Rap fans were hit with a case of déjà vu today, as it was reported that Cardi B had once again filed for divorce from her husband, Offset. Cardi later revealed that she was also pregnant again, leaving fans to wonder if Offset was also this child’s father or if Cardi had moved on (we really might never get that second album, y’all). Since it’s been a while since the last time we did one of these, here’s another timeline of the couple’s tumultuous relationship:
February 2017 — Cardi B And Offset Start Dating
Cardi and Offset were first seen together at the Super Bowl, sparking the initial speculation about their relationship. They later confirmed that this was their first official date.
August 2017 — Offset Reportedly Proposes To Cardi B In Private
Just six months after this, Cardi posted — then deleted — what appeared to be confirmation that Offset had proposed, and she had accepted.
October 2017 — Offset Publicly Proposes To Cardi B At Powerhouse Philadelphia
Whether the couple was officially engaged at this point or not, Offset made it public when he proposed to Cardi in front of a sold-out crowd at Powerhouse Philadelphia. It was later revealed that the couple had been married for around a month at this point, which they did in a private ceremony at home.
December 2018: Cardi B Breaks Up With Offset For The First Time
We’ll call this the first time, since their October 2017 “break up” lasted all of a day. Offset was accused of cheating on Cardi with an employee at a strip club, and Cardi was accused of having the woman beaten up by her entourage, leading to a lawsuit. However, after Offset crashed Cardi’s Rolling Loud set to apologize, their relationship continued, and things seemed settled — at least, for a while.
September 2020: Cardi Files For Divorce For The First Time
It looked like the couple had called it quits for good when Cardi filed for divorce during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but after a few more grand gestures from Offset, they seemed to be once again firmly ensconced in the throes of marital bliss.
December 2023: Cardi B Breaks Up With Offset Again
While the two were together at such events as the Met Gala, it seems that the relationship could well and truly be over this time — but maybe we’ll start working on the next timeline draft, just in case.
Earlier today, Page Six reported that Cardi B filed for divorce from Offset after seven years of marriage. The news came amid rumors that the former Migos member cheated on her with his ex Pretty Redz at a casino, which he denies. Reportedly, this scandal had nothing to do with Cardi’s decision to file, as a source told the outlet it was a long time coming.
Clearly, this is some big news for both of the artists, but it’s not the only major development in their lives. Today, Cardi also announced that she’s pregnant with her third child, debuting her growing bump in some stunning maternity photos. The reveal arrived alongside a heartfelt message dedicated to her youngest. “With every ending comes a new beginning!” it begins.
Cardi has yet to address reports about her divorce, however, and neither has Offset. He did recently hop on his Instagram Story to share a brief clip, but as far as fans can tell, it has nothing to do with the split or Cardi’s pregnancy. In fact, the performer looks as happy as can be, vibing to some music while lying in the back of a car. This appears to suggest that he’s unbothered despite all of the chaos in his personal life, but social media users aren’t buying it.
“He hurt real bad,” one Instagram commenter theorizes. “If masking the pain was a person,” another says. Obviously, fans are looking forward to hearing what he has to say about all of this, and are eagerly anticipating a full rundown from Cardi B. What do you think of Offset vibing in the back of a car amid news of his divorce and Cardi B’s pregnancy? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Lil Yachty really set the internet on fire. The rapper made several public appearances during the last few days of July, each time making a statement that incited debate. He got pushback for defending Drake in the Kendrick Lamar battle. He was chastised for leaking a song he couldn’t get a sample cleared for. The most notable Yachty, controversy, though, stemmed from his comments about fashion. He claimed that Atlanta sets the fashion trends in hip-hop, which led to lots of criticism from rappers living in the rest of the country. One of the few rappers who seemingly agreed with Lil Boat was Killer Mike.
Killer Mike hopped on Twitter on August 1 to set the record straight. He referred to the Yachty debate as “lame,” but did provide examples of Atlanta setting trends. He pointed to his Dungeon family mentor, Big Boi, in particular. “I have Zero Interest in this lame ass debate,” he wrote. “BUT Big Boi Started the Throw Back Jersey Trend with that cold a*s Houston Astros Jersey.” He then noted that Ye, despite his Chitown roots, gave proper credit to the Outkast rapper. Ye’s impact on hip-hop fashion goes without saying, but Killer Mike said it regardless. “Kanye (Atlanta Born) set the record straight on that, God Bless Him,” he wrote. “Honorable Mention the ‘Flip Flop’s and Sox’ look was Some sh*t from the Dungeon Family.”
Killer Mike Claims ATL Has Influenced All Pop Culture
I have Zero Interest in this lame ass debate BUT, Big Boi Started the Throw Back Jersey Trend with that cold ass Houston Astro’s Jersey. Kanye (Atlanta Born) set the record straight on that, God Bless Him. Honorable Mention the “Flip Flop’s and Sox” look was Some shit from the… https://t.co/6VhlvS5zIOpic.twitter.com/sEaWnCoaa9
Mike included a photo of Big Boi rocking the aforementioned Astros jersey as proof. A Twitter user went the opposite direction and claimed that Phife Dog actually started the throwback jersey trend. Killer Mike respectfully disagreed. “[Phife] was a sports fan and inspired us all,” he wrote back. “With that said, the Throw back Era is Something Big Boi who is also like us a Tribe Fan Started in 98 with that Black Ice Vid Houston Jersey. Long Live Tribe and Kast.” The rapper continued to go back and forth with fans about the specificity of throwbacks, and the relevance of sports merchandise within the genre.
Killer Mike and Lil Yachty are about as far apart as artists can be. That said, the former has also repped Atlanta in his music and art. During a 2023 appearance on the Hip-Hop Made podcast, Mike claimed that the ATL has influenced every element of popular culture for decades. “When they say Atlanta influences everything it’s true,” he declared. “If you’re talking about Black culture in America, you talking about ATL, Georgia, and I’m not just talking about the last 25 years… I don’t think you can talk any Black culture — Rock n’ Roll, Blues, and Gospel — without talking about Atlanta.” Yachty may have ditched the internet due to the East Coast backlash, but he’d be pleased to know Killer Mike is in his corner.
Education has always been and remains one of the fundamental and key factors in the overall development of both individuals and nations. After all, a complete education is not just about knowledge. Quality education develops creativity and shapes critical thinking. It helps to analyze independently and promotes social integration. But not all young people come to this understanding at a young age. That is why it is great that in recent years we have seen a trend of famous musicians and showbiz stars using their popularity to advocate for education. Moreover, this trend is growing. Famous people have a huge power of influence on millions of people. And those who recognize this in a positive way seek to use this power for the benefit of society.
Why Education Advocacy Matters
World-class musicians and singers are not just favorites of the public, but also have a significant impact on it and its opinion. The statements and actions of popular performers draw attention to significant social issues. Education is no exception. When they support educational initiatives, it not only raises awareness, but can also change society’s attitude towards education in a positive way. Young people who often identify themselves with their favorite stars are often inspired by their examples. That is why celebrities who advocate education are making a huge difference. Thanks to them, young people strive for higher academic achievements.
The lives of modern youth are busy and sometimes exhausting, as it happens that they have to do many tasks at the same time and also prepare for exams. So, students can often get stressed about their studies. However, with motivation from their icons and timely help from professional writers, they don’t have to worry about failing or other unpleasant things. After all, even if the question of how to write an essay arises, thanks to current technologies and the prevalence of online help, students can ask a search engine to write my essay and get the best quality paper on time and without fear of being cheated. Of course, students should first familiarize themselves with the reviews and rating of the service among users. And only then make a decision about a particular one and enjoy the results.
At the same time, celebrity education advocacy has a practical impact on educational systems. Thanks to their donations and support, it is possible to do valuable things.
Create new educational programs
Improve school infrastructure
Provide scholarships for talented students
All this contributes to reducing inequality in access to quality education. As a result, it improves the overall level of education of the population.
Prominent Musicians Advocating for Education
Beyoncé
She actively supports education through her BeyGOOD initiative. Beyoncé has launched various projects and programs. All of them are aimed at young people from vulnerable groups. Namely, to improve their access to quality education. One of the most striking examples is scholarships for students of African-American educational institutions. They help talented young people realize their potential when obtaining higher education.
Chance the Rapper
The American rapper, songwriter and producer is known for his significant contribution to Chicago public schools. It was he who founded the SocialWorks organization. The latter supports educational initiatives and programs for young people. Thanks to the efforts of Chance the Rapper:
millions of dollars have been raised to improve learning conditions in schools,
numerous programs aimed at developing students’ creative abilities were created.
Shakira
The world-famous singer of catchy songs is actively working to improve learning initiatives through her Barefoot Foundation. The main goal of this foundation is to provide access to quality education for vulnerable children. The ones not only from the United States but also from Colombia.
Thanks to Shakira’s efforts, they built several schools where children now can receive a modern education in a safe environment.
Alicia Keys
She is not only a famous soul R&B singer but the one who cooperates with the Keep a Child Alive Foundation. This foundation supports those children affected by HIV/AIDS. As part of this cooperation, Alicia has initiated several educational programs. And she did this in parallel with information campaigns. All of them are aimed at raising awareness of the importance of education and, at the same time, a healthy lifestyle. Thanks to the efforts of the famous singer, thousands of children have received support and continue to receive it. All of them can now study without hindrance, and thus develop.
Impact and Initiatives
As we have already seen, musicians and singers not only draw attention to education issues, but also take decisive actions. They implement specific programs that have a considerable positive impact on entire communities and society.
The example of Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD initiative is a good one. It has led to a considerable increase in the number of scholarship recipients who have been able to continue their studies at universities.
And Chance the Rapper’s projects in Chicago have improved learning conditions in dozens of schools. This, in turn, has had a positive impact on student performance.
Shakira and her Barefoot Foundation have provided education to thousands of children who previously did not have this opportunity.
And Keep a Child Alive with Alicia Keys has not only helped save the lives of many children, but also allowed them to get an education for their better future.
A Broader Movement
In addition to these stars, there are other musicians and actors who also actively support educational initiatives. They use their social networks to actively spread the word about the importance of learning. Social media plays an essential role in spreading educational advocacy, as it allows celebrities to quickly convey information to a large audience. They also try to involve their fans in supporting various projects.
Summary
Now it is clear for us that the celebrity involvement in education has the long-term benefits, and it does not require any further proof. They do not only raise awareness of the crucial importance of education, but also make a real difference in the lives of thousands. Children and young people. The positive impact of stars such as world-famous musicians and singers in promoting learning is perhaps the most striking example of great positive power. Especially how the power of popularity can be harnessed for the benefit of an entire society. Thanks to the efforts of celebrities, many children and young people in the United States and beyond have had and continue to have the great opportunities to study in high-quality learning institutions to further realize their full potential.
Olga Waldstein
Author of a blog about stars and celebrities and their influence on the behavior of their fans. She researches educational initiatives of US stars. Olga writes essays on socio-cultural topics, psychology, and holistic development.
Francesco Albera’s journey from tinkering in his basement in Italy to working in notable recording studios in Los Angeles embodies the essence of a self-made engineer. Francesco discovered his love for music early in life, spurred on by a piano gifted to him by his grandfather. This initial foray into music laid the groundwork for what would become a multifaceted career in audio engineering and production.
Unable to afford professional studio time as a teenager, Francesco demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by setting up his own home studio. “I bought myself the necessary equipment to do it at home in the basement,” Francesco shared, reflecting on the financial constraints that originally inspired his DIY approach. Self-taught through countless hours of experimentation and online resources, he honed his skills to the point where he could produce and mix music independently.
Through perseverance and a dedication to mastering his craft, Francesco transitioned from a passionate hobbyist to a professional audio engineer, bridging the gap between self-taught knowledge and industry-standard expertise. His story sets the stage for an exploration of how drive, creativity, and continuous learning can lead to professional success.
A passion for music
At the tender age of seven, Francesco’s love for music began with an upright piano, a heartfelt gift from his grandfather. This piano, which found its home in the family basement, became the cornerstone of Francesco’s early musical journey. Under the guidance of a private teacher named Anna, Francesco immersed himself in the world of classical music, playing works by Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, and Mozart. His diligent practice and growing proficiency allowed him to experiment with tunes he heard on the radio, bridging the gap between his classical training and contemporary sounds.
The transition from classical to modern music composition came naturally for him. The real turning point, however, was a music contest in middle school where his teacher encouraged him to participate. The task was to write and perform a rap song inspired by Francesco D’Adamo’s book, Radio Niente. His experience from the competition was transformative. He recalls, “I didn’t win the contest, but I got so inspired by the process that I started composing modern hip-hop and pop songs of my own and writing lyrics.” This pivotal moment ignited his passion for audio engineering. Collaborating with a close friend, Francesco began recording music using his friend’s grandfather’s old mixer and microphone, marking the beginning of his journey into the intricate world of sound engineering.
Building a home studio
With a limited budget and an insatiable passion for music, Francesco embarked on building his very own home studio. The initial setup consisted of a Scarlett Focusrite audio interface, a pair of Yamaha HS5 monitors, and a $100 SE Electronics microphone. Financial constraints were a significant hurdle, so Francesco saved money from Christmas and birthday gifts given by his grandparents. Additionally, he received essential support from his sister’s boyfriend, who not only lent him money but also donated some acoustic panels to optimize the sound quality in the basement.
“My sister’s boyfriend at that time was into music too, and he was working as a DJ. He kindly gifted me some music acoustic panels to attach to the walls of the basement to make the room soundproof,” Francesco recalls.
As he gradually accumulated more equipment, Francesco’s home studio began to take shape. His resourcefulness and dedication meant that every spare euro went towards upgrading his setup. “Over time… I bought more and more stuff,” he explains. A MIDI keyboard, upgraded monitors, and quality headphones were among the first additions, followed by a better microphone, the Neumann TLM 103. Each piece of equipment brought him closer to professional-grade recording capabilities.
Learning through trial and error
Francesco’s path into audio engineering was not marked by traditional schooling but rather by a relentless pursuit of self-taught knowledge. Faced with financial constraints, Francesco turned to YouTube, which had only a few tutorials at the time, to teach himself the intricacies of recording and mixing his songs. “When I first started, YouTube already had some video tutorials about how to record music and mix songs, but the resources weren’t as many as they are now,” he shares.
The lack of resources drove him to experiment extensively, diving into music recording software with a trial-and-error approach. “I played around with the music recording software and figured out how things worked on my own, making mistakes and learning from them,” he recalls.
Francesco’s learning was further enriched by a neighbor friend who had also embarked on a similar path with home recording equipment. This friend’s father, a former recording engineer, became an invaluable source of professional techniques and wisdom. The frequent meetups with his friend allowed Francesco to gather key insights and answers to his myriad of questions about audio engineering. This unique blend of online resources, self-directed experimentation, and informal mentorship helped him master essential techniques in sound design and music production. “I used to meet with my friend frequently to learn some techniques that he learned from his father and try to get all the answers I could for my questions. That helped a lot,” Francesco says.
From hobbyist to professional
A self-taught background in audio engineering eventually led Francesco to seek formal education, fueled by a desire for a deeper understanding and mastery of his craft. Reflecting on his decision to attend UCLA and subsequently the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Francesco shared, “After all those years of DIY education, I felt experienced and competent, but I wanted to learn more deeply about music mixing and recording engineering. Mixing, in particular, is very complicated. When someone taught me about it for the first time, I finally saw the entire picture and understood it completely.” This thirst for comprehensive knowledge drove him to immerse himself in structured learning environments that would complement his self-taught skills and broaden his technical know-how.
His formal education experience was a substantial step up that capitalized on the robust foundation he had built on his own. As Francesco noted, “When I was still studying in LA, all the knowledge I already had came extremely helpful: it certainly put me in a position where, since I already knew a good amount of the stuff professors were teaching us, I could go and ask questions to expand my knowledge and go beyond what my classmates were learning.”
The curriculum not only solidified his existing abilities but also exposed him to new recording techniques and industry-standard practices that were pivotal in refining his expertise. Specific lessons and projects allowed him to adopt professional methodologies and tools that were previously outside his DIY purview, equipping him to handle complex audio challenges with greater confidence.
Balancing technical and creative aspects
The seamless integration of DIY ingenuity with formal professional training has become a cornerstone of Francesco’s approach in the audio engineering realm. His initial years of hands-on learning through YouTube tutorials and personal experimentation laid a strong foundation. This method taught him to navigate challenges independently, instilling a sense of creative freedom. “When I first started, I wasn’t following rules; I was just trying and eventually making mistakes and learning from them,” he recalls. This trial-and-error approach not only sharpened his skills but also nurtured an ability to think outside the box, distinguishing his work from many of his peers.
The transition to structured learning at UCLA and the Musicians Institute further enriched Francesco’s repertoire. The extensive technical knowledge gained from these institutions complemented his practical experiences. Francesco could delve deeper into complex concepts, enhancing his expertise beyond the basics. By combining self-taught techniques with advanced professional tools, he developed innovative approaches to recording and mixing. This blend of methodologies is evident in his work with notable clients, where his unique skill set fosters a workflow that both respects artistic vision and achieves technical excellence.
Milestones and achievements
Francesco’s career trajectory in audio engineering has been truly remarkable. After honing his skills through years of DIY experimentation and formal education, Francesco found himself working in prominent studios in Los Angeles. At Sound Factory Studios, a respected establishment where legends like Michael Jackson and Neil Diamond have recorded, Francesco contributed to projects involving modern artists. His tenure there not only solidified his technical prowess but also acquainted him with the nuances of professional standards demanded at such elite levels.
In addition to his studio work, Francesco’s portfolio extends to live music events, capturing the dynamic and immediate nature of live sound engineering. The iconic Bourbon Room in Hollywood, famed for hosting the musical Rock of Ages, has been a significant venue in his career. Here, he has had the pleasure of working with stars, delivering top-notch audio experiences that resonate with both performers and audiences. “Working in live settings excites me a lot because everything happens in that moment,” Francesco noted, emphasizing the heightened sense of immediacy and connection inherent in live performances.
Ambitions for the future
Currently, Francesco is immersed in some of the most exciting projects of his career. He recently participated in a major live music event at Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles on July 13th, where he mixed for the legendary group “When in Rome” at the “80’s Forever” music festival. The event was a highlight in his career, drawing thousands of attendees and showcasing his skill in capturing the vibrancy and immediacy of live performances. His involvement in the live event scene has been a considerable part of his professional journey, giving him a unique edge in capturing the vibrancy and immediacy of live performances.
Francesco is not just looking back at his accomplishments but is also envisioning the future with ambitious goals. He maintains strong ties with many artists, writers, and producers, with prospects for future collaborations being imminent.
Looking ahead, Francesco is keen to explore innovations in sound engineering, especially those integrating new digital tools and social media platforms. He encourages young aspiring engineers to take advantage of the vast educational resources available online today, such as professional courses and YouTube tutorials, which offer a wealth of knowledge for their growth and development. “Right now, there are way more resources on the internet than ever. The opportunity we have with social media to be so connected makes it possible and easy for people to share information with peers and industry colleagues.”
Francesco’s future aspirations also include staying at the cutting edge of the evolving landscape of audio engineering. His experience uniquely positions him to bridge the gap between DIY ingenuity and professional expertise. “Overall, I feel that it’s that same freedom that still makes me think out of the box a lot of times,” he asserts, underscoring a mindset that continuously fuels his passion for growth and innovation. As he navigates this dynamic field, Francesco is poised to make lasting impacts, remaining versatile and open to the myriad of possibilities his career may bring.
Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign have been teasing the release of the second installment of their three-part Vultures collaborative album for months, but this week, fans received promising news. On Wednesday (July 31), the Yeezy website had been stripped down to just a timer and two lines of text: “All orders fulfilled” and “Vultures 2 coming August 2nd.” However, as noted by the fan account NFR Podcast on Twitter (never calling it “X”), the second line has since been removed… which suggests that the release date has changed yet again, making August 2 the shortest lived of the announced dates so far.
The first part was then delayed again, before finally releasing to impressive streaming numbers, lukewarm critical reception, and a slew of lawsuits. It was later taken down when it was revealed that it was released through its distributor without authorization after the distributor refused to work with Kanye over his antisemitic remarks (lest we forget that all this is Kanye’s own fault). He’s since struggled to find a distribution method, even going as far as hiring a team of developers to create an app that was later abandoned — without paying the developers, of course.
Reggie Watts is the former bandleader/in-house musician for both Comedy Bang! Bang! and The Late Late Show, a comedian with a new special available to stream on Veeps, a musician, a writer, an improviser, and creative force of nature. Pushing back on the expected is Watts’ forte, crafting 2024’s most unique special, a comedy and music filled period piece set in the hopeful pre-internet mid-’90s.
Below, in our latest quick check-in with the most interesting voices in comedy culture, Watts talks about the benefits of growing up in the tech/social media pre-dawn, who he’s listening to, his comedy and music heroes, what he’d tell young comics about finding their own unique voice, and not being afraid of failure.
What was your first concert?
My first concert was Fugazi in Missoula, Montana.
What are the last 3 records you bought or albums you listened to?
Gosh, that’s a really good question. I’ve been listening to the song “My City” by Juliet Mendoza on repeat. The Marias Submarine, that’s an amazing album. And “Flight FM” by Joy Orbison.
Who are the artists across comedy and music that you grew up loving?
There are so many. I grew up with a lot of Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor. I loved watching them when I was younger. Carol Burnett, Prince, Michael Jackson, Ministry, The Smithereens, just so many.
As an improviser, is there still a fear of failure when you are on stage, and if so, how do you use that energy?
I don’t really have a fear of failure when I’m onstage but I do have a fear of letting an audience down if I’m not connecting to them and I think I like using that as my energy source. And the constant newness is what’s exciting and new for me onstage.
What was behind the decision to base this latest special in the ’90s?
Yeah, I just wanted to base it in the ’90s because I wanted to recreate some of the hopefulness that we felt in the mid-90’s about the future and about the internet and just the absurdity of pretending it’s another time period on stage.
What are the bits from ‘90s culture that you think have had the most influence on your work and on culture in general?
I think the counterculture movement of the ’90s — especially growing up in Seattle — [has] always had a big effect on how I’m perceiving the world and how I’m creating things. I think just the camaraderie that I had with my friends back then kind of motivated me to always put friendship first. And just the ability to have the freedom to think and do what I want to do.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of being someone who has lived pre-internet and within the internet era?
Well, I think there’s really only benefits. You know, I got to live my childhood and teen years with no phones but with computers and computer games and things like that because the internet thankfully came along after high school. It really allowed me to have a normal, organic, human based upbringing. And then the internet came around at exactly the right time, for me, and I loved the expansion of the technology and where it’s gone since. I think I’ve experienced the perfect technological curve in my lifetime.
What advice do you have for aspiring comics and performers when it comes to experimentation and expectations?
I think just try not to self analyze. Try not to just do the things that people expect from you. I think it’s important to kind of adopt like a “fuck it” kind of attitude. As long as you’re caring about your audience, that’s really the main thing. Just have a good time with it.
Who is your dream collaborator and why?
Dream dead collaborator would probably have to be Prince — I would’ve loved to do something with him. I don’t know if our styles would have matched because he definitely seems pretty… writer-ly and structure-ly and super rehearsed but I bet you he could definitely get on board with where I’m coming from.
Dream alive collaborator I think would be Björk. I think she’s just a polymath, you know? She does so many things, she’s multimedia and I think she just has a vision for all forms of media that she’s involved in and I really like that.
Check out Reggie Watts’ special, ‘Never Mind,’ on Veeps here.
LL Cool J is a legend. He doesn’t have to back up his claims on hip-hop culture. That being said, LL is dishing out some hot takes during his recent press tour. The rapper is promoting the release of his new album, and discussing where he stands within the culture. He recently went on the Club Shay Shay pod, and declared that he should be on the Mount Rushmore of Def Jam artists. Shannon Sharpe noted some of the other names who have been on the label, but LL Cool J stood firm and prioritized himself over the likes of JAY-Z and DMX.
Shannon Sharpe asked which four artists defined Def Jam to LL Cool J, and the latter answered quickly. “It’s LL, it’s Public Enemy, it’s the Beastie Boys and it would have to be Slick Rick,” he asserted. It’s tough to argue with any of his picks. All four acts were defining hip-hop names in the 1980s, and helped turn it into what it is today. LL Cool J is one of the few artists who could get away with putting himself on the list because, frankly, he deserves it. He was the first solo superstar to crossover. He was also the first artist on Def Jam, period. Still, Sharpe stirred the pot.
The host listed off the other rappers who were on Def Jam after LL. “We got JAY-Z, we got Kanye, we got Rihanna, we got DMX, we got Luda, we got Nas,” he read aloud. “Was Hov not on Def Jam?” LL Cool J gave Sharpe a puzzled look before noting that JAY-Z arrived a decade after he did. “Yeah, a thousand years later,” he quipped. This isn’t the first time LL has discussed his fraught relationship with JAY-Z in recent weeks. He also set the record straight on a rumor that JAY-Z battle rapped him in a parking lot in 1996. LL admitted the story was true. That said, he rapped JAY’s partner beforehand, and claimed he spent all of his rhymes.
LL Cool J and JAY-Z have never collaborated, and most of their comments about one another have contained slight jabs. In the same Out of Context interview where LL addressed the rap battle, he shut down the rumor that he dissed JAY-Z on the song “Loungin.” The Queens legend asserted that he would have no reason to diss Hov back in 1996. Why? Because he wasn’t big enough to warrant the attention. It’s blunt but it’s also true. “What could I possibly want from him in 1996,” LL noted. “What do I want with him?”
T.I. expressed his admiration and love for his longtime wife, Tiny Harris, with a beautifully crafted tribute in celebration of their 14th wedding anniversary.
