You got to admit, Quavo has been ACTIVE in the community. He’s a legit philanthropist that is backing up his words with actions. This time he’s teaming with Atlanta City Council Member Andrea L. Boone for the second annual Huncho Farms Holiday Farmers Market, held at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church on December 19. Sponsored by the Quavo Cares Foundation, the event provided over 300 Southwest Atlanta families with fresh groceries to help them prepare festive holiday meals.
So the farmers market, set up to resemble a traditional market, featured tents filled with fresh produce, meats, bread, and pastries. Families also enjoyed holiday cooking workshops led by local chefs and festive activities for all ages. Quavo, recently named Variety’s Hitmakers Humanitarian of the Year for his work in gun control advocacy, appeared alongside Councilwoman Boone to support the community.
“I’m so grateful that Quavo and the Quavo Cares Foundation chose this community for their Huncho Farms event this year,” said Councilmember Boone. “This neighborhood is situated in a food desert, where a vast number of grandparents are raising their grandchildren. This farmer’s market-style food drive will assist many hard-working people who deserve to have healthy fresh food and vegetable options this holiday season. Thanks to the generosity of the Quavo Cares Foundation, our residents will enjoy a beautiful Christmas dinner.”
Get this, the Quavo Cares Foundation has made significant contributions to Southwest Atlanta through initiatives like Huncho Farms. This year’s market built on the success of last year’s event, drawing inspiration from local farmers markets to create a welcoming atmosphere. The foundation also collaborates with organizations like HOPE Hustlers, a leading criminal violence intervention group and part of The Rocket Foundation’s SPARK grants program collective.
Quavo’s clear commitment to giving back extends beyond food security. As founder of The Rocket Foundation, the artist has focused on addressing gun violence and promoting community development. His efforts have earned widespread recognition, further solidifying his role as a key figure in both music and humanitarian work.
What’s more, by partnering with Councilwoman Boone and local organizations, Quavo continues to uplift his hometown and inspire positive change, especially in underserved areas like Southwest Atlanta.
Here we go. A recent exposé by Business Insider journalists Jack Newsham and Katherine Long has revealed that high-profile artists, including Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Marshmello, misused millions in government-issued COVID-19 relief funds. These funds, provided through the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program, were originally intended to support struggling venues and artists impacted by the pandemic. Instead, they were reportedly exploited to fund extravagant lifestyles, including private jets, designer shopping sprees, and luxury parties.
Now get this, the SVOG, signed into law in 2020, aimed to offer financial lifelines to the entertainment sector, which faced widespread shutdowns during the pandemic. However, according to accounting documents reviewed by Business Insider, several wealthy artists manipulated the program for personal gain.
Okay when it comes to Lil Wayne, for instance, he received $8.9 million in SVOG funds but reportedly used over $1.3 million on private jet travel and more than $460,000 on high-end clothing brands like Balenciaga and Gucci. Additionally, taxpayers footed a $175,000 bill for expenses tied to a music festival promoting Wayne’s marijuana brand, GKUA. Nearly $15,000 of the funds allegedly went toward flights and luxury accommodations for women with no apparent connection to his professional activities.
What’s more to the reported, Chris Brown’s company, CBE Touring, secured a $10 million grant, of which Brown pocketed $5.1 million personally. According to the report, $80,000 was spent on his 33rd birthday party, which included “atmosphere models,” hookahs, and nitrogen ice cream.
And when it comes to Marshmello, he received $9.9 million in SVOG funds, all of which he awarded to himself. As Business Insider highlighted, the DJ justified this by citing his high earnings from 2019, allowing him to claim the full grant. He reportedly paid himself more than any other artist in the program.
Other musicians named in the report included Steve Aoki and members of Alice in Chains, who allegedly misappropriated SVOG funds as well.
If unfamiliar, the Small Business Administration (SBA), which administered the SVOG program, stated that it was instructed to evaluate revenue loss but not the assets of applicants. This loophole allowed millionaire musicians to claim funds intended for struggling artists and venues.
The misuse of COVID-19 relief funds has been a recurring issue. Programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the SVOG were designed to help businesses and individuals survive the economic fallout of the pandemic. However, these initiatives often faced criticism for inadequate oversight, which allowed high-earning individuals and corporations to access funds meant for those in need.
This lookalike phenomenon is going crazy. Drake surprised fans by donating $17,000 (USD $10,000) as the main prize for a Toronto bakery’s lookalike competition held in his honor.
The “Started From the Bottom” Billboard Award winning icon reached out to Casuals Cakery via Instagram, writing, “I’m adding 10 bands to the lookalike contest. For the main prize.” Overwhelmed, the bakery replied, “I can’t believe this is ur account and u know about this omg i love you.”
Get this, the event saw participants dressed in humorous renditions of Drake, including “Ozempic Drake,” “Denim Drake,” and “Durag Drake.” However, Makayla Chambers, known as ‘Girl Drake,’ claimed victory by mimicking Drake’s look with an oversized beige sweatshirt, black pants, pigtails, and a fake goatee.
What’s more in Drake showing love fashion, he reshared videos of the event on Instagram with laughing emojis, adding, “I love this city.” Lookalike contests have been gaining popularity, as seen in October when a Timothée Chalamet event in New York City attracted massive crowds before being shut down by police.
He’s known for crashing weddings, but over the weekend, Owen Wilson took “crashing” to a whole new level when he joined Travis Scott onstage during his performance of “FE!N” at Rolling Loud, much to the surprise and delight of the audience.
Wilson joined Scott on the rain-soaked stage as the song began, coming out and announcing “I’m feining for more” as pyrotechnics lit up the stage. Video footage shared to X (formerly Twitter) shows Wilson jumping around and pumping his fist as Scott performs his 2023 hit.
However, the performance was not an indication that Wilson will be leaving acting and entering the world of hip-hop anytime soon. The performance was reportedly staged as part of Wilson’s upcoming film, Rolling Loud, a comedy in which he stars opposite Matt Rife about a father who ventures to the music festival with his son and co-worker (Rife).
Scott, however, appeared thrilled to be joined by Wilson, posting a clip from the performance with the caption “made mi day” on his Instagram story, followed by a photo of Wilson’s iconic 1996 film “Bottle Rocket” with the caption “lej” (assumed to be a reference to Wilson’s legendary status).
The film Rolling Loud, which is written and directed by American High‘s Jeremy Garelic, is set to be released in 2025. In addition to his involvement in the film, Rife is currently in the midst of his Stay Golden Tour while Wilson has just wrapped up his second season of Disney+’s acclaimed Marvel series Loki. Scott, meanwhile, is set to headline at Coachella in April.
The celebrity lookalike contest trend continues. This time in the 6 where Drake fans have a shot to see if they have the best likeness to the Drizzy. So get this, Casuals Cakery a bakery with an obviously cool name, is hosting what they call a Drake Era’s Lookalike Contest on Saturday, December 14. The quirky event, taking place at Apt. 200 from 4 to 6 p.m., promises a fun celebration of the rapper’s style and fashion throughout the years.
This Marks Canada’s First Drake Lookalike Contest …
Casuals Cakery claims this is Canada’s first lookalike contest, inspired by similar events in the U.S. honoring stars like Timothée Chalamet and Harry Styles. The bakery is searching for someone who can best embody Drake’s style, creativity, and charisma across his many fashion eras.
Get this, in a playful Instagram post, the bakery described the event as “a perfect event to meet crodies, broski’s & your rich baby daddy.”
In Came the $10,000 Prize from the 6 God …
The contest got even more exciting when Drake himself joined in, offering a generous $10,000 prize for the winner. Casuals Cakery shared the news on Instagram, posting a screenshot of a direct message from Drake where he pledged “10 bands to the lookalike contest as the main prize.”
The bakery captioned the post: “I can barely type and a whole shock went through my body. But yes, this is true and real & I hope the Drake doppelgängers ready.”
There’s Additional Prizes and Details …
What’s more, in addition to the cash prize, the winner will receive a “certified Toronto Manz pack,” which includes a bottle of Hennessy, a pack of Backwoods, and other surprises.
Entry to the contest is on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited space available. Contestants are encouraged to pay tribute to Drake’s iconic looks from any era, bringing their own flair to the stage.
If you think you have what it takes to be crowned Drake’s ultimate lookalike, this is your chance to prove it—and take home a massive cash prize while celebrating Toronto’s very own 6 God.
The Earn Your Masters series wrapped up in spectacular fashion at Art Basel Miami, marking the third and final stop of the event. Previous stops included Charlotte, NC, and Chicago, IL. The event brought together industry leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs to celebrate the intersection of culture, innovation, and empowerment. Presented by UnitedMasters, Ally, and Earn Your Leisure, the event awarded Jux Darko $50,000 in seed money for his innovative startup, Mixplug, an A.I.-powered platform aimed at democratizing music production. Mixplug simplifies mixing and mastering for artists and producers, helping to make high-quality music creation more accessible than ever.
Music and Creative Artist, Tobe Nwigwe, shared his inspiring journey in a conversation with Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, co-founders of Earn Your Leisure and leading voices in the financial literacy space. Known for empowering communities through their content and initiatives, Rashad and Troy discussed with Tobe the importance of taking calculated risks and investing in oneself.
Tobe recounted a pivotal moment when a chance hangout with Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya, where he met a Reebok executive who sparked a collaboration opportunity with the iconic sneaker brand. That moment eventually led to Tobe’s major Reebok partnership that’s dropping in 2025, proving the power of authentic connections.
Tobe also shared an incredible story about working with Pharrell Williams. After catching a vibe together, Pharrell invited Tobe to the studio and they created a song together. The next day, Tobe received an invoice at a discounted “homie” rate—but at a price that was expensive as an independent artist. Despite the fee, Tobe paid for the song and seized the opportunity. Months later, Pharrell offered Tobe a spot working with him on a Moncler campaign, which turned out to pay twice as much as the song cost, making it a true full-circle moment of an investment paying off through their budding relationship. Click here for the video clip.
The ‘Mogul Talk’ panel featured Steve Stoute alongside Drink Champs co-hosts N.O.R.E. and EFN, who shared their rise in the entertainment industry. N.O.R.E. reflected on the journey of Drink Champs, from its grassroots beginnings to becoming a full-scale podcast production with millions of listeners. He also recounted his interview with Dr. Dre, where he playfully pushed back on Dre’s claim that ‘The Firm’ album was a flop, stating, “How could it flop when it made me?” Steve Stoute added to the moment byrevealing that the controversial line in question was actually written by Eminem for Dr. Dre.
The evening was filled with unforgettable performances and surprise appearances. Mystic Marley, granddaughter of reggae icon Bob Marley, delivered an acoustic set that captivated the audience. Later, host K Foxx of 99 Jamz, invited Rotimi to the stage for a surprise performance, where he energized the crowd with one of his latest hits. The event drew a star-studded audience, including Buju Banton, Grammy-winning producer Bangladesh, artist Fredo Bang and legendary journalist, Shaheem Reid. Click here for the Mystic Marley performance.
The Sports Bra panel was a standout moment of the event, offering an enlightening and empowering discussion centered on women in sports and entrepreneurship. Featuring trailblazing voices and WNBA powerhouses Brenna Stewart and Renee Montgomery and Ally’s Executive Director of Brand and Sponsorships Mktg., Bridget Sponsky, who have broken barriers and redefined their industries. The panel highlighted the importance of equity, innovation, and collaboration in creating opportunities for women.
The Earn Your Masters series,with leaders Steve Stoute, Rashad Bilal, and Troy Millings, partnered with Ally Bank, has set a new standard for supporting creatives, offering tools, resources, and mentorship to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs. This finale wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of what’s possible when culture and creativity are paired with tangible opportunities.
Grammy-winning artist and cultural innovator Chance the Rapper left a mark on Miami Art Week, merging music, art, and technology through a series of groundbreaking events that celebrated his forthcoming interdisciplinary project, Star Line.
Throughout the week, Chance hosted his Writings On The Wall: A Star Line Listening Experience at Wynwood Studios from December 3-6. The immersive activation offered fans an intimate, multi-sensory preview of his upcoming project, blending surround sound listening, exclusive cinematography, and large-scale visual art. Attendees sat on oversized bean bags, experienced the music through headphones and vibrating subwoofers, and interacted with projected lyrics and visuals that brought the Star Line project to life. The experience encouraged fans to connect deeply with the music by disconnecting from their phones, jotting down thoughts in provided notebooks, and fully immersing themselves in the creative process. Exclusive merchandise was also available, adding a collectible touch to the event.
On December 5, Chance headlined Ocean Drive Magazine’s Art of the Party, a star-studded event celebrating his cover story in their Annual Art Issue. The evening underscored his influence in the worlds of art and music and solidified his reputation as a cultural trailblazer. Check out the cover story here: https://oceandrive.com/chance-the-rapper
Later that night, he made a surprise appearance at Soho House’s Secret Soho Sounds series with an unannounced performance, delighting guests with an intimate set. Chance also performed at Paramount’s Content for Change Creators House, further amplifying the energy of Miami Art Week. He closed out the weekend with a Chicago takeover dubbed Chiami, performing alongside his friends Vic Mensa, Peter CottonTale and more Saturday at the Freehold.
Chance’s presence at Miami Art Week continues his legacy of innovation, offering fans not just music, but a transformative, interactive experience that bridges the worlds of art and sound. Through Star Line, he has reimagined the way audiences engage with music and storytelling, continuing his journey as a defining voice in modern artistry.
The debate over rap’s “Big 3” – Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole – has dominated hip-hop discourse for years. It pretty much lead to the most prolific feud, beef and diss season since maybe Jay Z vs Nas, Jada vs Beanie Siegel … But what if we spin a proverbial roulette wheel on this idea of who’s the big three to explore some alternative trios?
Cool? Alright, we have a few intriguing “Big 3” scenarios that could shake up the game but let us know what you think.
Big 3 Scenario 1: Future, Gunna, and Lil Baby
This trio has consistently dominated the charts and the sound of what the culture deems relevant over the last several years. So much so, it was Future’s (and Metro Boomin) project sparked said mega rap beef.
Future is pretty much the blueprint for most contemporary rapper out of Atlanta. He is the vibe.
Gunna is arguably most successful as of late and has the ear of the kids who dictate the algorithm. He seemingly survived the worst street label after his YSL RICO case guilty plea and as Akademiks said, the fans just don’t care as long as you have a hot project.
Lil Baby’s raw lyricism, hit record slate and collabs with the best of the best, like his other two cohorts in this scenario easily make him part of this hypothetical Big 3.
Honorable Mention: Young Thug – We expect to be on the Big 3 real soon.
Recent Projects:
Future – Mixtape Pluto
Gunna – One of Wun
Lil Baby – Wham: Who Hard as Me (2025)
Monthly Spotify Listeners: Future: 55m, Gunna: 37m, Lil Baby: 31m
Big 3 Scenario 2: Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B
Can’t play Big 3 Roulette without the ladies. This is a tough one because there are so many dope newcomers igniting the conversation. But we have to keep it G with Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B. Period. These three powerhouse ladies are the backbone of the female rap power structure. Nicki is the blueprint. What she has done from accolades on the charts to defying stereotypes with her undeniable lyricism to creating clones who just look like her – everywhere, places her in a class all by herself but this is the Big 3 so lets continue.
Megan Thee Stallion has fought for her spot in a crowded field of lady rap stars. She has hits. She is, well, a stallion and her rap ability is proven with bars, edge and influence. What’s also dope about Megan is how she legit has her college degree and is a beacon for young women who want to be creative or academic or both. That in itself is something we’ve hardly ever seen in Hip Hop and is not spoken of enough.
Now Cardi. We all want that next album to drop. Her sophomore since Invasion of Privacy. That said, Cardi is the literal reimagining of female rap. What she accomplished while staying true to her authentic, Bronx persona is nothing short of a tour de force. Her ability to stay in the conversation without consistently dropping music should be studied, for real. Cardi is the culture shift. Without her would we have the Sexy Redds of the world? Hard to say.
But yea, these three female rap titans have a combined influence that is really on par with any male trio in the game. Their chart-topping hits, and provocative personalities have made them cultural icons in their own rite with so much on the horizon they can really take the game over. Time will tell but we’re here for it.
Honorable Mention: Doja Cat – With her renewed focus on rap rap, she will be a future argument for Big 3.
Recent Projects:
Nicki Minaj: The Pink Print (Tenth Anniversary Edition)
Big 3 Scenario 3: Travis Scott, Tyler, The Creator, Kanye West
Travis Scott, Tyler, The Creator, and Kanye West. This trio represents the experimental and boundary-pushing rap artists. Their unconventional styles, innovative sounds, and massive streaming numbers have solidified their place in the hip-hop hierarchy. Their influence on the next generation of artists is undeniable. Travis is becoming one of those forces that begs the question should he be included in the current Big 3 convo? He drops music and the world stops. He goes on tour and everyone watches, clamoring at the hottest Hip Hop concert ticket of the year. He pushes boundaries – sometimes a bridge too far but he’s always Travis.
Tyler, The Creator is like Travis lite in some ways. He is the epitome of being different while remaining influential as an artist, and well, creator. He raises the bar and redefines what it means to be more than a rapper with every project. HIs festivals are on par with the biggest in the business and he’s no stranger to chart topping success.
Kanye or Ye as he is now called. We would need an entire nonfiction novel to breakdown arguably the most influential rapper in decades. Ye is everything we cared about with old school rap while being all that fans need in the multi-hyphenate artist today. His influence in fashion alone make him the culture shifting icon that he is. All this begs the question is he in the hypothetical Big 3 or is he in THE Big 3?
While Drake, Kendrick, and J. Cole have undoubtedly earned their place as the current Big 3, leading to feuds and never-ending barbershop arguments on who is really the best of the best but these alternative scenarios by way of Big 3 roulette highlight the depth and diversity of talent in the total hip-hop landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, for better or worse, new stars young or seasoned alike, will emerge and reshape the definition of success.
The holidays are just around the corner and what better way to show some love to the hip-hop enthusiast in your life than with a gift that relates to the music and culture? Check out some great ideas from the Source staff.
Fitted brim baseball cap: Whether the hip-hop lover in your life reps New York Yankees for life or is a diehard White Sox fan, the fitted brim is a staple piece in any hip-hop lover’s wardrobe.
Beats Studio Pro 4 headphones: For several years, Beats have set the standard for immersive audio and quality sound. The newest model has an upgraded digital processor, which optimizes frequency responses for a powerful yet balanced sound profile as well as a special audio feature that makes it seem like you’re in a theater.
Your favorite artist’s spirits: Get in the holiday spirit with your recipient’s favorite artists’ spirits! Snoop Dogg‘s 19 Crimes wine, 50 Cent’s Effen Vodka, and A$AP Rocky’s Mercer + Prince are just a few o great gift options!
Rapper garden gnomes: Proving that gardening isn’t just for old ladies, these adorable garden gnomes in the likeness of artists such as Snoop Dogg, Tupac, and The Notorious BIG bring some street cred to your flower box. Shop on Bluebom.
Retro old school hip-hop mug: Whether your recipient prefers coffee, tea, or cocoa, they’ll taste the nostalgia in this retro mug featuring stackable cassette tapes of some of hip-hop’s greatest albums. Shop on Etsy.
Favorite artists’ records on vinyl: It’s no secret that records are making a comeback and most artists are releasing vinyl editions of their albums. Not only is this a great way for the recipient to enjoy listening to their favorite artists, but the record boxes also make amazing decorative art!
90’s rap lyrics coaster sets: Hosting the holiday party at your house and need some conversation starters? These [non-explicit] 90’s rap lyrics coaster sets are sure to get the party started. Shop on Etsy.
Air Force 1’s: Ever since Nelly burst on the scene (and temporarily confused parents as to why he was rapping about the president’s airplane), Air Force 1’s have been a staple in hip-hop fashion. You can get them new or find a retro used pair on eBay (often still in pristine condition)!
Hip-hop History Coffee Table book: Another conversation starter, a coffee table book is a great way to share your love of hip-hop with guests in your home. Both Amazon and Barnes and Noble have tons of great options on their websites. If you prefer to shop local, ask your local bookstore if they have anything in stock.
Gift certificate to local nail salon: Nail art will always be a part of hip-hop culture. While your recipient may not want to go quite as extreme as Cardi B or Meghan Thee Stallion, local nail salons are almost always willing to try fun designs based on artist inspiration.
Gold chain: The gold chain is another staple piece, but it doesn’t need to include blinged out dollar signs or weigh more than a toddler. There’s tons of price and style options for men and women ranging from the custom-made pieces to simple gold chains that can be worn as part of an every day fit. Even if you don’t have Johnny Dang funds, local jewelers are often happy to help you find something that fits your recipient’s style- and your budget.
The Museum of Graffiti marked its 5th anniversary last night with an unforgettable celebration in Miami’s Wynwood Art District. Sponsored by Sprite and Rolling Loud, the event brought together art enthusiasts, cultural tastemakers, and notable guests for a night of music, art, and community.
The evening featured a powerful live performance by Miami’s own Rick Ross, captivating the audience with his iconic hits. Guests also explored Slick: MIA, a bold new solo exhibition by graffiti legend OG Slick, which includes the immersive “Happy Room” installation and works that blend graffiti culture with fine art.
Attendees mingled in the interactive Spotify Artists’ Lounge and enjoyed curated culinary offerings by Chef Abe Moiz of CookxUnity, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the celebration.
The event is part of the Museum’s three-day anniversary celebration, which continues through December 6, featuring additional exhibitions, panel discussions, and interactive experiences.
