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Happy 53rd Birthday To Wu Tang’s Method Man!

March 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 1971, the Shaolin Island emcee who was virtually named after the term “John Blaze”, was born in Long Island, New York.

Admired for his unique voice and witty lyrics, Method Man is known for his one of a kind sound. The Long Island-born/Staten Island bred rapper raised the bar for the ideal Shaolin emcee alongside Wu brothers Raekwon and Ghostface Killah. Trailblazing the 90s, Johnny Blaze has pioneered an impressive portion of verses that are considered as one of the greatest in hip-hop history. His unpredictably bouncy flow hit wax in 1993 on Wu-Tang’s debut Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers, which featured what would later become his anthem, “M.E.T.H.O.D. M.A.N.” His signature stance continued into creating essential tunes as featured in his 1994 solo debut, Tical, along with guest features on the solo debuts of fellow Wu members and the only featured emcee on Biggie’s Ready To Die LP.

The wavering style and persona of Method Man have allowed him to flourish in many different pursuits in both music and entertainment. His iconic r&b collaboration with Mary J. Blige “I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By” is sanctioned as a cult classic and also snagged the class-act rapper a Grammy in 1996. Dubbing another innovative vibe, his musical duality with Redman became one of the most distinct and successful in the light of hip-hop duos, which triggered Method Man’s acting career. Bound to craft commendable works, starting from his role as Father Sha in Belly (1998), to How High, and now Power II: Book Of Ghost, the man with the iron lung has maintained a stellar track record of creating classics that are timeless. His deeds as an emcee, actor, showman, and overall creative make him one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time. A certified legend.

Happy born day to Meth!

The post Happy 53rd Birthday To Wu Tang’s Method Man! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 53rd Birthday To Wu Tang’s Method Man! appeared first on The Source.

Happy Heavenly Birthday To The “Grand Incredible” DJ Scott La Rock!

March 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this day in 1962, Scott Monroe Sterling known widely as DJ Scott La Rock of the famous Boogie Down Productions was born in the Bronx borough of New York City. Scott La Rock was the producer for rap icon KRS-One until his untimely death on August 27th, 1987.

La Rock was born in the Bronx, New York City, New York and was raised by his mother Carolyn Morant. As a child, he moved from Queens to the Morrisania neighborhood in the South Bronx then to the Morris Heights projects. La Rock attended Our Savior Lutheran High School where he was a great student and athlete. He originally intended to attend Castleton State University to play basketball but decided to switch his focus to music upon graduation. In college, he used to DJ at a local bar called Dugan’s Bar on Friday nights. From there his musical career blossomed.

La Rock graduated college in 1984 and returned to New York City. He worked a few jobs in the city while at night spinning records at the Broadway Repertoire Theatre. Through his work as a social worker, La Rock met his future partner in crime Kris Parker aka KRS-One at the Franklin’s Men’s Shelter. The two, along with Derrick Jones or DJ D-Nice, formed Boogie Down Productions.

In 1987 the group released their first LP, Criminal Minded, which has become a classic Hip Hop album. Criminal Minded has been ranked by The Source as one of the 100 Best Rap Albums. Rolling Stone ranked it as one of the 500 greatest albums. Complex Magazine ranks the track South Bronx from the album as #9 on their list of best diss-songs of Hip Hop.

La Rock life came to a stretching halt in 1987 due to senseless street violence. In an effort to support his friend and partner DJ D-Nice, La Rock was shot in the neck and died of his wound. As the story goes, La Rock, DJ D-Nice, Scotty “Manager Moe” Morris, DJ McBooo, and BDP bodyguard Darrell rolled up to the Highbridge Homes Projects in the South Bronx. They were there to handle a problem between D-Nice and a man who’s ex-girlfriend we was acquainted with at the time. After they handled their disagreement, bullet began to fly toward the white on red Jeep CJ-7 that they were riding in. La Rock was hit and later died at Lincoln Hospital within one hour of being shot.

KRS-One’s Stop the Violence Movement was a direct result of La Rock’s murder. Despite the loss of La Rock, KRS-One kept the Boogie Down Productions name alive and continued to release music and grow to be one of the most respected voices in Hip Hop. DJ Scott La Rock’s righteous legacy lives on forever through his music and the empire that he helped shape. Take some time today to listen to his classic album and pay some respect to his greatness.

The post Happy Heavenly Birthday To The “Grand Incredible” DJ Scott La Rock! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy Heavenly Birthday To The “Grand Incredible” DJ Scott La Rock! appeared first on The Source.

Homage Awards Gala Celebrates 40+ Years Of Hip Hop Honoring “Uncle Ralph” McDaniels

March 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The cultural epicenter of Soho, NY, was ablaze with energy this past weekend, as the sixth edition of the Homage Awards unfolded, marking the commencement of Black History Month with a star-studded tribute to the incomparable Ralph McDaniels, affectionately known as “Uncle Ralph.”

For over four decades, Uncle Ralph has been a driving force behind the evolution of Hip Hop, initially as a revolutionary Video Director and later as a multifaceted cultural contributor. His groundbreaking achievements include the creation of the iconic hip hop video show, “Video Music Box,” in 1983, making him a trailblazer in the genre. McDaniels’ lasting legacy extends beyond music, encompassing his unwavering dedication to philanthropic educational youth programming.

Spearheaded by the Homage Award team, led by Founder Peter Paul Scott and Co-Founder Nilson Martinez, the event received overwhelming support from industry giants such as Rock The Bells, Landmark, The House of Cannabis, Parti.com, and Dr. Cloud. The gala unfolded in a mesmerizing spectacle, boasting an electric atmosphere filled with hip-hop enthusiasts, all treated to a night of celebration and recognition.

The master of ceremonies, the legendary Dj Mister Cee, steered the event with finesse, while various rap legends graced the stage organically throughout the night, joining the award recipient, Uncle Ralph, in an unforgettable celebration of Hip Hop culture.

Among the esteemed guests were notable celebrities, including Royal Flush, General Steele, Clarence “Coodie” Simons (Director), Vinnie of Naughty By Nature, Roxanne Shante, DJ Cool V, Large Professor, Al Scratch, Keith Perrin (FUBU), Andy Hilfiger, and Tuffy Questell (VMB/VJ), adding a star-studded touch to the vibrant occasion.

The post Homage Awards Gala Celebrates 40+ Years Of Hip Hop Honoring “Uncle Ralph” McDaniels first appeared on The Source.

The post Homage Awards Gala Celebrates 40+ Years Of Hip Hop Honoring “Uncle Ralph” McDaniels appeared first on The Source.

Flava Flav, LL Cool J, Queen Latifah: Normski Captured Them All

March 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Flava Flav, Wu-Tang Clan, Queen Latifah. Norman Anderson a.k.a NORMSKI captured the Golden Age of HIP HOP.

But it didn’t stop there. Subjects of Normski’s work range from the first U.K. appearances of LL Cool J, Eric B. & Rakim and Run DMC, to N.W.A, hanging out with Ice Cube in South Central LA, visiting the pioneers of techno in Detroit and capturing the explosion, and subsequent growth, of hip hop in the U.K.

As a young, Black photographer at the time, Normski wasn’t just taking pictures, he was part of the movement itself. Normski: Man with the Golden Shutter is the FIRST book that takes his most iconic images (several of which have been featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture!) and surprising stories (it was Normski who introduced Run DMC to The Pet Shop Boys) into a glorious coffee table book that offers us a glimpse into hip hop history through his lens.

The post Flava Flav, LL Cool J, Queen Latifah: Normski Captured Them All first appeared on The Source.

The post Flava Flav, LL Cool J, Queen Latifah: Normski Captured Them All appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] First Trailer For “Freaknik” Documentary Featuring 21 Savage, Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon

March 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The very first trailer for the forthcoming Freaknik documentary Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told, ATL’s pioneering HBCU festival that was popularized in the early 90s, has been released.

The in-depth doc features various celebrities speaking about going to Freaknik, including Jermaine Dupri, Rasheeda, and Jalen Rose. 21 Savage, Jermaine Dupri, and Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell are also featured in the documentary and serve as the film’s producers.

Jalen Rose recalls the days of Freaknik, saying “I don’t know what heaven looks like, but this seems like a version of it.”

The post [WATCH] First Trailer For “Freaknik” Documentary Featuring 21 Savage, Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon first appeared on The Source.

The post [WATCH] First Trailer For “Freaknik” Documentary Featuring 21 Savage, Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon appeared first on The Source.

Young Jeezy Requests Divorce Records Seal ‘Sensitive Personal And Financial Information’

March 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Jeezy Brings 'Thug Motivation' to NPR's Tiny Desk

Last year, the entertainment world was rocked by the news of rapper Young Jeezy’s divorce filing from TV personality Jeannie Mai. What initially seemed like an amicable separation quickly took a messy turn as accusations of infidelity, financial discrepancies, and parental disputes surfaced.

As the divorce proceedings between Young Jeezy, 46, and Jeannie Mai continue to unfold, the situation appears to be escalating. According to recent reports from Radar Online, Jeezy has taken steps to shield his family’s privacy from the public eye amidst the contentious legal battle.

In a motion filed by Young Jeezy and obtained by Radar Online, the rapper is requesting that the judge seal “sensitive personal and financial information” related to the divorce proceedings. Additionally, Jeezy is urging for any details concerning their child to remain confidential, highlighting the heightened tensions surrounding their split.

The motion filed by Young Jeezy underscores the growing acrimony between the former couple as they navigate the complexities of divorce. With emotions running high and both parties airing grievances against each other, Jeezy is adamant about protecting his family’s privacy amidst the public scrutiny surrounding their personal matters.

The decision to seek privacy in the midst of a high-profile divorce battle reflects Jeezy’s desire to shield his loved ones from unnecessary scrutiny and preserve their dignity during this challenging time. By sealing sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality regarding their child, Jeezy aims to navigate the divorce proceedings with discretion and respect for his family’s privacy.

Jeezy’s recent motion emphasizes the importance of respecting boundaries and prioritizing the well-being of his family amidst the intense media scrutiny. While the details of Young Jeezy and Jeannie Mai’s divorce battle may remain under wraps for now, one thing is clear: the rapper is determined to protect his family’s privacy as they navigate this tumultuous chapter in their lives.

Thoughts?

The post Young Jeezy Requests Divorce Records Seal ‘Sensitive Personal And Financial Information’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Young Jeezy Requests Divorce Records Seal ‘Sensitive Personal And Financial Information’ appeared first on The Source.

Judge Rules Diddy’s Rape Accuser to Reveal Identity Following Upcoming Hearing

March 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Sean 'Diddy' Combs Rebrands Combs Enterprises to Combs Global as Business Portfolio Expands

A federal judge has ruled a woman who accused Diddy of sex trafficking and gang rape must identify herself.

According to Billboard, Judge G.L. Clarke stated the woman had failed to prove that she could proceed with the case anonymously. Clarke also acknowledged identifying “could have a significant impact” on the woman.

“While the court does not take plaintiff’s concerns lightly, the Court cannot rely on generalized, uncorroborated claims that disclosure would harm plaintiff to justify her anonymity,” Judge Jessica G. L. Clarke wrote.

The accuser’s identity will be revealed after Diddy’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit is heard.

Diddy is looking to bring in some help in battling his rape lawsuit. Legal journalist Meghann Cuniff reports Diddy has brought in Ghislaine Maxwel”s attorney, Bobbi Sternheim, for representation.

Sternheim once was the president of the New York Women’s Bar Association and also defended Osama Bin Laden’s aide, Khaled al-Fawwaz, in the bombings of two U.S. embassies.

Diddy’s lawsuit was filed in 2023, stating he and Harve Pierre orchestrated “a sex trafficking scheme that involved plying [Jane Doe] with alcohol and transporting her by private jet to New York City where she was gang-raped.”

Diddy has hired Ghislaine Maxwell’s lawyer to defend him in the federal lawsuit from a woman who says he raped her in 2003 when she was 17.

Bobbi Sternheim is a former president of the New York Women’s Bar Association and a seasoned trial lawyer. pic.twitter.com/RAc7dF0JGq

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) February 15, 2024

Harve Pierre, former president of Bad Boy Records, was also sued for grooming and sexually assaulting his assistant. The lawsuit states Pierre’s allegations by his assistant occurred “on multiple occasions in New York City and other locations throughout the country” and “used his position of authority as plaintiff’s boss to groom, exploit, and sexually assault her.”

The assistant now seeks damages that will “fully and fairly compensate” for the assault. Bad Boy Entertainment, Bad Boy Records, and Combs Enterprises are listed in the suit.

“We have recently become aware of a lawsuit filed in New York by a former employee,” a spokesperson for Bad Boy Records said to Rolling Stone. “The allegations are from many years ago that were never brought to the attention of the company. Neither the plaintiff nor the executive are current employees of the company. We are now investigating the allegations, and our top priority is the safety and well-being of our employees.”

The development came less than a week after Diddy settled a lawsuit with Cassie over accusations that included domestic violence and rape. According to TMZ, the suit was ended in New York on Monday. The doc reads, “Pursuant to an agreement between the parties, Plaintiff hereby dismisses this action, with prejudice and without costs or fees to either party.”

“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” Cassie said after the settlement. “I want to thank my family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support.”

The post Judge Rules Diddy’s Rape Accuser to Reveal Identity Following Upcoming Hearing first appeared on The Source.

The post Judge Rules Diddy’s Rape Accuser to Reveal Identity Following Upcoming Hearing appeared first on The Source.