Free From “106 & Park” Responds To Allegation That Jay-Z & Her Had A Baby

Thanks to the Diddy scandal, Jaguar Wright, and many other accusers, there are a lot of Jay-Z rumors floating around the Internet right now. They’re all just allegations, and despite the fervor with which many social media users discuss them with online, they remain baseless at press time. One older rumor largely attributed to Wendy Williams is that he had a baby with 106 & Park host Free, a speculative theory which people have often dismissed in the past. Now, Free herself came through with a response on her social media, denying it outright. As you can see in the comments section of the Instagram post below, this resulted in a lot of fervent discussion, especially considering how long this has been in the rumor mill.

“‘Where’s the kid you and…’” Free read a comment from a fan during her recent Instagram Live session. “You know, I be reading it all the way thinking that y’all got a real question. Cut it out. I’ll say it one time: Free has no biological children. You guys picking fools? *laughs* You guys picking nuts.”

Read More: Joe Budden Podcast Debates If Drake Is In A Position To Go At Jay-Z

Free Responds To Jay-Z Child Rumors

In fact, Jaguar Wright’s allegations about Jay-Z made Piers Morgan take down his interview with her, during which she had made them. “There’s rumors and then there’s nonsense and this is one step further,” Hov and Beyoncé’s lawyer Alex Spiro told TMZ about the situation. “This is a pointed and formal accusation of something. I felt it needed to be responded to. I think somebody reported it was a cease-and-desist. It wasn’t that. It was quite bluntly an ultimatum, which is to remove that false accusation that’s demonstrably false or a court’s gonna order you to. So, I think he made the wise choice and acted accordingly.”

“Editing interviews is not something we do lightly at a show called Uncensored,” Piers Morgan said of the Jay-Z debacle. “But like the proverbial cries of fire in a crowded theater, there are legal limits on us, too. And we apologize to Jay-Z and Beyoncé.” We will see what other wild, speculative theories come and go amid all these scandals and baseless allegations.

Read More: Dame Dash Divulges On Why He Walked Away From Jay-Z & R Kelly Collab Album

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Usher Has Heartwarming Reaction To Spotting Free From “106 & Park” In Crowd

Last week, Usher kicked off his eagerly anticipated “Past Present Future” tour with an unforgettable performance in Washington, D.C. Originally scheduled to begin earlier this month, the tour was pushed back after the hitmaker suffered a neck injury during rehearsals. Luckily, it looks like he had a speedy recovery, and wasted no time getting back to giving fans what they love.

While Usher has already impressed countless supporters with his tour, he himself recently became starstruck onstage after spotting none other than Free Marie Wright in the crowd. In a clip from his recent stop in Boston, he’s seen putting the show on hold to give her a shoutout. “Hold on, hold on, hold on. Is that Free I see?” he asked, looking shocked. He then stepped down to greet her, putting his appreciation for the former 106 & Park host on full display.

Read More: Usher Faces Clone Accusations As Uncanny Clip Goes Viral

Usher Stops Show To Give Free A Shoutout

Free shared a clip of the wholesome moment on Instagram today, thanking the city and praising Usher for the show. “About last night .@usher gave the kid so much love in the hometown! ♥ fur and the GRILLS 🤣🤣! Beantown I LOVE you back infinity 🙋🏽‍♀️💚 Thank YOU and Goodnight,” she captioned the post. As expected, fans in The Shade Room‘s comments section are commending Usher for giving Free the shoutout she deserves. “FREE is a legend and nobody matches what her and AJ did for music culture on 106,” one Instagram user writes. “She’s a living legend !!!” another notes.

Fans certainly can’t blame Usher for doing a double-take, and loved to see him giving Free her flowers. What do you think of Usher’s reaction to spotting Free Marie Wright in the crowd at his recent tour stop in Boston? Can you blame him for stopping the show to give her a shoutout? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Usher Fan Loses It During Shirtless Performance Of “Climax”

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Rocsi Diaz Net Worth 2024: What Is The TV Host Worth?

Rocsi Diaz is a prominent figure in entertainment television. She has carved a unique niche as a host, actress, and radio personality. Diaz is known for her charismatic presence and engaging interviewing style. She has become familiar on various platforms, from radio to the red carpet. As of 2024, her career spanning diverse roles in the media industry has accumulated a net worth of $3 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This figure reflects her financial success and her versatility and influence in the entertainment world.

Career Highlights: A Rise To Prominence

Rocsi, Beyonce and Terrence J during Beyonce Knowles Visits BET’s 106 & Park – December 4, 2006. At BET Studios in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by John Ricard/FilmMagic)

Diaz’s journey in media began with her work in radio, where her talent for connecting with audiences quickly became apparent. Her breakthrough came as a co-host on BET’s 106 & Park, a highly popular music video countdown show. There, she interviewed numerous high-profile celebrities and musicians. Her role on 106 & Park cemented her status as a prominent television host. Beyond hosting, Diaz has also made her mark as an actress and correspondent. This showcases her adaptability and range in the entertainment industry.

Beyond The Camera: Personal Ventures & Advocacy

rocsi diaz
Rocsi and Terrence, hosts of BET’s “106 & Park” during BET’s Rip the Runway 2007. Arrivals at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage for BET Productions)

In addition to her on-screen achievements, Diaz has expanded her influence through various personal ventures and advocacy work. Her involvement in charitable causes and advocacy for health and wellness issues highlight her commitment to positively impacting beyond her professional sphere. Diaz’s personal life adds depth to her public persona. This resonates with fans who admire her for more than just her media presence.

Rocsi Diaz’s personal journey through the world of entertainment is marked by her experiences navigating fame, her growth as a media personality, and her pursuit of diverse interests. Her background, including her Honduran and Chilean heritage, has shaped her perspective and approach to her career. Diaz’s story is one of ambition, perseverance, and a continuous quest for personal and professional development.

Impact & Legacy: A Multifaceted Media Personality

rocsi diaz
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 06: TV personality Rocsi Diaz attends the VH1 ‘Dear Mama’ taping on May 6, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images for VH1)

Reflecting on Rocsi Diaz’s $3 million net worth in 2024, her career in the entertainment industry is a testament to her role as a multifaceted media personality. Her contributions as a host, actress, and advocate have not only garnered her financial success but have also established her as a significant figure in entertainment. Diaz’s legacy is characterized by her engaging presence, ability to connect with a diverse audience, and impact on the media landscape.

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Keshia Chante Explains The Origins Of Bow Wow Beef

Keshia Chante has a pretty impressive and versatile collection of achievements in her career. Aside from being a singer she is also an actress and served as the host of 106 & Park alongside Bow Wow. Many probably remember that she was identified as the girl “Kiki” in Drake’s smash hit song “In My Feelings” which spawned from the pair’s relationship nearly a decade earlier. But it’s her co-host Bow Wow who she has a longer running and even more complicated connection to.

Chante sat down in a recent interview to discuss her origins with the rapper. In the story, she recalls Bow Wow personally requesting that she be the lead video girl in the music video for his song “Shawty Like Mine.” But when she flies out to meet him, he tries to get her to stop by his hotel, and Chante declines. Shortly after she finds out that she’s been replaced as lead girl in the video by Angela Simmons. It worked out for her in the end though because Chris Brown took notice. Chante ultimately got the chance to star in his video instead. That created what she described as a “rivalry” between the various parties involved which reportedly ran for years. Check out the full interview clip below.

Read More: Bow Wow Accused Of Stealing Jermaine Dupri’s Dads’ “Scream Tour” Name

Keshia Chante And Bow Wow’s Origins

Fans in the comments mostly took the opportunity to clown on Bow Wow. “Men be so sassy ….” the top comment on the post reads. Many others agree. “So bow wow is the lil black angry bagel guy from 2017,” and “So Lil bow wow been a menace” other comments read.

Clearly, the pair eventually put the beef behind them during their tenure as 106 & Park hosts. Bow Wow has been slamming the door on other beefs recently too. He shut down rumors of a feud with Romeo just last month saying “I have mad love.” What do you think of Keshia Chante’s story about being replaced as the lead girl in Bow Wow’s video after refusing to go to his hotel room? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Drake Walks Out With Bow Wow During Second Atlanta Tour Stop: Watch

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Why Was Chief Keef Banned From The BET Awards?

The term “blackballed” gets thrown a lot these days. Rappers fail to land on the Billboard charts, and all of a sudden, there’s a massive conspiracy to take them down. In many cases, this simply isn’t true. However, for Chief Keef, there’s validity behind these claims regarding his relationship with BET. 

The Chicago rapper will perform at the 2023 BET Awards – the first time in his illustrious career – this Sunday, June 25th. He will be joining an all-star generation-spanning roster of talent for their celebration of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary. Given Chief Keef’s impact and influence, it only makes sense that he joins the likes of Fat Joe, E-40, Tyga, Big Daddy Kane, and more to celebrate the milestone. 

Still, At one point, it felt like a far-fetched concept to see Chief Keef appear at the BET Awards or any other programs on the network. The network banned him from the 2013 iteration, and he unleashed a fiery rant on social media in response. Although the reason for the ban wasn’t clear at the time, many chalked it up to his controversial nature, whether due to the violent nature of his music, his feuds with other rappers, or his NSFW social media posts. Keef would later claim that he was effectively banned from BET. As fans anticipate his performance this Sunday, we’re diving into the reason why he was blackballed in the first place. 

Read More: 2023 BET Awards: Best Group Nominees

The Genesis Of Chief Keef Vs. BET

SAN BERNADINO, CA – SEPTEMBER 7: Chief Keef performs as part of the Rock the Bells Tenth Anniversary at San Manuel Amphitheatre on September 7, 2013 in San Bernadino, California. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

As fans inquired why the hottest rapper at the time wouldn’t appear at the BET Awards, Chief Keef explained in 2014 that it was because he failed to show up at 106 & Park. “BET banned me a long time ago becuz I didn’t attend 106 & Park cuz I ain’t f**ckin’ feel like it,” he tweeted to a fan. It’s an explanation that doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given that this is the same rapper that flaked on a video shoot with 50 Cent and Wiz Khalifa for the lead single of his debut album.

Read More: Chief Keef Says 50 Cent & Young Jeezy Gave Him Advice

Keef Bashes The Network

At the height of Chief Keef’s popularity, he took social media where he declared, “F*ck BET Awards.” Shortly after revealing the mishap at 106 & Park, he went off on the network and the annual event with promises to stir up problems. “I’mma let y’all know right now. If we go to the BET Awards, chains gettin’ took, b*tches gettin’ f*cked. Baby mama’s gettin’ f*cked, still pregnant. All of that,” he said.

Read More: 2023 BET Awards: Best International Act Nominees

BET Blackballed Chief Keef

In 2016, Bow Wow finally confirmed that the speculation surrounding Chief Keef’s relationship with BET was, in fact, true. On Twitter, Bow Wow confirmed that BET placed a ban on the Chicago rapper, which he hinted later played a role in Keef’s inability to break into the mainstream. “BET banned sosa. I was fighting to get sosa on 106 it was no go from the uppers. They really black balled him from mainstream its cr*zy,” he wrote. 

Read More: 2023 BET Awards: Best Male Hip Hop Artist Nominees

BET Lifts Ban 

Chief Keef performs in New York City.
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 05: Chief Keef performs at Brooklyn Bowl on December 5, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

This Sunday, Chief Keef will join an all-star roster of talent, which includes Big Daddy Kane, DJ Unk, Ja Rule, Kid N’ Play, Soulja Boy, Master P, MC Lyte, and plenty of others for the BET Awards Hip Hop 50 Medley. It’s unclear what song Chief Keef might perform but we could imagine he’ll be one of the highlights at the show. 

The BET Awards will take place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on June 25th, 2023. The show begins at 8 p.m. Will you be tuning in?

The post Why Was Chief Keef Banned From The BET Awards? appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Jermaine Dupri Doubles Down On 106 & Park Statement

So So Def CEO Jermaine Dupri has continued to appear on a string of podcasts throughout his latest press run. In December, the esteemed label head visited The Goats And Underdogs show to speak on his longtime career when Bow Wow was brought up. Dupri, who was an essential component in Bow’s rise to fame, alleged he created the legendary 106 & Park show for the young rhymer. BET’s popular 2000’s music video countdown series was originally hosted by personalities A.J. Calloway and Free Marie. Bow Wow began hosting after a search for A.J. and Free’s replacements in October 2012.

The VERZUZ performer doubled down on the statement in his latest interview with the I Am Athlete podcast. The goated musician retold the story of how he went to BET’s now-former Music Programming lead to discuss a new show. “106 & Park was created by me,” Jermaine Dupri reminds the cast. “I went to Stephen Hill at BET and told him, ‘Listen. MTV has a TV show called TRL. They let the Backstreet Boys, and N’SYNC, and all these boys come on there and that’s they[‘re] show. I said ‘Yo, we need this in Black music.’” When asked by Hill who he thought would be up for the task, Dupri didn’t hesitate to throw Lil Bow Wow’s name in the hat.

Jermaine Dupri Stands On 106 & Park Comments

”He ain’t know what Bow Wow was gonna be. We put out ‘Bounce With Me’ and they created 106 & Park,” Jermaine Dupri continues. “That’s why I named Bow Wow ‘Mr. 106 & Park,’ because I created the show. I basically told them ‘You gotta do this.’” Upon hearing the news, Bow Wow denied Dupri’s involvement completely, which sparked outrage from former label mate Da Brat. The rapper blasted Bow “for being so rude and disrespectful” towards the man who made him a “complete star.”

Towards the end of the clip, Jermaine Dupri adds that he ”brought young n***as to Hip-Hop.” “I brought that energy to Hip-Hop. There has never been anybody younger than Kris Kross and Bow Wow, that sold more records than Kris’s Kross and Bow Wow.” Despite their back and forth, Dupri still believes Bow doesn’t receive enough recognition for kicking off “lil” artists. His list cites Chris Brown, Omarion, and even Lil Uzi Very. “There was no ‘lil’s’ before Bow Wow,” he ends.

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Da Brat Goes Off On Bow Wow For Countering Jermaine Dupri’s “106 & Park” Claim

Jermaine Dupri recently lit up Hip Hop with a revelation, but it has caused a firestorm involving Bow Wow and Da Brat. While recently on The Goats And Underdogs podcast, the So So Def icon said that the classic, iconic BET show 106 & Park was created by him for Bow Wow. The rapper thrived under Dupri’s umbrella in his youth, and according to the megaproducer, this was another stepping stone for the star.

“I was watching MTV and MTV had TRL. And they was catering to N’Sync, they was catering to the Backstreet Boys,” he stated. “Anything white that was coming out that was Pop, they was allowing these kids to scream and holler. I’m like, ‘Yo, we don’t have nothin’ for Black people. Like, where’s the Black kids that love music. Why don’t they have a show like this?’”

Read More: Jermaine Dupri Says He Created “106 & Park” For Bow Wow

An interview clip quickly circulated online, and people soon praised Dupri for conceptualizing the series. However, Bow Wow jumped into the conversation to debunk Dupri’s claims.

“JD aint create 106&Park stop the cap,” Bow tweeted. “Stephen hill Rick Ghrimes & all the great people in the BET OFFICE & staff created that show. All I did was capitalize off of what they created and made it mine. I would know… I am Mr 106!”

He added, “I would never take away from someones creativity.”

This was a reaction that Da Brat certainly wasn’t fond of, and she took to the internet to unleash her disappointment in Bow.

Read More: Bow Wow Rejects Revival Of “106 & Park”: “BET Just Don’t Get It”

“Bow what I can’t letchu do is discredit my big brother JD who u called your dad for so many years cuz that is pretty much the roll you gave him,” she wrote. “You are being so rude and disrespectful to the person who believed in you, nurtured you, made you a complete star, wrote all yo hits, accepted the challenge when Snoop brought you to him. He has never done ANYTHING to you but help.”

She wasn’t quite finished. “He isn’t and never would discredit BET execs.” Adding, “He discussed creating 106 b4 it was created so black people could have our own TRL. NO CAP!”

Former BET president Stephen Hill also chimed in on the conversation.

Read More: AJ Calloway Remembers 106 & Park On Its 22nd Anniversary

“Yeahhhhhh our memories on how 106 & Park was created differ GREATLY,” wrote Hill. “Now, NO ONE challenges that Bow Wow helped launch 106 to great heights…. that is for sure true. But ‘CREATED BY ME’ might be a bit of an overstep for ya, my man. Love you ALWAYS!!!”

Bow Wow still tripled down that Dupri wasn’t the catalyst for 106 & Park. Check out more below.

Jermaine Dupri Says He Created “106 & Park” For Bow Wow

There have been talks about having 106 & Park revived for BET, and now, Jermaine Dupri is taking a walk down memory lane. Last year, Bow Wow expressed interest in having an executive position at BET. During that time, there were also speculations that he wanted to revive 106 & Park for this generation of R&B and Hip Hop listeners, but later, he revealed that the BET powers that be weren’t interested in the concept.

While on The Goats And Underdogs podcast this week, Dupri gave insight into how the series began. “106 & Park was created by me. I created the show for Bow Wow,” Dupri revealed.

Read More: Bow Wow Rejects Revival Of “106 & Park”: “BET Just Don’t Get It”

“I was watching MTV and MTV had TRL. And they was catering to N’Sync, they was catering to the Backstreet Boys,” he also stated. “Anything white that was coming out that was Pop, they was allowing these kids to scream and holler. I’m like, ‘Yo, we don’t have nothin’ for Black people. Like, where’s the Black kids that love music. Why don’t they have a show like this?’”

“So, I called Stephen Hill and I said, ‘Yo, I got [an] artist, we need to make a show just like TRL. He said, ‘What’s the artist?’ And I said, ‘His name is Bow Wow.’ Of course, he was like, I don’t know. Everybody challenges what I’m saying.”

Read More: AJ Calloway Remembers 106 & Park On Its 22nd Anniversary

“Mind you, they wasn’t gon’ put Bow Wow on TRL like that because he was also a rapper. He was a Black, little young boy rapping. But he also was 12 years old. Nobody on TV was 12 years old anywhere creating this type of pandemonium.”

Dupri returned to Hill to further emphasize the need for a BET version of what TRL was accomplishing. From 2000 to 2005, 106 & Park‘s original hosts were A. J. Calloway and Marie “Free” Wright. In 2006, Rocsi Diaz and Terrence J took over until their tenure ended in 2012.

Bow Wow would also famously host the series in 2012 alongside Jordan Johnson, Kimberly Walker, and Mykel Gray. After straightening out who would remain as hosts, Bow was joined by Angela Simmons.

Check out highlights from 106 & Park‘s reign below.