Governors Ball 2024 is taking place at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York City on June 7-9 and today they reveal this year’s schedule. Gates open daily at 11:45 AM with music starting at noon.
Now in its 14th year and second iteration at their new location, Gov Ball will ring in summer in the city with over 60 bands on 3 stages for 3 days including headliners Post Malone, The Killers, SZA, Peso Pluma, Rauw Alejandro and 21 Savage.
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The festival recently announced the food and beverage lineup which will include some of the best purveyors New York City’s culinary scene has to offer all weekend long. Full details can be found HERE.
Making its debut in 2011 as a one-day festival, Gov Ball quickly expanded to a three-day multi-stage and multi-genre event featuring world-class artists and local NYC culinary offerings. In 2023, Gov Ball took place at the historic green space, Flushing Meadows Corona Park and is proud to call the lush tree-lined park home. Deemed New York City’s “premier outdoor pop event” by The New York Times, and “New York City’s best music festival” by New York magazine, Governors Ball is routinely heralded as one of the top live music events in North America and the world at large.
In a fusion of urban style and timeless elegance, Simone I. Smith Jewelry has teamed up with fashion visionary Misa Hylton to unveil an extraordinary collaboration: the SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds Collection. These new doorknockers offer an upgraded sophistication set to become the ultimate statement pieces for all the fashionable around-the-way girls. Available in two distinct shapes, these earrings are revolutionizing contemporary jewelry with their unique blend of denim and diamonds.
The Simone Doorknockers
The Misa Doorknockers boast brilliant simulated diamonds set in 18K yellow gold-plated triangle bamboo designs, adorned with hand-crafted denim enamel stations. On the other hand, the Simone Doorknockers feature the same dazzling simulated diamonds, this time set in 18K yellow gold-plated rectangle bamboo designs, also accented with denim enamel stations.
This groundbreaking collaboration seamlessly merges Simone I. Smith’s signature craftsmanship with Misa Hylton’s innovative designs, resulting in a collection that exudes sophistication, glamour, and urban flair. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece in the Denim and Diamonds collection offers a refreshing take on contemporary jewelry, blending the rugged charm of denim with the luxurious sparkle of diamonds.
The Misa Doorknockers
The ladies held a press preview for their new collection filled with sophistication and entertainment, as guests dressed in their finest Denim and Diamonds attire. From custom bedazzled denim hats to a gift bag of Simone I. Smith goodies, attendees were treated to an inspiring and uplifting evening. Delectable bites, including lobster rolls, crab cakes, and steak bites, paired with special cocktails, added to the ambiance of the event.
The Source Magazine, journalist Courtney Brown had the opportunity to chat with Simone I. Smith about her inspiration behind the collection and her passion for representing the community.
Courtney Brown (CB): When I looked at your site I instantly caught the inspiration. But when I saw the dolphin earrings, I was like, ‘yo, she was there.’
Simone I. Smith (SS) You know I was there. (laughs) I was there. I was there.
CB: What made you go that route to put hip-hop staples and include them within your line?
SS: Well, first of all, when I designed, so when me and Mary partnered, she’s one of my best friends, just like Misa, and we partnered up, we have a partnership and we have a business called Sister Love. And because Mary grew up in Yonkers, I grew up in Queens, we both grew up in the hip-hop era. And it was all about those big statement pieces. So I was like, we need to bring back all of the door knockers from back in the days. I don’t know how many of them we’ve launched now. I don’t know, maybe 20 pair, but we keep finding them. And then we just modernize them. They’re like sterling silver, 18 karat gold, but they’re high polished. You know, like back in the day, they were more kind of like a dull. It was like a dull gold.
CB: I love the quality too.
SS: Yeah, but it’s because those earrings just never went out of style. I always had a pair of bamboo earrings, always had a pair of triangle earrings. And you know, when we just decided to do it, we were both two girls from New York that grew up in the hip-hop era. You know, and she’s the queen. She’s the queen of hip-hop R&B, I think is what Mary’s title is. And me, I’m the queen of hoops. So, you know, so, but Mary was my number one, so like her and Misa, when I launched sis, Mary and Misa, they always wore my earrings.
CB: Is she wearing them on the hit series Power?
SS: Absolutely. That’s all Sister Love on power. Right. And then, so then, we just, you know, it was our goal to just bring the big, bold, pay homage to the late 80s, the mid to late 80s, and just continue to do that because, you know, we want women to feel good and also to show that women can work together. Because so many women, women can be very catty, you know that.
CB: Yes, yes.
SS: But women can work together. So Mary and I have our partnership. Misa and I, we have our collaboration. Our first drop is Denim and Diamonds. That’s the one that we have named Denim and Diamonds. And then these are Simone.
CB: These are my favorite!
SS: These are Simone.. And the triangle ones that Misa has on, those are the Misas.
CB: And when I saw the Nefertiti pendant! I just asked my friend, ‘Why aren’t the men repping us anymore?’… Remember how the men used to wear the Nefertiti?
SS: They used to rock us.
CB: The men used to rock us.
SS: What’s my boy on Power? Neek! Neek is rocking the Nefertiti. We got to give him props for that.
CB: Yes, we got to give Neek props.
After exchanging a few dabs like the cool girls did back in the day—I was instantly connected to Mrs.Smith’s grace, kindness and charm.
With its blend of urban edge and timeless elegance, the SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds collection is set to revolutionize contemporary jewelry, offering statement pieces that resonate with the spirit of the hip-hop era.
On this date, we celebrate the born day of the very first person to be considered an emcee in the culture we now call Hip Hop; Coke La Rock.
“Now way back in the days when hip-hop began With Coke La Rock, Kool Herc, and then Bam” – KRS-1 “South Bronx”
Today marks the 69th birthday of Coke La Rock, the man recognized as the very first emcee to rock the mic. He can tell you about the very first party that DJ Kool Herc threw for his sister on August 11, 1973, the day distinguished as Hip-Hop’s birthday. He was there because he was an original member of the Herculoids crew and his job was to be the Master of the Ceremony.
Two Hip-Hop staples that originated with the king are party chants you have definitely heard before. They are, “You rock and you don’t stop” and “Hotel, motel, you don’t tell, we won’t tell.” Most people believe that these lines were originated by the Sugar Hill Gang, but just like they stole lyrics from Grandmaster Caz, they also swipe these transitional hooks from La Rock.
Other people inspired by him (and you can tell this by their names) were the late Scott La Rock of BDP and T La Rock.
Happy birthday to this legend on his birthday and wish him many more hereafter!!
Ray J, the multifaceted entrepreneur and entertainer, recently found himself at the center of a social media storm following the revelation of his new face tattoos. However, it wasn’t just the public’s reaction that caught attention; it was the intervention of his big sister, Brandy, that added a poignant layer to the unfolding narrative.
In a candid Instagram Live session on Wednesday, April 24, Ray J disclosed how his sister reached out to him upon seeing the video showcasing his new ink. Brandy, concerned about her brother’s appearance, urged him to take down the post. She was direct, expressing her discomfort with his disheveled look and the overall presentation of the video. Ray J, acknowledging her concern, promptly complied, recognizing the wisdom in her counsel.
The tattoos themselves, featuring the names of his children and the logo of his TV network, Tronix, represent Ray J’s personal journey and professional evolution. They symbolize his transition from being solely an artist and entertainer to embracing a broader role as a multimedia entrepreneur. Ray J sees these tattoos as emblematic of his commitment to charting his own path, unapologetically steering away from traditional norms and embracing his entrepreneurial spirit.
Adrienne Bailon, former Cheetah Girls singer and co-host of “The Real,” has candidly revealed the staggering cost she and her husband Israel Houghton endured on their fertility journey, totaling “easily over a million” dollars in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
After a six-year struggle with infertility, Bailon, 40, and Houghton, 52, welcomed their son Ever via a surrogate in August 2022. Despite the joyous arrival of their son, the couple’s path to parenthood was marked by emotional turmoil and significant financial investment.
In an exclusive interview with People.com, Bailon shared insights into their arduous journey, detailing the exhaustive efforts and financial strain they faced. “I only did eight cycles of IVF, but that doesn’t include the amount of IUIs I did and every other kind of imaginable treatments that you could imagine for fertility,” Bailon explained.
The couple’s relentless pursuit of parenthood involved numerous fertility treatments beyond IVF, further exacerbating the financial burden. “So it was a pretty tough six years of trying to have my son,” Bailon reflected.
When questioned about the total expenditure on IVF treatments, Bailon acknowledged the exorbitant cost, stating, “Easily over a million.” While this figure may seem staggering to many, Bailon emphasized that it is far beyond what the average person can afford.
Despite the immense challenges and financial sacrifices, Bailon expressed unwavering gratitude for their son Ever, emphasizing that he is “worth every tear, every disappointment, every delayed prayer, every IVF cycle, every miscarriage.”
Bailon’s candid revelation sheds light on the emotional and financial toll of infertility, highlighting the need for greater accessibility to fertility treatments for individuals and couples facing similar challenges.
Much more successful than their debut, The Infamous is hailed as a New York classic. Its gritty underground style is a staple in the hardcore movement going on at this time in New York. This album helped New York Hip Hop separate itself from the mediocre backpacker style that was popular a few years prior. Havoc and Prodigy‘s production shaped a new sound that could separate them from any NYC crime rhymer at the time.
Helping to pave the way for future artists like The Diplomats or A$AP Mob, The Infamous promoted a sound a lifestyle that appealed to a side of New York that wasn’t being spoken to or about by the politically charged artists that came in the late 80s and early 90s. Much like Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), Mobb Deep acted as street prophets, spitting the truths of the hood without trying to be outwardly righteous about it. Featuring artists like Ghostface Killah, Nas, and Q-Tip, this project is a titan among its peers.
The album was a commercial success debuting at #15 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the R&B/Hip Hop charts. The album was certified gold within the first month of its release, and the three singles from the project all made appearances on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart, with “Shook Ones Pt. II” and Survival of the Fittest” both making it on to the Billboard Hot 100.
Fans looking forward to seeing Kid Cudi will have to wait for another time. The star has canceled his Insano World Tour after breaking an ankle during his Coachella set.
Kid Cudi announced on X that he has a broken calcaneus. Tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase.
“Guys, so, I have a broken calcaneus,” he wrote. “I’m headed to surgery now and there’s gonna be a long recovery time. We have to cancel the tour so I can focus on getting better to be out there in top shape to rage with you all. Theres just no way I can bounce back in time to give 100%. The injury is much more serious than I thought. Anyone who bought tickets will get a full refund, you’ll get an email soon. We will be back with new tour dates as soon as possible, and I can’t wait to get back out there with you guys and turn up how we do. I’m so sorry fam and I love you all so much, thanks for the endless love and support. Im really disappointed as I’m sure you guys are too, but I will be back. Thats a promise. Im ok, just a lil soreness, but I’m in good spirits.”
One of the most recognized duos in Hip Hop, Eric B. & Rakim, were nominated for the 2024 Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame Induction, however, the Paid In Full posse didn’t make the cut against some of Generation X’s most prolific artists including Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool And The Gang and more. Neither Eric B. nor Rakim took offense to the snub. In fact, they took it in stride.
“Microphone Fiend” Rakim and his DJ Eric B. didn’t garner enough votes to be inducted, much like when they didn’t get the nod back in 2012. The duo put out a statement obtained by TMZ, stating, “Congratulations to the diverse group of artists inducted into the Rock Hall this year. Seeing Tribe and Mary on the list besides Cher, Ozzy, Kool and the Gang and all of the other icons shows how inclusive the institution has become. Keep voting … we’ll join you soon!”
Eric B. and Rakim are one of the culture’s most iconic duos, coming on the scene during the Golden Era of Hip Hop, their 1987 debut album Paid In Full remains a Five Mic classic for both younger and older artists, pioneering both music and fashion norms seen today.
The Tupac Shakur estate has warned Drake for using an AI-generated voice of the late rap icon in his diss track to Kendrick Lamar.
According to Billboard, the estate is threatening to sue and stated the voice was “a flagrant violation” and “blatant use” of Pac’s legacy.
The message was delivered via a cease-and-desist letter filed by Howard King, requesting Drake pull the song within 24 hours or face all of the estate’s “legal remedies.”
“The Estate is deeply dismayed and disappointed by your unauthorized use of Tupac’s voice and personality,” King wrote in the letter. “Not only is the record a flagrant violation of Tupac’s publicity and the estate’s legal rights, it is also a blatant abuse of the legacy of one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. The Estate would never have given its approval for this use.”
Additionally, the letter reads, “The unauthorized, equally dismaying use of Tupac’s voice against Kendrick Lamar, a good friend to the Estate who has given nothing but respect to Tupac and his legacy publicly and privately, compounds the insult.”
Last Friday (April 19) on Instagram, Drake dropped off the “Taylor Made Freestyle.”
Upon pressing play, you will hear something you wouldn’t expect: Tupac’s voice. The single opens with an AI Tupac verse requesting KDot stand up for the West Coast. It is followed by an AI Snoop Dogg asking for the same.
AI Tupac raps: Fuck this Canadian lightskin, Dot We need an undebated West Coast victory, man Call him a bitch for me Talk about him liking young girls, that’s a gift from me Heard it on the Budden Podcast, it’s gotta be true They told me the spirit of Makaveli is alive In the nigga under five-foot five, so it’s gotta be you
AI Snoop added: ‘Cause right now it’s looking like you writing out the game plan on how to lose How to bark up the wrong tree and then get your head popped in a crowded room World is watching this chess game, but are you out of moves?
After that, Drake pops in for his own slick talk: The first one really only took me an hour or two The next one is really ’bout to bring out the coward in you But now we gotta wait a fucking week ’cause Taylor Swift is your new Top And if you ’bout to drop, she gotta approve
Since “Like That,” your tone changed a little, you not as enthused How are you not in the booth? It feel like you kinda removed You tryna let this shit die down, nah, nah, nah Not this time, nigga, you followin’ through
He ends the song with a message, “I know you’re in that NY apartment, you struggling right now I know it.”
Former Death Row head Suge Knight doesn’t like Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle” diss to Kendrick Lamar. Not because it attacked Lamar but because it put 2Pac and Snoop’s voices together on the song.
Speaking on his Collect Call with Suge Knight podcast from Breakbeat Media, Suge said, “Putting him on a song and dissing Kendrick for everybody entertainment–that ain’t how it go.”
He added, “Then putting him on a song with Snoop, who was a part of his downfall and exit, ain’t ever a good look. Pac was a king on that chessboard. He never was a pawn, so he can’t make him be a pawn now.”
The ongoing legal battle between rapper Cardi B and gossip vlogger Tasha K has taken a surprising twist, revealing a web of financial deceit and evasion. Two years ago, Tasha K was ordered to pay Cardi B $4 million in damages after losing a defamation lawsuit filed against her. However, instead of complying with the court’s decision, Tasha embarked on a brazen campaign to evade payment.
From the outset, Tasha boasted about her refusal to pay the damages, declaring that she “ain’t got it” and had no intention of fulfilling her legal obligations. Following the exhaustion of all appeals, Tasha filed for bankruptcy, setting off a chain of events that would eventually expose her elaborate scheme.
During a month-long trip to her husband’s home country in Africa, Tasha documented her travels and even made light of hiding her money in an African bank. Little did she know that her seemingly innocuous jokes would come back to haunt her.
Hip Hop Enquirer’s Dennis Byron reported on Cardi B’s relentless pursuit of justice, revealing that the rapper had invested a staggering $1.3 million in uncovering Tasha’s financial misdeeds. Through meticulous investigation, Cardi’s legal team located Tasha’s accountant, who ultimately divulged critical information after facing the prospect of legal repercussions.
It was disclosed that Tasha’s correspondence with her accountant via Gmail proved to be her undoing, as it facilitated the subpoenaing of crucial evidence. The revelation that Tasha had established trusts and offshore bank accounts in violation of court orders further exacerbated her legal woes.
As the truth unraveled, the courts wasted no time in sharing the damning evidence with various authorities, including the IRS, the Federal government, the State, and the Bankruptcy court. Tasha’s blatant disregard for legal directives has not only jeopardized her financial stability but also raised serious legal ramifications.
While Tasha K may have thought she could outsmart the system, Cardi B’s unwavering pursuit of truth and justice has changed reporting gossip as news.
with mad love 
