Every corner of the rap community continues to be captivated by the civil war going on right now. One prominent figure that has been enjoying the war of words has been Joe Budden. The rapper turned podcaster has been reacting and giving his two cents on the situation as of late. His most recent discussion was around “Push Ups” and his favorite bar. But a new clip from the Joe Budden podcast has now surfaced for the “Taylor Made Freestyle.” At the start of the snippet, the New Yorker was clearly hyped to be back in the podcast studio.
Before him and the crew got into the recent diss though, the panel wanted to address some chatter that Drake was trying to “box them out” of the beef talk. Because “Taylor Made” came out on April 19 (a Friday), they were not able to react to it right away. However, Joe Budden made sure to be clear that if the diss was essentially good enough, he would react to it ASAP. But the podcast crew decided to wait until they were scheduled to come back to give their thoughts. They also did not come in early because “Drake listens to [Joe Budden] more than Kendrick does.”
With that out of the way, what about their thoughts on the freestyle? Well, Joe and the crew thoroughly enjoyed it. They appreciated the aspect of incorporating AI verses from Snoop Dogg and Tupac. Additionally, they thought the beat was excellent and Budden even went as far as to say that Drake was a “genius” for this. They believe that Drake is just taunting K-Dot right now, but he that does have some serious “venom” ready to go when Lamar eventually responds.
What are your thoughts on Joe Budden and his response to Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle?” Are you surprised that he has so much praise for the track? What freestyle have you been enjoying more and why? How do you feel about Drake using AI for second diss? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Joe Budden and Drake. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.
Rico Wade’s family has confirmed the funeral service arrangements for the late rapper following his tragic passing at the age of 52, earlier this month. He will be eulogized in a private funeral for family and close friends on Friday at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. While the event itself is private, the family has invited the media to attend to cover the arrivals of attendees. They are still planning a larger celebration of life event in the coming weeks.
While a cause of death has yet to be made official, prior to his passing, Wade had been dealing with health issues, including getting a heart valve repair. He discussed the situation during an interview with AllHipHop back in March. “My heart had ruptured a valve and it was dripping, and they just rerouted it,” he told the outlet. “I have heart conditions on my father’s side.”
Rico Wade performs at the Dungeon Family show at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia on April 20, 2019. (Photo by Julia Beverly/Getty Images)
Wade’s Organized Noize collaborators, Sleepy Brown and Ray Murray, addressed his death in a statement, earlier this month. “We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade. The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend,” they wrote. “Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team. Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period. Rico’s presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world.”
Devin Haney lost by majority decision to Ryan Garcia on Saturday night. Haney was knocked down by Garcia three times in the latter rounds. Haney looked overmatched as the fight drew on and surprisingly dropped the first loss of his professional career to Garcia. Haney retained his title because Garcia had not made weight before the matchup. Haney was optimistic after suffering defeat. Overall, the match was entertaining. There will most certainly be a rematch between the two young fighters.
Now, after the fight,Floyd Mayweather and Haney’s father, bull Haney, are beefing online. Bill Haney has apparently been lashing out after the Garcia loss. The reaction to his son’s loss has now led to a heated exchange with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. The two went back and forth online, arguing about several different issues between them. Haney most noticeably called out Mayweather as a selfish individual. Mayweather has been involved with Devin Haney for some time, helping train the young fighter on multiple occasions. The beef has probably been stewing for some time.
The Beef seems to have started after Mayweather called and congratulated Ryan Garcia after his big win against Devin Haney. Bill Haney did not appreciate that, implying that it showed disloyalty to his son. Floyd called Bil Haney to see where all the negative feelings came from. Haney responded to Mayweather, saying, “I been knowing you for hella long but I feel like you a bullshit ass n—a. That’s how I feel like it, me, myself, personally…I feel like you a bullshit ass n—a based on your actions about everybody’s that’s been in the town that’s been down with you. They doing dirtball bad. Ain’t nobody doing real good fuckin’ with you.”
The argument went on for a while after Haney’s response. “You was talking about that sparring shit,” Haney said. “I seen you beat n—as up in sparring…and when my son got down on you…”. To which Floyd responded “Bill, if your son is undefeated in the gym, congratulations!” he then dropped the mic saying, Congratulations that you got an undefeated fighter in the gym. I’m the under the lights type fighter.” The beef adds another interesting wrinkle in the Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia fight. The rematch will definitely add even more interest as a new feud develops between Mayweather and Bill Haney.
The relationship between Hip Hop and sports has long been documented. Naturally, Hip Hop culture is felt across various sports, but the history with basketball is by far the longest and richest. Rucker Park, (or simply The Rucker) sits at the epicenter of these two worlds. Or at least it used to be. Nestled in the heart of Harlem, New York, The Rucker is a cherished spot in the annals of these two cultural influences.
The name of Rucker Park honors local teacher and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation playground director Holcombe Rucker. Born in 1926, Rucker grew up on 141st Street with his grandmother. Standing at 6 feet and 3 inches, he found his calling playing guard at Benjamin Franklin High School until World War II, when he dropped out of school to enlist in the war. After the war was over, Holcombe Rucker returned with one last mission: to give back to his community through the education and the game he loved so much.
In 1950, Rucker’s vision came to fruition through a basketball league that would keep kids off the streets and encourage them in both studies and hoops. This was how the Rucker Tournament was born. It was originally held on various Harlem courts until 1954 when it found its home at the corner of 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. However, it wasn’t until 1974 that the park was officially named after Holcombe Rucker. This felt especially special because his legacy had extended far beyond the court. Rucker’s tournament wasn’t just about basketball though. It was also about education, dignity, and meaning. Over 700 individuals secured college basketball scholarships thanks to his initiative’s efforts.
Rucker Park soon emerged as a mecca for street basketball in the 1950s. It offered a platform for local athletes to showcase their skills on its gritty asphalt courts. Situated amidst the bustling streets of Harlem, the park embodied the raw, unfiltered essence of playground basketball. Therefore, players from across New York City flocked to Rucker, drawn by the prospect of testing their skills against the city’s best. Wilt Chamberlain was the first household name to grace Rucker Park, and the names after him could fill a book. With its chain-link fences and raucous crowds, Rucker Park became synonymous with the vibrant subculture of streetball. There, flashy moves and playground legends reigned supreme.
As Rucker Park gained prominence in the basketball world, it also became a cultural epicenter for Harlem’s burgeoning rap scene. The park’s vibrant atmosphere attracted not only athletes but also Hip Hop artists, DJs, and fans who shared a common love for the game and the music. Spontaneous rap battles and freestyle sessions became as integral to the Rucker experience as the basketball games themselves. As a result, Rucker Park helped blur the lines between sport and art. The symbiotic relationship between basketball and hip-hop flourished with players drawing inspiration from the rhythm and energy of the music while rappers paid homage to the park’s iconic status in their lyrics and music videos.
Importantly, Rucker Park has witnessed the rise of numerous streetball legends whose electrifying performances have become the stuff of urban folklore. In 1982, Greg Marius founded the Entertainers Basketball Classic (EBC) at Rucker Park, transforming the park into an urban amphitheater. The EBC attracted top players from across the country, including NBA stars like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, who relished the opportunity to showcase their skills in the hallowed grounds of Rucker. The tournament’s unique blend of competitive basketball and entertainment drew crowds of spectators and media attention. This solidified Rucker Park’s reputation as a premier destination for streetball enthusiasts worldwide.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Rucker Park gained further notoriety through its association with the And1 Mixtape Tour, a traveling showcase of streetball talent. Featuring players known for their flashy moves and playground flair, the And1 tour brought the excitement of Rucker Park to cities across the globe, popularizing the park’s unique brand of basketball culture. The tour’s mixtapes, which showcased the players’ jaw-dropping highlights set to Hip Hop beats, became must-watch videos among basketball fans. This also helped elevate the profile of streetball worldwide. To this day, even rappers like Machine Gun Kelly have Rucker to thank for giving them a platform.
By the 20th season of the tournament, the Rucker’s visitors began to include the likes of Former President Bill Clinton and NBA Commissioners David Stern, Adam Silver and Stephon Marbury. But no matter who came around, the palpable excitement of Rucker marked a typical day on the court. However, one notable incident that would have shut down both the ballin’ and rappin’ worlds was the game that was never held in 2003. Jay-Z and Fat Joe were battling to be the King of New York, not just on the charts but also in business and basketball.
Their EBC teams were stacked with top talent like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Jermaine O’Neal, LeBron James, and more. As the competition heated up, both men kept adding to their rosters, even making last-minute changes. Jay-Z even left his tour to appear at The Rucker with Beyoncé and Steve Stoute. The anticipation was high, with rumors of surprise appearances and last-minute shake-ups. Joe also revealed that he had a surprise waiting at 57th Street with Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson, planning to bring them to the game for halftime. Jay-Z also arranged for Shaquille O’Neal to join in at the last minute. With both teams ready, and thousands in attendance, the power went out.
An Enduring Legacy
Rucker Park’s cultural influence extends far beyond the confines of the basketball court, permeating various aspects of urban life and popular culture. The park’s iconic blacktop has served as a canvas for graffiti artists and a backdrop for music videos, immortalizing its place in the annals of rap history. From the iconic Above The Rim film, which featured acting credits from 2Pac and Bernie Mac, to lyrical tributes by pioneers like Nas and Jay-Z, Rucker Park has left an indelible mark on the worlds of sports and music. It embodies the spirit of resilience, creativity, and community that defines Harlem’s rich heritage.
Unfortunately, the park is no longer what it used to be. However, its legacy remains intact. In 2022, Rucker Park famously made history again. It became the first outdoor venue for The Basketball Tournament, a single-elimination winner-take-all event with a $1 million prize. The echoes of legends past reverberated as new stars stepped onto the hallowed ground. So the next time you pass by the corner of 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, remember Holcombe Rucker- the visionary who turned a playground into a symphony of basketball, Hip Hop, and most of all, community.
Suge Knight doesn’t like Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle” diss to Kendrick Lamar. Not because it attacked Lamar, but because it put 2Pac and Snoop’s voices together on the song.
Speaking on his Collect Call with Suge Knight podcast from Breakbeat Media, Suge said, “Putting him on a song and dissing Kendrick for everybody entertainment–that ain’t how it go.”
He added, “Then putting him on a song with Snoop, who was a part of his downfall and exit, ain’t ever a good look. Pac was a king on that chessboard. He never was a pawn, so he can’t make him be a pawn now.”
Since Kendrick Lamar has not responded to “Push Ups,” Drake has gone back to back. Hitting Instagram, The 6ix God dropped off the “Taylor Made Freestyle.”
Upon pressing play, you will hear something you wouldn’t expect: Tupac’s voice.The single opens with an AI Tupac verse requesting KDot stand up for the West Coast. It is followed by an AI Snoop Dogg asking for the same.
AI Tupac raps: Fuck this Canadian lightskin, Dot We need an undebated West Coast victory, man Call him a bitch for me Talk about him liking young girls, that’s a gift from me Heard it on the Budden Podcast, it’s gotta be true They told me the spirit of Makaveli is alive In the nigga under five-foot five, so it’s gotta be you
AI Snoop added: ‘Cause right now it’s looking like you writing out the game plan on how to lose How to bark up the wrong tree and then get your head popped in a crowded room World is watching this chess game, but are you out of moves?
After that, Drake pops in for his own slick talk: The first one really only took me an hour or two The next one is really ’bout to bring out the coward in you But now we gotta wait a fucking week ’cause Taylor Swift is your new Top And if you ’bout to drop, she gotta approve
Since “Like That,” your tone changed a little, you not as enthused How are you not in the booth? It feel like you kinda removed You tryna let this shit die down, nah, nah, nah Not this time, nigga, you followin’ through
He ends the song with a message, “I know you’re in that NY apartment, you struggling right now I know it.”
Ye has confirmed that he punched someone for assaulting Bianca Censori. During his visit to Justin LaBoy’s The Download, Ye confirmed the story, stating it happened at The Chateau Marmont.
“My wife is walking to the bathroom at the Chaeteau and then this guy…just grabbed my wife,” Ye said. “I didn’t see it directly and she is explaining to em what happened. So I walked over and found him.”
Ye stated he asked for security to remove the guy before asking him to leave himself. Then the incident escalated, “He’s like ‘Oh, it’s okay, it’s okay.’ It’s like, no, it’s not okay. Then he saw it wasn’t okay. Had to go to bed early. Tucked this n—a in.”
Confirming he punched the guy, Ye doubled down, “He had to go to bed early.”
This follows a report that Ye is the subject of an investigation by the LAPD. According to TMZ, the Vultures creator allegedly punched a man in the face Tuesday night after that man reportedly grabbed Ye’s wife, Bianca Censori.
After the incident, Ye and Censori left the scene. The man did not require any treatment. Now, the investigation will lead to a conversation with Ye and eyewitnesses.
Ye’s team reached out to TMZ, stating the grabbing of Censori was “grossly inadequate,” suggesting she was “phyiscally assaulted.”
The statement also said, “The assailant didn’t merely collide into her. He put his hands under her dress, directly on her body, he grabbed her waist, he spun her around, and then he blew her kisses. She was battered and sexually assaulted.”
50 Cent is not here for the lawsuit against Megan Thee Stallion. Hitting Instagram, 50 shared his opinion, thinking the case should be thrown out.
“This Camera man and the lawyer who made this claim should be punched in the head,” 50 wrote. “I’m sorry 2 women start making out, I’m not offended. THIS CASE IS THROWN OUT OF MY COURT.”
50 Cent speaks on Megan Thee Stallion’s sexual harassment allegations:
“I’m sorry 2 women start making out, i’m not offended. This case is thrown out of my court” pic.twitter.com/OWX7LcqpDs
The man named Emilio Garcia filed a lawsuit today stating that the Houston rapper trapped him inside a moving vehicle while they were overseas in a foreign country. Filed to Los Angeles County Superior Court, the details of the lawsuit include harassment and a hostile work environment, in which he recalls her telling him: “don’t ever discuss what you saw.” Garcia claims the “harassment was so severe or pervasive” that made his “working conditions intolerable.” He also claims she went on to criticize and fat shame him.
Garciabegan working for Megan Thee Stallion in 2018, quitting the year after to work with Megan full-time. This working relationship continued until June 2023.
According to Page Six, Megan’s lawyer, Alex Spiro, states: “This is an employment claim for money — with no sexual harassment claim filed and with salacious accusations to attempt to embarrass her. We will deal with this in court.”
The incident Garcia refers to occurred during one of her tour stops in Ibiza, Spain.
“I felt uncomfortable,” Garcia told NBC News. “I was kind of frozen, and I was shocked. At kind of just the overall audacity to do this right, right beside me.”
Not only was Garcia traumatized from the incident, but he claims he’s been dealing with several mental health issues as a result, including “mounting anxiety, depression and physical distress stemming.”
After the incident, Garcia says Megan lowered his monthly rate of $4,000 to a “pay-per-task” system.
Garcia also sues Megan Thee Stallion Entertainment, Inc., Hot Girl Touring, LLC, and Roc Nation for harassment and other labor code violations.
Rick Ross is keeping the shots toward Drake going. Reigniting the “Champagne Moments” single, Rozay has delivered a video. Representing The Untouchable Maybach Empire, Rozay looks lavish in emerald green with the matching old-school ride.
With a bottle of Bumbu and Bel-Air next to his side, Rozay gets his bars off while iced out in an airplane hanger. You can see it below.
Meanwhile, on Friday, April 19th, fellow rapper Rick Ross graced the LIV stage, delivering an energetic performance of his newest single, “Champagne Moments.” The track has stirred controversy, as it’s perceived as a diss aimed at Drake amidst their ongoing public feud.
Rick Ross’s retaliation comes in response to Drake’s alleged diss track “Push Ups (Drop & Give Me 50).” As tensions between the two artists escalate, fans eagerly await the next move in this rap saga.
will.i.am has claimed Michael Jackson turned down an invite to watch him perform with Prince because he though the ‘Purple Rain’ legend was a ‘meanie’.
