death

6ix9ine Honors XXXTentacion At Concert In Romania

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6ix9ine paid tribute to the late XXXTentacion on stage during a performance in Romania over the weekend. The late rapper was shot and killed near a motorcycle dealership in Deerfield Beach, Florida back in 2018. He was just 20 years old.

“One of my friends died back in 2018. And at all my shows, I wanna keep his name alive,” 6ix9ine told the audience. “Do you guys know XXXTentacion?” He added: “Before he died, he messaged me and said, ‘don’t let your guard down and be safe and I love you.’” He went on to refer to X as his “best” competitor in the music industry.

6ix9ine Performing In Stockholm

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – SEPTEMBER 19: Tekashi 6ix9ine performs in concert at Hovet on September 19, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Redferns)

The performance comes after the release of 6ix9ine’s newest song, “Y Ahora,” which he dropped earlier this week. It isn’t the first time that 6ix9ine has taken an uncharacteristically serious tone while discussing the death of X. Back in 2018, he paused another show to praise the late artist. “Sometimes I feel like I do too much trolling. Sometimes I feel like I do too much,” 6ix9ine said at the time. “And tomorrow’s not promised, you know what I mean? I feel like someone might get the wrong image of me. You could be here today and be gone tomorrow. X spread nothing but positivity. Always called me on the phone, ‘Danny, are you okay?’ ‘Danny, you’re doing this the right way just try to do more of this. You could call me, talk to me like what’s going on.’… Knowing that he was nothing but positive and nobody wanted to harm him.”

Prior to his death, XXXTentacion had become one of the biggest rising hip-hop artists in the world. His breakout single, “Look at Me,” peaked at number 34 on the US Billboard Hot 100 launching him into mainstream success. His debut album 17 is certified triple-platinum in the US and reached number two on the Billboard 200. Further, his second album ? debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and is certified quadruple-platinum in the US. Check out 6ix9ine’s comments on XXXTentacion below.

6ix9ine Pays Tribute To XXXTentacion

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Chuck D Honors Harry Belafonte: “Father Figure Of Our Community”

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Chuck D spoke about the impact of Harry Belafonte during an interview with TMZ at LAX on Tuesday. The legendary singer, actor, and activist died of congestive heart failure earlier that morning at the age of 96. Belafonte spoke at Public Enemy’s Rock & Roll Hame of Fame induction ceremony back in 2013.

“Harry Belafonte is a giant tower of our time. In his whole 96 years of his existence, his dignity, his grace, his power, his strength, and never was thinking about me– always thinking about we,” the Public Enemy rapper said. As for how he will remember Belafonte, Chuck D added: “As a father figure of our community. And I had the pleasure and the utmost privilege and joy for him to be able to share his time, council, laughs, wisdom, intelligence. He inducted Public Enemy into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and we honored him that night.”

Harry Belafonte Inducting Public Enemy Into The Hall Of Fame

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 18: Singer Harry Belafonte speaks onstage during the 28th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on April 18, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Kane/WireImage)

Chuck D was far from the only hip-hop artist to speak out about Belafonte’s impact in the wake of his passing. Diddy also shared a heartfelt message on social media on Tuesday. “I’m so blessed that I had the chance to get to know Mr.B,” Diddy captioned a photo of himself with the late Belafonte. “He taught me so much. The number 1 thing he taught me was to always have a rebel heart. Be fearless and do what others aren’t willing to do for the advancement of your people. ALL HAIL A TRUE KING AND REVOLUTIONARY! Thank you! Thank you!!”

Regarding his efforts as an activist, Belafonte was a key voice in the civil rights movement, even becoming a close friend of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. He also led a campaign against apartheid in South Africa, and befriended Nelson Mandela. Additionally, he worked in the fight against HIV/AIDS and became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Chuck D On Harry Belafonte’s Legacy

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Diddy Mourns Harry Belafonte: “A True King & Revolutionary”

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Diddy reflected on the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte on Instagram, Tuesday, after the legendary singer, actor, and activist passed away. Belafonte’s publicist, Ken Sunshine, confirmed to CNN that he died of congestive heart failure on Tuesday morning at the age of 96.

“I’m so blessed that I had the chance to get to know Mr.B,” Diddy captioned a photo of himself with the late Belafonte. “He taught me so much. The number 1 thing he taught me was to always have a rebel heart. Be fearless and do what others aren’t willing to do for the advancement of your people. ALL HAIL A TRUE KING AND REVOLUTIONARY! Thank you! Thank you!!”

Harry Belafonte At A Civil Rights Rally

A crowd of over 10,000 civil rights marchers gathers in the Manhattan Garment Center as Harry Belafonte sings at spiritual at a civil rights rally.

In addition to his work in the arts, Belafonte was a key voice in the civil rights movement, contributing his efforts as a strategist, fundraiser, and mediator. Over time, he even became a close friend of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Bernice King shared a statement in the wake of Belafonte’s passing. “When I was a child, #HarryBelafonte showed up for my family in very compassionate ways,” she wrote. “In fact, he paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings. Here he is mourning with my mother at the funeral service for my father at Morehouse College. I won’t forget…Rest well, sir.”

Later, Belafonte also led a campaign against apartheid in South Africa, and befriended Nelson Mandela. Additionally, he worked in the fight against HIV/AIDS and became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. “I’ve often responded to queries that ask, ‘When as an artist did you decide to become an activist?’ ” Belafonte once said, as noted by CNN. “My response to the question is that I was an activist long before I became an artist. They both service each other, but the activism is first.” His efforts blended with his music when he came up with the 1985 hit song, “We Are the World.”

Diddy On Harry Belafonte

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Scientists Claim You Could Upload Dead Loved Ones To Computers By End Of 2023

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Dr. Pratik Desai, a Silicon Valley computer scientist, says that you may be able to upload your dead loved ones onto your computer by the end of the year. In a post on Twitter, Friday, Desai predicted that a human being’s “consciousness” could be uploaded onto digital devices using videos, voice recordings, documents, and photos of the person. They could then create an A.I. system to recreate that person.

“Start regularly recording your parents, elders and loved ones,” Desai advised in his post, as noted by the New York Post. “With enough transcript data, new voice synthesis and video models, there is a 100% chance that they will live with you forever after leaving physical body. This should be even possible by end of the year.”

The 2022 World Robot Conference In Beijing

BEIJING, CHINA – AUGUST 18: A boy points to the AI robot Poster during the 2022 World Robot Conference at Beijing Etrong International Exhibition on August 18, 2022 in Beijing, China. The 2022 World Robot Conference kicked off on Thursday in Beijing. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Desai wasn’t the only voice to echo this theory. A company called Somnium Space is offering an AI-based “live forever” mode that will require massive amounts of personal data. “Literally, if I die — and I have this data collected — people can come or my kids, they can come in, and they can have a conversation with my avatar, with my movements, with my voice,” founder and CEO Artur Sychov told Vice. “You will meet the person. And you would maybe for the first 10 minutes while talking to that person, you would not know that it’s actually A.I. That’s the goal.”

One A.I. platform called Deepcake has also created a “digital twin” of Bruce Willis. They hope that the actor’s likeness will be able to appear on-screen despite his retirement from acting. Willis retired after being diagnosed with aphasia, a brain disorder that affects his ability to communicate. Earlier this year, he was also diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. In Willis’ case, his estate will have final say on the projects the artificial version will appear in.

Pratik Desai’s Prediction On Twitter

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DMX Fans Remember Late Rapper On 2nd Anniversary Of His Death

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Fans and friends of the late DMX reflected on the impact of the legendary rapper on the second anniversary of his death, Sunday. The It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot rapper died on April 9, 2021, at the age of 50. His official cause of death was listed as a cocaine-induced heart attack.

“Long live my Dog 4 Life @dmx THE GREAT,” Swizz Beatz captioned a post for his longtime collaborator. The late rapper’s crew also announced a Ryde Out event for DMX. “Save the date! On April 9th please join the Ruff Ryders Family as we celebrate and remember our brother DMX and all our fallen Soldiers with our NYC Ryde Out!” they wrote on Instagram. “Please bring all your family and friends for a day full of food, fun, games, and music. More details information to come.”

DMX Mural In Yonkers

YONKERS, NEW YORK – JULY 13: The official mural of DMX is unveiled on July 13, 2021 in Yonkers, New York. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Def Jam)

Others to share posts for DMX included Wyclef Jean, Eve, Missy Elliott, and more. In addition to the myriad of artists, many fans also published tributes online. “Two years ago today we lost one of the greatest hiphop artistes of all time, The Great DMX, Rest In Power King,” wrote one fan on Twitter. Another added: “Today is the 2nd Anniversary of the passing of DMX…Let’s Celebrate his Life and and Legacy today!! You were one of the Realist ‘X’ Inside and Out and we will NEVER forget you or your Music!! R.I.P.”

Shortly after DMX’s passing, a memorial service was held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. At the event, Swizz Beatz called out people for not being more supportive of the rapper prior to his death. “I just wish all these people showed up for him when he was here. You got thousands of people claiming who they are and tickets and things like that,” he said. “This man needed everybody. He didn’t need everybody when he’s not here, he needed everybody when he was here. We have to learn to celebrate each other while we’re here … I don’t want y’all to show up to my shit when I’m gone, unless you was showing up while I was here.”

DMX Tributes

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Nipsey Hussle’s “Victory Lap” Almost Didn’t Get Released, MyGuyMars Recalls

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Nipsey Hussle‘s 2018 album Victory Lap almost didn’t happen, according to MyGuyMars. The producer reflected on the making of Nipsey’s iconic album during a recent interview with HipHopDX. He explained to the outlet that almost everyone working on it was unsure it would ever be finished.

“I definitely remember the conversations [about Victory Lap] from Nip, but I remember more-so the conversations from everybody else saying it’s not coming out,” MyGuyMars told interviewer Jeremy Hecht. “It was crazy because he had an era where he was low-key blackballed and then you know, a gangsta from L.A. is not the most accepted internationally. So it was like the odds were really against us so we had to do more than anybody else to break these records, to break him.”

Nipsey Hussle Performing At The BET Awards

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 24: Nipsey Hussle performs onstage at Live! Red! Ready! Pre-Show, sponsored by Nissan, at the 2018 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 24, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for BET)

He continued: “It was even songs like the songs that y’all hear now. We had to go in and really treat ourselves like if we were the other producers. We were competing with ourselves. Like take the beat out and do another beat or take the vocal and try something else. So I think with Nipsey having that energy and us challenging each other, that’s what made the songs the greatest songs and the greatest stories and people feel like, ‘Dang, I’m riding on Crenshaw right now,’ or, ‘I could see the songs and it sound like it look!’ Because he was very intentional like you said about how he wanted to convey the things and because we knew that info we were able to convey it sonically.”

He also explained that there was pressure to “create the best that you can” while in the studio for the project. From there, MyGuyMars revealed that the team took influence from Dr. Dre and his work on Doggystyle and The Chronic. “We studied what Dre was doing with Doggystyle, The Chronic. These are classic projects and we wanted to do a classic project and that was Nip’s whole thing. He was like, ‘In order to do a classic project, I have to have my main producers and establish a sound.’ So like anything that happened, it came through us. Even if it was outside producers – if we had to retouch the beats, if we had to remake the beats. But that’s why I feel like the energy was so fire because you had to come with your A-game or don’t come in the studio.”

MyGuyMars On The Making Of “Victory Lap”

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Questlove, Japanese Breakfast, & More Pay Tribute To Ryuichi Sakamoto

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Ryuichi Sakamoto, the legendary Japanese composer who rose to prominence as a member of the Yellow Magic Orchestra, passed away at the age of 71. In the wake of the announcement, Questlove, Japanese Breakfast, and many other artists shared tributes for the late musician on social media. Sakamoto was initially diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but appeared to be doing well for quite some time. In 2021, he announced that the cancer had returned.

“While undergoing treatment for cancer discovered in June 2020, Sakamoto continued to create works in his home studio whenever his health would allow,” Sakamoto’s management, Commmons, wrote in a statement. “He lived with music until the very end. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to his fans and all those who have supported his activities, as well as the medical professionals in Japan and the U.S. who did everything in their power to cure him. In accordance with Sakamoto’s strong wishes, the funeral service was held among his close family members.”

Ryuichi Sakamoto With David Byrne At The Academy Awards

LOS ANGELES – APRIL 11: Composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, musician David Byrne of Talking Heads and composer Cong Su attend the 60th Annual Academy Awards on April 11, 1988 at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

Questlove paid tribute in an Instagram post, writing: “Thank You Ryuichi Sakamoto for your gifts. Sad to see another force leave this planet. Even if he name isn’t familiar his influence on ANY artist you ever tested your b-boy b-girl poppin/lockin/breakdance/electric boogie sites HIM as their god.”

Close friend and collaborator, Alva Noto, also wrote on Twitter: “We will miss you on this side of life. A void is left that I cannot fully grasp at the moment. Our deepest condolences to those who were closest to him.” Japanese Breakfast further remarked, “I am so so sad. What a loss.”

Over the course of his career, Sakamoto won an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Grammy, as well as 2 Golden Globe Awards as a film-score composer. He worked on The Last Emperor, The Revenant, Snake Eyes, and more over the years.

Ryuichi Sakamoto Tributes

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Boosie Badazz Says Whitney Houston Was “Everything To Me”

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Boosie Badazz reflected on the death of Whitney Houston during a new interview with Vlad TV. Speaking with the outlet, Boosie remarked that the late singer was “everything to me.” The topic of her death came up while discussing the passing of Three 6 Mafia rapper Gansta Boo, which was allegedly linked to Fentanyl.

“Drugs just fuck everything up,” he said. “I hate what it did to Whitney Houston. I hate that. That woman was everything to me. Her drug [usage] made the whole fucking world lose respect for that woman.”

Boosie On Stage In Georgia

COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA – AUGUST 15: Boosie Badazz performs onstage during The Parking Lot Concert Series at Georgia International Convention Center on August 15, 2020, in College Park, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

From there, Boosie called out a hypocrisy he believes exists regarding Whitney Houston. Explaining why he feels the world is “shaped” wrong, he asked why the NFL called off the Buffalo Bills game against the Cincinnati Bengals after Bills safety Demar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest, but Clive Davis continued with his iconic pre-Grammy gala after Whitney Houston died earlier that day. “The disrespect for that fucking woman,” Boosie remarked.

Houston died on February 11 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California. A month later, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office reported that her death was the result of drowning and the “effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use.” Toxicology results also revealed the use of diphenhydramine (Benadryl), alprazolam (Xanax), cannabis, and cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril).

As for Gangsta Boo, the iconic Three 6 Mafia rapper was found dead at her home in Memphis, Tennessee, on January 1, 2023, at the age of 43. While officials didn’t release a cause of death, an overdose is suspected. The rapper’s mother Veronica Mitchell and the rest of her family released a statement after her passing. “The Mitchell family would like to thank everyone for their condolences regarding the untimely death of Lola ‘Gangsta Boo’ Mitchell,” the message read. “The family is asking for your continued prayers and privacy as we process the loss of our loved one.”

Boosie’s Conversation With “VladTV”

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NFL Ref Bill Leavy Passes Away, Twitter Reacts

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The NFL is celebrating the life of longtime official Bill Leavy. Leavy passed away on Wednesday, according to NFL executive Walt Anderson. The nineteen-year officiating veteran was 76 years old. Anderson stated that the cause of death has yet to be announced. Bill Leavy’s biggest career moment was the time he was selected to officiate Super Bowl 34. The contest featured the Tennessee Titans and the St. Louis Rams. The game went on to be one of the more iconic Super Bowls, with the Titans falling just short of a game-tying touchdown.

Anderson had plenty to say on just who Bill Leavy the person was. “Always kind and thoughtful,” Anderson further lamented his thoughts by saying, “Bill was instrumental in mentoring countless young officials throughout his career.” In a time where officiating is heavily scrutinized, an official like Levy remains revered. Many in the NFL community took to Twitter to celebrate the life of the NFL official.

Celebrating The Life Of Bill Leavy

Everyone from the media, colleagues, and former players extended their sympathies to the Leavy family. All are in agreement that Leavy is the perfect example of what an NFL official should be. As well as how someone should conduct their own lives. The NFL lost a special person in the passing of Leavy. Leavy called it a career in 2014. A career that began in 1995 went full circle as Leavy was awarded the Art McNally award in 2019. An award that is given to the greatest officials of the sport.

A sad day in the NFL. However, even through the sadness, everyone has been able to share the positive impact that Leavy left behind. Which is the best thing a person can do. Do you have any stories on games that Leavy officiated in his career? Any fun moments that you can recall during his tenure? Drop a story in our comment section below. For more NFL news, stay with us at HNHH. Before signing off, I would like to extend my sympathy to the family of Bill Leavy. A true professional of NFL officiating and a great human being.

Twitter Reacts

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PnB Rock’s Girlfriend Addresses People Blaming Her For His Death

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PnB Rock’s tragic passing hit many very hard, yet his girlfriend recently addressed those hurt souls who blamed her for his death. Moreover, many believe that by sharing their location, she ultimately caused the shooting that took his life. However, with time to process, she took to Instagram to share her perspective. “This to everyone who thought they was gonna bully me off the internet,” she wrote in an IG post. “For those tryna tear me down at my lowest and didn’t apologize…I still forgave you. And thanks to everyone who had my back and was taking up for me. Thank you for praying for me and my family. Love you guys!!!”

Moreover, Stephanie Sibounheuang expressed going through a really rough time after Rock’s loss, something online hate didn’t ease. “I’m not doing so well, but God is keeping me; he got to stand on me,” she remarked in an interview with Baller Alert. So, right now, I’m just on this journey with God. Like, I’m just walking with him, no distractions. I’m pure. I haven’t had, well, of course, I haven’t had sex with nobody, but I haven’t been talking to nobody. I’m just aligned with God.”

PnB Rock’s Girlfriend Responds To Blame Accusations For His Death

Another loved one of PnB Rock’s to recently honor his memory was his brother PnB Meech. Furthermore, he recently released the song “Feel Numb” that reflects on his brother’s passing and the mindset he found himself in afterwards. “I’ve been going through it, I’m like ‘When I’m gon’ get enough?’” he raps on the song. “N***as took Rock, and now I’m drunk tryna kill somethin’ / 30 on me, I’mma let this pop for my day ones / N***as with me, and we all gon’ ride ’til our day come.”

Meanwhile, Steph also recently asked fans to stream Rock’s only independent song “Luv Me Again.” On that topic, some posthumous releases might reward the label more than the artist’s family and close ones. As such, at least his girlfriend is there to set the record straight on Rock’s music and make sure he’s remembered well. Let us know your favorite PnB Rock song in the comments and stick around on HNHH for the latest on the rapper’s memory and legacy.