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Drake Reveals Financial Impact Of Feud with Kendrick Lamar

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Screenshot 2024 11 27 at 9.37.39 PM

This is not how things go in a battle. Well, at least in Hip Hop.

Drake has taken his feud with Kendrick Lamar to a new level by filing a petition against his own label, Universal Music Group (UMG). On Monday, the rapper accused UMG and Spotify of launching what he described as a “campaign to manipulate and saturate the streaming services and airwaves” with Lamar’s global hit diss track, “Not Like Us.” The song, celebrated as a modern classic, topped charts worldwide and has become a cornerstone of Kendrick’s discography.

In his filing, Drake claimed that the overwhelming success of “Not Like Us” directly harmed him financially. “UMG’s choice to saturate the music market with ‘Not Like Us’ comes at the expense of its other artists,” the petition stated, notably emphasizing Drake’s own career impact. As the owner of his entire catalog’s copyright through his own company, Drake alleged that the label’s actions led to “economic harm” and diminished opportunities for his music to thrive.

The petition further argued that streaming and licensing operate as a “zero-sum game,” where the success of one song inevitably limits the success of others. Drake also accused UMG of retaliating against his inner circle, claiming the company terminated employees associated with or perceived as loyal to him. His legal team referred to the promotional tactics employed by UMG and Spotify as “schemes,” asserting that these efforts unfairly prioritized Lamar’s song at his expense.

Drake’s decision to pursue legal action has sparked controversy within the music industry. Critics and insiders have mocked the move, suggesting it validates Kendrick Lamar’s critiques in “Not Like Us.” Charlamagne tha God shared his thoughts on social media, calling the lawsuit a weak response to losing a rap battle. “Because you lost a rap battle? Come on, man,” Charlamagne wrote.

Meanwhile, Lamar’s affiliates, including Rapsody, Mustard, and TDE’s Punch, joined the chorus of criticism, accusing Drake of exhibiting behavior fitting of the song’s title. “This is exactly what ‘Not Like Us’ was talking about,” one commented.

As the legal drama unfolds, the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar appears to be reigniting on both personal and professional levels, adding a new layer of intrigue to their storied rivalry.

The post Drake Reveals Financial Impact Of Feud with Kendrick Lamar appeared first on The Source Magazine.

Pharrell Williams Inspires at 4th Annual Black Ambition Demo Day

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Last week I had the privilege of attending Pharrell Williams’ 4th Annual Black Ambition Demo Day in New York City, an event that celebrated the innovation and resilience of Black and Latino entrepreneurs. Hosted by Pharrell himself, the event was a testament to the power of community and the drive to create opportunities where they’ve historically been denied.

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Pharrell’s Powerful Words

Before the festivities began, Pharrell delivered a heartfelt and insightful speech that left the room inspired. He posed a challenge to everyone in attendance, saying:

*”Are you going to be mad that this didn’t turn out the way you thought it was going to turn out the way you wanted it to turn out?

Or are you going to build your own table where you decide who can come and sit at your table and you decide how big your chair is and you decide what kind of silverware you’re going to use that day?

What are you going to do? And the energy that is out there, yeah, it’s dark, but our ancestors went through worse. They went through worse.

We’re met with a lot of divisiveness, and you will hear comments, ‘Man, our ancestors went through worse.’ Listen, trust me when I tell you, be the sunlight that you want to see in others. Be the sunlight in the situation that you want to see. Be the sunlight that you want to see in the moments that light up where it just feels dark. Just be the sunlight. Trust me, the sunlight is the greatest disinfectant.”*

Pharrell’s words resonated deeply, encouraging entrepreneurs to persevere, innovate, and bring light into challenging situations.

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What Is Black Ambition?

Black Ambition is Pharrell’s non-profit organization focused on supporting Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. The organization helps build groundbreaking businesses that will shape the future, offering critical resources, mentorship, and funding.

The annual Demo Day is the culmination of a 9-month journey that includes a national competition, mentorship programs, and pitch training. This year, more than $2.7 million will be awarded to finalists, including a $1,000,000 grand prize for the top venture.

Participants represent industries ranging from consumer products to AI, with the top 10 from the HBCU Pre-Accelerator Program joining national competition winners to form a cohort of dynamic entrepreneurs.

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A Day of Empowerment and Connection

The event also featured a panel conversation with Pharrell, where media and audiences had the opportunity to ask questions. I posed a question about balancing legacy-building with the challenges of systemic inequities, and Pharrell’s thoughtful response emphasized resilience and intentionality.

The day concluded with a vibrant networking reception, where Black Ambition founders, VIPs, and media mingled, celebrating the incredible achievements of the entrepreneurs and the promise of their innovative ventures.

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The Future Is Bright

Black Ambition Demo Day is more than a competition—it’s a movement. Pharrell’s vision of creating opportunities for underrepresented communities is being realized, one entrepreneur at a time. As he said, “Be the sunlight,” and this event was a shining example of just that.

For more information on Black Ambition, visit blackambitionprize.com.

The post Pharrell Williams Inspires at 4th Annual Black Ambition Demo Day appeared first on The Source Magazine.

Snoop Dogg’s ‘Doggyland’ Children’s Series Debuts “Thanksgiving Song”

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Screenshot 2024 11 27 at 8.48.15 AM

Doggyland, the beloved animated children’s series co-created by Snoop Dogg, Claude Brooks, and October London, is serving up some wholesome holiday cheer with the release of its brand new “Thanksgiving Song.”

In this festive sing-along episode, Barks-A-Locks invites viewers and all of his friends in Doggyland to join him and his family for a heartwarming Thanksgiving celebration. With vibrant visuals and a catchy tune, Woofee, Yap Yap, Chow Wow, Bow Wizzle, and the show’s newcomer, Vancy (voiced by the talented VanVan), join Barks-A-Locks in celebrating the spirit of gratitude. Together, they sing about family, food, and the joy of being thankful, reminding young viewers about the importance of love and togetherness.

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Written by Kamilah Chevel and Ali Alimi, with background vocals from October London, the “Thanksgiving Song” perfectly captures the essence of the holiday, showcasing Doggyland’s signature blend of music and social-emotional lessons to create an engaging experience for kids and their families. This episode is sure to become a favorite tradition for Thanksgiving celebrations everywhere. “I really enjoyed making the song ‘Thanksgiving’ with everyone”, says VanVan. “I’m just so thankful for everything that’s happened to me. And not to mention, this beat was fire!”, VanVan says of the song’s production by Rochad Holiday (Somethin’ For The People).

“I am delighted to finally share our Doggyland Thanksgiving video with the world. Thanksgiving is all about family, and we’ve brought the whole Doggyland extended family together to celebrate. All of our characters are here including our newest character Vancy voiced by the extraordinary VanVan. This video reminds people of all ages to be thankful, have a good time, relax and celebrate togetherness.” – Snoop Dogg

The “Thanksgiving Song” episode is now streaming on the Doggyland YouTube channel and available on all major digital platforms. Gather the family, sing along, and let Doggyland bring extra joy to your holiday season.

The post Snoop Dogg’s ‘Doggyland’ Children’s Series Debuts “Thanksgiving Song” appeared first on The Source Magazine.

Happy Birthday To The Legendary Kool DJ Red Alert!

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Screenshot 2024 11 27 at 8.41.50 AM

On this date in 1956, one of Hip Hop’s original gatekeepers, Fred Crute aka Kool DJ Red Alert, was born on the Caribbean island of Antigua. Red Alert, a Hampton University alumnus, has become one of the least celebrated trailblazers of Hip Hop’s in its 50th year celebration. In the immortal words of Just-Ice in his 1989 hit “Going Way Back”, “…and to earn a position and do hard work/ you could ask Kool Herc or my man Red Alert..”

Influenced by the likes of DJ Grandmaster Flowers and famed radio personality Frankie Crocker, Red Alert is recognized as the first DJ to record mix compilation albums, which later became known as the “mixtape”. Red was also at the forefront of the legendary BDP vs. The Juice Crew battle, in which he set off the on-wax war when he broke the “South Bronx” single on KISS FM . Red is also the first radio DJ to play dancehall music on-air in the mid 80s. Red is also known for his signature chant “YEAAAAaaaaaah!” at the beginning and throughout his radio show mixes and appearances on various rap classic records.

Once established on NYC’s 98.7 KISS FM as the station’s premier Hip Hop DJ, Red Alert discovered more than a few legendary groups including the Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah and other artists who were under the Native Tongues umbrella. He is also the only Hip Hop DJ with a display in the coveted Rock N’ Roll Hall Of Fame in Ohio.

Salute to Red on his 68th born day and for his unprecedented contribution to the culture of Hip Hop!

The post Happy Birthday To The Legendary Kool DJ Red Alert! appeared first on The Source Magazine.

Today in Hip-Hop History: Ludacris Dropped His Sophomore Album ‘Word Of Mouf’ 23 Years Ago

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On this day in 2001, Ludacris released his second full-length album, Word of Mouf. This LP was ridiculously successful, debuting at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling 281,000 copies in the first week. It also received critical acclaim, being nominated for a Grammy for Best Hip Hop album (he lost to The Eminem Show). The album today is Ludacris’ top-selling album and is certified triple platinum-selling 3,674,000 copies in the United States.

His debut album, Back for the First Time, peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 and served as a launching pad for the new sound that was refined on his Word of Mouth album. Containing hits like “Roll Out”, “Area Codes”, and “Move B****”, it is easy to see why Word Of Mouf got the attention it did. The production on this project, coming from the likes of Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and Jazzy Pha helped to set the tone of the early 2000s rap music.

Word Of Mouf as a whole embodied a lot of what southern rap was in the 2000s. There were club hits like “Move B****”, that could appropriately get any function jumping and there were introspective, soulful story-rich tracks such as “Growing Pains”. The spectrum of styles that this album provided suited a plethora of listeners. After this project, Ludacris finally reached a #1 album with Chicken and Beer and continued to grow into a household name in Hip Hop. Even today, Ludacris is a highly respected figure in rap and can still be heard every now and again on someone’s radio single as a strong feature. Take some time today to reminisce and listen to this project that helped shape a legend.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Ludacris Dropped His Sophomore Album ‘Word Of Mouf’ 23 Years Ago appeared first on The Source Magazine.

Walmart Scales Back DEI Initiatives Amid Conservative Pressure

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Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, has announced significant adjustments to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, drawing attention amid criticism from conservative activists.

The retail giant revealed it will not renew its racial equity center, an initiative launched in response to the 2020 murder of George Floyd, and will no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual LGBTQ+ benchmark index.

Conservative commentator Robby Starbuck claimed he had discussions with Walmart executives after informing the company of a forthcoming report on “wokeness” within its policies. Starbuck said the retailer responded positively, making commitments to modify several practices.

“Removing wokeness from Walmart has both downstream effects on suppliers and sets the tone for corporate America,” Starbuck told the media. “Changing the operating policies of a company nearing $1 trillion in value is a monumental achievement.”

As part of the changes, Walmart agreed to monitor third-party marketplace items for “inappropriate sexual and/or transgender products marketed to children,” review its Pride-related funding, and discontinue the use of the term “Latinx” in official communications, according to Starbuck.

However, Walmart emphasized that many of these changes had been planned for years and were not solely influenced by recent conversations. For instance, the company noted it had already begun shifting its terminology from DEI to “belonging” and restructured its supplier diversity program.

In a statement, Walmart affirmed its commitment to fostering inclusivity. “We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers, and suppliers, and to be a Walmart for everyone,” the company said.

The retailer’s actions come amid growing scrutiny of corporate DEI initiatives, reflecting a broader cultural and political debate about the role of business in social justice.

The post Walmart Scales Back DEI Initiatives Amid Conservative Pressure appeared first on The Source Magazine.

Peter Rosenberg Explores Beyoncé’s Grammy Legacy And The Making of ‘Cowboy Carter’ On New “This Ain’t Texas” Podcast

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Since Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album garnered 11 Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year, Peter Rosenberg is launching a podcast series exploring the significance of Cowboy Carter with “This Ain’t Texas.”

Check out the trailer and first episode HERE

In the trailer, Rosenberg cited Beyoncé as the most important artist of her generation. He also cited Cowboy Carter as “a genre-defining, captivating, and, to some, polarizing masterpiece.” “This Ain’t Texas” will have Rosenberg discuss with producers from the album and music critics about the album’s making, Beyonce’s long history with the Grammys, and the controversies surrounding the album. 

“I am so excited about this. It is just going to run from the end of November until the first week of February. I am calling it a “pop-up” podcast. I decided to make time for this because I think Beyoncé’s career arc and this specific Cowboy Carter album are worth exploring in depth — particularly because I believe she has, hands down, the album of the year. So, I am going to talk to writers, critics, musicians, producers, and Beyoncé collaborators about her career and why this album should be the first to get her album of the year,” said Rosenberg

The post Peter Rosenberg Explores Beyoncé’s Grammy Legacy And The Making of ‘Cowboy Carter’ On New “This Ain’t Texas” Podcast appeared first on .

Today in Hip-Hop History: No Limit’s Soulja Slim Shot and Killed 21 Years Ago

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On this day in 2003, James Tapp Jr., who is better known to the Hip Hop community as Soulja Slim, was shot and killed in front of his mother’s residence the night before Thanksgiving in his hometown of New Orleans. He was 26 years old.

Slim’s killer, the 22-year-old Gerelle Smith, was arrested on New Year’s Eve for the shooting but was released after no witnesses would come forward, even though the murder weapon was found in Smith’s possession. In August 2011, Smith was also shot and killed.

The New Orleans District Attorney’s office still has Slim’s murder listed as a cold case.

Soulja Slim is best known for his Juvenile assisted “Slow Motion”, which was the premiere track that featured both of New Orleans’ Hip-Hop first families; No Limit Records and Cash Money Records.

Salute to Slim (RIP) and the city of New Orleans for giving the world a chance to hear the voice of one of its kings.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: No Limit’s Soulja Slim Shot and Killed 21 Years Ago appeared first on .

Stevie J Speaks on Watching Diddy’s Assault of Cassie: ‘It Really Threw Me For a Loop’

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Stevie J is revealing his reaction to the video of Diddy beating Cassie in a hotel hallway. Appearing on The Downfall of Diddy docuseries by TMZ, Stevie J says, “It really threw me for a loop.”

“After I saw the video, I went and saw him in Miami and we had a conversation. And I let him know how affected I was by that. I didn’t know he had that in him to do that,” Stevie said. “I just know that he was in a dark place in his life, as he described to me. He was just doing a lot of drugs and it was just dark for him.”

In March, Stevie J stood by Diddy as he was being investigated for sex trafficking. Hitting social media, Stevie dropped a video, captioned: “No weapon formed against us shall prosper.” In the video, Stevie J nods his head to a gospel beat.

In a recent Diddy lawsuit, Stevie J was mentioned. The former Love and Hip-Hop star was allegedly in a sex tape with a white man.

After the images of said sex tape leaked to the Internet, an adult star, D’Angelo “Knockout” Marquis, hit X, formerly Twitter, to say he was the one in the video. “That’s me smh,” he wrote.

In a separate tweet, Knockout wrote: “They will not bring him down off my name try again.”

You can read more about the lawsuit here.

The post Stevie J Speaks on Watching Diddy’s Assault of Cassie: ‘It Really Threw Me For a Loop’ appeared first on .

Sexxy Red Ties Drake With The Most #1 Singles On US Apple Music In One Year

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Screenshot 2024 11 25 at 5.29.13 PM

Sexyy Red continues her meteoric rise in the music world, achieving an impressive milestone by tying with rap superstar Drake for two No. 1 singles on Apple Music. The St. Louis native is proving her dominance in the rap game, with her infectious hits capturing widespread attention and acclaim.

Her recent success places her among elite company, as Drake, a certified chart-topper, has consistently dominated streaming platforms throughout his career. For Sexyy Red, this achievement signals her transition from rising star to a mainstay in contemporary hip-hop.

The singles that secured this feat for Sexyy Red are “SkeeYee” and her feature on “Rich Baby Daddy” with Drake and SZA. Both tracks have not only showcased her unique flow and charisma but also demonstrated her ability to stand out alongside heavyweight collaborators. Her contributions to “Rich Baby Daddy” earned particular praise for their high-energy delivery, further cementing her reputation as a versatile artist.

The rapper’s vibrant personality and unapologetic style have resonated with fans, catapulting her singles to the top of the charts. Her authenticity and ability to craft catchy, club-ready tracks have made her a standout voice in the industry.

This feat adds to a breakout year for Sexyy Red, who has seen her music and persona embraced by fans and collaborators alike. Tying with an artist of Drake’s caliber is a testament to her talent and the power of her growing fanbase.

With momentum on her side and her star power rapidly increasing, Sexyy Red shows no signs of slowing down. Fans and critics alike eagerly await what the rapper will deliver next as she continues to solidify her position as one of the hottest names in music today.

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