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Here’s Why Will Smith Is No Longer Starring in ‘Sugar Bandits’ Action Thriller

September 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Bad Boys: Ride or Die star Will Smith has officially took his name out the hat of the highly anticipated action-thriller “Sugar Bandits.” Now the production is without its headline star.

So what’s up with that? Well, according to Deadline Hollywood, Smith’s departure is attributed to “scheduling conflicts.” That’s interesting as most scheduling is lined up before stars commit to big tentpole projects but what do we know.

Still, it remains unclear which of his upcoming projects may have caused the alleged conflict. Smith has several projects in the pipeline, including the much-anticipated “I Am Legend 2”, where he is set to co-star with Michael B. Jordan.

Get this, Smith’s exit places the film’s future in a weird position, especially in terms of box office potential. Distributors had eagerly signed on to back the $80 million production at both Cannes and the European Film Market (EFM), largely because of Smith’s involvement as the lead.

What’s interesting is Smith will continue to be attached to the project as a producer through his production company Westbrook, but finding a replacement actor who can carry the same star power is now a real concern.

There are some big shoes to fill and the clock is ticking.

”Sugar Bandits” was scheduled to begin filming in the coming months. Despite the setback, the filmmakers are still eyeing a 2025 release date, but that will depend on how quickly a new lead can be secured.

What’s more, is the film is set to be directed by Stefano Sollima (“Sicario: Day of the Soldado”), and is based on Chuck Hogan’s novel “Devils in Exile”.

The story centers on a former special forces soldier who leads a team of vigilantes to take down Boston’s drug trade. Hogan is also attached as the film’s screenwriter.

Deadline wrote in their report that Smith’s departure “throws a major wrench into the film’s production schedule,” and without a new lead, the distributors who initially supported the project may reevaluate their commitment. It remains to be seen whether a new actor can step into the role and satisfy the high expectations that distributors and fans alike had for the film with Smith in the driver’s seat.

Wait a go, Will.

The post Here’s Why Will Smith Is No Longer Starring in ‘Sugar Bandits’ Action Thriller first appeared on The Source.

The post Here’s Why Will Smith Is No Longer Starring in ‘Sugar Bandits’ Action Thriller appeared first on The Source.

Chrisean Rock Celebrates Her Son’s First Birthday After Release from Jail

September 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Chrisean Rock took to Instagram to share a heartwarming moment with her fans, celebrating the first birthday of her son, Chrisean Jesus Porter, just days after being released from jail. In an emotional video posted on her page, the reality star is seen holding her baby boy close, showering him with thousands of kisses as she expressed her gratitude for being able to share this special day with him.

In the video’s caption, Chrisean reflected on the blessing of being set free just in time to celebrate her son’s milestone. “To be with you Today set free a couple days from your birthday is a Blessing. Happy 1 years old September 3,” she wrote. Chrisean also included a heartfelt message quoting Psalm 127:3: “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”

The reality star continued to share her thoughts on the significance of being present in her child’s life, despite the challenges she has faced. “In the journey of parenthood, moments and milestones hold special places in our hearts, yet it’s important to remember that your love and presence in your child’s life are what truly matter,” she wrote. Chrisean acknowledged that missing significant events like a first birthday can bring feelings of sadness or regret, but she emphasized that it also offers a chance to reflect on the love and care she provides every day.

Chrisean, who was recently released after spending three months in jail, shared how her experience has softened her heart and strengthened her faith. “Through this fall it soften my heart to truly find peace in the word of God n to really focus on the ordained plan of my life through Obedience Purity is key n this journey to go Glory to Glory @chriseanjesus,” she added. She also thanked her supporters for their prayers and encouragement during her time in custody.

In a follow-up Instagram Live session, Chrisean revealed that she is following God’s guidance and teased some exciting new projects that she has in the works, signaling a fresh start after her challenging ordeal.

Chrisean’s arrest took place on June 10 in California, where she was detained on an outstanding warrant. The 24-year-old was incarcerated at the Craig County Detention Center in Oklahoma, facing charges related to failure to have a tax stamp affixed on controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and possession of CDS with the intent to distribute. The charges stem from a February 2022 incident when Chrisean was found in possession of approximately one pound of cannabis during a traffic stop.

If convicted on both charges, Chrisean could face up to eight years in prison.

Meanwhile, Chrisean’s estranged boyfriend, Blueface, who is also the father of their son, is currently serving a four-year prison sentence for violating parole. The rapper, who has had his own share of legal troubles, is expected to be released by next spring.

#chriseanrock full live after being released from jail pic.twitter.com/EHWp2zdoZM

— serium (@seriumvp) September 7, 2024

The post Chrisean Rock Celebrates Her Son’s First Birthday After Release from Jail first appeared on The Source.

The post Chrisean Rock Celebrates Her Son’s First Birthday After Release from Jail appeared first on The Source.

Teezo Touchdown, Bossman Dlow + BigXThaPlug Light Up The Stage At Billboard Hip-Hop Live

September 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Friday night saw Brooklyn’s Xanadu transformed into a hotspot for the future of hip-hop, as Billboard hosted its highly anticipated 2024 Hip-Hop LIVE concert. With a sold-out crowd in attendance, the event was a celebration of the next wave of talent that is rapidly climbing the industry’s charts and taking the world by storm.The evening featured a dynamic lineup of performances that showcased the best of what’s next in hip-hop. DJ Miss Milan kicked off the night, setting the tone for an energy-filled event. The spotlight then turned to the rising stars, including Texas sensation BigXthaPlug, Florida’s own Bossman Dlow, and the genre-blending headliner, Teezo Touchdown.

Hip-Hop LIVE Highlights:

BigXthaPlug: The Texas-born rapper, hailed as Amazon Music’s latest Breakthrough Artist, ignited the crowd with his opening performance. Fans chanted “The biggest, the largest!” as he took the stage, delivering a powerful set that included hits like “The Largest,” “Safehouse,” “Climate,” “Whip It,” “Levels,” and the Texas anthem “Texas,” a tribute to his roots.

Bossman Dlow: With the iconic Jaws theme song playing, Bossman Dlow hyped up the audience before diving into his viral track “Mr. Pot Scraper.” The rising Florida star kept the momentum going with performances of “Twerk Dat Ass (Twerk Song),” “Come Here,” “Piss Me Off,” “Talk My Shit,” and closed with “Finesse,” with the crowd echoing every word.

Teezo Touchdown: The headliner, known for his eclectic style, didn’t disappoint. Teezo Touchdown, dressed in a striking retro monochrome red outfit, captivated the audience as he took the stage with a microphone adorned with red roses. Reflecting on his recent “Rookie of the Year” award, which he received at Billboard’s R&B Hip-Hop Power Player Event the night before, Teezo remarked, “What a year it’s been…” He then delivered a high-energy set featuring his viral hits “Daylight,” “OK,” “You Thought,” “Impossible,” “Too Easy,” “MODERN JAM,” “Out of Respect,” and concluded the night with “Stranger,” leaving the crowd in awe.

Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Program: Championing New Talent

A major highlight of the night was Amazon Music’s dedication to nurturing emerging artists through its Breakthrough Program. BigXthaPlug’s standout performance was a testament to the program’s success, which provides artists with increased visibility, livestream performances, bespoke marketing activations, and more. By backing artists during the most crucial stages of their careers, Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Program is helping to shape the future of hip-hop.

Exclusive On-Site Experiences

Beyond the music, State Farm brought their Good Neighbor Marketplace to the event, featuring local, Black-owned small businesses and delivering exclusive experiences to fans on-site. Meanwhile, the event’s exclusive cognac sponsor, Rémy Martin, elevated the evening with signature cocktails made with 1738 Accord Royal, offering a curated bar experience that added a touch of luxury to the night.

Billboard’s R&B Hip-Hop Power Players Event

The Hip-Hop LIVE concert followed Billboard’s annual R&B Hip-Hop Power Players Event, held on Thursday, September 5, at the Paradise Club at the Edition Hotel Times Square. The prestigious event gathered leaders from the R&B and hip-hop communities to celebrate the industry’s key power players, including Joey Bada$$ (Impact Award), Rachelle Jean-Louis (Executive of the Year), Teezo Touchdown (Rookie of the Year), Playboi Carti (R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year), and Megan Thee Stallion (R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year). The celebrations continue on Sunday, September 8, with Billboard’s R&B No. 1s Party, honoring the year’s biggest R&B chart-topping tracks.

Photo Credit: Kristina Bumphrey

The post Teezo Touchdown, Bossman Dlow + BigXThaPlug Light Up The Stage At Billboard Hip-Hop Live first appeared on The Source.

The post Teezo Touchdown, Bossman Dlow + BigXThaPlug Light Up The Stage At Billboard Hip-Hop Live appeared first on The Source.

Happy Birthday To N.W.A./Ruthless Records Founder Eazy-E(RIP)!

September 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Despite the fact that the Hip Hop community lost this giant in the game over two decades ago, the legacy of Eazy-E will always be seen, heard and celebrated by the culture of Hip Hop.

Eazy-E was born Eric Lynn Wright on this date in 1964 in Compton, California. As most of his gang-infested Compton neighborhood, Eazy adopted the street life and began a career in selling drugs in the early 80s. Wright earned as much as $250K selling drugs, but quickly reinvested his street profits into the music business, thus starting Ruthless Records.

Not long after, Eazy linked up with O’Shea “Ice Cube” Jackson, Andre “Dr. Dre” Young and Lorenzo “MC Ren” Paterson and founded “the world’s most dangerous group”, N.W.A. This multi-platinum, Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame group catapulted Eazy’s status to the “godfather of gangster rap”.

Even though the world said goodbye to Eazy in 1995 after his short battle with AIDS, his musical genius continues to live on and influence future generations of Hip Hoppers.

Happy born day Eazy! #RIPEazyE

The post Happy Birthday To N.W.A./Ruthless Records Founder Eazy-E(RIP)! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy Birthday To N.W.A./Ruthless Records Founder Eazy-E(RIP)! appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Tupac Shakur Was Shot On The Las Vegas Strip 28 Years Ago

September 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Today in Hip Hop History Tupac Shakur Dies After Being Gunned Down on Las Vegas Strip 23 Years Ago

On this date in 1996, Tupac Shakur, who’s just left the Mike Tyson vs. Bruce Seldon fight at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, was gunned down in Suge Knight’s BMW while at a stop light at East Flamingo Road and Koval Lane. He was shot four times, with two of the .40 caliber shots landing in his chest. Shakur would succumb to his injuries six days later. He was only 25 years old.

What were the events that transpired the days before the September 7th shooting that caused his early demise and why has the mystery of his death never been solved? These are the questions that remain a quarter century later. Chris Carroll, a retired Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department sergeant, told Vegas Seven Magazine in an interview in 2014 that we may never know;

The only real evidence police have are the witness accounts from Outlaw members E.D.I Mean, who claimed to have seen all four men in the vehicle and Yaki Kadafi, who was involved in a scuffle with officers two days following the shooting after they pulled over a driver he was with and he protested. Officers did not try to locate Kadafi, who was later gunned down in the PJs in Irving, NJ two months after the shooting.

Compton investigators assembled mug shots of several gang members, which included Orlando Anderson, the Crip that Tupac attacked in the MGM Grand lobby hours before the shooting. Anderson is the suspect said to have fired the fatal shots that killed Pac. Las Vegas police later discounted Anderson as a suspect and interviewed him only once. He was later killed in an unrelated gang shooting.

Las Vegas homicide Sergeant Kevin Manning said detectives called his lawyer to set up a meeting with a witness, so that the pictures could be reviewed, but according to Manning the calls were not returned. E.D.I. Mean and Frank Alexander, Pac’s body guard, told The Los Angeles Times in early 1997 that they had never been asked by the Las Vegas police to view photos of possible suspects in the case despite having seen the shooting and the faces of the men in the car from which shots were fired at Pac and Suge Knight. Alexander reported seeing the face of the suspect that shot Shakur but he was found dead with a bullet wound to the head in his home in Murrieta, CA on April 28, 2013. It’s being reported that it was suicide and there haven’t been any further updates about Big Frank’s death and who killed him. To this day, Las Vegas police dispute the witness accounts of what they reported to the officers the night of the shooting.

Last year, it was revealed that Duane “Keefe D” Davis will face charges related to the death of Tupac Shakur after years of claiming he was directly involved, but avoided prosecution with a immunity deal. It seems 2023 was the expiration date of that said deal. Davis is currently behind bars while going to trial for the murder of Shakur and was given a $750K bond to released during trial, but he has yet to make bail despite being offered the money because the judge has yet to approve the financial arrangement.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Tupac Shakur Was Shot On The Las Vegas Strip 28 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Tupac Shakur Was Shot On The Las Vegas Strip 28 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Journalist Toure Exposes Mary J. Blige’s Cold Treatment in Unforgettable Interview Experience

September 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Veteran journalist and cultural critic Toure has recently shed light on one of the most challenging interview experiences of his career, revealing the time when Mary J. Blige, the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” was notably rude to him during a 1994 assignment. Toure shared the story on his blog, calling it the “2nd Worst Interview Situation” he ever encountered—surpassed only by a harrowing encounter with Suge Knight.

At the height of her career, following the release of her critically acclaimed sophomore album My Life, Mary J. Blige was set to be featured in a piece for The New York Times. The plan was simple: Toure would accompany the singer as she revisited her roots in the Schlobaum projects, capturing the story of a rising star returning home. But things didn’t go as smoothly as planned.

Toure recounts how Mary, still new to the industry, was visibly guarded and quick-tempered throughout the day. From the outset, her responses to his questions were curt and dismissive. When he attempted to engage her in conversation during a limo ride, she brushed off his questions, even going so far as to call him “stupid” before turning her attention away completely. Despite the cold reception, Toure opted to give her space, hoping she would eventually warm up.

The day took a turn for the worse when, after a brief visit to the projects, Mary and her entourage returned to the limo to continue the day’s journey. When Toure attempted to join them, Mary pointedly refused to let him into the car. As Toure stood outside for half an hour, missing out on a potentially pivotal moment for his story, he realized the day’s narrative would be far different than what he had envisioned.

When the group finally reconvened, the tension was palpable. Mary, still clearly displeased, ordered Toure not to speak to her for the remainder of the day. The uncomfortable silence that ensued during the ride back to Manhattan culminated in Mary’s demand that Toure exit the limo in a remote, somewhat sketchy area of the city—far from any convenient transportation.

The incident left Toure and the team at Mary’s label, Uptown Records, in a difficult position. Label head Andre Harrell, who was also a friend of Toure, reached out, urging him to consider Mary’s challenging upbringing and the psychological scars it left behind. Harrell explained that Mary’s harsh demeanor was rooted in the trauma of her past, which she was still struggling to overcome, even as her career soared.

Despite the rough day, Toure chose not to write a negative piece about Mary J. Blige. Instead, he pivoted, crafting a story that shifted focus from a traditional profile to a broader discussion of the image-making machine surrounding the star. Toure emphasized that a journalist’s job is to tell the story of the artist, not to settle personal scores.

Though the incident occurred decades ago, Toure’s recollection of that day remains vivid.

Watch below.

@toureshow

She has never apologuzed.

♬ Be Happy – Mary J. Blige

The post Journalist Toure Exposes Mary J. Blige’s Cold Treatment in Unforgettable Interview Experience first appeared on The Source.

The post Journalist Toure Exposes Mary J. Blige’s Cold Treatment in Unforgettable Interview Experience appeared first on The Source.

Russell Simmons Escalates Legal Battle with Ex-Wife Kimora Lee Simmons Over Financial Dispute

September 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Russell Simmons’ legal battle with his ex-wife, Kimora Lee Simmons, appears far from over, despite his earlier optimism about a resolution. Four months ago, Russell hinted that the lawsuit he filed against Kimora was close to being settled, but recent developments suggest otherwise.

According to court documents obtained by In Touch, the 66-year-old music mogul has ramped up his efforts, demanding that Kimora, 49, produce private text messages and appear for a deposition this month as part of their ongoing federal court dispute. The case centers around allegations that Kimora used Russell’s shares of their jointly owned energy drink company to bail out her then-husband, Tim Leissner, from jail.

Russell’s recent legal moves indicate that the two have reached an impasse regarding the production of key documents he believes are critical to proving his case. He is specifically seeking communications between Kimora and Tim Leissner related to financial transactions that are at the heart of the dispute, as well as communications between Kimora and her financial advisors. Despite repeated requests, Kimora has not turned over the texts Russell believes are necessary for his case.

“The only text messages Ms. Lee has produced appear to be messages sent or received by Defendant Leissner, not her,” Russell’s lawyer argued, adding that Russell is entitled to messages containing responsive content, excluding those solely between Kimora and Leissner unless third parties were involved in the conversation.

In addition to the document dispute, Russell is pressing for Kimora to attend a deposition in New York. However, Kimora’s legal team has pushed back, arguing that she resides in Los Angeles, where three of her five children—who are school-age minors—live with her. Her lawyer emphasized that Russell is well aware of her location, noting that he has even sued her in Los Angeles previously. Kimora is insisting that the deposition take place in Los Angeles instead.

As tensions between the former couple escalate, a judge has set a hearing for October to address these issues.

Thoughts?

The post Russell Simmons Escalates Legal Battle with Ex-Wife Kimora Lee Simmons Over Financial Dispute first appeared on The Source.

The post Russell Simmons Escalates Legal Battle with Ex-Wife Kimora Lee Simmons Over Financial Dispute appeared first on The Source.

Shaboozey Delivers Live Performance Of “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” In Vevo Studios

September 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, announces the release of Shaboozey’s live performance of “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” off his album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going.

Shaboozey blends country and hip-hop genres, creating songs that feel as epic as a movie; gripping, unpredictable, immense in scope but rooted in raw emotion. On his new album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, Shaboozey charts a cinematic road trip through the wilds of the American West, bringing a powerful new depth to his storytelling whilst pushing further into the country/folk-inspired sound he’s explored in recent years.

Originally from Northern Virginia, Shaboozey pulls inspiration from other DMV artists like Missy Elliot, Pharell and Timbaland. After a decade of perfecting his sound, Shaboozey skyrocketed to the mainstream after being featured in two songs on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album: “Sweet Honey Buckiin” and “Spaghetti.” His album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, was released shortly after, with the standout single “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” built around J-Kwon’s 2004 hit, “Tipsy.” The track most recently became the longest-running #1 single in the Hot 100 of 2024, having now been in the top spot for eight weeks and counting.

“I’ve been doing music for such a long time, I’ve put a lot of time and years into it,” Shaboozey said in a recent interview, “I put so much into it that I feel like it’s just cool to see it working. Everybody hopes it works. To see it actually working, it’s unreal.”

On Vevo, Shaboozey has garnered over 147 million global views in 2024 so far, with the official video for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” currently Vevo’s #1 most-viewed country video this year.

The post Shaboozey Delivers Live Performance Of “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” In Vevo Studios first appeared on The Source.

The post Shaboozey Delivers Live Performance Of “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” In Vevo Studios appeared first on The Source.

Neek Bucks Drops Visuals for “Admit It” Featuring A$AP Ferg

September 6, 2024 by newhiphopnews

As the summer heat begins to cool down, Harlem’s own Neek Bucks is turning up the temperature in the hip-hop world with the highly anticipated release of the visuals for “Admit It,” a track from his latest project, Unique. The video, set to drop this Friday, September 6, is already generating buzz for its gritty, nostalgic vibe that’s sure to resonate with fans of classic New York hip-hop.

Joining Neek Bucks on this track is none other than the iconic A$AP Ferg. Together, the duo delivers a masterclass in lyrical prowess, skating effortlessly over the beat with unforgettable bars that showcase the best of Harlem’s rap scene. Directed by Nimi Hendrix, the video is a tribute to the streets that raised them, offering a visual experience that feels both fresh and familiar.

Set against the backdrop of Harlem, the “Admit It” video captures the essence of the neighborhood’s rich hip-hop history. The visuals are a perfect match for the track’s raw energy, creating a vibe that will have fans hitting replay. With its old-school feel and sharp lyricism, this release is sure to be a standout in Neek Bucks’ growing catalog.

Fans can catch the “Admit It” video on Neek Bucks’ official YouTube channel this Friday. But that’s not all—Neek Bucks is also gearing up for a new collaboration with the incomparable Joey Bada$$, promising more heat to come.

Hailing from Harlem, New York, Neek Bucks has quickly made a name for himself with his gritty lyrics and authentic storytelling. Drawing inspiration from legends like Jay-Z, Nipsey Hussle, and 50 Cent, Neek Bucks has been dubbed today’s “neighborhood hov,” a title he wears with pride as he continues to represent his roots.

His journey through the rap game has been marked by impressive milestones, including sharing a stage with Harlem’s own Dipset at the Apollo and going on tour with YFN Lucci. His video single “Energy” featuring Lil Durk further solidified his place in the industry, showcasing his ability to create music that resonates with listeners on a deeper level.

Neek Bucks considers himself the missing piece in today’s hip-hop landscape, and with the release of “Admit It,” he’s proving that he’s here to make a lasting impact. As he continues to evolve and push the boundaries of his craft, there’s no doubt that Neek Bucks is on a trajectory to become one of the most influential voices in hip-hop.

Check out the “Admit It” video below.

The post Neek Bucks Drops Visuals for “Admit It” Featuring A$AP Ferg first appeared on The Source.

The post Neek Bucks Drops Visuals for “Admit It” Featuring A$AP Ferg appeared first on The Source.

Here’s Why Will Smith Is No Longer Starring in ‘Sugar Bandits’ Action Thriller

Billboard’s Hip-Hop LIVE

Billboard’s Hip-Hop LIVE

Billboard’s Hip-Hop LIVE

Neek Bucks Drops Visuals for “Admit It” Featuring A$AP Ferg