After months and, to be frank, years of build-up, speculation, hard work, and determination, the United States of America just earned their fifth-straight Olympic gold medal in men’s basketball after defeating the Victor Wembanyana-led French team 98 to 87 on Saturday (August 10). Moreover, this team comprised of LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, Bam Adebayo, Joel Embiid, and more superstars were heavy favorites to win, but most importantly, they and their opponents gave some truly great displays of the game. Steph Curry, in his first Olympic appearance, clutched some staggering shots across this game and previous ones, pushing his team to victory.
Another big name to mention in all this is Kevin Durant, who became the first player to win four gold medals in men’s Olympic basketball history. Along with being the highest point-scorer in U.S. Olympic history, this sets him apart as among the most decorated, if not the most decorated, U.S. basketball player ever at these events. Of course, once you go on Twitter to take a look at highlights, a lot of people are deservedly giving KD’s former Warriors teammate his due flowers. But everyone on Team USA (sorry, Kawhi) should be very proud of what they achieved in Paris this year.
Team USA’s Kevin Durant becomes the first player to win four Gold Medals in men’s Olympic basketball history. Durant has also scored the most points in USA Olympic history. The two-time NBA Finals MVP cements himself as the most decorated USA Basketball player ever. pic.twitter.com/SjvYRtbEPr
Elsewhere, the Olympics have been a pretty interesting affair beyond the hype for Team USA Basketball… and if you’re a hip-hop fan, they’ve been pretty divisive. Breakdancing made its debut as an Olympic event this year, and some of the showcases (in particular, some viral moves from Australian representative Raygun) were… Is embarrassing the right word? It’s funny because there were some really great breakdancers there, and it’s great to see the tradition represented at this massive global scale. But its separation from hip-hop and Black culture at large at these events, plus the less-than-impressive performances, make it a tougher pill to swallow.
Well, at least Snoop Dogg was there to represent the culture, too. Nevertheless, if you’re a basketball fan, and even if you’re a Team USA hater, there were some great moments to witness during the 2024 Olympics. Congratulations to Curry and company for their victory, and to all the teams for giving it their all. Will France come back in four years’ time, will the U.S. keep their dominance, or will a new challenger like Serbia challenge for gold? We shall see…
Unfortunately, for Scott, yesterday (August 9) he found himself in a Parisian jail following an supposed altercation with hotel security. But today (August 10), Scott has been released from jail, according to TMZ.
The outlet reported that Scott was allegedly involved in a fight. At that time hotel security attempted to deescalate the situation but in the process a vase was shattered. At that time, police detained Scott, then transported him to jail. He was later transferred to a hospital for treatment. A representative, close to the matter, seemingly confirmed Scott’s injuries with a statement. “There were no injuries to any other party, including his security,” said the rep.
However, it appears no assault charges were filed. So, today, the Paris prosecutors contacted TMZ to confirm Scott’s case had been dismissed. The reason for the dismissal was supposedly because “the crime was insufficiently characterized.” The agency reportedly doesn’t intend to pursue charges at a later time.
Travis Scott got on the wrong side of an altercation on August 9. The Houston rapper was arrested for getting into a fight with his bodyguard at a luxury hotel in Paris. According to People Magazine, Scott’s representatives are still working to get the rapper freed. “We are in direct communication with the local Parisian authorities,” they noted in a written statement. “To swiftly resolve this matter and will provide updates when appropriate.” Apparently, Scott’s legal team aren’t the only ones working to get him out though. Kai Cenat, streamer extraordinaire, decided to offer assistance as well.
Cenat was also in Paris for the Olympics, and decided to roll the dice with French authorities. He went up to a random squad car and asked that Travis Scott be released ASAP. “Please, just free Travis right now,” he said to the officer behind the wheel. “Everybody’s concerned, everybody’s worried, so we gotta get him freed.” Kai Cenat voices frustration when he realizes the officer doesn’t speak English. He then goes to a Black officer and attempts the same routine. The second officer confirms that he doesn’t know who Scott is, but Cenat isn’t buying it. “Bro, Travis Scott,” he asserted. “It’s lit! Fein! Y’all just had arrested him yesterday.” No dice. The streamer walks away from the interaction empty-handed.
Kai Cenat and Travis Scott have developed a close friendship over the years. The latter has called Cenat during his streams, and have even linked up for 24 hour streams in the past. Cenat is also a huge fan of Scott’s music. He regularly posts reactions to new Scott music, and even went viral when Scott went 0 for at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Cenat was visibly frustrated by the fact that Travis Scott failed win any of the rap categories. “Who decided this motherf*cker?,” the streamer asked. “Who the f*ck decided this motherf*cker? Her Loss? Utopia? Metro Boomin?”
The viral moment happened back in February, but has actually become relevant again. Killer Mike, the rapper who beat Travis Scott in multiple categories, seemingly dissed the Houston rapper on his new album. Mike evidently felt a way about the pushback he got from celebrity names like Kai Cenat, and asserted that he was deserving of the wins. “You gon respect me like a motherf*ckin’ Grammy winner,” Killer Mike rapped on the album. “Like I cooked your favorite rapper like a Granny dinner.”
Breakdancing is one of hip-hop’s five pillars, and seeing it at the 2024 Olympics in Paris is quite the wild sight for the culture and art form as a whole. Sadly, this global exposure and reintroduction in the popular societal sphere probably won’t make you very happy if you’re bummed out about people forgetting about this pillar more often than not. That’s because a lot of these displays proved to be pretty cringe according to social media’s comically unimpressed reactions. Many of them took aim at a particular b-girl Raygun, although other Olympians also caught strays and jokes about their efforts.
Still, a lot of Olympics fans and viewers found some truly worthwhile and engaging performances during these breakdancing one-on-ones. Even though most of what’s going viral is the more seemingly embarrassing fare, just like with every other event, there’s always something special to witness. Hip-hop’s had a pretty eventful presence in these games this year, with Snoop Dogg pretty much being the poster boy for a lot of it. Surely, more closed and centralized hip-hop circles have a lot more to say about this breakdancing.
Elsewhere, artists like Pharrell think that the Olympics should reinstate their arts competition. “We get to remind people that at one point, the Olympics actually had the arts as a section that ran all these competitions,” he expressed at the event’s Louis Vuitton party. “Sculpture, architecture, visual arts. The idea we get to put the arts back in… Why not take this moment to bring awareness?” The LV creative director referred to the five medals awarded in fields of music, painting, architecture, literature, and sculpture from 1912 to 1948. Breakdancing is definitely a start, although it seems like they didn’t kick off on the best foot this year.
Meanwhile, there are other Olympics-slash-hip-hop moments that were perhaps not as embarrassing as some breakdancing, but were nonetheless not the typical display you’d see from the genre. This includes Travis Scott and Quavo’s impromptu performance of the U.S. national anthem. Huncho Jack and Jack Huncho were giving it their all, but if they had a mic in front of their hands, it would be a pretty bad performance. But they didn’t mean to take over a Super Bowl stage with it, so let’s let them be proud hip-hop stars and at least make the jokes funny and not mean.
Quavo and Travis Scott felt patriotic on August 8. The rappers attended the basketball semifinals at the Paris Olympics, and decided to put their musical talents to use. Well, sort of. When it came time for the crowd to stand up and listen to the National Anthem, the rappers sprung into action. Instead of putting their hands over their respective chests, they got their phone out and sang. Quavo and Scott obviously had fun, but suffice to say, it wasn’t their strongest work.
Quavo and Travis Scott appeared to be standing court side during the National Anthem (no surprise there). What was surprising was how bad the two rappers sounded during their mock performance. It was obviously done jokingly, but man did they lean into the bit. Quavo was a little more reserved, since he was the one handling the phone, but Travis Scott really cut loose. Especially during the “banner give way” part of the song. The Houston rapper tilted his head back and gave the line everything he had. It’s hilarious.
Travis Scott’s attire also garnered attention online. The rapper was rocking a Sand Springs Public Schools letterman jacket during the semifinals game. Nobody was quite sure why, but Sand Springs social media capitalized on the free publicity by posting about it on Facebook. “Medals aren’t the only gold things at the Olympics today,” the organization stated. “Travis Scott was spotted at the France vs. Germany basketball game wearing the familiar black and gold of a Sand Springs letterman jacket.” For context, Sand Springs Public Schools is located in Oklahoma.
Quavo, meanwhile, has been more patriotic than ever. The rapper recently attended the campaign rally for Kamala Harris in his native Atlanta. He not only endorsed Harris as President, but spoke on the importance of gun control. “One thing I learned from working with Vice President Harris is she always stand on business,” Quavo explained the audience. “From inviting me to the White House last year to discuss these solutions, to passing the biggest gun safety laws today.” The Migos star is also gearing up for the release of his upcoming album. His latest single, “Fly,” which contains a sample of Lenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away,” is slated for release on August 9.
All eyes have been on Paris as the 2024 Olympics have stolen the world’s attention—with Snoop Dogg at the center of it all. The greatest athletes globally have descended on France for a series of games that have fans glued to screens and wearing their best patriotic fits. Over the years, Snoop Dogg has made commentary regarding the Olympics and professional sports, and his love for the competition has landed him front row at some of the most coveted events. He did the same during the 2021 Tokyo Games, and Snoop has returned to cover the event for NBC as an official correspondent (reportedly making a pretty penny). Representing and supporting Team USA, Snoop was spotted checking out the judo matches and fencing bouts. He even helped open the Games by carrying the Olympic torch.
“It’s too hard to put in words, baby,” he told NBC of the special moment. “I mean, the D.O. Double was holding the torch, walking through the city, man. I felt like [boxer] Muhammad Ali. It was extraordinary. It was excellent. And I found out that when you hold the torch, you a peace messenger. So, I really felt good about that.” Of course, a Snoop Dogg extravaganza wouldn’t be complete without his billionaire bestie Martha Stewart, who celebrated her 83rd birthday on August 3. She also accompanied the Long Beach legend to the equestrian events, where they watched the best of the best go for the Gold.
Admittedly, Snoop confessed that he feared horses; however, Stewart was determined to get him to conquer his anxieties. Naturally, they had to do it in dressage. “I have to keep him away from the horses,” Stewart said. “No feeding, no sugar, nothing. But we’re gonna have so much fun.” Meanwhile, Snoop joked, “I am interested in the horses that dance and I want to give them some carrots and apples … make sure they’re fed before they do their thang.”
Things that were not on our Olympic bingo card: Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart watching a dressage horse named Gin & Juice. #ParisOlympicspic.twitter.com/wfvT4uLA2z
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 5, 2024
The Rap icon has also reportedly helped boost viewership for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with fans eager to see his hilarious hot takes. “This opportunity was nothing but a chance for me to show the world what it’s supposed to look like when you put the right person in the right environment,” Snoop told The Associated Press. “When the lights are on, that’s when I shine the best.” Mr. Broadus has certainly been glowing as a prime-time correspondent, and fans have taken notice. NBC has been applauded for adding Snoop to their list of anchors with his feel-good moments permeating through social media.
Aside from giving on-site updates to the events, Snoop has even danced with Simone Biles and taken a swim with Michael Phelps—two incredible Gold Medalists with long reputations for dominating at the Olympics. When gymnasts Biles and Jordan Chiles saw the rapper in the crowd dancing, they had to join in on the festivities.
Further, social media users have been tapped into NBC online as they share behind-the-scenes footage. Not only was the dancing moment caught by cameras, but Snoop’s casual dip with the famed Phelps was also captured. In a video, the “Gin and Juice” hitmaker joked, “Me and MP, we go back like the backstroke.” Then, he added more about his skills and physique. “You just described me. You said wingspan, lung power. I definitely have great lung power, and I do have a swimmer’s body. Look, our bodies are similar. Mike, we could be twins.”
Yet, Snoop seemed a bit winded when trying out some of Phelps’s best moves. “Mike, you make this look too easy, oh God. As you see, I’m in gold medal condition and he’s still in gold medal condition.” The rapper added, “As we speak, shout out to the Phelps family and to the team that’s going to give me some oxygen right now.”
Keeping up with all of the Games has proven to be difficult, but Snoop has mastered the art of…a lack of sleep? He told AP, “It’s more about relaxing rather than sleeping because I’m having so much fun.” The constant schedule of competitive sports has the Hip Hop icon running around the Olympic Village. “This ain’t the town to sleep in. This ain’t the time to sleep. This is time to be on it like you want it. It’s different events happening day and night. I want to be active with everything, because I love the American athletes and competition. This is what I’m here for.”
Moreover, there was concern from Snoop that NBC wanted him to water down his personality. Thankfully, he says he’s been able to be his authentic self, endearing fans to him even more. “That’s why it’s not hard for me,” he stated of his interviews. Snoop has been able to catch up with the likes of A’ja Wilson (women’s basketball), Noah Lyles (track and field), and more. “It’s not like an act. The bits that we do. They’re comfortable. They’re not stretched or forced. It’s me being me.”
PARIS, FRANCE July 28, 2024-Rapper Snoop Dogg cheers the USA team during qualifying for women’s team gymnastics at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France Sunday(Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
While the Paris 2024 Olympics has athletes vying for medals, it’s Snoop Dogg’s commemorative pin that has people on edge. The limited edition pin features the rapper blowing out smoke into the Olympics rings logo. Notably, behind him stands the Eiffel Tower. People have taken to social media begging for an original, but even Snoop doesn’t know where the pins can be found. “I don’t have an answer for that. I’m going to be honest with you, I have zero answer for that,” he said. “I’ll have to get y’all a sidebar on that.”
Here are more photos and videos of Snoop Dogg and his Paris 2024 Olympics activities—from hilarious moments to those warm-hearted feels. Have you been tuned in to the Games? Which event is your favorite?
Snoop Dogg of United States of America during the Judo Women -78 kg kg Repechage contest also on Day 6 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Champ-de-Mars Arena on August 1, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Henk Jan Dijks/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 21: Snoop Dogg also attends the Team USA Welcome Experience ahead of Paris 2024 Summer Olympics on July 21, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC)PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 21: Maia Weintraub, Jacqueline Debruvich, Anne Cebula, Margherita Guzzi Vincenti, Snoop Dogg, Katherine Holmes and Lauren Scruggs attend the Team USA Welcome Experience ahead of Paris 2024 Summer Olympics on July 20, 2024 also in Paris, France. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC)Snoop Dogg watching the Dressage Team Grand Prix Special at the Chateau de Versailles, also on the eighth day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France. Picture date: Saturday August 3, 2024. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 21: Snoop Dogg tries on clothes during Team USA Welcome Experience ahead of Paris 2024 Summer Olympics at Polo Ralph Lauren on July 21, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC)PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 21: Jacqueline Debruvich, Snoop Dogg, Lauren Scruggs and also Maia Weintraub attend the Team USA Welcome Experience ahead of Paris 2024 Summer Olympics on July 20, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC)
US rapper Snoop Dogg holds the torch as part of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Torch Relay, on the day of the opening ceremony, in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, on July 26, 2024. (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / POOL / AFP) (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 31: Snoop Dogg attends the Women’s Preliminary Phase Pool C match between Team United States and Team France on day five of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at on July 31, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 21: Snoop Dogg and Lauren Scruggs attend the Team USA Welcome Experience ahead of Paris 2024 Summer Olympics on July 20, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC)
Aside from the athletes, no one has had a better Olympics than Snoop Dogg, as he has been everywhere in Paris, serving as an NBC correspondent and Team USA superfan. Fans have loved getting to see Snoop’s various side quests during the Olympics, as he’s carried the torch, popped up at seemingly every event, hung out with Cookie Monster, toured the Louvre, and looked like he’s had a blast doing it all.
Over the weekend, Snoop joined his friend Martha Stewart at the dressage competition, where he got to take in the horse dancing that caused him to go viral back in 2021 when he lost his mind on his highlights show with Kevin Hart watching what he called “horse crip walking.” This time around, Snoop wasn’t going to miss a chance to see it in person, and on Sunday night he and Martha joined Mike Tirico in the NBC studio to talk about their trip out to the dressage competition. However, NBC had a surprise for Snoop, as they had video of a horse from Poland that did their routine to his song “Gin & Juice”, which led to an impromptu freestyle from the Doggfather.
Things that were not on our Olympic bingo card: Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart watching a dressage horse named Gin & Juice. #ParisOlympicspic.twitter.com/wfvT4uLA2z
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 5, 2024
As Snoop explained, after going with Martha he gained a real appreciation for the dressage competition and the way the horse and the “driver”, as he called them, are so in sync. There’s still no word if Snoop will be able to get one of the horses in a music video, but having one perform to one of his songs is pretty close.
The world doesn’t seem to agree on Snoop Dogg being the greatest rapper of all time. But, there is another title he can snatch without debate—the most globally popular.
Today (August 3), the “Gin And Juice” rapper boasted his beloved status by appearing in a video with Cookie Monster. Elmo brought his beef with Rocko to the 2024 Paris Olympics game. While Cookie Monster, on the other hand, opted for a sweet treat with Snoop Dogg.
In an adorable clip, Snoop Dogg and Cookie Monster enjoyed cookies as they stepped away from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
“Hi @SnoopDogg, me C. double O K.I.E,” read the post’s caption.
Prior to the Olympics, Snoop Dogg jokingly vowed to give up his favorite green plant if given the chance to cover the competition. However, he didn’t say anything about abandoning his munchies once they crept up.
Recently, Flavor Flav decided to lend a helping hand to discus thrower Veronica Fraley, who had more than just her Olympic debut to worry about this week. The 24-year-old Athlete took to Twitter Thursday night to share that she was struggling to pay her rent, despite competing in the most prestigious sporting event in the world the very next day.
“I compete in the Olympic Games TOMORROW and can’t even pay my rent,” the Vanderbilt University student wrote. “My school only sent about 75% of my rent while they pay football players (who haven’t won anything) enough to buy new cars and houses.” Luckily, Flavor Flav caught wind of Fraley’s predicament right away and quickly swooped in to save the day. He replied to her post, offering to pay her rent so she could focus solely on giving her all at the Olympics.
“I gotchu,,, DM me and I’ll send payment TODAY so you don’t have to worry bout it TOMORROW,,, and imma be rooting for ya tomorrow LETZ GO,!!!” he told her. From there, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian also chimed in, offering to split the cost with Flavor Flav. Clearly, this was a tremendous help to Fraley, who promptly thanked the duo. “THANK YOU & @FlavorFlav SO MUCH,” she said. “This makes every difference in the WORLD & I hope to represent team USA well this week.”
Fraley went on to share another Tweet earlier today, confirming that she was able to pay her rent. “ITS MEET DAY,” she declared. “Also paid my rent this morning [crying face emoji] [praying hands emoji] [love hearts emoji].” What do you think of Flavor Flav and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian helping out Olympic athlete Veronica Fraley by chipping in to pay her rent? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Pharrell was one of the many celebrities who attended the Louis Vutton party during the Summer Olympics. The artist’s inclusion was a no brainer, given his role as the brand’s creative director. One thing that attendees didn’t expect, though, was Pharrell campaigning to change the Olympic games. Or rather, to change them back to how they used to be. During the event, the multi-talented entertainer said that the arts competition should be restored.
Pharrell spoke on the abandoned competition during the aforementioned LV party. “We get to remind people that at one point, the Olympics actually had the arts as a section that ran all these competitions,” he explained. Sculpture, architecture, visual arts. The idea we get to put the arts back in….Why not take this moment to bring awareness?” The arts competition that Pharrell references was introduced back in 1912. Apparently, five medals were awarded in the fields of music, painting, architecture, literature and sculpture. The arts competition was removed from the Olympics in 1948, however. An attempt to bring them back for the 1952 games proved unsuccessful.
Pharrell using his voice to promote the arts makes complete sense. He has done so for the bulk of his career. During a 2012 interview with Complex, the artist claimed that every facet of his career, whether it be music or fashion, allows him to express himself. It provides the ultimate challenge and the ultimate reward. “What’s music without fashion, you know,” he noted. “What is fashion without music? They’re all basically ways to express yourself. Musically you express yourself and fashion-wise you express yourself. Some people who are good at one thing and some people are great at all three.”
Pharrell is continuing to walk the walk in his career. Piece by Piece, the upcoming film about his life, is slated to close out the esteemed London Film Festival. The film is animated, and all of the characters will be depicted as LEGOs. Once more, the artist saw LEGO as metaphor for creating. “Building with LEGO bricks encourages us to follow our imagination,” he wrote in a statement. “Who would’ve thought that playing with these toys as a kid would evolve into a movie about my life. It’s proof that anyone else can do it too.”
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(@Sixfever) August 10, 2024
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Jordan Chiles, Simone Biles, and Snoop Dogg were. 
Michael Phelps gives Snoop Dogg a swimming lesson. 
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wit 
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