Feature

LeBron James’ SpringHill Reportedly Merging With Fulwell 73 – Producer of ‘The Kardashians’

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Big moves only for LeBron James’ and his entertainment company, SpringHill Co. Reports are coming in that the entertainment powerhouse is merging with Fulwell 73, the British production company behind huge hits like The Kardashians and Carpool Karaoke. Sheesh.

So they way it goes, this merger brings together two powerful forces in the entertainment industry, with SpringHill co-founder Maverick Carter and Fulwell’s managing partner Leo Pearlman set to serve as co-CEOs of the newly combined company.

If you’re unaware, SpringHill was founded by James and Carter, and has primarily focused on sports-related content but they have most definitely branched out.

The media company has produced projects like Starting 5, a 10-part Netflix docuseries following James and other NBA stars during the 2023-2024 season, and the 2022 sports comedy-drama Hustle, starring Adam Sandler. Fulwell 73, on the other hand, has a broader entertainment portfolio, producing shows like The Kardashians and Carpool Karaoke. The merger is expected to give SpringHill greater scale and the ability to make larger deals with media companies and streaming platforms, according to Carter.

Get this, in an interview with CNBC, Carter explained that the collaboration with Fulwell will allow SpringHill to expand its capabilities, especially in the realm of unscripted productions. “Fulwell makes shows we always wished we could do, and we just did not have that capability, in terms of unscripted productions around the world, fully scaled,” Carter said. “Now that jealousy goes away.”

Here’s where the idea of merging came about. Roughly 13 months ago, it all went down following a conversation between Carter and Fulwell co-founder Ben Winston in a parking lot after dinner. Winston shared his admiration for SpringHill’s ability to blend branding with content, noting that the merger will allow the companies to work more efficiently in today’s competitive entertainment landscape. “It’s just a smart way of running an entertainment company in 2024,” Winston said, highlighting SpringHill’s unique approach to combining commerce with content.

Here’s where big business gets bigger. The merger is also supported by a group of high-profile investors, including Fenway Sports Group, RedBird Capital Partners, UC Investments, Nike, Epic Games, Main Street Advisors, and Eldridge Industries. As part of the deal, existing shareholders will invest an additional $40 million to fund growth initiatives for the combined company.

With this merger, the two companies are set to create a more dynamic entertainment entity that blends sports, pop culture, and business in new and exciting ways.

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Katt Williams Take On SNL: “At this point, I take it as a badge of honor that they don’t f**k with me”

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Here we go. Katt Williams recently shared his thoughts on Saturday Night Live‘s portrayal of him, revealing that he believes the show’s writers and cast members see him as a “b**ch.”

This is deep. But it’s interesting how he’s being so open about what he thinks THEY think.

The polarizing comedian was speaking at New York Magazine’s Vulture Festival, where he discussed his viral Club Shay Shay interview, which was parodied multiple times on SNL over the years. Despite being the subject of these skits on nine different occasions, Williams pointed out that he’s never been invited to host the show.

During the straight forward but entertaining conversation, the 53-year-old comic reflected on his feelings about the show’s parodies, particularly one featuring SNL cast member Ego Nwodim impersonating him. “A lot of times when people are doing an impression of you, they’re really showing you how they feel about you,” Williams explained. “So, for Saturday Night Live to have an impression of me and have a woman do that? It means they think I’m a b**ch, and I understand that that’s what they’re saying when they do that.” Williams didn’t mince words, implying that the choice to have a female cast member portray him was a deliberate decision by SNL to project a particular image of him.

Williams, also made it clear that he doesn’t take the snubs personally. “At this point, I take it as a badge of honor that they don’t f**k with me,” he added, indicating that he’s not bothered by the absence of an invitation to host. Instead, he seems to wear it as a sort of badge, a sign that he’s not the typical figure they want on the show.

Now get this, the conversation with Vulture also ventured into other areas of Williams’ career, including his infamous interview with FS1’s Club Shay Shay, hosted by Shannon Sharpe. In that interview, Williams took aim at several of his fellow comedians, including Cedric the Entertainer, Steve Harvey, Kevin Hart, Faizon Love, and Michael Blackson.

What’s more, he explained that his intent during the interview was to “kill the careers” of those he called out, believing that he had figured out the “algorithm” of how to do so. However, after rethinking his approach, he admitted to toning down the impact, saying, “When I wrote it out, I wrote it out to kill the careers of the people that I was talking about. But it was so vicious that I erased all of the knockout blows and just left the jabs so that the comic I’m talking about knows that ‘I know your real story, motherf**ker. Imma tell this, but you know what else I know.’”

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Jim Jones To Host Annual Turkey Giveaway In Harlem 

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Harlem’s own Jim Jones, the legendary rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is giving back to his community this holiday season with his annual turkey giveaway through his non profit VampCares. On Sunday, November 24th, families in need can pick up a free turkey at 57 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM ET.

This initiative, spearheaded by Jim Jones, reflects his continued commitment to supporting Harlem’s families and ensuring everyone can celebrate Thanksgiving with a meal to share.

“As someone who grew up in Harlem, it’s important to me to give back to the place that shaped me,” said Jim Jones. “The holidays are about community, gratitude, and giving, and I’m grateful for the chance to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Known not just for his success in music and business, but also for his dedication to uplifting his community, Jim Jones invites Harlem residents to join him for this special event. Families are encouraged to arrive early, as supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

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Cassie’s Texts To Diddy After Hotel Assault Released By Feds

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Newly revealed alleged text messages tied to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal case for alleged sex trafficking have surfaced, according to an exclusive report by AllHipHop. These messages, reportedly sent by singer Cassie to Combs, were allegedly written following an assault in a Los Angeles hotel room in 2016.

Footage of the alleged incident, which gained attention earlier this year, has added a layer of scrutiny to the case. Cassie’s lawsuit against the music mogul came to light in late 2023 under the Adult Survivors Act. While the lawsuit was swiftly settled, the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed. This development occurred amidst a wave of similar civil suits filed against Combs.

According to disclosures from the federal government, Cassie allegedly sent a text message to Sean “Diddy” Combs after the 2016 hotel incident, expressing the physical and emotional toll of the altercation. “I have a black eye and a fat lip,” she reportedly wrote. “You are sick for thinking it’s OK to do what you’ve done… I still have crazy bruising. […] I turn my head for a second, and you get violent. You drag me down the hall by my hair… I have bleeding cuts. You hit me in the head twice.”

The text continued, reportedly addressing the recurring nature of the abuse, “When you get upset the wrong way, you always want to show me that you have the power, and you knock me around. I’m not a rag doll. I’m someone’s child.”

In early 2024, Sean “Diddy” Combs issued a public apology for his actions against Cassie after CNN released video footage of the 2016 incident. Calling his behavior “inexcusable,” the music mogul emphasized his commitment to therapy and personal growth. While the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office did not pursue charges due to the statute of limitations, the incident remains part of federal prosecutors’ broader allegations against him in a federal case involving alleged sex trafficking.

In other developments, former Bad Boy artist Shyne stirred controversy by claiming he served as the “fall guy” for Diddy in the infamous 1999 nightclub shooting, which resulted in Shyne serving nearly nine years in prison. He alleged that Diddy was the true instigator of the incident, though the claim has been met with skepticism and rebuttals from figures like Funk Flex. While some find credibility in Shyne’s accusations, they remain unproven and should be approached cautiously.

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Lil Baby Teases New 21 Savage Feature as ‘Hardest Verse Ever’

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Lil Baby is back to work. With new music flowing through the Internet, Baby revealed he was cooking up with 21 Savage. “I think I got @21savage hardest verse ever,” Baby wrote on X.

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Earlier Friday morning, Grammy-Award-winning superstar Lil Baby’s (Quality Control Music/Motown) returned to rap supremacy with “5 AM.” Directed by Skeeboe, “5 AM” highlights the Atlanta superstar’s charisma and Teflon’s resiliency, ultimately the track’s driving forces. “Ain’t it crazy how they try to play me like I ain’t the one / Ain’t said it, but you know without me, this shit would be none,” the diamond-certified rapper says on the chorus, his flow pulsating with frenetic energy.

Whether driving exotic cars or putting pen to paper in the studio, Baby’s lyrical fortitude swells when his back is against the wall, and pressure comes at him from every angle. Despite the constant attacks from his adversaries, Baby is unfazed, reminding fans of his unwavering determination to reclaim his spot in the game as one of rap’s elite storytellers.

Following the release of “5 AM,” Baby returned with his official new single “Insecurities.” Directed by Hidji, Baby lays out why he should be anyone’s plan A, offering top-of-the-line quality across the board. Baby’s onslaught reaches new levels when he raps: “I know it gets tight paying bills, I’ll take care of that / I know you been wanting to tour the world, we can go anywhere. “Insecurities” finds Baby showcasing why he’s the best option for women looking to secure a real man.

Lil Baby keeps his fans on high alert with more buzzy and noteworthy collaborations. Billboards in Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Atlanta, and Chicago have read: “Whatever Wham Say Goes,” referring to Young Thug’s famous tweet from last June.

This isn’t surprising as Baby’s searing run as a perennial features artist remains his calling card after churning out hits for Central Cee (“BAND4BAND”), Future and Metro Boomin’ (“All My Life”), Rod Wave (“F–k The Fame”), further solidifying his status as one of the all-time leaders on the Billboard Hot 100. With Baby now shifting the focus back to himself, he’s readying the release for his forthcoming album – his first in two years since his platinum-selling No. 1 album It’s Only Me.

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50 Cent Poses with Big Meech and Teases Future Production: ‘GreenLight Gang’

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Big Meech is home and 50 Cent has tracked down the former BMF kingpin. Hitting X, 50 teased a project in the future from the two, using his trademark “GreenLight Gang,” slogan, alluding to a production in the works.

You can see the moment below.

Big Meech is out of federal prison and serving the rest of his sentence at a halfway house. He is now a resident of the Miami Residential Reentry Management Office. In a new picture, Meech poses next to an unidentified man dressed in all Black.

According to TMZ, Big Meech has been removed from FCI Coleman Low in Wildwood and moved to BOP’s Miami Residential Reentry Management Office. He will complete his 30-year sentence in a halfway house.

Earlier this year, Meech’s sentence was reduced by nearly three years. He was initially sentenced in 2008.

Meech’s attorney, Brittany K. Barnett, claims Meech used his 20 years in prison to focus on personal growth and begin a new chapter in his life.

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Final Posthumous Juice WRLD Album ‘The Party Never Ends’ Coming Before The End Of 2024

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The wait for Juice WRLD’s final album is almost over. The previously rumored The Party Never Ends album is coming soon via Grade A Productions and Interscope Records. The news broke last night at ComplexCon Las Vegas 2024 during an exclusive listening party which included official Juice WRLD DJ Mike P, and follows the massive release of its lead single “All Girls Are the Same 2 (Insecure)” featuring Nicki Minaj.

The invite-only The Party Never Ends – A Listening Experience hosted by Grade A Productions, Interscope Records, and Fortnite drew an impressive array of talent, music executives, and influencers.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: LL Cool J Dropped His Debut Album ‘Radio’ 38 Years Ago

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TodayinHip HopHistory:LLCoolJDroppedHisDebutAlbum'Radio'YearsAgo

On this date in 1985, James Todd Smith better known as LL Cool J dropped his first full-length LP on Def Jam Records. Primarily produced by Rick Rubin besides “I Need A Beat”, which was produced by DJ Jazzy Jay, Radio was a pivotal LP for not only LL and Def Jam, but for an evolving Hip Hop landscape that had just seen the rapid decline of b-boying and jams in the park. This was also the era in which the crack epidemic hit the streets and all of the major players used LL Cool J as the prototype image of how a hustler is supposed to look.

Songs like “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock The Bells” dominated airwaves as well as influenced other artists of that time period with his braggadocios content and virtually forceful delivery. The song that actually got Cool J the deal with Def Jam, “I Need A Beat”, was written and recorded when LL was only 15 years old, making him not only Def Jam’s first solo artist but also their youngest.

Salute to Cool J, Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons, Jazzy Jay, and everyone at Def Jam from that era that helped put together this timeless classic!

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Rhymesayers & Metalface Records Release MF DOOM ‘MM..FOOD’ 20th Anniversary Edition

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Released via Rhymesayers Entertainment & Metalface Records, MF DOOM’s 2004 classic, MM..FOOD has been fully repackaged with all new artwork by Sam Rodriguez in celebration of its 20th Anniversary. The digital deluxe version of MM..FOOD will feature the original tracklist plus rare remixes of “One Beer” and “Hoe Cakes” by Madlib, Jake One and Ant, along with unreleased MF DOOM interview clips. The release comes with a new music video, “Vomitspit” (animated and composed by Saber).

The limited deluxe edition of the 20th anniversary vinyl is now sold out. The MM..FOOD deluxe 2xLP picture disc vinyl was housed in a 12″ tip-on case-wrapped matte gatefold jacket with anti-scratch lamination treatment and silver foil stamped numbering. The deluxe vinyl also included a bonus 7″ picture disc vinyl featuring the rare original version of “Kookies” as well as the Just Blaze remix, housed in a custom kraft paper pastry sleeve with plastic window, and a QR code sticker linking to an MM..FOOD Diner AR experience.

Additionally, the long out-of-print classic “Hoe Cakes” 12-inch vinyl has also been reissued with its original artwork, now pressed on a green “bug juice blend” colored vinyl. The 12-inch single includes “Hoe Cakes,” “Potholderz” (feat. Count Bass D), and the “Hoe Cakes Remix” produced by Ant, along with instrumentals for all. Taking its name from the sweet, hot water cornmeal patties whose origins can be traced back to pre-colonial America, “Hoe Cakes” is one of DOOM’s finest and most delightfully strange moments on wax.

Alongside the music, an exclusive Super7 Collectible is also available. The new MF DOOM ReAction Figure & Cereal Bowl Set is inspired by the album cover from MM..FOOD, packed in cereal box-style packaging that includes a maze of madness puzzle that can be cut out and worn as a mask. This figure set includes a 3.75” scale MF DOOM ReAction Figure with microphone accessory, a 33 oz. capacity cereal bowl, and a spoon with MF DOOM mask and logo details. 

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The DOOM estate has released a limited apparel line to commemorate the anniversary, including MM..FOOD inspired shirts, hooded sweatshirts, hats, aprons, tote bags, slipmats, mugs, and more. Available via gasdrawls.com.

Also happening this weekend is the MF DOOM tribute performance ‘FM MOOD’ at Tyler, The Creator’s sold-out Camp Flog Gnaw festival, taking place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.

MF DOOM – MM..FOOD 20TH ANNIVERSARY TRACKLIST:

  1. Beef Rapp
  2. Hoe Cakes
  3. Potholderz (featuring Count Bass D)
  4. One Beer
  5. Deep Fried Frenz
  6. Poo-Putt Platter
  7. Fillet-O-Rapper
  8. Gumbo
  9. Fig Leaf Bi-Carbonate
  10. Kon Karne
  11. Guinnessez (featuring Angelika and 4ize)
  12. Kon Queso
  13. Rapp Snitch Knishes (featuring Mr. Fantastik)
  14. Vomitspit
  15. Kookies

MF DOOM – MM..FOOD DIGITAL DELUXE TRACKLIST:

     16. One Beer (Madlib Remix)

     17. Hoe Cakes (Ant Remix)

     18. Hoe Cakes (Jake One Remix)

     19. Hoe Cakes (Beatboxappella)

     20. The Evolution From Zev Love X to MF DOOM

     21. Being Embraced by a Diverse Fanbase

     22. Conquering Writer’s Block

     23. Doing Production vs Working with Producers

     24. The Making of MM..FOOD

     25. MM..FOOD Favorites 

     26. The Future with Metalface Records, Gas Drawls & Rhymesayers

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Today In Hip-Hop History: Ice Cube Released His Third LP ‘The Predator’ 32 Years Ago

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On this day in 1992, gangsta rapper turned actor/filmmaker Ice Cube released his most successful solo album The Predator. Released months after the 1992 Los Angeles riots, this album follows the same tone that existed in Ice Cube’s music from his solo beginning; Black power against any form of oppression. Although the album was very graphic, it still had a great reception among the commercial audience, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart (despite his blatant diss of the Billboard editor on the album’s title track) and selling 193,000 copies in its first week.

The mood of this album was set by the era of violence that was going on in Los Angeles, California. Every song has an element of the type of violence that was going on in the hood between and against Black people incorporated through interludes or references. Even his more peaceful tracks have an air of criminal paranoia about them. Regardless, The Predator is still slightly toned down from his prior two releases AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and Death Certificate, which you can by the titles more outwardly push the militant mindset that Ice Cube has as a recording artist.

This album also toted two #1 rap singles, “It Was a Good Day” and “Check Yo Self”. “It Was a Good Day” is to date Ice Cube’s most successful single. The track peaked #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1993 and sold 600,000 copies. Outside of commercial success, this album is forever a part of pop culture history voted #8 on VH1‘s Top Rap Songs list. “Check Yo Self” was also ridiculously successful, selling 500,000 copies and peaking at #20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Predator LP is a masterpiece and has the sales to prove it. This album has so far gone double platinum and with the success of the film Straight Outta Compton, there is no reason why sales figures should not increase over the next few months. As anyone up-to-date in Hip Hop culture should know, with the success of this album, Ice Cube went on to be an entertainment mogul directing, writing and producing successful films, appearing on television, and releasing six more studio LPs that have all done pretty well in their sales all appearing on the Billboard 200 in the top 20%.

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