Feature

Happy 49th Birthday To The One And Only Jadakiss!

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MTA Enlists Jadakiss to Voice COVID 19 Announcements for NYC Subways and Buses

On this date in 1975, the Yonkers rapper Jason Phillips, who is best known under his unique Moniker Jadakiss, was born. Al Qaeda Jada is just one degree short of a half century thsi year.

Known for his longstanding tenure in the game alongside his partners Sheek Louch and Styles P under the Bad Boy umbrella, Jadahas made a distinct mark of his own in Hip Hop which began with his first solo album. 2001’s Kiss The Game Goodbye became an instant hit, led by the party anthem “Knock Yourself Out” and the come up slogan for the hood, “We Gonna Make it”.

Jada was probably crowned the de facto King of New York after his stellar performance in Madison Square Garden in The L.O.X.’s VERZUZ win over Dipset.

Suprem born day shout out to Jada! Enjoy today and many more hereafter!!

The post Happy 49th Birthday To The One And Only Jadakiss! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 49th Birthday To The One And Only Jadakiss! appeared first on The Source.

Hip-Hop Legend Rakim Reveals Long-Awaited Return with New Album ‘God’s Network: Reb7th’

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Hip-Hop icon Rakim, often hailed as your ‘favorite MC’s favorite MC’ is set to make a return to the music scene this summer with a new album. Titled God’s Network: Reb7th, the project marks Rakim’s first solo release since his 2009 album The Seventh Seal. According to Kurupt, who features alongside Rakim and Masta Killa on the upcoming track “Rebirth (N.M.A),” the album is slated for release on July 26, while the single will drop on June 21.

Rakim, whose influential career began in the 1980s and 90s alongside DJ Eric B., is revered for his lyrical prowess and groundbreaking contributions to Hip-Hop. The duo’s debut album, Paid In Full, released in 1987, included iconic tracks such as “Eric B. Is President” and the title track “Paid In Full,” both of which have since become Hip-Hop classics. They followed up with three more acclaimed albums: Follow the Leader (1988), Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em (1990), and Don’t Sweat the Technique (1992).

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Matthew “M80” Markoff, the executive producer of Rakim’s forthcoming project, shared insights with AllHipHop, emphasizing the significance of the album’s title and its reflection of Rakim’s enduring influence in the music industry.

Rakim recently addressed his potential induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a topic of much discussion among fans and industry insiders. Expressing his appreciation, he said, “Maybe it’ll happen this time. I feel great about it. Let me tell you, anytime anybody nominates you or thinks about you, you should feel great. I think it’s a long time coming. We’re all righteous guys and girls, so it’s on God’s time, not our time. I’d be just as appreciative if I won it the first time, so it’s great.”

When asked about the Rock Hall’s efforts to include Hip-Hop, Rakim responded with respect for their process: “Everybody can poke holes at somebody else’s operation, and I would never do that. They have their own process. I would never throw rocks at the Hall. This is their institution, they built it, so they do it their way and I respect the process.”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony continues to embrace modern technology and streaming platforms. The 2024 ceremony will be broadcast live on Disney+, with a special airing on ABC at a later date, and available on Hulu the next day. This follows the success of the 2023 ceremony, which was streamed live on Disney+ for the first time, reaching more than 13 million viewers across linear and streaming platforms. ABC’s New Year’s Day telecast was particularly notable, becoming the No. 1 entertainment choice among Adults 18-49.

Rakim’s return is eagerly anticipated by fans and music lovers alike, promising a blend of classic Hip-Hop essence and fresh, innovative sounds. As the summer approaches, the release of God’s Network: Reb7th is set to be a defining moment in Hip-Hop, marking the resurgence of one of the genre’s most legendary figures.

The post Hip-Hop Legend Rakim Reveals Long-Awaited Return with New Album ‘God’s Network: Reb7th’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Hip-Hop Legend Rakim Reveals Long-Awaited Return with New Album ‘God’s Network: Reb7th’ appeared first on The Source.

Nicki Minaj Praises Fans After Manchester Gig Rescheduled Following Arrest in the Netherlands

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Nicki Minaj Covid

Nicki Minaj has expressed gratitude to her fans for their understanding and support after her concert in Manchester had to be rescheduled due to her arrest in the Netherlands. The Queens rapper and singer was detained at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on Saturday for allegedly attempting to transport “soft drugs” out of the country.

Minaj spent around six hours in custody before being released and fined, allowing her to continue her journey to the UK. Despite her efforts to make it in time, her concert at the Co-op Live arena was postponed. Fans had already been admitted into the venue by 7 pm, but the announcement of the postponement came around 9:40 pm from promoter Live Nation.

Dutch police confirmed the arrest and subsequent release of a 41-year-old woman who paid a fine before being allowed to leave. The incident caused significant delays and disruptions, but Minaj’s fans, known as Barbz, have shown remarkable patience and support.

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Minaj praised her fans, writing, “Manchester I appreciate you. Class act. Give me until (tomorrow) for the update on our new date (please). It will be sometime in June or July like I mentioned last night.” She also promised an “added surprise bonus” for fans and expressed excitement about her upcoming performance in Manchester, already scheduled for Thursday at Co-op Live.

Minaj reassured her followers that the Birmingham concert at Resorts World Arena on Sunday would be a “magical beautiful happy fun unforgettable night.” She even invited her fans to her hotel in the center of Manchester, where she personally interacted with the crowd. One fan, Alvin Christie from Liverpool, praised Minaj’s efforts and criticized the venue’s management. Christie stated, “I would say it was very poorly managed. When we arrived at the event, they were actively telling fans that she had arrived and that everyone was going to dance tonight.”

Minaj arrived at her Manchester hotel early on Sunday after enduring a long flight delay from Amsterdam and time in a cell. She noted on X that the venue was “willing to go past 11 pm,” but blamed unnamed individuals for the disruption, claiming they had “succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight.”

Live Nation issued a statement on Saturday, saying, “Despite Nicki’s best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonight’s show happen, the events of today have made it impossible. We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused.”

This incident adds to the series of issues plaguing Co-op Live since its attempted opening in April. The venue has faced multiple postponements and rescheduling of its first official gigs. US rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie even moved his performance to the AO Arena due to the delays, and Co-op Live only began live music shows on May 14 with British rock band Elbow.

Minaj, known for her hits like “Starships,” “Super Bass,” and “Anaconda,” livestreamed her arrest and maintained that the drugs found in her luggage were not hers. Despite these setbacks, her fans have shown unwavering support, and Minaj looks forward to delivering unforgettable performances in the near future.

The post Nicki Minaj Praises Fans After Manchester Gig Rescheduled Following Arrest in the Netherlands first appeared on The Source.

The post Nicki Minaj Praises Fans After Manchester Gig Rescheduled Following Arrest in the Netherlands appeared first on The Source.

Happy 49th Birthday To Outkast’s Own Andre 3000!

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Rapper/actor and member of the legendary Hip-Hop duo Outkast, Mr. Andre 3000 turns 49 today!

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Andre Benjamin is known for his eclectic style and flows, from his start with the Dungeon Family to his movie roles in films like Idlewild and Jimi: All Is by My Side. He has become a household name as a solo artist as well as part of a legendary group and he continues to evolve with the times. Happy Birthday Mr. 3000 from TheSource.com!

The post Happy 49th Birthday To Outkast’s Own Andre 3000! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 49th Birthday To Outkast’s Own Andre 3000! appeared first on The Source.

Drake and Gordo Tease New Music for Summer 2024

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Drake Becomes First Rapper to Earn $5 Million in a Single Arena Concert

Drake has connected with his Honestly, Nevermind collaborator Gordo and is teasing new music. “You guys ready for summer 2024…” Gordo wrote on his social media post.

Drake has dropped his first post-beef bars. And guess what? They are over the BBLDrizzy beat.

Drake appears on Sexyy Red’s “U My Everything” single, and the beat transitions into Metro Boomin’s diss beat. Flipping it in his favor, Drake raps, “BBL Drizzy, they want a new body, they ask me for it.”

The “U My Everything” single can be found on Sexyy Red’s mixtape, In Sexyy We Trust, released today via Rebel/gamma. Executively produced by Tay Keith and Drumatized, the mixtape features the Billboard-charting hit “Get It Sexyy” and includes collaborations with Drake, Lil Baby, Mike WiLL Made-It, and VonOff1700.

The post Drake and Gordo Tease New Music for Summer 2024 first appeared on The Source.

The post Drake and Gordo Tease New Music for Summer 2024 appeared first on The Source.

No Progress in YNW Melly’s Retrial Amid Ongoing Legal Disputes

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YNW Melly

YNW Melly appeared in court for a hearing related to his upcoming retrial. The rapper, who is charged with double murder, requested to move forward with the discovery phase, but the judge has not made a ruling as of yet. Get this: the proceedings are on hold while prosecutors appeal Judge John Murphy’s decision to suppress a documentary film they wanted to use as evidence in the trial.

The 20-minute doc, which is considered a short film in Hollywood terms, was filmed before the 2018 murders of Melly’s associates, YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy, and allegedly shows Melly holding a weapon and briefly mentions the murders. If this is remotely true, the state claims it proves Melly’s presence at the crime scene. Sheesh. This appeal could take months, likely causing further delays. Wild. 

YNW Melly, born Jamell Demons, yes, his real last name is Demons, is accused of murdering in cold blood Sakchaser and Juvy in 2018. check this out: they say he staged the incident as a drive-by shooting. Can someone explain how bullet trajectory analysis works … Anyway, his initial trial last summer ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury. Wow. Someone said, nah, he’s innocent, or someone held out and said, yup, he’s guilty. Who knows, but the 24-year-old has been incarcerated since his February 2019 arrest and faces first-degree murder charges and a potential death penalty if convicted.

Recently, Melly was transferred from Broward County Jail to the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Pompano Beach, FL, marking his first move in nearly five years. That’s a long time in the jail system, not to be confused with the prison system. 

In related developments, Melly’s attorneys filed a motion to exclude phone conversations between YNW Bortlen (Melly’s co-defendant), Melly, and Melly’s ex-girlfriend Mariah Hamilton from evidence. The defense argued that these conversations were “irrelevant, inadmissible hearsay” and merely “small talk.” The prosecution countered that argument by requesting access to the calls, videos, and pictures on Bortlen’s cell phone. It’s not looking good for Bortlen, who’s already on trial for his life. 

YNW Melly’s case is stuck in a whirlwind of legal fights, with major delays and several motions impacting the retrial’s progress. The next steps are ambiguous at best as both sides continue to argue over key pieces of evidence.

The post No Progress in YNW Melly’s Retrial Amid Ongoing Legal Disputes first appeared on The Source.

The post No Progress in YNW Melly’s Retrial Amid Ongoing Legal Disputes appeared first on The Source.

Live Nation and Ticketmaster Sued by Justice Department Who Claim ‘It Is Time to Break It Up’

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Live Nation and Ticketmaster Sued by Justice Department Who Claim ‘It Is Time to Break It Up’

Move over TikTok, The United States Department of Justice’s war against big media is unrelenting after news broke the DOJ just sued Live Nation and Ticketmaster for violating the Sherman Antitrust Act, a move that could reshape the multibillion-dollar live entertainment company. Live Nation fully owns Ticketmaster, North America’s largest ticket vendor.

Get this: the DOJ’s complaint alleges that Live Nation-Ticketmaster monopolizes ticketing and uses this wide-reaching power to dominate the market and suppress competition. “It is time to break it up,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland during a Thursday press conference. That’s capitalism for you, but the DOJ is making its point, and this lawsuit is the real deal. 

Garland said in an official statement, “We allege that Live Nation relies on unlawful, anticompetitive conduct to exercise its monopolistic control over the live events industry in the United States at the cost of fans, artists, smaller promoters, and venue operators. The result is that fans pay more in fees, artists have fewer opportunities to play concerts, smaller promoters get squeezed out, and venues have fewer real choices for ticketing services.”

Here’s where it gets current: when addressing the rationale behind the lawsuit, Garland cited the brought into the fold the public backlash from the Taylor Swift “Eras” tour ticket sales debacle: “In recent years, Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s exorbitant fees and technological failures have been criticized by fans and artists alike. We are not here today because Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s [customers] are frustrated. We are here because as we allege that conduct is anticompetitive.” I mean the tour made over a billion dollars and no one is blaming Swift or her Swifties, for the record. 

There is a 124-page complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, and it asserts that Live Nation-Ticketmaster unlawfully exercises its monopoly power in violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act. 

More from the DOJ summary, “As a result of its conduct, music fans in the United States are deprived of ticketing innovation and forced to use outdated technology while paying more for tickets than fans in other countries. At the same time, Live Nation-Ticketmaster exercises its power over performers, venues, and independent promoters in ways that harm competition. Live Nation-Ticketmaster also imposes barriers to competition that limit the entry and expansion of its rivals.”

It gets even more interesting; the complaint also details how Live Nation-Ticketmaster maintains monopolies in concert promotions and primary ticketing markets and engages in exclusionary practices that affect venues. These practices reinforce a “flywheel” effect: a self-reinforcing business model capturing fees and revenue from fans and sponsors. This is then used to secure exclusive promotion deals with artists and long-term ticketing agreements with venues. This cycle, the DOJ argues, further entrenches Live Nation-Ticketmaster’s market power and creates barriers for competitors.

A Ticketmaster spokesperson claimed that the company faces “more competition today than it has ever had,” Live Nation-Ticketmaster controls over 80% of the market for primary ticket sales at the largest U.S. venues and holds exclusive ticketing contracts with many major stadiums and arenas. Okay, well we guess they have their reasons. Stay tuned for how this plays out. Until then, it’s festival season. Enjoy.

The post Live Nation and Ticketmaster Sued by Justice Department Who Claim ‘It Is Time to Break It Up’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Live Nation and Ticketmaster Sued by Justice Department Who Claim ‘It Is Time to Break It Up’ appeared first on The Source.

Nicki Minaj Apologizes to Fans After Manchester Concert Postponed Due to Detainment

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Nicki Minaj Delivers Performance of "Last Time I Saw You" at VMAs

Whelp, blame Amsterdam authorities. Nicki Minaj’s concert at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, which drew thousands of fans, was abruptly postponed due to her arrest in the Netherlands just hours before the show. The 41-year-old American singer and rapper was detained at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on suspicion of possessing soft drugs.

The Queens rapper was rightfully upset but she still apologized to her fans after finally arriving in Manchester late Saturday night. She posted on X: “Thank you to everyone who prayed for me today. May God cover you and all that is connected to you. May you be blessed beyond your imagination. Please please please accept my deepest & most sincere apologies.”

Despite Minaj’s detention, fans were allowed into the indoor venue on Saturday evening. A post on the arena’s X account around 5:15 PM stated, “Please note that general admission and premium doors for tonight’s Nicki Minaj show will now open at 19:00.”

Minaj was released from custody just before 9 PM. However, she will have to pay an undisclosed fine for “illegally exporting soft drugs from the Netherlands to another country,” according to Dutch police, as reported by Sky News.

However, in the early hours of Sunday, she posted a live stream on Instagram from central Manchester, showing a crowd of fans gathered in the street below.

Get this: The concert will be rescheduled, with promoters Live Nation stating: “Tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled performance, which will be announced ASAP. Despite Nicki’s best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonight’s show happen, today’s events have made it impossible. We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused.”

Here’s how Minaj spoke on the issue on socials … In several social media posts on X and Instagram, Minaj claimed the police said they found drugs in her luggage after customs checks. She wrote on X: “They said they found weed.” She also asserted, “They took my luggage without consent” and “They’re trying to keep me from MANCHESTER.” Additionally, she commented: “This is Amsterdam btw, where weed is legal.”

Minaj was also ready to document the incident, as she filmed what seemed to be an airport official asking her to have her luggage checked. She later wrote: “It’s a 45 minute to an hour flight. So they’re probably trying to stall for about 4 hours.” She added: “Now they said I have to go 5 mins away to make a statement about my security to the police precinct.”

Robert van Kapel, a spokesman for the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee military police, confirmed to NBC News, Sky News’ US partner network, “We can confirm that we have arrested a 41-year-old American woman at Schiphol Airport because of possession of soft drugs.”

The post Nicki Minaj Apologizes to Fans After Manchester Concert Postponed Due to Detainment first appeared on The Source.

The post Nicki Minaj Apologizes to Fans After Manchester Concert Postponed Due to Detainment appeared first on The Source.

Diddy’s Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Will Not Be Removed

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ETalk Diddy

Well, if you thought Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was going to be removed amid mounting accusations, think again. Sources say it will remain in place despite numerous calls for its removal amid his ongoing legal troubles.

Yes, the 54-year-old rapper and music mogul faces a growing number of sexual assault lawsuits, leading many people from all over the spectrum to demand the removal of his star. However, a Hollywood Chamber of Commerce spokesperson told TMZ that the organization is “powerless” to remove stars once installed on Hollywood Boulevard. The Chamber only has the authority to nominate, manufacture, and install stars, not to remove them.

ICYMI, Combs was honored with the 2,362nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May 2008, with actor Jamie Foxx introducing him at the ceremony. Foxx praised Combs, saying, “He throws the best party you’ve ever seen in your life,” and added, “This is big. This is legendary. And they’ll never be able to take this away from you.”

Despite the increasing number of lawsuits and a federal criminal investigation, Combs’ star is set to stay … For now. He has previously denied the sexual assault allegations, asserting that his accusers are seeking a “payday.” Yea, but there’s the tape …

Last week, incriminating footage emerged showing Combs violently attacking Ventura in a 2016 hotel surveillance video. Following the video’s release, Combs issued a public apology, which was met with skepticism and anger from social media users who questioned the sincerity of his remorse.

Get this: Ventura broke her silence on Thursday, urging people to “open your heart to believe victims the first time” amid accusations of lying about the abuse, including from Combs himself.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney stated they could not prosecute Combs for the assault due to the statute of limitations. Ventura had previously claimed in a now-settled lawsuit that Combs paid the hotel $50,000 for the footage after the attack.

In the wake of the aftermath, even more women have come forward with sexual assault allegations against Combs, dating back decades. One recent lawsuit, filed by April Lampros, alleges that Combs sexually assaulted her multiple times during the 1990s and early 2000s, according to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail. All that seemingly heinous and allegedly criminal behavior aside, his Hollywood star will remain.

The post Diddy’s Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Will Not Be Removed first appeared on The Source.

The post Diddy’s Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Will Not Be Removed appeared first on The Source.

Hitkidd Levels Up with “Nott” Featuring Doe Boy and Key Glock 

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Hitkidd Levels Up with "Nott" Featuring Doe Boy and Key Glock 

Memphis producer Hitkidd, known for crafting beats that power hits by superstars like Moneybagg Yo and Pooh Shiesty, steps into the spotlight with his latest single, “Nott.” This banger showcases Hitkidd’s own artistry alongside the lyrical firepower of Doe Boy and Key Glock.

“Nott” is more than just a song; it’s a declaration. The title, a slang term for “not,” sets the tone for a track celebrating the unique qualities that set individuals apart. Doe Boy, fresh from collaborations with Future and Young Thug, delivers bars with effortless confidence, calling out pretenders who can’t match his relentless hustle.

Key Glock, a Memphis native and cousin of the late Young Dolph, joins the track, riding high off his acclaimed album Glockoma 2. Glock’s verses shimmer with authenticity, rapping about the dedication, talent, and drive that define a “real one.”

Hitkidd’s production on “Nott” deserves a standing ovation. The track features knocking drums and grimy basslines, creating the perfect foundation for Doe Boy and Key Glock to paint their lyrical pictures. The energy and vibe of the production instantly ignite the track.

“Nott” is an undeniable banger, a testament to Memphis hip-hop’s power and the city’s rising talent. With Doe Boy and Key Glock dropping fire verses over Hitkidd’s standout production, this track is a guaranteed hit. Keep an eye on Hitkidd – with fire like this, he’s on a straight shot to the top.

The post Hitkidd Levels Up with “Nott” Featuring Doe Boy and Key Glock  first appeared on The Source.

The post Hitkidd Levels Up with “Nott” Featuring Doe Boy and Key Glock  appeared first on The Source.