Month: June 2022

These days, when someone attempts to judge just how popular an artist is, they immediately take a look at their social media pages. A singer, rapper, producer, etc. could have low sales numbers, but if they have a thriving Instagram page, labels and music executives will be keen on turning them into the next big star. However, we have seen in recent years ongoing reports about the potential dangers that arise with social media addiction, and a few of these concerns are exactly why Stormzy decided to wipe his slate clean back in 2020. 

The award-winning British rapper mysteriously deleted his social media pages over two years ago, and during his recent appearance on Leading Vibe Radio, he explained why he felt it was necessary in order to return to a “normal” life.

Gareth Cattermole / Staff / Getty Images

In February of that year, Stormzy removed himself from social media—a huge move for a chart-topping, world-touring artist. The following month, he embarked on a tour and recalled having an intense desire to share his movements with online followers that no longer existed.

“We done the show and I came off stage and I remember one of my first feelings was getting the clip of us to put on social media but I didn’t have social media. I remember it being a weird feeling because that’s what I would normally do anytime I’ve done something great, I’m gonna show everyone. And I remember thinking in that moment, ‘That’s ego, that’s ego. That’s probably validation.'”

“You gotta kill the ego,” he added. “I think that was probably my biggest moment of it. Because what is it that I’m trying to gain? Because that happened in real life… It was a big turning point for me in understanding that there is an ego in man I need to kill because look how blessed we are.”

Gareth Cattermole / Staff / Getty Images

Stormzy believes it is imperative for people to remember that before he is an artist, he is a man.

“Whether that be noise on the internet, whether that be noise in reality, whether that be noise in events.

“I’ll just make active decisions to not be around noise. Because I feel that noise doesn’t allow me to be normal,” he said. “Because if I consume noise and energy all the time there’s something that’s not normal about that. So, I think there’s a degree of separation that’s needed.”

You can listen to his full episode on Leading Vibe Radio on Apple Music 1.

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There are several ways that an artist in Hip Hop is judged and ranked. From lyricism to their flow to their pen game, rappers often find themselves under constant scrutiny and criticism as their talents are pitted against their peers. Since the inception of the now-industry-leading genre of Hip Hop, whether or not an artist writes their own rhymes has been a deeply debated topic, and according to Chris Brown, this is important for rappers but not so much for singers. 

“It depends on the artist. In the Hip Hop standpoint, if you stand on your business, you rappin’ and you doin’ your sh*t, we don’t wanna hear about somebody else’s robbery,” the hitmaker recently said while on Drink Champs.

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“So, we not gonna respect it from a Hip Hop culture to be like, ‘Man that’s hard that n*gga wrote it for him,'” he added with a laugh. “Like, what’re we listening to you for then? We should be listening to this n*gga!” Noreaga questioned why it’s something that is vilified in Hip Hop but accepted in R&B.

“Because everybody can’t sing. I always said it like this, right? ‘Cause I never discredit writers who write on my album. I got hella co-writers and we do certain sh*t,” Brown answered. “But it’s just like this: they can write it, who gon’ sing it like me? So, at the end of the day, you might write some beautiful sh*t that gets overlooked cause it don’t sound good.”

Some have stated that this argument could be used for Hip Hop as well, but you can let us know if you think ghostwriting is an allowance for R&B and not Rap.

The recent news regarding the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs. Wade has caused an uproar from one side of the U.S. to the other. Marches and protests are erupting as conversations about abortions run rampant on social media, and we’re seeing entertainers from all industries voice their opinions. Actress Kimberly Elise recently took to Instagram to share her delight with the news, while Halsey reportedly led a pro-choice chant during one of their recent live shows.

It was reported by NME that Halsey took to the stage to share their thoughts, causing many of the 20,000-ish fans in attendance to walk out.

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“This has been happening for a very long f*cking time,” Halsey reportedly said during the show. “I know that we want to sit at home and we want to wait for some revolutionary to come along, to make a difference, but no one is f*cking coming. Nobody is f*cking coming. It is up to every single one of you, myself, every single person in this building to do our f*cking part to protect bodily autonomy and bodily integrity. To protect medical privacy.”

The news of fans leaving the concert went viral, especially after several who were at the show began sharing their experiences online. Halsey returned with a message for those who didn’t agree with her stance.

“Downside of doing outdoor venues: no door to hit them on the way out [waving hand emoji,” Halsey later tweeted. “The ‘people pay to see you sing not hear your views’ argument is so dumb. No, you paid to see me use a stage as a form of expression in the manner that I choose. Sorry you lack the critical thinking to realize that the rhetorical power of music doesn’t always serve your escapism.”

That wasn’t all. Check out more from Halsey below.

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Breaking news about an arrest has surfaced, although details regarding the circumstances are unclear. Miles Bridges is a rising star on the Charlotte Hornets, but according to reports, the 24-year-old was taken into custody today (June 29) following some sort of altercation. His future with the Hornets is reportedly coming to a close, but his career moves aren’t what has caused Bridges to become a trending topic. 

According to TMZ, Bridges was detained in Los Angeles on suspicion of felony domestic violence.

Jared C. Tilton / Staff / Getty Images

The outlet added that the incident in question occurred sometime on Tuesday and Bridges later turned himself in.

“Law enforcement sources tell us a woman claims she was in an argument with Bridges that turned physical. We’re told police were called to the scene, but Bridges was gone by the time cops arrived. We’re told the woman required medical attention.”

The basketball star, who also doubles as a rapper named RTB MB, was reportedly released after posting a $130K bond. Bridges, his team, nor the NBA have addressed the alleged incident, but it is expected that formal statements will arrive in the days to come. How Bridges knew his alleged victim is also unknown at this time.

Earlier this month, Bridges faced off with social media users after they accused him of drinking Lean in a video posted to his Instagram Story. He denied the allegations.

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Her fans haven’t been without new releases, but Saweetie has been taking her time in giving them her official debut album. For years now, the Bay Area hitmaker has been working on Pretty B*tch Music, and for a moment there, it seemed as if there was a release date on the horizon. However, with each new wave of gossip came a letdown when Saweetie and her team once again confirmed that PBM wasn’t ready for the world quite yet.

This evening (June 29), Saweetie penned a note to her “Icy Family” explaining the delay.

Amy Sussman / Staff / Getty Images

“There past couple of years have been a growing experience for me as an artist, human, but most importantly a WOMAN [red rose emoji],” wrote Saweetie. “I have realized my purpose with the platform God have given me which is why I have taken my time with releasing music this time around [praying hands emoji].” Through hours of [stars emoji] self-reflection [stars emoji] I have realized that Pretty B*TCH music is not an album- it’s a movement.”

She continued, “It’s a culture. It’s a language. It’s a lifestyle. We not rushing art, we taking our time! [snowflake emoji] This ain’t no microwave sh*t It’s baking & it will definitely be worth the taste [red heart emoji].”

Saweetie has often found herself on the receiving end of criticism from the public due to her live performances, and she has previously stated that she was locked in, working on a boot camp of sorts to make sure she was at her best.

Check out Saweetie’s post below.

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