Month: June 2021

On Friday, Lloyd Banks returned with his first album in over a decade, The Course Of The Inevitable. Being that he’s the Punchline King, a reputation he has maintained since first emerging onto the scene with verses like the immortal “Victory Freestyle,” it’s no surprise that listeners are still discovering new bars and references.

After all, the project is among the most lyrically dense we’ve seen in a minute, with eighteen tracks and many still adhering to the long-thought-deceased three-verse structure. Now that some of the dust has settled, “Stranger Things” is beginning to emerge as one of COTI’s notable highlights, several fans have noticed several potential references to his longtime former collaborator 50 Cent.”

“When you’re fucked up, behavior turns irregular quick, sometimеs the pressure ovеrwhelms when you’re the head of the clique,” he raps, in the opening verse. “But don’t get ahead of yourself, I ain’t bending for shit / Nobody sees your vision until you’re successful.” 

Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images

“Your favorite’s nowhere near me when I’m dedicated,” he continues, in the second verse. “Always humble, usually disciplined and never hated / Call me quiet, call me lazy, talent never faded /  It’s frustrating when your grindin’ ain’t appreciated / Should have been dead in my twenties, shit, at least I made it / Guess I gotta prove myself again, increase your payment.” 

The similarities stem from previous comments that 50 made in his book Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter. “While I was out hustling (I actually hustled with his father), Banks was more content staying on his porch and watching the world from there,” explained 50. “Banks wanted things to come to him, as opposed to going out and getting them for himself. That’s not me trying to assassinate his character—the guy has ‘Lazy Lloyd’ tattooed on his arm. He literally wears his laziness on his sleeve.”

Lloyd Banks and 50 Cent performing in 2014. Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images 

Based on Banks’ measured response, he’s not exactly harboring any ill-will; rather than anger, he admits to feeling frustrated by a perceived lack of recognition from his former group-mate. It’s certainly a fascinating listen with that interpretation in mind, so be sure to give “Stranger Things” and The Course Of The Inevitable another spin. Do you think it’s one of the best albums of the year so far? 

LISTEN: Lloyd Banks – Stranger Things

Beyoncé and JAY-Z were spotted at the Brooklyn Nets game this weekend and, yet again, the world was blessed with another courtside photo of the couple enjoying some time together at the event. Their appearance this weekend came with an abundance of new photos of the Carters, including another shot of JAY-Z touching Beyoncé’s leg, which got fans talking.

According to fans of the couple, there exist dozens of photos where JAY-Z is touching Beyoncé on her legs. Some fans have claimed that this is because of Beyoncé’s alleged anxiety in public, which is untrue according to her mother, Tina Knowles. Taking to Instagram to clear up the rumors, Tina explained that they’re always touching each other because they’re in love.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

“When you love someone and like them you just want to touch them,” wrote Tina Knowles on Instagram, sharing a bunch of photos where Jayoncé are doing their now-infamous leg rub. “Me and Richard are always touching even if it’s just our feet! Yeah!! That’s what you do! So comical people saying she has anxiety in public and that’s why he touches her! Lord people !!!! Yal can turn something good and healthy into something That it’s not !!! Stop that!!!!!”

Tina went on to say that, while it’s helpful for someone to keep a physical connection with their partner if they have anxiety, that simply isn’t the case with her daughter.

Take a look at her post below.

Floyd Mayweather and Logan Paul’s big fight last night has come under fire for being one massive money grab that had way too much hype behind it. For months, this fight had been billed as a massive spectacle that could very well lead to either an upset or an absolute beatdown to one of YouTube’s most polarizing figures. In the end, neither of those two things happened and fans were extremely disappointed as both fighters mailed it in and gave viewers one of the worst displays of boxing we have seen in quite some time.

One of the best boxers in the world, Canelo Alvarez, has been vocal about his disdain for the Paul brothers and on Sunday night, he went on Twitter and reacted to the fight with a face-palm emoji. It was a simple response but it was plainly obvious that Alvarez was disgusted by what he was seeing. However, right on Queue, Jake Paul entered the discussion claiming that he could destroy Alvarez both in PPV numbers and in the ring.

Alvarez never replied to the tweet although there really is no need. Canelo is one of the most accomplished fighters of all time, while Jake has yet to actually fight a real boxer. Regardless, it’s clear that there is a real sense of resentment amongst the boxing community right now, especially in light of what went down last night.

Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images

Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images

Last night, Logan Paul and Floyd Mayweather engaged in what was supposed to be an incredible boxing event. Fans were hoping for one of two things to happen: a Logan knockout upset, or a masterclass from Floyd that would put Logan on the ground. In the end, fans got neither of those, as Mayweather simply took it easy for all eight rounds, all while Logan was seen missing his punches and moving around like a Wii Sports boxing character.

At the start of the fight, it was clear that Mayweather had very little interest in actually trying as he simply let Logan swing a few times while dodging every single punch. Paul rarely ever played defense on Floyd as his arms were constantly swinging below his torso. This allowed Mayweather to connect some solid shots, although Paul ate them surprisingly well.

Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images

By the end of the eight rounds, Logan was still on his feet, and to his credit, he survived. However, many fans on social media were upset about the fight and just how low effort it came across as. In the tweets below, many fans questioned why anyone would actually pay for such a fight and that at the end of the day, Paul and Mayweather successfully finessed everyone into thinking this was actually going to be a real show.

Needless to say, Floyd and Logan aren’t exactly in everyone’s good graces right now, although we’re sure they’re quite alright with that considering they just made a significant bag.

DMX’s first posthumous album, Exodus, has landed at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart, after its first week of release. The late rap legend’s eighth studio album sold an estimated 32,000 total album-equivalent units.

The project was spearheaded by X’s close collaborator, Swizz Beatz, and features a number of music’s biggest names such as  Nas, JAY-Z, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, and many more.

Mark Davis / Getty Images

As for streaming, Exodus was played over 22 million times by fans. Since his death, X’s streaming numbers have risen by over 1,000%.

Beatz recently spoke about the creation of the new project, with GQ:

The way I’m showing up now is the way that I’ve been showing up for years. It’s not even nothing new to me. I don’t deserve credit for it because other people weren’t doing it because I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do. And so, me going all out and pulling out all of the stops and all of the names to celebrate with him and even these listening sessions and all these interviews… It’s what I’m supposed to do. And I’m happy to do what I’m supposed to do for my brother.

Check out our review of Exodus here.

[Via]

The highly anticipated exhibition between YouTuber Logan Paul and boxing legend Floyd Mayweather went the distance, Sunday night, with both fighters trading blows for eight rounds. 

The exhibition opened with a performance from the Migos and Moneybagg Yo while both fighters were introduced. 

While the fight went all eight rounds and was not scored, the undefeated Mayweather was clearly the better fighter; however, Paul did remain standing throughout.

Cliff Hawkins / Getty Images

Mayweather called Paul a “tough” opponent and remarked, “He was better than I thought he was. We had fun. … Tonight was a fun night.”

Despite not toppling the boxing legend, Paul was ecstatic after the fight to have gone the distance with one of the sport’s greatest athletes of all time.

“This is one of the greatest moments of my life,” Paul said after the match. “I’m happy. It’s an honor to grace the ring with him.”

He added: “This is the coolest thing ever, I’m happy I made it out … he’s tough to hit.”

Earlier in the night, former NFL wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson took on former MMA fighter Brian Maxwell.

[Via]

The Weeknd swept the Juno Awards, Sunday night, making him the first artist to win best artist, album, single, and songwriter of the year, all in the same year, twice.

For his album, After Hours, he was award album of the year, while for “Blinding Lights,” he won both single of the year and songwriter of the year. Additionally, he was named Artist of the Year.

Kevin Winter / Getty Images

His previous album, Beauty Behind the Madness, and single “Can’t Feel My Face,” helped him sweep for the first time, five years ago.

Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber, and JP Saxe also took home notable awards during the ceremony.

Check out the full list of winners down below.

Single of the Year

“Blinding Lights,” the Weeknd

Artist of the Year

The Weeknd

Album of the Year

“After Hours,” the Weeknd

Juno Fan Choice

Shawn Mendes

International Album of the Year

“Fine Line,” Harry Styles

Group of the Year

Arkells

Breakthrough Artist of the Year

JP Saxe

Breakthrough Group of the Year

Crown Lands

Songwriter of the Year

The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), Belly (Ahmad Balshe), & Jason “DaHeala” Quenneville

Pop Album of the Year

“Changes,” Justin Bieber

Country Album of the Year

“The Lemonade Stand,” Tenille Townes

Adult Alternative Album of the Year

“Sad Hunk,” Bahamas

Alternative Album of the Year

“Pray for It,” July Talk

Rock Album of the Year

“Ruthless,” JJ Wilde

Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee

Jann Arden

Humanitarian Award

The Hip

Vocal Jazz Album of the Year

“With You,” Sammy Jackson

Jazz Album of the Year: Solo

“Elegant Traveler,” Jocelyn Gould

Jazz Album of the Year: Group

“The reMission,” Andy Milne and Unison

Instrumental Album of the Year

“Movements III,” Blitz//Berlin

Francophone Album of the Year

“Quand la nuit tombe,” Louis-Jean Cormier

Children’s Album of the Year

“Heart Parade,” Splash’N Boots

Classical Album of the Year: Solo or Chamber

“Mosaïque,” Ensemble Made in Canada

Classical Album of the Year: Large Ensemble

“Ginastera – Bernstein – Moussa: Œuvres pour violon et orchestre / Works for Violin and Orchestra Orchestre symphonique de Montréal,” conducted by Kent Nagano, feat. Andrew Wan

Classical Composition of the Year

“Violin Concerto ‘Adrano,’” Samy Moussa

Rap Recording of the Year

“Elements Vol. 1,” Tobi

Dance Recording of the Year

“Bubba,” Kaytranada

Contemporary R&B Recording of the Year

“After Hours,” The Weeknd

Traditional R&B Recording of the Year

“Solid,” Savannah Ré

Reggae Recording of the Year

“I Pray,” TÖME x Sean Kingston

Indigenous Artist or Group of the Year

“North Star Calling,” Leela Gilday

Contemporary Roots Album of the Year

“Bravado,” Rose Cousins

Traditional Roots Album of the Year

“Bet on Love,” Pharis and Jason Romero

Blues Album of the Year

“Church House Blues,” Crystal Shawanda

Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year

“The Way,” Shawna Cain

World Music Album of the Year

“Espiral,” Okan

Jack Richardson Producer of the Year

WondaGurl

Recording Engineer of the Year

Serban Ghenea

Album Artwork of the Year

Julien Hébert (Art Director), David Beauchemin (Designer), Florence Obrecht (Illustrator), Marc-Étienne Mongrain (Photographer) — “Notre-Dame-Des-Sept-Douleurs,” Klô Pelgag

Music Video of the Year

“No One’s in the Room,” Emma Higgins and Jessie Reyez

Electronic Album of the Year

“Suddenly,” Caribou

Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year

“Abyss,” Unleash the Archers

Adult Contemporary Album of the Year

“Such Pretty Forks in the Road,” Alanis Morissette

Comedy Album of the Year

“Horse Power,” Jacob Samuel