On this date in 1993, Tupac Shakur released his second full-length studio album, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... on Jive Records and T.N.T. Recordings. With the ‘N-word always having a negative connotation, ‘Pac flipped it to an acronym, meaning Never Ignorant Getting Goals Accomplished, with the “Z” in the title making it plural.
This album continued on the same wavelength as his debut, with his sociopolitical viewpoint as the basis of the album’s overall subject matter. The most recognizable singles from the album are “I Get Around,” “Holler If Ya Hear Me,” and the inspirational “Keep Ya Head Up,” which helped to propel the album to platinum status.
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
Harve Pierre, former president of Bad Boy Records, has been 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.”
Spotify has unveiled its inaugural catalog program, Spotify CLASSICS, a tribute to selected catalog music chosen by Spotify’s editorial team. The first iteration spotlights revered albums from the streaming era, spanning 2015 to the present day in North America.
The launch of Spotify CLASSICS initiates with the revelation of the 30 most influential Hip Hop and R&B albums from the past nine years. The on-platform experience introduces a new destination hub showcasing selected albums, including iconic projects like Lemonade (2016), To Pimp A Butterfly (2015), Over It (2019), and 4:44 (2017).
Spotify CLASSICS albums are meticulously handpicked for their cultural significance in North America. These selections are 100% qualitative, emphasizing replay value over chart performance. The streaming service chose 2015 as the starting point of the streaming era, as it marked the pivotal moment when music streaming surpassed digital downloads, reshaping the music landscape in terms of album rollouts and chart success.
The full list is available below:
Malibu (2016) – Anderson .Paak Lemonade (2016) – Beyoncé RENAISSANCE (2022) – Beyoncé TRAPSOUL (2015) – Bryson Tiller Mother (2021) – Cleo Sol Freudian (2017) – Daniel Caesar Bandana (2019) – Freddie Gibbs & Madlib DS2 (2015) – Future H.E.R (2017) – H.E.R Ego Death (2015) – The Internet 4:44 (2017) – JAY-Z Heaux Tales (2021) – Jazmine Sullivan To Pimp A Butterfly (2015) – Kendrick Lamar DAMN. (2017) – Kendrick Lamar Lil Uzi Vert vs. The World (2016) – Lil Uzi Vert Culture (2017) – Migos Victory Lap (2018) – Nipsey Hussle Blonde (2016) – Frank Ocean Die Lit (2018) – Playboi Carti Anti (2016) – Rihanna Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial (2019) – Roddy Ricch CARE FOR ME (2018) – Saba A Seat at the Table (2016) – Solange Over It (2019) – Summer Walker CtrI (2017) – SZA ASTROWORLD (2018) – Travis Scott Flower Boy (2017) – Tyler, The Creator IGOR (2019) – Tyler, The Creator. CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST (2021)- Tyler, The Creator 17 (2017) – XXXTENTACION
Megan Thee Stallion is STUNNING. Hip-Hop’s resident Hot Girl released a series of images celebrating herself. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME,” Thee Stallion wrote.
Recently, Megan Thee Stallion once again hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This time, it’s Hot Girl Meg’s first solo chart-topper.
“Hiss” follows “Savage” with Beyoncé and Cardi B’s “WAP” in Thee Stallion’s #1 history to become the 1,163rd single in Hot 100 history.
According to Luminate, “Hiss” debuted with 29.2 million streams in its first week, 2.9 million radio airplay audience impressions and 104,000 downloads sold from January 26th to February 1st. The single claimed the top positions on the Streaming Songs and Digital Song Sales charts. This achievement marks Megan Thee Stallion’s fourth number-one on Streaming Songs, following her hits “Savage” (one week at No. 1), “WAP” (10 weeks), and “Body” (one week), all in 2020. Additionally, she achieved her fourth No. 1 on the Digital Song Sales chart with “Savage” (three weeks), her collaboration with Cardi B on “WAP” (two weeks), and “Bongos” (one week last September).
Concurrently, “Hiss” also debuted at the top of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot Rap Songs charts, which utilize the same methodology as the Hot 100. This marks Megan Thee Stallion’s third No. 1 on each chart. Previously, “Savage” and “WAP” held the top spot on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for two and 10 weeks and on Hot Rap Songs for three and eight weeks, respectively.
Buddy, the acclaimed rapper, has unveiled his latest single, “Like This,” now available via EMPIRE. In this track, he presents a classic, relaxed anthem infused with a G Funk beat, weaving vivid imagery of a day out West. With lyrics depicting cruising in his whip with the top down, Buddy invites listeners to join him in reflection on a good day.
“Like This” showcases Buddy’s signature style, both in performance and writing, as he effortlessly crafts a narrative that transports listeners to the sun-soaked streets of the West. Produced by Kaelin Elis, the track embodies the essence of laid-back California vibes while maintaining Buddy’s distinct sound.
Usher is making headlines once again, but this time it’s not for his chart-topping hits or electrifying performances. Last week, the Grammy-winning artist shocked fans when he eloped in Las Vegas with Jennifer Goicoechea, the mother of his two youngest children. In his first interview since tying the knot, Usher delves into his past and opens up about the deep love he once shared with fellow music star Chili, from the iconic group TLC.
According to a report by People magazine, Usher, now 45, reminisced about his journey to stardom and the profound connection he had with Chili during their relationship from 2001 to 2004. Reflecting on his early days in the music industry, Usher recalls moving from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Atlanta at a young age to pursue his dreams. He released his debut LP at just 15 years old and achieved his first hit album, “My Way,” at 18. Usher’s magnetic charm and seductive persona weren’t just marketing tactics – he admits, “I was always charming the older ladies.”
It was during this time that Usher crossed paths with Chili, who was seven years his senior. He describes himself as her “No. 1 fan” and credits her as his “superstar.” Their relationship became the subject of public fascination, especially after Usher’s 2004 album “Confessions” featured songs that hinted at the aftermath of their highly publicized romance.
Usher reveals that his admiration for Chili began long before they met, recalling how he idolized her as a child and even adorned his walls with her posters. However, despite their undeniable chemistry, their relationship ultimately came to an end in late 2004.
“I was a young man, and she had very specific rules that didn’t work for me,” Usher explains. “We were missing each other. I really did want to have a different type of relationship where she was there with me, and she couldn’t be.” He admits to proposing to Chili, but she turned him down, leaving him heartbroken.
“I went through a great deal of pain after that, not trusting women or wanting to open up,” Usher confesses. He acknowledges that he hurt Chili as well, but the rejection left a lasting impact on him. Despite the pain, Usher’s recent elopement with Jennifer Goicoechea signals a new chapter in his love life.
The Newark Museum of Art (NMOA) is proud to announce the highly anticipated opening of its latest exhibition, “The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway,” set to debut on February 22, 2024. This landmark exhibition, in development since 2021, marks the museum’s first large-scale showcase dedicated to contemporary American fashion, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy of Newark’s fashion scene.
Featuring the works of 11 fashion designers with strong connections to Newark, including iconic names such as Narciso Rodriguez, Stephen Burrows, and Project Runway finalist Shavi Lewis, the exhibition pays homage to the city’s deep roots in the garment and jewelry industries. Through a curated selection of designs, archival footage, and oral histories, “The Story of Newark Fashion” highlights the city’s pivotal role in shaping the global fashion landscape.
At the heart of the exhibition lies a simulated runway display, showcasing the groundbreaking designs of Newark-born Stephen Burrows. Renowned as one of the defining designers of disco-era fashion, Burrows’ influence reverberates through the fashion world. Nine of his garments, symbolically “walking” the runway in Paris, pay homage to his historic presentation at the Battle of Versailles in 1973, a watershed moment in fashion history.
In addition to Burrows’ contributions, the exhibition explores Newark’s rich history as a hub for creativity and innovation in the world of contemporary fashion for over 75 years. From the ateliers of trailblazing designers Wesley Tann and Emily Miles in the 1950s and 1960s to the contemporary designers shaping the industry today, Newark’s fashion legacy is celebrated and contextualized within the global fashion narrative.
Guest-curated by Kristen J. Owens, a historian of Black fashion, with Tracey “Africa” Norman serving as a curatorial advisor, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Newark’s fashion evolution. Norman, an international star of the runway and Newark native, lends her expertise and personal insight to the project, further highlighting the city’s enduring influence on fashion.
“It’s our great pleasure to bring together 46 stunning looks by two generations of Newark’s own fashion pioneers,” says Catherine Evans, Deputy Director, Collections & Curatorial Strategies, The Newark Museum of Art. “The heart of the exhibition installation will be a simulated runway with Stephen Burrows’ garments ‘walking’ the runway, a reference to his extraordinary role at The Battle of Versailles in 1973. Their vibrant originality speaks to Newark as a defining player in the industry.”
“After years of planning, we are thrilled to unveil a landmark exhibition celebrating Stephen Burrows and the role Newark talent has played in fashion over seven decades,” adds Linda C. Harrison, Director and CEO, The Newark Museum of Art. “If fashion is history in fabric, major threads have been woven by under-recognized designers who have lived and created in the neighborhoods of Newark. We are delighted to present these dazzling designers at the Museum, where community is at the heart of all that we do. It’s participatory culture: building social bonds, a shared identity, a sense of agency, an attachment to place, all serve as a foundation for community power. Come join us!”
“The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway” is made possible by generous support from the New Jersey Council on the Arts, The Coby Foundation, Ltd., and McKinsey & Company. The exhibition is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and resilience of Newark’s fashion community, showcasing the bold innovators who have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Join us as we celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Newark’s fashion heritage and honor the designers who have shaped the city’s distinctive style for generations to come. “The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway” invites visitors to explore the intersection of fashion, history, and culture in a groundbreaking exhibition that promises to leave a lasting impact on the fashion world.
Fresh off winning three GRAMMY Awards, SZA sat down with SiriusXM’s J1 to talk about her experience at the GRAMMYs, the making of her new song, “Saturn,” her passion for the environment, and her support of forest restoration.
When speaking about her next farming venture, SZA said, “My next venture is trying to grow greens, like just a bunch of different deep, deep greens. I heard kale is the easiest and I feel like citrus trees, I know I have better luck in the winter with them flowering, but I really want to try and plant some citrus trees and some passionfruit.” She added, “I really like things that kind of grow on vines and take over your yard. I’m just trying to decide what kind of, I’m realizing it’s definitely not a hobby. It definitely has to become a lifestyle, so now I’m trying to decide where do I want to live? Where I live is gonna be the root of all my new farming explorations, so I guess it’s time for me to buy my first house kind of. I’m super nervous about that and now I’m just trying to decide is it gonna be a farm? So, that’ll be interesting to see how I can incorporate my passions into my actual life and my future. The lady that I want to see myself become.”
Reports out of Kansas City, Missouri have confirmed that a shooting occurred during the victory parade for the KC Chiefs’ Super Bowl win over the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday.
According to the most recent reports, 22 people were injured, including nine children. Three people were detaijed in connection to the shooting, which happened towards the ending of the celebration. An eyewitness’ video shows a gunman being tackled, with the weapon falling away from the alleged assailant.
Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a Kansas City-area radio DJ, died after being shot at the Chiefs victory rally, according to a post shared by her employer, KKFI radio 90.1 FM.
“It is with sincere sadness and an extremely heavy and broken heart that we let our community know that KKFI DJ Lisa Lopez, host of Taste of Tejano lost her life,” the station shared on Facebook.
The FBI has set up a website asking for tips or videos from the Super Bowl parade shooting that took place on Tuesday afternoon. “FBI and KCPD are requesting any videos from the Super Bowl shooting and any video of shooters attempting to flee the scene,” the website says in part.
On February 15, 1999, the Hip Hop legend was murdered at 45 West 139th Street in Harlem after being shot nine times in the face and chest in a drive-by shooting. The shooting was said to have retaliated for something Big L’s brother did. Gerard Woodley, one of Big L’s friends shot in the head near the same street in 2016, was arrested three months later but was shortly released. Unfortunately, his murder case remains unsolved.
Big L began his career with the Hip Hop trio, Three the Hard Way. His first notable appearance came on Lord Finesse’s “Yes You May (Remix).” He released his debut album, Lifestylez of da Poor & Dangerous, in 1995, and 98′, he founded Flamboyant Entertainment, his indie label, through which he released one of his most popular singles, “Ebonics.” His second studio album, The Big Picture, was put together by his manager, Rich King, and released the year after his death. It went certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
A documentary is in the works titled Street Struck: The Big L Story. Big L is buried at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New Jersey.
