newhiphopnews

Following the news that Kobe Bryant’s family has decided not to renew the late sports icon’s contract with Nike, Vanessa Bryant has issued a statement. Kobe and the sports brand had a longstanding relationship that has existed for nearly two decades, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. There has been speculation regarding why this partnership couldn’t move forward, including rumors about the Bryant family building new “Mamba” and “Mambacita” brands, and amid the conversations, Vanessa has made her voice heard on Instagram.

“Kobe’s Nike contract expired on 4/3/21,” Vanessa began. “Kobe and Nike have made some of the most beautiful basketball shoes of all time, worn and adored by fans and athletes in all sports across the globe.”

Nicholas Hunt / Staff / Getty Images

“It seems fitting that more NBA players wear my husband’s product than any other signature shoe,” she continued. “My hope will always be to allow Kobe’s fans to get and wear his products. I will continue to fight for that. Kobe’s products sell out in seconds. That says everything. I was hoping to forge a lifelong partnership with Nike that reflects my husband’s legacy.”

“We will always do everything we can to honor Kobe and Gigi’s legacies. That will never change.” Check it out below.

Instagram

Instagram

Black Lives Matter organizations have been under fire in recent weeks, and this time light is being shone on the Louisville chapter of the foundation. Recently, the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation co-founder Patrisse Cullors faced backlash over her real estate purchases in California in Georgia. People accused her of misappropriating funds in order to buy property, however, Cullors quickly dispelled rumors. She stated that she’s never taken a salary from the foundation and the properties were for her family members, not herself.

Now, Black Lives Matter Louisville, Kentucky is catching heat from Tamika Palmer, Breonna Taylor’s mother. Taylor was killed just over a year ago while at home in bed as plainclothes officers stormed her apartment and exchanged gunfire with her unsuspecting boyfriend. He believed the officers were intruders. None of the officers involved faced charges related to Taylor’s death. 

Palmer has been at the forefront of movements calling for justice, not only in her daughter’s case but other incidents that mirror such police-involved tragedy. She recently shared a few thoughts about the BLM Louisville chapter, criticizing their efforts. “I’ve watched ya’ll raise money on behalf of Breonna’s family who has never done a damn thing for us … talk about fraud,” Palmer wrote.

“I could walk into a room full of people who claim to be here for Breonna’s family who don’t even know who I am … I’m so sick of some of y’all … I’m done with this sh*t enough is enough.” She added that people have “lost focus.” Check out her post below.

[via][via]

That “bored in the house and in the house bored” quarantine of 2020 didn’t apply to a few TikTok stars. There were photos and videos that surfaced of mansion parties hosted by the app’s most popular personalities and some were even fined for throwing ragers in the middle of a pandemic. Others, however, took advantage of the outside seating mandates placed on restaurants, including TikTok superstar Bryce Hall who reportedly patronized Los Angeles eatery, Cinco.

According to TMZ, it was back in October 2020 when Hall and his crew visited the establishment and reportedly caused a ruckus by not following the rules. In turn, Hernan Fernando, the co-owner of Cinco, has filed a lawsuit against Hall for instigating a fight.

The outlet reports that Fernando has sued Hall and several others over an incident that Fernando claims was racially motivated. The owner of the restaurant reportedly states in the lawsuit that Hall and his friends were seated at a table when they began vaping. It’s against policy so the bar manager told them to stop. They reportedly didn’t.

Fernando says he approached the table and reiterated the bar manager’s request, but Hall and Co. ignored him, as well. Because they wouldn’t abide by the rules, Fernando says in his lawsuit that he instructed the staff to close out the table’s tab. A server told Fernando that “she heard Bryce refer to Hernan as a ‘w*tback’ and ‘the Mexican.'” Hall reportedly blew his vape smoke into Fernando’s face and once the entourage was being escorted out of Cinco, Hall’s friend Rory Fitzpatrick allegedly became physical with staffers.

“Who the f*ck are you? I”m from Bel-Air, and you’re just a fat Mexican who works at a restaurant,” Fernando claims Hall said to him. The owner also alleges other racial slurs were hurled his way and he’s suing the group for “assault, battery, emotional distress, and for attacking him based on his ethnicity.”

Check out a brief clip of the fight below.

[via]

Since being released from prison, Bobby Shmurda is staying focused. The rapper recently served nearly seven years behind bars and now, the GS9 artist is looking to rebuild without being burdened by controversy. Although he was just making a name for himself when he was arrested, Shmurda shared advice to younger artists who are edging their way into the industry.

The “Hot N*gga” hitmaker sat down with Maino on his Kitchen Talk podcast for an extensive interview about his career and incarceration. Shmurda has done a few interviews since being released, but this is arguably the first where he divulges his experiences in depth.

Bennett Raglin/BET / Contributor / Getty Images

“I wanted to really be serious sometimes and let kids know the opportunities they got,” said Shmurda. “Sh*t where we’re coming from ’cause now, all these young rappers are dying. All the sh*t out here right now. N*ggas thinking that sh*t cool, bruh. That sh*t like, who becomes—you come from the street my n*gga.”

“If you really come from the street…can I be for real on this?” asked Shmurda before continuing his thoughts. Maino told him of course he could. Shmurda said that if you really come from the streets and become a rapper, and your main concern is beefing with other artists, you’re just following others to make a name.

“I don’t want to call these names, but you know how these n*ggas is,” the rapper added. “The act like all this crazy sh*t but once they get locked up or once anything happen they—that’s why I tell them, when you get to this Rap life, you better appreciate that sh*t. Especially where we come from.“

Watch Bobby Shmurda share his insight in the clip from his interview below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by HipHopVideoWorld (@hiphopvideoworld_)

That Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren fight has been the talk of the town. The mega-hyped showdown was over before it began in the first round after Paul knocked out Askren in a surprisingly quick feat, leaving the match to be discussed among sports elite and fans alike. There has been speculation and accusations hurled toward both Paul and Askren as people accuse the pair of staging the bout’s ending, but Paul and his team have been enjoying the victory while ignoring the critics.

After it was shared that Paul would take home $690K for the fight, boxing champ Adrien Broner couldn’t believe that a rising fighter could make that much money.

Al Bello / Staff / Getty Images

“This is crazy niggas train they whole life and never get a chance to make this type money I’m happy for @jakepaul and I think he deserves everything giving to him but this is mind blowing,” wrote Broner on Instagram. “Cause @showtimeboxing and al Haymon do pay the f*ck outta me but I really put the work in since I was 6 to get to where I am but this is just my opinion I’m not hating or nothing ….. F*CK IT MY NEXT FIGHT GOT TO BE ON @triller [crying laughing emojis].”

Some commented that Paul has 20 million YouTube followers and 15 million Instagram followers, and as a viral celebrity, he could bring in viewing numbers that many other fighters couldn’t. In fact, it’s reported that the fight itself made over $65 million in PPV earnings. Check out Broner’s post and Paul tossing around cash below.

[via][via]

There were rumors last month that the Bryant family was plotting new business moves after reportedly trademarking the terms “Mamba” and “Mambacita.” Reports stated that the documents showed Kobe Bryant’s phrases were to be used for future merchandise, and it looks as if that may be true now that it is being reported that on April 13, Kobe’s partnership with Nike ended. 

Kobe, who tragically passed away last year along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven of their friends, first joined forces with Nike in 2003 after ending his partnership with adidas. The Bleacher Report shared details of the end of this iconic union, adding that fans will still be able to look forward to “new editions of the Hall of Famer’s signature sneakers this year.”

Kevork Djansezian / Staff / Getty Images

The Bryant family reportedly decided not to renew the contract with Nike and now the brand has reportedly issued a statement. “Kobe Bryant was an important part of Nike’s deep connection to consumers. He pushed us and made everyone around him better. Though our contractual relationship has ended, he remains a deeply loved member of the Nike family.”

Venture capitalist Shervin Pishevar claims to know the inside scoop on Bryant’s plans just prior to his untimely death. “I met with Kobe Bryant in late December 2019,” tweeted Pishevar. “Kobe wasn’t happy with Nike and was going to leave it in 2020. Kobe was going to start Mamba, a shoe company owned by players. He passed away weeks later. What he was about to do in business was going to eclipse his sports career.”

We’ll have to wait and see what the Bryant family has planned. Check out the posts below, including Pishevar showing designs for the Mamba shoe brand.

[via]

In today’s music culture, social media can make or break an artist. Taking to platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and even Snapchat to promote your brand or music can be instrumental in acquiring fans and racking up streaming numbers, but not every artist has opted to use social media to make their music known. Instagram is a leader for artists, but NLE Choppa has decided to build his buzz without the help of the popular platform.

Because of such, Choppa wants his credit for being an artist who has been able to build a successful career and increasing fanbase without the help of Instagram or some huge promotional effort.  

John Sciulli / Stringer / Getty Images

“I don’t get enough credit for the views I get without a Instagram, self promo, and no other rappers posting my music,” wrote Choppa. “Everybody know Instagram the app you mainly promote on for anything merchandise, music, ETC I’m a Goat for the simple fact I’m making hits without it   Every song since ‘Famous Hoes’ was no Instagram or big promotion. ‘Walk Em Down’ 2x Platinum Without it also.”

“It’s rappers thats not touching the views I get with promotion from Instagram, other rappers, and advertising,” Choppa added. He declared that he will “be one of the greatest” because he “beat the odds in every situation.” Some have argued that artists were earning Platinum certificates, building worldwide fanbases, and topping the charts before social media was invented, but others think that that to do so within today’s current culture should be applauded.

Do you think NLE Choppa deserves more credit? Check out his posts below.

Retirement is no longer on the table, at least for now, as Chika has given fans an update on how she’s been feeling as of late. The Grammy-nominated rapper had fans concerned recently after she publicly shared her mental health struggles and frustrations with the industry. There was an outpouring of love and support for Chika, including kind words from Cardi B who urged the budding rapper not to retire after Chika announced she no longer wanted to work on her career. 

Over the weekend, Chika returned to Twitter to share that she’s decided not to retire from music while thanking those who have sent messages of positivity through this difficult time.

Jon Kopaloff / Stringer / Getty Images

“I am alive. I am okay,” wrote Chika. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out to check in. It’s been a very intense week. I’m not retiring. After what I’ve endured in the past few days, I’m not ever allowing anything to stop me or almost take me from this ghetto ass earth.” She added, “Thank you, @iamcardib for reaching out & showing such kindness to me in a time I don’t even think you knew was as serious as it was. You’ve always shown love to me & don’t think I could take that for granted. You’re appreciated.”

The rapper also gave a middle finger to her haters after sharing that she would be taking a mental health break. “I will be stepping back from social media for the time being, whether that means silence or just having someone else post for me,” Chika added. “I’m too valuable to be tampered with. And it took almost not being here to realize this internet shit isn’t worth it.”

Elsewhere, Chika cleared up rumors of what led up to this most recent mental health bout and said it was more than just online trolls. “Last week was not simply a result of online bullying. i have been working through a rough patch in life that trolls did not cause,” she revealed. “However, in one of my most vulnerable moments, i was submerged in messages encouraging me to take my life. I fought back and wished the same fate on those sending hate… I am fine and will be fine, I promise you.”

We’re happy to hear that she’s prioritizing her health over all else and hope that others will be inspired to do the same, as well. Read through Chika’s messages below.