The FGB Duck murder trial is underway and the star witness has been identified as a blogger who has been paid nearly $25,000 to cooperate with federal law enforcement. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the blogger highlights the drill rap community.
The witness is Martell Wiley, owner and operator of the Trenches News YouTube channel, which has over 114,000 subscribers. He will take the stand and testify against the six men charged with the murder of Duck.
According to prosecutors, Wiley provided information on the O Block Black Disciples believed to be culprits of Duck’s murder. Wiley was listed in court docs as “Cooperator 1” despite previously saying he was not assisting the feds. In a change of events, Wiley put his trademark sheisty mask back on in a YouTube video from what appeared to be a courtroom, stating that he will cooperate.
“They subpoenaed me to court,” Wiley said. “I’ve gotta come here, man, and tell them, man. It ain’t no more discrepancies. I’m here. Long live Carlton.”
According to the Sun-Times, FBI agent Kevin Doyle revealed after the shooting, Wiley called the Chicago Police Department to assist in the investigation, resulting in payment of $24,963 for his help. “He would provide background information. He reviewed surveillance footage [and] reviewed social media postings,” Doyle said.
Wiley was a resident of Parkway Gardens, the southside apartment complex called O Block. He was at one point referred to as a member of the Black Disciples but also stated to have an alliance with rivals Duck and Gangster Disciples.
You can see his viral video admitting to cooperating below.
In April, 33-year-old Ralph Turpin, known as “Tall” or “Teezy,” was the sixth man charged with murdering aid of racketeering and conspiracy to murder in aid of racketeering in connection to Duck’s murder.
According to WLS-TV Chicago, Turpin is the sixth man charged. He joins Charles “C Murda” Liggins, 30; Kenneth “Kenny” Robinson, 28; Tacarlos “Los” Offerd, 30; Christopher “C Thang” Thomas, 22; and Marcus “Muwop” Smart, 22.
The arrest and charges came months after Duck’s mother, LaSheena Weekly, stated additional arrests were coming. FBG Duck was shot in the chest, groin, and neck, killing him and injuring two others in a robbery on Chicago’s Gold Coast. He was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital after receiving as many as 21 gunshot wounds during the attack outside of Dolce & Gabanna.
The shooting left 38 bullet casings at the scene and happened over the course of 15 seconds.
The YSL Rico Trial is underway, and the opening day saw the defense attempting to receive a mistrial.
According to court reporterJewel Wicker, Young Thug’s attorney Brian Steel, noted the prosecution had “intentional misconduct” by not providing “all of their displays and opening statements,” which were previously requested by the judge.
“Three weeks ago, you ordered the parties to share all of their displays and opening statement to the others so we don’t have to have these interruptions. I did that,” Steel said. “The state shared with me four attachments. That’s all they had. That’s what I got.”
The mistrial was denied. You can watch the moment below courtesy of 11 Alive.
NY crime rhyme vet David Styles, better known to the Hip Hop world as Styles P, turns 49 years young today.
The L.O.X.(Living Off Experience) co-founder along with Sheek Louch and Jadakiss began their careers with platinum honors, appearing on Puff’s No Way Out album and selling a million copies of their debut LP Money, Power and Respect. Styles has put out seven full length solo projects along with a host of mixtapes and callabos throughout his career, establishing himself as one of the top lyricists in the rap game. “The Ghost” has also made a proactive contribution in keping the hood healthy by opening all natural juice bars in NYC as well as his natural supplement and vitamin company built along with his wife Adjua Styles called Farmacy For Life.
From everyone here at The Source, we send a “Super Gangster And A Gentleman” salute to Styles on his born day and we hope that he enjoys today and many more!
A Joe Budden return to music is in the future. Speaking on the latest episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the rapper-turned-broadcaster revealed he hit up iconic producer Just Blaze for a beat.
“I called Just Blaze the other day,” Budden said. “I’m done talking about these rappers. Imma do it myself. I’ll do it myself. Imma listen to what Just Blaze has in there that might make somebody wanna rap.”
Joe Budden calmed fan anticipation by stating he has a “real job” and would get around to it, but it will carry a nice price tag.
“I’m laying a 15-minute record for sale for $20,” Budden said. “Might be an EP but you get this first track for $20. Whenever that is I don’t want to hype fans up to think that’s coming soon. Me and Just Blaze have real jobs.”
Joe Budden hints at coming out of retirement to rap again
“I called Just Blaze the other day, I’m done talking about these rappers, Imma do it myself” pic.twitter.com/oQAKV7bVIn
On this day in 2006, Virginia Beach’s own Clipse released the sophomore LP Hell Hath No Fury. Coming a whole four years after their celebrated, chart-topping debut Lord Willin’, Hell Hath No Fury did everything but disappoint. Produced exclusively by fellow Virginia Beach natives, The Neptunes, this album builds on Clipse’s unique take on mafioso rap culture. The contrast of the album’s hardcore, to-the-point lyrics and Pharrell’s colorfully playful production work to create a new style of drug dealer music.
It’s common knowledge that the hurdles set up in the way of this album’s release were aplenty. Clipse’s early growth led to them being pulled in all directions and, in an interview with Bill Withers, they spoke on how the music industry itself can paralyze an artist, and how that halted their creativity. Nevertheless, the duo came back stronger than ever, delivering an album that set a precedent in east coast rap. During the early 2000s, Virginia was on the rise with artists like The Neptunes and Timberland dominating the production game and Missy Elliot and Ginuwine topping charts. With this album, Clipse was able to keep Virginia relevant as it moved past the halfway point of the decade.
Although the album was not as commercially successful as Lord Willin’, it did peak at #14 on the Billboard 200 and #2 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop albums. The LP sold 78,000 in its first week and produced two singles, “Mr. Me Too” featuring Pharrell and “Wamp Wamp (What It Do)” that both had some success on the R&B/Hip Hop charts.
On this date in 1989, Dana Owens aka Queen Latifah dropped her first full-length studio album All Hail The Queen on the now-defunct Tommy Boy Records.
As the first artist on N.J. based Flavor Unit collective, Latifah filled a void for female emcees with her regal appearance and her commanding rhyme style, which at that time, was only rivaled by the males. Social consciousness, African awareness, and civilization were at the forefront of Latifah’s image and music, thus, the album’s title, All Hail The Queen.
The songs that led and propelled the album’s momentum include the lead single, “Wrath Of My Madness,” which was actually released the year before the album dropped and “Ladies First,” an anthem celebrating femininity within Hip Hop culture, while introducing a British accented Monie Love spitting a verse alongside Latifah.
Salute to Queen Latifah, Shakim, Mark The 45 King(RIP) and the rest of the Flavor Unit for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!
With the reactions flying, Chris Brown had a reminder for the Internet: “I’ma a Piru”
“Let me make this perfectly clear before y’all try to use me as a pawn,” Brown wrote. “Ima a Piru, I aint Muslim or Jewish so don’t start no s**t wont be no s**t!!!”
He would double back and confirm he isn’t anti-semitic. “In no way shape or form am I antisemetic!!! Im pro life and I make music for the entire world!!!”
You can see all of Brown’s messages below.
Chris Brown denies that he’s anti-Semitic following backlash after a video surfaced of him dancing to Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign’s song “Vultures” at a listening party in Dubai. pic.twitter.com/aRkghIXVLe
Dame Dash continues to pull the curtains back on the dealings of Roc-a-Fella Records. Speaking in an Instagram Live Session, Dash revealed he had to get a vote and “fight” to get Kanye West on the label. Who did he have this battle with? Lyor Cohen and JAY-Z.
“I almost couldn’t sign Kanye. I had to get a vote. I had to fight to put Kanye out. I had to fight Lyor and JAY-Z,” Dame said. “They didn’t want that man to come out.”
With Afrobeats taking over on a global scale, it’s only right we pay homage to the artists who are paving the way. Insert Joeboy, one of the biggest, rising African artists to date. Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, the singer-songwriter creates his own lane straddling the genres of Afropop and R&B.
Boasting 2.9 million followers on Instagram alone, Joeboy was discovered by Mr. Eazi, who went on to sign him to his emPawa Africa imprint back in 2017. Fast forward to today, Mr. Eazi serves as Joeboy’s biggest fan.
Most recently, Joeboy unveiled his newest EP titled Body, Soul & Spirit. The 7-track project speaks volumes to his current state of mind, especially after a rather emotional year. This also serves as his most vulnerable project yet, touching on topics such as navigating societal pressures, paranoia, insecurity and the dark side of love.
The Source spoke with Joeboy virtually to discuss the moment he fell in love with Hip-Hop, his new project, why he started singing, and more!
What was the moment you fell in love with hip-hop?
I was 6, 7 years old and I used to watch Nelly videos. “It’s getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes! I am getting so hot…” I know I was too young to listen to that kind of music. I fell in love with hip-hop immediately. Nelly was the first rapper I could rap word for word.
You guys gotta do a song together!
If it’s possible, it’s going to happen for sure. Maybe when I see him. When I come to the US next, maybe I’ll come across him and we’ll make something happen.
New album Body, Soul, & Spirit out now. What does this project mean to you?
Body, Soul & Spirit has been my most introspective project yet. I decided to do something and create music that felt the most original to me. I wasn’t creating this music with the mindset of ‘Oh, I want it to be like this or be like that. ‘I let it come naturally. I knew that one way or the other, it’d connect with people. Songs like “Only God Can Save Me,” “Surviving,” “Enemy” are songs that connect with people spiritually.
Also, the original plan was to release the deluxe for the album I dropped earlier this year, Body & Soul. But my label wanted an EP. I said okay, I’ll just kill two birds with one stone. I’ll make it an EP, but it’s going to feel like an extension of the album.
What’s the significance in the title?
The idea of Body, Soul & Spirit, every song on there touches on those three different aspects. The song “24/7” is about me just wanting to enjoy myself so that signifies body. When you hear the song “Surviving,” you feel something in your soul. The song “Only God Can Save Me” represents the spiritual aspect. Me personally, I believe in spirituality. I believe the spiritual controls the physical. Being a very spiritual person has helped me overcome a lot of challenges that might have taken me off the edge. But thankfully, I believe in spirituality. I believe in God. Me believing in that process really helped me become a better person.
I know you were going through it when you made the project. How much was music therapy for you?
Me personally, I like to make music about my experiences in that particular time. I like to make sure it’s original, so whatever I’m singing about is probably something that happened to me. Most of the time, it’s something that happened to me and I decided to express it. For me, it’s a form of therapy. Let me make music about my experiences, that helps me feel better.
People end up loving it. I get messages all the time. The song ‘“Only God Can Save Me,” I get a lot of DMs from my fans or people that listen to me that go, ‘That song is so real, it’s my state of mind at that particular point in time.’ That’s the major goal for me — to connect people’s souls. It goes beyond every other thing. If I can connect with you as a person, if you listen to me and go, “Wow, this guy’s actually speaking to me right now, he’s singing my mind right now.”
What made you start singing?
It came naturally. I love listening to music. I grew up in a music-loving family. My dad used to play keyboards. My elder siblings were in the choir. It was something I enjoyed, it was fun. I love watching music videos, I love watching Michael Jackson. Music was an escape for me, it wasn’t even planned but it was preordained.
The first time I ever recorded a song, I went to the studio with my friend who was an artist who was like “I’m going to the studio.” I said, “Oh, let me go with you.” Just as a random observer. When we’re recording, I said let me try something. And I did. That’s how music started for me. From there, I started recording and making covers. Started posting covers. Then a particular cover blew up, of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You.” That was how I connected with Mr. Eazi. To cut along story short, here we are.
What does Mr. Eazi think of the project?
He loves it! Mr Eazi is probably one of my biggest fans. I always send him my music. He always says “adjust this, adjust that.” That’s my G.
I love the music video to “24/7,” what inspired this?
When I was growing up, when I was in university, I thought I was going to end up being a banker and end up working in an office. The idea for “24/7” was what if that was my destiny and I ended up becoming a banker, that was the person I would be. I’d be carefree and be the life of the office. I decided to make that a video. Like OK, how would you have been if you’re a banker? I asked myself that question. Oh, that exactly makes sense. I decided to make it into a video. Amazing, amazing video. I love the storyline.
Do you think you’d be happy with a 9 to 5?
No, I would not be happy with a 9 to 5. Definitely. Even before I blew up and I was in uni, I used to always dread it. I don’t like too many rules. When something’s so defined and predictive like oh, every day’s the same thing. I knew I wouldn’t be happy in a 9 to 5, for sure. Music is more 24/7. Music is actually more intense when it comes to the work time, but it’s something I genuinely enjoy doing. So it’s all good.
How do you feel about where you are now?
I am happy. It’s a blessing, I’m honored. When I was in high school, secondary school, I did not seem like the kind of person that was going to end up being a famous or popular person. Or that’s going to end up in this line of work. You could ask even my secondary schoolmates, they can’t believe it. They’re like “I didn’t know you could sing.” God decided to change my path. It’s beautiful how you never know where life will take you. Everything that I have achieved and I’m achieving, it’s way beyond my expectations and I’m grateful for that. That motivates me to keep going and improving on myself, and doing things on a bigger and larger scale.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz_aYEooprr/?hl=en
People are complaining about the “Enemy” open verse. Why only females?
The song “Enemy” is a conversation between me and a lady. So I was like Okay, I’ll make an open verse for just females, so ladies can respond to me with their own version. I’m speaking as a guy in a relationship, so I need a response from the ladies. A lot of guys are fighting me, but I have something for the guys too. Just be patient.
What do you say to someone who wants to start singing?
Make sure it’s something that you genuinely love. Don’t do it because you want to be famous or rich, or you feel it’s the next best thing to do because everybody around you is doing it. It has to be natural, it has to be something you love. For me, it was something I enjoyed doing. Now, I enjoy making music. Whether I’m releasing music or not, I’ll always be recording or writing songs, or making a song or helping somebody write their song. That’s always been it for me. I always tell my people, my friends: I’m not famous because I want to be famous, but because I’m very good at what I do. The negative parts of the music and the hustle doesn’t really get to me because at the end of the day, I’m doing what I love.
What’re you excited for next?
Global domination on a bigger scale. I’m so happy for the next phase of my career. Now, my mind is so clear. This is the clearest mind I’ve had since the very beginning of my career. I have the plan, I have the vision. I’m more confident, I’m more intentional. I have a lot of people around me that’s ready to get the job done. I’m so excited for what’s to come.
DJ Envy trended heavily throughout the fall due to his alleged role in a ponzi scheme. His cohost, Charlamagne Tha God, spoke with the Rap Radar podcast and revealed that if Envy was no longer part of the crew, he would keep the show going.
“‘The Breakfast Club’ is bigger than any of us as individuals,” Charla said. “I’ve always felt like that.”
He added, “I’ve never felt like The Breakfast Club was just a show about three individuals. That’s always where my mind was.”
Charlamagne Tha God speaks on the future of The Breakfast Club if his co-host Dj Envy was no longer there… pic.twitter.com/qjBCrgG7Ew
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