Month: May 2024

Vince Staples Announces Eighth Studio Album ‘Dark Times’

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vince staples dark times

Vince Staples revealed his eighth studio album, “Dark Times,” which will be released on May 24 via Blacksmith Records / Def Jam Recordings. This album marks a new era for the prolific artist, showcasing his signature dense lyricism over lush, layered beats while offering wry, melancholic observations about life and finding light in the darkness.

“Dark Times” was recorded over seven months in North Hollywood. The album title came intuitively to Staples after he listened to the record in full, noticing heavy motifs that kept reappearing. The album cover, featuring a faintly seen noose, was similarly intuitive, encapsulating the themes of struggle and perseverance that permeate the project.

To coincide with the album announcement, Staples dropped the first single, “Shame on the Devil,” accompanied by an evocative visual. The track features Staples rapping over a warm, spectral beat, reflecting on the anointed nature of his life despite experiencing loneliness and fallouts with friends.

Calling the project “a personal achievement,” Staples said, “it’s me mastering some things I’ve tried before that I wasn’t great at in the beginning. It’s a testament to musical growth, song structure—all the good stuff.” Fans can expect a deeply introspective and richly produced album that continues pushing his artistry’s boundaries.

“Dark Times” promises to be muscular and revelatory, refining elements that have been present in Staples’ catalog for the last decade. Be sure to mark your calendars for May 24 to experience the full journey of “Dark Times” and catch the first single, “Shame on the Devil,” now available for streaming.

The post Vince Staples Announces Eighth Studio Album ‘Dark Times’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Vince Staples Announces Eighth Studio Album ‘Dark Times’ appeared first on The Source.

Drake Loses Over $500K Betting on Tyson Fury’s Boxing Match

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Drake Dreamville

Drake dropped just half a million on Tyson Fury to win his championship fight against Oleksandr Usyk. Unfortunately for him, Fury took the split decision loss.

If Fury won, Drake would skate away with over $1 million. Instead, he leaves the matchup with nothing.

You can see highlights from the fight below.

The post Drake Loses Over $500K Betting on Tyson Fury’s Boxing Match first appeared on The Source.

The post Drake Loses Over $500K Betting on Tyson Fury’s Boxing Match appeared first on The Source.

50 Cent Calls Diddy’s Apology Video a Bad Move: ‘Who is Advising Him Right Now?’

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50 Cent is sticking to shading Diddy while the Bad Boy Records leader is under another round of scrutiny for abusing Cassie.

Hitting Instagram, 50 Cent wrote: “This is not going to work, who is advising him right now? SMH bad move.”

Diddy issued an apology on Instagram for his 2016 assault Cassie seen in hotel security camera footage. In response, Cassie’s lawyer released a statement.

“Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt,” said attorney Meredith Firetog. “When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday. That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”

2016 footage from the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles shows Diddy beating Cassie in the hotel’s hallway.

In the video released by CNN, Diddy is seen running down the hotel hallway in a towel to catch Cassie as she attempts to leave in an elevator. Diddy throws Cassie to the floor by her neck, followed by kicks, stomps and an attempt to drag her down the hall by her hood.

Cassie attempted to use a hotel phone only to be pushed to the ground by Diddy again. Later in the video, he throws a vase at the singer.

Cassie’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, released the following statement: “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”

The video is available below. As a warning, the video is graphic and displays physical assault.

This video arrived just days after Diddy posted a new message on Instagram. In the post, captioned “LOVE,” Diddy shared an image that says, “Time tells truth.”

A federal rade on Diddy’s properties in March, led to the seizure of electronic devices in both his Los Angeles and Miami homes.

According to ABC, Homeland Security executed the raid by order of a Manhattan federal court, seizing devices in an investigation of sex trafficking as a result of civil lawsuits against the music mogul from four women.

Diddy and his legal team released a statement following the raids on his Los Angeles and Miami homes. In a statement, attorney Aaron Dyer stated that federal authorities used “military-level force” to execute the raid.

You can read the full statement below:

“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated. 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.

This unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence—leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

On Nov. 16, 2023, Cassie filed a now-settled lawsuit against Diddy in federal court, accusing the media mogul of rape and abuse that began a decade ago when she was just 19 years old. The “Me and You” singer was previously signed to Diddy’s label Bad Boy Records, meeting him back in 2005. Since then, she alleges he took control of her life and accused him of acts of sex trafficking, human trafficking, sexual battery, sexual assault, and more.

In light of recent events, Cassie is hopeful Diddy will finally get the justice he deserves.

Her attorney issued a statement to Good Morning America following the raids of his home: “We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

The post 50 Cent Calls Diddy’s Apology Video a Bad Move: ‘Who is Advising Him Right Now?’ first appeared on The Source.

The post 50 Cent Calls Diddy’s Apology Video a Bad Move: ‘Who is Advising Him Right Now?’ appeared first on The Source.

Cassie’s Lawyers Slam Diddy’s ‘Disingenuous’ Instagram Apology

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diddy

Diddy issued an apology on Instagram for his 2016 assault Cassie seen in hotel security camera footage. In response, Cassie’s lawyer released a statement.

“Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt,” said attorney Meredith Firetog. “When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday. That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”

2016 footage from the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles shows Diddy beating Cassie in the hotel’s hallway.

In the video released by CNN, Diddy is seen running down the hotel hallway in a towel to catch Cassie as she attempts to leave in an elevator. Diddy throws Cassie to the floor by her neck, followed by kicks, stomps and an attempt to drag her down the hall by her hood.

Cassie attempted to use a hotel phone only to be pushed to the ground by Diddy again. Later in the video, he throws a vase at the singer.

Cassie’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, released the following statement: “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”

The video is available below. As a warning, the video is graphic and displays physical assault.

This video arrived just days after Diddy posted a new message on Instagram. In the post, captioned “LOVE,” Diddy shared an image that says, “Time tells truth.”

A federal rade on Diddy’s properties in March, led to the seizure of electronic devices in both his Los Angeles and Miami homes.

According to ABC, Homeland Security executed the raid by order of a Manhattan federal court, seizing devices in an investigation of sex trafficking as a result of civil lawsuits against the music mogul from four women.

Diddy and his legal team released a statement following the raids on his Los Angeles and Miami homes. In a statement, attorney Aaron Dyer stated that federal authorities used “military-level force” to execute the raid.

You can read the full statement below:

“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated. 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.

This unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence—leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

On Nov. 16, 2023, Cassie filed a now-settled lawsuit against Diddy in federal court, accusing the media mogul of rape and abuse that began a decade ago when she was just 19 years old. The “Me and You” singer was previously signed to Diddy’s label Bad Boy Records, meeting him back in 2005. Since then, she alleges he took control of her life and accused him of acts of sex trafficking, human trafficking, sexual battery, sexual assault, and more.

In light of recent events, Cassie is hopeful Diddy will finally get the justice he deserves.

Her attorney issued a statement to Good Morning America following the raids of his home: “We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

The post Cassie’s Lawyers Slam Diddy’s ‘Disingenuous’ Instagram Apology first appeared on The Source.

The post Cassie’s Lawyers Slam Diddy’s ‘Disingenuous’ Instagram Apology appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Dr. Dre Dropped “Dre Day” From ‘The Chronic’ LP 31 Years Ago

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On this date in 1993, N.W.A. co-founder and then-Death Row Records in-house producer Dr .Dre released the second single from his iconic The Chronic album entitled “Dre Day”. Dre Day was, in fact, a diss record featuring Death Row newcomer Snoop Dogg, who together took aim at Dre’s former partner Eazy-E, Miami Hip Hop pioneer Uncle Luke and Bronx rap nemesis TIm Dog.

Originally titled “Fuck wit Dre Day (And Everybody’s Celebratin’)”, Dre sent shots at former N.W.A. members Eazy-E and Ice Cube, accusing Eazy of cheating N.W.A. members out of their money along with Jerry Heller. This was also the diss track aimed at Cube that ws the catalyst for “No Vaseline”.

In “Dre Day,” Dre vows to “to creep to South Central,” which is Ice Cube’s hometown, “on a Street Knowledge mission,” while Cube’s own record label was initially named Street Knowledge Productions. Dre lyrically “steps in the temple,” evidently alluding to Cube’s affiliation with the Nation of Islam, and claims to “spot him” by a “White Sox hat,” which Cube often donned. Earlier that year, Cube had the single “Check Yo Self.” Dre adds, “You tryin to check my homey, you best check yo self.” Not parodied in the “Dre Day” music video, however, Cube instead would cameo, signaling reconciliation with Dre, in the September 1993 music video of the next and last Chronic single, “Let Me Ride.”

“Dre Day” prompted a response from Eazy-E with “Real Muthaphuckkin G’s”, an EP from Tim Dog titled Bitch With a Perm and Luke even shot back with his second solo album’s song “Cowards in Compton,” whose music video parodies both Dre’s inclusion in the 1980s electro-rap group World Class Wreckin’ Cru and casts Dre and Snoop lookalikes ridiculed in a mock of the “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” music video.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Dr. Dre Dropped “Dre Day” From ‘The Chronic’ LP 31 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Dr. Dre Dropped “Dre Day” From ‘The Chronic’ LP 31 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Happy 52nd Birthday To “The Dragon” Busta Rhymes!

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On this day in Hip-Hop History, we celebrate the birth of one of the most flamboyant and ostentatious personalities in Hip Hop. Today in 1972, the legend Busta Rhymes was born in Brooklyn, New York.

The 11-Time Grammy nominee and Flipmode Squad frontman have served as an unsung hero for the culture. This is not to say that he has at all gone unnoticed (“11 time Grammy Nominee” speaks for itself), but his influence on Hip Hop since its earliest stages of commercial success and role in the foundation of the New York Hip Hop scene is ever-present if you pay attention.

Busta Bust’s career began with his involvement with Leaders of the New School. Alongside Charlie Brown, Dinco D, and Cut Monitor Milo, but Busta got his break opening up for Public Enemy in the late 80s. It was actually Chuck D himself who gave Busta Rhymes his stage name, after NFL receiver George “Buster” Rhymes. With Leaders of the New School, Rhymes released two albums: A Future Without a Past… and T.I.M.E.

While a part of the group, Busta’s unique style made it possible for him to be featured on major tracks with artists such as: Big Daddy Kane, The Notorious B.I.G., TLC, A Tribe Called Quest, and KRS-One. He also made his first appearances on screen in films such as Higher Learning and Strapped prior to ever releasing any solo music.

In 1995, Busta Rhymes released his debut solo LP The Coming which is hailed as a masterpiece of Hip Hop featuring his smash hit single “Woo Hah!“, his first solo single. The commercial successes of this album allowed Busta Rhymes to finally get the respect he deserved (and for the most part already had in the artist community) as a solo artists. Busta’s follow up albums When Disaster Strikes and Extinction Level Event (Final World Front) were just as if not more successful than the first.

Through the 2000s, Busta continued to be a powerhouse. With the release of his greatest hits album Total Devastation: The Best of Busta Rhymes and new original album Genesis Busta was once again among the top of the charts with this smash hit “Pass the Courvoisier Part II” feat Pharrell and P. Diddy. Throughout the early 2000s Busta’s music could be heard in clubs across the globe and his influence of the culture could be seen, heard, and felt.

His seventh studio album The Big Bang was exactly what the title describes being that it was his first #1 album on the Billboard 200 chart. Selling 209,000 copies in the first week alone, this LP showed that time was not a factor when it came to Busta’s popularity and appeal and that his high energy style could remain on top regardless of how the game changed around it. This album spawned what is probably Busta Rhymes most famous song, “Touch It” who’s remixes sky rocketed Bust to the top of every radio chart as far as airplay was concerned.

In the 2010s however, Busta has yet to reach the same level of success as he did in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s but has been able to remain on tour and is still leaving his mark on the industry. In 2012, he was part of the Grammy-nominated single “Look At Now” which was a summertime hit, again proving that no matter the decade, Busta Rhymes can still turn the party up.

From everyone here at the Source Magazine, happy born day Busta. Thank you so much for what you have done for Hip Hop and may you see many more golden years of success.

The post Happy 52nd Birthday To “The Dragon” Busta Rhymes! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 52nd Birthday To “The Dragon” Busta Rhymes! appeared first on The Source.

Megan Thee Stallion Twerked On Angel Reese, Who Achieved Her Goal Of Meeting The Rapper And Then Some

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Megan Thee Stallion Performs During The Hot Girl Summer Tour 2024
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Angel Reese has packed a lifetime of bucket list items into six weeks. The former LSU star finished her storied collegiate basketball career, declared for the WNBA Draft in Vogue, went No. 7 overall to the Chicago Sky, attended the 2024 Met Gala, received support from Latto at her WNBA debut on May 15, and contributed to Chicago’s first win of the season on May 18. Somehow, Reese outdid herself yet again on Sunday night, May 19.

Reese posted a TikTok with Megan Thee Stallion, soundtracked by Meg’s “Girls In The Hood,” as Hot Girl Meg’s Hot Girl Summer Tour rolled through Chicago’s United Center. As relayed by Chicago Tribune reporter Julia Poe on X (formerly Twitter), Reese had stated at WNBA media day that the top celebrities she’d like to meet were Michael Jordan and Megan Thee Stallion. It took Reese less than a month to check one off the list.

@angelreese10

hi twinnnn! THE MF STALLIONSSSSS🤭👅 @Megan Thee Stallion

♬ original sound – BIG ICE 🧊

As if meeting Meg and making a TikTok weren’t enough, GloRilla and Megan Thee Stallion welcomed Reese and her Chicago Sky teammates to the stage during the concert. Meg twerked on Reese, which feels like some sort of coronation, according to several fan-taken videos circulating on X.

The Hot Girl Summer Tour is due next at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, May 21, and here’s to hoping she makes a habit out of bringing out WNBA teams at her remaining shows.

See some of the clips and Reese’s posts below.

Cassie’s Lawyer Isn’t Buying Diddy’s Apology Video, Which She Believes Is ‘More About Himself’

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Cassie Hollywood Reporter Beauty Dinner 2023
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Diddy has come under fire lately, but especially in recent days, after a video of him assaulting Cassie surfaced. He has since shared an apology video, and while Cassie herself has yet to publicly respond, he lawyer has.

In a statement shared with Deadline, Meredith Firetog — a partner at Wigdor LLP, who represented Cassie in her Diddy settlement — said:

“Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt. When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday. That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”

In Diddy’s video, he said, “My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”