Month: September 2021

Yo Gotti Is Now A Co-Owner Of The MLS’ D.C. United Team

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Yo Gotti has already impressed as a business owner thanks to the Collective Music Group (CMG), the label he founded back in 2013. Now the rapper is bringing his business talents to the sports world: He just became a co-owner of the Major League Soccer’s D.C. United team. While financial details were not shared, the move, as originally reported by The Washington Post, gives Gotti and his group — which includes Adam Gerry, Joe Mamo, and Jake Silverstein — between five and six percent ownership of the team. In a press release, the rapper shared his excitement for his new involvement with the soccer team.

“I was introduced to the game by my son and watched how quickly it has grown in our country, so I’m honored to join the D.C. United ownership group,” Yo Gotti said in a statement. “I’ve long admired Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan’s ambition and entrepreneurship and look forward to collaborating with them — and the entire ownership group — to further elevate D.C. United’s commitment to connecting soccer, entertainment, community, and culture.” He added, “Together, we’re going to enhance fan experience and bring new and exciting events to Audi Field.”

D.C. United’s chairmen Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan also spoke about Yo Gotti’s ownership group joining the team. “As D.C. United continues to grow, it was important for us to add a diverse blend of experience and expertise to our ownership group to further elevate our business,” they said. “We are really excited about the knowledge and know-how that this group of investors brings to our club. As we continue to evolve, we are confident the expanded ownership group will help us to further engage our fanbase — both existing and new, create additional forms of entertainment and ultimately deliver a pathway for success for our club both on the pitch and in the community.”

You can view Gotti’s Instagram post celebrating the move above.

Will Smith Believes Only Saying “Defund The Police” Does Not “Get It Done”

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There have been several highlights from Will Smith’s sit-down with GQ. Many of his quotes have gone viral, including bits about polyamory in his marriage to Jada Pinkett-Smith to his explanation regarding why he has actively avoided starring in films about American slavery. Another snippet  of the conversation has sparked a debate as Smith gave his thoughts on the misdirections of the phrase, “defund the police.”

“I just want to encourage Black Americans to take the acknowledgment and seize upon the present global opportunities,” the award-winning actor said. “I would just like us to argue less about certain things and pay attention to the big ripe fruit.”

Will Smith
Jon Kopaloff / Stringer / Getty Images

The interviewer questioned Smith about his statement and asked for him to specify a topic that should be argued less, as the actor stated. “This is a pitfall area,” Smith answered.

“So ‘Abolish the police. Defund the police.’ I would love if we would just say ‘Defund the bad police.’ It’s almost like I want, as Black Americans, for us to change our marketing for the new position we’re in,” said Smith. “So ‘critical race theory,’ just call it ‘truth theory.’ The pendulum is swinging in our direction beautifully. And there’s a certain humility that will most capitalize on the moment for the future of Black Americans, without discounting the difficulty and the pain and the emotion.

“This is a difficult area to discuss, but I feel like the simplicity of Black Lives Matter was perfect. Anybody who tries to debate Black Lives Matter looks ridiculous. So when I talk about the marketing of our ideas, Black Lives Matter was perfection.”

He added that “Black Lives Matter gets it done” but “‘Defund the police’ doesn’t get it done, no matter how good the ideas are.” Smith clarified that he believes there is a need for change. “I’m not saying we shouldn’t defund the police. I’m saying, just don’t say that, because then people who would help you won’t.”

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Damian Lillard Is Pro-Vaccine, But Doesn’t Fault People Wanting To Research

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The great COVID-19 debate has been a staple in headlines, on social media, and real-life discussions as millions discuss whether or not they will receive the vaccine. The choice is a personal decision, but as reports of the rise in cases and deaths increase, the divide is widening. Nicki Minaj stirred up controversy with her testicle-swelling allegations that turned into an international incident.

The conversation has shifted to the sports arena, once again, as leagues are setting in stone how to manage both vaccinated and unvaccinated players simultaneously. LeBron James recently revealed why he and his family decided to get vaccinated, and now Damian Lillard is sharing his story.

Damian Lillard
Gregory Shamus / Staff / Getty Images

“I think it’s a—I’m not mad at people for saying ‘I need to do my research,’ or they gotta take the steps that make them comfortable. I have a lot of people in my family that I’m tight with and I spend a lot of time around. I’m just not gon’ put them, their health or their lives in danger.” The basketball star added that when he was a child, he was given several vaccines that he nor his parents researched.

“I had to get shots my whole life,” he added. “I couldn’t tell you one thing about any of them. So, if it’s something that, you know, I’ve had people in my family actually die and people actually lose their lives to it. I’m not—if it’s a way for me to protect myself and the people that I love, I’ma do it.”

Watch Lillard explain his stance below.

Common, Black Thought, And Seun Kuti Catch A Groove To A Warm Rhythm In Their Video For ‘When We Move’

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Towards the end of last year, Common dropped A Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 1, which sported nine songs and guest appearances from Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz, PJ, and more. Less than a year later, the rapper returned with A Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 2, with 11 songs and features from Brittany Howard, PJ, Marcus King, and more. Now he returns with a new video for “When We Move.”

It finds Common, as well as Black Thought and Seun Kuti, both who appear on the song, on a dance floor, dancing the night away as the groovy track plays in the background. “I’m a just give black power its flowers / Whether in the projects or in the palace,” Common raps as images of pivotal moments in Black history play. “Even when the pale horse tried to gallop / And stir it up, stir it up we kept the balance.”

The new video comes after he, Black Thought, and Seun Kuti performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also shared a video for “Imagine,” which captured his optimistic vision for the future.

You can watch Common’s video for “When We Move” above.

A Beautiful Revolution, Pt. 2 is out now via Loma Vista Recordings. Get it here.

Boosie Badazz Denies Fan’s Request After Learning They Bootlegged “My Struggle”

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Fans love Boosie Badazz, and not only because of his music career. Boosie has earned himself a reputation of being one of the most approachable, down-to-earth artists, unlike others who are often too busy to stop for hugs and handshakes. Recently, Boosie has been celebrating the release of his biopic My Struggle, but even with the milestone has come difficulties.

Yesterday (September 29), we reported on Boosie sharing a video where he pleaded with Drake to help promote his film in Canada. Not long after that video went viral, Instagram once again tracked the rapper down and deleted his page.

The ongoing spat with Instagram is a major thorn in Boosie’s side as he has been kicked off the platform numerous times. In addition to lamenting over getting the boot, Boosie also shared a video of himself reacting to a fan’s request for a photo.

“I’m in Lennox, motherf*cker just asked me for a picture,” said Boosie. “I said, ‘You bought my movie?’ He say, ‘Nah, I watched it on YouTube.’ Get the f*ck out my face.” Boosie ended his message with a laugh. Regardless, the rapper did recently share that My Struggle brought in $1 million on the day it was released.

Some criticized Boosie by arguing that had he stopped for the photo, maybe the fan would have supported and bought the film. Others stood by Boosie and agreed with him for brushing off the fan for bootlegging his biopic. 

Eminem Hops Online To Confirm Skylar Grey, Polo G, and Mozzy “Venom 2” Collab

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There have been rumors about Eminem’s involvement with Venom 2: Let There Be Carnage, and after a fan site confirmed that the gossip was true, fans ran wild. On October 1, the second installment of what is gearing up to be a long-running Venom franchise will hit theaters, and there has been talk about Eminem appearing alongside other artists for another track. 

In 2018, Eminem’s “Venom” from Kamikaze was also used for the first Venom flick, and after we previously reported on the fan site’s news, the internet was hit with more.

Em took to Twitter to further confirm the news with a mini-trailer. “[Thinking emoji][speaker emoji][snake emoji @SkylarGrey @Polo_Capalot @MozzyThaMotive @VenomMovie,” he wrote, tagging Polo G, Mozzy, and his longtime collaborator, Skylar Grey. It was noted in the clip that the track is Skylar’s and the trio of rappers were her features.

Unfortunately, Em didn’t give audiences a sneak peek at his or anyone else’s vocals, but we are able, at least, to hear a bit of the production. Meanwhile, those who were able to get a first look at Venom 2 have praised the film and Tom Hardy’s portrayal of the Marvel villain. Check it out below and let us know if you’re looking forward to this collaboration.

21 Savage Explains Why Some People In Atlanta Might Believe Future Is A Bigger Rapper Than Drake

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Over the past few years, 21 Savage has grown from an underground act to a star. But he has some perspective. The rapper sat down on DJ Akademiks’ Off The Record podcast and explained that, while he has the utmost respect for Drake, people in his hometown may not consider him to be the town’s biggest rapper. That title, he says, could be given to someone like Future.

“If I wasn’t a rapper, I don’t feel like I still would listen to Drake, forreal,” Savage said during the podcast. “It’s just, I’m a rapper so I understand the work he put in and how hard he goes. Like, when you ain’t no rapper, all those statistics don’t mean sh*t. A regular street n**** don’t give a f*ck how many times you went No.1, how many white people listen to your sh*t, because the farthest they think is the club.”

He added, “In Atlanta, there’s a lot of n****s who you really can’t tell them that Future ain’t bigger than Drake. I used to think that… Drake ain’t really no big mixtape artist out there.”

In short, what Savage seems to be saying is big sales doesn’t always mean you have a big cultural impact.

You can watch the full interview above.

Coca Vango Shares “Motivational Purposes 3”

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Coca Vango has been a staple in the Southern scene over the years. The rapper’s melodic delivery and R&B sensibilities, merged with the essence of trap music to offer a vibrant, unique take on the regional genre. This year, he’s continued to unveil new singles to follow the release of Mr. Vango 2 and From Rags To Jugg Riches — both released in 2020.

This week, the rapper returned to form by turning the Motivational Purposes mixtape series into a trilogy. The third installment of the mixtape series includes appearances from Lil Quill and Slime Krime, though Vango holds down the majority of the 13-song effort on his own. 

While it is his first project of the year, it’s an excellent mix of R&B and trap to hold down the fall. 

Sauce Walka Drops “If I Didn’t Rap”

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Sauce Walka might remain one of the most controversial figures in Southern rap, largely because he has no problem speaking his mind. We’ve seen him get into back-and-forths with plenty of artists who he believes have taken his swag over the years. Or, he’s had issues with people borrowing from Houston culture without giving the proper credit.

This week, he delivered an ode to Houston’s chopped-and-screwed sound with his latest drop, “If I Didn’t Rap.” With synths that are as glossy as a coat of candy paint on an old school Impala, the rapper pitches his voice all the way down as he re-imagines life without rap. Apparently, very little would change in his life. “If I didn’t rap, I’d still have hands/ Because before rap, I was punching on your mans,” he raps on the record.

Peep Sauce Walka’s latest record below. 

Quotable Lyrics
If I didn’t rap, I’d still buy estates
If you didn’t rap, you’d still be selling eights
If I didn’t rap, I’d stay shrimp and steak
I ain’t never rat and I still beat every case

DJ Khaled Launches New ‘Ultra-Luxe’ Grooming Brand

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DJ Khaled

After getting COVID earlier this year, DJ Khaled feels blessed to have recovered, so much that he is launching a new CBD brand. His latest venture is called BLESSWELL, a line of CBD-enhanced grooming products. DJ Khaled Encourages Healing with His New CBD Brand The multifaceted artist DJ Khaled isn’t a weed smoker himself but […]