Donald Trump reportedly wants to hold a massive campaign event at Madison Square Garden in New York City featuring Black hip-hop artists and athletes. According to a new report from the Associated Press, the former President of the United States hopes the move can help him earn key votes from Black and Latino Americans that could push him over the edge in this year’s election.
Lynne Patton, a senior adviser on the campaign overseeing coalitions, says the Trump team is laying the groundwork for an expansive outreach toward minority voters. “We are speaking with Black leaders, we are speaking with small-business owners, we’re speaking with famous athletes, hip-hop artists, some of whom I think you’d be surprised if you knew who was talking with us right now,” she said in an interview according to the AP. “These are people who are expressing openness to supporting President Trump both publicly and privately.”
Donald Trump Meets With Kanye West In The Oval Office
Surrounded by members of the press and others, American rapper and producer Kanye West stands while he talks with real estate developer and US President Donald Trump in the White House’s Oval Office, Washington DC, October 11, 2018. West wears a red baseball cap that reads ‘Make America Great Again,’ Trump’s campaign slogan. (Photo by Ron Sachs/Consolidated News Pictures/Getty Images)
Plenty of artists in hip-hop have voiced support for Donald Trump over the years including Kanye West, Kodak Black, as well as Lil Pump, and more. Former President Barack Obama theorized why some rappers support Trump during an interview with The Atlantic in 2022. At the time, he previously suggested that, for some artists in the genre, “it’s all about the bling, the women, the money. A lot of rap videos are using the same measures of what it means to be successful as Donald Trump is. Everything is gold-plated. That insinuates itself and seeps into the culture.”
Jasmine Harris, who works as Joe Biden’s campaign director of Black media, labeled Trump a “fraud” in response to the report. “Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans proudly admitting that they have no real strategy to reach Black voters because they believe all they need is rap concerts and free chicken is only surprising if you haven’t paid attention to Trump’s fraudulent relationship to Black America for years,” they told the AP. Be on the lookout for further updates on Donald Trump and the 2024 Presidential Election on HotNewHipHop.
Kodak Black has vocally endorsed Donald Trump. However, the rapper went well beyond simply stating his voting preference. “We should have Donald Trump in office for 20 years,” Black declared. Of course, this is not the first time that Black has linked up with the former President. Trump gave Black a presidential pardon, though that action did little to curtail Black’s run-ins with the legal system.
“I’m mafioso, bruh. He a Gemini just like me. His birthday three days after my sh-t. And that boy, he be vibing out here too [in Florida]”. Black told Drink Champs last year. Furthermore, Black said he wouldn’t hesitate to give Trump $1 million if the former President asked for it. He’s not the only rapper to endorse Trump as of late. Earlier this week, Money Man also threw his hat behind the embattled former President.
Elsewhere, Trump once again threatened the end of democracy in the United States if he does not win the general election in November. “Now if I don’t get elected, it’s going to be a bloodbath for the whole — that’s gonna be the least of it. It’s going to be a bloodbath for the country. That will be the least of it. But they’re not going to sell those cars. They’re building massive factories. If this election isn’t won, I’m not sure that you’ll ever have another election in this country,” Trump said in a speech in Ohio. Trump’s comments were riffing off previous ones he had made about the Chinese auto industry.
However, Trump’s campaign has attempted to mitigate his comments. “Biden’s policies will create an economic bloodbath for the auto industry and autoworkers,” campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told NBC. However, it’s not the first time Trump has alluded to ending democracy in November. In previous speeches, he has warned of a violent rebellion if he does not win. Meanwhile, leaked documents have shown Trump’s plan to essentially install a military dictatorship if he is elected.
Money Man has become the latest rapper to endorse Donald Trump in the 2024 election. “I f-ck with Trump. I’m f-cking with Trump. I would go Trump. This my thing, I don’t think the Democrats done did sh-t for us. Man, I don’t see n-ggas getting rich out this b-tch man. Trump just, at least the other side they gone tell you how they feel. You know what I’m saying? Shoutout to Trump man,” Money Man said this week.
However, as mentioned, Money Man is not the only rapper backing Trump. Last year, Benny the Butcher announced that he was voting for Trump. Despite this, there are doubts that Benny can vote. Having been convicted of three felonies in the past, Benny could be ineligible to vote, depending on where he is registered. 24 states have laws governing if and how those convicted of felonies can vote. A further 23 states do not allow the currently incarcerated to vote. Only Maine and Vermont have no voting restrictions when it comes to criminal history.
Meanwhile, Trump didn’t wait for the “official” Republican response to President Biden’s State of the Union address, taking aim at the President on Truth Social. ”That may be the Angriest, Least Compassionate, and Worst State of the Union Speech ever made. It was an Embarrassment to our Country! He wants our Country to be flooded with Migrants,” Trump ranted. Biden had taken shots at Trump over the January 6 insurrection. However, he also announced plans to bring aid to Gaza and promised to restore Roe v. Wade.
Furthermore, Trump took aim at Mark Zuckerberg. ”If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business. I don’t want Facebook, who cheated in the last Election, doing better. They are a true Enemy of the People!” Trump claimed. The former President, who is currently the presumptive Republican nominee for November’s election, certainly made a choice by invoking electoral fraud. Trump is currently facing multiple legal cases surrounding his attempts to interfere with the 2020 election.
Kanye West is someone who has never shied away from involving himself in the world of politics. Back in 2020, he tried to run for President of the United States. However, this did not work out for him. Instead, he received barely any votes and his whole campaign was a laughing stock. He ran on a bizarre platform centered around Christian nationalism. Furthermore, he had already endorsed Donald Trump years prior, who was already runny as the incumbent.
If you remember, a few years ago, there was a story that came out in which Trump allegedly called Kim Kardashian “disgusting.” This happened during a meeting with Ye, and it led to a falling out of sorts. Ye wanted Trump to be his running mate and it’s clear the former President was not interested. However, despite this feud, it seems like Kanye is firmly back on the Trump train. While surrounded by Paparazzi recently, he said: “Yeah of course, it’s Trump all day. What you talking ’bout? You know what it is.”
Fans should not be that surprised by the endorsement. After all, Ye was hanging around Milo, Nick Fuentes, and even Candace Owens as late as last year. All of these figures are massive in right win circles and they have all endorsed Trump in the past. Now, we are in an election season where Trump could very well win back the Presidency. Many are scared of this scenario, although the Trump supporters are doing everything they can to get him back into the White House. At this rate, we could end up seeing Ye next to Trump at rallies. This is the first year that Ye is a Trump supporter during an election season in which he himself is not running.
Let us know what you think of Kanye and his latest endorsement, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming releases.
2024 has only just begun, but already, this year’s Presidential Election is weighing heavy on the minds of Americans. Donald Trump critics are working hard to prevent the Republican reality star from landing in the White House again, with multiple states launching campaigns to keep him off the primary ballot (some successful, others not). On the Democratic side of the fence, current POTUS Joe Biden is hitting the trail again as he moves into his mid-80s, much to the disappointment of journalists like Charlamagne Tha God.
During 2020’s election, The Breakfast Club host endorsed Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris. However, in a recent interview with Politico, Tha God confirmed he won’t make the same decisions this time. “I’ve learned my lesson from doing that. Once they got in the White House, she… kind of disappeared,” he said of the first BIPOC (and first woman) Vice President. According to Charlamagne, people in his life held him accountable when Harris failed to “hold it down” as he had promised them she would.
Charlamagne Tha God Hopes Current POTUS Won’t Run Again
“‘Damn, you told us to vote for [them].’ Do you know how many people say that to me all the time?” he vented to the outlet. As HipHopDX notes, Biden was in hot water after appearing on Charlamagne’s radio show in the year he entered office. At the time, the media mogul raised questions about Democrats taking the Black vote for granted. “You’ve got more questions, but I tell you … if you’ve got a problem whether or not you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t Black,” was the politician’s response.
Charlamagne Tha God isn’t the only public figure speaking out against President Joe Biden, though he may be the one to get his point across most poignantly. As far as our favourite rappers go, Denzel Curry is making his stance on the 84-year-old running in the 2024 election well known, which you can read more about at the link below. For more music and pop culture news updates, check back in with HNHH later.
Tekashi 6ix9ine is involved in yet another lawsuit. The 27-year-old is now at the center of a legal battle between two vape companies. The rapper’s vape brand Dummy Vapes is suing Fume, alleging that they’ve been trying to get him to endorse their vaping products despite an exclusive deal they have with him.
According to Dummy Vapes, 6ix9ine agreed to “exclusively endorse” their vaping products in February of this year. In the suit, they claim that Fume offered 6ix9ine $1 million to meet with them earlier this summer, but he turned their offer down. Fume then allegedly contacted 6ix9ine’s partner, Yailin la Mas Viral, and offered her a $250K contract. In July, the rapper entered into a merchandising deal with Fume. The brand released various flavors, some of which were reportedly named “Dumy Vapes by Fume.”
The brand claims that 6ix9ine clarified at one point that he only works with Fume under Yailin la Mas Viral’s deal. Dummy Vapes, however, alleges that when they spent $60K for him to take a private jet to an event to promote their products, he backed out. According to them, he canceled his appearance “due to directives from Fume.” The brand is seeking damages from Fume for allegedly meddling in their relationship with 6ix9ine.
Unfortunately, the vape drama is not the only legal battle 6ix9ine’s gotten wrapped up in as of late. He was also sued by tattoo artist Takashi Matsuba earlier this summer for alleging that he used to use drugs. In documentaries on both Showtime and Hulu, the rapper claimed that the artist was the inspiration for his rap moniker. He added, however, that Matsuba was a former heroin addict. In his suit, Matsuba says that he lost various friends as well as his wife due to 6ix9ine’s false statements. What are your thoughts about the two vape companies’ legal battle over 6ix9ine’s endorsement? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on 6ix9ine.
When you think of athletes and their clothes and shoes, one brand should come to mind asap. But, of course, we are talking about Nike. The most well-known and recognized brand worldwide. Starting on January 25, 1964, Nike has served to be the best in the world for sports equipment and everyday wear.
Many flaunt their love for Nike by wearing an array of shoes or sporting the many clothing options. In fact, Nike made a whopping $49.107 billion last year, which was a 6.05% increase from the previous year.
With all that money in hand, Nike has the financial stability to endorse some of the most recognizable athletes in the world. However, with the aggressive amounts of money Nike pays these athletes, what makes them unique? Most of the names on the list are considered GOATS in their respective sports. Yet, many live up to their expectations with the money Nike spends on these deals.
Today we break down Nike’s top 10 most expensive endorsement deals—the 2023 updated list.
10: Kobe Bryant, Basketball
With our first spot on the list, we have the man himself, Kobe Bryant. Kobe officially started with a six-year deal with Adidas but switched to Nike in June 2003.
Next up on the list is Phoenix Suns power/small forward Kevin Durant. Durant is another athlete Adidas tried to sign, but he turned down the $70 million deal. But, again, it seemed like he preferred the check mark compared to the stripes.
He makes a pretty solid paycheck from Nike, who offered him a seven-year deal that pays him around $8.5 million annually. Durant was also Nike’s fourth highest earner in the year 2022, which had a $35 million return.
After winning multiple competitions and tournaments, she has proved to be such a profound player. Sharapova is also the only female on this list, but she definitely deserves the spot as she even sports an Olympic Silver Medal.
Sharapova had an eight-year $8.75 million deal that was worth $70 million in 2010. In 2018, Sharapova failed a drug test that ended with Nike dropping her from her endorsement.
7: Roger Federer, Tennis
For how amazing he is at tennis, Roger Federer’d deal is worth all the money. Building his name from the career he has accomplished gave Nike every right to the amount of his contract. He won almost every Grand Slam Fibal from the years 2005 to 2010.
Federer has earned a 10-year deal with Nike, making him around $10 million annually. So if we do the math, that is $100 million in just ten years!
The only baseball athlete on this list, Derek Jeter, is a staple name in baseball. Having multiple World Series titles, Golden Gloves, and World Series MVPs, Nike definitely wants him on a deal.
Jeter has appeared in multiple Nike ads and even has the famous slogan, “hustle has no age limit.” We couldn’t agree more with the ad, as Jeter earns $10 million yearly on a 10-year contract.
One, if not the most famous athlete on this list, is none other than LeBron James. Of course, whenever we see LeBron or hear his name, we can always associate him with Nike. But, like many others on this list, he has his own signature shoes.
James must have scored himself a lifetime deal with Nike, especially after the milestones he has accomplished in his career. In fact, in 2015, he signed a lifetime deal with them. James has earned himself a $15 million deal a year deal with Nike.
When it comes to golf, there are two names you should know, and Tiger Woods is an absolute. Woods is on top of the list as one of the highest-paid endorsers for Nike.
He has also signed multiple deals with the company, with the first one happening in 1996. His first contract was $8 million for five years, which is chump change nowadays for Woods.
Woods earned $20 million a year in the most recent contracted deal for five years. In retrospect, he makes $100 million in just five years. Furthermore, he isn’t even the most highly endorsed golfer.
2: Rory Mcllroy, Golf
Rory Mcllroy is another name in golf that many of us should know. At the time of his deal, when he was 23 years old, Nike needed a young face to the company.
His collection at Nike offers every essential product a golfer made need before his time at the range. He makes a staggering $25 million a year.
He first signed with Nike in 2013, earning $100-$250 million. Then in 2017, he extended that contract to 10 more years for $200 million.
You may consider him the greatest basketball player of all time. You may also think of his signature shoes when you think of Nike.
I’m talking about basketball legend Michael Jordan. The staple and activeness he has with Nike is insane and tops many other deals alike. His Air Jordans are what many sneakerheads and fans alike crave for when it comes to shoes. From that celebrity status he has earned, Nike definitely needed to make a massive deal with the star athlete.
Michael Jordan’s deal with Nike was a whopping $60 million annually. He still continues to earn his endorsement money to this day.
As we look back at some of these athletes, we think of the significant accomplishments they have gained over the years. We see the reason why Nike pays them the big bucks. We can also see a trend on Nike favoring basketball and tennis the most.
As more athletes sign with Nike, we wonder if anyone will ever top these deals.
Snoop Dogg says that he once helped a company reach a $100 million valuation by posting them on his Instagram page. He recalled the story during a recent appearance on the 85 South Comedy Show.
Initially, Snoop explained that he didn’t see Instagram as something that he could profit from.
“Look at this shit, I can just post anything,” Snoop began. “Then I say, ‘Oh wait a minute. I can just post some shit I’m selling or some shit I want you to show up to, or some shit I’m promoting or a positive message, or some shit I’m trying to get off.’ Then, I started thinking like a businessman.”
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Snoop Dogg performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
“Then the n****s from Instagram do an interview and say, ‘Hey man, our company was regular until one celebrity got behind it, and then we became a $100 million company. That celebrity was Snoop Dogg,’” he explained.
Snoop says didn’t get paid anything for the endorsement but has since learned his lesson.
He continued: “I didn’t have the game to get a piece of the pie … Now we know better. You know better, you do better. So, moving forward to the brothers and sisters out there watching, when you [are] valuable, know your value. Ask for equity. Ask for a piece of the pie. Don’t just take that little snap back that they want to throw you up front. You want a piece of the pie to make sure that you get a piece of it after it continues to grow. If you grew a brand, you should be a part of the brand.”
Despite the rookie mistake, Snoop has proven to be quite the businessman over his career. Earlier this year, he purchased Death Row Records and is reviving the label.
(@kingjames)