On this day in Hip-Hop history, Nas released his sixth studio album, God’s Son, in 2002. This may be Nas’ most emotional album coming at a rough time in his personal life. With the passing of his mother and his bout with fellow New York rapper Jay-Z at its height, Nas catered his lyricism to be more introspective in relation to his own trials and tribulations. Nas crowned himself “God’s Son” in tribute to his mother’s legacy and to point out a self-acclaimed likeness to Jesus Christ.
The production Nas collected for this project was astounding. Working with The Alchemist, Salaam Remi, Eminem, and even Alicia Keys helped to create a sound true to New York Hip-Hop with its own modern twist. Salaam Remi produced the bulk of the album and in a time when rap was something for the club and a Neptunes’ beat was a signature this soulfully classic sound was refreshing. The beats alone were critically acclaimed being mentioned in Vibe and Stylus Magazine and by countless critics.
Lyrically, Nas went in the opposite direction of what was popular at the time. As always, there was a true and necessary message behind everything that was said on the album, not to mention his flow and delivery were impeccable. The content was also deeply connected to what was going on in his own life. His references on songs like “Warrior” and “Last Real N***** Alive” were in reverence of his recent past mother. He even dedicated the track “Dance” to his mom. There were also a lot of Christian undertones throughout the album. Whether it be through titles of a song or metaphorically in bars spat, Nas’s religious views were intertwined with the majority of this album. Some of the other lyricists featured on the album were Alicia Keys and Nas’s ex-wife Kelis.
Commercially, this album was successful as well. It was certified platinum on January 14, 2003, and peaked at #18 on the US Billboard 200 chart. It also claimed the #1 spot on the Billboard Hip Hop/ R&B chart. The singles from this album, “Made You Look”, “I Can”, and “Get Down,” were also hits. Two of the Three released claimed spots on the Billboard Hot 100. “Made You Look” peaked at #32 and “I Can” peaked at #12. “I Can” has become a timeless song in Hip Hop over the years being an anthem of lifelong success for children in the black community.
Lil Durk’s legal trouble is worsening. According to the Chicago Tribune, newly unsealed court documents highlight new accusations in connection to the 2022 murder of a gang leader on the city’s Far South Side.
The new details were revealed in a bond hearing for the rapper, which was ultimately denied.
“We were obviously disappointed, but will continue to fight on,” Durk’s attorney Jonathan Brayman said. “Mr. Banks remains confident and optimistic about the future. He deeply appreciates the outpouring of love and support he has felt since his arrest.”
Durk, born Durk Devontay Banks, was originally arrested for murder-for-hire, which was designed to kill Quando Rondo instead of wounding one of his relatives. The new documents state Durk was the orchestrator of the murder of 24-year-old Stephon Mack outside of the Youth Peace Center. Mack was reportedly the leader of the Smashville Gangster Disciples.
The shooting is believed to be in retaliation for the murder of Durk’s brother, Dontay Banks, which a member of the same faction carried out. “Lil Durk was and still is offering money for people to kill those responsible for his brother’s murder, and more specifically, offering to pay money for any Gangster Disciple that is killed,” an agent wrote.
Durk is not yet charged with the murder.
This development came after Lil Durk’s attorneys stated that they believed the Feds had nothing against the Chicago star.
Speaking with TMZ, Drew Findling and Marissa Goldberg of The Findling Law Firm, P.C., Jonathan Bryaman, and Christy O’Conner state: “When you see an artist’s rap lyrics quoted as ‘evidence’ against them, it is a glaring indication that there is no real evidence against that person.”
Federal authorities highlight the lyrics of “Wonderful Wayne & Jackie Boy,” where Durk rapped “Told me they got an addy (gooo) / Got location (gooo) Green light (go, go, go, go, go) / Look on the news and see your son, You screamin’, ‘No, no’ (p***y!!!)”
In addition to their statement, his legal team states that the accusations are false and “lacking in the most basic due diligence. The real truth is that Durk Banks is a Grammy Award-winning artist, a dedicated father, and a loving husband.”
“Mr. Banks has been intensely committed to giving back to the Chicago community he loves through his Neighborhood Heroes Foundation and has put on more than a dozen charitable events over the last few years.
“He is looking forward to fighting against these false allegations in court.”
Last month, Durk entered a not-guilty plea in his federal murder-for-hire case during an appearance in a Los Angeles courtroom. The Chicago artist, extradited from Miami ,where he was apprehended three weeks ago, will remain in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles.
According to HipHopDX, Durk, whose legal name is Durk Derrick Banks, was initially detained in Florida while allegedly attempting to flee the country. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California has since filed two additional charges: use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and using and possessing firearms, including a machine gun, in furtherance of a violent crime resulting in death.
A detention hearing is scheduled for December 12 to determine if Durk will be granted a bond.
The Lil Durk case is yet another troubling example of the criminal justice system intersecting hip-hop in the most violent of ways. But Durk isn’t alone on an island with these serious charges. Let’s break down the five other men allegedly involved in rapper Lil Durk’s suspected murder-for-hire plot targeting rapper Quando Rondo, who are now facing federal charges alongside the famed Chicago rapper.
Durk Banks, better known as Lil Durk, was arrested on October 24 in Miami. Prosecutors allege that the 28-year-old Chicago rapper placed a hit on Rondo in response to the 2020 death of fellow musician and close friend, King Von. Serious charges.
Now, according to authorities, five of Lil Durk’s associates allegedly assisted in an August 19, 2022, shooting intended for Rondo that instead resulted in the death of Rondo’s 24-year-old cousin, Saviay’a Robinson.
The five men, all linked to Lil Durk’s Only The Family (OTF) collective, were arrested in Chicago on October 24 under a federal grand jury indictment containing four counts related to the murder-for-hire plot.
The indicted individuals are:
Kavon London Grant, 28, a.k.a. “Cuz” and “Vonnie,” of Chicago Deandre Dontrell Wilson, 33, a.k.a. “DeDe,” of Chicago Keith Jones, 33, a.k.a. “Flacka,” of Gary, Indiana David Brian Lindsey, 33, a.k.a. “Browneyez,” of Addison, Illinois Asa Houston, 36, a.k.a. “Boogie,” of Chicago
Get this: Jones is additionally charged with possession of a machine gun.
All defendants made their initial court appearances in the Northern District of Illinois on October 24. According to an October 25 news release from the Central District of California, they are expected to be arraigned in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks.
What’s more, if convicted, Lil Durk and the other five men each face potential life sentences.
As we said, these are serious charges.
As of Nov. 4, Grant, Wilson, and Lindsey were held at Winnebago County Jail in Illinois, awaiting extradition to Los Angeles. Houston and Jones remain in federal custody at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago. Lil Durk continues to be held in federal custody in Miami.
Roger Goodell and the NFL are standing strong with JAY-Z and Roc Nation in the fall of a lawsuit alleging the rapper and mogul committed sexual assault.
Goodell acknowledged the situation at a press conference for the league’s partnership with Netflix.
“We are aware of the civil allegations and Jay Z’s really strong response to that,” Goodell said. “We know obviously that litigation is happening. But from our standpoint our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.”
You can hear Goodell’s complete statement below.
Roger Goodell on the civil lawsuit against Jay-Z and the NFL’s relationship with Roc Nation. pic.twitter.com/ZX5MJHLDUS
Papoose and Remy Ma’s marriage, once celebrated as a pillar of love and loyalty in hip-hop, appears to be facing turbulence. In a surprising turn of events, Papoose recently took to social media to seemingly call out his wife over allegations of infidelity.
In the post, Papoose didn’t hold back, accusing Remy of betrayal by posting a pic of Remy with her new beau and alleging that he confronted and physically fought her supposed new boyfriend. “While I was home with my daughter last Christmas. This is where @remyma was. Now that I FINALLY moved on she’s angry & making up lies. ” he wrote, hinting at Remy’s possible jealousy of his new lady friend, Claressa Shields..
Pap repeatedly called out Remy as a narcissist and then claimed that he knocked out Remy’s new BF, Eazy The Block Captain.
The Brooklyn rapper then took to his stories to vent, saying that he’s requested a divorce from the Terror Squad’s First Lady several times, but says “She rather clout chase on social media.”
The now-deleted posts quickly sparked debate among fans, with many expressing shock given the couple’s long-standing reputation as a beacon of love and loyalty in Hip Hop. Papoose has been widely admired for his devotion to Remy during her time in prison and the way he supported her post-incarceration career.
The drama has put the pair, who have been married since 2008, under intense scrutiny, with many questioning what this means for their future together.
On this date in 1958, internationally renowned graffiti legend Jeff Brown, better known as KASE 2(or CASE 2) was born in Harlem, New York. KASE 2 is one of the pioneers of the art form known as graffiti that was birthed and popularized in the streets of the South Bronx. KASE would’ve been 64 years old if he were still alive.
The self proclaimed “King of Style” began his bombing career in the early 70s, having completed his first handball court piece in 1973. Even though KASE only had one arm due to a subway accident when he was only 10, the southpaw still managed to complete over 100 pieces on the NYC subway system before 1980. He’s also appeared in the 1982 graff culture flick Wild Style alongside graff king DEZ aka the late DJ Kay Slay.
KASE passed away on August 15, 2011 from complications due to lung cancer, but his work and artistic influence lives on in today’s graff artists who will forever recognize KASE as a true legend of the game.
In the most recent episode of Apt. 5H, Maino talks to DJ Self and Bianca Torres about what really went down in his unaired interview with Suge Knight, inspiring the incarcerated youth at Riker’s Island, his new EP MainoVation and more.
Watch as Maino shares details about his call with Suge and why it the interview was never aired. He also talks about going back to Riker’s Island in order to talk to the incarcerated youth about changing their lives, how he began cohosting with Angela Yee on Way Up With Angela Yee and much more.
Papoose has fired back at Remy Ma, recalling last Christmas and alleging she ditched her family to hang out with her boo.
“While I was at home with my daughter last Christmas. This is where @remyma was,” Papoose wrote. “Now that I FINALLY moved on she’s angry & making up lies.
“I told her we could divorce like adults. She refuses to do that because I wouldn’t lie & say I didn’t knock this chump out. I still got the messages of her begging me to lie about the knockout. But who cares!”
You can read his full message below and also check out Remy’s first message here.
On This date in 2000, West Coast rapper/actor Xzibit released his third album Restless on the Epic/Loud/SRC imprint.
Xzibit’s Restless is a quintessential West Coast hip-hop album that captures the essence of early 2000s rap with a mix of gritty lyricism and polished production. Executive produced by Dr. Dre, the album delivers anthems like “X” and “Front 2 Back,” showcasing Xzibit’s commanding delivery and charisma.
Features from heavyweights like Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Nate Dogg add star power, while the beats, crafted by Dre, Rockwilder, and DJ Quik, offer a seamless blend of thumping basslines and slick melodies.
Lyrically, Xzibit balances braggadocio with introspection, addressing themes of loyalty, street life, and ambition. The album’s cohesion and energy cemented Xzibit as a force in hip-hop, making Restless a standout in his discography and a classic of its era.
Salute to X to the Z for this unforgettable piece of Hip Hop history!
On This date in 2019, graffiti icon Michael Lawrence Marrow aka True Mathematics Allah aka PHASE 2 passed away in his hometown of NYC from complications of Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 64 Years Old.
Phase 2 was one of the first graffiti artists to become popular in his community. He was a DJ, made flyers with the famed Buddy Esquire for Bronx Hip Hop functions and was a member of the B-Boy crew Electrified Movement. Phase 2 is also widely recognized for creating the “Bubble” letter style of graffiti.
As aerosol art took off during the late 1970s, Wood engaged himself in spreading the developing Hip Hop scene from the Bronx to Manhattan. Since the beginning of his career to now, Phase 2 has demonstrated his works in various global presentations devoted to urban art and aerosol.
PHASE 2 is undoubtedly recognized as the father of modern day graffiti as was one of the legends of the world renowned “Writer’s Bench” at the 149th Street subway station in the South Bronx. As an innovator of style, PHASE 2 drifted away from simple tags to a more unconventional, “hieroglyphical calligraphic abstraction” style of writing tags.
On this date in 2001, NYC kings of crime rhyme Mobb Deep released their fifth full-length studio album entitled Infamy on the Loud/Columbia imprint.
As the QB duo’s first album following their publicized beef on wax with Jay-Z, the controversy helped to bolster the album’s sales, recognized by the RIAA as certified gold, despite being created during the advent of the internet, in an era that will forever be known as ringtone music.
As one of the last full-length projects from the Mobb, Infamy offered up one of the few albums during that era that was approved by the streets as well as the industry. Tracks like “Get Away” and “Hey Luv,” which featured Bad Boy R&B group 112 spearheaded the album to commercial success with a more “acceptable” sound, while tracks like “The Learning (Burn)” featuring Rapper Noyd and Vita is an example of their ability to show you that the Mobb is still “Infamous”.
Salute to Prodigy (RIP), Havoc, Noyd and the rest of the Mobb who helped create this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!
