Over the weekend, Jay-Z put together a star-studded party for a big cause. The event was held at the Ocean Resort Casino in Atlantic City and it was to help fundraise for criminal justice reform. Along with Hov, Meek Mill, Michael Rubin, and the REFORM Alliance assisted in the planning. Every A-lister you could think of was in attendance. People from music, to sports, Hollywood, etc., were dressed in all black for the James Bond-like theme. Additionally, Beyonce was also busy this weekend.
Kevin Hart was the host and there were also some big-time performances. Travis Scott, Lil Baby, Quavo, and more rocked the stage. But, as we mentioned, there was one obvious superstar missing from the festivities. According to PageSix, Beyonce joined Jay on the way to the event but stayed back from actually participating.
WARSAW, POLAND – JUNE 27: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY)(EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at PGE Narodowy on June 27, 2023 in Warsaw, Poland. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood)
For an incredible cause, you would certainly think that she would be by her husband’s side. However, there was a good reason for Queen Bey to miss out. In addition to supporting Jay-Z, she also wrapped up her Renaissance World Tour in Kansas City on Sunday evening, October 1. Presumably, the event lasted well into the late night, so it makes sense for Beyonce to get some much-needed rest.
What are your initial thoughts on Beyonce not being a part of Jay-Z’s casino party for fundraising criminal justice? Do you think some people are going to make a big deal about this? If you were Jay-Z would you be upset or understanding of Beyonce? We want to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all the latest breaking news around Beyonce, Jay-Z, and the rest of the music world.
In 1968, nestled within the rhythmic heartbeats of New York City, Aston George Taylor Jr., or Funk Flex, marked his beginning. While New York’s streets were pulsating with change and dynamism, little did they know that this Bronx boy would soon redefine its musical ethos as Funk Flex. As the analog world of vinyl gave way to the digital age, Flex also remained committed to his craft. Drawing inspiration from the city that never sleeps, he blended beats that captured its very essence. As years turned into decades, by 2023, Flex’s contribution to music and the cultural fabric of NYC culminated in a well-earned net worth of $7 million, a figure proudly spotlighted by Fresherslive.
Career Highlights & Accolades
Funk Flex performs at House Party NYC at Webster Hall on November 26, 2015 (Photo by Nicky Digital/Corbis via Getty Images)
When one mentions the New York music scene, Funk Flex is an inescapable name. He transformed Hot 97 into more than just a radio station – it became the voice of a generation. Flex painted sonic landscapes through late-night sets, blending old-school hip-hop with contemporary beats, ensuring listeners were always in for a treat. Every drop, every mixtape, every live event was a testament to his unparalleled skill and understanding of the genre. His influence transcended radio, with artists vying for his golden touch on their tracks, a nod from him often signaling a rise in the charts.
Personal Life & Highlights
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 25: DJ Funk Flex attends Delta Air Lines, the Official Airline Partner of the GRAMMY Awards®. And Supporter of First-Time Nominees hosted a private performance. With Julia Michaels to celebrate the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards with celebrity guests and friends. At The Bowery Hotel, January 25, 2018. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Delta)
Behind Funk Flex’s dynamic presence is Aston – a man deeply connected to his roots and passions. One such passion? Cars. His collection is a veritable museum of automotive excellence, each vehicle telling a story. Flex formed deep bonds in the vast world of hip-hop and music. His relationship with other industry icons often makes headlines. Yet, amid all the stardom, he’s managed to keep his feet firmly grounded. Flex cherishes moments with family and close friends and always pays homage to the Bronx streets that shaped him.
Business Ventures & Philanthropy
Funk Flex backstage portrait at House Party NYC at Webster Hall on September 17, 2015 (Photo by Nicky Digital/http://NickyDigital.com/Corbis via Getty Images)
A maestro on the decks, Flex also showcased astuteness in business. Recognizing the digital shift early on, he ventured into app development, focusing on music streaming, and artist discovery, merging technology with pure hip-hop essence. But beyond the beats and business, lies Flex’s philanthropic heart. He’s channeled resources into programs for the underprivileged, especially those that echo his own journey. Initiatives that uplift young artists, provide music education, or give back to the community have always found his unwavering support.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dr. Dre’s legendary album “The Chronic”, Interscope Records has collaborated with Trophy to reveal the second drop of “The Chronic Masters” collection, a series of unique and collectible merchandise.
The first drop is set to be released in June and highlights replicas of three stand out session tapes, this next drop dives deeper into Dr. Dre’s legendary album with a new limited run of unique prints and memorabilia. The highlight of this new collection, which drops today, includes “The Masters” Print, an archival pigment print featuring imagery of the official “The Chronic” master tapes side A and B, photographed by Jeremy Deputat.
Additional prints include, “The Session Stacks” – imagery of the complete “The Chronic” session tapes as well as “The Session Grid” print – showcasing the original session tapes from each single that made it onto the project. The most limited collectible of the drop, “The Session Tapes Stacks Replica”, is available for a lucky 30 fans which features a lifesize replica of the master tapes when they were re-discovered 30 years later. Additionally, five limited edition skateboard decks, and four limited edition tees are also available – all available for sale via microsite interscope.com/TheChronicMasters.
Hands down one of my most memorable times in hip hop, Dr. Dre’s debut solo album, “The Chronic,” is considered one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time. It marked the beginning of a new era in the genre, introducing its distinctive G-funk sound and groundbreaking production techniques. The album showcases Dre’s skills as a producer, with his signature use of the Moog synthesizer and his ability to blend old-school funk with new-school rap. As a teenage girl I was mesmerized with the entire project and played the record nonstop.
“The Chronic” also served as a launching pad for future stars including Snoop Dogg and Warren G, and it cemented Dre’s status as one of the most influential producers in hip hop history. The album’s social commentary on the state of gang violence and police brutality in Los Angeles at the time also highlighted Dre’s commitment to using his music to address serious issues in his community. Last June, Rolling Stoneplaced The Chronic on its 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time List, noting the album “redefined the West Coast Hip Hop sound.”
For fans of this iconic album, the prints included in the Chronic Masters Collection are all 24” x 24″. The individual prints, photographed by Jeremy Deputat, are priced at $150 USD. Each one made with archival pigment on 290gsm Moab Entrada bright white fine art paper, featuring chop-marked, numbered, and hand-embossed Chronic leaf detailing. A certificate of authenticity is included with each premium print purchase. Interscope Records conceptualized “The Chronic Masters”with Trophy, the creative agency that transcends music & culture through tailor-made content & collectibles. Jason Sangerman, Interscope Senior Vice President, worked hand in hand with Trophy co-founders Jeremy Deputat, James Larese, and Jesse Cory and Dan Armand of the Detroit-based 1XRUN, who have been producing collectibles for UMG since 2014. Together, they’ve peeled back layers of hip-hop history to provide fans with this exclusive collection of memorabilia.
● Three premium 24”x24” fine-art print offerings, with only 92 hand-numbered units available of each at $150 USD. Each premium print purchase includes a certificate of authenticity. Print 1 features: “Session Tapes Grid”, Print 2 features: The Session Tapes Stack”, Print 3 features: “The Masters”.
● The Session Tapes Stack Replica: 1:1 Scale Replica which includes 14 session tape boxes with only 30 units available at $1,200 USD. Features five-sided archival UV-cured prints on varnished HD aluminum panels wrapped on a 3⁄4” painted plywood frame.
● Apparel: Four limited edition tees including imagery of the session tapes, Let Me Ride and the Ampex 456 Tape all priced at $42 each
● Four limited edition skateboard decks with only 92 units available of each at $92 USD. One limited edition Chronic album skateboard deck with 310 units available at $92 USD. The designs of the decks feature tape notes, session tape stacks, AMPEX 456 tape image, a “Fuck with Dre Day” deck and the iconic album artwork
Jimmy Butler has brought the bang to NBA Media Day. Appearing in his white Miami HEAT jersey, Jimmy Butler stated he was emo for the day. Maybe it is a result of missing out on Damian Lillard as a teammate.
Jimmy Butler wants the NBA’s version of a RICO opened on the Milwaukee Bucks. In case you missed it, the Bucks landed Damian Lillard in a trade, a deal that long thought would send the point guard to the Miami HEAT.
According to ESPN, the other teams in the deal are the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks. The Blazers will receive Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, Milwaukee’s 2029 unprotected 1st-round draft pick, and unprotected Milwaukee swap rights in 2028 and 2030.
The Suns will get Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson.
Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo in recent years flirted with idea of playing with one another but the hold up was each star wanted the other to join their team. Milwaukee landed Antetokounmpo’s desired star mate.
In a Fresno barbershop called Phase II a few months ago, Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked of the one player he would like to play with. His response was Damian Lillard.
Every Monday, Billboard unveils the top 10 songs on the latest Hot 100 chart. The most recent rankings, for the chart dated October 7, are out now, so let’s run down who had this week’s biggest hits.
Rema and Selena find themselves back in the top 10 this week after spending last week at No. 11. The song is also killing it on the US Afrobeats chart, where it’s No. 1 for a record-extending 57th week.
8. Gunna — “F*kumean”
In addition to “F*kumean” sticking around in the top 10, Gunna also recently put on a heck of a show at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, as Uproxx’s Wongo Okon notes.
7. Olivia Rodrigo — “Vampire”
After returning to No. 1 recently, “Vampire” is sitting comfortably at No. 7, the same position as last week.
6. Morgan Wallen — “Last Night”
“Last Night” just won’t go away: It was No. 8 last week, but now the 16-week No. 1 hit rises slightly to No. 6.
After debuting at No. 1 four weeks ago, Bryan and Musgraves hold steady at No. 5, while the song is No. 1 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs and Hot Rock Songs charts for a fifth week.
4. Taylor Swift — “Cruel Summer”
After reaching as high as No. 3 and living at No. 6 last week, Swift’s “Cruel Summer” returns to the top 5 at No. 4, which is pretty good for a song that originally came out in 2019.
3. Luke Combs — “Fast Car”
Combs’ Tracy Chapman cover continues to be a consistent top-10 presence on the Hot 100 as it spends its second week at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
2. SZA — “Snooze”
“Snooze” was No. 3 last week, and while it didn’t claim the top spot, it did reach a new high at No. 2 this week.
1. Doja Cat — “Paint The Town Red”
“Paint The Town Red” previously spent a single week back at No. 1, but after a spell away, the song is back on top, making it Doja’s first song to spend multiple weeks at No. 1.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour isn’t over yet. This week, the international superstar announced the impending release of a concert film based on footage of her tour coming to AMC Theaters on December 1. However, in addition to allowing fans to relive the experience of the tour (or experience it for the first time, for those who missed out on tickets to see it live), Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé will also finally fulfill one of fans’ greatest wishes since the Renaissance LP made the “world stop.”
Will Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ Film Have New Music Videos?
The answer is a resounding “yaaaas, b*tch!” According to Variety, the film will incorporate highlights from the tour as well as the highly-anticipated videos that Beyoncé has been teasing fans with for over a year. It’ll also feature behind-the-scenes footage of the recording of the album and the conception stage of the tour.
When Renaissance dropped in July of 2022, fans were eager for more of the iconic music videos that have helped make Beyoncé a fixture of pop culture. However, not even three months went by before they grew restless with the relative radio silence. Rather than give an update, though, Beyoncé decided to instead troll her loyal followers through the official Parkwood Twitter account, posting a meme that suggested they might end up getting Suga Mama old by the time she “released the visuals,” as they kept demanding.
When the tour started, she continued to tease them with a video during the presentation, as the concert narrator admonished, “You’ve asked for the visuals. You’ve called for the queen. But a queen moves at her own pace.” Now, it seems we know exactly what she was waiting for: An opportunity to once again shake up the world (and probably get a do-over on the Lion King: The Gift movie Black Is King, whose probable theater release was derailed by COVID-19). Good things come to those who wait.
