Wu Tang Clan swordsman Ghostface Killah has decided that out of his myriad of timeless classics, there will be one that he will never perform on stage again.
“It just gets me sad,” Ghost said about his 1996 hit single from his Ironman LP “All That I Got Is You” featuring Mary J. Blige. “I don’t really perform that because it brings me back to a place where we was going through it. That record brings pain.”
In an exclusive interview with Big Daddy Kane on Hip Hop Wired’s “I Got Questions”, the Wally Champ says that the song digs up so much pain from his life that he’s chosen to not perform the song live. The song also features words of wisdom from Wu Tang OG Popa Wu, who passed away in 2019.
Ghostface is still performing in front of sold out crowds such as the capacity crowd last week at NYC’s Apollo Theater for the Fat Joe and Friends concert, which featured other NYC notables such as Dipset, Peter Gunz, Remy Ma, Lil Kim, 50 Cent and The L.O.X.
The highly anticipated Xscape and SWV concert tour is back on track despite recent copyright disputes. Over the weekend, tensions arose as estranged Xscape lead singer LaTocha Scott made efforts to halt the tour by claiming sole ownership of the Xscape name, prompting cease and desist letters to producer Mona Scott-Young and concert promoter Live Nation.
However, LaTocha’s sister, Tamika Harris, quickly intervened to clarify the situation, reminding her sibling that they co-own the copyright to the name Xscape and have equal rights to its use. In a bold move, Tamika took to Instagram to reassure fans and invite them to secure their tickets for the upcoming tour.
Tamika’s post, shared on Twitter, served as both a statement of solidarity and an invitation for fans to join in the celebration of sisterhood and R&B music. Despite the rumors and legal challenges, Tamika emphasized that the tour is proceeding as planned, reaffirming the group’s commitment to their loyal fanbase.
With Tamika’s resolute stance, the Xscape and SWV tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans of both iconic groups. As anticipation builds, supporters are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to witness these powerhouse acts unite on stage, showcasing their enduring talent and camaraderie.
The tour, featuring special guests Mya, Total, and 702, is set to be a highlight of the summer concert season, offering audiences a night filled with timeless hits and memorable performances.
Disney Dreamers Academy 2024: Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders
The magic of dreams coming true unfolded at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida as the Disney Dreamers Academy kicked off its transformative five-day program for high school students from across the nation. This year’s academy, now in its 17th year, welcomed 100 aspiring young leaders, hailing from diverse backgrounds and communities.
Day one of the Disney Dreamers Academy set the stage for an unforgettable journey, filled with workshops, mentorship sessions, and special performances. The dreamers were greeted with a rousing Welcome Celebration hosted by Tracey Powell and Princeton Parker, featuring special guests and musical performances that ignited the spirit of inspiration and empowerment.
As the program unfolded, dreamers delved into a myriad of enriching experiences. Career Academies provided students with invaluable insights into various fields, from culinary arts to entrepreneurship and Imagineering. Renowned figures such as Daymond John from ‘Shark Tank’ and Lanny Smoot from Walt Disney Imagineering shared their wisdom and expertise, empowering students to explore their passions and aspirations.
The first day culminated in a vibrant Magical Kingdom Parade, where dreamers took center stage alongside actress Dara Reneé, serving as the program’s “Dreambassador.” Joined by beloved Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Princess Tiana, the parade symbolized the celebration of dreams and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
Day two of the Disney Dreamers Academy continued to spark creativity and curiosity among participants. From interactive workshops with actor Lance Gross to immersive experiences in puppeteering and artistry, dreamers embarked on a journey of self-discovery and skill-building.
Exploring EPCOT, the dreamers witnessed the magic of innovation and imagination firsthand, while a special dessert party added an extra sprinkle of joy to the evening festivities.
Supported by sponsors AT&T, Sprite, and Delta Airlines, the Disney Dreamers Academy exemplifies Disney’s commitment to fostering diversity, empowerment, and opportunity. Through mentorship, workshops, and inspirational sessions led by celebrities and industry leaders, the academy equips young minds with the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
As the 100 dreamers continue their journey at the Disney Dreamers Academy, their experiences serve as a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, education, and the belief in the potential of every young dreamer.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Disney Dreamers Academy as these exceptional young leaders embark on their path to success and fulfillment.
Akon has entered the Diddy chat. TMZ reported that the Konvict music star admits he is not in the know about the ins and outs—no pun intended—of the Diddy party scene. However, he hopes the truth will come out for everyone involved and that perhaps the industry will learn a few lessons. Well, everyone has their opinion.
Now, TMZ rapped with Akon at LAX, as they so artfully do with celebs, and the dish from Akon is he thinks all the salacious energy in the music industry does any good for the business side of the equation.
Akon went further with a broader lens, telling TMZ that this year, 2024, is about truth for the industry. He referenced Katt Williams dropping tea all over the place on that infamous “Club Shay Shay” interviewwhere he went at Kevin Hart, Cedric The Entertainer, and more within the world of Black comedians.
The Locked Up rapper and mogul threw blessings on Diddy’s way and talked about his exec bag and looking for new artists. At the end of the day, he made his opinion known and kept it moving.
In the ongoing legal battle surrounding R. Kelly, new developments have emerged as Faith Rodgers’ mother has been ordered to sit for a deposition. Rodgers, who accused the singer of failing to disclose an STD before their encounter, continues her pursuit of justice through legal means.
According to reports from Radar Online, a recent court conference shed light on the upcoming deposition. While Rodgers did not attend the conference held on March 7, the court mandated responses to defendant R. Kelly’s discovery requests by April 7, 2024. Additionally, dates for both Rodgers’ and her mother’s depositions were to be provided by March 21, with the depositions set to take place in April. Fact discovery is slated to conclude by June 30.
Faith Rodgers is one of the five women who testified against R. Kelly during his 2021 trial in Brooklyn federal court, where he faced charges including sexual exploitation of a child, bribery, racketeering, and trafficking. Rodgers initially sued Kelly in 2018, seeking damages for sexual battery and false imprisonment.
In her pursuit of justice, Rodgers seeks answers under oath from Kelly regarding their relationship, including the date they met and the frequency of their sexual encounters. She also demands a list of credit cards used by Kelly from 2017 to 2019, as well as information about medical professionals and healthcare facilities he visited during that period. Crucially, Rodgers seeks acknowledgment from Kelly regarding his alleged failure to disclose his herpes diagnosis before engaging in sexual activity.
The unfolding legal proceedings add another chapter to the ongoing saga surrounding R. Kelly, whose convictions and legal battles have garnered widespread attention. As Faith Rodgers and her legal team continue their pursuit of accountability, the outcome of the depositions and subsequent legal actions remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for further updates as the legal proceedings unfold in the case against R. Kelly.
2x GRAMMY-nominated recording artist Coi Leray took center stage on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show, delivering an electrifying performance of her latest track “Femme Fatale” alongside G-Eazy and Kalii. The trio captivated audiences with their dynamic energy, bringing the vibrant essence of their new single to life.
Dressed in a sleek monochromatic red ensemble, Coi Leray commanded attention with a custom top and leggings paired with a stylish Romeo Hunte coat and complemented by Rene Coavilla shoes. Her bold fashion statement perfectly mirrored the fiery intensity of her performance, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
The debut of “Femme Fatale” on The Tonight Show marks a significant milestone for Coi Leray as she gears up for her highly anticipated appearances at Coachella on April 13th and April 20th. With a year of remarkable success under her belt, including two Grammy nominations for “Best Rap Performance” and “Best Pop Dance Recording,” Coi Leray continues to solidify her position as a rising star in the music industry.
Coi Leray recently graced the runway at the Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2024 Menswear Show during Paris Fashion Week, showcasing her versatility and style under the guidance of YSL Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello. Her appearance on Forbes’ New Money Podcast further highlighted her growing influence and multifaceted talents, solidifying her status as one of the industry’s most promising talents.
Coat: Romeo Hunte, Bra and Leggings: Custom, Shoe: Rene Caovilla
Released by Columbia Records, Nas’ third album, I Am, debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album sold 470,000 copies in its first week and was certified double platinum in the United States. The album was nominated in 2000 for Best Rap Album at the 43rd Grammy Awards.
Originally intended to be a double album titled I Am…The Autobiography, the album was arguably Nas’ most honest and poetic project at the time. Although the additional tracks were scrapped due to bootlegging of the original sessions, the intention for the theme and tone of the project can still be felt on the released single-disc LP.
Nas’ cover art has always been an iconic staple of his work. Usually consisting of his face superimposed over his native Queens, each cover has served as a visual representation of Nas as an artist. Famed portrait photographer Danny Hastings shot this particular cover. To create the image of Nas’ face in the Pharaoh mask in a pre-Photoshop world, Hastings made a clay mold for Nas’ face (which, in fact, almost killed him when clay got lodged in his nostrils, nearly suffocating him).
This album wasn’t only popular in the United States. I Am… made appearances on music charts in Australia, Canada, Norway, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The two official singles from this project claimed spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Nas Is Like..” peaked at #86, and “Hate Me Now” climbed a little higher to take the #62 spot.
After the release of this album, Nas released seven more solo albums and two collaborative projects. Nas continues to perform and is known as one of the most prolific rappers of his or any generation. Take some time today to listen to this album appreciate the career of a living legend.
Today, GRAMMY-nominated artist GloRilla (CMG/Interscope Records) releases her highly-anticipated, new mixtape, Ehhthang Ehhthang, which boasts big-name features, ranging from her long-awaited collaboration with Grammy-Award Winning artist Megan The Stallion on “Wanna Be” to her team-up with CMG running-mate MoneyBagg Yo on “All Dere”
Along with the release of Ehhthang, Ehhthang, GloRilla and Megan unleash the video for “Wanna Be.” The girls take over the frat house with no repercussions, pouring our shots and partying until the wee hours of the morning in the visual directed by Benny Boom.
GloRilla’s momentum is peaking, as she prepares for a fiery summer run, especially after presenting TLC with the Landmark Award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. She also enjoyed viral moments from press interviews, including captivating conversations with Shannon Sharpe on his Club Shay Shay Podcast and Tamron Hall on her nationally televised, The Tamron Hall Show.
Glo’s new offering comes after the CMG upstart made her return earlier this year with “Yeah Glo!” The song continues to rise on the Billboard Hot 100, recently peaking at No. 35 and getting the attention of President Joe Biden, who invited her to the White House for a Women’s History Month in March.
Prior to receiving acknowledgement from the President, GloRilla also recently received a co-sign from Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, who played her hit song in a viral workout video. The pair ended up meeting shortly thereafter at a Lakers game.
The new mixtapefollows the release of her celebrated 2022 EP Anyways, Life’s Great, which featured her blockbuster hits “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” and “Tomorrow 2.”
LaTocha Scott, one-fourth of the iconic R&B group Xscape, has taken legal action against TV producer Mona Scott Young and Live Nation over the group’s upcoming tour with SWV.
Last month, Mona Scott Young announced that Xscape, excluding LaTocha Scott, would be hitting the road for a nationwide tour alongside SWV. However, LaTocha is not going down without a fight.
According to a report from Straight From The A, LaTocha, through her attorney Leron E. Rogers, is alleging that Live Nation and Mona Scott Young’s Monami Entertainment Group are infringing upon her rights as one-half of the trademark owner of the Xscape brand.
The letter sent by LaTocha’s attorney states that she was blindsided by the news of Xscape signing a contract for a tour without her consent. It further accuses Live Nation and Monami Entertainment of publicly advertising the Xscape brand for the tour without LaTocha’s approval or discussion of financial terms.
The letter also implicates Mona Scott Young, alleging that she was well aware of the trademark situation and intentionally chose to interfere with LaTocha’s rights. Given Scott Young’s past involvement as Xscape’s management, LaTocha feels that the oversight was deliberate.
LaTocha’s attorney has demanded that Mona Scott Young/Monami Entertainment and Live Nation contact them within five days to secure the proper licensing for the use of the Xscape trademark.
The trademark was secured by LaTocha and her sister Tameka Scott during a period when Kandi Burruss was not planning to rejoin the group. Throughout the drama, LaTocha has maintained that her intention was never to leave Xscape permanently but rather to take a break to pursue other interests.
In addition to the legal action against Mona Scott Young and Monami Entertainment, LaTocha has also sent a similar letter to Live Nation regarding the use of the Xscape trademark at the Lovers & Friends festival in Las Vegas.
In conjunction with the celebration of Hip-Hop’s landmark 50th anniversary, legendary rapper Saigon & and Swedish multi-platinum producer Fredro have joined forces to create a love letter to Hip-Hop. Specifically, 1986-1996, a/k/a The Jordan Era. They have also tapped many other legendary voices to help join their celebration.
After announcing their new album, and releasing the project’s first single and video, “Lyrical Genius,” which featured one of Hip-Hop’s “holy trinity of emcees” in Grandmaster Caz (co-author of “Rappers Delight” and the emcee with the longest running tenure atop the billboard Hot 100 Charts), Saigon and Fredro have continued to roll out singles that require the presence of legends only, following up with “Get Loose” featuring Pete Rock and “Think Twice” featuring Grand Puba.
Now, with their latest single, “Make Money,” Saigon and Fredro collaborate with yet another legend, who is inarguably, one of the culture’s most influential and respected emcees in Kool G Rap (who was also recently inducted into the National Hip Hop Museum).
“G Rap and I have a long-standing artistic history and I’m beyond impressed how he has been this dope, for this long” Saigon marvels. “He is my favorite rapper, so it’s always a blessing to rap alongside him. He doesn’t miss a step.”
Saigon and Fredro’s forthcoming album, The Jordan Era, is produced in its entirety by Fredro, and features guest appearances from Grandmaster Caz, Pete Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Sadat X, Rockness Monsta, Craig G, Ill Skratch—with more features to be unveiled.
Saigon and Fredro’s The Jordan Era album will be released on 5-3-24 via the iconic Payday Records.
