backlash

Timbaland Calls R. Kelly “The King Of R&B,” Fans Lash Back

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Timbaland just caught a lot of heat online for proclaiming that R. Kelly, convicted sex offender, is “the King of R&B.” Moreover, the producer made such comments during his conversation with Shannon Sharpe on the latter’s Club Shay Shay podcast, where they also broached Timbo’s struggles with addiction. However, his praise of the disgraced R&B star didn’t come without its caveats, as he acknowledged that it was a loaded subject that people quickly bash on. Still, he maintained the importance of separating the art from the artist when it comes to their greatness and impact, and Sharpe was actually the first to do so in the conversation. Many fans expressed disappointment and anger with this take, especially considering that the Virginia native produced for one of Kelly’s victims, Aaliyah.

“R. Kelly’s the king of R&B,” Timbaland stated. “We all know that, man. And it’s funny, I’m glad you talk about that, because I be having talks- everybody jump when you say R. Kelly. I’m like, ‘So we just gonna ignore his music that he gave us, that we all jam to?’ No, we can’t do that. His art is his art, I ain’t gonna bash the man’s art. Don’t mix music up with personal. Music is a feeling, it stands alone. Music is something that don’t have no race, it brings people together. It don’t have no drama with it. It is a place of enjoyment, a feeling, so don’t bring drama into music. Leave that outside.”

Read More: R. Kelly Victim Gets Priority Access To His Royalty Fund

Timbaland & Shannon Sharpe Speak On R. Kelly’s Legacy

Furthermore, the 56-year-old currently serves a 30-year prison sentence stemming from a New York conviction. In addition, authorities convicted him of sex trafficking, child pornography, and other federal and civil charges in Chicago this year. While the Chicago sentence is technically an additional twenty years, only one of those will be added to his total time, as the rest serve concurrently with his New York sentence. Undeniably, his legacy saw a massive and irreversible taint as a result that re-contextualized his entire work under a dark light. Check out reactions to Timbaland’s take below.

Twitter Reacts To The “King Of R&B” Take

Regardless of his thoughts on legacy and artistic separation, the case of R. Kelly precedes much of his work in today’s discussions. As such, many out there continue to make sure his crimes are not forgotten in probably the most extreme example of a tarnished musical legacy. Whether that persists for years to come remains to be seen, and whether others will face a similar fate is a mystery. For more news and the latest updates on R. Kelly and Timbaland, stick around on HNHH.

Read More: R. Kelly Files For Appeal In Federal Sex Crimes Case In NY

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Sauce Walka Responds To Backlash For Saying He Doesn’t “Date” Black Women

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Sauce Walka recently appeared on Tony The Closer’s Get Yo Ass Up podcast, where he shared his dating preferences. The Houston rapper said that he doesn’t “date black women,” leading to some intense backlash from viewers. Sauce Walka then took to Twitter to defend his stance.

When Tony The Closer asked Sauce Walka if he dates black women, he responded, “I date all women.” “But,” he continued, “when I date a black woman vs. dating a white woman, I do business. It has to make business sense. You have to understand the type of man that I am, and understand the stuff that I do.” He went on to cite differences he believes black and white women have. The rapper also stated, “I have multiple women in my life. They have to understand that there’s multiple women in my life.”

Read More: Pharrell & Jay-Z Share “Entrepreneur” Video Highlighting Black Business Owners

Sauce Walka Says He Prefers Women Who Accept That He’s “Not Monogamous”

The rapper later responded to the backlash on Twitter. He wrote, “My relationships, attraction and romance is based on making money not making love.” “I’m not the husband type black or white,” he added. Sauce Walka went on to say, “So women can choose to not be attracted to broke men with no ambition or stability etc..!? But I can’t choose to be attracted to women who understand incorporation beats independence and teamwork makes the dreamwork!? On all levels of life not jus business unity always wins!” He later claims that he prefers women who “respect the truth that [he’s] not monogomous.”

The Shade Room shared the clip on Instagram alongside his Twitter responses, prompting heated discussion from commenters. One user wrote, “How TF do you come from a BLACK WOMAN but gotta a problem and judgment on the BLACK WOMAN. We gotta stop PROTECTING the BLACK MEN who don’t PROTECT US.” Another commenter added, “So let’s call out that black women are the most sought after leaders from most major companies, including Fortune 500 companies and we are the fastest growing rate of self made millionaire’s in this country so if there’s anybody that’s about business, it’s a Black Woman.”

Read More: Sauce Walka Says He Isn’t Going To Jail After TSF RICO Indictment

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Lil Durk Faces Backlash For Saying He’s Not “Super Big On” Lyrical Rappers

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In a recent interview with Spotify’s RapCaviar, Lil Durk admitted that he’s not a fan of lyrical rap. The rapper was discussing his recent single alongside J. Cole, “All My Life.” Lil Durk’s comments in the interview sparked some controversy among viewers.

In the interview, he said Cole’s guest verse on the single “went crazy.” He went on to say, “I had to listen to it like four times.” “You know I ain’t super big on lyricist-type rappers. Cole was one of them ones that, like, him and [JAY-Z], you gotta play them 50 times to catch what they’re saying,” the rapper shared. He went on to say, “Like, if you listen to Lil Wayne right now and you heard some shit 10 years ago that you just catch onto today. But [Cole] definitely gave me one of them verses and I appreciate it. ‘Cause he ain’t even have to, for real. He could’ve given us anything.”

Read More: Lil Durk & J. Cole Have A Hit: Twitter Praises “All My Life”

Social Media Responds To Lil Durk’s Comments

Social media users were eager to make their opinions on Lil Durk’s admission clear. One user left an Instagram comment, calling it a “[sad] day when mfs don’t listen to actual lyrics.” Another wrote, “He’s not super big on lyrics, Lyrical Rappers……Then what is my generation of rappers doing on songs smh.” “I like Dirk’s music but cmon bro. I don’t understand why my generation doesn’t the core of what hip hop is and what is used to stand for,” they added.

Despite his criticism of the genre, Lil Durk went on to compliment Cole’s work on “All My Life” in an interview with Complex. “He smoked my ass on that one, for one — barely,” the rapper shared. Adding, “That barely happens. But shout out to J. Cole, shout out to [Dr.] Luke, we made it happen.” Earlier this week, Lil Durk also announced his upcoming Sorry For The Draught tour. The summer 2023 tour will feature Kodak Black, NLE Choppa, and DD Osama. Lil Durk also has a new album coming out this month, titled Almost Healed, which fans can expect to hear on May 26.

Read More: Lil Durk Claims Labels Tried To Pay Him To Beef With Other Rappers

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Lakeyah Claps Back At Backlash For Rapping About Men As A Lesbian

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Lakeyah recently responded to online backlash she faced after people pointed out that, as a lesbian, she raps about male lovers on her tracks. Despite some criticism, the Milwaukee rhymer maintained that she does so to relate to a wider listener base. “I can’t wait until you start rapping about being with women,” one user expressed on Twitter. “What’s the difference when a gay male artist talks about having a p***y and doesn’t have one?” the No Pressure Part 2 MC tweeted in response. In fact, this is far from the first time she’s addressed the issue.

“Don’t worry about the pronouns I use in my music,” Lakeyah previously expressed on Twitter. “I be tryna relate to the broader audience. If you gay rap it in gay. Hell idk leave me alone.” In another tweet, the “Real B***h” artist expanded on her sexuality and creative process. “Nobody MAKES me rap the way I do love,” she wrote. “I’ve been a lesbian since I was young & I also have been studying and making music since I was 14-15. Rapping the SAME way I do. With male pronouns for as long as I can remember. My sexuality is def a ‘if Yk Yk.’”

Read More: Lakeyah Flexes Her Confidence In New Single & Music Video, “I Look Good”

Lakeyah Addresses Backlash To Her Lyricism

However, such conversations haven’t really dampened her career or visibility at all, so she’ll likely continue to brush off the haters. One of her most recent musical appearances was her contributions to DDG’s deluxe version of his album It’s Not Me It’s You. Alongside Coi Leray on the track “Rich B***h,” Lakeyah came through with her consistently boisterous and confident energy. Once you back up your choices with bars, rap fans find it a whole lot easier to understand.

Still, this does open up an interesting conversation on representation, relatability, and how much artists should cater to their listeners. Regardless, from the 22-year-old’s expressions, it’s clear she will do whatever makes her most comfortable and fitting as a lyricist. If, for her, that means including the widest net of people possible, than who is anyone to ask her to do any different? After all, it’s not like her music is overtly exclusionary to begin with. Let us know what you think of this debate in the comments and return to HNHH for more on Lakeyah.

Read More: Lakeyah Talks Tee Grizzley Love, Being Slept-On In Milwaukee & Signing To QC

Brian McKnight Responds To Backlash, Shares Photos Of His Biological Children

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Brian McKnight recently caught a lot of heat online for something seemingly innocuous: celebrating his daughter-in-law’s birthday. However, what got people mad is how, for years now, reports have come out that McKnight forgot about his four biological children. After social media riled against him for what many found to be an insensitive post, the R&B/soul singer finally addressed his viral backlash. For one, he posted various pictures of him and his kids over the years, which he believes disproves these criticisms. Also, he said that there’s always another side to the story, albeit one that he hasn’t shared often.

“Not sure how these posts that have been sitting here this whole time were left out of the false narrative that is trending,” Brian McKnight wrote on Instagram. “Abandonement? There’s always more to every story. Stay tuned.” Furthermore, he also included the captions for these family pictures with his kids. For example, one read “Throw back to our wedding day with my sons happiest day of my life.” Another, this time from McKnight’s wife, contained the following message: “My husband my sons and daughter on the most beautiful day of our lives.”

Brian McKnight’s Response

Still, this might not convince people that the situation is any better, especially after the Instagram birthday post in question. “Today we celebrate you Jules on your birthday,” Brian McKnight wrote to his step-daughter. “Your mom and I couldn’t be prouder of you and I couldn’t ask for a better daughter than you!!! Happy birthday to the best daughter ever! Love u a zillion.” When it comes to the 53-year-old’s own biological daughter, he has a less than positive relationship with her at the moment.

Meanwhile, the artist’s son Brian McKnight Jr. had previously blasted his father back in 2021. “When it comes to my father, the proof is in the pudding,” he began. “If there are still people out there wasting their breath putting us down for speaking our truth, challenge them to question how they think they know our father better than us? Lol you know his body of work; we came from his actual nuts.” Regardless of these unfortunate family matters, stay logged into HNHH for the latest on Brian McKnight.

Kehlani Removes “N***as” From Streaming After Backlash, Twitter Reacts

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Fans of Kehlani are not happy with the removal of the track “N***as” from digital streaming platforms. Moreover, the track’s disappearance seems to stem from some backlash they faced over using that word, as many believe that their race is ambiguous and it was therefore in poor taste to release such a song. However, some users expressed that this was another instance of people’s outrage going too far. While it hasn’t blown up too much as of yet (and they apparently haven’t responded or stated anything about it yet) this will surely reignite some of that conversation online.

“Twitter y’all done bullied kehlani into taking one of her best songs off streaming platforms… #JusticeforN***asbyKehlani IDGAF!” one impassioned fan wrote on the social media platform. Another came through with a more serious and broad response in defense of the singer. “Kehlani Removing Her Song N***as From Streaming PlatForms Was Definitely Caused By The Social Media Drama That The Haters Created Earlier This Month,” they wrote. “Now, All Of Those OutRaged Critics Can Settle Down & Stop Their Fake OutRage. At The End Of The Day, Kehlani Is A Black Lady.”

Kehlani Took A Fan Favorite Off Streaming

Given that the “Nights Like This” artist is usually quite thoughtful in their statements, their words on the matter will likely hold a lot of weight. What’s more is that fans eagerly anticipate their next move, especially given recent posts and developments. For example, they recently returned to TikTok alongside new girlfriend Kiara Russell, dancing along to Polo Frost’s viral hit “Hey Hey.” In addition, through some sultry new snaps, they teased their next album. With some more social media activity, Kehlani fans should have a lot to look forward to.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old recently reflected on their love life and not really having a type. “People would say that I have a type, but they haven’t seen everybody that I’ve ever talked to or dated,” they remarked. “So I’m actively always fighting that in my head. Like, do I just get on the internet and show them every single person I’ve ever spoken to?” Regardless of that, check out a couple of more reactions to “N***as” not being on streaming anymore below. Also, check back in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Kehlani.

Twitter Reacts To Song’s Removal

Daniel Caeser Reflects On 2019 Backlash: “I Deserved It”

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Toronto-born R&B singer Daniel Caeser went on a pretty lengthy rant about race relations back in 2019. The performer took to Instagram Live to sound off some of his opinions about Black people that he felt were “unable to take a joke.” At the beginning of the live stream, Caeser freely admits that he is inebriated. He goes on to ask why Black people treat white people the way they do. Ultimately, the Canadian contended that the only solution is to create an understanding and move forward. That isn’t a bad idea in theory. However, the reality is that white people have done far more than “be mean in the past,” as the singer put it. The rant was the subject of a lot of drama in the media. Both fans and fellow artists alike spoke out to condemn what Caeser said.

The Freudian artist eventually issued an apology. “Me and my friends, we agree with the sentiment. and there was no one there to challenge our ideas. That’s also dangerous. It was a very tyrannical rant because a tyrant doesn’t have people around checking him,” Caesar said. “Honestly, I’m glad this happened because I feel like I’m coming full circle. This shit has been hurting me so I feel like I’m stronger because of this. This is hurting my ego right now – I don’t like apologizing because I feel like I’ve been doing it for so long.”

Caeser Says He Was Wrong

Daniel Caesar performs on the Coachella stage during the 2022 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Coachella)

Following the controversy surrounding his statements, Daniel Caeser saw a definite impact on his career. While his 2019 album, Case Study 01, may have charted higher than his debut, he found himself with few supporters. The embattled artist recently stopped by Apple Music to promote his new album, Never Enough, where he spoke at length about the situation and his growth since then.

“I completely understand the response. After taking time to get over myself and to really honestly look at myself and everything that was happening, I was wrong,” Caeser said. “I did deserve… What happened, happened because I deserved it, because I knocked the domino over and set a course in motion.” Do you plan to check out the R&B crooner’s new album? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more music news updates.

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Donald Glover Admits He Cried Over Backlash To “Atlanta” Season 3

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Donald Glover says that he cried in response to the backlash over season 3 of his hit FX series, Atlanta. Reflecting on the season during a new interview with GQ, Glover explained that he still feels people will view the episodes in a positive light in retrospect. Glover explained that fans “deserve something that isn’t easy for everyone to digest all the time.”

He continued: “I knew season three wasn’t easy. We all knew it wasn’t easy. We knew opening the season without [any of the cast] was going to make people fucking mad and be like, ‘What the fuck?’ It felt like…you’re climbing and you’re climbing to get to the top where the light is. And when you get there, you can do whatever dance you want. And that’s what everybody’s fighting for.”

Donald Glover At The Premiere Of “Atlanta” Season 3

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 24: (L-R) Donald Glover, Brian Tyree Henry, LaKeith Stanfield and Zazie Beetz attend the Premiere of The 3rd Season of FX’s “Atlanta” at Hollywood Forever on March 24, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

“I think with me specifically, people never give me the benefit of the doubt,” he said. “And I needed to see for me. This has nothing to do with the art, because I made sure that the art was good. But it really was a personal exploration just for me. No one else knows this, but I was like, Did I make it? Did I make it to the Kanye and the Quentin Tarantino and the Scorsese level? I do think people will go back and be like, This season is good. I wasn’t ever worried about that.”

From there, Glover compared himself to Wes Anderson, who he says “never makes money,” but still receives funding for unusual projects. “Like with Wes Anderson, there’s different rules. This n***a never makes money. It’s not about the money. It’s because a certain group of people are like, ‘This is important.’ And I was like, ‘Are Black people at a point now where they can do that on their own?’”

He elaborated by referencing Prince’s Sign o’ the Times: “It made me very sad. I cried. I did. Not like, ‘You guys, this is really good.’ [Laughs.] It’s like what Prince said when U2 won best album. He was like, If y’all wanted me to make that album, I could have. U2 couldn’t make Sign o’ the Times. But I know the character I am in culture and in Black culture—and that it doesn’t feel good coming from me. And also like, I don’t feel good saying shit like that. I’d much rather lay on the empathy.”

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Andrew Tate On “Drink Champs”: N.O.R.E. Faces Backlash For Extending Invite To Podcaster

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Since its 2016 inception, Drink Champs hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN have interviewed a slew of incredible guests, including Pusha T, Amber Rose, and Irv Gotti. While the show is primarily about conversing with figures who have had a significant impact on the culture and giving them their flowers, sometimes they choose to deviate from the norm. Unfortunately, it seems Noreaga’s most recent attempt to do just that earned him some serious hate online.

In wake of Andrew Tate’s release from Romanian jail last week, the 45-year-old hopped on Twitter to suggest that he make an appearance on Drink Champs. “Do we want [him] on [the show]?” N.O.R.E. asked his followers on Friday (March 31) evening. Before long, countless replies clowning the very notion of the controversial figure sitting down with DJ EFN and his co-host. “The weakness that has,” one meme-reply reads. “The stupidity that that has, the denial that that has. The exclusion that has, the impotence that that has, the absence that has. The restricted implications that has.”

N.O.R.E. Invites Embattled Entertainer on “Drink Champs”

While he’s no longer spending most of his time in a small cell, Tate is still on house arrest, leading B-boy Crazy Legs to question if an appearance on Drink Champs would qualify as “work release.” Many others made it known that they’re strongly opposed to the idea, writing, “Say April Fools, it’s ok to be an hour early,” and “Yeeeah the culture is done.” As the backlash has continued to pour in, N.O.R.E. made it known on Sunday (April 2), that he was only kidding when posting the initial inquiry.

In response to a post asking, “What does he even contribute to hip-hop, or people? #toxic #misogyny,” the “Oh No” rapper clarified, “I was joking!!” Even with this explanation, some are continuing to lash out at the media personality for even thinking of giving a platform to someone facing accusations of human trafficking, among other things. Keep scrolling for more Twitter reactions to N.O.R.E.’s upsetting Drink Champs proposal. After reading, let us know if you would watch Andrew Tate on the popular podcast in the comments.

Twitter Reacts

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Nick Cannon Speaks On Growth After Anti-Semitic Comments

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Nick Cannon recently addressed how he went through a process of growth after anti-semitic comments he made in 2020. Moreover, he revealed his thoughts during a recent interview with AllHipHop, and said that he’s still undergoing that learning phase. For those unaware, Cannon’s comments about white people being “barbaric” and “true savages,” plus his praise of anti-semitic Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan, resulted in his long-running “Wild ‘N Out” show’s cancellation for some time. However, since then, he made significant steps to rectify his wrongs, and spoke on his personal evolution.

“Man, I’m going to be super honest with you,” he began. “That process was a growth moment for me, on so many levels as a man. And I even now, we have a podcast, myself and the CEO of the ADL, Jonathan Greenblatt, called Solutions: To Hate or Not To Hate. And it’s really talking about the equation of our two communities from two different perspectives. We voice our side, or the perspective as a Black man, and then he voices his side from a Jewish man.

Nick Cannon Addresses Anti-Semitic Comments And His Growth Away From Them

Their conversation on Cannon’s comments begins around the 16:30 mark.

“Just even that alone is helpful and educational for both communities,” the TV host continued. “And again, because that’s the thing, we can sit up here and be enraged, but if we don’t engage, what are we really doing, if we can’t even learn from one another? And clearly, we all know the issues, we all know the tropes, we all know the stereotypes. It’s just about bringing people closer together. Ultimately, nobody’s monolithic, but we’re all one organism that allows this thing to keep pumping.”

Furthermore, these remarks display acknowledgement of mistakes, a continuous reevaluation, and a desire to make things better. As such, many expressed support for the father of 12 on his journey, and the last three years clearly taught him a lot. Hopefully, when it comes to other celebrities who spewed similar rhetoric to much backlash, they can make strides to see the error of their ways as well. Regardless, check back in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Nick Cannon.

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