On this day in Hip Hop history, Flip Mode Squad general, Busta Rhymes, released his third studio LP E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event): The Final World Front. Released under the Flip Mode imprint and Elektra Records, this album received critical acclaim and was a huge commercial success. This album received three Grammy nominations at the 42nd Grammy Awards; Best Rap Album, Best Rap Solo Performance, and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. E.L.E. peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 200, #2 on the Us Top R&B/Hip Hop chart, #45 on Germany’s Offizielle Top 100, #54 on the UK OCC, and #34 on the Canadian Billboard chart. This album is also certified platinum in the U.S. and the Netherlands.
E.L.E. follows the same apocalyptic theme as Buss A Bus’ previous two albums. Musically, this project pushes boundaries and can be categorized as a synthesis of East Coast, West Coast, and horrorcore rap. The fast paced and dark production of this album comes heavily from producing legends Nottz, DJ Scratch and Swizz Beatz. This project is something like none before it with its strange samples and musical twists that can leave the novice music appreciator confused and bewildered. The unorthodox instrumentation of this project however is coupled with sharp and clear intellectual lyricism. This project can best be compared to what one would hear at a party that was going on simultaneously with the end of the world. the limits of this project are seemingly nonexistent with the call of artist ranging from Janet Jackson to Ozzy Osbourne to feature on it. This is definitely a sound to usher in a new millennium.
The singles on this project were just as successful as the album they were placed on. “Everybody Rise”, “Gimme Some More”, and “What’s It Gonna Be?!” all claimed spots on the R&B/Hip Hop music charts. “Gimme Some More” alone is certified double platinum.
Salute to Busta, Spliff, Baby Cham, Rah Digga, Rampage and everyone who helped make this album a Hip Hop classic!
On this date in 1992, Dr. Dre released his debut solo album The Chronic on his own Death Row Records imprint, which was distributed by Priority Records. This album introduced the world to the Death Row experience, G-Funk infused Hip Hop and the one and only Snoop Doggy Dogg.
Recorded in Death Row Studios in L.A., The Chronic album was created under the influence of some of the most powerful marijuana in the United States during that time, hence, the title. It was also fueled by Dre’s relentless passion to show his former crewmates from N.W.A. that he could make it on his own as well as prove to the world that he could do more than just make dope beats.
Timeless tracks where Dre shined on the lyrical side include “Let Me Ride”, “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang” along with Snoop, and “The Day The Niggaz Took Over”, where Daz, Dre, and RBX went in about racial tensions during the 1992 L.A. riots.
Even with its conceptual perfection and trailblazing sound, which left an open market for artists like The Dogg Pound, 213, and Warren G., The Chronic is still Dre’s second best-selling album behind The Chronic: 2001, which went sextuple platinum.
Salute to everyone at Death Row Records who contributed to this gangsta rap classic! Cali love!!
“Everyone deserves to have a Merry Christmas no matter who they are and where they are financially,” says Grammy-winning entertainer and philanthropist Future. “Our Freewishes Foundation is excited to give back again this Christmas.”
The Freewishes Foundation has been doing this for the past fourteen years; this year is no exception. The foundation is proud to alleviate many families’ financial and emotional stress through its Christmas toy drive.
“The holidays are the worst time of year to be in financial hardship –not because of selfish demands, but because of the pressure to feel normal. When there isn’t enough money to get a tree, decorate, or get gifts- it’s painful,” shared Future’s sister, Tia Wilburn who is the Executive Director of Freewishes. “If you’ve ever experienced this type of heartbreak as a kid, you know how gut-wrenching that can be. So, we’ve consistently tried to ensure that many families in need receive the help and gifts they need.”
The FreeWishes Foundation is one of Georgia’s most visible foundations. The foundation enormously impacts the Atlanta metro area all year round. Giving back has always been a priority for Future and the foundation. The foundation assists with scholarships, health and wellness initiatives, holiday givebacks, and assisting Senior citizens. They even opened a S.T.E.A.M lab for young students from marginalized areas of Georgia this year. Freewishes was founded by Future, his mother, Stephanie Jester, and sister, Tia Wilburn, fourteen years ago. The foundation has been a major resource for those in need throughout Atlanta. The holidays are no exception to the rule.
For the last two years, children and their families were treated to a shopping spree at Target courtesy of the foundation. In the years before, Future and the Foundation provided gifts for thousands of families in the Kirkwood community where he grew up. The Freewishes “I am a Dreamer” Holiday Pop-Up will be held at Bentley Atlanta this year. Families will be served dinner and experience a special activities bus filled with laser tag, bowling, face painting, stocking stuffing, and more. They will also be treated with their requested gifts from Freewishes.
Date: Dec 18th
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Bentley Atlanta
Event Details: Gifts Dinner, DJ, Pictures with Santa, Mobile Bowling, laser tag and gaming, face painting, nail painting, gifts, and raffles.
YoungLA, a popular brand known for quality and affordability in lifestyle and fitness clothing, recently announced the signing of renowned rap artist YG as its brand ambassador. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for YoungLA as they’re starting to make more than just fitness apparel, venturing boldly into lifestyle fashion. Spearheaded by dynamic siblings Dashmeet and Gurmer Chopra, YoungLA is not just a brand but a growing community.
YoungLA was founded to make high-quality clothes that don’t cost a fortune. It began as a small project between the two Chopra brothers and has now grown into a big business with more than 150 workers and many athletes worldwide. They focus on making clothes that are affordable and comfortable.
One of the best things about YoungLA is how they keep coming up with new ideas and care about their community. They’re known for releasing new clothes every month, having many different styles, and working with diverse athletes. The Chopra brothers are dedicated and have built a strong community around their brand, which is rare nowadays.
Although it was challenging to get noticed in a market full of big-name brands, YoungLA has still managed to make a name for itself. They’ve done this by constantly creating new and exciting designs and ensuring their customers are happy. This determination has helped them not only to compete with other brands but also to gain many loyal customers.
As YoungLA keeps growing, so do their dreams. They want to be a brand everyone knows and expand their women’s line, YoungLAForHer. They’re proud to support charities like the Boys and Girls Clubs and help schools and hospitals in Southern California, which shows that they care about making a difference.
The signing of YG as YoungLA’s brand ambassador is a strategic move. It sho;ws how YoungLA is changing from a fitness-centric label to a comprehensive lifestyle brand. YG is not just a famous rapper; he’s also known for his unique fashion sense. His work with YoungLA isn’t just about promoting the brand. It’s about powerfully bringing together fashion and music.
YG’s association with YoungLA goes beyond traditional brand endorsements. It’s like a cultural change where art and new fashion ideas come together. This partnership will change how people see YoungLA’s brand, shaping new fashion styles and boosting YG’s brand. It’s a win-win situation where both YG and YoungLA get to shine by bringing out the best in each other.
This collaboration shows just how closely linked fashion and music are. YG, known for his standout style and music skills, fits perfectly with what YoungLA stands for – being creative, making quality stuff, and keeping it affordable. His role with YoungLA will likely make a big splash, reaching out to more people and bringing a fresh twist to the fashion scene.
The impact of YG and YoungLA working together is huge. YG’s popularity in the music world and his connection with young people bring a new, energetic feel to YoungLA. This partnership is more than just making money; it’s about blending artistic flair with business smarts. It’s a bold move in fashion and music, starting a new chapter where the usual rules don’t apply, and teamwork leads to new ideas and growth.
YoungLA’s signing of YG as a brand ambassador marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. It’s an intelligent move that combines fashion and music, showing how such partnerships can change how brands are seen, influence what’s in style, and make a lasting mark on both industries.
Andre 3000 isn’t done breaking down the context, content, and general release of his new album, New Blue Sun. Moreover, he recently sat down on Questlove Supreme on Wednesday (December 13) with the legendary music figure and his co-hosts to speak on the project, his life, his career, and their experiences. One of many interesting tidbits happened when the Outkast legend spoke on what it was like to work with other artists after the duo released their last album (as of writing this article), Idlewild. While he doesn’t feel this way about hip-hop as much these days, it’s heartening to hear his gratitude and appreciation for people giving him the space to rap even as he wrapped up his run with Big Boi.
“A year after Idlewild at home, I was blessed to start getting asked to be on remixes,” Andre 3000 remarked. “And that was a blessing for me because it gave me a chance to rap. When I say a blessing, this is a town creating a new sound. DJ Unk actually came through another DJ friend of mine that know Unk, and Unk said, ‘Ask Andre if he’ll get on [the ‘Walk It Out’] beat.’ It was no big production; I don’t know if I got paid for the [remix].
“I think the trade-off was, ‘Hey Unk, can you do a couple beats that we scratched in the background of my cartoon for Class of 3000?’” Andre 3000 continued. “The beat was so jammin’ that you just wanted to get on it. So I say the blessing because any rapper just wanna be on a good beat and in the city. Or even later, like, new artists. Even if a Frank Ocean says, ‘Hey, get on my song’… Frank Ocean’s a new artist, I don’t know him. When I say a blessing, that introduced me to a whole other generation, too.
“I say blessing because we just came off Speakerboxxx/The Love Below and Idlewild,” he concluded. “Which was a musical, more focused, melodic kind of thing, so I didn’t rap a lot in those offerings. So I say a blessing because it gave me an opportunity to do what I enjoy doing.” For more news and the latest updates on Andre 3000, check back in with HNHH.
Throughout the 50-year history of hip-hop music, Zaytoven is a pioneer who has gone through and created a revolution. However, usually, when you think of “pioneers” more times than not, rappers are the ones that get the majority of the credit for shaping the landscapes in the genre. However, it would be very foolish to not show grace to the ones behind the scenes who make it all happen. Arguably the most important piece to creating incredible music is the production. Beats can make or break how a song turns out.
Of course, Zaytoven knows how vital colorful production is to a record. Undoubtedly, he is one of the best at his craft. He does not need much of an introduction at this point in his career. He has had it going since the late 1990s and has been a major factor in ushering in the trap sound. Since he came into the game, he has helped deliver iconic tracks into the mainstream, but also for rising artists. Now nearly three decades in, Zaytoven has shifted his focus more into the Christian hip-hop subset. However, he is still working with your favorites like Gucci Mane, Quavo, Lil Durk, and all of the other usual suspects.
In our chat with the German-born hitmaker, we discussed some projects he has in the works, and not all of them are music-related. But, Zaytoven certainly had a lot to unpack on that front. He spoke about his feelings toward AI technology. We asked his opinion on where the state of hip-hop is, after Lil Yachty’s recent statements. Additionally, the Atlanta-based producer recently attended the AfroTech conference to bring his studio sessions to life. Of course, we had to talk about his most recent release, Zaytoven The Trapfather (Instrumentals). This and a whole lot more revealed that his work ethic is not stopping in the slightest.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 22: Zaytoven performs onstage at Black & Positively Golden Presented By McDonalds during the BET Experience at Los Angeles Convention Center on June 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Liliane Lathan/Getty Images for BET)
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
HNHH: Hello! How’s it goin’ man?
Zaytoven: I’m doing good. How you doing?
So I wanted to jump right into your solo project. It dropped in November, it’s called Zaytoven The Trapfather. I got to listen to it and I like the way you had this mafia boss-like feeling to the beats. What was your inspiration behind the project?
More than anything I remember back in the day going to the studio and giving out beat CDs. You are trying to get people to wrap on your beats. I used to go to Studio with it and it would have 40 beats on the CD. Now they all might be around two minutes and thirty seconds. And I feel like that was how I was expressing my talent and what I can do. I make so much music every day. Let me get something back to the people, like I used to do just give them a beat CD and let them just start rapping on all the beats, write songs to them or whatever, and that was my inspiration behind it.
Do you plan on getting anyone on these beats in the near future?
As we speak, big artists have already gotten probably five of the beats already.
You’re most friends and frequent collaborators include Gucci Mane, Rae Sremmurd, Shy Glizzy, and Lil Durk. You also have some stuff coming up with Quavo and Juice WRLD at some point. What can you tell us about what you have coming with them?
Man, it’s so crazy that I have some big stuff coming real soon, but it’s things I can’t spoil. And I want to so bad. It’s a timing thing like if we had this interview two weeks from now the stuff would be out or whatever. So it’s just certain things I can’t let the cat out of the bag.
That understandable. We’re looking forward to it. One of those projects that’s already been announced is your one with 1K Phew. Excited for that. We checked out “On Fire” and it sounds amazing. I love Phew’s hook. You’ve worked with them in the past. What has it been like to see his growth within Gospel rap, and also with the Atlanta rap scene in general?
I mean, it’s amazing. I play at a church In Conyers, Georgia called Life Abundantly Christian Center and we were doing this program called Gospel Cafe, and it’s almost like an open mic type of gospel night and he came and rapped and he was dope. My mom was like, ‘Yeah, I like him you need to work with him.’ We started working years and years ago. Then I stayed back and I watched him get signed over there with Lecrae and he doing his thing. And the more I just watched, I waited until the time was right to do a project with him because we have to do it because we connected so long ago on such an upcoming scale, we need to take it to a whole nother level.
For some reason, there seems to be this negative view on Christian hip-hop. Maybe people don’t agree with the message that they’re trying to convey, or whatever their reasons are. How important do you think it is for gospel rap to flourish and how it can expand hip-hop in general?
I think it’s really important. We living in a time in a generation where I think the music almost raises and teaches the kids what to say and how to act and what they should get into. And the more that gospel rap becomes cool, the more it reaches the masses of our youth and that society would be better to our youth. I think hip-hop music has probably the biggest influence on our youth than anything. That’s the reason why I’m putting my best work even with gospel music to make sure I’m in there and trying to help push that message forward.
That’s definitely an important thing and that is the reason why I wanted to ask you that is because Lil Yachty also had spoken about the state of hip-hop recently on his podcast and he said it’s in a stagnant state due to not a lack of originality. I wanted to get your thoughts on those comments.
I’ll definitely agree and I think it’s because technology has made it where everybody can put they music out on the same platform as the artists theylook up to. Even if I wanted to be a producer and I’m not really musically inclined, I can be able to do because the platforms that are making music now, it’s not technical, so I could just learn how to be technical and I can make music and I can put it out on all platforms. And I think it’s so much of that now that creativity almost got washed away. And I think and I will say it’s due to technology. Technology is good, but at the same time it waters down people that have real gift and real musicianship. So, I think that’s really what’s going on more than anything.
You were at the AfroTech Conference at the beginning of [November]. AI was maybe a topic that was discussed, or that you had brought up. Do you think that’s also playing a role in maybe the lack of originality as well?
Definitely. But we really can’t do nothing about it. So you can’t do nothing but try to be a part of it and help steering it in a right direction. But I think everything is so computer based and everything is robotic that its like how much originality can you get from there? You can’t really get a lot of it. Me being a producer right, there are different plugins and programs that made it easy for me to do this or they made it and helped me expand who I am in certain ways. But I understand how it can cripple our musicians and people that’s trying to really make it in music because it’s like this. We’re doing it for you. Who’s making up your mind for you? It’s like you don’t have to learn how to do different things because the computer already knows how to, so it can just do it for you.
Besides [talking about AI], you had a lot of involvement with [Afrotech]. What was your favorite part about participating in the event?
The fact that I got to sit there in front of a whole lot of people and preview my process of making music. For me, to be able to do that right there in front of everybody and watch me create something from scratch to the point where I allowed the people in the crowd to come up and rap to the music. Everything was just done spontaneously. I think that was my favorite part because that to me is what hip-hop is built on that. People that got talent and gifts and can show it and they can do what they own hands and they own mind.
Did any of them have any questions for you on how to get into the industry, or did you impart any advice on them in any way?
I’m gonna start a piano course. Give producers the basic things to learn and my philosophy and the way I hear and see things when it comes to producing music being somewhat of a musician. Knowing these different scales and knowing these different chords can help take you farther than the guy that’s just clicking the computer, going to put in the music together. And that’s really my aim is to help shed light on that and push people back into learning instruments because they’re gonna open up so many other doors when it comes to making music.
Did you want to expand on that at all? Do you have any details on when that’s gonna get started? How can people find it?
I’m actually starting next week on doing just filming and taping the first couple classes. So, I’m not sure I know it’s gonna be in 2024 when I release the classroom. But yeah, I start taping next week. I will announce it maybe via my social media. I’m not sure exactly how I want to announce it, but I’m definitely gonna make it acceptable for everybody to join and be a part of it. It will be a website. It’s a subscription type thing, something that you have to join and I’m really building a Beethoven community of people that really want to get in the music industry or just got the love and heart for music and want to learn and grow and build a network. Because I see that this is what most of our young people want to do. I have a son that I feel like is a real dope artist and can produce for me. I sit and watch him in my studio and he go down there and make beats and record songs all day and I listen like ‘dang you got the gift without me even shadowing you all the time. You almost know more stuff than I know.’
AUSTIN, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 13: (L-R) Fireside chat with Zaytoven and Will Lucas at AFROTECH Conference 2022 – Day One at Austin Convention Center on November 13, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for AFROTECH)
Can we expect anything from him coming down the pipeline?
Yes, I’m putting his album out on January 2nd on his birthday. He turns 18. So yeah, make sure you put that out here. Zayskii is his artist name and I’ll be putting his project out and I’m excited about it because he watched me but at the same time, he’s not just trying to do it the exact same way I did. He got his own little twist and flavor to it, too.
Yeah, that’s awesome! We are looking forward to that! We’ll make sure we spread that news as soon as possible.I wanted to ask stuff relating to the end of the year. We’re coming to the end of 2023. Do you have anything coming up with family and friends?
I love spending time with my family and everything. These are the times where I really get with the family and try to stop with everything else just to take a break and bring back a new excitement when the top of the year hits. Now, I will be dropping another project called Piano Nights. This one is more piano-driven just to give people another taste or another aspect of what I can do.
Do you have any goals or any sort of aspirations personally that you’re looking to get in place and then attack next year? I know you’re also into the movie scene. Is there anything that we can expect there as well?
It’s just opening more businesses. I’ve been a barber ever since I came in the game. Me and my wife been talking about opening up a spot where I do music. She’s a hairstylist. I want to open up a Zaytown facility where people can come and get their hair done, you can record music. It’s gonna be upscale and exclusive but one of those Zaytoven spots where it’s like ‘I gotta go to Zaytoven’s spot.’ It’s probably gonna be expensive to get in there. But, it’s one of those things that I want to do next year that I definitely feel like I will be doing. [For movies] I go into shooting in January. The music-based movies is not really around and it’s a void. So I definitely want to stay in that lane and continue to create content on that level. I’m thinking, about summer next year. I want to be dropping another movie.
It’s the second year ever they’ve done a Songwriter of the Year category at the Grammys, and Theron Thomas is over the moon about his nomination.
Not only that, but Thomas is the only black nominee in the category this year, amidst some big names in the music industry including Edgar Barrera, Shane McAnally, Jessie Jo Dillon, Justin Tranter.
Proud to be Caribbean, Thomas hails from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Nicknamed Rock City, Thomas is one half of the musical duo of the same name, alongside his brother Timo Makaveli. Together, they saw huge success with “Locked Away” featuring Adam Levine, which recently hit one billion views on Youtube (and soon to hit a billion on streaming).
Fast forward to today, Thomas has played a role some of this generation’s biggest hits, including “All My Life” for Lil Durk and J. Cole, “Cheatback” for Chlöe and Future, “How We Roll” for Ciara and Chris Brown, “Man Down” for Rihanna, “We Can’t Stop” for Miley Cyrus, “I Don’t Mind” for Usher, and many more.
But his greatest accomplishment to date? The world’s biggest song currently: “Seven” by BTS’ Jungkook featuring Latto.
The Source spoke with Theron Thomas at Westlake Studios in Los Angeles.
What song are you most proud of?
I don’t want to lie, I’m really proud of all of them. Right now, Jungkook “Seven” is the biggest song in the world. I’ve never had the biggest song in the world. I was in Korea in October and November. Wait, this is the biggest song here. We’re #1 in Japan. I’ve had songs big around the world, “Locked Away” was #1 in 30 countries. It’s insane. But this one, fastest song to hit a billion streams in history. Really, really crazy accomplishments. I’m enjoying the ride because at one point, nobody was calling me. Nobody cared to hear my ideas. Nobody said “oh, yeah, let’s ask Theron what he thinks.” Now, he’s the guy, so I’m grateful. I’ma keep going as long as they keep inviting me.
,
How’d the song come about?
Andrew Watt called me, I didn’t even know Latto was getting on the song. I wrote the song. Because I did “Big Energy,” everybody thinks I did Latto’s part. I did it with Jon Bellion, we wrote it together. But it started with me in my basement in Atlanta. Andrew said ”Yo man I’m working on Justin Bieber. I got this beat, this beat is fire bro. You gotta send me those beats.
How many times do people tell you that?
Every time, but it’s good. Having an artist and a place of reference, it motivates you. Justin Bieber is a huge star, great artist. I’m a fan. Bro, I gotta bring my A game for the Biebs. I wrote something, Andrew said “it’s not that good bro. Make it more simple.” My youngest son, he’s 11 now but he was 10 when I wrote this song. He’s sitting on my lap. Yo, nothing’s more simple than the days of a week. “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday…”
It’s wild to me when songwriters have whole concepts for a song, and a huge artist will do it.
By the way, I know BTS. I didn’t know individually the artists. They called me like “Yo, Jungkook is cutting your song.” Okay cool, I don’t know who that is. You know what though? I pride myself in being like that. I like real human experience. I don’t want to come in the room like “omg, this is Rihanna. You gotta act a certain way.” You’re a person, and I’m a person. What do you want to do today?
I didn’t know who he was until two weeks before the record came out. Because I met with the A&R from Hyde, she’s like “Jungkook, he’s from BTS.” Oh that’s crazy, BTS is big. I’m so grateful. I’ve never met Jungkook, this is awesome. They call me: “Yo Theron, this record is looking like it’s gonna really have an impact when it drop. The ideas and the marketing.” Well that’s good. “About Damn Time” by Lizzo was my first Billboard #1. That’s crazy.
Did you work with Lizzo?
Yes, we worked with Lizzo. Then I did “All My Life” for Lil Durk.
I love that song!
That song’s amazing, shout out to Dr. Luke. He’s a genius.
So what’d you do on that song?
I did the chorus. I did it with Dr. Luke and a couple friends of mine. It was a blessing because it debuted at #2. Man, I wanted to debut at #1. That’d be my second #1. Jungkook came out, it debuted at #1. What the?! What’s going on! What’s life right now?
I’m so happy they made that Songwriter of the Year category!
Yeah, they shining a light on songwriters. It’s a long time coming but it’s a difficult thing because some people feel uncomfortable. We’re the icky necessary evil. The artists don’t want to tell nobody that it was his idea. It’s weird, but it is the business. For me, I pride myself on — the name of my company is Minding Our business. If you ever see me post something, I never say what I do.
Because I produce as well. I produce, I write, and I sing. I could have done backgrounds. If I’m a part of a song, I literally say “minding our business forever.” That’s all I say. Whatever you want to take from that. Did I write it? Did I produce it? Did I sing in the background? You say whatever you want to say. Artists can’t get offended, like “you’re going around town telling people…!” Minding our business forever. That’s all I say, whatever you want to take it as. I’m a producer, writer, vocalist, vocal producer. You don’t know what I did, but oh okay. Theron had something to do with that, okay cool. You can take it like that.
I remember when they had the songwriter protests, people telling me how terrible songwriters get paid unless you’re part of hit records. Was there a point where you were struggling?
When I came in business in the early time, yes I was struggling but not as a songwriter. I struggled as an artist and when songwriting came, we started making money. Struggling songwriting really, really came because of streaming. That’s really how we became this crazy oh man, shit is a bit hard right now. I’m not gon’ lie, I make hits. I’m super blessed. I’ve been making hits probably for the last 4 to 5 years. I mean, I’ve been making hits longer than that. But for the past four or five years, it’s been crazy, it’s like an avalanche of hits. I don’t know what’s going on. God’s playing favorites, and I appreciate it for real.
You must be a good person. I feel like good people deserve…
I hate being the self-proclaimed good guy, because I do believe I’m a villain in somebody’s story somewhere. I try my best to be my best.
Following the Grammy’s Salute to Hip-Hop show, KRS-One criticizes The Recording Academy’s approach to Hip-Hop throughout the years.
Speaking with @professordaddyyo, KRS-One reveals he turned down LL COOL J’s personal invite.
“With all due respect, LL COOL J himself called me, spoke to my wife and pretty much begged for me to be on the show but we turned him down. And reason being is because I know people don’t understand this, and I say this respectfully: KRS-One is a Hip Hop extremist. I’m not violent, a violent extremist. I’m insane with this culture. I know I must have lost my mind in this.”
He added, “You ignored Hip Hop for 49 years. At the 50th year, you wanna call us? You couldn’t even call on 47 and gear it up to 50. You wait to the 50th year to call Hip Hop’s authentic teacher?”
Ye and Ty Dolla $ign are preparing to host another “rave” for their album Vultures. The next edition of the raves will happen in Las Vegas. YesJulz confirmed the rave is set for Thursday.
Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign have revealed the cover art for their upcoming album Vultures. Hitting Instagram, Ty dropped off the cover, with the album alleged to be released this Friday (Dec. 15).
One of the album’s singles currently making waves online features the Backstreet Boys’ classic “Everybody.” Ye’s version features Charlie Wilson.
After the song was online, TMZ notes Ye did not get the song cleared by any members of the Backstreet Boys, despite the album, Vultures, supposedly getting released this Friday.
Diddy’s reality show that was planned for Hulu has been scrapped. According to Variety, Diddy +7 was produced by James Corden’s production company Fulwell 73 but was scrapped following multiple lawsuits against Combs.
Earlier in the month, another woman sued Diddy, stating she was sex trafficked and gang-raped while she was a 17-year-old high school student.
According to TMZ, the anonymous accuser stated Bad Boy Entertainment President Harve Pierre met her in 2003 in Detroit. Pierre stated she was “hot,” name-dropped Diddy, and flew her to meet him in NYC. The woman stated she met Diddy in a recording studio and sat on his lap during the session, indulging in drugs and alcohol. The accuser supplied images from the alleged meeting.
She states that everything was a blur following the substances, and she remembered nonconsensual sex in the bathroom with Diddy, followed by Pierre and another man. She states she was left in the fetal position and eventually flown back to Michigan, suffering in silence for 20 years but finding the courage to speak out after Cassie’s lawsuit.
In response, Diddy stated to TMZ, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy.
“Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
Previously, Pierre had 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” 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.”
That 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.”
Shortly after news of the lawsuit rattled the world on Thursday, Diddy and Cassie settled the lawsuit on Friday.
“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.”
For the first time since settling his lawsuit with his ex-lover, singer Cassie, Diddy has been spotted. He was spotted outside his Star Island Miami mansion, beside his chief of staff, with his face buried in his hands.
Paparazzi got photos of diddy for the first time since he’s been exposed for putting Cassie through so much abuse & SA. I hope he suffer frfr pic.twitter.com/bECJeArxHD
After settling with Cassie following her explosive allegations. Ben Brafman, Diddy’s lawyer, shared a statement:
“Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs‘ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”
Diddy was sued by his former lover Cassie, stating she was rapped and sex trafficked during their relationship. Cassie, born Casandra Ventura, filed the suit in New York City, stating she was the victim of a “cycle of abuse, violence and sex trafficking.
