so whose baby is it.”

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Kanye West and Scooter Braun officially parted ways in April 2018 after working together for two years.

Braun and Yael have three children. The most recent child they had was a baby girl named Hart Violet Braun, born in 2018. The couple finalized their divorce in September 2022.

West has been embroiled in controversy due to his comments multiple times. Over the past two years, he has repeatedly targeted Jewish people, leading to serious repercussions in his professional life and West’s antagonistic behavior toward Jewish people has been a recurring theme.

His continued antisemitic remarks eventually led adidas to sever its ties with him in 2022, following his outrageous language about George Floyd, Jewish people and his admiration for Adolf Hitler. He also reportedly advised a Jewish adidas manager to kiss a picture of Hitler every day.

West’s behavior and comments have had significant consequences, affecting his business relationships and public image. The termination of his deal with adidas, particularly, was a major financial blow, as it was one of his most lucrative partnerships, costing him billions.

The Legend of U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves Rides Again

By: Rick HazellCategory: Features

The story of Bass Reeves, a Black lawman who was one the most famous U.S. marshals to ever enter the lore of legend, has only recently come to light. Those of us raised by a floor model behemoth of a TV, the Lone Ranger series was all we knew of Bass Reeves but didn’t know that this white man in a mask, his stereotypical “Indian” sidekick and his white stallion named Trigger were silly facsimilies of the life of a man whose story is even wilder than fiction.

Bass Reeves escaped from slavery, was forced to fight in the Confederate Army, deserted and would later become the greatest lawman the South ever saw. But he would eventually pass into the fog of history and be all but forgotten—until now.

AllHipHop.com recently attended a Q&A promoting the new series Lawmen: Bass Reeves alongside showrunner Damian Marcano and legendary production designer Wynn Thomas in New York City.

“So how does it feel to want to have finished this crazy bit of work? Tired,” Marcano quipped. “No, I usually correct actors saying lines and if they have questions when they say those lines and the meaning of those lines. What does the space that Wynn put them in mean? What does it mean for their character, right?

“But, as you can see in this one, the actors were doing that, and they were riding these magnificent beasts that we had on set every day. And they were shooting while doing it. So, I’m feeling pretty accomplished to be a part of that.  And on top of it? The story just means very exciting.”

The term legend is thrown around quite a lot in Hollywood. In fact, we’ve mentioned it more than a few times in this article thus far. However, sometimes the term is apropos.

 Wynn Thomas has designed the set for more than 40 film and television productions. From She’s Gotta Have It to Hidden Figures and now, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, the acumen of this obscure genius has always been right in front of our faces.

“Right. I mean, it’s great,” Thomas said of the Bass Reeves project. “I think we’re both honored to be able to tell the Bass Reeves story. But making this project was really hard on a lot of people and on almost every department. It takes a vast effort to put all these sequences together to stage all these scenes we have. And so I think we’re all kind of relieved to see it finished and to see it from this point of view.  I think the story is intriguing, and because we do we work this hard so that we’re telling interesting stories. And I think we succeeded in doing that.”

For some, it’s a foregone conclusion to research the subject matter before engaging in a creative endeavor. With a history and lore the likes of Bass Reeves, it was a necessity. Nonetheless, Marcano told the gathering that he did not do any research beforehand.

“Didn’t do research before I took this project,” he explained. “I just got sent a script that I really liked. I think I actually got sent the script for the first episode and there was even a period that we didn’t know whether or not we would actually get out to Texas to actually make the show. But in that time, you had all these decisions that were being made. I had several things sent to me. And for some reason, this man reminded me a little bit of my own spirit. As well as him being a husband, a father and somebody that was spiritual.

“Again, so I wanted to kind of live on this side a little bit and I think that’s the specialness of this project for me. That’s what kept me going. I think that’s what you know on top of just the brilliant people that we had. I told Wynn the other day, before I ever met this man, he was responsible for all the places I saw.”

Wynn was responsible for a lot of the stuff I saw my people in, in major motion pictures. He did Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X.  He agreed that some rasta from a rock in the middle of the sea could have a chance to come and be in the same room with him. It is an amazing experience. I am grateful that he pushed me every bit of the way. So, I really owe him a lot for what you see on the screen.”

Wynn Thomas was filled with history and perspective about promoting oft-ignored narratives of Black, brown and female-led subject matters.

“I think there’s a ton of stories out there from our community that need to be told and fortunately I think we’re in a time now where there is an opportunity to tell these stories that have not been told,” he said. “What I want to say to that now that these stories are being told it’s very important for all of us to support these stories and to see them and make sure they reach as wide an audience as possible.

“So it is all of our responsibility to call up everyone that we know and say, you’ve got to see this series because if people see it, and if the numbers are good, they’ll make more and we have in our community a ton of stories that need to be told.”

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is currently airing on Paramount+.  While it features a robust cast led by David Oyelowo, Dennis Quaid, Donald Sutherland, Lauren E. Banks, the scenery and cinematography are the biggest stars.  

Diddy Lawsuit Dredges Up Al B. Sure’s Claim Kim Porter Was Murdered

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Diddy was sued by former girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a Manhattan federal court on Thursday (November 16) and the former couple settled less than 24 hours later. The bombshell allegations and swift resolution has been the talk of social media since the news initially broke. Diddy has left a series of women in his wake—from Jennifer Lopez and Cassie Ventura to Kim Porter and stylists Misa Hylton. Some relationships were more significant than others and  at least two of them produced children.

All the chatter has dredged up a claim Porter’s ex and father of her son Quincy, Al B. Sure, made in 2020, nearly two years after Porter died from lobar pneumonia. As he wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post, “The morning of the @soultrainawards @BET pre production @jessecollinsent #AlBeez around the [world] I just found this footage from the morning I learned of @LadyKP’s aka #KimPorters murder and how it ripped the soul from my physical body. I was on my way to film the pre show packages for the #BETAwards with @tishacampbellmartin & @tichinaarnold when I receive a call from PR icon #QueenieDonaldson asking me if I was ok and did I hear the news.

“I had no clue. I do know very clearly that #Kimberly didn’t just check out all of a sudden over neumonía. That’s some b########. Really? This is where I get in trouble. We just celebrated our son @Quincy’s new deal and Christmas special with @Netflix, and she was in fantastic health as well laughing seeing me and @Diddy’s mutual exchange at the theater. I’m going to leave it here.”

Al B. Sure never explained what led him to that conclusion, but the court of public opinion has its theories. As someone tweeted, “But when Al B sure was saying something happened to Kim porter nobody wanted to listen then he got sick suddenly… y’all should’ve listened…. They rekindled before she passed.”

Another pointed out, “Kim Porter was writing a tell all book then magically died and computer misplaced, Al B sure got violently sick after blaming her death on Diddy and then Kid Cudi’s car got blown up for dating Cassie when they broke up but y’all saying ‘why is she just now speaking up.'”

Yet another added, “Al B. Sure was saying it and then he mysteriously had a stroke.”

Kim Porter went into cardiac arrest at her Los Angeles home in November 2018 after battling pneumonia. The coroner later confirmed Porter had succumbed to lobar pneumonia, an inflammation of an entire lobe of the lungs. During Porter’s private funeral in her hometown of Columbus, Georgia, Diddy said, “God broke the mold when he made Kim. There was truly no other woman like her.”

In a joint statement, Diddy and Porter’s families added, “Although her time here on earth was far too short, she lived a life full of purpose and meaning. She was a loving mother and devoted friend. She was the epitome of kindness and grace. There wasn’t a person she met [whose] soul she did not touch. Kim was the type of woman who changed lives for the better.”

Not long after Al. B Sure made the allegation, Diddy returned to Instagram to post about Porter. He wrote: “Cherish what you have. Love on them. Kiss on them. Hug on them. Spoil them. Listen to them. Because tomorrow is not promised.”

Ventura’s lawsuit painted a drastically different portrait of Diddy, accusing him of rape, physical abuse, forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes and blowing up Kid Cudi’s car after he learned they were dating. Now people are wondering if Al. B Sure was on to something all along. As for Al B. Sure, his health journey has been incredibly rough. On Friday (November 17), he reflected on the horrors he faced in 2022 in a somewhat cryptic Instagram post.

“I don’t know where to start, or if you’re truly ready to hear from me yet,” he wrote. “You’ve witnessed only a small portion of my journey. My faith has been shaken but never shook; and my humble spirit of discernment has taught me the definition of what ‘sacrifice in silence’ truly means. Just know that We forgive you but never to forget. Including all who assisted along the way.”

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Ray Daniels & “The GAUDS Show:” A Triumph In The Music Industry & YouTube

By: Brxton LeeCategory: Music

In the exhilarating world of music and entertainment, Ray Daniels, the brainchild behind “The GAUDS Show,” stands as an industry veteran with a remarkable legacy. His new YouTube channel and audio podcasts delve into the realm of living legends, unveiling untold stories of transition from the Underdog to the unrivaled Goat.

Meet the Minds Behind the Show

Ray Daniels, revered as the “Culture Referee,” stands tall as the CEO of R.A.Y.D.A.R. With a Grammy Award under his belt and stints as former SVP A&R at Warner and VP A&R at Interscope, Daniels commands unparalleled expertise and insight.

His co-hosts, Tamira Smith, fondly known as “The Girl from Harlem,” and Julian McLean, aka “Your Cousin Juju,” bring a diverse blend of experience and perspective to the table. Tamira’s journalist flair and Juju’s industry insights perfectly complement Ray’s wealth of knowledge. Together, they ignite raw and unfiltered discussions, offering a fresh and compelling take on the music landscape.

Insights into “The GAUDS Show”

With nearly 3 million monthly viewers and a staggering engagement rate, “The GAUDS Show” captivates audiences on YouTube, drawing 9.8 million views and clocking 18.8 million minutes watched. The show boasts a solid subscriber base of 56,598 and resonates strongly with audiences aged 25-54, particularly in top locations like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles.

A Journey through Ray Daniels’ Expertise

Ray Daniels’ legacy in the music industry spans over two decades, marked by unparalleled success and strategic maneuvering. As the current VP of A&R at Epic Records, his influence is evident in catapulting careers and reshaping the Hip-Hop scene. Under his leadership, Epic Records signed Future, Rick Ross, and DJ Khaled, cementing its place at the forefront of the industry.

Daniels’ prowess extends beyond label management. He’s helmed R.A.Y.D.A.R. Management, nurturing talents like The Jugganauts, The Hipnotiks, Verse Simmons, and Jarren Benton. His keen eye for talent transformed the Grammy-award-winning group Rock City, securing them deals with Akon’s Konlive Live Distribution and later Interscope Records.

Navigating the Music Industry with Ray Daniels

With diverse roles across labels like Universal, Interscope, Motown, and Epic Records, Daniels holds a wealth of experience in managing, publishing, A&R, and distribution. His guiding principle, “This game is easy, once you learn it and adapt all you gotta do is walk into a room and stand out,” encapsulates his approach to success.

What to Expect from “The GAUDS Show”

Ray Daniels and his panel of hosts don’t just share stories; they provide a roadmap for aspiring talents. From invaluable advice to industry insights, the show offers a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and strategies to navigate the intricate music landscape.

In the midst of ever-evolving music trends and industry dynamics, “The GAUDS Show” stands as a beacon of inspiration and a reservoir of knowledge, promising viewers an unforgettable journey through the highs and lows of the music business.

Subscribe To The GAUDS Show Now!

Danny Brown, Aesop Rock & Casual Among Many MCs On Blockhead’s “The Aux” Album

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Exclusives

Veteran producer Blockhead has released a new album called The Aux. But rather than his intricate instrumentals he’s been pumping out since 2004’s The Music Scene, this one has bars—and lots of them. Guest vocals include Danny Brown, Aesop Rock, Hieroglyphics’ Casual, Armand Hammer, billy woods, Creaturenomics (of Rebelmatic fame) and Quelle Chris, a glimpse into Blockhead’s taste in MCs. While it’s not his first rap album, it’s one he’s been wanting to make for decades.

“This is an album I’ve been wanting to make since the late 90s,” Blockhead tells AllHipHop.”I made Free Sweatpants a few years ago, dipping my toes in the waters, but it felt like I could finally achieve the project now with the help of billy woods executive producing and aiding me in getting together this pool of talent. I wanted this album to cover a lot of ground musically with rappers I grew up listening to, rappers that are my contemporaries and rappers that I think are the future.”

The resulting 15-track offering delivers Blockhead’s pristine production topped with the wordplay wizardry of his peers. Aesop Rock, who enlisted Blockhead for a good chunk of his 2007 solo album, None Shall Pass, and has continuously been working with him since the late ’90s, contributes to two songs on the album: “Mississippi” and “Ponzu Sauce” featuring Breeze Brewin. Both are exemplary of their effortless chemistry and a welcomed reunion between the longtime friends.

The album closes with “Now That’s What I Call A Posse Cut, Vol. 56” with Brusier Wolf, Danny Brown, billy woods and Despot swapping bars over a funky, piano-tinged beat. Brown, in particular, crushes his verse with his unconventional voice, but each MC provides balance to the entire five-minute cut.

Blockhead, a Manhattan native, has released 16 studio albums over the course of his career, a handful of compilation albums and several EPs. He’s produced beats for Murs, Illogic, Vordul Mega, Cage and many other underground rappers. The Aux serves as his follow-up to 2021’s Garbology with Aesop Rock, the duo’s first full-length project together.

Check out The Aux above and, if not familiar, dig into his instrumental albums. (We hear they’re all the rage.)

Leslie Jones Says What Every Outkast Fan Is Thinking After André 3000 Drops Woodwind Album

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Saturday Night Live alum Leslie Jones had a lot to say on the topic of André 3000’s new instrumental album, New Blue Sun. The comedic actress, who’s now host of The Daily Show, went ballistic on Thursday’s (November 16) episode after learning the legendary Outkast MC wouldn’t be rapping on his debut solo project.

Co-host Jordan Klepper began the segment saying, “You know, this is a beautiful, fascinating experiment in—” Jones screamed, “No! No it’s not!” She continued, “I’ve got to say something. This man is one of the greatest rappers of all time. We have been waiting 17 years for this m########### to release a new album. And it’s all flute? I’m going to kill somebody. This is how you know white people are winning. Y’all done turned André 3000 into Jethro Tull!”

Klepper disagreed, calling it a “brave” move by André 3000. Jones fired back, “Yeah it’s brave. ‘Cause if you play that s### in the hood, you gon’ get your a## beat!”

 

@thedailyshow

André 3000’s new flute album is driving a wedge between @Leslie Jones and Jordan Klepper #DailyShow #Andre3000 #flute

♬ original sound – The Daily Show

André 3000 described New Blue Sun as “an entirely instrumental album centered around woodwinds; a celebratory piece of work in the form of a living, breathing, aural organism.” He addressed the inevitable backlash with the title of the first song: “I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time.”

Reactions to the project have been mixed. The musicians, fellow artists and Hip-Hop producers (including Pete Rock) have embraced the 87-minute woodwind project, but Outkast fans have been up in arms, bemoaning the fact they didn’t get to hear Three Stacks’ voice for even a split second.

“Now im a producer, and what i hear on this album is amazing,” Rock wrote on Instagram. “Some of y’all ears been lost but as a producer what i hear? Sounds INCREDIBLE!!! Sometimes embracing a different side of a person isn’t a bad thing. In this business when you been doing the same thing forever you can get tired of it and wanna go left, nothing wrong with that. We all need that support sometimes.

“We had jazz musicians put albums out like this, why not except when 3 stacks do it? I mean i hear amazing samples on this album. BEATS!!! I listen to his last raps on that kanye joint all the time. One of the souths greatest MC’s. But i copped this album and im listening to it and you know what? I like it do far. Congratulations on this new journey and i believe real musicians will like this.”

 










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Other people weren’t so sure. The jokes were plentiful on Twitter and many echoed Jones’s sentiments. But no matter how one feels about André 3000, there seems to be one thing we can collectively agree on—he’s doing him, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. As he explained to GQ, “I’ve worked with some of the newest, freshest, youngest, and old-school producers. I get beats all the time. I try to write all the time.” But rap is not what comes. “Even now people think, Oh, man, he’s just sitting on raps, or he’s just holding these raps hostage.

“I ain’t got no raps like that. It actually feels…sometimes it feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way. I’m 48 years old. And not to say that age is a thing that dictates what you rap about, but in a way it does. And things that happen in my life, like, what are you talking about? ‘I got to go get a colonoscopy.’ What are you rapping about? ‘My eyesight is going bad.’ You can find cool ways to say it, but…”

Diddy Eviscerated Online For Settling Cassie’s Bombshell Lawsuit Within 24 Hours

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Cassie Ventura sued her ex-boyfriend Diddy in a Manhattan federal court on Thursday (November 16), alleging rape and years of physical abuse. Less than 24 hours later, attorneys on both sides announced the former couple had settled out of court, sending a shockwave through social media. Needless to say, it was a swift and shocking end to what looked like would be a dragged out, complicated case.

Unsurprisingly, hashtags like #SurvivingDiddy and #Diddy started to trend on Saturday morning (November 18) as people woke up to the news. But the vast majority are siding with Ventura, applauding her for following through with her promise to expose the Bad Boy Records mogul if he didn’t cough up $30 million to stop her tell-all book from coming out. Many are also taking the settlement as a sign of guilt, which has led to an explosion of memes related to the topic.

Ventura’s lawsuit, which AllHipHop was able to read in full, came with appalling allegations. Ventura’s attorney, Douglas Wigdor, said both parties had spoken before the suit was filed. As he noted, “Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit. She rejected his efforts.”

The suit described Diddy as a violent person who once asked Ventura to carry his gun in her purse and supposedly dangled Ventura’s friend over a 17th-floor hotel balcony.

Cassie, who signed with Bad Boy in 2006, was swept up in the lifestyles of the rich and famous. She claimed, in addition to controlling her career, Diddy paid for her car, apartments and clothing, and had access to her medical records. The results from one particular M.R.I. scan she had for memory loss, which was possibly caused by drug use or a beating she said she suffered from Diddy, went directly to him.

Diddy also allegedly provided Ventura with “copious amounts of drugs,” including ecstasy and ketamine, and urged her to take them. The suit says he often became violent, beating her “multiple times each year.” The suit said Ventura never sought help from the police because she feared it “would merely give Mr. Combs another excuse to hurt her.”

In one incident described in the court docs, Ventura alleges in early 2012, Diddy grew so angry about her dating Kid Cudi that he said he would blow up his car. “Around that time,” the suit says, “Kid Cudi’s car exploded in his driveway.” Through a spokeswoman, Kid Cudi confirmed Ventura’s account. “This is all true,” he said.

That was just the tip of the iceberg. Ventura also alleged Diddy forced her to have sex with male prostitutes while he watched and that he was once ready to shoot Suge Knight after being alerted to his whereabouts.

And while Ventura was meticulously detailed in her account, there are plenty of people who think she’s lying or nothing but a “golddigger.” Par for the course, there are opinions on both sides. Check out some of the reactions below.

50 Cent Offers Ominous Prediction About Diddy Post Cassie Lawsuit Settlement

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

50 Cent wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to clown Diddy over the recent settlement of a lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. His humor-laced criticism follows a consistent pattern where Fif pokes fun at Diddy, especially in light of serious legal matters.

In this latest episode, Ventura accused Diddy of severe misconduct, including sexual assault and physical abuse. The settlement between the former couple was notably quick, occurring just a day after the lawsuit’s filing.

Ventura’s allegations painted a disturbing picture of her relationship with Diddy. Filed in a Manhattan federal court, the suit alleged a long pattern of control and abuse, beginning soon after Ventura met Diddy in 2005.

She claimed Diddy plied her with drugs, physically assaulted her, and forced her into sexual encounters with male prostitutes, which he allegedly filmed.

The most severe accusation was a claim of rape in 2018. Diddy, through his lawyer, vehemently denied these allegations, countering that Ventura had attempted to extort him for $30 million.

In response to the settlement, 50 Cent sarcastically remarked, “LOL He paid that money real quick, should have done that before the sharks 🦈 saw the blood in the water and here they come in 5,4,3,2,1 every woman he put his hand on.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzxwWQutTmY/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

This comment aligns with his ongoing narrative, which includes relentless skepticism and mockery towards Diddy’s legal and personal issues.

Additionally, 50 Cent has been vocal about Diddy’s alleged involvement in the murder of Tupac Shakur.

50 Cent has used social media to repeatedly implicate Diddy, despite Diddy’s claims of innocence.

This ongoing ridicule, typified by humor, reflects 50 Cent’s characteristic approach to public discourse, especially regarding his peers in the music industry.

Diddy & Ex Cassie Settle Bombshell Lawsuit Just One Day After It’s Filed

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Diddy (real name Sean Combs) and his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura have reportedly settled her bombshell lawsuit just one day after she filed. According to multiple reports, they came to an amicable agreement late Friday (November 17). Her attorneys released a statement, explaining, “This evening, Ms. Ventura and Mr. Combs resolved the claims that she filed against him yesterday in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York to their mutual satisfaction. The parties will have no further statements beyond what is provided in this email.”

Ventura provided her own statement as via email, writing,  “I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control. I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.” Diddy also commented, saying, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”

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Cassie Ventura filed the suit in a Manhattan federal court on Thursday (November 16), alleging sexual assault, physical abuse and forced sex with male prostitutes, among many other things. In the suit, her lawyers alleged Diddy offered her “eight figures”—or somewhere between $10 million and $99.9 million—to keep her from filing her lawsuit. Diddy’s lawyer fired back and said Ventura previously demanded $30 million while threatening to write a book about their relationship.

Following the decision, Ventura’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, added, “I am very proud of Ms. Ventura for having the strength to go public with her lawsuit. She ought to be commended for doing so.”

In the suit, Ventura said shortly after she met Diddy in 2005, he began a pattern of control and abuse that included plying her with drugs, beating her and forcing her to have sex with a succession of male prostitutes while he filmed the encounters. In 2018, right around the time they broke up for good, Ventura claims Diddy forced his way into her home and raped her.

“After years in silence and darkness,” Ventura said in a statement, “I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships.”

Ben Brafman, an attorney for Diddy, said his client “vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. For the past six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’s reputation and seeking a payday.”

The terms of the settlement weren’t disclosed but presumably she did get some kind of payday.

Drake Adds 10 New Dates To “It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What?” With J. Cole

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

“In The Morning” collaborators Drake and J. Cole shocked Hip-Hop fans by announcing they plan to head out on the road together for “It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What?”

Originally, Drake revealed 22 dates for the upcoming nationwide trek which begins in Denver on January 18, 2024. The For All the Dogs album creator has now added 10 additional shows to the tour itinerary.

The Live Nation-produced “It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What?” will also include new shows in San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Tampa, St. Louis, Buffalo, Kansas City, and more.

J. Cole’s Manager Explains Why Some Major Cities Are Not Part Of This Tour Run

Drake recently crisscrossed the North American continent for the “It’s All a Blur Tour” with Atlanta native 21 Savage. The two rappers traveled to several major locales in support of their 2022 joint project Her Loss.

Some people questioned why “It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What?” does not include cities such as DC, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago and Toronto. Ibrahim “IB” Hamad, J. Cole’s manager, explained the decision to a disappointed X user.

“I feel your pain 😂,” Hamad tweeted on November 13. He also added, “But this is not a major city run, the run is for the secondary market we don’t get to go to as much and do shows like how we [used] to. All Love to DC though ❤️.”

Drake Recruited J. Cole For His Latest Collection Of Tunes

In addition to releasing Her Loss in November 2022, Drake also dropped another Billboard 200 chart-topping album over the last year. For All the Dogs arrived on October 6, 2023.

The Toronto-bred entertainer then released For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition featuring J. Cole on November 17. Cole’s most recent full-length studio LP, The Off-Season, came out in May 2021.

General tickets for “It’s All A Blur Tour – Big As The What?” became available on November 17 at drakerelated.com. J. Cole is not scheduled to appear at the tour stops between March 14 and March 27.

Russ Victimized After Burglars Steal Guns & His Girlfriend’s Benz

By: Mike WinslowCategory: News

The Georgia home of rapper Russ was reportedly burglarized, resulting in the theft of firearms, luxury items and a vehicle.

According to TMZ, the Roswell Police Department responded to Russ’s call, which he made after he noticed the burglary taking place from his home security camera. Upon arrival, police observed the open front door and signs of a ransacked property.

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Russ, who wasn’t on the premises at the time, assisted the police via FaceTime, confirming the theft of five 9mm firearms, two Chanel purses and his girlfriend’s Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG.

Surveillance footage revealed at least two individuals entering and exiting the home with stolen goods. They were wearing gloves and jackets when they walked out with multiple backpacks and suitcases.

The investigation continues as police seek to identify the burglars.

Chrisean Rock Celebrates Infant Son’s Recovery From Surgery With $40K Iced-Out Pacifier

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

Chrisean Rock has provided an update on the status of her newborn son’s health while also debuting the baby’s first custom piece of jewelry.

During an exclusive interview with TMZ, Rock spoke candidly about how she continues to find a balance in her professional life and as a parent after she recently earned her first Billboard chart placement following the release of “Mr. Take Ya B*tch” featuring Lil Mabu.

“I just want to thank god, my team, Mabu and all that,” Rock said in part. (The single appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart at No. 96.)

In addition to remarking on the abundance of money and love she has recently been blessed with, Rock also provided details about her son’s recent medical procedure and his overall health.

“He’s great, he healed well after his hernia surgery and everything is just coming together,” Rock beamed. “I wanted to celebrate my two months of being a mom and you know he deserves it, I fell in love with my son so bad I can’t help it.”

In September, Rock’s baby daddy Blueface nearly landed himself in serious trouble after posting a naked photo of his newborn boy and accusing his mother of “neglecting” his hernia.

Watch the full interview below.

T-Pain Will Be Recognized With “Legend” Honor At 2023 Soul Train Awards

By: Devon JeffersonCategory: News

T-Pain is set to receive one of the highest honors during the 2023 Soul Train Awards later this month. On Friday (November 17), the Soul Train organization announced that T-Pain will be the recipient of the Legend Award during this year’s jam-packed ceremony. In a statement he released in response to news of the announcement, T-Pain remarked on his 20-year career and what it meant for his work to be recognized by BET and the Soul Train Awards.

“To be honest, it feels incredible to be recognized by BET as this year’s Soul Train Awards Legend honoree,” he said. “Not that I’m looking for recognition at this point in my career; I’m just doing what I like and what makes me happy, but it still feels great when you receive it. I’ve done a lot in the last 20 years, and for BET to be one of the first networks to recognize that is pretty cool.”

According to executives on the BET side, part of the rationale behind the decision to honor, T-Pain this year was due to his innovative approach as a songwriter.

“When it comes to his overall approach to music as a songwriter, the genius of T-Pain stands among the most memorable and enviable in the business. He has reshaped the fabric of the music industry, and his influence transcends generations in pop, Hip Hop, and R&B,” Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming and Strategy at BET, said. “We are honored to celebrate his limitless contributions to the culture at the soulful party of the year: Soul Train Awards 2023.”

In addition to 10 No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, T-Pain has also received more than 28 gold and platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America.

In addition to performances from artists such as BJ The Chicago Kid, Coco Jones, Fridayy, Danté Bowe, Muni Long, SWV and Keke Palmer, BET announced the 2023 Soul Train Awards will also feature the Soul Cypher segment tapping vocalists such as Arin Ray, Eric Bellinger, Marsha Ambrosius and Nicci Gilbert.

Blaqbonez Explains How Ended Up Collaborating With Akon And Why Ludacris Reached Out To Collab

By: Shirley JuCategory: Breeding Ground

Once you hit play on Blaqbonez, you’re immediately sucked into a vibe that cannot be duplicated. This Afrobeats recording artist is best known for his spitfire rhymes and versatility — captured within his different personas. 

At the young age of 13, Blaqbonez was already spitting, releasing his first project called Hip Hop Is Blaq while attending Obafemi Awolowo University. Soon, he made a name for himself amongst the students, which eventually transferred to social media. Boasting 1.4 million followers on Instagram alone, Blaqbonez even coined himself as BRIA: Best Rapper in Africa.

Three words to describe Blaqbonez? Unpredictable, exciting, and spontaneous. He states, “I’m a rapper, singer, Afrobeats artist. I can make so many different sounds. I consider my music very exciting. It’s a different brand to it. To me, it’s a little more unpredictable.”

Fast forward to 2023, Blaqbonez returns with his highly-anticipated sophomore album titled Emeka Must Shine, solidifying his role as a transformative figure in the world of Afrobeats. The 14-track project hails standout appearances from Victony, Ludcaris, Zlatan, and more.

AllHipHop caught up with Blaqbonez during his few days in Los Angeles, with Akon personally calling him to perform with him at the “GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” Live Concert Special . Read below as we discuss.

AllHipHop: Growing up in Lagos., did you ever think you’d be here today?

Blaqbonez: When I was a kid, I never thought I’d be coming in and out of the U.S frequently like this. So far, I’ve been to the U.S 5-6 times this year alone. That is a lot for someone like me. Being a kid from Nigeria, I neer have thought I would ever be in the U.S yet alone this often. I am grateful for the path I have been on and the trajectory of my career so far. 

AllHipHop: What do you like about Los Angeles?

Blaqbonez: Man, I love the scenery here. I love that it is always sunny and there are so many palm trees. I love the hills and the vegetation. I love LA so far. 

AllHipHop: I’m curious what Lagos looks like.

Blaqbonez: Lagos is nice, but Lagos could have had better city planning. Lagos has great spots here and there. Llots of great people and great things came out of Lagos and Nigeria in general, but the planning and structuring out the city could have definitely been better. 

AllHipHop: How’d you get your name? 

Blaqbonez: Funny story, it was my friend’s name. He wasn’t using it, so he gave it to me. From then, the name just stuck with me. 

AllHipHop: You just released Emeka Must Shine. What’s one thing you want fans to take away from this project?

Blaqbonez: Man, I want this project to be part of my fans’ happy moments. I want it to be part of the celebrations they have in their lives. When you go to the club and hear my music, I want you to have a good time. During your exciting week or celebrating something, I want my album to be part of your good times. That’s what this album is for me. That’s the takeaway. 

AllHipHop: I was listening to “Like Ice Spice.” Has she heard it? 

Blaqbonez: I’m sure she has and I hope she liked it. The song is dedicated to her beautiful self. 

AllHipHop: What do you like about Ice Spice?

Blaqbonez: She’s so sexy. When she did the “Munch” video, I liked the way she would go down and shake her ass. “Like Ice Spice” is a tribute to her and how Ice moves. 

AllHipHop: Let’s talk about what it was like linking up with Zlatan on “Bad Till Eternity.”

Blaqbonez: This song is definitely for the culture man. It was nice linking up with my bro Zlatan. We’ve known each other from way way way back, so when we met up we decided to make a song to honor the late artist MohBad. His death really hit a lot of us in the game, so it was nice doing this with Zlatan for his tribute. 

AllHipHop: Let’s talk about getting that call to perform with Akon in Los Angeles for a pre-Grammys party.

Blaqbonez: Yeah man I just got a call and they said Akon wanted to bring me out for a Grammys tribute concert. After my mouth dropped, I said “say less I am there!” It was exciting when I got that call, because I was shocked Akon knew who I was. Akon personally wanting me to perform with him is one of the highlight moments for me this year. I am excited about it and can’t wait for you all to see it. 

AllHipHop: What’s you guys’ relationship like?

Blaqbonez: Me and Akon? He’s f#### with what I’m doing and the music I am making. I love that. I always looked up to him growing up, so now that I get to actually work with him I am thrilled and blessed. I can’t wait for everyone to see the GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years Of Hip-Hop” Live Concert Special.

AllHipHop: How’d you end up working with Ludacris?

Blaqbonez: I do sessions with other artists so much. It always happens so easily and organically. With Luda, his team reached out to my team that Ludacris would love to make an Afrobeat song with me. From there, they flew me out to Ghana where he was doing a session camp. That’s where we made “Cinderella Girl.” Having him do a verse for that song was everything! 

AllHipHop: 3 things you need in the studio at all times?

Blaqbonez: My phone, weed, and a drink…usually it’s water. Those are my essentials in the studio. 

AllHipHop: Best encounter you have with a fan?

Blaqbonez: There’s so many. I love my fans and every time I meet them it is an exciting moment. I really make sure to give them that time, because they are the ones really pushing me to continue this. 

AllHipHop: What do you like to do when you’re not working?

Blaqbonez: Right now, I’m trying to figure that out, because I am always working and I love working. However, when I am not working, I like to Netflix and chill. I also love gaming with friends. I rarely go out unless I have to. 

AllHipHop: Anything else you’re excited for?

Blaqbonez: So many exciting things are coming up. My team and I are trying to set up a tour to continue pushing the album. I am working on a few more collaborations and features that will come out next year. I’m really just enjoying this ride. I am grateful for my team, my fans, and that this album is finally out. I really hope the world enjoys it. 

AllHipHop: Goals yourself as an artist at this point of your career?

Blaqbonez: My goal right now is to have a song in the Billboard Hot 100. That’d be nice. Long term goal is to get a Grammy since they finally created an Afrobeats category. I cannot wait to see what’s to come. 

50 Cent Cleared Of Criminal Charges For Throwing Microphone At Concert

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Authorities decided not to file criminal charges against 50 Cent for throwing a microphone at a woman in Los Angeles. According to Entertainment Tonight, the case remains open but will likely be closed next year.

“This matter has been set for a City Attorney Hearing, which is a pre-filing diversion available to eligible individuals,” the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office told ET. “The case will remain open for the duration of one year from the date of the incident. It can be re-evaluated for possible criminal charges, should there be any further incidents between the parties or any additional reports made against Mr. Jackson. If there are no further police contacts with Mr. Jackson, this case will be closed after one year from the incident date.”

50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, threw his microphone into the crowd while performing at the Crypto.com Arena in August. The microphone hit Power 106 radio host Bryhana Monegain, who had to be taken to the hospital. 50 Cent’s attorney Scott Leemon said the incident was an accident.

“My client Curtis would never intentionally strike anyone with a microphone,” Leemon said. “Anyone saying something different doesn’t have all the facts and is misinformed.”

Watch footage of 50 Cent throwing the microphone below.

NYPD Walks Back Report Of Diddy Criminal Investigation Amid Cassie Lawsuit

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

The NYPD claimed Diddy was not the subject of a secret criminal investigation on the heels of Cassie’s bombshell lawsuit against the Hip-Hop mogul. The police department released a statement denying the existence of an active case involving Diddy.

“Yesterday, a member of the NYPD’s public information office erroneously told a reporter about the apparent existence of an active case file containing the name ‘Sean Combs,’” the NYPD told TMZ. “There is no such investigation, at present. Further, the release of such information is not consistent with the internal policies of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information. The NYPD always treats allegations of sexual assault and rape extremely seriously and urges anyone who has been a victim to file a police report so that support and services can be offered to survivors and a comprehensive investigation can be conducted.”

The NYPD had to clarify the situation after TMZ ran a report about a supposed investigation of Diddy, citing law enforcement sources and a statement from the department’s public information team. The story did not disclose if the investigation was directly related to Cassie’s allegations of rape and sex trafficking.

Cassie filed a lawsuit against her ex-boyfriend Diddy in Manhattan federal court on Thursday (November 16). The New York Times first reported her allegations, which included Diddy forcing her to have sex with male prostitutes during their relationship and raping her in 2018.

Diddy’s lawyer Ben Brafman said his client denied the “offensive and outrageous allegations.” The attorney claimed Cassie was “seeking a payday” by filing a lawsuit filled with “baseless and outrageous lies.”

Diddy Was Once Ready To Shoot Suge Knight According To Cassie Lawsuit

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: News

Diddy (real name Sean Combs) was apparently ready to shoot Suge Knight at one point, at least according to Cassie Ventura’s recently filed lawsuit. On Thursday (November 16), AllHipHop was able to scour the legal docs filed by Ventura in a Manhattan federal court this week. In addition to the rape and physical abuse allegations, Ventura also suggested her ex-boyfriend was intent on confronting Knight at a L.A. diner. Their relationship with the Bad Boy Records mogul was then compared to that of Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston’s toxic marriage and Ike and Tina Turner’s abusive union.

“On one occasion when Mr. Combs and Ms. Ventura were using drugs together in his home, one of his security staff barged in and announced that Suge Knight—a longtime rival of Mr. Combs—was spotted at Mel’s Drive-In Diner in Los Angeles,” the docs read. “Mr. Combs began to get dressed, retrieved multiple guns from a safe and ran out of his home to where he believed Mr. Knight was dining. Ms. Ventura became terrified and began to cry.

“By Mr. Combs’s own admission, his relationship with Ms. Ventura was like ‘Bobby and Whitney,’ a clear acknowledgement of the unequal power dynamic and excessive domestic violence that permeated their relationship. From the outside looking in, Ms. Ventura had heard others refer to her relationship with Mr. Combs as akin to ‘Ike and Tina.'”

diddy and cassie

The discourse between Diddy and Suge Knight has been ongoing since the 1990s. During the 1995 Source Awards, Knight publicly dissed Diddy, saying at the time, “Any artist out there that want to be an artist and want to stay a star, and don’t have to worry about the executive producer trying to be all in the videos, all on the record, dancing…come to Death Row!”

Fans have long theorized Diddy once put a hit on Knight, which ultimately led to 2Pac’s 1996 death. More recently, a video made the rounds that claimed Diddy’s involvement in 2Pac’s murder was confirmed by a grand jury. The video was posted in September, shortly after Duane “Keefe D” Davis was arrested and charged for his alleged involvement in the case.

Davis reportedly told investigators years prior to his arrest that Diddy offered him $1 million to kill Shakur and Suge Knight, who was head of Shakur’s music label at the time of his death. Diddy called Davis’ claim “pure fiction and completely ridiculous.” Snopes later determined the claims in the video to be “unfounded.”

Snoop Dogg Moves Forward With “Doggystyle” Celebration After Viral “Smoke” Post

By: Justin IveyCategory: News

Snoop Dogg invited fans to join him for a celebration of his debut album on Friday (November 17). The beloved rapper teamed up with Amazon Music to present a live-streaming event for the 30th anniversary of Doggystyle.

“Celebratin tha 30th anniversary of Doggystyle 2night,” he wrote on Instagram. “Live on @amazonmusic twitch channel. Come thru.”

Earlier this year, Snoop Dogg planned to commemorate the anniversary with concerts at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. He canceled the shows out of solidarity with the actors and writers’ strikes, which ended in recent months.

Snoop Dogg’s Twitch stream will take place a day after he had the internet buzzing over his claim he planned to stop smoking. Fans still don’t know if he was serious as his November 16 announcement caught the public by surprise.

“After much consideration and conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke,” he wrote on Instagram. “Please respect my privacy at this time.”

Snoop Dogg’s alleged “decision” inspired others to give up smoking too. Meek Mill said he would stop after seeing the Doggfather’s post.

“Ima go to Dubai and completely stop smoking,” Meek Mill wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter). “ima follow snoop, my doctor said I got a lil bit emphysema in a chest if I don’t stop smoking it cuts my lifeline in half, I was addicted to the nicotine and this new weed got too many chemicals and too risky to play with my mental!”

Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle anniversary celebration begins at 9 p.m. ET. Watch the stream on Amazon Music’s Twitch channel.

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Kool & The Gang Founding Member George “Funky” Brown Dead At 74

By: Kyle EusticeCategory: Exclusives

Kool & The Gang drummer George “Funky” Brown has died mere months after releasing his memoir, Too Hot: Kool & the Gang & Me. A rep for the group confirmed in a statement Brown lost his battle with Stage 4 lung cancer on Thursday night (November 16). He was 74.

“George Brown died November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer,” the statement reads. “Brown has co-written many of the band’s iconic songs, including ‘Ladies Night,’ ‘Too Hot,’ ‘Jungle Boogie,’ ‘Celebration’ and ‘Cherish.’ When asked to describe his music, Brown always replied, ‘The sound of happiness.'”

Kool & The Gang was formed in 1964 by brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Bell, Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas, Robert “Spike” Mickens, Charles Smith, Brown, Woodrow “Woody” Sparrow and Ricky West. In 1969, they signed with De-Lite Records, where they released their self-titled debut album. The Grammy Award-winning group eventually found success with their fourth album, Wild and Peaceful (1973), which spawned the Top 10 singles “Jungle Boogie” and “Hollywood Swinging.” (The former would find new life in 1994 with the release of the Quentin Tarantino film Pulp Fiction.)

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Kool & The Gang’s most successful albums included Ladies’ Night (1979), Celebrate! (1980) and Emergency (1984), their highest selling album with two million copies sold in the U.S. They spawned several hit singles such as “Ladies’ Night,” “Celebration,” “Get Down on It,” “Joanna,” “Misled” and “Cherish”. In 2012, they supported  Van Halen on tour and embarked on a 50th anniversary tour two years later.

Brown began work on his book years ago but was forced to put the pen down when he was diagnosed with cancer. Speaking to AllHipHop earlier this year, Brown explained, “I actually got sick, and I’m going through it now, finishing chemo at this moment. So the book was prompted by by the healthcare. The book was prompted by me wanting to express myself with regard to show business and life and all the things that as humans we relate to.

“And I wanted to express myself in that regard. And fame brings good things and fame brings negative. You know, it’s a double edged sword. And I wanted to express that. So you see, so many artists go for so many hardships, not realizing that the business that they’re in very demanding.”

Fortunately for Brown and his fans, he got that chance to tell his story. Too Hot: Kool & the Gang & Me truly tells the tale of who Brown was at the core. As he said, “We’re all going through the same type of stuff. We are human; all colors, you know, Black, white, yellow, green—it’s all such nonsense. We’re all one.”

AllHipHop sends our condolences to Brown’s family and all those who loved him.

Drake Admits Avoiding Taylor Swift Release Dates On “Scary Hours 3”

By: Yohance Kyles (@HUEYmixwitRILEY)Category: News

Drake’s announced break from music did not last very long. Less than two months after making that declaration, the Canadian Hip-Hop artist returned today (November 17) with For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition.

The 6-track addendum, also known as Scary Hours 3, arrived six weeks after the For All the Dogs studio album hit DSPs on October 6. Scary Hours 3 hosts a song titled “Red Button” which includes a shout-out to a Pop superstar.

“Taylor Swift, the only n#### that I ever rated. Only one could make me drop the album just a little later. Rest of y’all, I treat you like you never made it,” raps Drake on the Lil Yachty and Ovrkast-produced “Red Button” track.

Drake had to push back the release of For All the Dogs. The Grammy winner initially planned to drop the LP on September 22 before moving the date to October 6. He claimed the delay was due to his touring schedule.

For All the Dogs launched at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The OVO Sound frontman’s eighth studio LP debuted with 402,000 album-equivalent units. 2022’s Her Loss collaborative project with 21 Savage had a slightly better start with 404,000 units.

Taylor Swift is an undeniable music sales juggernaut. Her Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) album opened atop the Billboard 200 in July with 716,000 first-week units. Swift followed that impressive feat by amassing 1.653 million opening week units last month for 1989 (Taylor’s Version).

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