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LeBron James Ponders Eventual Retirement: ‘If it’s one year or two years’

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Father Time will eventually catch up with LeBron James and the idea of his swan song may be closer to than fans might think. After a recent game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies, the 39-year-old basketball legend gave a candid admission about his future in the sport. Speaking to reporters, James revealed, “I’m not going to play that much longer, to be completely honest. I don’t know how many years that is. If it’s one year or two years, whatever the case may be.”

What’s crazy is despite these hints at retirement, James continues to defy age on the court. In the same game against the Grizzlies, he made history by becoming the oldest player ever to record three consecutive triple-doubles. James finished the game with an impressive 35 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds, solidifying his ongoing dominance in the league.

Get this, during his post-game interview, James reflected on his longevity, explaining that his physical ability is tied closely to his mindset. “It’s not me, it’s the mind,” he said. “Wherever my mind is is how the rest of my body’s gonna go or whatever the case may be.” He added, “I said the other night, I’m not playing until the wheels fall off. I’m not going to be that guy. I’m not going to be the guy who is disrespecting the game because I just wanted to be out on the floor. That won’t be me.”

We all see that James is still playing at an elite level, he’s also mindful of his legacy and the need to step away at the right time. Beyond basketball, James is cherishing the opportunity to occasionally play alongside his son, Bronny, an experience he calls one of his “greatest gifts.”

When it comes to what’s really important to James, he reflected on his family life, adding “It’s always been family over everything. For me, I lost a lot of time because of this league and committing to this league. Being on the road at times, missing a lot of his things, Bryce’s things, Zhuri’s things, so to be able to have this moment where I’m working still and I can work alongside my son, it’s one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever gotten from the man above and I’m going to take full advantage of it.”

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Katt Williams Owns a Pet Pig Named After Faizon Love That’s “Just, a real joy to be around.”

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Katt Williams needs to just stop, because there’s only so much laughing we can do these days. The polarizing comedian made quite an entrance at the GQ Men of the Year event on Thursday, November 14, where he not only showcased his usual comedic flair but also took the opportunity to troll fellow comedian Faizon Love.

The wild revelation all went down during an interview on the red carpet, where Williams deadpanned that he owns a pig named after Love, saying, “I have a pot-bellied pig named Fat Faizon who is like, just, a real joy to be around.”

Like, seriously. We need to see this alleged pig in action, ASAP. Are we talking micro pig? Full on hog or is does he even exist? Like does Katt own a farm? We have so many questions.

Get this, Williams’ somewhat playful jab was part of his ongoing back-and-forth with Love, a feud that dates back to a previous appearance on Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe. In that conversation, Williams coined the term “fat Faizon” while taking aim at Love’s career. Williams mocked Love’s claims about Netflix specials, stating, “I only put on comedians that are funnier than me. Anybody tell you different is a fat Faizon liar… Faizon said that getting a Netflix special is easy. I have 12 specials, guess how many Faizon got? Zero. Why is he allowed to have conversations about real stand-up people? We do not let people who are on the juice discuss real athletes, that’s all!” Williams even criticized Love’s acting career, further fueling the rivalry.

ICYMI, the “fat Faizon” moniker, which Williams popularized, became a staple in their ongoing feud, and it was clear he was having fun with it at the GQ event. In fact, Williams made quite the dramatic red carpet entrance, accompanied by a troupe of country dancers, adding another layer of theatricality to his trolling.

Here’s how Faizon Love responded to Williams’ remarks through socials. He suggested that Williams’ behavior is indicative of deeper issues. Love said, “It’s hard to address lunacy, and hypocrisy, and downright ignorance. But it’s so funny how many people think this dumb, stupid motherf*ker is spittin’ truth. But that’s the internet I guess, you guys want to believe in something so bad. Listen to what he’s saying, he’s actually calling for help. He’s calling for help. None of the sht he says lines up with nothing.”

While Love dismissed Williams’ comments as absurd, the ongoing feud between the two comedians shows no signs of letting up anytime soon.

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Carmelo Anthony Dishes on Unbelievable Stevie Wonder Story

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Hold up, what in the world did Stevie Wonder say?

Okay, Carmelo Anthony recently shared a surprising and amusing encounter with legendary musician Stevie Wonder, recounting a moment from the 2011 NBA All-Star Game. On a recent episode of his 7PM In Brooklyn podcast, Melo reminisced about the time he crossed paths with Wonder in the locker room, where the blind icon made a comment that left him momentarily confused.

According to Anthony, and if you believe this and we do, Wonder greeted him with an unexpected remark: “I love watching you play.” At first, the comment didn’t seem to land the way Stevie intended, leaving Melo looking perplexed. “Nahhhhhhh, what? He ain’t just say that,” Melo recalled, clearly baffled by the statement. The group of podcast hosts—including Rudy Gay, Kazeem Famuyide, and The Kid Mero—couldn’t help but laugh at Wonder’s comment, while Melo’s reaction remained one of bewilderment. As Melo put it, his face was “stoically confused,” as if hearing the statement for the first time, even though it was part of the ongoing interaction.

Get this, toward the end of the story, Melo teased that another basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, was also involved in the situation, adding with a smile, “My man ain’t here to vouch for us… so we gon’ leave that part of the story out of it.” The implication here was that Bryant might have witnessed the exchange but, since he wasn’t there to confirm the details, Melo chose to leave that part of the story untold.

While the moment left everyone in the studio laughing – including us although we weren’t in the studio, we’re not cool enough – and questioning the circumstances of the interaction, Melo’s story touches on a larger theme—Wonder’s well-known blindness, and how it sometimes doesn’t seem to hinder his remarkable awareness of the world around him. This wasn’t the first time Stevie Wonder’s ability to “see” beyond his blindness has been called into question.

Now check this out, in a similar vein, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal once shared a story on a 2019 episode of Inside the NBA that echoed the same sentiment. Shaq recalled an encounter with Stevie Wonder in which the musician seemingly recognized him before Shaq even had a chance to speak. “I’m going to tell y’all a Stevie Wonder story, but y’all not gonna believe me,” O’Neal began, setting the stage for his unbelievable tale.

According to Shaq, the encounter happened in the lobby of a building they both lived in on Wilshire Boulevard. “I’m already in the building and coming through the lobby. Door opens and it’s Stevie Wonder. He comes in, says ‘What’s up, Shaq?’ Presses the button, gets off on his floor by himself, goes to his room.” Shaq, in disbelief, called everyone he knew to recount the story, but no one believed him at first. “He got on the elevator, was like, ‘What’s up, Shaq, how you doing big dog?’ got out and gone. Yes, he did.”

There has to be a way to test this out in a respectful way. We need to know.

Both stories highlight Stevie Wonder’s seemingly supernatural ability to sense and interact with his surroundings in ways that defy conventional expectations of someone with his level of blindness. Whether it’s recognizing Carmelo Anthony in a locker room or greeting Shaq in a building lobby, these anecdotes suggest that Wonder’s other senses—or perhaps something even more remarkable—give him a unique connection to the world, one that surprises even those who encounter him.

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Happy Heavenly Born Day ODB! Top Five Most Memorable Ol’ Dirty Bastard Moments

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this day in Hip-Hop history, we celebrate the birth of one of the culture’s brightest stars, the late, great Russell Jones, affectionately known to the Hip-Hop world as Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

To Hip Hop, Dirt Dog was more than a rapper. His personality and ostentatious demeanor were representatives of the soul of Hip-Hop. He did not let the fame and status take away from his character. Those who knew him said that he remained true to himself throughout his career making him quite the public figure. According to some, Ol’ Dirty was the type to help an old woman cross the street then, once he got to the other side, run a bystander for his jewels. He was a nobleman with a righteous cause for sinning. His legacy is one that will not fade anytime soon.

In honor of his 50th-degree day, we have put together a top-five list of some of Big Baby Jesus’ most outrageous and memorable moments and these aren’t the only ones to chose from.

Performing as a Fugitive of Justice

In the fall of 2000, ODB was facing two charges for drug possession and had two separate warrants out for his arrest. This didn’t case The Specialist to lose any sleep. He, in fact, took the stage at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York performing exactly one verse before having to flee the scene. He even gave his fans a warning before gracing the mic saying, “I can’t stay on the stage too long tonight—the cops is after me.”

Taking a Limo to Pick Up Food Stamps

Who wouldn’t take advantage of the opportunity to pick up a government assistance check-in style, not ODB. In an MTV News interview, OL’ Dirty takes MTV and the viewers at home on a unique ride down to the welfare office in a fully-loaded stretch limo. If that wasn’t good enough, ODB’s response when asked why he is so blatantly making a mockery of the welfare system he responds, “[They] owe me 40 acres and a mule anyway.” Touche, Dirt Dog, touche.

Interrupting a Grammy Acceptance Speech

In 1998, way before Kanye embarrassed Taylor Swift on the VMA stage, ODB took to the stage to voice his opinion on Wu-Tang losing Best Rap Album to Puff Daddy & The Family’s No Way Out. Unfortunately for some, OBD didn’t make it on stage until Shawn Colvin was on stage making his acceptance speech for winning Song of the Year, much after the after Diddy was awarded his Grammy. In a few short moments, ODB expressed his frustration by saying,

“I went and bought me an outfit today that costed me a lot of money today because I figured Wu-Tang was going to win. I don’t know how y’all see it, but when to comes it to the children, Wu-Tang is for the children. We teach the children. Puffy is good, but Wu-Tang is the best. I want you to know that this is ODB, and I love you all.”

Giving an Interview for the Children with No Shoes on Outside

In one of his best interviews, ODB goes on a rant about being only for the children on the streets of Brooklyn, while barefoot. At first glance, it may seem strange, but if you think about it, the prophets of old were more than likely shoe-less. Trying to picture Jesus speaking to his disciples in a pair of crisp white Air Force Ones just isn’t right, maybe Big Baby was on to something.

Made video with Mariah Carey “Fantasy”

Just when you thought that there was only a “dirty version” to ODB, he opened up his soft side and collaborated with legendary songbird Mariah Carey for her “Fantasy” remix. Carey ended up being one of Dirty’s closest confidants, writing him letters of support during his two-year incarceration in upstate New York.

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Kehlani Speaks Out Amid Heated Custody Battle with Javaughn Young-White

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Recording artist Kehlani has found herself in the midst of a highly publicized custody dispute with her ex-partner, guitarist Javaughn Young-White. The battle, which has spanned several months, has become increasingly contentious, with allegations and accusations surfacing on both sides.

Three months ago, Kehlani was granted temporary sole custody of her five-year-old daughter and obtained a restraining order against Young-White, citing allegations of abuse. Court documents reveal that Kehlani accused Young-White of creating an unsafe environment for their child and exhibiting volatile behavior. In one incident, she alleged that he became enraged and smashed through her locked bedroom doors. Young-White, for his part, has denied the allegations, claiming that Kehlani is the abusive one and that he severed contact with her due to her behavior.

Allegations Spark Public Scrutiny

The dispute took a dramatic turn this week when private text messages between Kehlani and Young-White were leaked online. Among the most controversial revelations was a message in which Kehlani recounted a tarot reader’s claim that her daughter had been her “wife” in a past life. While Kehlani insists the exchange was meant to be lighthearted and not taken seriously, critics online labeled the remark “inappropriate,” fueling public speculation and scrutiny.

Kehlani responded on Wednesday (Nov. 13) in a statement addressing the backlash. She vehemently denied any wrongdoing and accused Young-White of manipulating the texts to tarnish her reputation.

“To have those screenshots then doctored, the rest of messages left out, to make me seem like I consider myself to be in an inappropriate relationship with my DAUGHTER… is the most heartbreaking thing I’ve ever f**king heard,” she wrote on social media.

She added that the allegations crossed a line, emphasizing her deep love and respect for her child. “THIS is where I absolutely draw the line… I do NOT, and have NEVER, considered myself in any sort of inappropriate relationship with my child.”

A Longstanding Battle

This week’s developments are just the latest in a months-long feud. In court filings from earlier this year, Kehlani claimed Young-White called her derogatory names and accused her of “trapping him.” Additionally, she alleged that he was preventing their daughter from attending kindergarten and spreading claims that she is part of a cult.

The ongoing legal battle has been emotionally taxing for both parties, with Kehlani describing the situation as “heartbreaking.” As tensions continue to escalate, she has stated that she plans to address the allegations through the courts, rather than through public discourse.

What are your thoughts?

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Denzel Washington Reveals a Gay Kiss Scene Was Cut from ‘Gladiator II’

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Denzel Washington Reveals He had a Gay Kiss in 'Gladiator II' But It Was Cut 1 3 screenshot

Denzel Washington is pulling the curtain back on his work in Gladiator II. Speaking with Gaytey, Washington revealed he kissed a man while filming the movie.

Washington was jokingly asked, “How gay is the Roman empire?”

To which he answered: “I actually kissed a man in the film, but they took it out, they cut it, I think they got chicken. I kissed a guy full on the lips, and I guess they weren’t ready for that yet. I killed him about five minutes later. It’s ‘Gladiator.’ It’s the kiss of death.”

You can hear Washington make the reveal below.

The star-studded cast boasts Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, Connie Nielsen, and Denzel Washington.

The long-gestating sequel is directed by Ridley Scott (Napoleon) from a screenplay written by David Scarpa (Napoleon) based on a story penned by Scarpa and Peter Craig.

Check out the official synopsis:

Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the revered hero Maximus’s death at his uncle’s hands, Lucius (Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

Get this Gladiator II pairs Oscar winners Washington and Scott back again. The last time they collaborated was American Gangster, 15 years ago. We all know how that went – amazing, so it’ll be interesting to see what kind of magic they muster on this soon-to-be epic sequel.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Method Man’s Debut Album ‘Tical’ Turns 30 Years Old!

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

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On this day in Hip-Hop history, Method Man released his debut solo LP Tical. Sticking to RZA’s plan on industry domination, Method was the first to roll out his solo LP after the ridiculous success group debut Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). In the early years of the Wu, Method Man had grown become the public face of the group. His larger than life persona and a multitude of styles won over the hearts and ears of fans after the groups first single “Protect Ya Neck” had “Method Man” on it’s B-side.

Tical delves deeper into the sinister villainous style previewed on 36 Chambers. Method Man creates a dark anti-hero on this album who hungers for the career of wack rappers and perpetrators. It was truly a violent introduction to one of the most outrageous members of the Wu, second only to ODB in theatrical personality.

Considered a “two-man show” by critics, the album was almost entirely produced by RZA. As the Wu’s architect, RZA created specific sounds for each member. Method unique sonic was the most film inspired. Meth continued to build a character likened to the many crime bosses and master villains that starred in his beloved Kung-Fu flicks. Aside from the image, lyrically the album is on another level. Method Man flawlessly juggles synonyms and metaphors with a flow that weaves in and out of the beat to create a hardcore symphony of Shaolin style.

Commercially, the album was a hit and only added on to the cipher of success revolving around the Wu-Tang Clan. The album peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart selling a million copies within a year of its release. It kick-started a wave of successful solo albums and keep afloat RZA’s five-year plan to becoming the greatest rap group in history.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: The Beastie Boys’ Dropped Their Sophomore LP ‘Licensed To Ill’ 38 Years Ago

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

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On this date 38 years ago, Adam Horowitz (Ad Rock), Adam Yauch (MCA), and Michael Diamond (Mike D) aka The Beastie Boys, dropped their sophomore LP Licensed To Ill, on the Def Jam Imprint under Columbia Records.

On the heels of the successful LL Cool J Radio album and the cult classic flick Krush Groove, Def Jam head honcho Russell Simmons decided to head in the most unconventional direction with the quasi-punk rock/Hip-Hop trio for Def Jam’s follow-up to those monumental releases. The original title of this release was Don’t Be A Faggot, but Columbia Records pushed Simmons to change the homophobic title.

Rated as one of The Source Magazine‘s Top 100 Best Albums, Licensed To Ill received the coveted five-mic status, a precedent for Jewish Hip Hop artists. In less than six months after its release, this critically acclaimed project earned the Beastie Boys a platinum plaque, lead by the singles “Brass Monkey,” “No Sleep Til Brooklyn,” “Hold It Now, Hit It” and the storytelling smash “Paul Revere.”

Unfortunately, crew member MCA lost his battle with cancer in 2012, which actually caused a resurgence in the album’s popularity and sales.

Salute to Def Jam, Russell Simmons, Ad Rock, Mike D and the continued legacy of MCA for creating such a timeless Hip Hop classic!

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Lil Baby Returns With Two New Tracks “5AM” And “Insecurities”

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this morning, Grammy-Award winning superstar Lil Baby’s (Quality Control Music/Motown) made his triumphant return to rap supremacy with “5 AM.” Directed by Skeeboe, “5 AM” highlights the Atlanta superstar’s charisma and Teflon’s resiliency, which are ultimately the driving forces of the track. “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 charged back with his official new single “Insecurities” Directed by Hidji, Baby lays out the reasons 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 continues to keep 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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Juice WRLD And Nicki Minaj Unite On “All Girls Are The Same 2 (Insecure)”

November 15, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Juice WRLD and Nicki Minaj unite on “All Girls Are the Same 2 (Insecure)” the never-released, never-leaked sequel to the late legend’s first-ever single. via Grade A Productions & Interscope Records.

Fans will also have the chance to celebrate Juice’s music in person with the fourth annual (and final) Juice WRLD Day at Chicago’s United Center on November 30, presented by Grade A Productions. The global celebration of life will include an exclusive listening experience, plus special guest performances and other surprises.

The original “All Girls Are the Same (Insecure)” introduced the globe to an artist whose impact would turn out to be nothing short of monumental. The vulnerable 2017 hit — an emo-rap archetype — has since been RIAA-certified 8x Platinum®, racking up over a billion streams on Spotify alone, while inspiring countless artists and fans alike to explore their feelings out in the open.

“All Girls Are the Same 2 (Insecure)” opens with a familiar refrain, “I admit it, another ho got me finished,” but nothing else is the same. Juice is a rock star now, singing with his chest out, voice fraying as he paints the scene: “Bad women, no-good bad women / Hotel rooms in Versace linens / Wake up in the morning screaming for some Advil / Last night, last night was too mad real.”

Echoing Juice’s vulnerability, Nicki sings throughout the song before sharing some bars and a final thought that seems to speak directly to her old friend: “Is there anyway, is there anyway / That you book a different plane and say you’ll stay?”

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