On this date in 1995, Queens legends Onyx released their second full length album All We Got Iz Us under Rush Associated Labels and the JMJ Records imprint.
It is reported that Def Jam Records’ Lyor Cohen offered Fredro Starr $1 million in 1994 to record Onyx’s second album while he was on the set of the movie Dangerous Minds. Fredro agreed, prompting him, Sonee Seeza and Sticky FIngaz to record 25 tracks for the new album, with only 15 of the songs making the final cut under the late Jam Master Jay’s directive. Two of the albums’ tracks, “Live Niguz” and “Last Dayz”, made it to 89 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 17 on the Hot Rap Singles respectively. Onyx also created their own label, Armee Records, to which they signed the rap collective All City and Queens rapper Panama P.I., who also appeared on All We Got Iz Us.
This project received mixed reviews from the media, but reached its own level of success with tracks debuting in several silver screen classics including Martin Lawrence and Will Smith’s Bad Boys as well as Eminem’s 8 Mile and Hip Hop documentary The Show.
Salute to Sticky Fingaz, Sonee Seeza, Fredro, All City and JMJ in making this album a part of Hip Hop history!
2 Chainz is getting ready to release his new album Welcome 2 Collegrove alongside Lil Wayne and revealed one of the guest features, Usher. Speaking with Apple Music 1, 2 Chainz couldn’t contain his excitement, revealing Usher was a feature while speaking on the excitement for the ATLien’s forthcoming Super Bowl performance.
“I’m excited for Usher, man,” 2 Chainz said to Zane Lowe. “He’s a great entertainer. I was able to catch his show out in Vegas with my wife. I was highly entertained. I suggest anybody who had a chance to see it and check it out, because I know the Super Bowl won’t be, they won’t give him as much time as his show out in Vegas to see the whole show. But, he’s a great entertainer.
“I think it’s well deserved. He’s actually an artist that’s featured on the project with me and Wayne, so I’m excited for people to hear that. And it’s just divine timing.”
Usher has truly taken over Las Vegas. The superstar singer now reigns over Sin City every Oct. 17 as Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman proclaimed the date as Usher Raymond Day. In addition to the day, Usher received the key to the city.
“We honored @usher by giving him the key to the city and proclaiming Oct. 17 as Usher Raymond Day!” the Vegas Instagram post reads. The Grammy-award-winning global superstar will headline the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, 2024. #USHER first started his Las Vegas residency in 2021.”
After receiving the key to the city, Usher responded: “I just want to continue to be an amazing contribution to your amazing city. I do see opportunity here, and the belief that everything that’s in my mind and that I’ve dreamed of is coming to life as a result of the city.”
The wait is over for fans of Lil Wayne as the iconic rapper makes his triumphant return to Apple Music with a brand new season of his highly popular Young Money Radio. The new season will debut on Apple Music 1 starting Friday, Oct. 27th at 12 p.m. PT, with subsequent episodes airing bi-weekly.
“Young Money Radio” has become a cultural phenomenon known for its exclusive DJ mixes and star-studded guest appearances. Each episode promises to deliver a dynamic blend of music, sports, and comedy, featuring some of the most prominent figures in the entertainment world.
Lil Wayne’s influence on the hip-hop and music industry is immeasurable. Young Money Radio serves as a platform for fans to gain unique insights into the artist’s world and a chance to connect with some of the biggest names in the industry.
The return of Young Money Radio is an event fans won’t want to miss, and the trailer provides a sneak peek into what’s in store for the upcoming season.
Ms. Lauryn Hill has postponed her Philadelphia show at the recommendation of her doctors.
“It is with disappointment that I am writing this note to you. On the advice of my physicians, I have no choice but to postpone the show tomorrow,” Hill wrote. “I need to rest my voice to prevent any more serious strain or damage to my vocal cords.”
After a triumphant headline set at the Global Citizen Festival with a surprise appearance by the Fugees, 5-time Grammy winner Lauryn Hill is extending her The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary Tour due to overwhelming demand. New dates added to the tour include Vancouver, San Francisco, Detroit, St. Louis, Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Tampa, Miami, and Boston. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn, Washington DC, Chicago, LA Kia Forum, Oakland, and Seattle shows are already sold out.
“I’ve almost felt compelled to carry a torch or to keep a light shining regarding the continual performance of the Miseducation album. I believe there’s been a reason for that—and the Fugees coming back together for performances too feels like unfinished business we’re destined to handle. The connections are real and uncanny, and the magic and synergy between us has not been deterred by time. I believe the messages that we and the art we made embody something moving, meaningful and important for us and for the world. We gave voice and image to possibilities that emblazoned so many musical directions after us. As we were inspired, we also inspired countless artists who have shown up to express themselves in this musical space. Both the Miseducation and the Fugees’ material challenged and expanded convention, by paying homage to the past, while richly embracing the present, and emblazoning the trail for the future. We represent not just ourselves but our influences and our peers who took art, culture and inspiration very seriously—- who reshaped the landscape for ourselves and for those who would follow after us. I’m grateful to be able to celebrate this classic material and re-present it to an audience in this time.”
– Ms. Lauryn Hill
All North American dates will feature co-headlining performances by the Fugees. Tickets for the newly added shows go on sale this Friday, October 6th, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill profoundly impacted music, fashion, and culture. It was inducted into the Library of Congress in 2015, marking several historical milestones. The album was the first hip-hop album to receive a Grammy Award for Album of the Year, Lauryn Hill became the first woman to be nominated for 10 Grammy awards in a year, and she was the first woman to win 5 Grammys in a single night. This tour continues to celebrate the enduring influence of the album and the Fugees on the world’s biggest artists.
Fat Joe isn’t attempting to hear any of the illuminati talk. Reflecting on his own success, Fat Joe makes one thing clear: “We had to work for this shit.”
“We got blessed by God and had to work through all adversity,” Fat Joe said. “I also believe because a person is a celebrity or famous, they have a bit of bad karma with him. Don’t ask me why. When I look at my son Joey and he’s autistic, he’s the don of the family. I have to tell myself what did I do.”
Fat Joe added, “I’ve met everybody, I’ve never met the Illuminati. So now what my theory is is you got people who’re frustrated with seeing other people being successful, and they make up this thing called Illuminati.”
Cardi B is celebrating her husband Offset’s top five album debut and teasing her own. Offset’s Set It Off made a splash on the charts and is receiving rave reviews. Now Cardi has fans looking in her direction.
“So proud of my baby!!” Cardi wrote. “Going against all odds… leaving his label, starting fresh, staying focused determined and not letting nothing break him… he did that! MY TURN.”
That “MY TURN” is a hopeful signal to her own album, the first of which fans got a taste of via “Bongos”
So proud of my baby!! Going against all odds… leaving his label, starting fresh, staying focused determined and not letting nothing break him… he did that! MY TURN.
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion have officially delivered the first performance of “Bongos.” Hitting the VMAs, Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B took the stage to a tropical background with muscular men actually playing bongos. The two were flanked by dancers, making the VMA moment full of energy.
The dynamic duo previously received significant recognition at the 2021 “VMAs” when their iconic hit single, “WAP,” earned them five nominations, including “Song of the Summer,” “Video of the Year,” “Song of the Year,” “Best Collaboration,” and “Best Hip Hop.” “WAP” made history as the first female rap collaboration to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, spent four weeks at the top spot, and was certified 8x platinum in the U.S.
You can see the official “Bongos” video below.
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s new single, “Bongos,” has arrived. The sex exudes from the single early as it opens with bodacious women twerking on a beach and Cardi’s opening bars: “Eat this ass like a plum, this pussy tight like a nun.” The new video is very extremely colorful and features the two taking on impressive dance breakdowns before up close and personal moments with the two seductive rap queens.
Back in July, mogul Tyler Perry vowed to help a 93-year-old South Carolina woman who was being taunted by land developers trying to force her into selling her property. Now the Madea star has revealed he’s building the elderly woman her dream home–a five bedroom house with a game room, dining room, home office, media room and a big porch and a pool.
TMZ reports:
Tyler Perry’s lifeline for an elderly woman fighting to hang on to the South Carolina property her family’s owned since the Civil War era includes a new home with a swimming pool.
Josephine Wright is the 93-year-old woman duking it out with a developer in Hilton Head and her granddaughter, Charise, tells TMZ … Tyler got in touch with the family and asked Josephine what she wanted in a new home, and she told him 5 bedrooms plus a pool.
Charise says Tyler agreed and his team sent Josephine the blueprints. But, she says her grandma is very particular and asked for a few minor changes … and he obliged.
As you can see in the blueprint, obtained by TMZ, there’s also a game room, dining room, home office, media room and a big porch.
We’re told Tyler is gifting Josephine a modular home … meaning it will be built off-site and then moved to a separate part of her expansive property, so she won’t have to leave the plot of land that’s been passed down by her family for generations.
Charise says part of her grandma’s current home is built on the section of property that is the subject of a bitter land dispute.
Jay-Z is finally putting an end to the debate would it be smarter to take $500,000 in cash or share a meal with him…. The rapper and business mogul himself weighs in on the longstanding online debate in a two-part interview with Gayle King, airing later this week on “CBS Mornings.”
“You’ve gotta take the money,” JAY-Z said, noting that all the wisdom anyone might glean from talking to him over lunch is already available in his lyrics. “You’ve got all that in the music for $10.99.”
“I wouldn’t tell you to cut a bad deal. Like, take the $500,000, go buy some albums, and listen to the albums,” he said. “It’s all there. If you piece it together and really listen to the music for the words, well, what it is, it’s all there.”
“Everything that I said was gonna happen, happened. Everything that I said I wanted to do, I’ve done,” he said.
JAY-Z sat down with King for a rare interview and exclusive tour of “The Book of HOV” exhibit at the Brooklyn Public Library, which explores the artist’s body of work — from his original master recordings to his business ventures and efforts to help reform the criminal justice system.
In a move that has taken the music community by surprise, R&B sensation Brian McKnight has recently rebranded himself, adopting a new name after the birth of his son. The artist, who is renowned for his velvety vocals and timeless love songs, now goes by Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr. This transformation signals a new chapter in his life and highlights the significance of heritage and fatherhood within the hip-hop world.
Brian McKnight’s musical journey has spanned decades, producing classics like “Back at One” and “Anytime.” His mellifluous voice has serenaded us through heartaches and love stories. So, why the name change, and what does “Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr.” signify?
First, let’s break down the name. “Kainoa” and “Makoa” are both Hawaiian names, reflecting Brian’s deep connection to his heritage. This shift signals a powerful acknowledgment of his roots, making a statement about the importance of cultural identity. In an era where authenticity and self-expression are pivotal in hip-hop, embracing one’s cultural heritage is both timely and meaningful.
The inclusion of “Sr.” at the end of the name underlines the profound transformation that has taken place in Brian’s life: fatherhood. On July 22, 2023, he welcomed his son into the world, which, by his own admission, has been a deeply transformative experience. As a testament to this life-altering moment, Brian’s decision to adopt the “Sr.” suffix is a heartfelt tribute to the new role he now plays as a father.
This name change may strike some as a bit unexpected, especially coming from a genre more often associated with stage names and pseudonyms. However, it’s crucial to remember that hip-hop has continuously evolved and expanded its horizons. Artists like Jay-Z, Nas, and Kanye West have seamlessly incorporated their personal lives and struggles into their music. Brian McKnight’s name change demonstrates that artists can also embrace their personal identities in the genre, allowing their lives and growth to inform their art.
Moreover, this change challenges the stereotypes and expectations placed upon male artists in the music industry. While the hip-hop world has seen artists like Beyoncé and Cardi B celebrate motherhood, fathers are not often given the same platform to express their experiences and emotions surrounding parenthood. By adding “Sr.” to his name, Brian McKnight not only pays homage to his new role as a father but also broadens the conversation around fatherhood within the music industry.
The hip-hop community’s reaction to this transformation has been diverse. Many fans have applauded his decision, viewing it as a genuine and bold act of self-discovery and self-expression. Brian McKnight’s rebranding is a testament to his commitment to the art form, his heritage, and his family. It’s an act of authenticity that resonates with hip-hop’s ethos of telling real, unfiltered stories.
However, as with any artistic shift, there have been some skeptics. Critics argue that such a name change may confuse his fanbase or alienate those who know him as Brian McKnight. Nonetheless, change is an integral part of art and expression. Artists like Prince, who became “The Artist Formerly Known As Prince,” have shown that rebranding can lead to intriguing and innovative artistic expressions.
In the end, Brian Kainoa Makoa McKnight Sr.’s name change is a profound personal statement that elevates the conversation around cultural identity, heritage, and fatherhood in the world of hip-hop. It reflects a broader shift in the genre, allowing artists to be more authentically themselves, both in their music and in their lives. As hip-hop continues to evolve, artists like Brian McKnight are leading the way, proving that embracing one’s true self can inspire and empower the next generation of musicians and fans alike.
The hip-hop world is no stranger to controversies and conflicts, but few rival the intrigue surrounding the accusations of snitching involving Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug. In recent weeks, rumors and speculations have been swirling, linking Rich Homie Quan to Young Thug’s infamous Rico case. As these allegations came to light, Quan finally spoke out, vehemently denying any involvement as a snitch in a case that has captivated the hip-hop community.
Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug, both hailing from Atlanta, once formed a formidable duo, crafting hit records and making waves in the rap game. Their collaborative efforts generated chart-toppers like “Lifestyle” and “Tell ‘Em (Lies).” However, their friendship turned sour, leading to public disputes and, ultimately, Quan distancing himself from Young Thug. Despite their past success, the two have become embroiled in a feud with twists and turns that no one saw coming.
The allegations of Rich Homie Quan’s involvement in Young Thug’s Rico case originate from their shared legal troubles. Both rappers found themselves in hot water when a raid on Young Thug’s home in 2015 led to several legal issues. Young Thug, born Jeffrey Lamar Williams, was arrested on multiple charges, while Quan faced his legal woes in connection to the same incident.
Rumors quickly surfaced, suggesting that Rich Homie Quan may have cooperated with authorities in exchange for a lighter sentence. Snitching, as it’s commonly referred to in the hip-hop community, is regarded as a betrayal of the unspoken street code and can result in an artist losing their credibility and respect within the industry.
In a recent interview, Rich Homie Quan set the record straight, firmly denying any involvement as a snitch. He stated, “I need to address these rumors head-on. I didn’t snitch on anyone, and I never cooperated with the police. I’ve always stood by the principles of loyalty and integrity.”
Quan’s interview has reignited the debate surrounding his involvement in the case and his loyalty to Young Thug. The accusations of snitching in hip-hop have been divisive, with fans and fellow artists often taking sides. Whether the denial will quell the rumors or fuel further debate remains to be seen.
Accusations of snitching in the hip-hop world can have significant consequences for an artist’s career. The genre strongly emphasizes authenticity and credibility, and allegations of snitching can lead to a loss of respect, credibility, and opportunities within the industry.
It is crucial to remember that the full story surrounding these allegations may be far more complex than what the public perceives. Legal cases, especially high-profile ones like Rico cases, often contain confidential details that are not disclosed to the public. Thus, the truth can be challenging to discern.
The allegations of snitching and Rich Homie Quan’s denial of involvement can potentially redefine his career trajectory. If the hip-hop community accepts his denials, it could pave the way for a resurgence in his career. However, if skepticism persists, the allegations may continue to cast a shadow over his music.
The hip-hop community is eagerly watching as this drama unfolds, and the ultimate decision on Rich Homie Quan’s innocence or guilt rests with the fans and peers who will evaluate the authenticity of his claims. Regardless of the outcome, this controversy highlights the intricate challenges and complexities that artists face when navigating the hip-hop world.
In an industry where loyalty and authenticity are paramount, accusations of snitching are a stark reminder of the careful balance artists must strike between their personal lives and public personas. It’s a testament to the enduring power of hip-hop as a culture that continues to evolve, adapt, and provoke conversations, even in the face of scandals and feuds.
#USHER first started his Las Vegas residency in 2021.”
MY TURN.”
