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Happy 52nd Birthday To “The Dragon” Busta Rhymes!

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On this day in Hip-Hop History, we celebrate the birth of one of the most flamboyant and ostentatious personalities in Hip Hop. Today in 1972, the legend Busta Rhymes was born in Brooklyn, New York.

The 11-Time Grammy nominee and Flipmode Squad frontman have served as an unsung hero for the culture. This is not to say that he has at all gone unnoticed (“11 time Grammy Nominee” speaks for itself), but his influence on Hip Hop since its earliest stages of commercial success and role in the foundation of the New York Hip Hop scene is ever-present if you pay attention.

Busta Bust’s career began with his involvement with Leaders of the New School. Alongside Charlie Brown, Dinco D, and Cut Monitor Milo, but Busta got his break opening up for Public Enemy in the late 80s. It was actually Chuck D himself who gave Busta Rhymes his stage name, after NFL receiver George “Buster” Rhymes. With Leaders of the New School, Rhymes released two albums: A Future Without a Past… and T.I.M.E.

While a part of the group, Busta’s unique style made it possible for him to be featured on major tracks with artists such as: Big Daddy Kane, The Notorious B.I.G., TLC, A Tribe Called Quest, and KRS-One. He also made his first appearances on screen in films such as Higher Learning and Strapped prior to ever releasing any solo music.

In 1995, Busta Rhymes released his debut solo LP The Coming which is hailed as a masterpiece of Hip Hop featuring his smash hit single “Woo Hah!“, his first solo single. The commercial successes of this album allowed Busta Rhymes to finally get the respect he deserved (and for the most part already had in the artist community) as a solo artists. Busta’s follow up albums When Disaster Strikes and Extinction Level Event (Final World Front) were just as if not more successful than the first.

Through the 2000s, Busta continued to be a powerhouse. With the release of his greatest hits album Total Devastation: The Best of Busta Rhymes and new original album Genesis Busta was once again among the top of the charts with this smash hit “Pass the Courvoisier Part II” feat Pharrell and P. Diddy. Throughout the early 2000s Busta’s music could be heard in clubs across the globe and his influence of the culture could be seen, heard, and felt.

His seventh studio album The Big Bang was exactly what the title describes being that it was his first #1 album on the Billboard 200 chart. Selling 209,000 copies in the first week alone, this LP showed that time was not a factor when it came to Busta’s popularity and appeal and that his high energy style could remain on top regardless of how the game changed around it. This album spawned what is probably Busta Rhymes most famous song, “Touch It” who’s remixes sky rocketed Bust to the top of every radio chart as far as airplay was concerned.

In the 2010s however, Busta has yet to reach the same level of success as he did in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s but has been able to remain on tour and is still leaving his mark on the industry. In 2012, he was part of the Grammy-nominated single “Look At Now” which was a summertime hit, again proving that no matter the decade, Busta Rhymes can still turn the party up.

From everyone here at the Source Magazine, happy born day Busta. Thank you so much for what you have done for Hip Hop and may you see many more golden years of success.

The post Happy 52nd Birthday To “The Dragon” Busta Rhymes! first appeared on The Source.

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SOURCE SPORTS: LaMelo Ball x Puma Release LaFrancé “Amour” Lifestyle Shoe

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PUMA Hoops and basketball superstar LaMelo Ball are dropping their first-ever co-designed lifestyle shoe –LaFrancé.

Launching in the “Amour” colorway (the first of many LaFrancé colorways to come), LaFrancé has been dropped alongside a few apparel pieces, including graphic tees, a mesh tank, short, and track pants, ranging from $40-$110. LaFrancé and accompanying pieces are now available at PUMA.com, the PUMA mobile app, the PUMA NYC Flagship store and at Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs and select retailers worldwide. 

Created through intimate collaboration between LaMelo Ball and the PUMA design team, the LaFrancé gets its inspiration and name from LaMelo’s namesake lifestyle brand, which fuses different inspirations from streetwear fashion, sport and lifestyle. The supersized sneaker features exaggerated proportions, a chunky zig-zag lace closure, ultra-wide laces, and a well-padded tongue for ultimate comfort. “LF” and “La France” can be found on the mega tongue as well as imprinted into the latest silhouettes ultra-thick sole. The classic cup sole has been spiced up with floating ovals throughout, which are decorated with iconic graphics. Upper ovals on the midsole encapsulate design aspects of a butterfly, symbolizing Melo’s 1 of 1 lifestyle.

On his new sneaker, NBA superstar LaMelo Ball said, “I wanted to create a lifestyle shoe that represents my style and 1-of-1 personality. The LaFrancé Amour is something crazy loud to wear off court. The butterfly midsole, inspired by my tattoos, represents good energy.”

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Vince Staples Announces Eighth Album ‘Dark Times’ Slated For Release May 24

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Vince Staples today announced the release of his eighth studio album, Dark Times, out May 24 via Blacksmith Records / Def Jam Recordings. A new era in the prolific artist’s canon, the album is a muscular and revelatory work refining elements that have been present in his catalog for the last decade: dense lyricism over lush, layered beats; wry, melancholic observations about life; finding pockets of light in an endless dark.

In conjunction with the album announcement, Staples released the first single from the project and accompanying visual for, “Shame on the Devil,” which features him rapping over a warm, spectral beat, ruminating on how anointed his life is now, in spite of bouts of loneliness and fallouts with friends.  

Recorded over the course of seven months in North Hollywood, the album title came intuitively to Staples after he listened to the record in full, noticing heavy motifs that kept reappearing. The album cover,  featuring a faintly seen noose, was similarly intuitive.  Calling the project  “a personal achievement,” Staples said, “it’s me mastering some things I’ve tried before that I wasn’t great at in the beginning. It’s a testament to musical growth, song structure—all the good stuff.” 

Dark Times follows Staples’ 2022 critically acclaimed album Ramona Park Broke My Heart, which was hailed as one of the best albums of the year by Clash, Complex, The Fader, Rolling Stone, and Vulture among others. The Los Angeles Times praised Staples as “a nimble rapper, deftly maneuvering through verses depicting the street politics of his native Long Beach,” while Pitchfork called the album “a richly detailed, deadpan elegy for his stolen youth.” Complex highlighted it as “a modern West Coast rap album embracing three decades of hip-hop history,” while NME called it “a beautifully personal reflection from start to finish,” with WIRED commending the album as “a remarkable feat in an aesthetic project concerned with locating meaning in the inevitable realities that trap us.”

Demonstrating that his talent cannot be confined to one medium, Staples also wrote, produced, and stars in the critically acclaimed Netflix series The Vince Staples Show, which debuted earlier this year. Inspired by life in his hometown of Long Beach, California, the show was praised as “dark, hilarious, intriguingly frank… laugh-out-loud funny” by Entertainment Weekly, while The New York Times described it as “mordantly funny and visually arresting.” The Guardian hailed it as “a wonderfully surreal exercise in Black creativity,” adding that “[Staples] is an endlessly compelling presence,” with COLLIDER lauding it as “one of the most confident new series of 2024…never a dull moment on screen.”

TRACKLIST

  1. Close Your Eyes and Swing
  2. Black & Blue
  3. Government Cheese
  4. Children’s Song
  5. Shame on the Devil 
  6. Étouffée 
  7. Liars
  8. Justin
  9. “Radio”
  10. Nothing Matters 
  11. Little Homies 
  12. Freeman 
  13. Why Won’t the Sun Come Out?

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[WATCH]’Royal Rules of Ohio’ Premieres: Inside the Lives of Ghanaian Royalty

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“Royal Rules of Ohio” debuted this week, offering viewers an intimate look into the lives of three Ghanaian sisters as they navigate their 20s in Columbus, Ohio. Produced by eOne’s unscripted business, a division of Lionsgate Alternative Television, the documentary series delves into the complexities of living as the daughters of royal descendants from two affluent Ghanaian kingdoms.

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Thelma, Nana, and Brenda Agyekum lead lavish lives, basking in the privileges bestowed upon them by their prestigious lineage. However, beneath the surface lies a world of double lives, where the sisters grapple with the weight of familial expectations and the potential repercussions of tarnishing their family’s esteemed reputation.

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Starring alongside the sisters are their cool and sometimes strict parents, Yaw and Delali Agyekum, affectionately known as Akili Bobo and Mama Dollars. Yaw Agyekum, a multifaceted businessman and real estate investor, brings strategic acumen and philanthropic endeavors to the family dynamic. Alongside his wife, Delali, he co-founded The Yaw & Delali Foundation, dedicated to empowering underprivileged communities.

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THELMA AGYEKUM, COURTNEY BROWN, BRENDA AGYEKUM, NANA AGYEKUM

THELMA AGYEKUM, COURTNEY BROWN, BRENDA AGYEKUM, NANA AGYEKUM

NANA AGYEMANG, DELAINA DIXON, AMANDA AGYAPONG, BETHANY ZESU, WINTA WOLDEGEORGIS, GARY HAMILTON, MARISSA HILL, THELMA AGYEKUM, BRENDA AGYEKUM, NANA AGYEKUM, OUMOU FOFANA, AMEENHA LEE, SONALI KARMARKAR, COURTNEY BROWN

NANA AGYEMANG, DELAINA DIXON, AMANDA AGYAPONG, BETHANY ZESU, WINTA WOLDEGEORGIS, GARY HAMILTON, MARISSA HILL, THELMA AGYEKUM, BRENDA AGYEKUM, NANA AGYEKUM, OUMOU FOFANA, AMEENHA LEE, SONALI KARMARKAR, COURTNEY BROWN

Delali Agyekum, a registered nurse and managing director of a home health company, exemplifies nurturing and entrepreneurship in equal measure. Together with Yaw, they strive to give back to the community through their foundation, embodying their shared commitment to social change.

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As the Agyekum family’s story unfolds, viewers witness the intersection of heritage, ambition, and family bonds. From Thelma, Nana, and Brenda’s journey through young adulthood to Yaw and Delali’s pursuit of the American dream while staying rooted in their Ghanaian heritage, “Royal Rules of Ohio” offers a captivating portrayal of a family navigating the complexities of modern life.

With its blend of cultural richness and black excellence, “Royal Rules of Ohio” promises to captivate audiences and provide a look into a family that thrives on success, hard-work and love.

Watch the trailer below.

photos: Disney/Soul Brother

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T-Pain Releases Powerful New Single/Video “On This Hill”, Teams With Talkspace To Provide Free Therapy To Fans

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Grammy Award winning artist, producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, global cultural icon T-Pain has released his powerful new single, “On This Hill.” The song about self-love and standing up for yourself, which showcases the innovative artist’s powerful vocals and dynamic voice, comes during Mental Health Awareness Month, and the artist has teamed up with Talkspace to provide free therapy to his fans for up to a year. The visual below finds T-Pain at a raw, fireside jam session in the middle of nowhere, playing into themes of vulnerability and renewal that come up in the song. 

“This song is really about refusing to be gaslit anymore,” said T-Pain. “It’s about coming to a realization that I have to stand up for myself. Over the years, that has just been something I’ve had to open my eyes to and learn how to deal with it. So yeah, I’ll die on this hill, ha!”

At the end of this month, T-Pain will hit the road for his Mansion In Wiscansin Party Tour. Taking its name from the now iconic lyric “Put you in a mansion, somewhere in Wiscansin” from his 2008 hit “Can’t Believe It,” the series of dates kicks off in Houston on May 29th and highlights include a special Juneteenth Celebration at The Hollywood Bowl with Color of Noise Orchestra, his third annual Wiscansin Fest at The Rave/Eagles Club in Milwaukee, a headline show at Central Park SummerStage and more. Later this summer, he’ll join Pitbull on the Party After Dark Tour.

MANSION IN WISCANSIN PARTY TOUR DATES:

May 29 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall *

May 30 –Dallas, TX  – South Side Ballroom *

June 4 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall * SOLD OUT

June 6 – Windsor, ON – Caesars Windsor  The Colosseum *

June 8 – Milwaukee, WI – WISCANSIN FEST @ The Rave/Eagles Club ^ SOLD OUT

June 11 – Columbus, OH – Kemba Live! * SOLD OUT

June 12 – Pittsburg, PA – Stage AE * SOLD OUT

June 13 – Doswell, VA – Meadow Event Park *

June 19 – Los Angeles, CA – Juneteenth Celebration @ The Hollywood Bowl

June 21 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony SummerStage * SOLD OUT

June 23 – New York, NY – Central Park SummerStage *

June 25 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion *

June 26 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre *

June 27 – North Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery Lawn *

June 29 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre *

June 30 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company * SOLD OUT

July 2 – Jacksonville, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre * SOLD OUT

July 3 – Miami, FL – The Fillmore Miami Beach *

* with LARussell, NandoSTL & Young Ca$h

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Today in Hip Hop History: Nas and Damian Marley Dropped Their ‘Distant Relatives’LP 14 Years Ago

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On this date in 2010, Queensbridge king Nas and reggae royalty Damian Marley dropped their collaborative album Distant Relatives on the Universal Republic/Def Jam imprint. 

This Hip Hop/reggae collabo album was the first of its kind, with its release coming after Nas’ controversial Untitled album and Marley’s landmark Welcome To Jamrock LP. The production was very organic and exempt of super producers except for Jr. Gong and Stephen Marley, having Marley explain , “We’re trying to have a sound that’s reminiscent of both of us, but not exactly like either… A lot of charity albums come off corny. We want this to be something you’d play in your car.”

The album did daily well commercially, entering the Billboard 200 at number five and selling over 125,000 in its premiere month. Distant Relatives also served as a refreshing alternative that was a vehicle of consciousness to younger listeners captivated by the more popular gangster-themed music. Features boasted the likes of Joss Stone, Junior Reid, Lil Wayne, and others. 

Salute to Damian and Nas for this pivotal piece of Hip Hop history! 

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MC Lyte Set to Make a Triumphant Return with New Music

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Iconic rapper MC Lyte is gearing up to make a splash in the music scene once again, announcing her first release in nearly a decade. Fans of the groundbreaking MC can anticipate new music dropping this summer, marking a highly anticipated comeback for the trailblazing artist.

In a recent interview with Rock The Bells Radio, MC Lyte revealed the exciting news, setting the stage for her much-awaited return. With a new single titled “Woman” slated for release in June, followed by an album scheduled for August 9, the anticipation among fans is palpable.

While details about the upcoming project remain scarce, the announcement alone has generated significant buzz within the hip-hop community. MC Lyte’s profound impact on the genre, coupled with her undeniable talent, promises an album that will captivate audiences and solidify her legacy as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.

MC Lyte’s contributions to the culture extend far beyond her music, as evidenced by her recent recognition at the inaugural SEED Summit + Awards. Honored alongside esteemed industry figures, MC Lyte continues to inspire and empower the next generation of creators and artists.

Known for her advocacy for women and girls in hip-hop, MC Lyte’s unwavering commitment to the culture is evident in her participation in events such as the I AM Woman celebration at the Kennedy Center. Reflecting on the significance of women’s contributions to hip-hop, MC Lyte emphasized the enduring legacy of the genre and its ability to inspire and unite individuals from all walks of life.

As fans eagerly await the release of MC Lyte’s new music, her forthcoming album promises to be a testament to her unparalleled talent and enduring influence in hip hop MC Lyte continues to leave an indelible mark on the culture, reaffirming her status as a pioneer and icon.

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Floyd Mayweather Accused of Scamming Mexican Boxing Promoters

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Floyd Mayweather Says He Won't Speak Bad on Diddy: 'Mistakes Happen'

Boxing icon Floyd Mayweather finds himself embroiled in controversy once again, this time over allegations of scamming boxing promoters in Mexico out of a staggering $1 million. The saga unfolds against the backdrop of Mayweather’s recent disappearance from Dubai and subsequent reappearance in Las Vegas, sparking a whirlwind of speculation and scrutiny.

Just weeks ago, Mayweather’s presence in Dubai made headlines amid claims that he was being held against his will over an unpaid debt. However, the boxer resurfaced in Las Vegas, raising questions about the details of the earlier reports.

Adding fuel to the fire, Mayweather announced an exhibition boxing match in Mexico scheduled for August 24, only to delete the post from Instagram shortly after. The timing of the post’s removal coincided with Mayweather’s return to Las Vegas, further muddying the waters surrounding his intentions.

Compounding the confusion, Mayweather’s Instagram account recently shared a post asserting that he was “stuck in Dubai,” contradicting earlier reports of his return to the United States. This abrupt shift in narrative came amidst allegations that Mayweather failed to attend a press conference in Mexico to promote the upcoming exhibition match.

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According to reports by WBN, Mayweather’s absence from the press conference left organizers and journalists bewildered, with no explanation provided for his no-show. Furthermore, Mayweather’s original opponent, Victor Ortiz, was dropped from the main event, leading to speculation about the reasons behind the sudden change.

The CDMX Government, which had been actively involved in facilitating the event, expressed disappointment over the turn of events, casting a shadow over Mayweather’s reputation and the future of the exhibition match in Mexico.

Thoughts?

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Atlantic Records Shares Social Media Message on Cardi B’s Album: ‘We Can’t Wait’

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Cardi B Delivers New Video for "Enough (Miami)"

Cardi B said she isn’t dropping an album this year. Atlantic Records said, “ha ha, that’s cute. Yes you are.”

In case you missed it, while interacting with fans online, Cardi revealed she agreed with a fan who stated she should pull back from social media platforms due to feeling “unappreciated” for online interactions.

Then she dropped the reveal: “Anyway NO album this year I don’t care I’m relaxing this year .. Dropping these features I already committed to and traveling and enjoying my summer.”

After a new Rolling Stone cover story hit online, Atlantic Records shared their own message: “Cardi B’s upcoming album is one of the most anticipated this year. We can’t wait put it out, even if we have to sneak into her studio and take it! 👀”

Cardi’s last single, “Enough (Miami),” cracked into the top 10 at No. 9. The record, which fans have been anticipating to hear new music from the Bronx emcee, marked Cardi’s 12th entry into the Top 10. The single scored nearly 15 million streams and 8.8 million radio audience impressions.

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2016 Hotel Security Footage Shows Diddy Beating and Dragging Cassie

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2016 footage from the Intercontinental Hotel in Los Angeles shows Diddy baeting Cassie in the hotel’s hallway.

In the video released by CNN, Diddy is seen running down the hotel hallway in a towel to catch Cassie as she attempts to leave in an elevator. Diddy throws Cassie to the floor by her neck, followed by kicks, stomps and an attempt to drag her down the hall by her hood.

Cassie attempted to use a hotel phone only to be pushed to the ground by Diddy again. Later in the video, he throws a vase at the singer.

Cassie’s attorney, Douglas H. Wigdor, released the following statement: “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”

The video is available below. As a warning, the video is graphic and displays physical assault.

This video arrived just days after Diddy posted a new message on Instagram. In the post, captioned “LOVE,” Diddy shared an image that says, “Time tells truth.”

A federal rade on Diddy’s properties in March, led to the seizure of electronic devices in both his Los Angeles and Miami homes.

According to ABC, Homeland Security executed the raid by order of a Manhattan federal court, seizing devices in an investigation of sex trafficking as a result of civil lawsuits against the music mogul from four women.

Diddy and his legal team released a statement following the raids on his Los Angeles and Miami homes. In a statement, attorney Aaron Dyer stated that federal authorities used “military-level force” to execute the raid.

You can read the full statement below:

“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated. Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way.

This unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence—leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

On Nov. 16, 2023, Cassie filed a now-settled lawsuit against Diddy in federal court, accusing the media mogul of rape and abuse that began a decade ago when she was just 19 years old. The “Me and You” singer was previously signed to Diddy’s label Bad Boy Records, meeting him back in 2005. Since then, she alleges he took control of her life and accused him of acts of sex trafficking, human trafficking, sexual battery, sexual assault, and more.

In light of recent events, Cassie is hopeful Diddy will finally get the justice he deserves.

Her attorney issued a statement to Good Morning America following the raids of his home: “We will always support law enforcement when it seeks to prosecute those that have violated the law. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

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