Month: September 2024

Fat Joe Defends JAY-Z And Roc Nation Amidst Halftime Show Controversy

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JAY-Z’s approval rating is not particularly high right now. The Roc Nation founder has come under fire for his decision to have Kendrick Lamar headline the upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show. It makes perfect sense on paper, given Lamar’s popularity. The problem, of course is location. The Super Bowl is going to be in New Orleans next year, and fans believe New Orleans native Lil Wayne should have been given the spot. Celebrities of every ilk have come out of the woodwork to criticize Roc Nation as a result. One of the few who hasn’t is Fat Joe.

Fat Joe hopped on Instagram Live on September 10 to set the record straight. At least, as far as he saw it. The Terror Squad leader praised JAY-Z and Roc Nation for what they’ve managed to do over the last five years. Instead of focusing on the negative, i.e. the Wayne situation, Fat Joe stepped back and told the fans to consider what the Halftime Show looked like before Hov took over. He pointed out that very few hip hop artists were given the chance to headline prior to Roc Nation’s involvement in 2019. “They brought out Dr. Dre, Eminem, everybody, number one ratings,” he stated.

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Fat Joe Appreciates What Roc Nation Has Done Since 2019

Fat Joe has a point. Most of the artists who headlined prior to 2019 were in the rock and pop sphere. Since 2019, however, the presence of hip hop and R&B has been magnified. Usher performed last year. The Weeknd in 2021. The aforementioned Dr. Dre ensemble, which also included 50 Cent and Kendrick Lamar, in 2022. Fat Joe wanted to emphasize the role that JAY-Z played in getting these artists on one of the biggest stages in the world. He also noted that hip hop heads tends to be most critical of the genre they love. “Of course, the hip hop community likes to attack hip hop,” he quipped.

Fat Joe has sympathy for Lil Wayne, and those who want Wayne to headline. He simply wants to give Hov his flowers when it comes to increasing hip hop’s presence at the Halftime Show. “How about [this], if he wasn’t doing shows, it’d be no hip hop,” the rapper asserted. “Be careful what you wish for.” Joe is on a short list of rappers who have stuck up for JAY-Z on the heels on the Halftime Show, but his points are worth considering. Wayne may not be performing, but a prime K. Dot isn’t a half bad alternative.

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Drake Continues To Show Lil Wayne Support Amidst Halftime Show Debate

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Drake has said plenty in 2024. The rapper fired back at basically every big rapper in the industry on his wave of diss tracks. Since then knockout punch that was Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” though, Drake has opted for a different approach. He’s become an Instagram guy. He resorted to posting photos and messages that suggest what he’s feeling without coming out and saying. This has been evident in the wake of the Kendrick Lamar battle. It’s also been evident since the whole Super Bowl Halftime Show fiasco hit the internet.

Roc Nation announced that Lamar would be headlining the Halftime Show in New Orleans in 2025. The hip hop community was mad. Dozens of industry insiders came out and claimed that Lil Wayne should have been given the opportunity to perform in front of his hometown. Drake seemingly agrees. The day the Lamar news hit, Drake posted a photo of the Young Money crew on his Instagram Story. A day later, the 6 God doubled down and dropped two additional photos of Lil Wayne. Neither photo had a caption, but they featured prime Weezy circa Tha Carter III.

Read More: Drake Quietly Throws His Support Behind Nicki Minaj Amidst JAY-Z Feud

Drake Posted Retro Lil Wayne Photos On His IG Story

The second photo, in particular, looks to be taken from the music video for Wayne’s iconic “A Milli.” Drake has always made it clear that Wayne changed his life and career for the better. It is worth noting, though, that the rapper has multiple reasons for wanting to champion a Weezy Halftime Show. For one, Lil Wayne leading a Halftime Show would likely mean guest appearances from the likes of Nicki Minaj and Drake. It would be a major moment for the trio, who have taken some pretty high profile L’s over the last few years.

Drake feeding into the Lil Wayne narrative also vilifies the man who is actually headlining the Halftime Show. Kendrick Lamar has been the golden boy of hip hop throughout 2024, because Drake is an easy person to hate. He’s been on top for too long. Pitting Lamar against Wayne is a different story, though. Weezy is respected across the board, and Lamar has even cited him as one of his main influences. It’ll be interesting to see how Drake interacts with this developing controversy as the Super Bowl gets closer.

Read More: Memphis Bleek Has A Theory On Why Nicki Minaj Hates JAY-Z So Much

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A Posthumous Rich Homie Quan Album Could Potentially Be In The Works

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Rich Homie Quan 2022 Revolt Summit (1024x437)
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Since the sorrowful news of Rich Homie Quan’s tragic death, fans of the “Spin” rapper have continued to listen through his discography.

What is even more heartbreaking for fans is he had just wrapped up a new project shortly before his death, which could mean a posthumous album is on the way. This news is all according to the late musician’s father, Corey Lamar. On September 7, Lamar sat down with WSB-TV’s Michael Seiden to discuss his son’s life up to the last moments.

“We had just completed a 20- or 25-song project, and we were in the process of scheduling two video shoots off our project,” he said. “Quan has probably over 2,000 unreleased songs. But once he gets in a mode to record those songs become old to him. And when they become old he wants to focus on the new stuff. He has a catalog in the vault. He has a ton of music that the fans need to hear.”

So, who could fans expect to hear on the project should it ever be released? In the chat, Lamar shared that Rich Homie Quan just wrapped up collaborations with 2 Chainz and Plies.

Posthumous album are an extremely delicate situation. Still, many of rap’s fallen figures including Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Big Pun, DMX, XXXTentacion, Young Dolph, and Pop Smoke’s estates approved the release of a project after the untimely deaths. Many of which of gone on to shift the culture.

Fatman Scoop’s ‘Celebration Of Life’ Service Will Be Held At Harlem’s Apollo Theater

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Fatman Scoop Metrofest 2021 London (1024x437)
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On August 30, the tragic news of Fatman Scoop’s passing shattered the hip-hop community. Since then several of the late musician, hype man, and radio personality’s former collaborators including Missy Elliott, Ciara, and more heartfelt tribute.

Now, the world can pour out their love for him at a public ceremony. Today (September 10), Fatman Scoop’s family announced that Harlem’s Apollo Theater will host his ‘Celebration Of Life.’ The service is scheduled for Thursday, September 12.

“Please join the Freeman family in the celebration of Isaac “Fatman Scoop” Freeman at the Apollo this Thursday,” read the post (viewable here).

Although the posture featured BET’s logo, it is unclear if the network will broadcast the service. No featured speakers or performers have been announced for Fatman Scoop’s ‘Celebration Of Life.’ However, the image does indicate that this is a public ticketed event. Find more information here.

In a statement shared by the family, they briefly eulogized his life, writing:
“FatMan Scoop was not just a world-class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and a friend. He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage. FatMan Scoop’s legacy is of love and brightness, it will reside in our hearts and memories forever.”

Come September September 12, a more robust speech is sure to move the late culture icon’s supporters to tears.

Quando Rondo Reluctantly Agrees To Squash Beef With Lil Durk: Watch

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Quando Rondo is trying to chart a different path. The rapper has been embroiled in some violent and deadly feuds with others, but he wants to move on. He announced that he was a practicing Muslim as far back as May. Rondo confirmed this via Twitter. He claimed that he doesn’t want to associate with those who don’t share his newfound beliefs. Quando Rondo gave fans a glimpse of his mindset on September 10, when footage of him and his associates made its way online. The rapper was asked if he could move on from one feud in particular. He hesitated, but ultimately came around to the idea.

The footage in question see Quando Rondo and his crew discuss beef in a parking lot. A Muslim teacher stresses the importance of loving one’s brother, and proceeds to name Lil Durk. “Now that you’re in the fold of Islam,” the teacher stated. “You have other Muslims that you may have had issues with when you were in ignorance.” Rondo gets sheepish at the mention of Durk’s name, and initially struggles to get on board. The rapper’s teacher attempts to put him at ease by noting the parallels between the two artists. “Lil Durk, who I’m gonna talk to also,” the teacher noted. “Durk is also a Muslim.”

Read More: Quando Rondo Releases “Here For A Reason: In The Darkest Time” EP Amid Legal Troubles

Quando Rondo And Lil Durk Have Both Become Muslims

Quando Rondo’s body language definitely changes at the mention of Durk. The teacher persists, however, asserting that both of them have to be willing to bury the hatchet if they are going to be true Muslims. “I love a lot of brothers for the sake of Allah,” Quando Rondo eventually stated. His willing to look beyond the past draws cheers from his friends. Given how aggressive things have gotten between Rondo and Lil Durk in the past, the celebration is warranted.

The two rappers were going at each other nonstop as recently as 2023. Quando Rondo went on the Off the Porch interview series and proceeded to bash Durk. He asserted that he has more loyalty to the man accused of shooting Durk’s friend, King Von, than Lil Durk himself. “I’d die for this man,” Rondo said. “If I knew, I’d lay down my life and die for this man. Slit throat. Right now, on God.” Lil Durk clapped back by sampling audio of Quando Rondo crying in a diss song. We hope the newfound positivity that Quando Rondo is trying to embrace lasts.

Read More: Quando Rondo Reacts To Rich Homie Quan’s Music Topping Charts After His Death

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Southside Hints At New Playboi Carti Collab With Surprising IG Reunion

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Playboi Carti is up to something. He always is, but it seems like he’s actually getting close to sharing what said something is with the fans. The world has been waiting on Carti’s third studio album since 2020, with very little to go on in terms of updates. All this has changed in the last month, though. The rapper known for being secretive started posting regularly on Instagram. He showed up to accept an award at a Billboard ceremony. And on September 10th, Carti made a rare appearance on Southside’s Instagram.

The two men seemingly linked up to celebrate Playboi Carti’s Billboard award. “My youngin won his first award,” the producer stated. “I’m overly proud of you kid.” It was the way Southside concluded his post, however, that really got fans excited. He hinted that there is plenty more Carti music coming in the near future. “Many more to come,” he teased. Very little is actually know about Playboi Carti’s upcoming album, but the notion of Carti and Southside linking up on said album is actually more novel than you might.

Read More: The Weeknd And Playboi Carti Debut New Song Together In Brazil

Southside & Playboi Carti Teased “More To Come”

Southside has known Playboi Carti for years, as his caption would suggest. The two collaborated on the 2018 song “Ain’t Doin’ That,” but their collab history has been surprisingly limited since. They had some musical camaraderie on their one song, but Southside has spent more time working with guys like Kodak Black and Future. The reunion photo between the producer and Playboi Carti could be just that, a photo of two artists reuniting, but it could also be a teaser for new songs. Especially when you take Southside’s caption into account.

Of course, it’s all subject to change. Playboi Carti has admitted that his recording process is not normal in any sense. The rapper recently told Billboard that he will live in the studio, and go more off of feel than anything else. “It’s all based on confidence. I believe in myself,” Carti explained. “The moment I started recording, someone came to me and said that they like my songs. I stay in the studio every day.” The fact that the rapper is making public statements at all is a good sign. Hopefully we get to to hear some new Carti and Southside sooner than later.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar & Playboi Carti Affiliate Hints At Collaboration

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Drake Quietly Throws His Support Behind Nicki Minaj Amidst JAY-Z Feud

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It’s really Young Money versus the rest in 2024. Drake had to take on the whole industry by himself during the first half of the year. Now, the heat has shifted to Nicki Minaj. The rapper went absolutely ballistic on JAY-Z after it was revealed that Kendrick Lamar would be playing the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2005. Minaj felt like her label boss, Lil Wayne should have the chance to headline given that he’s from New Orleans. She had plenty to say on the matter, and it looks like Drake agrees.

Nicki Minaj went on a multi-tweet rant on September 9. She called out JAY-Z for prioritizing money over culture, and waxed poetic about Lil Wayne’s impact on the game. “You don’t know the half of what Lil Wayne has done for me and others,” she wrote. “Inspired your faves to wanna be a great MC. He never was in this for the money.” The last comment seemed like a pretty blatant dig at JAY-Z, who has always advertised himself as a business, man. DJ Akademiks reposted Nicki Minaj’s tweet on Instagram, and the 6 God himself liked it. We know Drake likes to frequent Ak’s content, but the fact that he liked the post, knowing that fans were going to see it, says a lot.

Read More: Drake Allegedly Couldn’t Help But Laugh About Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Announcement

Drake Also Posted A YMCMB Throwback Photo On IG

Drake’s silence on the matter, at least officially, has been interesting. He has spent months dissing every famous rapper who came at him on record. In the past few months, though, he’s taken a less direct and ambiguous approach. Drake has seemingly settled into posting cryptic messages on Instagram. Or, in the case of the Lil Wayne Halftime Show situation, purposely timed throwbacks. Shortly after the Super Bowl headliner was announced, and it wasn’t Wayne, Drake took to his IG Stories. He posted a photo of Weezy and the rest of the Young Money crew circa 2009. No caption, but it wasn’t needed. Fans knew what he was getting at.

Drake’s relationship with Nicki Minaj has been the subject of widespread speculation over the years. They have had their years on the outs, like 2015, but they seem to have reconciled. Drake popped out during Nicki Minaj’s Toronto concert earlier this year. He performed a couple songs with her, then told the crowd that he had to get back to his battle with Lamar (we know how that went). Minaj praised her Young Money brother before he got off stage, though. She dubbed Drake an “icon” and a “legend.”

Read More: Mal Affirms That Drake Has Turned Down Performing At The Super Bowl Multiple Times

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Chlöe And Jeremih’s Twerk-Filled Video For ‘Shake’ Shows Off The NSFW Side Of Carnival

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Uproxx cover star Chlöe is a sucker for a good contemporary R&B ballad. But the “Boy Bye” singer has proven to be a mastermind when it comes to electronic fusion.

Her latest album, Trouble In Paradise, showcases Chlöe’s balance of the worlds. On her latest single, “Shake” featuring Jeremih, blends her R&B likeness and love of EDM. The official video is just as fun.

In the twerk-filled visual directed by Boma Iluma, Chlöe shows off the NSFW side of carnival. Back in July, Chlöe posted her glorious ‘Queen Of Hearts’ costume, which broke the internet. Now, it has been the centerpiece of the visual.

As Chlöe makes her way around the celebration, there is a sea of people enjoying one another’s company (whining waists, clapping cheeks, and all).

Over on Instagram, Chlöe spoke about the inspiration for the video. “I wanted to drop something special for you guys in honor of ‘Trouble in Paradise’ being out for a month,” she wrote. “Enjoy this video to ‘Shake.’ Watch the full thing on my YouTube channel. I want those booties bouncing and shaking.”

Watch the full video for Chlöe’s new single “Shake” featuring Jeremih above.

Trouble In Paradise is out now. Find more information here.