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HERSource: Mary J. Blige Launches $30K Scholarship For Female Students At Hampton University

October 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Queen of Hip Hop and R&B Mary J. Blige, along with Pepsi Co. Inc., is offering a $30,000 scholarship to one lucky student at Hampton University.

The Strength of A Woman Scholarship Initiative is offering eligible, female undergrads with a 2.5 GPA or better in Business Administration, Marketing, Arts, Finance or Creative Design the $30,000 grant, which is renewable for up to one year or until they earn their bachelor’s degree.

The PepsiCo and Mary J. Blige Strength of a Woman Scholarship is part of the beverage company’s $200,000 donation, which also supports other charities.

“The whole mission of this festival is to celebrate and advocate for Black women,” Mary J. Blige said in a statement when announcing the partnership earlier this year. “So to have Pepsi show up and show out in the way they do is overwhelming. With their support for the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, we are able to pay it forward in so many impactful ways and to be able to grant an HBCU scholarship for a deserving student is nothing short of incredible.”

The application deadline os October 16 by 3pm. The recipient of the scholarship will be notified by December.

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Art Official Feature: DONDI CIA

October 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

As Hip Hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, all four of the culture’s pillars have celebrated their contributions, but graffiti has received the least fanfare, even though graffiti art is older than all of the other aspects of Hip Hop. Some graffiti purists disregard graff as a part of Hip Hop culture, but more of an art form and no graff artists or enthusiasts can speak about the history of graffiti without mentioning DONDI CIA.

DONDI, whose given name is Donald White, began his interest in graffiti in the mid 70s, joining the TOP(The Odd Partners) crew in 1977, which included artists such as DURO and TOP founder JAMES TOP. DONDI eventually formed his own crew, CIA(Crazy Inside Artists). For the next two decades, DONDI was recognized as one of the most prolific style creators in the art form and even was gifted the moniker “Stylemaster General” by his contemporaries.

DONDI appeared in the Hip Hop educational documentary Style Wars, created by Tony Silver and filmmaker Henry Chalfant. DONDI was also the first graff artist to host an international one-man show in the Netherlands and Germany, with other European museums displaying his art in graffiti exhibitions. DONDI worked with the Fun Gallery and together with artists of the like of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lee Quinones, Keith Haring, ERO (Dominique Philbert), Rammellzee, Fab 5 Freddy, Futura 2000, Toxic, Zephyr, rbinging art from the streets to art galleries.

DONDI died in October 1998 from complications from AIDS, but his legacy continues with family members and graffiti writers that continue to push his influence in the street art form forward.

The post Art Official Feature: DONDI CIA first appeared on The Source.

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Drake Teams with Alex Moss to Create New Toronto Chain

October 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Drake has given Toronto sports teams extra motivation to win a championship: a new custom chain. Hitting Instagram, Drake revealed a new Alex Moss chain and pendant, enlisting the logos of the Toronto Raptors, Blue Jays, and Maple Leafs.

“A project with my brother for ending it in the 6 and dropping on the 6th in the 6,” Drake wrote on Instagram. “We call it the crown jewel @alexmoss. Any team that wins a chip we bring this straight to you for the whole off season.”

Separately, Moss wrote: “The Crown Jewel of Toronto @champagnepapi. For All The Dogs.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AMNY (@alexmoss)

The post Drake Teams with Alex Moss to Create New Toronto Chain first appeared on The Source.

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WATCH: Foggieraw, Symba, Cassidy, and ScarLip Join Swizz Beatz for BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher

October 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Much like Timbaland, Swizz Beatz had his team of rappers for the BET Hip-Hop Awards cypher, enlisting the bars of Foggieraw, Symba, Cassidy, and ScarLip. The four-piece tackled beats from Swizz’s collection of classics, including “Echo” from the Poison album, “Touch It,” and more. You can hear the quartet go crazy below.

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Happy 53rd Birthday To Hip Hop Legend MC Lyte!

October 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

shows lift every voice get to know laz alonso and mc lyte MC Lyte s

Born on this day in 1970, Lana Michelle Moorer has been a pillar of feminism and respect for women in Hip Hop since her 1986 debut. After her first single, “I Cram to Understand U” sent shock waves through the growing New York Hip Hop scene, Lyte was awarded a record deal from First Priority Music and given the ability to take her message to the street.

MC Lyte was the first woman to tackle any issue of feminism in Hip Hop and was in no way quiet about it. Her debut album, Lyte as a Rock, was a middle finger to Hip Hop’s male standard, serving as the first full-length album from a female rapper. Here stood a young woman lyrically holding her own in a sea of some of the most hungry and prolific MC’s in the genre’s history while simultaneously checking the whole industry on their lack of respect for the fairer sex. Her ability commanded a positive response and made her a new force to be reckoned with.

Her follow up album only did more for her career, creating her image as Hip Hop’s female kingpin, demanding respecting and delivering nothing but fire. This album, titled Eyes on This, also housed Lyte’s first hit single “Cha Cha Cha” which spent 18 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart proving that MC Lyte was here to stay.

The post Happy 53rd Birthday To Hip Hop Legend MC Lyte! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 53rd Birthday To Hip Hop Legend MC Lyte! appeared first on The Source.

Jack Daniel’s and Metro Boomin to Heat Up F1 Grand Prix Events

October 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Get ready for a thrilling fusion of music and motorsport as Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey partners with trailblazing producer, DJ, and record executive Metro Boomin for two unforgettable performances at the upcoming F1 events. The first stop will be at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, followed by a show at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in Nevada.

Metro Boomin is set to unveil a limited edition t-shirt that reimagines the iconic Jack Daniel’s label, marking a groundbreaking moment for the brand as it’s the first time a musician has redesigned it. These exclusive shirts will be featured and given away at the events.

“Redesigning the legendary Jack Daniel’s label t-shirt has been a thrilling creative journey. Infusing my personal touch into this iconic brand has been inspiring, and I’m excited to unveil the result.” said Metro Boomin.

“Jack Daniel’s has always had a special relationship with music, dating back to the days of Mr. Jack himself. Our history and heritage have made us a brand that is recognized across the world as a symbol for independence, boldness, and living life on your own terms,” said Mary Beth O’Mara, Jack Daniel’s Brand Director. “Metro Boomin embodies the spirit of our brand, and we can’t be more excited to have him part of the team.”

Jack Daniel’s, in collaboration with Universal Music Group for Brands, is set to bridge the worlds of racing and music, delivering an unforgettable entertainment experience at the upcoming races.

As an official partner of the prestigious McLaren Formula 1 racing team, Jack Daniel’s iconic logo graces McLaren’s 2023 F1 cars and the attire of the pit crew. The partnership celebration extends to a special McLaren Racing Edition Tennessee Whiskey bottle, featuring custom label and packaging paying tribute to both brands’ trailblazing founders. This collectible is available in select Formula 1 race markets worldwide, appealing to fans of both brands.

The post Jack Daniel’s and Metro Boomin to Heat Up F1 Grand Prix Events first appeared on The Source.

The post Jack Daniel’s and Metro Boomin to Heat Up F1 Grand Prix Events appeared first on The Source.

E-40 to be Honored with Key to City of His Hometown

October 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

E-40 will have the key to his hometown of Vallejo, CA. According to KTVU, the Vallejo city council will decide to officially announce the rapper, born Earl Stevens, for outstanding achievement in arts, culture, business and philanthropy.

“Mr. Stevens has represented Vallejo and made significant philanthropic contributions to the city, including supporting local schools, providing bikes for the youth and donating meals to those in need,” the Mayor’s memo stated, “He also leveraged his voice for key social causes, including joining California Governor Gavin Newsom for a bill signing in 2022 that would protect hip-hop artists’ creative expression through their lyrics.”

E-40 has a street named after him in South Vallejo, a mile-long stretch of Magazine Street is “E-40 Way.”

E-40 to be honored with key to city of Vallejo https://t.co/SBHGHQ4AUZ

— KTVU (@KTVU) October 10, 2023

Last month, E-40 introduced a new addition to his flourishing wine and spirits empire with “Piñascato,” a Piña Colada-flavored wine.

This innovative blend combines the tropical flavors of pineapple and toasted coconut with the classic character of Moscato. Piñascato joins E-40’s diverse portfolio, which already includes over 15 still and sparkling wine offerings under his “Earl Stevens Selections” line, as well as tequila (E. Cuarenta Tequila), cognac (Tycoon Cognac), bourbon (Kuiper Belt Bourbon), gin (Kuiper Belt Gin), pre-mixed cocktails (Sluricane), and golden lager beer (E. Cuarenta Cerveza). E-40 is known for his unique approach to wine, having unveiled three additional flavors in 2022 – Blueberry, Strawberry, and Orangesicle.

Beyond his success in the wine and spirits industry, E-40 also boasts a well-regarded food brand, “Goon With The Spoon,” featuring burritos, sausages, and ice cream. In December 2023, he expanded this line to include a soul food range and introduced a mouthwatering Chicken & Waffles ice cream flavor as its debut product.

The post E-40 to be Honored with Key to City of His Hometown first appeared on The Source.

The post E-40 to be Honored with Key to City of His Hometown appeared first on The Source.

Old School vs. New School: Why Older Rappers Are Selling Out Tours While Younger Rappers Struggle

October 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

50 on G-Unit Biopic: 'I'd Like to Forget G-Unit'

In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop, the dynamics of success have taken an intriguing twist in recent years. It’s a tale of two generations: the seasoned veterans who pioneered the genre and the fresh-faced newcomers eager to make their mark. Surprisingly, the older rappers dominate the stage, sell tours, and command the attention of hip-hop enthusiasts worldwide, while many of their younger counterparts struggle to find their footing.

There’s no denying that hip-hop has always celebrated its pioneers. The likes of Jay-Z, Nas, and Eminem have been instrumental in shaping the genre, and their legacies continue to thrive. Old and new fans are flocking to arenas and stadiums to catch a glimpse of these living legends in action. The question is, what is it about these seasoned performers that keep them in such high demand?

A Time-Tested Catalog: One of the key factors contributing to the success of older rappers is their extensive and diverse discographies. Years of experience have allowed them to create an arsenal of timeless classics, ensuring that their concerts are packed with hits that resonate with multiple generations of fans.
Seasoned Stage Presence: Seasoned performers like Jay-Z and Nas have honed their stagecraft over decades. Their performances are a masterclass in crowd engagement, showmanship, and lyrical prowess. This level of expertise can only come from years of live experience.
Established Fan Base: Older rappers have built a loyal and dedicated fan base over the years. These fans continue to support their favorite artists, attending concerts and purchasing merchandise, helping to sustain their careers well into their 40s and 50s.
Nostalgia Factor: Hip-hop fans often cherish the nostalgia of the genre’s golden era. Seeing the icons of yesteryear perform live evokes a sense of nostalgia that many find irresistible, making them eager to relive their youth through these concerts.

On the flip side, younger rappers face several challenges when it comes to selling out tours:

Oversaturation: The hip-hop landscape is flooded with new talent, making it harder for emerging artists to stand out. The sheer volume of newcomers often dilutes the attention and fan base that could propel them to tour success.
Lack of Catalog Depth: Many younger rappers have fewer discographies than their older counterparts. This can make it challenging to fill a concert with enough hit songs to satisfy an audience, leading to shorter and less compelling performances.
Inexperience: While young rappers may have raw talent, they often lack the stage presence and live performance skills that come with years of practice. Captivating an audience requires more than just a good flow; it demands charisma and an understanding of how to work a crowd.
Evolving Fan Base: The fan base of younger rappers is generally younger and more fickle. Trends change rapidly in the world of hip-hop, and maintaining a dedicated following can be challenging when your audience is constantly seeking the next big thing.

In conclusion, the phenomenon of older rappers outselling their younger counterparts on tours can be attributed to a combination of factors, including their extensive catalog of hits, stage experience, established fan base, and the nostalgia they evoke. While younger rappers face obstacles in a crowded and ever-changing industry, they also have the opportunity to learn from the success of their predecessors and continue pushing the genre’s boundaries. Ultimately, it’s a dynamic landscape where both old and new can coexist, each bringing their unique strengths to the forefront of hip-hop culture.

The post Old School vs. New School: Why Older Rappers Are Selling Out Tours While Younger Rappers Struggle first appeared on The Source.

The post Old School vs. New School: Why Older Rappers Are Selling Out Tours While Younger Rappers Struggle appeared first on The Source.