Month: April 2024

Casey Benjamin, A Grammy-Winning Saxophonist Who Worked With Beyoncé And Kendrick Lamar, Is Reportedly Dead At 45

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Casey Benjamin 2023
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Casey Benjamin, a renowned multi-instrumentalist who was a member of Robert Glasper Experiment, reportedly died on March 31 at 45 years old. Neither an official statement from Benjamin’s team nor a news report has been shared yet as of this post, but some of Benjamin’s collaborators have posted their sympathies.

Lupe Fiasco wrote on Instagram, “Rest In Peace Casey Benjamin. I can’t even begin to express the deep gratitude and respect. My deepest condolences to the family, fans and friends. ”

Benjamin’s Robert Glasper Experiment bandmate Derrick Hodge also wrote, “Tonight, I honor a brother. A true brother and friend. Casey Benjamin, thank you for inspiring me, for being a light in my life, and for your unbelievable influence on the music world. I will carry your smile with me, brother. And we will collectively honor and carry your legacy with us. Can’t get my words together at this moment but will echo a few of my last words to you: I’m thankful for you and love you always! Rest well, King.”

Aside from Glasper, Benjamin found himself collaborating with a number of legendary figures over the years; As he noted in a 2017 interview, he has worked with Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Q-Tip, John Legend, Anderson .Paak, Nas, Common, and Arcade Fire. In his career, he won two Grammy Awards: Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Jesus Children” in 2015 and Best R&B Album for Black Radio in 2013, both as part of Robert Glasper Experiment.

Diddy’s Former Bodyguard, Gene Deal, Expresses Readiness To Testify Against Rapper In Near Future

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Things continue to ramp up in all of the wrong ways for Diddy. Everyday there is a new story, a different angle on a past headline, or new people speaking out against him. However, out all of the recent developing stories, the home raids were perhaps what caught most people’s attention. His Los Angeles and Miami homes were ransacked by Homeland Security Investigation teams, and it led many wondering how Diddy was not retained during them. But it seems that it will take more and more witnesses coming forward to place the mogul in court. Gene Deal, a former bodyguard for Diddy, can be added to the list of people willing to testify.

According to AllHipHop, Deal expressed his feelings about everything surrounding the rapper and businessman in an interview with The Art Of Dialogue. People have been reaching out to Gene in every way, saying that he is trying to purposefully drag Diddy’s name through the mud. However, he feels he has more than enough proof to make a compelling case. “I get all kinds of hate mail, IG’s, talking about that I am trying to take a Black man down. No, I went through every step you are supposed to go through when you got an issue with a man,” Gene explained.

Read More: R. Kelly Slams Diddy Sex Trafficking Investigation From Prison: “I Know What They Did”

Gene Deal Does Not Feel Bad For Diddy

“By him doing the things he did, and taking the avenue he took, he’s suffering the consequences, and I don’t feel bad at all.” Gene also feels that when “Money, Power & Respect” by The LOX, DMX, and Lil’ Kim came out, he thinks Diddy had that message of the song “a** backwards.” “You got your respect in the street, that gave you your power, that brought you your money… Do I care what happens? Got enough money to buy his way out of it… so we think.” He even believes that the rapper could commit su*cide in prison because he is a “narcissist.”

What are your thoughts on former Diddy bodyguard Gene Deal willing to testify about the mogul? Does this surprise you at all, why or why not? What do you think the rapper’s fate will be and how soon will he be heading to court? Do you think Gene will be the most important witness throughout this process? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Diddy and Gene Deal. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the worlds of music and crime.

Read More: Nipsey Hussle’s Death Anniversary Sparks Heartfelt Lauren London Tribute: “Energy Never Dies”

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The post Diddy’s Former Bodyguard, Gene Deal, Expresses Readiness To Testify Against Rapper In Near Future appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kevin Gates Obliterated Online For His Tight-Fitting Outfit

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Kevin Gates is an artist who has always said and done things outside of the box. Overall, he has made numerous statements on radio shows, podcasts, and interviews that make you question the reality you live. At the end of the day, it is the Gates experience at this point. However, that is why his fans love him so much. In addition to his amazing music, he is someone who is not afraid to be himself. In a world where everyone is looking to fit in and conform, Gates, just does his own thing, regardless of the judgment that may come his way. Honestly, it is refreshing to see.

Recently, Kevin Gates had the internet ablaze thanks to an outfit he wore during a recent show. Following this show, a group of reporters got a few questions in with Gates. Shirley Ju was one of these reporters as she got some snaps of her interviewing the artist. However, no one could have predicted the social media frenzy that would take place soon after. Below, you can see it stemmed from Gates’ tight pants that were complemented by some high socks and a lack of a shirt.

Read More: Kevin Gates Drops Nearly Featureless Record “The Ceremony”

Kevin Gates With Some Unique Fashion

In the comments on DJ Akademiks’ page, many were critical of the outfit Gates had on. “Them jeans so tight dawg how bro even put those on,” one person wrote. “His jeans got his legs growing inwards. He need to chill,” said another. The comments were all very similar, and it just goes to show that Gates has left some people polarized. That said, skinny jeans might just be coming back in style. Whether or not they will continue to trend this skinny, remains to be seen.

Let us know what you thought of the outfit worn by Kevin Gates, in the comments section down below. Would you ever wear something like this? Did you feel as though the reactions to what he wore were a bit overdramatic? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: Kevin Gates Hosts Listening Party For “The Ceremony”

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FBI Investigating Claims Diddy Had Jennifer Lopez Carry His Gun In Shyne Nightclub Shooting: Report

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The FBI is reportedly investigating claims that Diddy had Jennifer Lopez carry his gun for an infamous 1999 nightclub shooting involving Shyne, according to RadarOnline. The update comes after The New York Post already claimed law enforcement sources told the outlet that authorities could revisit the incident in the wake of Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones’ sexual assault lawsuit.

Michael Discioarro, a New York criminal defense attorney, said: “They got eyes on him in Miami and the feds are talking to witness after witness. They’re corroborating everything they can. But everything past and present is on the table with Mr. Diddy right now.” Back in 1999, Diddy, his bodyguard, Anthony “Wolf” Jones, Lopez, and Shyne were all arrested for the shooting, which injured three bystanders. The first three all walked free, but Shyne took a 10-year prison sentence, prompting rumors he was the fall guy for the incident.

Read More: Diddy Nearly Fought Will & Jada Pinkett Smith For Flirting With Jennifer Lopez, Body Guard Claims

Diddy & Jennifer Lopez Attend Latin Grammy Awards

Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs with Jennifer Lopez in the audience at the 1st Annual Latin Grammy Awards broadcast on Wednesday, September 13, 2000, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Photo credit: Kevin Winter/ImageDirect

In Rod’s lawsuit, he claims Diddy “shared that he was responsible for the shooting in the nightclub in New York” and that “Mr. Combs’ girlfriend at the time, Jennifer Lopez, aka, J.Lo carried the gun into the club for him and passed him the gun after he got into an altercation with another individual.” The latest update on the situation comes after authorities raided Diddy’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami, last week. The Bad Boy mogul’s attorney, Aaron Dyer, labeled the move a “gross overuse of military-level force.” He added: “Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way.”

As of now, police have not arrested Diddy for the investigation, which appears to still be ongoing. He has maintained his innocence in a number of civil lawsuits he’s facing as well. Be on the lookout for further updates on Diddy on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Diddy Addresses Will Smith Fight Rumor Over Jennifer Lopez & Jada Pinkett Smith Threesome

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The post FBI Investigating Claims Diddy Had Jennifer Lopez Carry His Gun In Shyne Nightclub Shooting: Report appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rihanna Stuns Fans With Savage X Fenty Lingerie Thirst Traps

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Rihanna is easily one of the biggest pop stars in the entire world. Overall, she is beloved by many and that has not changed despite her lack of music releases. Her last album came out all the way back in 2016, which means it has been eight years. That is a long time to wait for a new album, and at this point, some believe it is never going to come out. However, that does not mean Rihanna hasn’t been in the public eye. In fact, she has been very public about her relationship with ASAP Rocky and their two kids. Moreover, she has been making big moves with her Fenty Beauty line.

In addition, she has the Savage X Fenty lingerie line. Overall, these garments have proven to be quite popular. It also helps that Riri herself is oftentimes the model for these pieces. Case in point, Rihanna took to Twitter last night with some sexy snaps of herself in her lingerie line. In the top images, the artist can be seen rocking a blue lacy set of bra and underwear. From there, she is wearing some lavender loungewear that can be worn as pajamas.

Read More: What Is Rihanna’s Best-Selling Album?

Rihanna Poses For Her Lingerie Line

Both of these were great looks that ultimately had fans thirsting for her in the comments section. However, there were also plenty of fans who were roasting Riri, asking her for a new album. Fans want a new project, and they are going to hound her for it as much as possible. Unfortunately for them, they are going to have to wait a while longer. It doesn’t seem to be dropping any time soon.

Let us know what you think of these latest snaps of Rihanna, in the comments section down below. Do you think she is going to release an album soon? If so, what are your expectations for it? What direction would she go in musically? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: SZA Reveals That Rihanna’s “Consideration” Was Originally Hers

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Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Scores Single Day Record on Spotify

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Beyoncé Reveals 'Cowboy Carter' as 'Act II' Album Title

Beyoncé’s new country album Cowboy Carter is a bonafide hit on Spotify.

Here’s the rundown: Cowboy Carter is Spotify’s most-streamed album of 2024. But get this: that’s in just a single day since the highly anticipated release this past Friday. The streaming numbers are pretty nuts. Cowboy Carter has already been streamed 76.13 million times.

Here’s the comparison for context. Beyoncé’s last album, Renaissance, garnered 43 million streams, so Cowboy Carter almost doubled that total. 

TMZ also reported that this is the first time a country album has earned that accolade this year on Spotify. Cowboy Carter is also the biggest debut on Spotify from a Black female artist, well, ever.

Before the album broke records on Spotify, “Texas Hold ‘Em” had already been streamed over 200 million times. Insane. 

The post Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Scores Single Day Record on Spotify first appeared on The Source.

The post Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Scores Single Day Record on Spotify appeared first on The Source.

‘The Upshaws’: Part 5 Trailer Previews the Family Growing and Keeping Up With the Laughs

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‘The Upshaws’: Part 5 Trailer Previews the Family Growing and Keeping Up With the Laughs

Netflix’s hit sitcom The Upshaws just dropped the new trailer for Part 5, which is due to hit the streamer this month. The family is putting in the work every day to achieve their dreams, not without a share of laughs along the way.

The returning series stars Mike Epps, Kim Fields, Gabrielle Dennis, and Wanda Sykes and follows a working-class Black family that has dealt with a real issue—infidelity—but is working through it all to solidify their family. 

According to the synopsis:

Bennie Upshaw (Mike Epps), the head of a Black working class family in Indianapolis, is a charming, well-intentioned mechanic and lifelong mess just trying his best to step up and care for his family — wife Regina (Kim Fields), their two young daughters (Khali Spraggins, Journey Christine) and firstborn son (Jermelle Simon), the teenage son (Diamond Lyons) he fathered with another woman (Gabrielle Dennis) — and tolerate his sardonic sister-in-law (Wanda Sykes), all without a blueprint for success. But the Upshaws are determined to make it work, and make it to the next level, together. In this upcoming part, the Upshaws continue to ride life’s ups and downs, including new jobs, bigger dreams, health struggles and some major life surprises but still hanging on with the love that comes with family.

Epps and Sykes are executive producing with Regina Hicks along with Page Hurwitz, Niles Kirchner, Annie Levine, Jon Emerson, and Mark Alton Brown. Hicks and Sykes are showrunners and series creators.

Part 5 comes to Netflix on April 18, but the series was already renewed for the sixth part, hitting the streamer later this year.

The post ‘The Upshaws’: Part 5 Trailer Previews the Family Growing and Keeping Up With the Laughs first appeared on The Source.

The post ‘The Upshaws’: Part 5 Trailer Previews the Family Growing and Keeping Up With the Laughs appeared first on The Source.

Vic Mensa Gifts Chicago Black Woman-Owned Bookstore a Check To Cover Remaining 2024 Rent

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VIC MENSA GIFTS CHICAGO BLACK WOMAN-OWNED BOOKSTORE A CHECK THAT TO COVER REMAINING 2024 RENT

Vic Mensa is doing more good in his hometown of Chicago after yet another donation to a deserving Black-owned small business. 

Shadow and Act reported that this month, Mensa visited Da Book Joing, a local Black woman-owned bookstore, where he gifted them a check for $7,200 to lend a helping hand and ensure their shop doesn’t shutter like many small businesses. Now it’s interesting, the bread came via Mensa’s cannabis brand 93 Boyz. The weed business is supposedly the first Black-owned marijuana brand available for public consumption in Chicago. As for the $7,200 donation will cover Da Book Joint’s remaining lease payments for 2024, as reported by Afrotech.

The bookshop’s co-owners, Verlean Singletary and Courtney Woods, founded the store in 2007 with the goal of assisting the youth based on the Southside of Chicago to enhance their literacy and provide a safe place to enjoy their lives. Da Book Joint offers a wide variety of books and hosts events like their “annual book fair with free books and school supplies, book club meetings for the Chicago chapter of NoName Book Club, and Book and Brunch that includes a catered breakfast, a discussion about books, and a free publication to take home for kids, youth and adults” from the Shadow and Act report. 

Da Book Shop owners and team appreciated Mensa’s contribution, which came unexpectedly, as they posted the pics on the Gram showing an extensive yellow check thanking him and their supporters. “Hey family! This has officially been the best Wednesday ever! We are thankful. We are honored. We are grateful. We are truly living a dream right now,” from the IG caption. “Thank you so much to @vicmensa and his entire @93boyz team for blessing us today by covering our rent for an entire year. Thank you for seeing our mission and helping us stand in our purpose. You are that breath of fresh air we needed. His generosity ensures our doors stay open for all book lovers and dreamers. This act of kindness touches our hearts deeply and reaffirms the power of community and support.” 

The post went on to say, “Thank you, Vic Mensa, for lighting up our world with hope and generosity! 📚💖 More official photos and videos coming! We can’t wait for you to see the phenomenal interview we filmed today!” Here’s the post with the shout out to Vic for lending a helping hand. 

The post Vic Mensa Gifts Chicago Black Woman-Owned Bookstore a Check To Cover Remaining 2024 Rent first appeared on The Source.

The post Vic Mensa Gifts Chicago Black Woman-Owned Bookstore a Check To Cover Remaining 2024 Rent appeared first on The Source.

Doja Cat’s New Single ‘Masc’ Announced Before Release of Album ‘Scarlet’ Deluxe Edition

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Doja Cat Kicks Off 'The Scarlet Tour' with Sold-Out San Francisco Show

Doja Cat posted on Instagram that an upcoming new single, “Masc,” is dropping on April 5. The pop artist, who’s been exploring her rap roots lately, shared a snippet of the song in the post. Back in January, she posted a whiteboard image with a tracklist. That’s where she hinted at “S2,” which eluded to the deluxe edition of “Scarlet,” coming soon. On that trackless was today’s announcement for “Masc” among seven other songs, including “Acknowledge Me,” “Head High,” “Gang,” “Rider,” “Urge,” and “Hungry.”

ICYMI, last month, Doja appeared on “The Therapy Gecko Podcast,” yes that’s a thing in the world of social audio, and it’s popular, so anyway, the conversation revealed that Scarlet 2 is a deluxe edition of its predecessor “Scarlet” and will be entitled “Scarlet 2: Claude Frollo.” If you need a brief literary lesson, that comes from the iconic character of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Here’s what else she said “I feel like it connects to the story of ‘Scarlet’ in some way,” she said, “and if you look up his personality traits and who he is and his story, you’ll understand the whole connection. There’s a control aspect. He just abuses his power and his control and is dogmatic and a total cunt.” 

As Variety reported, “Scarlet” was supposed to be Doja Cat’s return to her rap roots. This came about after much criticism that Doja was too much in the pop lane, and some even considered her previous two albums “cash grabs.” Um, so? Get your money, Doja, and that she did with Scarlet. The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and came with hit singles that included “Attention,” “Agora Hills,” and “Paint the Town Red,” which all hit the top of the Hot 100. Sheesh. Pop or rap, she wins. 

Get this: Doja is booked to headline at Coachella, which will precede her first arena tour, which she is headlining in the United Kingdom and Europe. Doja’s first U.K. concert is slated for June 9 in Manchester, then she has scheduled stops in Paris, Sweden and Norway. Let’s see what “Masc” sounds like and see if her return to rap still holds up. We think it will. 

The post Doja Cat’s New Single ‘Masc’ Announced Before Release of Album ‘Scarlet’ Deluxe Edition first appeared on The Source.

The post Doja Cat’s New Single ‘Masc’ Announced Before Release of Album ‘Scarlet’ Deluxe Edition appeared first on The Source.

‘Good Times’ Rebooted as Animated Series for Netflix

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Hold up. Is Netflix rebooting Good Times as an animated series? We didn’t have that on our bingo cards today, but it is what it is! The streamer just dropped the first trailer for its animated series version of the transcending sitcom, showing the next generation of the iconic Evans family.

Here are the stars who will voice the series: J.B. Smoove (Reggie Evans), Yvette Nicole Brown (Beverly Evans), Jay Pharoah (Junior Evans), Marsai Martin (Grey Evans), Gerald “Slink” Johnson (Dalvin Evans) and Rashida “Sheedz” Olayiwola (Lashes by Lisa).

More from the official description: An animated reboot of the Norman Lear series finds the latest generation of the Evans family, cab driver Reggie and his wife, the ever-aspirational Beverly, scratching and surviving in one of the last remaining housing projects in Chicago along with their teenage artist son, Junior, activist daughter Grey, and drug dealing infant son, Dalvin. It turns out that the more things change, the more they stay the same, and keeping your head above water in a system with its knee on your neck is as challenging as ever. The only thing tougher than life is love, but there’s more than enough to go around in this family.

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The Good Times project was developed by the late Norman Lear’s Act III Productions, Steph Curry’s Unanimous Media, Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door, and Sony Pictures Television. Ranada Shepard serves as the showrunner and executive producer with MacFarlane, Brent Miller (Act III Productions), Curry, Erick Peyton, Jeron Smith (Unanimous Media), and Erica Huggins (Fuzzy Door). Lear also has posthumous EP credits.

Sony Pictures Television is the producer and expects Good Times to hit Netflix on April 12.

The post ‘Good Times’ Rebooted as Animated Series for Netflix first appeared on The Source.

The post ‘Good Times’ Rebooted as Animated Series for Netflix appeared first on The Source.