“Yo yo Redman! What the fuck, man? Get the fuck off that punk shit! Get with that rough shit! You know how we do..” -Hurricane G on Redman’s “Tonight’s Da Night”
For many Hip-Hop fans, the above intro was the first time they heard Gloria “Hurricane G” Rodriguez on wax. Even though it was three decades ago, that unforgettable voice making that arduous demand will forever be a part of the Def Squad legacy and Hip-Hop history.
On this date in 2022, Hurricane G passed away in a hospice after a long battle with lung cancer. She was 52 years old.
G’s 1997 debut album All Woman, along with its lead single “Somebody Else” (which samples The Jones Girls’ 1979 hit “You Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else”) reached the top 10 of the Hot Rap Singles chart. The album also featured an appearance by fellow Hit Squad alums Das EFX. The Brooklyn native also worked with artists such as Diddy, Smif-N-Wessun, Thirstin Howl III, Tony Tocuh and the father of her daughter, EPMD’s Erick Sermon.
Sermon shared his memories at the time of her passing on social media, saying, “My heart is hardened today. One of my good friends…. my oldest daughter’s mother passed away today #HURRICANEGLORIA was also a legend in her own right in the Hiphop community,” Sermon wrote on Instagram. “One of the first puertorican female rappers She rapped with me. @redmangilla she paved the way.”
On this date in 2022, Rahem Brown aka TAME ONE of the 90s backpack rap group The Artifacts passed away. He was 52 years old.
The Artifacts, who also includes partner El Da Sensai, are best known for their 1994 hit “Wrong Side Of Da Tracks” from their debut album Between a Rock and a Hard Place, which pays homage to the graffiti culture of which TAME was an active participant as a member of the NJ-based graffiti collective BOOM SKWAD.
The Artifacts split after the release of their second album That’s Them, but both TAME and El respectively continued their solo careers until they reunited to perform at the Rock Steady Reunion in August 2009.
The duo recently signed with Redefinition Records and the first new Artifacts material in over 10 years was debuted on Redefinition Records’ official SoundCloud.
According to the reports, TAME’s cause of death was heart failure.
In the heart of Brooklyn’s iconic Kings Theatre, more than 2,000 young faces shone with the light of new possibilities as they gathered to mark the culmination of the 18th annual I WILL GRADUATE Day. Founded by Tonya Lewis-Taylor and her husband JP Taylor, I WILL GRADUATE has become a beacon of empowerment, cultivating the greatness of young minds through education, dedication, and dreams realized. This year, the event hit new heights with performances, celebrity appearances, and the unveiling of an ambitious partnership with Reebok.
Lewis-Taylor, an acclaimed gospel singer, author, and visionary CEO, opened the celebration with the powerful theme of this year’s event: “Be Great.” Reflecting on the significance of I WILL GRADUATE, she shared, “We took a thought in our mind and turned it into a reality… we are able to take our personal stories, our love for our youth and empower them to be great.” The celebration at Kings Theatre was not just the close of a six-week intensive program but a moment of renewal for students, who now stand ready to bring the lessons of resilience and self-belief into their futures.
With a full house of students, celebrities, and community leaders, the event buzzed with an energy of motivation and purpose. Terrence J, who gracefully hosted the event after a decade away, captured this energy, telling students, “Greatness means waking up every day and unapologetically going after your dreams.”
Throughout the night, each artist and influencer shared their own stories of greatness. LAILA!, daughter of legendary hip-hop artist Mos Def, described greatness as having the courage to pursue passion without hesitation. “Greatness doesn’t always mean success,” she told me. “It means putting yourself in that position…believing in what you do.” For Atlantic Records’ artist Honey Bxby, greatness is rooted in character and accomplishment: “Achieving things in life—graduating high school, graduating college, getting your education.”
Under the bold leadership of Taylor and her team, the event also marked the unveiling of a groundbreaking partnership with Reebok. This collaboration—championed by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, Harlem’s own Jim Jones, and Reebok President Todd Krinsky—introduces a forward-thinking initiative to merge education and athletics, instilling values of discipline and resilience. “We aim to empower students to stay focused, fit, and future-ready,” shared Krinsky. Together, Reebok and I WILL GRADUATE are creating a program where young people are prepared not just academically but holistically, developing life skills that empower them beyond the classroom.
From the uplifting words of Naturi Naughton to DJ Khaled’s virtual shoutout, each star lent their voice to inspire and elevate. DJ Khaled, Teyana Taylor, Coco Jones, and more joined virtually, delivering encouraging messages to students. Meanwhile, Roc Nation’s HDBeenDope emphasized that greatness is a process, not just an outcome, reminding everyone that “discipline and dedication are how you get anywhere.”
The night honored Fatman Scoop, the unforgettable “voice” of I WILL GRADUATE, whose contributions to the music industry and community were recognized with the Trailblazer Award, accepted by DJ Knuckles.
Funding for the foundation, in the amount of twenty thousand dollars, was presented by Assembly member Brian A. Cunningham. He emphasized the importance of programs like I WILL GRADUATE in conjunction with traditional schools. “—-the focus on making sure kids have all the extra support they need to graduate, while still incorporating fun into learning, I think is critical.” Cash Cobain also donated $3,000 that would go directly to 3 teens kicking off the program’s first ever scholarship fund.
In many ways, the students were the true stars. Thousands of youth from schools across the city completed the I WILL GRADUATE program, which blends academic support with life skills, motivational programming, and star-studded events to show students that greatness is within reach. Reflecting on the night’s success, Lewis-Taylor shared, “When I do this event, I get up the next day saying, ‘I can do all things.’”
Since its founding in 2008, I WILL GRADUATE has stood as a testament to the power of faith, education, and community. Today, with a powerful new alliance, this movement is not only helping students achieve academic success but also inspiring a generation to rise beyond societal limitations. As Lewis-Taylor looks to the future, she embodies the very ideals her program promotes.
On this date in 2007, Jay-Z released his American Gangster album, which also served as the soundtrack to the movie of the same name with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
It was a conceptual album that was inspired by the film of the same name. The album spawned hits like “I Know”, “Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)”, and “Blue Magic”. Guest features include Idris Elba, Lil Wayne, Beanie Sigel, and Nas. The album features production from Diddy, The Neptunes, Just Blaze, and The Hitmen.
American Gangster debuted at number one on Billboard 200, selling 425,861 copies in the first week. This album tied Jigga with Elvis Presley for second-most number one albums. It was a commercial success and viewed as a good follow-up from Hov’s 2006 album Kingdom Come.
R&B sensation Shanice, best known for her hit single “I Love Your Smile,” has publicly revealed her breast cancer diagnosis, marking a pivotal moment in her health journey. In an appearance on Good Morning America on October 30, the 51-year-old singer opened up about the emotional and physical challenges she has faced, including her years-long fear of mammograms.
Shanice’s health concerns began more than a decade ago when doctors discovered what they initially believed to be a cancerous lump in her breast. The anxiety surrounding that moment was overwhelming, but subsequent tests revealed that the lump was a benign cyst, sparing her from further medical intervention. Despite the relief, the experience left her deeply shaken and mistrustful of medical screenings.
“Because of the fear that I had when they thought they saw something, I didn’t go for eight years,” Shanice candidly shared during her interview. Her decision to avoid mammograms for nearly a decade was also influenced by the challenges of her diagnosis. Shanice was informed she had dense breast tissue—a condition in which the breasts have more glandular tissue and less fat, making tumors and normal tissue appear similarly white on mammogram results. This factor, according to the American Cancer Society, can make detecting cancer more difficult.
In March, after feeling a lump in her breast, Shanice made the courageous decision to return to routine screening. The mammogram led to a sobering diagnosis: breast cancer. Initially, doctors thought she had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive, stage zero cancer contained within the milk ducts. To ensure her health and peace of mind, Shanice opted for a double mastectomy and underwent surgery in May.
However, during the procedure, doctors discovered a more serious situation. Instead of DCIS, Shanice had a stage 1 tumor measuring one centimeter. The diagnosis was a jarring moment for the singer. “When I had my surgery and they told me I had cancer, I literally lost my smile,” Shanice recounted. But despite the emotional weight of her battle, she emphasized her resilience and hope. “I wanted to come on the show to encourage women that you have to keep smiling. I got my smile back.”
Shanice’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of regular health screenings and facing one’s fears for the sake of well-being. Her brave decision to share her journey aims to inspire and empower women to prioritize their health, despite the understandable fears that can come with medical diagnoses. As Shanice continues her fight with strength and positivity, she hopes her experience will resonate with others and encourage proactive health measures.
Music mogul Dr. Dre is pushing back against serious accusations made by his former marriage counselor, Dr. Charles Sophy. Last month, Dr. Sophy, who provided counseling to Dre and his ex-wife Nicole Young during their turbulent divorce proceedings, was granted a restraining order after alleging that Dre had threatened him. Dre, however, denies the claims and accuses Sophy of racial prejudice.
In the legal documents obtained by TMZ, Dr. Dre acknowledges that he used “colorful” and crude language in text exchanges with Sophy but insists that none of his messages posed a “credible threat of future violence.” The Grammy-winning producer asserts that Sophy’s decision to seek a restraining order is rooted not in any genuine fear of harm but rather in deep-seated racial bias. Dre argues that the depiction of him as a violent threat plays into “racist caricatures” that portray Black men as inherently aggressive.
The tension between the two doctors escalated after Sophy accused Dre of sending menacing texts, including one that allegedly came from a burner phone, calling him “a little bitch.” Dre disputes this claim, arguing that there would be no need for him to switch to a burner phone when he had previously sent messages like “You’re a piece of st” and “You fked with the wrong one” from his personal device. The hip-hop legend maintains that while his language was harsh, it never crossed the line into a threat warranting a restraining order.
Dre also denies any involvement with supposed fake FBI agents whom Sophy claims appeared at his home to intimidate him. Furthermore, Dre accuses Sophy of trying to paint him in a negative light by unjustifiably associating him with the unrelated and high-profile allegations against fellow music mogul Diddy. In his defense, Dre highlights that Sophy’s references to the “violent behavior” of Dre’s associates further illustrate his racial bias.
As Dre petitions the court to lift the temporary restraining order and deny Sophy any future protective measures, the case continues to unfold. At its heart is Dre’s assertion that the marriage counselor’s claims are not only unfounded but also steeped in racial stereotyping. The outcome of this legal battle could hinge on whether the court finds Dre’s defense—that the perceived threats were exaggerated through a lens of racial prejudice—compelling.
Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) today announced that Italy’s Armando Casamonica (14-0, 3 KOs) has joined the preliminary card of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Serrano vs. Taylor 2 mega-event on Friday, November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Casamonica will go head-to-head in a 10-round lightweight bout with Canada’s Lucas “Prince” Bahdi (17-0, 15 KOs), a top lightweight contender who also boasts Italian heritage.
Casamonica steps in after Corey Marksman was forced to withdraw with an injury. The preliminary card of Paul vs. Tyson begins at 5:30pm ET / 4:30pm CT and will stream live on Most Valuable Promotions’ YouTube and Netflix Sports YouTube. You can also see more on fight night at Tudum. Paul vs. Tyson and Taylor vs. Serrano 2 will air live globally on Netflix on Friday, November 15 at 5pm PT / 8pm ET and is anticipated to be the biggest boxing event in modern history. Fans can purchase tickets now at seatgeek.com.
Born into the Casamonica Clan, the most feared family in Rome and throughout the Lazio region, Armando has decided to pursue his family’s legacy of dynasty through violence in the boxing ring. With generations of family history to study, Armando has learned the techniques and methods of the Casamonica Clan and translated that into the art of boxing. Hitting, dodging and dancing are the arts that he has learned but his street smarts and lethal killer instinct are inherited. Armando became the new Italian super lightweight champion in May of 2024, and won his first title defense in October bringing his professional record to 14-0. In Casamonica tradition, it will be the first of many assets he will seek to acquire and control at all costs.
“It’s an immense honor to represent my family and our legacy on the biggest stage in boxing,” said Armando Casamonica. “Boxers dream of nights like this—fighting under the lights at AT&T Stadium, in front of millions of fans around the world, including my fans at home in Italy, on Netflix. Thank you to MVP for this opportunity, I’m bringing everything I’ve got to this fight, and Lucas Bahdi better be ready because history meets destiny on Friday, November 15th.”
Lucas “Prince” Bahdi (17-0, 15 KOs) comes to the ring by way of Niagara Falls, Ontario. The 30-year-old top contender, who is also half Italian, has gone undefeated since making his professional debut in mid-2019, winning his first 11 fights by knockout. Bahdi had unanimous decision wins against Diego Fabian Eligio and Diego Andrade Chavez in 2022 before resuming his knockout streak. In May 2023, Bahdi defeated Jesus Amparan to claim the IBF North American Lightweight title. Bahdi is a top-ranked lightweight by both the IBF and WBA and most recently, proved himself among the best title contenders in the lightweight division when he scored a knockout of the year contender win over H2O Sylve on the main card of Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry in July 2024.
“Undefeated fighters always fight hard to protect their records and I expect that Armando Casamonica will do that, but I’m also undefeated and will fight even harder than him,” said Lucas Bahdi. “I can’t wait to put on a show on Friday, November 15.”
Last week, several reports confirmed that Boot Camp Clik co-founder Buckshot Shorty was the victim of a vicious attack in his home borough of Brooklyn, resulting in the “Who Got The Props” rapper being hospitalized with serious injuries.
Today, the Boot Camp Clik put out a collective statement via social media with an update on Buck’s condition as well as a notice to have all videos of the unprovoked assault to be taken down.
There are still no suspects nor a motive for this attack. The assault occurred in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, where Buckshot, whose real name is Kenyatta Blake, is known to reside.
Buckshot Shorty’s acclaim comes with over three decades of history in Hip Hop since the launch of Black Moon’s 1993 debut album Enta Da Stage. This album spawned the career of several legendary notables in the culture including Smif N’ Wessun and Heltah Skeltah, one of whose members is the late Sean Price.
Vice President Kamala Harris is more than just a political leader; she’s a devoted admirer of hip-hop, an art form she describes as “the ultimate American art form” that “shapes every aspect of America’s popular culture.” At a recent barbecue celebration marking the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Harris shared her deep appreciation for the genre, which she says is intertwined with the fabric of American life.
“Hip-hop culture is American culture,” Harris declared, captivating a crowd of more than 400 guests. The event, hosted in collaboration with the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective and Live Nation Urban, featured performances and appearances by stars such as Jennifer Hudson, actor-comedian Deon Cole, and Oakland rap legend Too Short.
Harris reflected on hip-hop’s rise from the boroughs of New York to becoming a global cultural force. With roots in African, Caribbean, and Latin rhythms, the genre has fused elements of soul, gospel, R&B, and funk to create something entirely new. “It is a genre. It is music and melody and rhyme,” Harris emphasized. “And hip-hop is also an ethos of strength and self-determination, of ambition and aspiration, of pride, power, and purpose.”
Growing up in Oakland, California, Harris had a front-row seat to hip-hop’s evolution. She shared that she knows every word of Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” and fondly recalls blasting Too Short’s albums during her college days at Howard University. Her upbringing, she explained, cemented her bond with hip-hop, a genre she praises for its authenticity and raw storytelling. “Hip-hop speaks truth, raw, unfiltered, without apology,” she said.
Harris also acknowledged hip-hop’s vital role in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. She quoted Public Enemy’s Chuck D, who famously called rap “Black America’s CNN,” pointing out how the genre has historically provided a platform for stories that mainstream media often overlooks.
The vice president’s connection to hip-hop is no political gimmick. Critics may accuse politicians of using hip-hop culture as a means to secure votes, but Harris’ ties to the music run deep and are rooted in her lived experiences. As a Black woman who grew up in a middle-class household, attended an HBCU, and became an AKA sorority sister, her love for the genre reflects a genuine connection shared by millions of Americans.
For years, Harris has seamlessly blended her passion for hip-hop with her political work. From Megan Thee Stallion opening her Atlanta rally to collaborating with Quavo on gun violence prevention, she has partnered with prominent figures in the hip-hop community. These partnerships aren’t just about optics; they’re about engaging younger, culturally aware voters in meaningful ways.
Harris’ embrace of hip-hop culture is reminiscent of President Barack Obama, who famously shared his love for artists like JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar. It’s a humbling reminder that some of America’s most powerful figures draw inspiration from the same cultural forces that shape everyday life. For Harris, hip-hop is a source of pride and a symbol of resilience. Her campaign’s use of hip-hop is more than a strategy—it’s a reflection of shared experiences and values.
Vice President Harris knows what it feels like to have her identity questioned, a sentiment that resonates with many Black Americans. She’s faced scrutiny for not fitting into rigid perceptions of Blackness, but she stands firm in her truth. “Just because I’m not the Black person you want me to be doesn’t make me any less Black than you,” she said, speaking to a broader narrative of cultural and personal authenticity.
Hip-hop remains a powerful force in shaping culture and political engagement. As Harris champions the genre’s impact, she shows how music can break barriers, spark conversations, and unite communities. For her, hip-hop is more than just music—it’s a testament to the spirit of a nation that celebrates diversity, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
Drake is being criticized by ATL Hip-Hop pioneer Jermaine Dupri for not attending the historic LilWeezyAna Festival honoring Lil Wayne in New Orleans over the weekend.
Dupri let Drake feel the heat after the festival, but Drizzy was tied up courtside at the Toronto Raptors game.
Dupri wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “This is amazing !! Southern HipHop at its best,” before adding: “I cant believe drake missed that, couldn’t have been me.” The So So Def founder then added, “Pardon me for getting excited about the amazing show they just had, ima HipHop nigga and this was a moment.”
Dupri was referring to the monumental reunion of all the Hot Boys members, including Turk, B.G., Mannie Fresh, and Juvenile. This was the first time all Hot Boys were on stage together in over 25 years.
Cash Money head honcho Birdman and in-house producer Mannie Fresh joined the crew on stage to perform “I Need a Hot Girl,” sealing the Cash Money reunion after decades of feuding and legal issues.
To cap off the historic moment, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and NOLA rap legend Master P gave Weezy his own day and the key to the City of New Orleans.
