Drake definitely heard Kendrick Lamar bar him up with “euphoria.” One of the key moments in the diss is when Lamar lists everything he hates about Drake.
In response, Drake hit his Instagram Story to share a clip of Julia Stiles from the film 10 Things I Hate About You. You can see the clip below.
Also, Drake appeared at Nicki Minaj’s Toronto stop of the Pink Friday tour. After performing “Needle” and “Rich Baby Daddy,” The Boy delivered a message: “You know what time it is, you know what I gotta do.”
Hip-hop has always been a dynamic and evolving genre, reflecting the cultural shifts and societal changes of its time. Recently, rapper Fat Joe sparked a conversation within the hip-hop community when he expressed his thoughts on the growing presence of what he termed ‘femininity’ in the genre, suggesting that such expressions were less common during his era in the music industry.
In an interview, Fat Joe remarked on the changing landscape of hip-hop, noting that in his early days in the industry, the portrayal of femininity was not as prevalent as it is today. He felt nostalgic for the gritty, masculine image that characterized hip-hop during his era, contrasting it with what he perceives as a shift toward a more diverse and inclusive representation of gender and sexuality in modern hip-hop.
“In my era, we wouldn’t have seen that,” Fat Joe stated, alluding to the increasing visibility of artists who challenge traditional gender norms and embrace their femininity in their music and image. While acknowledging the importance of diversity and artistic expression, he raised questions about whether these changes depart from hip-hop culture’s roots.
Fat Joe’s comments have sparked reactions from fans and fellow artists alike. Some have applauded his candor and shared his sentiments, echoing a desire to preserve the authenticity and rawness of hip-hop as they remember it. Others have criticized his remarks as being out of touch with the evolving nature of the genre and the broader cultural shifts towards inclusivity and acceptance.
Indeed, hip hop has always reflected the realities and experiences of its creators, and as society continues to evolve, so does the music. Artists today are more vocal about issues of gender identity, sexuality, and self-expression, pushing boundaries and challenging conventional norms in ways that were perhaps less common in the past.
While Fat Joe’s remarks may have stirred controversy, they also serve as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue within the hip-hop community about the genre’s direction and the values it represents. As hip-hop continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the diverse voices and perspectives that contribute to its rich tapestry, whether they conform to traditional notions of masculinity or not.
In conclusion, Fat Joe’s questioning of the growing ‘femininity’ in hip-hop reflects a broader conversation within the genre about identity, representation, and authenticity. While his remarks may be rooted in nostalgia for the hip-hop of his youth, they also highlight the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the music and its ability to reflect the complexities of the human experience.
We back in the beef streets. Kendrick Lamar has disturbed everybody’s Tuesday working morning to fire of “Euphoria.”
The track opens with Lamar rapping over the Teddy Pendergrass classic “You’re My Latest, My Greatest Inspriation,” calling out “the famous actor we once knew” as spiraling. He also stated Drake was a “pathetic master manipulator” created a fake story about Lamar’s family in “Push Ups.” Another early job is “you make music that pacify them, I can double down on that line but spare you this time, that’s random act of kindness,” hinting at rumors of Drake’s involvement with underage girls.
The track then hits a new level, calling out Drake for dodging Pusha T, calling into question his contracts, bieng a poor father and more. All the while, leaving the belief he has more on the way. One of which, “
A rapper is now facing death after speaking out against his government in his raps.
According to Deadline, attorneys for Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi have been sentenced to death for rap lyrics that aligned with protests in Iran in 2022.
“An order for the execution of Toomaj Salehi has been issued,” his lawyer stated.
After his arrest, Salehi was held in solitary confinement and was ultimately convicted of “corruption of earth.”
Salehi can possibly get his sentenced reduced if he appeals. In his bars, he spoke against the Iranian regime, saying that he was tortured and placed in solitary confinement.
“We strongly condemn Toomaj Salehi’s death sentence and the five-year sentence for Kurdish-Iranian rapper Saman Yasin. We call for their immediate release,” the United States’ Office of the Special Envoy for Iran tweeted. “These are the latest examples of the regime’s brutal abuse of its own citizens, disregard for human rights, and fear of the democratic change the Iranian people seek.”
Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, through his XO Humanitarian Fund, just pledged to donate $2 million to humanitarian support in Gaza. His donation aims to supply 18 million loaves of bread to support families under threat of starvation in the war-ravaged enclave.
Teaming up with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), The Weeknd’s pledge will facilitate the distribution of 1,500 metric tons of fortified wheat flour, benefiting over 157,000 Palestinians. This donation follows his philanthropic gesture in December 2023, where he contributed $2.5 million, providing food parcels to feed 173,000 Palestinians for two weeks. Additionally, The Weeknd encouraged his fans to contribute to the cause and support those in need in Gaza.
This philanthropic move adds to The Weeknd’s growing list of charitable endeavors. Earlier this year, he donated to the Los Angeles-based organization School on Wheels, aiding over 1,000 students experiencing homelessness. Over recent years, he has contributed millions of dollars to various charitable causes, including support for Ethiopia, Lebanon, and Covid relief efforts.
Corinne Fleischer, WFP’s Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe Region, expressed sincere gratitude for The Weeknd’s compassionate support, highlighting its crucial role in relieving thousands of Palestinian families facing daily hunger. Barron Segar, president and CEO of World Food Program USA, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the solvability of hunger with adequate funding and access, made possible by The Weeknd’s commitment.
The city of Atlanta, along with family, friends, and luminaries from the music industry, came together to honor the legendary Rico Wade, who passed away on April 13, 2024, at 52. The solemn proceedings at the iconic Ebenezer Baptist Church paid tribute to Wade’s immense contributions to music and culture.
As mourners gathered, the Clark Atlanta Marching Band set the tone with stirring renditions of timeless hits from Organized Noize. Among those in attendance were close friends and collaborators, including members of The Dungeon Family, OutKast, Goodie Mob, and many more.
Mayor Andre Dickens of Atlanta presented the prestigious Phoenix Award, recognizing Wade’s profound impact on the city’s musical landscape. He announced the establishment of the Rico Wade Music Executive Training Program and declared Rico Wade Day in his honor.
Former Mayor Kasim Reed praised Wade as a catalyst for Atlanta’s creative explosion, emphasizing the ongoing reverence for Organized Noize and their legacy. Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown, Wade’s longtime collaborators, delivered heartfelt tributes, highlighting his caring nature beyond music.
Rico Wade’s sons, Rico Wade II and Ryder Wade, tearfully celebrated him as the “Best Dad,” while his wife, Debbie Wade, shared poignant memories of their life.
Senator Raphael Warnock offered words of comfort, likening Rico to Atlanta’s own “Quincy Jones,” leaving a lasting impression of Wade’s enduring influence and legacy in the world of music. As Atlanta bids farewell to one of its brightest stars, Rico Wade’s spirit and contributions will continue to resonate for generations.
Donald Trump is looking for your favorite rappers and ball players to support his presidential bid. According to The Boston Herald, Trump is looking to bring big stars in the Hip-Hop community to Madison Square Garden for a campaign rally.
Trump is also looking to appear in Chicago, Detroit, and Atlanta. There currently isn’t a firm plan to engage the Black community, which is alarming for Trump’s campaign with just five months left until election day.
“To be quite honest, the Republican Party does not have a cohesive engagement plan for Black communities,” said Darrell Scott, a Black pastor and longtime Trump ally who co-founded the National Diversity Coalition for Trump in 2016. “What it has are conservatives in communities of color who have taken it upon themselves to head our own initiatives.”
Any sports or Hip-Hop luminaree will likely receive a negative reaction from Black leaders. One of them is Rev. Al Sharpton, who spoke against rappers who are standing in support of former President Donald Trump. During an appearance on MSNBC in Aug. 2023, Sharpton questioned how Black people, including rappers, could support Trump, recalling his history with the Central Park Five.
For a brief history lesson, in 1989, Trump, who was then a prominent New York City businessman, took out several full-page newspaper advertisements calling for New York City politicians to reinstate the death penalty following the brutal rape and attack of a female jogger in New York City. Five youth, Yusef Salaam, Korey Wise, Antron McCray, Raymond Santana, and Kevin Richardson, were wrongfully imprisoned for 7-13 years until the attacker was caught. They had been coerced into giving false confessions and received substantial settlements. All are involved in criminal justice activism efforts now. Trump never formally apologized to the five, especially since he took out the ads before their trials began.
“Let’s go to the 1990s when five young Black and brown men were falsely accused of raping a white woman in Central Park,” Sharpton said. “It was Donald Trump that took out ads in the papers in New York saying they should get the death penalty.”
Sharpton later said, “Black men need to know they were all young Black men. One spent 13 years in jail. He was with us for the March on Washington on Saturday. Let them come and tell the rappers and other Black men being seduced by Trump what he did in his hometown to innocent to Black men.”
.@TheRevAl: “If they want to cite how Blacks have been abused by the criminal justice system, cite the case where we marched and eventually it was proven that these five young men that Donald Trump called on to get the death penalty, were in fact innocent.” #TheReidOutpic.twitter.com/3toDjeAGv4
Diddy is firing back at Aubrey O’Day’s claims against him. Over the weekend, O’Day stated Diddy attempted to buy her silence using her publishing.
O’Day also appeared in The Downfall of Diddy, a film from TMZ.
In response, Diddy told TMZ: “Aubrey O’Day got her big break because Diddy and Bad Boy cast her in their show with her group, Danity Kane. Last year, when he reassigned his portion of the publishing to Bad Boy artists, an unprecedented move within the industry and which he did not have to do, not all artists signed an NDA, contrary to what she claims.”
TMZ reported that last year when the mogul formerly known as Puff Daddy reassigned publishing rights back to Bad Boy artists, it was considered an unprecedented move within an industry known for unfairly withholding pub rights and revenue, and quite frankly, he didn’t need to do, artists were asked to sign NDAs. But O’Day says not all signed the silencing document and did not want parts of Diddy’s NDA to get back her publishing rights, which she contends wasn’t worth much.
O’Day was signed to Bad Boy Records in the 2000s, so she had a front-row seat to who Diddy was during that time. TMZ spoke to her for their new documentary The Downfall of Diddy, premiering on Tubi, which unpacks the Bad Boy CEO’s allegations and ensuing investigation after those major raids that hit his homes in Los Angeles and Miami.
Get this: O’Day claims she had wind of what may have been coming for Diddy as far back as September 2023. See, that’s around the time Diddy made that big announcement that he was giving his former artists (the one’s who are still alive) the rights to their music catalogs.
On the surface, however, left field felt like a generous move. However, according to Aubrey, there were strings attached behind the scenes. Aubrey O’Day claimed Diddy included as part of the deal that artists needed to sign NDAs. This maneuver was designed to silence them from speaking out on their experiences while at Bad Boy, and most certainly in the presence of Sean “Diddy” Combs. Aubrey shut that right on down. She feels her ability to talk about her time during her Bad Boy days is more valuable than what was being offered.
Not to mention, her talking now has been consistent with her energy for years. O’Day has been talking about Diddy’s behavior for a long time, and she has been sounding the alarm. No one was listening until the relatively recent accusations and civil suit brought on by singer Cassy and several others, which Diddy categorically denies even though he settled with Cassy less than 24 hours after the suit became public. And if you think that big to do about the publishing was about real money, think again. At least for O’Day, she contends the amount of cash connected to her publishing rights was disrespectfully low. If true, we’re talking about pennies. And TBH, she’s making real money on other platforms, such as her OnlyFans, so it’s no wonder she rejected the offer.
Authorities in Los Angeles are probing a shooting incident that occurred outside the lavish Encino residence of music producer Cash XO, known offstage as Amir Esmailian, co-founder of XO Records with Grammy-winning artist The Weeknd.
According to Fox 11 Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department responded to multiple 911 calls around 2:30 a.m. on Monday, reporting gunfire near the 101 Freeway and White Oak Avenue. One caller, identified as the victim, alleged being shot near the guard shack by three armed individuals wearing medical masks and hoodies, who fled after the altercation.
The wounded security guard was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where he underwent surgery. Authorities later provided an update stating that he is expected to survive.
Investigators revealed that at least four individuals were inside the residence during the incident, suggesting Esmailian employed the injured guard. The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.
The shooting has sparked concerns in the community, raising questions about safety and security in affluent neighborhoods like Encino. As authorities continue their inquiries, residents await further updates on the case, hoping for swift justice and increased vigilance.
Outkast has released a statement in memory of Rico Wade. The statement includes personal messages from Andre 3000 and Big Boi.
“The first time we met Rico [Wade] of Organized Noize, we had the ‘Scenario’ instrumental on and we just rapped damn near the whole song, non-stop,” Andre 3000 wrote.
“That day, after we rhymed, Rico saw something in us. At that time we’d both shaven off all our hair. We’d dyed our hair blonde one time: We were young and in high school, we were outcasts, you know?” André wrote. “Rico saw that, and he said, ‘These guys can really rhyme. They don’t really rhyme like people from the South.’ So he told us to come over to his house, and that’s where the dungeon is, in the basement.”
Big Boi added, “From the beginning, Organized Noize signed us. They were our big brothers, and they did a production deal with LaFace Records. They were the sones that gave us our first shot and we been doing music with them since the beginning. Without Rico Wade… there would be no OutKast.”
Previously on Instagram, Big Boi revealed he is experiencing “a different type of hurt.”
This is a different type of hurt …. Slick Ricky Wade .. I know you’re with us STILL … in a bigger role now… Big Angel Energy… the Highest of Vibrations … Praise Yah .#RicoWade #DungeonFamily #WeDF
The Dungeon Family and Organized Noize also issued a statement mourning the late Rico Wade. The message comes via the Organized Noize Instagram:
“We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade. The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend. Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team. Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period. Rico’s presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world.” – Organized Noize and The Dungeon Family
Rico Wade passed away at the age of 52, as announced by Atlanta rapper Killer Mike via Instagram.
I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss. I am Praying for your wife and Children. I am praying for the Wade family. I am praying for us all. I deeply appreciate your acceptance into The Dungeon Family, mentorship, Friendship and Brotherhood. Idk where I would be without ya’ll. This is a part of the journey. You told me “It ain’t been hard throughout the journey, it’s been a Journey” . The journey ain’t gonna be the Same Journey without U. Like U say tho Umma “Stay Down on it”……we all are. Love and Respect Michael
Born and raised in Georgia, Wade co-founded Organized Noize in the early ’90s alongside Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown, catalyzing a musical movement that would shape the landscape of Atlanta hip-hop. The trio’s innovative sound, rooted in funk and soul, became synonymous with the city’s burgeoning music scene.
Wade’s influence extended beyond production. He played a pivotal role in nurturing talent within the Dungeon Family, including iconic acts like OutKast and Goodie Mob. His contributions to OutKast’s albums, including Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens, and Aquemini, solidified his legacy as a visionary producer.
Organized Noize’s impact reverberated across the music industry, with hits for TLC, Goodie Mob, and others. Their collaboration with OutKast on tracks like “So Fresh, So Clean” from “Stankonia” further cemented their status as pioneers of the genre.
As one of the founding members of the Dungeon Family, Wade’s legacy extends beyond his contributions to music, having helped launch the careers of artists like Killer Mike, Janelle Monáe, and his cousin Future.
Details surrounding Wade’s death remain undisclosed at this time.
pic.twitter.com/XdDt5yjypL
Slick Ricky Wade .. I know you’re with us STILL … in a bigger role now… Big Angel Energy… the Highest of Vibrations … Praise Yah .#RicoWade #DungeonFamily #WeDF