On this day in Hip Hop history DMX released his debut album It‘s Dark and Hell Is Hot. This is DMX’s most popular project to date, with Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood serving as a close second. Within the first week of its release selling 251,000 copies debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The LP went on to become certified quadruple platinum on December 18th, 2000.
This project came during a turbulent time in Hip Hop. The genre was coming off of the loss of two titans, Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G., and was facing a change in what was hot. With the rise of high energy production melded with dark and oft-violent lyricism coming from camps like No Limit, Cash Money, and Three 6 Mafia, DMX’s sound allowed him to find his place perfectly within the current trend while add his own twist.
DMX’s melancholic realism spoke to the generation. This project was able to simultaneously turn the party up and cause its listeners to think introspectively about the concept of good and evil and existence as a whole. This album touched on the struggle and pain that came being DMX. As most rappers would glamorize the finer side of the industry life, DMX reveals through this debut that even early on in his career he had been wrestling with the demons that come with wealth and fame.
The stand out hit of the album, “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem”, has been deemed as a classic squad anthem. Produced by Swizz Beatz, the single peaked at #93 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #79 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.
Following this album, DMX went on to release six other studio albums and rise to be one of the most popular and influential artists of the early 2000s. Shortly following the release of this album DMX made his film debut in the hit film Belly with fellow New York rapper, Nas.
Time to press pause on the VERZUZ battle talk between Diddy and Jermaine Dupri. TMZ notes no official plans for the battle are in place, despite the viral video showing the Bad Boy hitmaker hyping up a September date.
Check out the footage from the backstage conversation of the forthcoming battle between Diddy and Dupri HERE
Diddy and Jermaine Dupri previously agreed to put their catalogs up against each other last summer.
“Since we ain’t fucking with Verzuz no more since ’cause they fucking around with our boys, we don’t need to be going against each other,” Diddy said last August. “Let’s come together and do that Bad Boy, So So Def in Atlanta. It ain’t no Verzuz, it’s just hit for hit.” Dupri replied. “Let’s do it.”
As of now, it’s unclear when Diddy and Jermaine Dupri will be going with for the upcoming Verzuz battle.
Casanova made a quick visit to Instagram to ask for support from his fans as he is facing sentencing. “June 27 I get sentence keep me in your prayers,” Cas wrote on his story.
Casanova reveals he’ll be sentenced on June 27th after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy, drug charges in federal case pic.twitter.com/oWaYro4J5o
Casanova is among the 18 individuals charged as members of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone gang in a comprehensive RICO case that emerged in December 2020.
The gang is accused of various crimes, including drug trafficking, violent assaults, and the murder of a 15-year-old boy in Upstate New York.
Initially, Casanova faced charges of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to knowingly and intentionally manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance (crack cocaine, cocaine, and marijuana), and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
He initially pleaded not guilty, and the rapper asserted his innocence, arguing that his high-profile status and connections to specific individuals made him a target for the authorities.
In November of 2021, Cas was hit with another indictment that claimed Casanova and another Gorilla Stone member named Jarrett “Jayecee” Crisler shot a member of the Crips in front of the King of Diamonds strip club during a dispute over gang signs.
The rapper also admitted to being the shooter in a July 5, 2020, incident at a Florida party involving other gang members. During the altercation, Casanova fired at a rival over a gambling disagreement.
Additionally, the rapper acknowledged his involvement in a 2018 robbery in Manhattan that left a woman named Niya Rucker severely injured.
Rucker claimed that Gorilla Stone members attacked her, breaking her jaw, as she was restrained for recording the rapper during a meal.
Casanova also confessed to conspiring to traffic a minimum of 100 kilograms of marijuana and being a key figure in the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation.
He has now pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to conduct and participate in the affairs of a criminal enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity and one count of conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana.
LL COOL J has a new album loading, and the release has some heavy hitters. According to AllHipHop, Eminem, Nas, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and Saweetie are set to be featured on the album. To make it even crazier, the album is set to be entirely produced by Q-Tip.
Coming off his 55th birthday, LL announced the new album. It would be his first album since 2013’s Authentic.
“I’m competing with myself on this new album. Wait til you hear this MF,” LL tweeted. “This year B. It’s coming.”
I’m competing with myself on this new album. Wait til you hear this MF. This year B. It’s coming.
Liv Nation Urban has announced a once-in-a-lifetime touring experience and celebration of hip-hop culture. Rock The Bells and Live Nation Urban The Kennedy Center Honoree, two-time Grammy Award winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame® Inductee, and Hip-Hop Icon LL COOL J as the headlining act at The F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) Live.
For the first time in 30 years, LL COOL J will headline an arena tour with this historic tour. The lineup for this tour was chosen by LL COOL J himself, living true to the phrase F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy).
All events will feature collaborative live performances with renowned Grammy Award-winning Hip-Hop band The Roots, the famous DJ Jazzy Jeff, and DJ Z-Trip, building on their incredible performance together on the GRAMMY® Awards earlier this year celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop. The evening will be a continual musical mix up with artist performances intertwined into one continuous musical set, contrary to the typical “opening act – headliner” style, supported by The Roots. Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Rakim, Common, MC Lyte, Method Man & Redman, Big Boi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ice T, Juvenile, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Goodie Mob, Jadakiss, Rick Ross, and more are among the legendary performers on the lineup in some cities.
“I’m excited to be on my first Arena tour in 30 years. It’s proof that our culture is more viable than ever,” LL COOl J says of the tour. “Get ready for some non stop beats and rhymes. See you this summer!”
The F.O.R.C.E. Live begins its journey on June 25 at Boston, Massachusetts’ TD Garden, stops in Brooklyn, New York’s Barclays Center on June 27, travels to arenas throughout the United States and Canada, and concludes on September 3 in Los Angeles, California’s Kia Forum. You can cop tickets here.
2023 is proving to be a massive year for LL Cool J. In addition to a new album, his inaugural Hip-Hop cruise is ready to take off.
The “Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience” has been announced in collaboration with Sixthman, the industry leader in immersive music and lifestyle festivals at sea. The cruise is the first of its type, sailing from Miami to the Bahamas on Nov. 13 – Nov. 17, 2023, and offers an all-inclusive four-day, four-night Hip-Hop adventure aboard the Norwegian Pearl.
The company is taking its annual Rock The Bells Festival to sea, a dynamic, day-long event created by Rock The Bells founder LL COOL J in his birthplace of Queens, NY, featuring live performances by renowned musicians. The cruise is one of several announcements planned by the corporation to commemorate and celebrate Hip-50th Hop’s anniversary and to recognize its icons.
Global cultural icon Beyoncé started her RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR with a sold-out concert in Stockholm, Sweden’s Friends Arena. The show featured powerful dance music from her seventh studio album, RENAISSANCE, which has been widely successful.
According to an analysis of Google search data by fashion site Nasty Gal, there has been a significant increase in online interest for “metallic cowboy boots” after the first night of the Renaissance tour, with a surge of 488%. Additionally, Google searches for “silver cowboy boots” have also risen 300% globally within the past day, along with searches for “disco cowboy hat” which are up 525% and resemble the one from the Renaissance tour poster.
According to analysis of Google search data, searches for ‘silver bodysuit’ and ‘silver corset’ have surged by 426% and 669%, respectively, since the first night of the tour. In addition, there has been a 203% increase in searches for ‘thigh-high boots’, which was inspired by the ruched white thigh-high boots worn by GEDEBE on stage and worn by Beyoncé herself.
A spokesperson for Nasty Gal commented on the findings: “Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Renaissance tour is finally upon us, and for those fans lucky enough to get their hands on the coveted tickets, the perfect Beyoncé-inspired outfit is also needed for the night.
“Google searches for the term ‘Renaissance tour outfits’ have increased by 658% in the past seven days, suggesting that the first night of the tour has urged fans to look for outfit inspiration that reflects the Renaissance album’s futuristic-cowboy aesthetic. These increases in searches tell us exactly what everyone is wearing to the tour, with many fans wanting to emulate Beyoncé iconic and daring style, so expect to see plenty of chromatic cowboy boots, head-to-toe silver, and disco-embellished cowboy hats on your tour date.”
It was an emotional return to the global stage, after a five-year hiatus, and the performance was mesmerizing for the 46,000 fans in attendance. The concert included songs like “PLASTIC OFF THE SOFA,” “COZY,” and “BREAK MY SOUL” from the new album, as well as iconic hits from Beyoncé‘s previous discography such as “Flaws And All,” “Crazy In Love,” and “Love On Top.” The concert lasted almost three hours.
Parkwood Entertainment is producing the 2023 tour, which comprises 56 dates and is being promoted by Live Nation. The tour will continue with a second night in Stockholm, followed by additional shows throughout Europe in May and June. Beyoncé will perform five sold-out shows at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before heading to North America for shows in July, August, and September.
Adidas and Kanye West are back in business. News of the renewed partnership comes via the YEEZY MAFIA, a source of all things Yeezy, including his sneaker line.
Confirming the news, Reuters states Adidas CEO Bjoern Gulden revealed the renewed partnership to move some of the merchandise and donate a portion of the proceeds to international organizations.
A reported $1.3 billion in Yeezy-branded Adidas products are sitting in storage after the partnership was ended over the rapper’s antisemitic statements. Gulden stated plans for how Adidas will continue with the sale are not in place.
“What we are trying to do now over time is to sell some of this merchandise … burning the goods would not be a solution,” Gulden said.
Donating the sneakers was not an option out of fear the sneakers would reach the secondary market. Adidas stock is up 2% so far on the day. Ye would still receive 15% of the sales.
Speaking on the rapper, Culden stated about Ye, “As difficult as he was, he is perhaps the most creative mind in our industry.”
Speaking with CNN, Carroll said she felt like she won a victory. “At last somebody has held him accountable in a courtroom. It’s such a mash of overwhelming emotions. It’s hard to put it into words,” Carroll said.
On Tuesday (May 9), a New York federal jury found former President Donald Trump liable for the sexual abuse and defamation of Carroll, the former Elle advice columnist.
Trump was found liable for the abuse and forcible touching, while the defamation resulted from the former president’s last fall stating Carroll made the incident up. Trump has been awarded $5 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
The verdict was reached in three hours and was reached by a jury composed of six men and three women.
According to CNBC, Carroll states Trump raped her in a department store dressing room in the mid-1990s. Trump was not found liable for the alleged rape.
Speaking on Truth Social, Trump blasted the decision and claimed to have no idea who Carroll was.
“I have absolutely no idea who this woman is. This verdict is a disgrace,” Trump wrote. “This case will be appealed, and we will ultimately win.”
The verdict stacks on previous issues for Trump, including an indictment by the state Supreme Court in the hush money paid to Stormy Daniels. The money was hidden via the falsification of business records. Trump is still facing a criminal investigation for his role in overturning the 2020 presidential election and possible indictment in Georgia for attempting to flip Joe Biden’s victory in the state.
As we approach the 8th anniversary of the passing of slain rapper Chinx, his estate and management team have been hard at work to release a surprise new installment titled Cocaine Riot 7. The 12 track album follows the previous CR6 effort released in December 2021, on the anniversary of the rapper’s birthday. There has been no shortage of street heat from The #1 Coke Boy as these projects follow up the previous release of the rapers Debuit Album Welcome to JFK in 2015, and Legends Never Die in 2016. Each track has been crafted to stand the test of time and proves Chinx had a timeless flow, machine like work ethic, and is still an absolute force to be reckoned with.
While the family awaits a conviction on individuals involved in his murder, they have proven his efforts were not in vain, and there is no better way to honor his legacy than to continue to feed the streets with his prolific presence. Manager Douglas “Biggs” Ellison said, “Each time we sit down to do a project, I can’t believe how much work was put in to achieve his ultimate goal of releasing the first album. After eight years we have not only released the first album but keep delivering current timeless gems to the people. CR7 is no different, it’s pure and unadulterated Chinx speaking to the fans! I’m so glad that he can continue to live through the music. Cutting through the noise. What an accomplishment!”
Following the successfully sold-out run of the Dolphland Pop-Up Museum Tour at stops across the country, Paper Route Empire and Street Execs Management is concluding the exhibition this month with a month-long celebration of Young Dolph and his posthumous album Paper Route Frank in the rap legend’s hometown of Memphis, TN.
Dolphland will take place every weekend, Friday – Sunday in May (May 12th – 28th) at the Agricenter International in Memphis, TN.
On Sunday, May 28th the grand finale ofDolphland will take place with an expansion of the exhibition to include the “Love For The Streets Celebrity Car Show” featuring Young Dolph’s entire fleet of exotic luxury cars curated in partnership with celebrity DJ, car enthusiast and host of nationally syndicated radio & TV show The Breakfast Club’s DJ ENVY and his “Drive Your Dreams” car show series. In addition to Young Dolph’s impressive fleet, the car show will also feature stunning custom and luxury cars from the collections of DJ Envy, 50 Cent, Key Glock and many other celebrities.
About partnering the Dolphland Pop-Up Museum with the Love For The Streets Car Show DJ Envy stated, “I think it’s dope for the Memphis community that my car show and Dolphland Museum partnered up to honor Young Dolph. The Love for the Streets Car Show will have Dolph’s cars and many other celebrities’ cars. We will also have food trucks, carnival rides for the kids, BMX bikes and much more. The grand finale of Dolphland Museum on May 28th is going to be something you don’t want to miss!”
“We launched the Dolphland pop-up museum tour to not only celebrate Young Dolph’s musical legacy, but also with the goal of carrying on his tradition of connecting directly with his fans,” says Young Dolph’s manager and Street Execs co-founder Allen Parks.“With sold out exhibit dates across the country and continuous requests to bring the Dolphland pop-up museum to even more cities, we achieved our goal ten-fold thanks to the love and support of his fans. It’s befitting that we cap off the tour by bringing it to the family, friends and fans of his beloved hometown of Memphis, TN. In having the exhibit open every weekend this month in Memphis and partnering Dolphland with the For The Streets Car Show, we’re elevating our honor of Dolph even more by pairing his love for music, art, cars and community into an impactful, month-long grand finale worthy of the musical legend he is. Long Live Dolph.”
The Memphis, TN edition of the Dolphland Pop-Up Museum will take place from May 12th – May 26th at the Agricenter located at: 7777 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38120. The Love for the Streets Car Show will take place on Sunday, May 28th at the same location.
Tickets for Dolphland Pop-Up Museum Tour and the Love For the Streets Car Show are available now via www.youngdolph.com.
The four-man crew from Jamaica, Queens dropped their crossover hit single on this date three decades ago
On May 10, 1993, Big DS, Sonny Seeza, Fredro, and Sticky released “Slam”, the smash hit from Onyx’s debut album, Bacdafucup.
The song’s chorus was the crew’s own remix of “The Champ” by The Mohawks. As one of the album’s most propelling singles, Slam ventured into heavy metal and punk rock’s “slamdance” culture, featuring a violent mosh pit in the song’s video. Onyx even did a remix of Slam with heavy metal giants Biohazard. This platinum single has appeared on TV as well as the silver screen, with Meth and Red using the amp-up track for their How High flick.
Salute to Onyx, Def Jam, and everyone involved with this track!
(@SaycheeseDGTL) 
This year B. It’s coming.
