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Scarface’s Tiny Desk Concert: A Powerful Showcase From Rap Royalty

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Since he hit the scene with the Geto Boys in 1989, Scarface has been a juggernaut in rap. Scarface’s undeniable spirit and contributions to hip-hop history took a scary turn a couple of years ago when he battled a severe bout of COVID, an ordeal that brought him to the brink of death. In a testament to the strength of familial bonds, Scarface’s son Chris stepped forward, donating a kidney to save his father’s life.

Now, Scarface stands tall and vibrant, delivering a captivating Tiny Desk Concert that reaffirms his enduring legacy in the rap game. The performance, hosted at NPR headquarters, is a remarkable showcase of resilience, talent, and the Southern rap sound that Scarface has championed throughout his illustrious career.

Accompanied by a full live band, Scarface creates an immersive musical experience, with longtime collaborator Mike Dean, an accomplished keyboardist, contributing to the sonic tapestry. The Tiny Desk Concert not only features renditions of Scarface’s classic tracks but also unveils the stories behind some of these iconic songs.

As Scarface delves into the narrative behind his timeless creations, he humorously attributes much of his creative process to being in a particular state of mind: “I was f***ing stoned. Like white guy stoned. Mike Dean stoned.” This candid reflection adds a personal touch to the performance, giving fans a glimpse into the laid-back yet profound atmosphere in which some of hip-hop’s most beloved tracks were conceived.

One standout moment during the half-hour set is Scarface’s performance of the 1996 hit “Mary Jane.” In an unexpected twist, Scarface picks up a guitar and treats the audience to some atmospheric shredding. Known for his love for the instrument, Scarface’s guitar skills take center stage in this memorable rendition, showcasing a side of the artist rarely seen on such a grand platform.

Scarface’s Tiny Desk Concert is not just a musical performance; it’s a celebration of a seasoned artist’s journey, resilience, and the enduring impact of Southern rap on the broader hip-hop landscape. Scarface’s ability to seamlessly blend storytelling, humor, and musical prowess in an intimate setting like the Tiny Desk is a testament to his mastery of the craft and his unwavering commitment to the art form. Watch the full set below and witness the living legend in action.

The post Scarface’s Tiny Desk Concert: A Powerful Showcase From Rap Royalty first appeared on The Source.

The post Scarface’s Tiny Desk Concert: A Powerful Showcase From Rap Royalty appeared first on The Source.

Keke Palmer’s Ex-Boyfriend Submits Photographic Evidence of Alleged Abuse

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Last week saw Keke Palmer’s ex-boyfriend, Darius Jackson, filing a motion to have the restraining order she obtained against him dismissed. The actress and singer, known for her roles in various film and television projects, has been at the center of a legal battle with Jackson, who claims to be the father of their 10-month-old son, Leo.

According to exclusive reports by Radar Online, Darius Jackson has submitted photographs as evidence to support his accusations that Keke Palmer was the aggressor in their relationship. The Nope actress had previously obtained a temporary restraining order in Los Angeles Superior Court, directing Jackson to stay away from her and their child.

The first set of photographs submitted by Jackson allegedly depict superficial scratch marks on his arm, injuries he claims were inflicted by Palmer during an incident in October 2021. Court documents reveal that the altercation occurred when Jackson attempted to leave their home to watch a football game at a nearby restaurant, citing issues with the television. Palmer, according to Jackson, violently gripped his arm to prevent him from leaving.

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The documents further detail that Jackson shared a photo of the injury with Palmer via text, in response to her stating, “We’re done. You acted so childish about this instead of actually making sure we got the f—- game.” In his reply, Jackson made it clear that he would not tolerate any further physical aggression, saying, “You will never put your hands on me again.”

The second set of images presented by Jackson depicts another superficial injury he claims to have suffered in October 2022 during a birthday vacation to Cancun. According to Jackson’s declaration, the vacation took a sour turn when he misplaced his cell phone, prompting Palmer’s anger due to potential delays for dinner. He alleges that Palmer verbally abused him at a restaurant, and upon returning to their hotel, the situation escalated.

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Jackson claims he tried to leave the hotel room to give Palmer space, but she grabbed his arm, initiating physical violence. In his efforts to escape further aggression, he locked himself in the bathroom. The submitted photos captured the aftermath of the alleged altercation, and Jackson shared one of them with his mother via text.

In the text message, Jackson’s mother encouraged him to preserve the images for potential future use. Her message underscored a sense of concern, advising her son, “If she tries to get you in trouble, you got these pictures to prove your innocence. Take all the pictures because she is the celebrity.”

As the legal proceedings unfold, the public awaits further developments in this unexpected and distressing chapter involving Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson. The conflicting narratives and photographic evidence underscore the complexity of domestic disputes and the challenges of navigating them in the public eye.

The post Keke Palmer’s Ex-Boyfriend Submits Photographic Evidence of Alleged Abuse first appeared on The Source.

The post Keke Palmer’s Ex-Boyfriend Submits Photographic Evidence of Alleged Abuse appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Trailer For Western Thriller ‘The Night They Came Home’ Slated For Theaters In Jamuary

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THE NIGHT THEY CAME HOME western thriller chronicles the ruthless exploits of the Rufus Buck Gang, a group of outlaws who clashed with the Indian Territory of Middle America at the tail end of the 19th century. The combined force of local lawmen and Indian police aim to take down a coldhearted band of fugitives with vengeance on their minds.

The thriller features an ensemble cast starring newcomer, Charlie N. Townsend as Rufus Buck, Danny Trejo (Machete), Brian Austin Green (Beverly Hills, 90210), Robert Carradine (Revenge of the Nerds), Tim Abell (Butch vs. Sundance), Jesse Kove (On Wings of Eagles), Kelsey Reinhardt (Run The Race). 

THE NIGHT THEY CAME HOME In Theaters, On Demand and Digital January 12, 2024

The post [WATCH] Trailer For Western Thriller ‘The Night They Came Home’ Slated For Theaters In Jamuary first appeared on The Source.

The post [WATCH] Trailer For Western Thriller ‘The Night They Came Home’ Slated For Theaters In Jamuary appeared first on The Source.

Michael Rapaport Responds to Ye’s Latest Rant: ‘His Mother Would Be Ashamed’

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Micahel Rapaport has seen the latest antisemitic Kanye West rant and has voiced his opinion. In a social media post captioned, “Kanye West is bloated with hate,” Rapaport states, “his mother would be ashamed of what’s coming out of his mouth.”

In the video, Rapaport says, “Jewish people are going through enough, we don’t need your fat fucking dusty ass saying anything. People are saying, ‘He’s mentally ill.’ No, you’re just stupid.”

He added, “If your mother was still alive, she would be embarrassed. You’re an embarrassment to Donda.”

While in Las Vegas for the latest of his Vultures raves, Ye was surrounded by people when he unleashed his latest rant, screaming, “Jesus Christ, Hitler, Ye! Sponsor that!” Ye would also recall his past antisemitic statements of Jewish people owning and managing essential institutions.

But he didn’t stop there; Ye would also return to the attack of fashion stapes, screaming at Balenciaga, Gap, and Louis Vuitton. He also aimed at Donald Trump, stating both Larry Hoover and Jeff Fort should be freed from prison to get his support for the president.

At one point, Ye seemed to reference his daughter North West, stating, “My daughter ripped up the mother f**king couches in the house to be able to be with me right now.”

You can hear all the madness below.

The post Michael Rapaport Responds to Ye’s Latest Rant: ‘His Mother Would Be Ashamed’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Michael Rapaport Responds to Ye’s Latest Rant: ‘His Mother Would Be Ashamed’ appeared first on The Source.

Kanye West Reactivates His Instagram Account as Fans Wait on ‘Vultures’ Album

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Ye is back on Instagram. With his Vultures album having a rolling release date, Kanye West reactivated his Instagram account. Now, over 18 million accounts are waiting on his next post.

Kanye West is being blasted by the Black Lives Matter organization for wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood while on stage at this Vultures listening party in Miami.

The KKK hood worn by Ye was all black, instead of the customary white, which is being blasted by BLM and the National Civic League.

“The shock and disgust that Ye generated should be channeled into supporting efforts to eliminate this repugnant ideology from society,” BLM said to TMZ. “Hate groups are growing at an alarming rate in America. Of the list of over 1,200 active hate groups in society, the KKK is the largest with hundreds of chapters nationwide — making it larger today than any other point in the group’s long history.”

NCL President Doug Linkhart added, “Any wearing of clothing that evokes the Ku Klux Klan is an affront to not only those who have been targeted by the KKK, but to American values in general.”

You can see Ye wear the KKK hood below.

The post Kanye West Reactivates His Instagram Account as Fans Wait on ‘Vultures’ Album first appeared on The Source.

The post Kanye West Reactivates His Instagram Account as Fans Wait on ‘Vultures’ Album appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Fifth LP ‘Stillmatic’ 22 Years Ago

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On this day in 2001, the self-crowned “King of New York” released his fifth studio LP, Stillmatic. During Nas’s musical absence the power in New York had shifted and Jay-Z had stepped up and eclipsed Nas as the best MC in New York. The title itself shows that Nas had a chip on his shoulder and used this album to show the world who was STILL the best rapper alive out of the five boroughs.

Nas and Jay-Z were in the midst of one of the biggest feuds in rap. With this being the theme of the time, the lyrics of this album carried a malicious flavor. This new side to Nas’ sound is most prominent on the track Ether that is one of the most straightforward diss tracks in rap. The disrespect that was put on on this record makes the Drake/Meek Mill conflict look like a childhood dispute. Throughout the album Nas continues to showcase his no-holds-barred style of lyricism, dropping names of those he feels have disrespected him left and right and setting records straight about his spot in Hip Hop. With every bar, you can feel Nas attacking the game and making sure his place is felt by everyone listening. This album is also a lot less openly righteous than his previous work. Nas is a righteous individual so there will always be undertones of positivity in his work, but on this album, the focus was on the cold and darker side to Hip Hop and New York City in general.

Released on Columbia Records, the album debuted at #8 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 342,600 albums in its first week. Within a month, the album claimed the #5 spot and was certified platinum on January 16, 2002. By July 2008, the album had sold 2,026,000 copies. This “comeback” album received majority positive reviews from critics. Nas was praised by critics from Rolling Stone, AllMusic and The Source, who gave this album the coveted 5 Mics.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Fifth LP ‘Stillmatic’ 22 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Nas Released His Fifth LP ‘Stillmatic’ 22 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Kanye West and Will Smith Pose Together on First Class Flight From Dubai

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Kanye West and Will Smith Pose Together on First Class Flight From Dubai

Kanye West was on a first class flight from Dubai to Los Angeles over the weekend and guess who he ran into? Will Smith. The two A-list supertars were on the way back to the states.

According to HotNewHipHop, Will Smith spoke at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Saudi Arabia. Ye is believed to have been putting the finishing touches on his album.

The two posed for an image together with an unidentified woman

The post Kanye West and Will Smith Pose Together on First Class Flight From Dubai first appeared on The Source.

The post Kanye West and Will Smith Pose Together on First Class Flight From Dubai appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: EPMD Released Their ‘Business As Usual’ LP 33 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip Hop history, Strong Island rap duo EPMD released their third studio album, Business as Usual on the Def Jam imprint. Although upon its release it wasn’t as commercially popular as its two predecessors, this album is still considered to be a success. In the year of its release, Business As Usual peaked at #36 on the Billboard 200 and claimed the #1 spot on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The album was certified gold on May 7, 1991, and in 1998, The Source Magazine selected this project to be apart of the “100 Best Rap Albums” list.

Although the project is titled Business as Usual, the sound of the album was largely different than what had made EPMD famous on earlier releases. The production on their first two projects consisted mostly of samples and simple drum patterns. On Business as Usual the sound is more complex and the drum patterns are more involved. Erick and Parrish stepped the game up and ventured away from the tradition sample-heavy beats that were prominent in New York during this era.

Lyrically, this album is a lot more straightforward than there previous efforts. The punch lines are wittier and the newer sound of the production allows the duo to experiment with different flows and subjects. This album also ushers in the career of a rap legend Newark, NJ newcomer Redman. Redman was featured on the tracks “Hardcore” and “Brothers on My Jock.” Redman’s hunger for the spotlight is easily noticed on this project and set the tone for the long and successful career that followed.

The three singles from this project, “Gold Digger”, “Rampage” featuring LL Cool J, and “Give the People”, had high reception in the Hip Hop community; two of them claimed spots on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart. “Gold Digger” peaked at #14 and “Rampage” at #30. After this project, EPMD went on to release four more successful studio LPs.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: EPMD Released Their ‘Business As Usual’ LP 33 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: EPMD Released Their ‘Business As Usual’ LP 33 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

6ix9ine’s Ex States the Rapper and DJ Akademiks Have Been in a Longtime Sexual Relationship

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6ix9ine is catching it from all fronts. The rapper is currently getting his assets auctioned, was assaulted by his current girlfriend, and now his ex-girlfriend states he is in a longtime sexual relationship with DJ Akademiks.

Hitting Instagram, 6ix9ine’s ex, Jade, wrote that Ak and the rapper have been “f*cking for a very long time.” In a second message, she wrote, “Don’t make me post this video with me playing with ya ass.”

Over the weekend, Yailin La Más Viral, the girlfriend of Tekashi 6ix9ine, was arrested after she assaulted and threatened the controversial rapper in videos. TMZ notes the incident happened on Dec. 14 and authorities responded after the woman hitting the rapper and his Bently with a 2×4.

6ix9ine accused the woman of kicking her side view mirror on the Bentley and also breaking the windshield. The woman also pulled out his hair before he was taken away in handcuffs. The woman was arrested for aggravated battery, witness tampering, and felony criminal mischief.

The post 6ix9ine’s Ex States the Rapper and DJ Akademiks Have Been in a Longtime Sexual Relationship first appeared on The Source.

The post 6ix9ine’s Ex States the Rapper and DJ Akademiks Have Been in a Longtime Sexual Relationship appeared first on The Source.

Ice Spice’s Producer RiotUSA Says They Are Working on Her Debut Album for 2024

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Ice Spice Delivers Her New EP 'Like..?' | The Source

Ice Spice had a crazy 2023, and it could just be the beginning. In an interview with Billboard, her go-to producer, RiotUSA, revealed more is on the way. What is more? Ice Spice’s debut album.

“Fans should know I produce and record too, so look out for my music,” said RiotUSA. “Also look out for new classics with Ice in 2024. We’re working on her debut album as we speak.”

Ice Spice is officially a Grammy-nominated artist. The list of nominations was announced last month, with Ice Spice’s biggest nom in the category of Best New Artist.

Additional nominations for the “Munch” rapper were Best Rap Song and Best Song Written for Visual Media for “Barbie World,” and her collaboration with Taylor Swift, “Karma,” for Best Pop Duo or Group.

Hitting Instagram, Ice Spice shared the list of noms, writing “grATEful ^.^.”

The post Ice Spice’s Producer RiotUSA Says They Are Working on Her Debut Album for 2024 first appeared on The Source.

The post Ice Spice’s Producer RiotUSA Says They Are Working on Her Debut Album for 2024 appeared first on The Source.