Feature

Today In Hip Hop History: DJ Jazzy Jeff And The Fresh Prince’s Released Their Second Album ‘He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper’ 34 Years Ago

by
Screen Shot 2022 03 29 at 7.55.18 AM

On this day in Hip Hop history, the rapper turned actor Will Smith along with DJ Jazzy Jeff released their second LP, He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper. This was the first double album in Hip Hop in its original vinyl state and is certified platinum by the RIAA.

It can be said that without this album, Will Smith would not be where he is today. The success this album provided for Smith gave him the exposure to take his talents from music to the screen. This was also a breakthrough album for the career of DJ Jazzy Jeff. Critics and consumers alike cited Jeff as the more musically inclined of the duo, although Smith was the obvious crowd favorite and frontman. Jeff’s ability on the turntables and the boards allowed him to be the unsung hero of the album and gain a lot of respect in the Hip Hop community.

The album received positive reviews from critics of countless publications. The Source even selected this album as one of the 100 Best Rap Albums list in 1998. The album peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 chart and #5 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart. Overseas it peaked at #68 on the UK Album chart. The album’s most popular single, “Parents Just Don’t Understand” won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: DJ Jazzy Jeff And The Fresh Prince’s Released Their Second Album ‘He’s The DJ, I’m The Rapper’ 34 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Sotheby’s To Auction Off Over 100 Rare Hip Hop Artifacts From 2Pac, Biz Markie And More

by
Screen Shot 2022 03 29 at 12.10.47 AM

The National Hip Hop Museum, which is situated in the nation’s capital, has been orchestrating a lot of events to further solidify its authenticity and now Sotheby’s Auction House is officially opening up bids for a collection of rare Hip Hop “artifacts” from the days of the culture’s Golden Era.

First announced on the DC-based museum’s IG page and curated by former Tommy Boy Records executive Monica Lynch and Cassandra Hatton, the auction was mentioned as a part of Pop Culture Week, In the post, the museum says, “This March, Sotheby’s is thrilled to present its first ever Pop Culture Week featuring Hip Hop which celebrates the art and objects that have been inspired by and that have in turn inspired contemporary culture.”

Some of the timeless memorabilia includes Biz Markie’s golden sable fur coat and hat and famed B-Boy Crazy Legs’ adidas track jacket to Chuck D’s personal, autographed Raiders jacket and a DJ Quik gold record for Quik Is The Name.

Sotheby’s began auctioning Hip Hop rarities back in 2020 with their first Hip Hop-inspired auction, hawking off everything from the original Beastie Boys’ Licensed To Ill Tour posters to Slick Rick’s multicolored diamond eye patch. That same year, Biggie’s crown worn in his iconic Rap Pages cover shoot was auctioned of for $500K.

Bidding is currently open and expected to close on March 30.

The post Sotheby’s To Auction Off Over 100 Rare Hip Hop Artifacts From 2Pac, Biz Markie And More appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Will Smith Cries, Apologizes To The Academy For Slapping Chris Rock While Accepting Best Actor Oscar

by
Screen Shot 2022 03 28 at 9.18.33 AM

Everyone from celebrity attendees to the fans watching the Academy Awards at home are still shocked at actor/Hip Hop legend Will Smith slap the black off of comedian Chris Rock for making a joke about his wife Jada Pinkett-Smith. The Fresh Prince later apologized to the fans and the Academy for the brazen move which will always be remembered in Academy Award show history.

Will still took to the stage shortly after the altercation with Rock to accept his Best Actor Award for his starring role in King Richard, in which Smith plays the father of legendary tennis star sisters Venus and Serena Williams. Smith sobbed as he apologized to the Academy and his fellow nominees and even said he hoped that the Academy would still invite him back to future award shows despite his volatile action.

The LAPD released a statement about the assault on live TV, but no charges will be filed.

The post [WATCH] Will Smith Cries, Apologizes To The Academy For Slapping Chris Rock While Accepting Best Actor Oscar appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: Ol’ Dirty Bastard Released ‘Return Of The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version’ 27 Years Ago

by
tumblr 2a3fa0840ac4b021ea10e8a0e997aeda 3e2f2a47 1280

On this day in Hip-Hop history, Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard released his debut solo LP, Return of the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version. Released by Elektra Records, Return of the 36 Chambers was only the second solo LP by any Wu-Tang member. Largely produced by fellow Wu-Tang emcee RZA, the album had a mostly positive commercial reception.

Peaking at number seven on the Billboard 200 and number two on the Top R&B/Hip Hop chart, Return of the 36 Chambers sold 81,000 albums in its first week and was certified gold later that year. The album was also nominated for “Best Rap Album” at the 1996 Grammy Awards.

Coming off such a successful group debut, there were little critics could say to discount the record. The Source, Rolling Stone and Allmusic have all given the project four out of five stars. In 1998, The Source selected the album to be a part of its 100 Best Rap Albums list.

Following Return of the 36 chambers: The Dirty Version, ODB went on to release one more solo album, Nigga Please, before his untimely demise in 2004. Ol’ Dirty will forever be remembered as one of the most talented and unique emcees to ever grace the mic.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Ol’ Dirty Bastard Released ‘Return Of The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version’ 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today in Hip-Hop History: Big L Dropped His Debut Album ‘Lifestylez Ov Da Poor and Dangerous’ 27 Years Ago

by
tumblr 1149999036522fe70909fe90f67acf43 5d579b57 1280

On this date twenty-seven years ago, Big L dropped his debut and only full-length studio album Lifestylez Ov Da Poor And Dangerous, on Columbia Records.

Aside from, eloquently stated by The Source Magazine at the time, “[coming] with ill animated lyrics, combined with metaphors that stun; a combo sure to have suckas on the run,” Big L also ushered in two emcees that are very prominent in the culture today: a then-unknown Killa Cam and a semi-established Jay-Z.

Produced primarily by the legendary Lord Finesse with Showbiz and Buckwild on the help out, this was a Diggin’ In The Crates album. According to “Funky Technician” Lord Finesse, who had a hand in some of the album’s production, in an interview commemorating the album’s 15th anniversary, he said this about the posse track “8 Iz Enuff”, “With that [song] L just thought he had to do a track with the rappers from his hood. And he definitely wanted to put on [those particular emcees]… We looking like, ‘How you gonna put eight niggas on one track?’ [And he was like], ‘Don’t worry, I got this.’”

He definitely had it too.

Unfortunately, Lifestylez Ov Da Poor And Dangerous would be the only album released by L in his life as he was fatally shot in Harlem in 1999.

Salute to Big L kaka Lamont Coleman(RIP), Lord Finesse, Jay-Z, Cam’ron, Grand Daddy I, U, and everyone else who helped make this album a piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Big L Dropped His Debut Album ‘Lifestylez Ov Da Poor and Dangerous’ 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Busta Rhymes Dropped His Debut Album ‘The Coming’ 26 Years Ago

by
Screen Shot 2022 03 26 at 2.42.11 PM

On this date in 1996, Busta Rhymes did the inevitable and released his highly anticipated solo album The Coming on Elektra Records.

Even though the Leaders Of The New School were a celebrated group within the culture, it was always suggested that Busta drop a solo project minus LONS. With production form the likes of Easy Mo Bee, DJ Scratch and even Busta Buss himself, The Coming served as a introductory project of what was to come from the one of the greatest lyricists in the game.Appearance from the likes of the late Notorious B.I.G., A Tribe Called Quest(who first introduced Busta on “Scenario”), Heave d and The Boyz and Mary J. Blige.

The 13 track full length studio album was chock full of hits including “Everything Remains Raw”, the Zhane-powered “It’s A Party” and the album’s lead single “Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check”. This album also introduces Busta’s own “Flipmode Squad” consisting of Lord Have Mercy, Rampage, Rah Digga and Spliff Star.

Salute to Busta on his premiere project; definitely an important piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Busta Rhymes Dropped His Debut Album ‘The Coming’ 26 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

ICYMI: Suspect in Young Dolph’s Murder Attacked While Making Jail Phone Call

by
U.S. Marshals and Tennessee Authorities Name Suspect in Young Dolph's Murder

Justin Johnson, aka Straight Drop, one of the suspected killers of Young Dolph, has been reportedly attacked in jail. According to TMZ, Johnson was struck by a fellow inmate.

Johnson is in Tennessee’s Shelby County Jail. During a phone call, Johnson was punched by a fellow inmate while he was in the middle of a phone call. Johnson’s attorney states he was in a visitation area and was decked by a fellow inmate. Johnson is said to have not been severely injured.

This past Friday, Johnson was involved in another incident. According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson and another inmate were under investigation for a separate incident.

Johnson was arrested this past January after being captured by U.S. Marshalls. He has maintained his innocence.

Last week, the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center in Memphis released the autopsy report of Young Dolph. According to Fox 13 Memphis, Dolph suffered 22 gunshot wounds.

The report states wounds both entered and exited the body. Dolph was shot in multiple places, including the forehead, face, back, arms, chest, chin, neck, shoulder, and more.

Born Adolph Thorton Jr., Dolph was killed on Nov. 17, 2021, outside of Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies. Johnson and Cornelius Smith have been charged in the case. A warrant is currently active for Shundale Barnett for his place in the connection. Devin Burns and Joshua Taylor have been named as persons of interest.

The post ICYMI: Suspect in Young Dolph’s Murder Attacked While Making Jail Phone Call appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Quavo Criticizes The Grammys And XXL Magazine Following Kanye West Ban

by
Screen Shot 2022 03 25 at 6.15.29 AM

Even though there were thousands of supporters who petitioned to have Kanye West banned from Coachella and now the Grammy Awards due to his online behavior towards his ex-wife and her new beau, there is still a myriad of people, celebrities in particular, who are not necessarily supporting West’s antics, but they are definitely condemning the cancel culture when it comes to the music/fashion mogul.

Migos’ Quavo shares the sentiments of Rap-A-Lot CEO J. Prince, who says that Hip Hop should form its own award shows and boycott the Grammys as other Hip Hop frontrunners have done in the past. Quavo also criticized XXL for not properly highlighting up and coming artists, telling TMZ, “Instead of a Freshmen Class, we need the “Best New Artist” in the streets whenever they come out,” he said. “[Migos] couldn’t go on Freshmen Class because we was a group. So, just s**t like that. All these little stipulations on our artistry is lame because we’re creators.”  

See the video of his comments below.

The post [WATCH] Quavo Criticizes The Grammys And XXL Magazine Following Kanye West Ban appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] TMZ’s Harvey Levin Rejects Signature Sneakers As Gift From Soulja Boy

by
Screen Shot 2022 03 25 at 6.06.56 AM

Hip Hop’s self-proclaimed pioneer Soulja Boy has been overly excited about the release of his new signature sneaker called the Soulja Star, but when the “first rapper” to do anything offered a free pair of his new kicks to TMZ managing editor and founder Harvey Levin, the “Superman” YouTube sensation din’t expect what happened next.

Levin immediately tried to turn down the offer, exclaiming, “You know what would happen to me if I wear these?”

It din’t take long before Levin nonchalantly put the neon green sneaker back in the animated Soulja Boy covered shoebox and went about his business. Not the reaction Soulja was looking for.

The post [WATCH] TMZ’s Harvey Levin Rejects Signature Sneakers As Gift From Soulja Boy appeared first on The Source.

Former NFL Running Back Mark Walton Arrested For Armed Robbery In Miami

by
Screen Shot 2022 03 25 at 5.42.02 AM

According to a report from the New York Post, former NFL running back Mark Walton has been arrested for an alleged armed robbery that took place last month in Mami.

Police in Miami say that Walton and another man brandished guns following a confrontation, demanding everything from the alleged victim. Authorities claim that Walton and his accomplice made off with a Rolex watch in the stick up.

Jail records show Walton was charged with robbery/armed/firearm or deadly weapon.

The 2018 4th round draft pick played for the Bengals for his first season out of U. of Miami, but played for the Dolphins the following year. According to the Post, the 24-year-old RB “was released by the Bengals after he was arrested three times, and then by the Dolphins after he was accused of attacking a woman who was pregnant with his child.” 

The post Former NFL Running Back Mark Walton Arrested For Armed Robbery In Miami appeared first on The Source.