Coming after what critics would call their worst album, Business Never Personal served as a proper revival and temporary farewell for one of Hip Hop’s greatest duos to touch the mic.
This album is considered EPMD’s third classic album, even though it was their fourth overall and second on the Def Jam label.. Although underground for the majority of their career, this album saw large commercial and mainstream success, peaking higher than any of its predecessors on the Billboard 200 chart at #14 and selling 500,000 copies in the first few months of its release. The popularity of this album came in large part from the breakthrough lead single, ironically titled “Crossover”. This single itself peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Top Rap singles chart.
Following this project, the duo disbanded only to join forces once again on a fifth LP, Back in Business. The group continued to bounce back and forth between activity and retirement until the release of their final album, We Mean Business in 2008.
Did Drake buy Tupac’s ring? Just the other day, Tupac Shakur’s iconic Gold, Ruby, and Diamond Crown Ring, personally designed and commissioned by the legendary rapper in 1996, achieved a groundbreaking milestone at auction, selling for an astounding $1,016,000. This historic sale marks the most valuable Hip Hop artifact ever sold at auction and the only one to surpass the $1 million mark, surpassing its estimated value by more than triple.
Turn the page to today, and Drake is flexing the ring on Instagram to promote his new verse on UTOPIA, in which he dissed Pusha T, referencing Pharrell’s jewelry that he also purchased.
Worn by Tupac during his final public appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1996, the ring holds a sentimental inscription “Pac & Dada 1996,” a reference to his engagement to Kidada Jones, his sweetheart.
The auction, which saw an impressive total of $1.8 million, ranks as the second-highest for a dedicated Hip Hop sale at Sotheby’s. Tupac’s custom crown ring embodies his signature aesthetic and is a treasured piece of Hip Hop history. The design, inspired by the crowns of medieval European kings, reflects Tupac’s act of self-coronation and his triumphant journey through a turbulent life. The ring’s central cabochon ruby and diamond embellishments add to its regal symbolism, linking it to the imagery of monarchy and wealth. This legendary artifact is a testament to Tupac Shakur’s lasting impact on music, culture, and the world.
You can see the ring and hear Drake’s verse on “MELTDOWN” below. You can also learn more about the Drake diss here.
Tupac Shakur’s Self-Designed Gold, Diamond and Ruby ‘Crown’ Ring -1
Tupac Shakur’s Self Designed Gold, Diamond and Ruby ‘Crown’ Ring 1
Tupac Shakur’s Self-Designed Gold, Diamond and Ruby ‘Crown’ Sovereign Ring -3
Tupac Shakur’s Self Designed Gold, Diamond and Ruby ‘Crown’ Sovereign Ring 3
Tupac Shakur’s Self-Designed Gold, Diamond and Ruby ‘Crown’ Sovereign Ring -4
Tupac Shakur’s Self Designed Gold, Diamond and Ruby ‘Crown’ Sovereign Ring 4
DJ Muggs is an undisputed legend. Over the course of his distinguished and diverse career, he has conquered music in not only multiple genres but multiple languages, as the creator and producer of Cypress Hill and the Soul Assassins.
Today, DJ Muggs announces the first Soul Assassins album in 14 years with Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley, which will be released on 8-25-23. In addition to the new SA3 album announcement, Muggs also released a new single, “Jokers Wild,” featuring one of the most tenured and trusted Soul Assassins CeeLo Green (who has appeared on two previous SA albums with Goodie Mob and who was also awarded The Source’s “Hip Hop Quotable Of The Month” for his verse on “Decisions, Decisions” from Soul Assassins, Chapter One). “Jokers Wild” is now available!
‘I found this beat on a cassette tape from 1998, digitized it, and put it up on Instagram. CeeLo heard it and asked me to send it to him” DJ Muggs affirms. “CeeLo comes from the point of view of a cholo with “Jokers Wild,” paying respect to the streets, and Chicano culture; that he honors and respects.”
DJ Muggs also collaborated with auteur Jason Goldwatch for a Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley cinematic movie, which was filmed on location in Death Valley and will be released on 9-8-23.
DJ Muggs featuring CeeLo Green “Jokers Wild” single is now available!
DJ Muggs Soul Assassins 3: Death Valley will be released on 8-25-23.
Drake and Nike’s NOCTA have unveiled their latest Tech Fleece collection, now available on Nocta.com. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Tech Fleece introduces three new captivating colorways.
Check out Drake’s Instagram below to glimpse him, and his crew decked out in the stunning baby blue double-layered zip-up tech fleece hoodie, crewneck, and open-hemmed pants. This exquisite blue hue is exclusively offered on NOCTA’s official website, while the other two colors are also accessible on Nike.com. Prices for the Tech Fleece collection range from $115 to $145, providing a variety of options to choose from.
With the Tech Fleece Full Zip Hoodie, the Tech Fleece Crew, and the Tech Fleece Open Hem Pant, fans can embrace the impeccable style and comfort NOCTA and Drake crafted in this latest collection. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your wardrobe with these cutting-edge pieces from NOCTA’s Tech Fleece line.
Memphis rapper Moneybagg Yo became the latest guest to grace the Sirius XM/Pandora Playback platform. He sat down with SXM/Pandora VP of Hip Hop Programming Josh “J1” Raiford to discuss his tour and getting in shape at this stage of his career. Moneybagg Yo shared advice he’s received from Yo Gotti and Young Thug and advice he gave to fellow Memphis rap star GloRilla.
He also got personal and shared how he balanced being a father of eight, being an artist and running his label, and as an investor in a restaurant, a water company, and real estate.
J1 presented the Grammy-nominated artist with the SXM/Pandora Hip Hop 50th “Blueprint Award” at the end of the night.
J1 shared his thoughts on Moneybagg Yo stating “I’ve been a fan of Moneybagg Yo for a while now. He continues to evolve not only as an artist but also as a human being. I felt it was right to present him with the Blueprint for two reasons; he followed the Blueprint that Yo Gotti provided and then turned it into his own blueprint for others to follow.”
Carl Crawford, the founder and CEO of 1501 Entertainment was in attendance. Alongside Carl, fifteen media outlets, DJs, influencers, local college students, Sirius XM/Pandora fans, and brand company representatives were also in attendance.
Yo Gotti announces the release of his new single, “No Fake Love,” from his upcoming Gangsta Grillz mixtape, I Showed U So, set to drop on Aug. 4 via CMG Records. To accompany the announcement, Gotti unveiled the music video for “No Fake Love,” featuring a special appearance from Angela Simmons.
In the visually stunning music video, Gotti delivers dynamic lyrics about his significant other, showcasing his smooth flow and heartfelt verses. The video captures the essence of true love as Gotti raps, “I ain’t lost a crush since high school, I’m Mr. Follow Up,” with his partner seated next to him in his luxurious Rolls Royce.
Fans can catch the exclusive premiere of the music video on popular music channels such as MTV Live, MTVU, Yo! MTV, and on the iconic Paramount Times Square billboards, adding to the anticipation for the upcoming mixtape release. With “No Fake Love,” Yo Gotti continues to prove why he remains a powerhouse in the rap game, and fans eagerly await the full Gangsta Grillz mixtape to drop.
Yo Gotti has announced his forthcoming Gangsta Grillz mixtape I Showed U So in collaboration with DJ Drama on Aug. 4th. This project is a follow-up to his acclaimed Gangsta Grillz mixtape I Told U So, released in 2006, which was pivotal in propelling his career. I Told U So featured Slim Thug, Young Buck, Lil Keke, and more.
The Memphis native is celebrating the manifestation of his dreams and achievements, leveraging his 2006 mixtape’s success to speak his successes into existence. Yo Gotti’s latest mixtape marks his first solo music release since his 11th studio album, CM10: Free Game, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and became the highest-charting album of his career. The album featured collaborations with renowned artists like Moneybagg Yo, Kodak Black, Shenseea, and more.
Having achieved five consecutive Top-10 album debuts on the Billboard Top 200, Yo Gotti continues to make his mark in the music industry. Aside from his musical success, he recently made headlines by joining First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at The White House to host a Major League Soccer Youth Clinic, showcasing his passion for soccer as a co-owner of the esteemed franchise, DC United.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of “I Showed U So” and are eager to witness the next chapter in Yo Gotti’s storied music career.
LeBron James has issued his first statement following the news of his son, Bronny James, suffering cardiac arrest while practicing for a showcase with the USC Men’s Basketball team. James delivered his message on Twitter:
I want to thank the countless people sending my family love and prayers. We feel you and I’m so grateful. Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love. Will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us! #JamesGang
I want to thank the countless people sending my family love and prayers. We feel you and I’m so grateful. Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love. Will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your…
Earlier this week, Damar Hamlin offered his support to the James family following news Bronny James suffered cardiac arrest on Monday.
The eldest son of LeBron James suffered a cardiac arrest on Monday while practicing at the University of South California, a James family spokesperson revealed to ESPN. James is out of the ICU and in stable condition.
“Yesterday while practicing Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest,” a statement reads. “Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU. We ask for respect and privacy for the James family and we will update media when there is more information.
“LeBron and Savannah wish to publicly send their deepest thanks and appreciation to the USC medical and athletic staff for their incredible work and dedication to the safety of their athletes.”
Hamlin offered prayers and his support on Twitter: “Prayers to Bronny & The James family as well. here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process.”
Prayers to Bronny & The James family as well. here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process.
Looks at Diddy, does this take you off the block again? Antonio Brown is shooting his shot.
Antonio Brown is trying to steal everyone’s girl. AB was on hand at Rolling Loud Miami, and he ran into Yung Miami. The two took a picture, and AB brought it right over to Instagram: “Told Caresha I’m in the city, She don’t need diddy”
Robin Thede’s A Black Lady Sketch Show ended after four seasons at HBO and Thede found something good to do with the wardrobe. Thede donated the clothes, shoes, purses, and more to the Beauty 2 The Streetz Non-Profit organization.
Thede responded to the donation on Instagram: Thank you to @beauty2thestreetz for your life changing work! I hope these pieces (most were worn once or never worn!) help so many people! I am so grateful for @lindamorel and my @ablackladysketchshow family who made this incredible donation happen! It was so important to us that we turn the end of our show into a new beginning for others.”
A Black Lady Sketch Show‘s time at HBO is over. The fourth season of the Emmy-winning series is the last. In the announcement, HBO celebrated the show and its creator Robin Thede.
“For four exceptional seasons of ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ we’ve been thrilled to partner with her on this groundbreaking, hilarious series,” network execs say to Variety. “Robin, alongside Hoorae, Jax Media, and the incredible cast and crew, leave an indelible legacy not only in sketch, but in television comedy, and we look forward to continued creative collaboration under her deal with us.”
“Thank you to all the immensely talented cast members, guest stars, writers, directors, editors and crew members who have made ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ an Emmy-winning success,” Thede said in a statement. “I especially want to recognize the Black women and other women of color who excelled in every department at ‘ABLSS.’ I am also eternally grateful for the support of Issa Rae and Jax Media, Amy Gravitt, Casey Bloys and the entire team at HBO, Max and Warner Bros. Discovery.”
Robin Thede, creator of A Black Lady Sketch Show, is developing a new comedy series called “Disengagement” as part of her three-year deal with HBO, Max, and Warner Bros. Television.
R. Kelly is calling out his longtime friend being blocked from visiting him at FCI Butner prison. Kelly states his friend and former business manager Derrel McDavid attempted to visit him, but the warden would not allow it.
McDavid was a co-defendant with R. Kelly in his Illinois criminal case. The charge they jointly faced was dismissed.
According to Radar Online, McDavid was accused of coordinating hush money payments before the 2008 trial.
A motion filed in court reads, “Mr. McDavid and Mr. Kelly have maintained a longstanding friendship and business relationship spanning decades before Mr. Kelly’s incarceration.”
The warden declined the visit stating McDavid was a co-defendant. Representatives for Kelly added, “FCI Butner’s denial of visitation was inconsistent with Bureau of Prison (“BOP”) regulations and policies, patently unreasonable, and advanced no legitimate penological interest.”
He added, “FCI Butner’s determination is patently unreasonable, capricious, and inconsistent with the directives and policies of the federal regulations. There is absolutely no risk—let alone a reasonable one—that a visitation by Mr. McDavid would create a threat to the security and good order of the FCI Butner.”
Previously, audio from prison has R. Kelly referencing the harsh conditions of his prison. In the audio, Kelly stated he deserves to die of natural causes. The singer is reportedly battling blood clots in his legs.
“I don’t deserve to die because somebody miscommunicated or somebody took a guess at what’s going on with my leg. I’m not supposed to die this way,” R. Kelly said. “You’re not even supposed to take a chance on that.”
He added, “And that’s why I’m speaking out on this because I’m scared for my life in that area. And who wouldn’t be? They treat animals better than that.”
R.Kelly speaks from prison: “Im scared for my life, I almost died. They treat animals better than this” after having serious blood clots in his legs. pic.twitter.com/PGbaYaCvYf
One of R. Kelly’s victims, Faith Rodgers, who accused the singer of failing to disclose a sexually transmitted disease before sleeping with her, is demanding the jailed singer turn over medical information. Back in 2018, Rodgers sued the convicted singer in New York court. In her lawsuit, Rodgers said she met Kelly in 2017 after one of his shows in Texas. She was 19-years old at the time.
According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Rogers, who sued Kelly in 2018, asked a judge to help her obtain the information.
The victim wants Kelly to answer questions under oath about the date they met and how often they engaged in sexual relations. Further, she wants him to turn over a list of any financial institutions he has accounts in.
Rodgers also wants him to make a list of all credit cards he used from 2017 to 2019. The victim’s list of demands asks Kelly to state all the names of any medical professionals he used, state each and every hospital or clinic that he was a patient of from January 2017 to January 2019.
Further, she asked Kelly to admit he failed to tell her about his STD before having sex with her and that he forced her to engage in sexual acts without her consent.
here for you guys just like you have been for me my entire process.
