Snoop Dogg’s viral “Give Up Smoke” advertisement for Solo Stove has led to the firing of the company’s CEO, John Merris. The company says that it saw no “substantial revenue increase,” despite the cost and virality of the marketing campaign. Christopher Metz is now stepping in as Solo Stove’s president, chief executive officer, and director of the board.
Interim CFO Andrea Tarbox explained the company’s decision in a statement caught by Uproxx. “While our unique marketing campaigns raised brand awareness of Solo Stove to an expanded and new audience of consumers, it did not lead to the sales lift that we had planned, which, combined with the increased marketing investments, negatively impacted our EBITDA,” she said. “We believe there is a significant opportunity for us to build awareness and that these new campaigns will expand our reach and benefit our brands over the long term.”
AUSTIN, TX – AUGUST 21: Rapper Snoop Dogg performs onstage during ‘The High Road Tour’ at Austin360 Amphitheater on August 21, 2016 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/WireImage)
The advisement campaign quickly went viral when Snoop Dogg posted on social media: “Announcement: I’m giving up smoke.” After fans went into a panic, he expanded in a further post: “I know what you thinking — ‘Snoop, smoking’s kind of your whole thing.’ But I’m done with it. Done with the coughing and my clothes smelling all sticky-icky. I’m going smokeless.” Despite tricking a number of fans and catching the attention of many publications, Snoop’s advertisement appears to have been in vain.
Snoop recently popped up in headlines when Drake shared a photo dump from 2023 to celebrate the new year on Instagram. In one of the pics, the Toronto rapper revealed that Snoop hand-rolled a blunt for him. “July 27th, 2023. Blunt rolled by Snoop Dogg. Death Row Records,” a handwritten note from the rapper read. Be on the lookout for further updates on Snoop Dogg on HotNewHipHop.
There is no denying how talented Fabolous is. The legendary New York-bred rapper has been doing this for decades. Questioning his abilities even in the latter stages of his career would be a major mistake. If he still has doubters he might have just shut them all down with this newest freestyle. Yes, the 46-year-old spitter is back with another installment for his series “Freestyle Fridays.” The last one that HNHH got to break down was back on January 8 with “OSHO Freestyle.” Fabolous has been doing some traveling over the past month or so and that track was inspired by his stay in Dubai.
Before that, he came by with one on Christmas Day when he took a trip down to Tulum located in Mexico. While his birthday does fall in November, he headed down there for a late gift to celebrate. All of the freestyles have been hitting for Fab, especially this new one called “Snooze.” If you are an R&B fan, this is name of an ultra-popular song from 2022 by a special artist.
That of course would be SZA. “Snooze” landed on her critically-acclaimed record SOS. Fabolous has rapped on other artist’s beats recently, so this is nothing new. He absolutely bodies the sample flip of SZA’s song and he incorporates well within the bassy and drum-heavy beat. Fab uses the sped-up version of the hit song beautifully and it makes for a great combination overall. You can check it out on YouTube now with the link above.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new single and freestyle, “Snooze,” by Fabolous? Is this the best song from this series he is doing so far, why or why not? Is he the best freestyler of all time? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Fabolous. Finally, stay with us for the most informative song posts throughout the week.
As the political landscape evolves, the financial standing of public figures becomes an integral aspect of their identity. Ron DeSantis, the incumbent Florida Governor and potential presidential candidate, has garnered attention not only for his political decisions but also for his net worth. In 2024, Forbes estimates his net worth at $1.5 million. Let’s unravel the story of Ron DeSantis, exploring his background, political career, controversies, and his ambitious run for the presidency.
UNITED STATES – JULY 25: Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., leaves the Capitol following the last votes of the week on Friday, July 25, 2014. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
Born on September 14, 1978, in Jacksonville, Florida, Ron DeSantis’s early life laid the foundation for an accomplished career. A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School, DeSantis served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the U.S. Navy, enhancing his leadership skills and sense of duty. This military background shapes his political persona, reflecting a commitment to discipline and service.
Political Career: A Rising Star
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JULY 22: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit held at the Tampa Convention Center on July 22, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. The event features student activism and leadership training, and a chance to participate in a series of networking events with political leaders. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
DeSantis entered the political arena in 2012 when he was elected to represent Florida’s 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. A staunch conservative, he quickly gained recognition for his articulate speeches and unwavering stance on issues. His political trajectory soared, culminating in his election as Florida’s Governor in 2018.
As Governor, DeSantis earned praise for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing the state’s economy while navigating public health challenges. His pro-business policies and commitment to individual freedoms endeared him to conservative constituents, solidifying his status as a rising star within the Republican Party.
TOPSHOT – Republican gubernatorial candidate for Florida Ron DeSantis with his wife Casey DeSantis speaks to supporters during an election night watch party at the Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, on November 8, 2022. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has been tipped as a possible 2024 presidential candidate, was projected as one of the early winners of the night in Tuesday’s midterm election. (Photo by Giorgio VIERA / AFP) (Photo by GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images)
No political career is without controversy, and DeSantis is no exception. One of the most notable incidents involved accusations of mishandling COVID-19 data, with critics questioning the transparency of Florida’s reporting. DeSantis vehemently defended his administration’s approach, emphasizing the need to balance public health concerns with economic stability.
Additionally, his stance on environmental issues, particularly regarding water quality and climate change, sparked debates. Critics argue that his policies prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability. Navigating these controversies has been an inherent part of DeSantis’s journey, underscoring the challenges faced by leaders in the modern political landscape.
Run For President: Ambitions & Challenges
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – AUGUST 18: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference held at the Broward County Courthouse on August 18, 2022 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Governor announced during the press conference that the state’s new Office of Election Crimes and Security has uncovered and are in the process of arresting 20 individuals across the state for voter fraud. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Amidst swirling speculations, Ron DeSantis has emerged as a potential candidate for the 2024 presidential race. While his supporters applaud his conservative principles and leadership during turbulent times, detractors question his handling of certain policy issues. As the political arena becomes increasingly polarized, DeSantis faces the challenge of uniting a diverse electorate under a cohesive vision.
DeSantis’s net worth of $1.5 million, as reported by Forbes in 2024, adds an intriguing layer to his presidential ambitions. In an era where financial transparency is paramount, voters scrutinize the wealth of candidates as an indicator of their connection to the average citizen. Balancing this narrative will be crucial for DeSantis as he navigates the complexities of a presidential campaign.
Conclusion
Ron DeSantis’s net worth, standing at $1.5 million in 2024, is just one facet of a multifaceted political career. From his military service to his rise in the political echelons, DeSantis’s journey is marked by determination and conservative values. Controversies have tested his resilience, and as he contemplates a run for the presidency, the spotlight on his financial standing intensifies. The story of Ron DeSantis is still unfolding, and the narrative of his net worth is merely a chapter in a book that continues to captivate the nation.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ victory over the Miami Dolphins proves that the NFL audience will travel anywhere football is aired. According to ESPN, the AFC wild-card game was streamed on Peacock and is the most-watched event on a streaming service.
As per Nielsen, the Chiefs’ win drew an average of 23 million viewers across Peacock, NFL+, and NBC affiliates in Kansas City and Miami. Nielsen’s Sunday night report indicates that the game achieved a total reach of 27.6 million viewers.
In comparison, last season’s streaming matchup of the Los Angeles Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars averaged 20.61 million viewers. There is power in the Chiefs.
In the modern world, social networks play a key role in popularizing sports teams and events. This is clearly seen in the case of the official Instagram account of the Kansas City Chiefs (@chiefs). According to data from the comparation team at CasinospotFR, as of December 31, 2023, @chiefs had 3,264,148 followers, but by January 16, 2024, this number increased to 3,357,838, signifying a growth of 93,690 new users in just 16 days. This increase in followers not only reflects a heightened interest in the team following matches and newsworthy events but also opens up new opportunities for monetizing the account. For instance, the cost for a sponsored post on the @chiefs Instagram account can range from $5.48 million to $8.22 million, a significant sum for further development of the team and promotion of American football.
The lawsuit between Diageo and Sean “Diddy” Combs has reached a settlement, which includes the HIp-Hop mogul agreeing to withdraw all allegations and dismissing his lawsuits.
The two released a joint public statement to The Source:
Sean Combs and Diageo have now agreed to resolve all disputes between them. Mr. Combs has withdrawn all of his allegations about Diageo and will voluntarily dismiss his lawsuits against Diageo with prejudice. Diageo and Mr. Combs have no ongoing business relationship, either with respect to Cîroc vodka or DeLeón tequila, which Diageo now solely owns.
No further details of the settlement were revealed.
In June 2023, Diageo PLC severed ties with Sean “Diddy” Combs after the Bad Boy mogul filed a lawsuit stating the company ignored the jointly owned DeLeon tequila brand. Diageo also houses Diddy’s Ciroc.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Diageo allegedly directed its attention to two other tequila brands, one of which is the George Clooney-led Casamigos. Included in the suit, Diddy notes Diageo exhibits racial discrimination by placing DeLeón in the “urban” category and also referring to the tequila as a “Black brand.”
At the time, Diageo called for the lawsuits to be dismissed and cut a deal with Combs. A Diageo spokesperson released a statement to The Source:
We are saddened that Mr. Combs has chosen to recast a business dispute as anything other than that and chosen to damage a productive and valued partnership. Mr. Combs’ bad-faith actions have clearly breached his contracts and left us no choice but to move to dismiss his baseless complaint and end our business relationship. Mr. Combs has repeatedly undermined our partnerships and threatened to publicly defame Diageo if we did not meet his unreasonable financial demands.
Diageo believes strongly in the CIRÔC and DeLeón brands and remains committed to their success, which is why we tried for years to salvage the broken relationship with Mr. Combs. We funded the purchase of DeLeón for the joint venture and proceeded to invest more than $100 million to grow the brand. Despite having made nearly a billion dollars over the course of our 15-year relationship, Mr. Combs contributed a total of $1,000 and refused to honor his commitments.
We have exhausted every reasonable remedy and see no other path forward.
In the filing, Diageo stated, “In an effort to extract additional billions from Diageo, Combs has resorted to false and reckless allegations, including numerous defamatory and disparaging accusations…”
The filing also read, “Notably, the Combs Parties have not sued Diageo for discrimination, nor could they…”
Diageo also called the case “self-serving” and attempting to press the company into early settlement while leaning the public in Diddy’s support by laying claims that don’t have “legal or factual basis.”
For days, the shocking revelation was all folks could talk about. Several musicians, including Meek Mill and Uproxx cover star Coi Leray, vowed to give up weed to follow in his footsteps. However, Snoop wasn’t talking up kicking his love for marijuana. Snoop was simply lending his likeness to the company Solo Stove for their “Give Up Smoke” advertisement. Still, the idea of Snoop no longer enjoying a fat blunt quickly helped the campaign go viral.
However, according to The Daily, despite the ad’s virality, the company saw no “substantial revenue increase.” The outlet revealed that, as a result, Solo Brands announced a significant leadership change. As of January 15, the CEO behind the ad, John Merris, is out and Christopher Metz is in as the company’s new president, chief executive officer, and director of the board.
Interim CFO Andrea Tarbox shed light on the shake-up in a statement. “While our unique marketing campaigns raised brand awareness of Solo Stove to an expanded and new audience of consumers, it did not lead to the sales lift that we had planned, which, combined with the increased marketing investments, negatively impacted our EBITDA,” she said. “We believe there is a significant opportunity for us to build awareness and that these new campaigns will expand our reach and benefit our brands over the long term.”
Oy vey. We may be three weeks into a new year, but it looks like hip-hop fans are dead set on arguing about the same ol’ bullsh*t. Over the weekend, a clip of Yasiin Bey offering some… regressive takes about Drake surfaced online and the discourse rapidly spiraled into a very tired but seemingly immortal debate about whether or not Drake counts as hip-hop. Bey, who said “Me, you, everybody, we are hip-hop,” on “Fear Not Of Man,” the literal intro of his pivotal debut Black On Both Sides, called Drake “pop,” sparking the whole debate anew, like a Hollywood producer deciding Dracula needs another remake.
Well, Drake — who, it must be said, was a huge fan of backpack rappers like Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) at the outset of his career — addressed the comments with about as poignant a response as one could under the circumstances. Instead of throwing a shot at his one-time hero, he showed just how in tune he is with hip-hop culture, quoting two titans of the culture: Method Man and Bey himself. On his Instagram Story, Drake reposted a clip of Method Man defining hip-hop as such in an old interview:
“Hip-hop is a culture. It’s a way of life, the way you dress, the way you talk, the way you walk. It’s the breakdancing, rhymes, stage show, DJ, mixing and scratching, the wordplay. That’s hip-hop.”
Drake also wondered, “What umi say again?” referencing Bey’s Black On Both Sides hit “Umi Says.” “Lemme shine my light king don’t change up now.”
For what it’s worth, Bey’s comments seem to stem from a common complaint about materialism in rap music that goes back to… well… the ’80s. However, the philosophical schism reached a boiling point in the mid-’90s, leading to the so-called “backpack rap” movement and the emergence of Mos Def and similar acts like Talib Kweli, the Spitkickers crew, and labels like Rawkus, Def Jux, and Rhymesayers gaining prominence among rap heads dissatisfied with the “jiggy” disposition being embraced by hitmakers like Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Nas (who, let me remind you, are now all touted as about the “realest hip-hop” you can get).
Whether it’s just old head sour grapes or a legitimate concern about the direction of mainstream rap music (which… come on, man, you been banging that drum for 25 years), let’s all just hope this goes away quickly because there is absolutely no reason to still be pretending liking Yasiin Bey and Drake both is mutually exclusive in 2024.
Cole Bennett and Lyrical Lemonade are just a few weeks away from dropping their new album, All Is Yellow. As the tracklist was recently revealed, with a ton of powerful performers making the cut, the anticipation has been building from fans.
Here’s everything to know about All Is Yellow before it drops.
Cole Bennett and Lyrical Lemonade’s All Is Yellow Release Date
All Is Yellow is out 1/26 via Def Jam. Find more information here.
Cole Bennett and Lyrical Lemonade’s All Is Yellow Tracklist
1. “Fly Away” Feat. Sheck Wes, Ski Mask The Slump God, and JID
2. “Guitar In My Room” Feat. Lil Durk and Kid Cudi
3. “Say Ya Grace” Feat. Chief Keef and Lil Yachty
4. “This My Life” Feat. Lil Tecca, The Kid Laroi, and Lil Skies
5. “First Night” Feat. Teezo Touchdown, Juicy J, Cochise, Denzel Curry, and Lil B
6. “Special” Feat. Latto, Swae Lee, and Aminé
7. “With The Fish” Feat. $not and 6 Dogs
8. “Doomsday” Feat. Juice WRLD and Cordae
9. “Doomsday Pt. 2” Feat. Eminem
10. “Fallout” Feat. Gus Dapperton, Lil Yachty, and Joey Badass
11. “Equilibrium” Feat. BabyTron and G Herbo
12. “Hello There” Feat. Corbin, Lil Tracy, and Black Kray
13. “Hummingbird” Feat. UMI, Sahbabii, and Teezo Touchdown
14. “Stop Giving Me Advice” Feat. Jack Harlow and Dave
Cole Bennett and Lyrical Lemonade’s All Is Yellow Singles
So far, “Fallout,” “Doomsday,” “Guitar In My Room,” “Hello There,” and “Stop Giving Me Advice” have been released as the album’s singles.
Cole Bennett and Lyrical Lemonade’s All Is Yellow Features
There are a ton of features on All Is Yellow. Some of them include Jack Harlow, Latto, Eminem, the late Juice WRLD, Kid Cudi, Teezo Touchdown, Lil Yachty, Chief Keef, and many more. Every song on the album has at least one feature.
Cole Bennett and Lyrical Lemonade’s All Is Yellow Album Artwork
The cover art to All Is Yellow is of a similarly-colored curtain. Check it out in a post from Lyrical Lemonade below.
Benny The Butcher dropping by The Breakfast Club isn’t anything new, though his latest interview with DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God does have hip-hop heads talking. The 39-year-old touched on a number of juicy topics last Friday (January 12), including signing to Def Jam, the album he’s been putting in some serious work on, and the time in late 2023 when authorities allegedly raided his studio. As HipHopDX reports, Benny previously spoke about the incident in a November interview with BagFuel. “This my studio right here. This [is from] like five days ago,” the rapper said while showing footage to hosts.
“We’ve been out of that studio for two and a half months. It’s [wild], right? They’re not looking for me. You don’t think them people know where I live at? Of course they do… I got a house in Buffalo. They didn’t go there… This s**t is wicked,” The Butcher added. On TBC, he once again addressed the drama, now claiming that his name is making it onto lists he never would’ve thought possible. “I do feel like I’m being harassed [by police in Buffalo],” Benny admitted.
Benny The Butcher Shares Life Updates and More on The Breakfast Club
“I just found out I’m on the FBI watchlist back home. They raided my studio about two months ago,” he further claimed. “I’m pretty sure when I see who’s watching my [Instagram] Stories, the pages with no profile, I know that’s Agent Dan somewhere. I’m not a fool.” The Tana Talk hitmaker has been hit with both state and federal sentences throughout his career, and seems eager to avoid any more time behind bars going forward.
Elsewhere in the world of hip-hop news updates, Benny The Butcher’s fans will be happy to hear he’s got more music locked and loaded for us. Among his latest round of collaborators are fellow East Coast lyricists Nas and Meek Mill. Check out previews of their work at the link below, and tap back in later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
