Essence Festival Archives - New Hip Hop News

Birdman Clarifies His Feelings On Lil Wayne After Essence Festival Set Sparks Rumors Of Animosity

August 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Birdman has shot down the speculation that he dissed Lil Wayne at Essence Festival in New Orleans last month during his “Birdman & Friends” set. Reflecting on the performance during an interview with Gregory “Geedy P” Earls on Monday, the Cash Money Records co-founder said he would never diss Wayne. At the end of his performance, Birdman remarked, “I swear to God on everything I love — and I love nothing more than Ms. Gladys — I will never let my city down and be a p*ssy-ass n***a for nobody.” Wayne didn’t join him for the show and instead performed separately, leading to rumors of a rift between the two.

“I seen n****s was talking about, ‘Wayne ain’t wanna do this and do that.’ Wayne wasn’t even gonna do Essence. I called my son and asked him to do it because I was doing Birdman & Friends. He did it ’cause I asked him,” he clarified. “We always knew that Wayne was gonna have his own set. Because me and Juvie and Geezy and Fresh, we rehearsed together every day and we had our own set together. But we all knew that Wayne was gonna have his own set. He was only a surprise guest. He had done Essence two years in a row and he turned them down personally, and I asked him would he do it for me, and he did it for me. Shout out to my son Weezy, man.”

Birdman & Lil Wayne Celebrate The Release Of “Funeral”

MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 01: Birdman and Lil Waune attend Lil Wayne’s “Funeral” album release party on February 01, 2020, in Miami, Florida (Photo by Gerardo Mora/Getty Images for Young Money/Republic Records)

From there, he reiterated that his remarks to end the show were not directed at Wayne. “No, no. I ain’t got the heart to say nothing negative about Wayne,” he confirmed. “I love my son, man. That wasn’t what that was about. What I meant by that is I ain’t gonna let this game play me. The game done played a lot of n****s. I ain’t never gonna be a p*ssy-ass n***a to this industry and let them play me. I ain’t built like that and I ain’t gonna let my city down by being a p*ssy-ass n***a.” Check out the full interview below.

Birdman Discusses Relationship With Lil Wayne

In other Lil Wayne news, he teamed up with Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign for the song, “Lifestyle,” which has been making headlines since its release over the weekend. Be on the lookout for further updates on Birdman and Lil Wayne on HotNewHipHop.

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[WATCH] Did Wayne Not Perform With The Hot Boys At Essence Festival Because Of Turk?

July 11, 2024 by newhiphopnews

There’s no secret that there has been a lot of heat within the Hot Boys’ camp, specifically between formerly incarcerated members B.G., who was released from federal prison late last year and the group’s stand out star, Lil Wayne.

The Hot Boys were slated to perform at this year’;s Essence Festival, which also marks the 25th anniversary of “Back Dat Azz Up”, one of the group’s top 3 songs of all time. What was most noticeable to fans was Wayne’s absence from Essence, which was rumored due to former Hot Boy Turk not attending the event. What was supposed to be a Hot Boys reunion couldn’t happen without the all four of the original members present.

When asked by interviewer B-High how he felt about not performing at Essence Festival, Turk responded, “When I saw the set…when I saw everything coming and I saw them boys coming out, it was like a bittersweet moment because I’m supposed to be there. I can’t get excited about a place I’m not invited, but it was bittersweet.”

The post [WATCH] Did Wayne Not Perform With The Hot Boys At Essence Festival Because Of Turk? first appeared on The Source.

The post [WATCH] Did Wayne Not Perform With The Hot Boys At Essence Festival Because Of Turk? appeared first on The Source.

Serena Williams Gets Back At Drake With Some Kendrick Lamar “Not Like Us” Praise

July 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Serena Williams knows what it takes to be great, and she sees just how special “Not Like Us” is. According to AllHipHop, the tennis icon had a panel at the recent ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans. She was there to speak on the diversity of beauty, as well as to promote her Wyn makeup line. However, that was not the only topic discussed. With the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef being so widely spread, it was no surprise that she was asked about it in one way or another. While she did not speak on the rapper’s disdain for each other, Serena Williams did gush about “Not Like Us”.

“I love that song. It’s like the hit of the summer. When they play that jam, I’m jamming. That jam is jamming”, Williams gleefully said. Perhaps a small sliver of that praise comes from the fact that Kendrick warns Drake about talking sideways about the world-famous athlete. If you can recall, her and the latter were linked romantically speaking around 2015.

Serena Williams Is Always Jammin’ To “Not Like Us”

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However, things never solidified long term for the would-be megastar couple. Drake made sure to remind Serena who she was married to on the Her Loss cut “Middle of the Ocean”, but in a not so glowing manner. “Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie“. That led to Lamar clapping back on “Not Like Us”, saying, “From Alondra down to Central, n**** better not speak on Serena“. For those wondering, the now entrepreneur’s husband is Alexis Ohanian, who is also in the same field and is a co-founder of Reddit. He also addressed Drake’s in hilarious and boss-like way. “The reason I stay winning is because I’m relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do — including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter”, Ohanian said on X.

What are your thoughts on Serena Williams naming “Not Like Us” the song of the summer? Do you think there is partial love for the song because Kendrick calls out Drake, why or why not? Do you agree with the tennis icon’s take, why or why not? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

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Busta Rhymes Previews Remix Of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” At Essence Festival

July 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Over the weekend, Busta Rhymes took the stage at the 2024 Essence Festival in New Orleans, where he dropped a major hint at what could be to come. As he finished up his set and prepared to walk offstage, he urged his DJ to play an apparent remix of Kendrick Lamar’s hit diss track “Not Like Us.” Busta Rhymes laid down some bars of his own on the reimagined version, and unsurprisingly, the crowd went wild.

The fun moment left listeners eager to hear more of the remix, though it’s unclear whether or not he plans to release it. Either way, they’re glad to see Busta get in on Kendrick and Drake’s lyrical battle, which has been one of the most talked about feuds of the year.

Busta Rhymes Gives His Fans An Exciting Surprise At The 2024 Essence Festival

Busta Rhymes teases possible remix to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”

via YT: SurvivingMyBlock pic.twitter.com/9U2aVZb7v7

— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) July 7, 2024

While Busta Rhymes certainly appeared to be in good spirits upon hearing fans’ reactions to his apparent “Not Like Us” remix, he did express disappointment with the audience at another point in the show. Apparently, he spotted some attendees sitting down and filming on their phones, which he was not at all pleased with. He went off as a result, and the clip quickly began circulating online. “A-yo, f**k them camera phones, too. Let’s get back to interacting like humans. Put them weird-a** devices down,” he yelled. “I ain’t from that era. Them s**ts don’t control the soul. F**k your phone.”

The tense moment prompted a debate among social media users. While most think he had a good point, some accused him of going overboard, and inaccurately gauging his fans’ stamina. What do you think of Busta Rhymes previewing a possible “Not Like Us” remix during his recent performance at the 2024 Essence Festival in New Orleans? Are you looking forward to hearing the full version? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Busta Rhymes Goes Off On Essence Festival Crowd: “F*ck Your Phone!”

July 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Recently, Busta Rhymes graced the stage at the 2024 Essence Festival in New Orleans. Unfortunately, however, not everyone was on the same page throughout the show. At one point, the NYC-born performer paused his set to call out crowd members for sitting down and filming on their phones. He didn’t hold back, making it clear that he’s not from an era where that was acceptable.

“A-yo, f**k them camera phones, too. Let’s get back to interacting like humans. Put them weird-a** devices down,” he shouted. “I ain’t from that era. Them s**ts don’t control the soul. F**k your phone.” Obviously, he wasn’t having it and wasn’t afraid to let the audience know.

Busta Rhymes Gets Heated As Fans Use Phones, Sit At Essence Festival

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“I will put every one of y’all out until y’all a*ses is up,” he also added. “Thirty-three years of doing this s**t, I ain’t use to ni**as sitting down at my show, I don’t give a f**k!” The outburst has managed to spark a debate in The Neighborhood Talk‘s comments section, as commenters share their takes on the unexpected moment. While some think Busta Rhymes was in the right to call out the crowd, others think he took things too far. Some are also arguing that a majority of his fans are older, and simply aren’t looking to stand through an entire concert.

“We not in YOUR era anymore big dawg, people paid to see you calm down,” one Instagram user says. “What he has to realize is that his main demographic is older as well!!!” another writes. “They like to sit at concerts because they are older.” What do you think of Busta Rhymes cursing out fans at Essence Fest for sitting and having their phones out? Does he have a point, or did he simply overreact? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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Birdman Hopes Drake Will Pull Up To Perform At Cash Money Reunion Set At Essence Fest

July 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Birdman is hosting a Cash Money reunion at New Orleans, Louisiana’s 30th anniversary rendition of the Essence Festival on Friday (July 5), and the festival’s been running since Thursday, July 4 and will continue through Sunday. Moreover, it will probably be a star-studded and very special affair to witness alongside Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, and more, and the record label’s co-CEO and cofounder emailed Billboard about how excited he is for it. In addition, he also hinted at Young Money icon Drake pulling up for an appearance, which would be very notable since Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video just dropped.

“It’s been 15, 20 years since we’ve been onstage together,” Birdman remarked. “We’ve got a great production and some special guests. It’s going to be amazing! We are working on a few things that we can’t talk about yet. But I can promise you that it’s going to be a night to remember. We’re excited to be a part of the Essence Festival … We’re going to bring the energy; we’re going to have a good time. And we’re going to make sure the crowd has a good time, too.” “Everybody you thinking of as far as Cash Money will be there,” he told People for a July 4 piece. “But, also a lot of people that started with me when we was young in the game. It’s going to be a great night.”

Birdman & Drake Back In 2010

Birdman Drake Cash Money Reunion Essence Festival Hip Hop News — NEW YORK – JUNE 15: (L-R) Birdman and Drake attend Drake x Crown Royal x 5Ninth at 5Ninth on June 15, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images)

Elsewhere during that conversation, Birdman announced that B.G. will also make and appearance, and here’s where he teased a performance from the 6ix God. “We’re all excited to have B.G. home after doing 13 years in the penitentiary,” he told the publication. “It’s his first time touching anybody’s stage so that’s exciting. We’re definitely looking forward to that and hoping that do happen. It’s a possibility. We made this a family thing, but Drake, we’re close friends. He one of us.” In addition, Stunna also revealed that the reunion will include a tribute to Magnolia Shorty, the late and legendary Cash Money MC who passed in 2010 at just 28 years old. “We lost a lot of great artists over the years, but Magnolia Shorty was one of the most special,” he noted. “We’re going to do a song for her and celebrate her life.”

Meanwhile, Essence Fest isn’t the only relevant organization here that celebrated its 30th anniversary recently. So did Cash Money, as Birdman and his brother and business partner Ronald “Slim” Williams were recently honored at a YouTube Music event. Specifically, it was a Leaders and Legends gala on June 27 in Hollywood, and Lil Wayne was there to show some love. With all this in mind, Cash Money’s Essence set should be a very exciting and fulfilling event. “I feel like once you start getting honored, you’re finished with it and I’m not finished with it. I’m far from finished,” he told People.

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Drake Could Deliver A Surprise Performance At Essence Festival 2024, According To Birdman

July 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Yesterday (July 4), Kendrick Lamar dropped the official music video for chart-topping diss track, “Not Like Us.” But if you thought for a second, Drake would duck and hide until things died down, you might just end up with egg on your face.

One of the culture’s biggest annual events, Essence Festival, could be the “First Person Shooter” rapper’s ticket back into the public’s good graces. Well, Birdman surely thinks so. Starting tonight (July 5), the festival’s evening concert series will spotlight some of music’s biggest names with a heavy emphasis on New Orleans natives.

In an exclusive chat with People, Birdman teased that not only will his performance later commemorate the 30th anniversary of Cash Money Records, but he has several surprise guests lined up, which could very well include Drake.

“Everybody you’re thinking of as far as Cash Money [will be there],” he said. “A lot of people that started with me when we was young in the game. It’s going to be a great night.”

Although Drake has his own record label, OVO Sound, he owes his start in music to Lil Wayne’s Young Money Records imprint and, by extension, Birdman. With Lil Wayne’s heart set on headlining Super Bowl 2025 in New Orleans, this could be an epic bounce back for Drake from rap’s most talked about beef.

India.Arie Criticizes Megan Thee Stallion & Janelle Monae For On-Stage Behavior

July 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

India.Arie called out Megan Thee Stallion and Janelle Monae on Instagram, earlier this week, in response to their recent performances at the 2023 Essence Festival of Culture. She argued that Megan’s dancing and Monae flashing her breast displayed a lack of “discretion.” India.Arie made the statement in a comment on Essence’s Instagram page.

The outlet had posted a video of Megan and Monae on stage with the caption: “Hot girl bootcamp was in full effect last night. It’s @janellemonae with the encouragement for us.” India.Arie commented: “The issue is what is CONTEXT. Humanity does EVERYTHING. But does EVERYTHING BELONG IN A STAGE. No, is everything for KIDS? No, is everything for EVERY BODY? so when we as a culture make something like this main stream ~ it shows a lack of discretion [and] discernment.”

Janelle Monae Performs At Essence Festival

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JUNE 30: Singer Janelle Monae performs onstage during night 1 of the 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture at Caesars Superdome on June 30, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

“Just as many folks have the right to want our MAINSTREAM International export – out Music – to show us in a respectful light,” she continued. “Id like to go on the record saying : this wont age well and thats my issue. i LOVE Janelle AND Meg the way i love us all — AND i dont like this moment. Dont bother debating me lol idc and I DO this. for 25 yrs i’ve done THIS. so. read ponder or don’t.” Other fans took both sides of the argument in the comments section. Check out the post featuring Monae and Megan below.

Megan Thee Stallion & Janelle Monae At Essence Festival

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A post shared by ESSENCE (@essence)

The performance comes after the release of Janelle Monae’s latest album, The Age of Pleasure. She kicked off the promotion of the album with the sensual music video for its lead single, “Lipstick Lover,” earlier this year.

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Jonathan Majors Goes To ESSENCE Fest Despite Legal Trouble

July 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is ending today, July 3rd, and has brought in some high-end celebrity appearances. One such attendee was Jonathan Majors, the Creed III and Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantamania actor. And while he was taking some time to enjoy the live music, it was interesting to see him out and about amidst his current legal issues. He went to the festival with his reported girlfriend, Harlem actress Meagan Good, but out of the spotlight, he and his team are working to get his name cleared from a number of criminal and civil allegations.

Jonathan Majors was arrested back in March after allegedly assaulting his then-girlfriend, the British dancer Grace Jabarri. This was in New York City, at Majors’ apartment. In opposition, Majors’ legal team continues to cooperate and release evidence to support claims that he’s allegedly the target of racial profiling by the NYPD and that Jabarri made allegedly false accusations. And if that wasn’t messy enough, more people have come forward since the incident to say they were abused by Majors as well.

What’s Next For Jonathan Majors?

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At the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans, Majors was seen in multiple photo ops. One was in a crowd of people with Al Sharpton, the famed activist. He also was in a photo with Meagan Good, in which Majors seems caught off-guard while Good smiles brightly. The cameo is solid publicity, especially as he tries to rehab his public image while in a sea of allegations.

Crew members on his films have come out to claim they’ve been allegedly victimized by Majors. This was due to the actor’s supposed “violent” and “intimidating” behavior, as reported by Rolling Stone Magazine. In Majors’ most recent movie, the critically acclaimed Magazine Dreams, crew members avoided Jonathan Majors due to his overtly dedicated method acting. And while some method actors can be difficult to deal with, rarely are they rude or violent towards the crew. (Which is what multiple people are accusing Majors of allegedly doing.) Even though he’s living life up at ESSENCE Fest, Majors will have to face a different kind of music soon.

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Lil Wayne’s Essence Festival Dance Moves Will Leave You Smiling: Watch

July 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Lil Wayne is a man of great confidence – he did say that he’s his own only worthy Verzuz competitor, after all. From the stage to the studio, the Young Money leader has never shied away from speaking his truth and letting his bold personality shine through. Sometimes that finds Weezy ending live performances early due to a lacklustre response from his audience, and other times it shows him making surprise appearances and having a blast on stage.

The latter happened this past weekend at New Orleans’ Essence Festival. Wayne wasn’t on the lineup alongside headliners like Lauryn Hill and Megan Thee Stallion, however, locals were still happy to see Tha Carter himself in an all-pink Rick Owens outfit. In one video that’s making rounds online, Wayne pulls out a Michael Jackson-esque dance routine for his audience, though it was definitely lacking the King of Pop’s sharpness.

Lil Wayne Surprises Fans in New Orleans

Lil Wayne pulled up to Essence Fest with the moves wearing an all pink RICK OWENS fit #ESSENCEfest #ESSENCEfest2023 pic.twitter.com/FJbbeD0OuV

— Fashion and Celebrity Style (@__dicarlo) July 3, 2023

“Michael Jackson on moon rocks ,” one IG user joked in @2cool2bl0g’s IG comments. “Old Wayne would’ve been dissin’ new Wayne,” someone else suggested. Thankfully there are still those who expressed their joy at seeing the “How to Love” hitmaker in good spirits. The smile that spreads across his face at the end of his dance break proves that Wayne was feeling himself, regardless of what any critics might have to say about him.

During his time on the Essence Festival stage, the Southern star rapped “A Milli” and other hits from his discography. While those in person at the event caught it live, people tuning in at home failed to witness Weezy’s appearance as it wasn’t included in the Hulu live stream. Outside the realm of hip-hop, Lil Wayne has also been connecting with Skip Bayless more frequently as of late. At the end of June, we received an update on their Undisputed project, which you can read all about at the link below. For more music/pop culture news updates, check back in with HNHH later.

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