Atlanta’s rap sensation Gunna is set to release his highly anticipated fifth studio album, One of Wun, on May 10th. Accompanying the announcement is his latest single, “Whatsapp (Wassam),” produced by Turbo and Evrgrn and released via Young Stoner Life Records/300 Entertainment.
Gunna’s return to the spotlight earlier this year with singles “Bittersweet” and “Prada Dem” featuring Offset signaled a triumphant comeback since his chart-topping album a Gift & a Curse. The album soared to #3 on the Billboard 200 and marked his fourth consecutive #1 debut on the Billboard Top Hip-Hop/R&B Albums Chart.
The unveiling of the One of Wun artwork, along with a special performance video for “Bittersweet” directed by Leff, offers fans a glimpse into the creative vision behind the album. The artwork, crafted by Calvin Clausell Jr. with creative direction by Spike Jordan of The Genius Club and art direction/design by Tal Midyan, sets the stage for Gunna’s latest musical endeavor.
To coincide with the album release, Gunna will embark on The Bittersweet Tour, commencing on May 4th at Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH. The tour will span 16 stops across the U.S., including cities like Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, and Houston, culminating in a hometown performance at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on June 11th.
On May 11, 2024, Wynwood will become home to a brand new luxury art gallery from the founders of Museum of Graffiti. The gallery will open in a 3,700 square foot converted warehouse space located at 2521 NW 3rd Ave., adjacent to the Museum of Graffiti and its sister exhibition space the Art of Hip Hop.
The gallery, once located around the corner from its new flagship location, was originally dubbed The Private Gallery as it started during the COVID-19 pandemic as a place for friends, family, and members of the Museum to collect art in a safe, private environment. The Private Gallery quickly earned a long list of celebrity clientele from Quest Love and Diplo to Miami’s own Pitbull because of its intimate nature and rare selection of original post-graffiti works. The gallery represents a diverse group of global contemporary artists who use a wide array of mediums and styles to create the work displayed. The inspiration and aesthetics of the artists differ greatly from one another, yet their backgrounds remain completely in the same vein: each artist has used the streets as a canvas for artistic output at a very early age.
In its opening exhibition entitled Graffiti Abstraction, the inspiration of the art ranges from Miami-based artist Gustavo Oviedo’s fascination for the Biscayne Bay to Los Angeles native Saber’s portrayal of the flashing lights he sees while experiencing grand mal seizures. Curators Allison Freidin and Alan Ket have traveled the world, attending museum shows and studio visits to select the artists for the inaugural exhibition which will include original works on paper, canvas, wood, and in sculpture form. Other artists in Graffiti Abstraction include MadC, Marti Sawe, Kaves, Niels Shoe Meulman, Sen2, Rime, Boris Tellegen, and Jel Martinez. The gallery will retain a “private” section that will house historical examples of works by the masters of the genre including Futura2000 and Rammellzee.
“We are honored to be bringing the most elevated form of the genre to the heart of Miami. Our growth over the past 4 years is not unique to us—the entire culture is bursting at the seams with innovation, and new opportunities as top level brands and collectors have poured millions of dollars into a once shunned art form. The old narrative that street artists are gang members has been flipped on its head to street artists becoming internationally celebrated geniuses. We are beyond grateful to our partners at Paso D’Oro for helping us take the gallery to the next level. This is a huge moment for the entire community and they made it possible.” said Allison Freidin, co-Founder of The Private Gallery.
The Grand Opening of The Private Gallery is by invitation only, and will give VIPs the first look at the new collection along with the opportunity to taste Paso D’ Oro Wines. Each bottle of Paso D’oro is sourced from the rich vineyards of Paso Robles, CA where the brand is renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship and quality. Each pour truly embodies the essence of creativity, living up to its stunning blue and gold packaging.
A portion of the proceeds from art sales at the VIP celebration being donated to The Erika Ender Heartlight Foundation. Erika Ender, most known for her extensive catalog of awarded hits, including the global sensation “Despacito,” has long been a prominent philanthropist, especially in her native Panama. Her significant charitable work, including her notable TalenPro Project, has impacted over 40,000 individuals and earned a Guinness World Record. Her new foundation now extends her philanthropic reach to the United States in support of children’s rights, education, and nutrition.
In a significant collaboration, Hip Hop 4 Peace, the UNESCO Center for Peace, and the United States Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers, and Associations are set to host “Rap 4 Peace: A Hip-Hop Gun Violence Awareness Conference” on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Coinciding with National Gun Violence Awareness Day, the event will be held at Shutters On The Beach in Santa Monica, California, and will be hosted by Fox 11 anchor Christine Devine.
The conference aims to address the urgent issue of gun violence through the cultural lens of hip-hop. Commencing with registration and check-in at 8:00 am PDT, the opening ceremonies will begin at 10:00 am PDT with distinguished speakers including Guy Gjoken, Chairman of the US Federation of UNESCO Clubs, Centers, and Associations, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Katannia Plummer-Mitchell, President, Latin American and the Caribbean, UNESCO. Also slated to speak are Gabin Ahogbedji Allognon, President, African Federation, UNESCO, and Charlotte Austin Jordan, a mother who lost two children to gun violence, delivering the keynote address.
Insightful sessions on gun violence, mindset and mental wellness, and guns and vulnerable communities will follow, featuring esteemed panelists such as Lil Eazy E of Ruthless Records, NFL player Jaylon Johnson, and mental health experts including Angelina Ruffin, PhD, Managing Director at Kaiser Permanente Center For Gun Violence Research & Education. The conference will conclude with a special panel led by DJ Battlecat and a gala where the President’s Volunteer Service Award will be presented to individuals making exceptional contributions to volunteerism and peacebuilding, including Chuck D, Jon Tilli, Dr. Stephon Alexander, Dr. Angelina Ruffin, and Tina Marie Tyler. Sponsors include Deutsche Bank and Kaiser Permanente Center for Gun Research and Education. Tickets are available for purchase online.
“This event examines the issue of trauma as an underlying cause of gun violence in Black, Hispanic, and vulnerable communities. Hip-hop was born from historic and systemic trauma, and serves as both a mechanism for healing and a catalyst for change. Peace is the foundation of hip-hop culture and should be amplified on National Gun Violence Awareness Day,” stated event creator and executive producer, Tina Marie Tyler.
Public Enemy Founder, Chuck D, also calls for peace through hip-hop, “This nation’s normalized behavior of gun violence is not normal. Hip-hop can, and should, lead the way to bring peace into our neighborhoods.”
In a groundbreaking partnership that merges music, fashion, and technology, Pacsun and Roblox have joined forces to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Pacsun Los Angeles Tycoon on Roblox. The collaboration features the iconic Hip-Hop pioneer, Slick Rick, offering the Roblox community an exclusive virtual experience and limited-edition merchandise collection.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Slick Rick to discuss his exciting collaboration with Pacsun and Roblox:
Courtney Brown (The Source Magazine): What inspired you to collaborate with Pacsun and Roblox for this immersive virtual experience?
Slick Rick: After meeting everyone at PTTOW last year, it was evident that both brands (Pacsun and Roblox) operate their business from a warm and sacred space. Pacsun is known for its streetwear fashion, which aligns with my core values as it relates to my very unique blend of music and fashion – a win-win and a total natural fit.
Courtney Brown: How do you see this collaboration bridging generations and pushing boundaries within the realm of music, technology, and fashion?
Slick Rick: There is a passionate and shared vision that we all vibrate on – the vision of creating unique and innovative experiences for our audiences. All three moments of this collaboration (music, tech, fashion) blend together to provide a fun and dynamic unique immersive feel. As the saying goes, we are stronger together.
Courtney Brown: Can you share some insight into the process of translating your iconic style and accessories into digital items for users to interact with in the virtual world?
Slick Rick: Yes, I love to create my own wearable designs and envision my avatar to be dressed in a casual upscale but fashionable outfit. It was all intentional to be wearing a tank top so that the player can actually see me wearing the UGC’s embedded into the game. But I gotta give up the Gang and the designers at Pacsun. They are incredible creators and designers.
Courtney Brown: What do you hope new fans will take away from interacting with your avatar?
Slick Rick: Learning and enjoying the art of storytelling and the Slick Rick catalog.
Courtney Brown: Did you ever imagine hip hop would take it this far?
Slick Rick: No, not when I started in music as a teenager. During those formative years, one is in the throws of being young and having fun.
Courtney Brown: How does it feel to see your influence extend beyond traditional music platforms into the virtual realm, where users can engage with your legacy in new and innovative ways?
Slick Rick: Hip Hop is the tree and the root of it all, and the branches are an extension of my interests and passions (fashion, storytelling, tech all tied together with the music).
Courtney Brown: Can you tell us about the limited-edition merchandise collection co-created with Pacsun and how it complements the virtual experience while also offering real-life fashion options for fans?
Slick Rick: The merch is a unique blend of fashion and music. The iconic photos, lines from some of my most popular songs and then the modern-day Slick Rick in the game as an avatar! A fun and natural fit, which came together with liked minds and great teams across the board to create a trio of fun.
The collaboration between Slick Rick, Pacsun, and Roblox represents a dynamic fusion of music, technology, and fashion, showcasing the enduring legacy of Hip Hop in innovative ways.
Rihanna, the iconic Bajan billionaire, has always had a vision of how she would dress her children. However, when she welcomed two sons instead of daughters, she found fashion inspiration in her partner, A$AP Rocky’s style.
In a recent interview with ET, Rihanna shared her approach to dressing her sons, RZA Athelaston Mayers and Riot Rose Mayers. She revealed that she always tries to match their style with that of Rocky, emphasizing the influence he has on their fashion choices.
Despite initially envisioning dressing daughters, Rihanna finds joy in seeing her sons wear pieces from her Fenty x Puma collaboration. She expressed delight in watching them enjoy the designs she created, highlighting the love and support they receive in their home.
Describing her son RZA as an empath, Rihanna noted his gentle spirit beneath any tough exterior he may portray. She also shared a heartwarming anecdote about how their favorite song, “The Wheels on the Bus,” brings harmony and joy to their household.
As both parents are prominent figures in the music industry, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are considering incorporating their sons’ voices into their upcoming albums. Rihanna teased that she already has ideas for creating hits from their samples.
The power couple is set to attend the prestigious Met Gala in Manhattan, where they will undoubtedly dazzle in their “Garden of Time” attire. Their romance, confirmed in 2020, has blossomed over the years, cementing their status as a music industry power duo.
The iconic music video for Eminem’s hit song ‘Stan’ is etched in the memories of hip-hop fans worldwide. But what if we told you that the obsessive superfan role almost went to none other than ‘Home Alone’ star Macaulay Culkin?
In a surprising reveal, ‘Chucky’ actor Devon Sawa recently disclosed that Culkin was initially the top choice for the role of Stan in Eminem’s iconic music video. However, due to scheduling conflicts or other reasons, Culkin couldn’t take on the role, opening the door for Sawa to step in.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Sawa explained, “They went out to Macaulay Culkin first. I think that they wanted him, and he wasn’t available, or didn’t want to do it or whatever.”
It was hip-hop legend Dr. Dre, who directed the video, that suggested Sawa for the role after being impressed by his performance in the film ‘Final Destination’. With Dre’s recommendation, Sawa landed the memorable role of Stan, the obsessive Eminem fan who meets a tragic end in the video.
Reflecting on the experience, Sawa shared, “There happened to be somebody in the casting office that knew somebody who was friends with me, and they called me that way… and it ended up working out pretty good.”
Even after almost 25 years since the video’s release, Sawa still remembers the lyrics of ‘Stan’ and admitted to jamming along whenever he hears it. The video’s impact on his career is profound, and Sawa considers it one of the proudest moments of his career.
Interestingly, Sawa wanted to recreate his iconic ‘Stan’ look for his role in the horror series ‘Chucky’, but the show’s creator, Don Mancini, vetoed the idea.
At the time of ‘Stan’s release, Culkin hadn’t appeared on screen in six years, marking a significant departure from his ‘Home Alone’ days.
Kesha is waking up feeling a little different these days than she did in 2010. In light of the recent allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs (formerly “P. Diddy”), Kesha (who made her appearance alongside Reneé Rapp during the first weekend of the iconic music festival) made a major change to her famous line in the song ‘Tik Tok’ replacing “wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy” to “wake up in the morning like f*** P. Diddy.” She also held up her middle finger while doing so.
Kesha also doubled down on her sentiment on Instagram, where she shared a clip of the now-viral video as well as a series of photos from her Coachella experience along with the caption “WAKE UP IN THE MORNING LIKE FUCK P DIDDY” accompanied by two heart emojis.
Last month, Combs’ homes were searched by the Department of Homeland Security as part of a federal investigation into human trafficking and drug crimes. Combs has also been accused of sexual misconduct in five separate lawsuits. He has denied all of the allegations.
In 2014, Kesha sued her former producer Dr. Luke, alleging that he drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2005, as well as physically and verbally tormented her and made threats against her and her family. He countersued for defamation. The case was settled in 2023.
According to several confirmed reports, the first attempt to have the federal conspiracy conviction overturned for Pras of The Fugees was denied in federal court on Friday(April 12) by a judge who has presided over cases involving Saddam Hussein, George W. Bush and Microsoft.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly denied the motion, saying there was more than sufficient evidence to convict Pras, whose real name is Prakazrel Michel, of the charges on the first go-round, and therefore, there was no reason to dismiss the conviction.
“After a five-week trial, a jury convicted Michel of ten counts,” the judge wrote in her memorandum. “The Court has thoroughly reviewed the extensive evidence presented at trial and finds the evidence sufficient to withstand a motion for judgment of acquittal under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 29. Accordingly, Michel’s [309] Motion for Judgment of Acquittal is DENIED.”
Back in January, Pras’ former attorney David Kenner pleaded guilty to leaking confidential federal grand jury files to two reporters in 2023, which is in direct violation of federal rules. The United States District Court in Washington, DC found probable cause that the ex-attorney for Michel “committed misdemeanor contempt in violation of 18 USC 401 (c)” by leaking files.
Pras was convicted of money laundering and illegitimate lobbying tactics. Just a few months later, he began working toward bringing his case back to life on grounds of his ex-attorney apparently messing up “the single most important portion” of his defense by using AI to put together a closing statement.
“Kenner’s closing argument made frivolous arguments, misapprehended the required elements, conflated the schemes and ignored critical weaknesses in the government’s case,” Pras’ new legal team stated in a brief. “The AI program failed Kenner, and Kenner failed [Pras] Michel. The closing argument was deficient, unhelpful and a missed opportunity that prejudiced the defense.”
David Kenner is the famed attorney who represented Death Row Records in the 90s and was able to secure an acquittal for Snoop Dogg’s murder trial back in 1993.
The Museum of Graffiti proudly announces the launch of “Sneaker Stories,” presented by Modelo, a groundbreaking exhibition that delves into the historical ties and cultural relationship between graffiti and sneakers. Starting in Miami on April 20th, this exhibit will travel through Atlanta (May 31, 2024) and conclude in Washington, D.C. (Aug 2024). *Specific details about the Grand Opening of the Miami exhibit can be found at the bottom of this document.
“Sneaker Stories” explores the historic and ongoing synergy between graffiti art and sneaker culture. It highlights seminal crossover collaborations between graffiti artists and commercial brands, focusing on sneakers from 2003 to the present. The exhibition features art and rare sneakers by some of the world’s most iconic artists within the genre, including Futura, Rammellzee, Cey Adams, Eric Haze, Claw, Faust, and Miami’s own Abstrk.
The show highlights how sneaker companies have leveraged the talent and rebellious nature of the graffiti community to create limited-edition, highly converted footwear that can sell on the secondary market for upwards of $20,000. The exhibition also highlights how sneakers have transcended their original purpose, becoming integral to the fabric of urban culture and art.
“Through ‘Sneaker Stories,’ we aim to celebrate the artists who have transcended the streets to appear inside the biggest companies in America like Nike, Reebok, and Adidas, only to then influence countless others along the way,” says Alan Ket, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti.“We’re thrilled to partner with Modelo to bring this unique cultural exploration to life, inviting audiences to uncover the stories behind the art and the artists who’ve left an indelible mark on both the graffiti and sneaker worlds.”
At the Museum’s first unveiling of the exhibition in Miami on April 20, 2024, veteran Miami graffiti artist ABSTRK will be hand embellishing his own new brand of sneakers called VRTX Lab. ABSTRK will then join artists Claw and Cey Adams, who will be present for signings, to greet fans and discuss their personal journeys designing sneakers. This discussion will be the first of many “Fighting Spirit Stories,” a talk program led by Modelo that highlights exceptional individuals who embody the Fighting Spirit. All visitors will also have the opportunity to personalize their own sneakers with colorful new laces, charms, buckle plates, and more at Modelo’s complimentary sneaker customization bar.
When it comes to luxury real estate, power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z spare no expense. With a combined net worth of $3 billion, the music moguls have amassed an impressive portfolio of multimillion-dollar homes across the United States, from the bustling streets of New York City to the sun-soaked shores of California. Let’s take a closer look at the lavish properties that the iconic duo call home.
Houston, Texas: Beyoncé’s Childhood Home
Beyoncé’s journey to superstardom began in a modest, middle-class neighborhood in Houston’s Third Ward district. The iconic singer spent her formative years in a charming home located at 2414 Rosedale Street. Purchased by the Knowles family in 1982, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence holds sentimental value as the place where Beyoncé spent her early childhood years. Although the exact sale price remains undisclosed due to Texas’s non-disclosure policy, the home was listed for sale in 2019 for approximately $500,000.
New York City, New York: Tribeca Penthouse
In the heart of downtown Manhattan’s trendy Tribeca neighborhood lies the penthouse that Jay-Z famously purchased in 2004 for $6.85 million. This sprawling 8,000-square-foot apartment boasts an additional 3,000 square feet of outdoor terrace space, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. The historic building, originally a 1929 brick warehouse, was converted into a luxurious residence, where Jay-Z and Beyoncé reportedly held an intimate wedding ceremony in 2008.
New Orleans, Louisiana: La Casa de Castille
Steeped in history, the Spanish Baroque-style mansion known as La Casa de Castille in New Orleans’ Garden District is a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage. Acquired by Beyoncé and Jay-Z in 2015, this magnificent property features 16-foot ceilings, stained-glass windows, and a rooftop garden. Originally built as a Presbyterian church in the 1920s, the mansion underwent extensive renovations before being transformed into a private residence.
The Hamptons, New York: Waterfront Oasis
For the ultimate summer getaway, Beyoncé and Jay-Z turned to the Hamptons, where they’ve rented and owned several luxurious properties over the years. In 2017, the power couple purchased the Pond House in East Hampton for $26 million, offering breathtaking views of Georgica Pond and a sprawling meadow preserve. Additionally, they leased a spectacular summer-vacation home in Bridgehampton in 2012, complete with a bowling alley, rock climbing wall, and skateboard half-pipe.
Bel Air, California: Ultramodern Estate
In 2017, amidst welcoming twins Rumi and Sir, Beyoncé and Jay-Z acquired an ultramodern mansion in the exclusive enclave of Bel Air for a staggering $88 million. Situated on a sprawling estate with panoramic views of Angeles National Forest, this 34,000-square-foot residence boasts eight bedrooms, 20 bathrooms, and a 90-foot infinity pool. With over 10,000 square feet of outdoor living space, the estate offers the epitome of luxury living in the heart of Los Angeles.
Malibu, California: Paradise Cove Retreat
The crown jewel of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s real estate portfolio is undoubtedly their $190 million Malibu mansion, acquired in 2023. Set within the prestigious Paradise Cove neighborhood, this 40,000-square-foot compound features a minimalist aesthetic designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. Boasting eight bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and four separate pools, the estate offers unparalleled luxury and privacy for the power couple and their family.
From coast to coast, Beyoncé and Jay-Z have curated a collection of homes that reflect their unparalleled success and impeccable taste.
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