Charlie Wilson Says He is Fine with Cell Phones at Concerts As Long as People ‘Party With Me’

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Following Busta Rhymes calling out fans at Essence Fest, Uncle Charlie Wilson was asked about the issue of phones at a concert. Wilson stated he would rather have fans with cameras out as long as they are having a good time.

“I prefer people to party with me, I don’t care how you do it,” Wilson. “I’m fine with fans standing up, on a handstand, I don’t care.”

Adding to the cell phone issue, “I didn’t stream, I’m from word of mouth,” before agreeing that live streams and more are good for business.

Busta Rhymes was visibly upset, actually downright irate with the crowd’s lack of energy during his performance at the Essence Festival on Friday night. 

The 52-year-old rapper, known for hits like “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” expressed his frustration with fans on their phones instead of engaging with the show. In fairness to the crowd, which was not full, was that the right venue for a Busta performance? The Essence Festival brand is closer to R&B and jazz, so maybe legacy Hip-Hop may not have been the right move this year.

As the video of Rhymes’ tirade circulated on social media, many users commented on the empty seats in the audience. 

One social media user-provided context, explaining that the low turnout was likely due to a severe rainstorm outside the event. 

“For context, there was damn near a hurricane outside of the stadium. That is why there were only like 400 people in there,” the user noted, sharing a video of the downpour. He added, “Also, don’t judge a short clip, it was light-hearted, and he put on an amazing set. My section had a ball.”

Busta went on to rant:

“F—k them camera phones. Let’s get back to interacting like humans. Put them weird ass devices down. I ain’t from that era. Them s—ts don’t control us all. F—k your phone,” Rhymes said, according to a fan’s video shared online.

Rhymes called out individual audience members, urging them to stand up for his performance.

That part was a choice, albeit not the best one but Busta did not care.

“I’m gon’ point every last one of y’all out until y’all asses is up,” he declared. “33 years of this s—t. I ain’t used to n—as sitting down at my show. I don’t give a f—k. All age groups, get your ass up, now.”

He continued his rant, targeting those seated at the venue’s top: “F—k goin’ on? Get y’all big head asses up.”

Get this, Rhymes explained that his outburst, which he described as having “zero tolerance for bulls—t energy,” stemmed from the significance of the event. “This is my first time in New Orleans at the f—king 30 year anniversary of the Essence Festival. Make me feel like we home,” he said in closing.

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DJ Cassidy Kicks Off “Pass The Mic Live!” Las Vegas Residency with Hip Hop Legends

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This past weekend, the legendary Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino was electrified as DJ Cassidy, Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Slick Rick, and Doug E. Fresh launched their “Pass The Mic Live!” Las Vegas residency. The grand opening on Saturday, July 6, featured special guests Public Enemy and Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan, marking a historic debut for this unprecedented residency.

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The next two weekends promise an even more dazzling lineup of Hip Hop icons, with Akon set to perform on Saturday, July 13, and a grand finale on Saturday, July 20, featuring Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, Too $hort, and Warren G. Each show is crafted to be a unique, one-time-only event, showcasing the essence of Hip Hop like never before.

“DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic Live! The Iconic Las Vegas Residency” is the first of its kind, bringing together an ensemble of Hip Hop legends exclusively for this series. The show offers audiences an unparalleled musical journey, blending the spirit, showmanship, and aesthetic of classic Las Vegas entertainers such as The Rat Pack, Liberace, Wayne Newton, and Elvis Presley.

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The continuous musical experience spotlights each artist individually and collaboratively, performing their biggest hits in both original and newly orchestrated forms, produced solely for this residency. Highlights from the debut show included Fat Joe’s “All The Way Up” mashed with Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” and Ja Rule and Fat Joe’s “New York” intertwined with Sinatra’s “Theme From New York, New York.” These performances paid homage to the Rat Pack’s influence and celebrated the artists’ New York roots. The night’s soundtrack was complemented by quotes from iconic Las Vegas and New York films, creating a theatrical backdrop for the classic Hip Hop soundtrack. Elaborate Art Deco visuals adorned the stage, enhancing the decadent, Gatsby-inspired atmosphere.

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DJ Cassidy expertly navigated the musical journey, interweaving each artist’s appearance and igniting the biggest singalong on The Strip. Chuck D reunited with Flavor Flav for their second American appearance together in seven years, performing a medley of their greatest hits, including the powerful “Fight The Power.” Raekwon stunned the crowd with a medley of solo and Wu-Tang Clan classics. Slick Rick made a grand entrance on a king’s throne, while Doug E. Fresh amazed the audience with his human beatbox skills and an interactive call-and-response segment. The night culminated in a never-before-seen rendition of Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s seminal Hip Hop record, “Ladi Dadi,” performed by all five core artists together on stage.

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The Las Vegas Residency is the pinnacle of a four-year journey that began in Summer 2020 during the global pandemic when DJ Cassidy launched the acclaimed “Pass The Mic” series. Through three homegrown viral episodes and seven BET television specials, Cassidy has passed the mic to 220 legendary superstars spanning 40 years, including Earth, Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, Nile Rodgers, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Charlie Wilson, Hall & Oates, New Edition, Boyz II Men, TLC, Run DMC, LL Cool J, Salt-N-Pepa, Missy Elliott, Wyclef Jean, Busta Rhymes, Ice Cube, Shaggy, Sean Paul, and many more.

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With “Pass The Mic Live! The Iconic Las Vegas Residency,” DJ Cassidy continues to revolutionize the way we connect with our favorite artists and songs. This one-of-a-kind live musical experience celebrates artists who have transformed Hip Hop culture on a global scale, spanning decades and transcending genre and generation.

Don’t miss out on this iconic residency that is set to redefine the Las Vegas entertainment landscape.

Check out DJ Cassidy’s Classic Pass the Mic: BET Hip Hop Awards Edition 2022 below!

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Today In Hip Hop History: Intelligent Hoodlum Dropped His Self Titled Debut Album 34 Years Ago

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On this day in 1990, original Juice Crew member and Queensbridge Projects native Percy Chapman aka the Intelligent Hoodlum, released his debut album, also entitled Intelligent Hoodlum, on the A&M Records label.

Produced primarily by the QB behind the boards legend Marley Marl and Large Professor, this album was one of the most socio-political projects of its time, which could be easily categorized among the ranks of the Poor Righteous Teachers and Brand Nubian with its Islamic/5% Nation overtones. With the reception of The Juice Crew’s “The Symphony” as one of the best Hip Hop tracks of all time, it was very easy to overlook the members of the crew that didn’t appear on the song. As the youngest member of the crew, this album was necessary for Tragedy to prove himself as artist in his own right.

Some of the most memorable track from this project include the James Brown-powered “Black And Proud”, the George H.W. Bush-inspired “Arrest The President” and the Soul II Soul-sampled “Back To Reality”. Almost three decades ago, albums were more exclusive, so a 12-track album was an unspoken maximum for the number of songs on a full length project.

Salute to the Intelligent Hoodlum(Tragedy Khadafi) Marley Marl, Large Professot and everyone at A&M Records that helped make this album a Hip Hop classic!

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InkAddict Releases New “Tattoo Shirts” for Summer

InkAddict

As summer approaches, InkAddict, the unique tattoo lifestyle brand, is all set to make a statement. Since its inception in 2007, this brand has been a beacon for tattoo enthusiasts, offering a range of vibrant designs that resonate with the tattoo community. Whether it’s a T-shirt or a tank, our apparel is not just a fashion statement but a canvas for your self-expression, allowing you to proudly display your tattoos while enjoying the summer sun.

InkAddict was founded in 2007 by two business partners in Detroit, Michigan. The brand has consistently offered apparel that features tattoo-inspired designs and designs created by tattoo artists. The founders of InkAddict own a separate silk-screening company that brought these designs to life. The e-commerce shop gained success online, appealing to tattoo lovers nationwide. The artsy, creative designs fostered a fantastic community of visionary, innovative, collaborative artists. Through that community, the brand can collaborate and partner with artists already invested in the success of InkAddict. The company brings its designs to life and listens to feedback from its loyal customers to make its apparel the best it can be. 

2020 was a pivotal year for InkAddict. E-commerce entrepreneur Ryan Smallegan recognized the brand’s success and decided to buy the company. Smallegan’s ethos fits perfectly with InkAddict’s sense of community. His experience in e-commerce educated him on how to listen to consumer feedback and adjust accordingly effectively. InkAddict takes pride in ensuring customers are excited by their products and satisfied with their purchases. Smallegan was able to keep that philosophy intact when he took over the company and always made sure to emphasize community and customer service at InkAddict.

InkAddict is known for its fun and creative clothing, such as graphic t-shirts and tanks, which are perfect for the summer months. A specific artist’s journey inspires each collection of tattoo shirts and tattoo clothes. For example, the Keep Telling Personal Stories collection is based on several artists’ struggles with mental health and addiction. The intense subject matter aligns with the reasons many get tattoos. The designs reflect classic tattoo styles and have special meaning because of their inspirations. Tattoos are inked on the skin to tell a story, and when you wear an InkAddict design, you tell a story with your clothing. 

Other clothing drops have similar themes. Collections like the Black Sheep Collection, the Expensive Skin Collection, and the Zodiac Collection turn deeply personal subjects into clothing. Edgy designs like those in the Black Sheep Collection make wearers stand out from the crowd, just like their tattoos. The Expensive Skin collection is designed to show off the unique and fantastic way tattoos let people express themselves. The Zodiac Collection lets your inner light shine by letting everyone you see know who you are. Tattoos reflect your inner struggles onto your outer appearance, and InkAddict does the same with apparel.

With the Summer 2024 collection, InkAddict is ready to elevate your summer style. We understand that the warmer months are a time for fashion to shine, and as you showcase more of your tattoos, you’ll want styles that enhance them. Explore our exciting new range of tattoo shirts and clothes, designed to make your tattoos the star of your summer look. 

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HTX Artist Bando Drops New Single “Chain On”

HTX Artist Bando Drops New Single "Chain On"

Houston’s rising star Bando has teamed up with in-house producer Thizaezbeat for his latest single, “Chain On.” The track, perfect for any pre-game or main event, is designed to turn any moment into an unforgettable experience. Following his earlier 2024 release “Sack” with label mate 4, “Chain On” sets the stage for Bando’s upcoming EP, Bando Tape.

Barely out of his teens, Rodney Jones, known as Bando, hails from Houston’s Fourth Ward. Despite starting his music career in 2022, he’s already signed with Danuel House Jr.’s 4DHouse Ent, in partnership with Steve Stoute’s United Masters. His limited catalog, including the hit “Sack” which has surpassed 100K streams, showcases his talent and the faith his label and community have in him.

As anticipation builds for Bando Tape, “Chain On” offers a glimpse of what’s to come from this promising young artist. Stay tuned as Bando continues to make waves in the hip-hop scene.

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Nike Air Max Plus Drift “Ashen Slate” Retailer Photos

The Nike Air Max Plus Drift is set to release in the new “Ashen Slate” colorway. This edition features a mostly grey look, giving it a sleek and modern appeal. The highlight of this sneaker is the vibrant pink-to-purple gradient mesh underlay, adding a pop of color and dynamic style. The grey overlays provide a clean, streamlined appearance. The gradient mesh underlay contrasts beautifully with the grey, creating a striking visual effect. This combination of colors and materials makes the “Ashen Slate” colorway unique and eye-catching.

The Tuned Air cushioning system offers excellent support and comfort, perfect for all-day wear. The durable rubber outsole provides superior traction, making it ideal for various activities. This sneaker seamlessly blends functionality with fashion. Its modern design and vibrant details make it a standout choice for sneaker enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for the release date of the Nike Air Max Plus Drift “Ashen Slate.” This stylish and high-performance sneaker is sure to be a great addition to any collection. Don’t miss the chance to add this unique pair to your lineup.

Read More: Liverpool FC x Nike Air Max 95 Coming Next Summer

“Ashen Slate” Nike Air Max Plus Drift

Nike Air Max Plus Drift
Image via JD Sports UK

The sneakers feature a dark blue rubber sole with a grey midsole that still contains Nike air bubbles. This sneaker features a combination of pink to purple mesh, with light grey caging all over. Moreover, a light purple small Nike Swoosh is located on the sides, near the heels. Finally, Nike branding can be seen on the tongues, and “Tuned Air” is located on the heels.

More Photos

Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Nike Air Max Plus Drift “Ashen Slate” will be released sometime this year. Also, the retail price of the sneakers will be $185 when they drop. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.

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Image via JD Sports UK
Nike Air Max Plus Drift
Image via JD Sports UK

Read More: Nike Air Max SNDR “Black” Returning For 25 Year Anniversary

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Kanye West Has Fans In A State Of Blissful Skepticism Following Retirement Announcement

Kanye West recently told Rich The Kid that he was retiring from music. Overall, this announcement came out of nowhere. After all, Kanye is supposedly working on Vultures 2 with Ty Dolla $ign. However, with no release date in sight, Ye’s announcement came across like some sort of admission of defeat. Or perhaps he was simply feeling the frustrations of writer’s block. Whatever the case may be, the news was certainly a shock to the music world.

Just a few moments after Rich The Kid shared Kanye’s texts, the artist revealed the tracklist to his album dropping on July 19th. Near the end of the tracklist there is a song with Kanye called “Plain Jane.” Subsequently, there were murmurs that this could have been some sort of marketing tactic. Furthermore, Consequence came out and revealed that he too will be dropping a Ye collab, very soon. As you can imagine, this elicited a whole lot of skepticism from the internet.

Read More: Ty Dolla Sign Announces “VULTURES” Listening Event In Korea

Kanye West Tells Rich The Kid He’s Done

In a series of tweets, fans expressed how they don’t believe the legendary artist. “Rappers don’t retire,” one fan remarked. “No way bros retiring after releasing the worst album in his discography,” said another. Many other comments echoed those exact same sentiments. Others reflected on his legacy. “I honestly am not sure if I even believe this but if it’s true, it’s worth saying that Kanye is one of my favorite artists EVER, despite how washed he has been the past few years,” one fan acknowledged. “His music has had such a great impact on me and is the reason I’m a hip-hop fan today.”

Fans Are Not Convinced

Let us know what you think of Kanye West’s retirement announcement, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that Kanye is actually retiring? If so, what album will you remember him the most for? Additionally, stay tuned to HotNewHipHop 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: Julia Fox Makes Kanye West Fans Do A Double Take After Coming Out As A Lesbian

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Kevin Durant Hilariously Creeped Out By IShowSpeed’s Loving Gaze

Kevin Durant is easily one of the best NBA players of all time. Overall, his scoring prowess speaks for itself and he has certainly accomplished a lot during his 18 years in the league. As it stands, Durant plays for the Phoenix Suns, who are in a bit of a predicament. They have a big three of him, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker. However, they currently lack depth and they don’t have any money to spend. Regardless, they are confident they can put it all together next season.

Recently, Durant got to sit down with Logan Paul for an interview on his show ImPaulsive. Durant is easily one of the most esteemed guests Logan has ever had on, and it was all filmed on location. Moreover, popular streamer IShowSpeed got to join in on all of the fun. In the clip below, you can see that Speed was looking lovingly at Durant the entire time, and his face was getting close to the NBA star. This subsequently led to Durant getting the creeps, and demanding that Speed back up.

Read More: Steph Curry Allegedly Almost Cried Because Kevin Durant Was Beating Him Out For Finals MVP

Kevin Durant x IShowSpeed x Logan Paul

It was a pretty hilarious moment that even Speed himself found to be pretty amusing. After all, he was getting ridiculously close to Durant at that moment. As for the rest of the interview, Durant got to speak on a whole host of topics. From his dating life to basketball, everything was on the table throughout the conversation. If you’re a fan of KD, you should definitely give it a listen.

Let us know if you watched the Kevin Durant interview on Impaulsive, in the comments sections down below. What do you think about KD on the Suns this upcoming season? Do you believe the team will be competitive for a potential NBA title? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite athletes and their moves.

Read More: Stephen A Smith Claims The Suns Are Desperate To Trade Kevin Durant

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NBA 2K25 Debuts Dual Global Cover Featuring Jayson Tatum and A’Ja Wilson

NBA 2K25 Debuts Dual Global Cover Featuring Jayson Tatum and A'Ja Wilson

NBA 2K25 will launch worldwide on September 6, featuring five-time NBA All-Star and Boston Celtics Forward Jayson Tatum and Las Vegas Aces Forward A’ja Wilson as dual cover athletes for the All-Star Edition. This marks the first time both NBA and WNBA players are featured on the same cover. The game will be available on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Tatum will grace the Standard Edition cover, while Wilson will appear on the WNBA Edition, a GameStop exclusive in the US and Canada. NBA legend Vince Carter will be on the Hall of Fame Edition cover.

NBA 2K25 Cover Reveal Key Art

“It’s an honor to be named a cover athlete for NBA 2K25,” said Jayson Tatum. “I’ve been playing NBA 2K since I was a kid and it’s been a dream to one day be on the cover. Even after coming off an NBA Championship, it’s humbling to see this come to life.”

“Being featured on the NBA 2K25 cover is a big moment for me and a testament to the ever-growing fandom of the WNBA,” said A’ja Wilson. “Seeing more and more WNBA athletes scanned into NBA 2K25 to best capture the style and confidence of the league has been empowering, and I can’t wait for fans to experience it in-game.”

“Between the honors NBA 2K and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame have bestowed upon me, this year is an unforgettable one, making me pause with gratitude at my career,” said Vince Carter. “Being named a cover athlete would have always been a special moment for me, but it is a particular honor to be on the cover of the NBA 2K25 Hall of Fame Edition.”

NBA 2K25 promises enhanced realism with ProPLAYTM technology on New-Gen platforms and, for the first time, on PC. The game introduces new MyTEAM modes, an added era in MyNBA, a compact City, and a new Neighborhood metropolis on Current-Gen.

“In a year that showcases competition at the highest level – and in a play style that is uniquely one’s own – we’re thrilled to share Jayson, A’ja and Vince as the NBA 2K25 cover athletes” said Greg Thomas, President at Visual Concepts. “The development team has delivered another innovative experience for basketball lovers, setting up NBA 2K25 to be the next icon in this long-standing dynasty.” 

The game will be available in four editions: Standard ($69.99), WNBA ($69.99), All-Star ($99.99), and Hall of Fame ($149.99), which includes a 12-month NBA League Pass subscription. Pre-orders are now open.

NBA 2K25 is developed by Visual Concepts and rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more details, visit the official NBA 2K25 website and follow NBA 2K on social media.

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