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Letoya Luckett Reveals Destiny’s Child Took A Toll On Her Confidence

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Letoya Luckett opened up about how being a member of Destiny’s Child affected her confidence.

During a visit to the “Good Moms, Bad Choices” podcast, the original  member said being in the group took a toll on her confidence. Before entering the group at age 11, she was singing lead in church and in her previous singing group. Once she became a member of Destiny’s Child, she had to compromise and while in midst of that she lost her confidence.

“With a lot of partnerships, we lose ourselves to become one or we feel it’s going to make us cohesive or make the situation work out better,” Luckett said.

While in the group, she said she had to be flexible and “play her role” not knowing how that would change how she felt about herself.

“I didn’t feel like I couldn’t sing lead when I came out of [Destiny’s Child] because for so long I felt like I had sacrificed myself for the greater good,” the 41-year-old added.

Looking back, she reflected about what she would tell her younger self.

“What I would’ve told my younger self is to not lose myself even being a team player in that situation,” she said. “That I still matter. I still have a voice.”

“Still remain confident in who God created you to be and the gift that He gave you,” she continued. “You don’t have to shrink yourself to be good at your role….I learned so much from that situation.”

The Preacher’s Kid star also spoke about her relationship with her former group members, saying that her departure didn’t ruin their lifelong friendship.

“It’s beautiful that after so many years the love is still there. Through everything we’ve been through people can assume that we hate each other and it didn’t work out and blah blah blah but we were friends first.”

Listen to the episode below.

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[WATCH] Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure Exhibit Debuts In NYC

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Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure exhibit featuring a celebration of Basquiat’s life will open this April,The NYC Landmark Starrett-Lehigh Building will be featuring over 200 never before and rarely seen paintings, drawing, ephemera and artifacts.

Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure is a deeply personal exhibition created by the Basquiat family, with the exhibition designed by acclaimed architect Sir David Adjaye OBE ~ the architect for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History in Washington, D.C. and the Studio Museum in Harlem to name just a few.

“We wanted to bring his work and personality forward, in a way only his family can, for people to immerse themselves in. We want this to be an experiential and multi-dimensional celebration of Jean-Michel’s life.”…. – Lisane Basquiat

The exhibition will be divided into seven themes ~ An  Introduction (1960) ~ Kings County ~ World Famous ~ Ideal ~ 57 Great Jones Street Studio ~ Art Gallery ~ Place Jean-Michel Basquiat.

“Jean-Michel stands at the forefront of a legacy of really strong people who are committed to showing up in the world in a specific way. And that runs through our bloodline. Now our children know what can happen when you live your truth, when you stand up for what’s right for you and exert work ethic, passion & commitment to why you believe you’re here. Partly because of this blueprint, every one of our children lives in authenticity of who they are, in their own different ways,” Lisane says.

“It was important to have a show that all people want to experience. We want them to see Jean-Michel in themselves, an artist that looks like them. We want it to be completely accessible for those who have felt intimidated in the past by going to a museum,” Jeanine explains. Lisane adds: “I want people to walk away with inspiration, hope & confidence in themselves to do the same thing with whatever it is for them – whether it’s painting, music or being an accountant. To live their lives with that same commitment, dedication and grit.”

Check out the video below.

The post [WATCH] Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure Exhibit Debuts In NYC appeared first on The Source.

Benzino Fires Back At Coi Leray’s ‘Breakfast Club’ Interview

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Former The Source Magazine owner Benzino allegedly ruined his daughter Coi Leray‘s day by text threatening her and her mother issuing threats. Coi’s debut album ‘Trendsetter’ was released and Benzino was upset with his daughter after she said Benzino went broke after he lost The Source in an interview with The Breakfast Club.Benzino was upset with his daughter’s comments about the ‘dinosaur’ generation and how she missed his money making era because she was older and aware once his funds were low. She heckled Charlamagne about his love for Pusha T and Benzino tweeted the legends deserve more respect from the younger generations.

Check out his tweets below.

The post Benzino Fires Back At Coi Leray’s ‘Breakfast Club’ Interview appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] MC Akilah Nehanda Goes Viral With Will Smith/Chris Rock Freestyle

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MC Akilah Nehanda has taken social media by storm with her controversial unapologetic freestyles.
From vaccinations to R.Kelly and now the Will Smith episode she voices her ‘unpopular opinion’ on trending topics. Garnering over 1 million views on TikTok, empress Akilah thanked viewers on her Instagram page.

1 million For the second time. #APDTA Listen! I just bring different perspectives! Will Smith can apologize. Jada can even say it was unnecessary and she doesn’t need protection! That doesn’t change my thoughts on the matter whatsoeverrrr. 🗣I SAID WHAT I SAID! I wish Breonna Taylors Killers got as much disciplinary actions for murder as Will is getting for a SLAP. All of them need to be in rehabilitation centers like they made Will go to 🤣 This country is sick. I hope y’all are watching what’s happening.

In a past interview with Vice magazine, the Houston beauty explained how and why she ventured into music.

I just started makin’ music, with the purpose of inspiration, and then, like you said, I just start realizing, “You know what? This can be bigger than what I’m makin’ it. I can make this bigger.” And I think — I try to think big, so I’m always like… the influence of Michael Jackson, that’s what we need, you know? [laughs] You know how big he was? This message deserves that type of impact on the world.

What do you think about her freestyles?

CLICK HERE to hear her latest viral freestyle.

Check out her new video below.

The post [WATCH] MC Akilah Nehanda Goes Viral With Will Smith/Chris Rock Freestyle appeared first on The Source.

The Source Celebrates The Life Of “The Human Orchestra” Biz Markie On His Birthday

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On this day in Hip Hop history, Biz Markie (real name Marcel Theo Hall), one of the most respected and successful artist/DJs in Hip Hop, was born. Born in Harlem, and growing up in Long Island, The Biz has been moving the crowd with his unique style of rhyming since he was 14. From his earliest gig as Roxanne Shante‘s beat boxer to a headliner at Grammy Awards after parties, he’s done it all. Whether it be on screen, on the mic, or on the 1s and 2s, The Biz has remained a consistent brand in entertainment booking, averaging 175 shows a year across the globe.

Over the past four decades, Biz Markie established himself as one of the most prolific rappers/DJs in music. Since his 1988 debut Goin’ Off (which peaked at #90 on the Billboard 200), he has grabbed hold of the hearts and ears of Hip Hop lovers everywhere. His second album, 1989’s The Biz Never Sleeps, contains his timeless hit “Just a Friend,” which has made a permanent impact on pop culture.

During the ’90s, The Biz reached his apex as an icon. His third LP, I Need A Haircut, unintentionally changed the scope of Hip Hop forever. The closing track from the album, “Alone Again,” contains a sample of the song “Alone Again (Naturally)” by Gilbert O’Sullivan, which had not been cleared by Warner Bros. Records. In turn, Warner Bros. sued The Biz for his unlawful use of the sample, causing the courts to rule all samples must be cleared by the owning party before reuse from then on. The lawsuit prompted the title of Markie’s fourth LP All Samples Cleared!.After this incident, sample clearing was one of the main hurdles to jump as a recording artist in this genre.

As the new millennium approached, Markie never saw much of a decline in popularity. In 2002, he made his first major motion picture appearance in Men in Black 2. From then, he continued to make a plethora of television and big screen appearances. From Nick Cannon’s Wild N Out to Grand Theft Auto, The Biz is seen and heard throughout visual media.

During this decade, he also started his endeavors as a child educator through the children’s program Yo Gabba Gabba. Through entertainment, Markie has helped educate young children on music and artistic expression on the Nick Jr. hit show.

On July 16, 2021, Biz Markie passed away reportedly from complications of diabetes. H was 57 years old. No one has had a career in the Hip Hop game quite like “the human orchestra” Biz Markie and his impact on the game will never be forgotten. Especially on his birthday!

The post The Source Celebrates The Life Of “The Human Orchestra” Biz Markie On His Birthday appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Comedian Corey Holcomb: Tupac Didn’t Want Jada Pinkett

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As the talk of the infamous slap heard throughout Hollywood continues to be a topic at conversation tables, Jada Pinkett-Smith’s post slap actions have received a lot of criticism, but none as brutal as what came from the mouth of comedian Corey Holcomb.

Holcomb gave his take on why Pinkett-Smith goes so hard to remind the world that she was close to late Hip Hop icon Tupac Shakur, but it is questionable as to whether or not they were intimate. Holcomb also brought up the letter that her daughter Willow Smith penned to Shakur after learning of the connection of the slain rap legend to her mother.

Willow wrote when she was 11 to Tupac, telling him, “I know you are alive someplace. I think that my mommy really misses you. Can you please come back so mommy and me can be happy! I wish you were here. I really do!” 

The post [WATCH] Comedian Corey Holcomb: Tupac Didn’t Want Jada Pinkett appeared first on The Source.

Method Man Releases “Live From The Meth Lab”, Announces ‘Meth Lab 3: The Rehab’ Album

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Hip-hop legend Method Man is back with a new collaborative track straight from The Meth Lab. The song, entitled “Live From The Meth Lab”, has a distinctive, 90s hip hop vibe and features longtime friends, frequent collaborators, and genre icons Redman and KRS-One and Wu Tang affiliated rapper JoJo Pelligrino.

The song is the third release off the upcoming ‘Meth Lab 3: The Rehab’ project, following “The Last 2 Minutes” featuring Iron Mic and “Butterfly Effect” featuring RJ Payne, which saw high praise from Complex, UPROXX, HipHopDX, Okayplayer, Hot New Hip-Hop, VIBE, Revolt and more.

The Meth Lab project is a platform curated with friend and collaborator Hanz On that draws upon the Staten Island hip-hop community to put on up-and-coming artists alongside some of Wu Tang’s finest and noteworthy affiliates. The album was recorded in Meth Lab Studios on Staten Island and will be released on May 6, 2022  via Hanz On Music Entertainment (H.O.M.E.) / ONErpm.

The post Method Man Releases “Live From The Meth Lab”, Announces ‘Meth Lab 3: The Rehab’ Album appeared first on The Source.

Lil Baby Drops Two New Records “Right On” And “In A Minute”

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The game is about to change again. Always one to make an entrance, GRAMMY® Award-winning chart-dominating multiplatinum force of nature Lil Baby returns with two new records today entitled “Right On” and “In A Minute” via Quality Control Music Group/Wolfpack Global Music/Motown Records. He also unleashes music videos to accompany each respective track. Listen to “Right On” HERE and watch the music video HERE. Listen to “In A Minute” HERE and watch the music video HERE.

Following a series of mega chart-topping collaborations, these two songs mark his first new solo music of 2022. During “Right On,” he rips through bars with infectious intensity, tearing up the orchestral production and punchy 808s. Affirming his place in the culture, he promises, “I ain’t about that fake shit, I’d rather keep it real,” as he urges, “Tell the police I don’t do nothing, I been selling these songs.” In many ways, one statement sums it up, “I’m way better than last time.” This confidence and charisma carry over to the music video where he cruises in the Rolls Royce in the very same neighborhood of Oakland City, Atlanta, GA where he grew up. He mentions at the beginning of the track and raps from the backseat before turning up in a parking lot as fleet of luxury cars surround him.

Then, there’s the introspective and incisive “In A Minute.” Ominous piano and airy harmonies brush up against his intense delivery as he declares, “I’m in a different league. I’m tired of showing what I can get done, what you gonna do for me?” accompanied with a cinematic visual.

Just last week, he notably picked up his very first GRAMMY® Award in the category of “Best Melodic Rap Performance” for “Hurricane” with Kanye West and The Weeknd.

The post Lil Baby Drops Two New Records “Right On” And “In A Minute” appeared first on The Source.

TMZ Posts Pic Of Positive K In Article About Kidd Kreole’s Manslaughter Conviction

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Was this an honest mistake or another case of “all Black people look alike”?

In an article on TMZ that was supposed to inform the public of the outcome of Kidd Creole’s murder case became an embarrassing moment for Positive K, whose picture was mistakenly used instead of The Furious Five member who was convicted of manslaughter in a New York City court this morning.

With the title reading, “THE KIDD CREOLE RAP LEGEND CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER”, TMZ erroneously posted a picture of the “I Got A Man” rapper, who did not think the journalistic blunder should’ve even been able to be posted on a large platform like TMZ.

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Many artists and industry insiders commented on Positive’s post, appalled at the ignorance of TMZ’s staff. Hip Hop legendary VJ Ralph McDaniels commented from his @videomusicbox page saying, “Can we have a volunteer to be the fact and photo checker for the outside medis..please?” Producer extraordinaire Pete Rock commented saying, “bro cmon man WTF fa real? i think this is a meme i know TMZ aint do that did they?? 🤦🏾‍♂️ @positive_k_ naw they playin bro lol.” Pete Rock left another comment, saying, “whats crazy is that black folk work up there with those mofos bro smh. They wack for this. Yeah i had to tell them FOH over hev bro @positive_k_“

TMZ eventually fixed the blunder, but it is unclear as to whether or not the media giant has apologized to Positive K.

The post TMZ Posts Pic Of Positive K In Article About Kidd Kreole’s Manslaughter Conviction appeared first on The Source.

YNW Melly’s Mom Responds To Him Accusing Her Of Lying

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South Florida rapper YNW Melly’s murder trial has began this week, with Melly receiving an overwhelming amount of support from the Hip Hop community despite the fact that he could be facing the death penalty if convicted. After voicing his opinion from behind bars about the support he’s received from his loved ones, Melly’s mom responded on social media sayng she has her son’s back no matter what.

Melly’s Manager, 100K, has been catching criticism from Melly’s mom, who claims that the rap mogul conducted shady business involving both of her sons and Melly was quick to defend his manager/friend’s honor.

“Man listen, everybody who entertaining that s**t or whatever going on, that is not what it is, my mama be lying, my mama got anxiety issues, her a** triggered bruh. She feel some type of way because she thinks my brother is supposed to be bigger,” Melly said. 

Jamie Demons-King, Melly’s mother, responded to his claims on IG, stating, “Think whatever you want about me but I love my son and make sure he keeps money on his books and that he is good,” Demons-King said. “I’ve never missed a court date in 3 years except when I caught Covid from the hospital 2X because I’m a nurse and I stopped working last month. I love Jamell no matter what but I’m completely [heartbroken] nothing can fix that I been front row watching my son fight for his life and being a single mom so yes I have anxiety and I’m stressed I cry most days and I don’t eat. I hate internet stuff it makes me want to give up I never asked for life but I’m blessed to be here. Anyone who knows me know I show love to everyone. I’m going to always be here for Jamell no matter how hurt I am his mom and I love him.”

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The post YNW Melly’s Mom Responds To Him Accusing Her Of Lying appeared first on The Source.