Rihanna made it through 2024 without touching a single drop of alcohol. On Wednesday (Jan. 1), the “Love on the Brain” singer celebrated the milestone with her followers on Instagram while counting down to the New Year.
Month: January 2025
Michael Blackson Fires Back at Katt Williams, Calling Him a ‘Lying Leprechaun’
One year after Katt Williams made headlines with his blistering critique of fellow comedians on The Club Shay Shay podcast, the drama continues to unfold. This time, comedian Michael Blackson has fired back, labeling Katt as a “lying leprechaun.”
Blackson’s sharp retort came in response to Williams’ scathing remarks, which initially stirred controversy and divided fans and peers alike. The delayed response from Blackson suggests that tensions within the comedy world remain high, as public feuds and personal jabs take center stage.
A video clip of Blackson’s comments quickly went viral, drawing attention from fans and reigniting debates across social media. While the two comedians have yet to face off directly, the exchange has undoubtedly kept audiences entertained and watching closely.
“Lying a** leprechaun n**gga.”
Comedian Michael Blackson roasts Katt Williams and calls him a liar for claiming in his Club Shay Shay interview that he told him to go to Africa to build a school. pic.twitter.com/iuZfEDtPFJ
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) December 31, 2024
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Uncle Murda Hands Drake An L While Decimating Rick Ross & J. Cole In “Rap Up 2024”
Every single New Year, hip-hop fans eagerly await the hilarious rap-ups from none other than Uncle Murda. Overall, the rap-up series takes aim at the biggest events of the year, while poking fun at those who were a part of them. Of course, 2023 was an interesting year for a plethora of reasons, however, it paled in comparison to 2024, which was one of the craziest 365 days in the history of hip-hop. It seemed like everyone was beefing this year, while major artists like Diddy and Lil Durk got hit with massive legal cases.
Right on time, Uncle Murda dropped “Rap Up 2024” at midnight on his YouTube channel. As you can see below, this version of the Rap-Up is 17 minutes long as there was a whole lot for the legend to cover. For instance, throughout the song, Uncle Murda officially hands Drake an L for his role in the beef with Kendrick Lamar. Furthermore, the artist had some incredibly harsh words for Rick Ross and J. Cole, who had some terrible showings throughout the ordeal.
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Uncle Murda Went All Out This Year
For instance, Rick Ross dropped “Champagne Moments,” a half-baked diss track that went through one ear and completely out the other. As for J. Cole, he dropped “7 Minute Drill” as a way of getting back at Kendrick, but then decided to apologize and delete the song entirely. This is the kind of move that an elder statesman like Uncle Murda would see as anti-hip-hop. Of course, the artist got into all kinds of other topics during the 17 minutes, and it makes for a very entertaining listen.
The great thing about the Rap Up is the fact that it acts as a time capsule. You can go back to any year and Uncle Murda’s song will tell you the biggest stories and events that went down. It is a truly unique way of documenting the culture, and we cannot imagine what kind of topics he will have to cover at the end of 2025.
Read More: Tony Yayo And Uncle Murda Suggest Diddy Is Behind Jay-Z Allegations
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Tinashe Rings In 2025 With A “Nasty” Medley Of Hits For “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”
Tinashe wrapped up her banner 2024 on Tuesday (Dec. 31) night by performing a medley of hits for ABC’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”
BigXthaPlug Wraps Up 2024 with Heartwarming Holiday Toy Drive in Ferris, Texas
In case you missed it, this past week multi-platinum rapper BigXthaPlug wrapped up the holiday season by giving back to his community through his annual Holiday Toy Drive in Ferris, Texas. The event served hundreds of families and children in need, spreading holiday cheer through the distribution of toys, clothes, and essential resources. This charitable initiative arrives on the heels of BigXthaPlug’s sold-out 32-city North American tour and the success of his latest album Take Care, which was recently featured on Rolling Stone’s Top 20 Hip Hop Albums of 2024.
The toy drive created a festive atmosphere, with families lining up to receive much-needed gifts for their children. In addition to the giveaways, attendees had the rare opportunity to meet BigXthaPlug in person, showcasing his personal commitment to supporting his home state community.
The Holiday Toy Drive not only highlights BigXthaPlug’s generosity but also emphasizes his rising influence in the entertainment industry. With over 3 billion streams, his album Take Care boasts several RIAA platinum-certified singles, including “Texas,” “Mmhmm,” and “Levels.” The album debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and has been celebrated by publications such as Associated Press, Rolling Stone, and Complex. His impact was further cemented by his inclusion in Complex’s Top 100 Rappers of 2024 list, where he ranked within the top 25.
BigXthaPlug’s meteoric rise is evident not only in his musical achievements but also in his crossover appeal. His halftime performance at the Texans vs. Eagles home opener, where he performed his hit single “Texas,” drew widespread attention. The track, which has amassed over 15 million streams, appeared in the Dallas Cowboys’ official hype video and has become a staple at major sporting events across the NBA, MLB, and NFL.
As Amazon Music’s 2024 Breakthrough Hip-Hop Artist and a member of XXL’s 2024 Freshman Class, BigXthaPlug’s star power continues to ascend. With an upcoming performance at Coachella 2025, his trajectory remains on the rise, solidifying his reputation as both a music icon and a community leader.
BigXthaPlug’s annual Holiday Toy Drive in Ferris, Texas stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to giving back. As he continues to balance chart-topping success with community engagement, his influence only grows stronger—resonating far beyond the stage and into the hearts of those he seeks to uplift.
Photo Credit: Trey Souls @Treysoulss
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Lil Durk Agrees To Push Murder-For-Hire Trial Back Amid Co-Defendant Considering Plea Deal
Lil Durk’s murder-for-hire trial is looking at a new date. On Tuesday (Dec. 31) evening, the rapper’s defense team agreed to push the scheduled proceedings to Oct. 14 instead of the originally proposed Jan. 7.
Kanye West & Bianca Censori Look Happier Than Ever In New Year’s Eve Couple’s Photo
Kanye West and Bianca Censori are a couple that has certainly drawn quite a bit of attention over the past couple of years. Overall, they have mostly been seen living abroad, which has been a mixed bag for them. At one point, it seemed like they were being kicked out of Italy. However, they have also spent a whole bunch of time in Japan, and they seem to be having a fantastic time. Meanwhile, Ye is currently in the midst of creating a new solo album, called Bully.
Censori and Ye have been in quite a few controversies, namely when you consider the outfits that Kanye has been having his wife wear. This has subsequently led to claims that he is brainwashing her. However, despite a brief break in their relationship, the two have maintained their union. In fact, it would appear as though the two are happier than ever before. We say this because of pictures shared online in which Ye and Censori had huge smiles on their faces.
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Kanye West x Bianca Censori
One has to wonder what ended up getting them to smile this way. Perhaps they had a funny joke on their mind. Or perhaps they were just feeling jovial about the New Year. Whatever the case may be, the couple has been able to fight through the noise, and they seem to enjoy each other quite a bit. In 2025, it will be interesting to see where the two go from here. After leaving the United States, the couple has lived a more secluded life, as we rarely even see Ye and Bianca any more.
The few times we do get a glimpse of them is when Kanye West posts on social media. Either way, fans are curious about Ye’s career, which has turned sour ever since the release of Donda in 2021. The Vultures series was a resounding flop, and fans are expecting better from here on out.
Read More: Kanye West Spotted Working On New Album, “Bully”
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First Look At Drake’s NOCTA x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Pink Foam”
Drake and Nike are teaming up again, this time with a fresh take on the iconic Air Force 1 Low. The NOCTA x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Pink Foam” is a bold and eye-catching design. Official photos have surfaced, giving fans their first detailed look at this collaboration. The sneaker comes dressed in a soft pink foam hue, covering the entire leather upper. Smooth leather construction adds a premium feel, while tonal stitching enhances the clean aesthetic. The classic Nike Swoosh is featured on the sides, blending seamlessly with the monochromatic color scheme. Additionally, the midsole includes subtle NOCTA branding with the phrase “Love You Forever” etched along the side.
This detail adds a sentimental touch to the already unique pair. Transitioning to the sole, a translucent pink rubber outsole completes the look, offering durability and grip. Drake’s signature design cues make this sneaker both stylish and versatile. Perfect for fans of the artist or sneaker enthusiasts, this collaboration balances simplicity and flair. Anticipation for the release is building rapidly. While the official drop date remains under wraps, excitement continues to grow. Stay tuned for more updates on Drake’s NOCTA x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Pink Foam.” This pair promises to be a standout release.
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“Pink Foam” NOCTA x Nike Air Force 1 Low
The sneakers feature a semi-translucent pink rubber sole coupled with a matching midsole. Additionally, the uppers are crafted from soft pink leather, complemented by overlays in a similar shade. A pink leather Swoosh adds to the design, accentuating the aesthetic. Moreover, the “Love You Forever” lettering is engraved on the midsole. Overall, these sneakers radiate elegance and showcase NOCTA’s creative vision.
Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the NOCTA x Nike Air Force 1 Low “Pink Foam” will be released at some point during the spring of 2025. Also, these sneakers will have a retail price of $165 when they are released.
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[Via]
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Screen Culture: Squid Game Season 2 Breaks Netflix Streaming Records
Netflix’s dystopian thriller, Squid Game, has once again taken the world by storm. The highly-anticipated second season shattered records, debuting at the top of Netflix’s charts in 93 countries.
This unprecedented feat solidifies Squid Game’s status as a global phenomenon.
Here’s the official synopsis from Netflix:
“Season 2 explores how Gi-hun follows through on his words after leaving the airport,” says Hwang below in a new behind-the-scenes featurette that revisits Season 1. “Gi-hun’s endeavor to find out who these people are and why they do what they do is the core story of Season 2.”
The show’s gripping premise of a deadly survival game, set against a backdrop of social inequality, resonated with audiences worldwide. Season 1, became a cultural sensation, racking up a staggering 2.2 billion viewing hours.
While Season 2 has undoubtedly made a splash, it hasn’t quite captured the same level of universal acclaim as its predecessor. Critics have praised the show’s technical prowess, but some fans have expressed disappointment. Despite the mixed reception, the show’s immense popularity ensures that it will continue to dominate the streaming landscape.
As Gi-hun returns to South Korea, determined to dismantle the sinister organization behind the deadly games, fans eagerly await the final season. Will Squid Game be able to maintain its grip on the global audience, or will it fade into obscurity? Only time will tell.
Check out the trailer below if you missed it:
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The Alchemist Tides Fans Over Until 2025 With “Floppy Disks” Single
Decades into his career, The Alchemist continues to show again and again that he’s one of the best producers alive. Whether it’s working with mainstream stars like J. Cole, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar, or his underground pals from Griselda, he’s able to bring his authentic style no matter who he’s with. This year he’s been all over the place once again. He most recently rekindled his chemistry with Roc Marciano for The Skeleton Key two years after The Elephant Man’s Bones. He also got to work with equally acclaimed beat maker Hit-Boy and his dad Big Hit for Black & Whites. Additionally, him Oh No and Gangrene collided for Heads I Win, Tails You Lose back in April. Despite assisting so many artists, he was able to make time for himself.
The Genuine Articulate was another fine addition to his solo rap catalog and that boasted features from ScHoolboy Q, Action Bronson, and more. Similarly, it looks like 2025 will be another big year for The Alchemist. On January 25 he and Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def) will be sharing their inaugural collab project called FORENSICS. It’s also the name of their official duo. It will premiere at the Le Trianon in Paris, so it should be an exciting event. Most likely, the project will land sometime on streaming platforms later into next year. For now, though, Uncle Al is treating fans to a loosie called “Floppy Disks,” which is currently only on YouTube. Whether or not this was recorded onto such a format is unknown but regardless it’s a funky and fuzzy track. You can check it out with the music video link below.
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“Floppy Disks” – The Alchemist
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