Dear Fathers, a leading hub at the intersection of fatherhood and culture, is excited to announce the expansion of their popular celebrity fatherhood podcast with their first live episode. This momentous event will feature Hip Hop mogul and entrepreneur Master P and his son Mercy Miller. The special episode will take place in Downtown Houston on June 3, 2024.
The Dear Fathers Podcast serves as a safe space for Black men to have authentic conversations about navigating the complexities of fatherhood. With over 5 million social media impressions monthly, the platform has become a vital resource for Black fathers seeking community and support.
This live event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with other fathers as they explore themes of fatherhood, manhood, mental health, generational wealth, and more. Master P and Mercy’s participation will allow Dear Fathers to provide their engaging and relatable content to a broader audience.
Previous notable interviews on the Dear Fathers Podcast include NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal, Rapper Pusha T, NBA All-Star Bradley Beal, Comedian Cedric the Entertainer, Actor Kel Mitchell, Comedian Chico Bean, Actor Isaiah John, and many more!
Hip-Hop icon Rakim, often hailed as your ‘favorite MC’s favorite MC’ is set to make a return to the music scene this summer with a new album. Titled God’s Network: Reb7th, the project marks Rakim’s first solo release since his 2009 album The Seventh Seal. According to Kurupt, who features alongside Rakim and Masta Killa on the upcoming track “Rebirth (N.M.A),” the album is slated for release on July 26, while the single will drop on June 21.
Rakim, whose influential career began in the 1980s and 90s alongside DJ Eric B., is revered for his lyrical prowess and groundbreaking contributions to Hip-Hop. The duo’s debut album, Paid In Full, released in 1987, included iconic tracks such as “Eric B. Is President” and the title track “Paid In Full,” both of which have since become Hip-Hop classics. They followed up with three more acclaimed albums: Follow the Leader (1988), Let the Rhythm Hit ‘Em (1990), and Don’t Sweat the Technique (1992).
Matthew “M80” Markoff, the executive producer of Rakim’s forthcoming project, shared insights with AllHipHop, emphasizing the significance of the album’s title and its reflection of Rakim’s enduring influence in the music industry.
Rakim recently addressed his potential induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a topic of much discussion among fans and industry insiders. Expressing his appreciation, he said, “Maybe it’ll happen this time. I feel great about it. Let me tell you, anytime anybody nominates you or thinks about you, you should feel great. I think it’s a long time coming. We’re all righteous guys and girls, so it’s on God’s time, not our time. I’d be just as appreciative if I won it the first time, so it’s great.”
When asked about the Rock Hall’s efforts to include Hip-Hop, Rakim responded with respect for their process: “Everybody can poke holes at somebody else’s operation, and I would never do that. They have their own process. I would never throw rocks at the Hall. This is their institution, they built it, so they do it their way and I respect the process.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony continues to embrace modern technology and streaming platforms. The 2024 ceremony will be broadcast live on Disney+, with a special airing on ABC at a later date, and available on Hulu the next day. This follows the success of the 2023 ceremony, which was streamed live on Disney+ for the first time, reaching more than 13 million viewers across linear and streaming platforms. ABC’s New Year’s Day telecast was particularly notable, becoming the No. 1 entertainment choice among Adults 18-49.
Rakim’s return is eagerly anticipated by fans and music lovers alike, promising a blend of classic Hip-Hop essence and fresh, innovative sounds. As the summer approaches, the release of God’s Network: Reb7th is set to be a defining moment in Hip-Hop, marking the resurgence of one of the genre’s most legendary figures.
Nicki Minaj has expressed gratitude to her fans for their understanding and support after her concert in Manchester had to be rescheduled due to her arrest in the Netherlands. The Queens rapper and singer was detained at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on Saturday for allegedly attempting to transport “soft drugs” out of the country.
Minaj spent around six hours in custody before being released and fined, allowing her to continue her journey to the UK. Despite her efforts to make it in time, her concert at the Co-op Live arena was postponed. Fans had already been admitted into the venue by 7 pm, but the announcement of the postponement came around 9:40 pm from promoter Live Nation.
Dutch police confirmed the arrest and subsequent release of a 41-year-old woman who paid a fine before being allowed to leave. The incident caused significant delays and disruptions, but Minaj’s fans, known as Barbz, have shown remarkable patience and support.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Minaj praised her fans, writing, “Manchester I appreciate you. Class act. Give me until (tomorrow) for the update on our new date (please). It will be sometime in June or July like I mentioned last night.” She also promised an “added surprise bonus” for fans and expressed excitement about her upcoming performance in Manchester, already scheduled for Thursday at Co-op Live.
Minaj reassured her followers that the Birmingham concert at Resorts World Arena on Sunday would be a “magical beautiful happy fun unforgettable night.” She even invited her fans to her hotel in the center of Manchester, where she personally interacted with the crowd. One fan, Alvin Christie from Liverpool, praised Minaj’s efforts and criticized the venue’s management. Christie stated, “I would say it was very poorly managed. When we arrived at the event, they were actively telling fans that she had arrived and that everyone was going to dance tonight.”
Minaj arrived at her Manchester hotel early on Sunday after enduring a long flight delay from Amsterdam and time in a cell. She noted on X that the venue was “willing to go past 11 pm,” but blamed unnamed individuals for the disruption, claiming they had “succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight.”
Live Nation issued a statement on Saturday, saying, “Despite Nicki’s best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonight’s show happen, the events of today have made it impossible. We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused.”
This incident adds to the series of issues plaguing Co-op Live since its attempted opening in April. The venue has faced multiple postponements and rescheduling of its first official gigs. US rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie even moved his performance to the AO Arena due to the delays, and Co-op Live only began live music shows on May 14 with British rock band Elbow.
Minaj, known for her hits like “Starships,” “Super Bass,” and “Anaconda,” livestreamed her arrest and maintained that the drugs found in her luggage were not hers. Despite these setbacks, her fans have shown unwavering support, and Minaj looks forward to delivering unforgettable performances in the near future.
#Manchester I appreciate you. Class act. Give me until tmrw for the update on our new date plz. It will be sometime in June or July like I mentioned last night. #GagCityManchester and like I also mentioned, I’ll be doing an added surprise bonus for you guys as well.
In a surprising revelation, AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron admitted to leaking the news about Beyoncé’s upcoming Renaissance concert film. This confession comes on the heels of a successful but tightly guarded release of Taylor Swift’s Eras concert film, a secret AMC managed to keep under wraps.
Adam Aron’s comments, reported by Variety, highlight the theater chain’s ambitious plans to release “two to three” concert films annually. To support this vision, AMC has bolstered its distribution team, a move that has not sat well with traditional Hollywood studios. These studios feel AMC is stepping into their territory, especially since AMC had exclusive advance knowledge of both the Swift and Beyoncé films, allowing the chain to sell tickets before any competitors.
“We couldn’t blow Taylor’s secret,” Aron explained, emphasizing the strategic importance of maintaining confidentiality. “And those theater chains who groused to you? They grossed $100 million in ticket sales. It’s not like they sold diddly.”
However, the rollout of Beyoncé’s Renaissance concert film did not go as smoothly. To prevent a repeat of the tightly-held secret surrounding Swift’s film, AMC gave its competitors an early, super-secret heads-up about the Beyoncé film’s impending release. Despite these precautions, Aron lamented, “At least half a dozen movie circuits leaked the news. Beyoncé was seriously thinking about not doing the movie at all because the secret was blown. So, they didn’t keep their word.”
This breach of trust reportedly led to significant frustration and nearly jeopardized the release of Beyoncé’s film. The fallout underscores the challenges AMC faces in balancing its role as both an exhibitor and a distributor. While AMC’s foray into film distribution represents a bold expansion of its business model, it also highlights the tension between the theater chain and its Hollywood partners.
Despite these challenges, Aron remains committed to AMC’s new direction. The company’s strategy of releasing concert films aims to attract diverse audiences and boost ticket sales. By leveraging the popularity of iconic artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, AMC hopes to redefine the theater-going experience and sustain its relevance in an evolving entertainment landscape.
The success of Swift’s Eras concert film, which grossed significant ticket sales, demonstrates the potential of this approach. However, the mixed reception to the handling of Beyoncé’s film highlights the delicate balance AMC must maintain with its industry partners.
Fresh off the heels of the electrifying “Pass The Mic Live!” event at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, DJ Cassidy, the maestro behind the musical phenomenon, is gearing up for a groundbreaking Las Vegas residency that promises to revolutionize the city’s entertainment scene. Set to debut on July 5th at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, this unprecedented residency will feature a star-studded lineup of Hip Hop icons, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience for audiences.
The “Pass The Mic Live!” Las Vegas residency will be a musical extravaganza unlike anything The Strip has seen before. DJ Cassidy, along with Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Slick Rick, and Doug E. Fresh, will take center stage, uniting as “The Rap Pack” to deliver an unforgettable showcase of talent and collaboration. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Rat Pack of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop, DJ Cassidy aims to recreate the magic of old-school Vegas entertainment with a modern Hip Hop twist.
Joining DJ Cassidy and his esteemed collaborators on select dates throughout the residency will be a roster of iconic special guests, each bringing their own unique flair to the stage. From Public Enemy to Akon, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, Too $hort, and Warren G, the lineup reads like a who’s who of Hip Hop royalty. These legendary artists will add depth and diversity to an already star-studded lineup, ensuring that each show is a one-of-a-kind experience for fans.
DJ Cassidy expresses his excitement for the residency, stating, “I am truly honored to share a stage with my musical heroes… to create an experience that will go down in Vegas history.” With the support of Live Nation and Caesars Entertainment, as well as music mogul Steve Rifkind, founder of Loud and SRC Records, DJ Cassidy’s vision for the residency is set to become a reality.
The “Pass The Mic Live!” Las Vegas residency is the culmination of a four-year journey that began with DJ Cassidy’s groundbreaking “Pass The Mic” series. Through viral episodes and BET television specials, Cassidy brought together over 220 legendary superstars spanning four decades, including Earth, Wind & Fire, Chaka Khan, and many more. Now, with the residency, DJ Cassidy continues to push the boundaries of live musical experiences, uniting artists who have left an indelible mark on Hip Hop culture.
Bakkt Theater, known for hosting successful residencies for artists like Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, and Gwen Stefani, provides the perfect backdrop for DJ Cassidy’s innovative showcase. Tickets for “DJ Cassidy’s Pass The Mic Live! The Iconic Las Vegas Residency” are available now, offering audiences the chance to witness history in the making as Hip Hop’s finest come together for a celebration of music, collaboration, and culture.
Legendary rapper Snoop Dogg is giving fans a unique opportunity to own a piece of hip-hop history. The Long Beach native has teamed up with memorabilia-authentication and auction company The Realest to auction off an eclectic collection of items, with the event running from today until June 2.
According to Variety, Snoop’s auction features an array of iconic memorabilia. Items up for grabs include autographed photos, PlayStations, jackets, and jerseys. Producer and radio host Scott “DJ Skee” Keeney, the founder of The Realest, emphasized the uniqueness of the collection, telling Variety, “The items he is putting up are iconic. Everything from lyrics, awards — like ‘Pimp of the Year’! — unreleased tapes, outfits, sample toys, photos, scripts, concert riders, even a Snoop-authenticated smoked blunt in a crazy display case and ashtray.”
In addition to these standout items, the auction will feature autographed scripts from “The Boondocks” TV show, master recording tapes (though without the publishing rights), and a custom-boxed Death Row Records chain autographed by Snoop Dogg himself. Reflecting on the significance of the auction, Snoop noted, “This is sh*t that we have, but we didn’t know it was worth something.”
The auction’s diverse catalog underscores the growing market for hip-hop memorabilia, which has proven to be highly lucrative in recent years. Variety highlights that auctions involving hip-hop artifacts often yield substantial profits. Last year, for example, a mic thrown by Cardi B was auctioned for charity, and a rap book of Drake’s was sold the year prior. Notably, Drake himself purchased one of Tupac’s rings and Pharrell’s chain, the latter becoming a focal point in his feud with Kendrick Lamar.
DJ Skee views this auction as more than just a sale; it’s a new revenue opportunity for artists. “Items like setlists, stage equipment, outfits, signage, and more are things that fans desire but can’t find. It helps to build a new revenue stream for artists,” he explained.
For fans and collectors, this auction represents a rare chance to own memorabilia directly linked to one of hip-hop’s most enduring figures. As the event unfolds, it not only celebrates Snoop Dogg’s career but also highlights the broader cultural and financial significance of preserving and honoring hip-hop history.
While it seems like half of the rap world is beefing, Eminem (who is no stranger to rap beefs himself) sat this one out and instead opted for a more positive experience over the weekend as he joined daughter Hailie Jade as she got married to her longtime boyfriend Evan McClintock.
On Instagram, Hailie Jade shared a few wedding photos along with the caption:
“Waking up a wife this week. We couldn’t have asked for a better, more beautiful weekend celebration. So so many happy tears were shed, laughs & smiles were had, & so much love was felt. Evan and I are feeling so grateful for all of the family & friends that traveled to support us and be a part of this new chapter of our lives as husband & wife.“
The wedding, which took place over the weekend at at Greencrest Manor in Battle Creek, Michigan, was attended by the couple’s friends and family, including Em, his ex-wife Kim, and Alaina (Em’s adopted daughter). Halie, wore a mermaid-style white dress with a sweetheart neckline and a flowing tulle train while her father and husband wore traditional black tuxedos.
While the newlyweds were certainly the stars of the show, Eminem performed traditional father roles such as walking his daughter down the aisle and joining her for a father-daughter dance on a rose-infused dance floor. No word what song they danced to.
The couple left the ceremony in a vintage Cadillac convertible. The two met in college in 2016 and have been together ever since. McClintock did reportedly say that he asked Em for his daughter’s hand before popping the question.
Michael Orlandus Darrion Brown, the 18-year-old victim of police brutality in Ferguson, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, would’ve celebrated his 28th birthday today had his life not been cut short by Officer Darren Wilson on August 9, 2014.
There was a confrontation between Officer Wilson, a 29-year-old white male, and Brown, a 18-year-old Black male who’d graduated from Normandy High School just eight days before his death, which ended with Brown being shot six times, all in the front of his body. All confirmed reports and video surveillance footage show that Brown was killed with his hands in the air.
To say that the investigation into Brown’s homicide was insubordinate is an understatement, with the St. Louis County Police Department taking over an hour to arrive to the crime scene, but they claim that the gunfire from the surrounding and growing crowd kept them from the scene of the crime. The FBI launched an investigation into Brown’s death just two days after he was killed but in March 2015, cleared Wilson of violating Michael Brown’s civil rights, in the shooting. The investigation concluded there was no evidence upon which prosecutors could rely to disprove Wilson’s asserted belief that he feared for his safety, that witnesses who contradicted Wilson were not credible, that forensic evidence and credible witnesses corroborated Wilson’s account, and that the facts did not support the filing of criminal charges against Wilson.
The grand jury took 25 days, over the span of three months to hear the lengthy testimony from 60 witnesses and then deliberate on whether or not to indict Wilson. Most grand juries complete their work in a matter of days. On the night of November 24, Prosecutor Robert P. McCulloch reported in a 20-minute press conference that the grand jury had reached a decision in the case and would not indict Wilson.
There was even a review of his case by St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell in 2020, but after five months of seeing if Wilson could possibly be charged with manslaughter for the death of the teenager, aid he didn’t “have the evidence to ethically bring a charge against Darren Wilson.”
The Ferguson riots became a center of resistance within the United States after the killing of Michael Brown, with the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” slogan becoming just as common as the last words of the late Eric Garner, “I Can’t Breathe”. In December 2014, Ismaaiyl Brinsley shot and killed two NYPD police officers and claimed that it was revenge for the police killings of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. Brinsley committed suicide before he was apprehended. In March 2015, two officers were shot and wounded when a 20-year-old Black male opened fire on the Ferguson Police headquarters.
On August 9, 2015, 18-year-old Tyrone Harris, a friend of Brown, was shot by police in Ferguson and that same day, the Columbia (Missouri) Police Officers’ Association (CPOA) proclaimed August 9 “Darren Wilson Day”, calling Wilson an “innocent, but persecuted, officer” and insisted his ethnicity had nothing to do with their support of him.”
Even though Brown prematurely lost his life and justice was never served, his death served as a catalyst in the struggle for racial equality and civil rights in the Unites States, a human rights battle that has been fought by Black people as long as they’ve been in this country. The same month Brown was shot dead, American rappers The Game, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Diddy, Fabolous, Wale, DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz, Yo Gotti, Curren$y, Problem, King Pharoah and recording group TGT released the song “Don’t Shoot” as a tribute to Brown
Iconic rapper MC Lyte is gearing up to make a splash in the music scene once again, announcing her first release in nearly a decade. Fans of the groundbreaking MC can anticipate new music dropping this summer, marking a highly anticipated comeback for the trailblazing artist.
In a recent interview with Rock The Bells Radio, MC Lyte revealed the exciting news, setting the stage for her much-awaited return. With a new single titled “Woman” slated for release in June, followed by an album scheduled for August 9, the anticipation among fans is palpable.
While details about the upcoming project remain scarce, the announcement alone has generated significant buzz within the hip-hop community. MC Lyte’s profound impact on the genre, coupled with her undeniable talent, promises an album that will captivate audiences and solidify her legacy as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
MC Lyte’s contributions to the culture extend far beyond her music, as evidenced by her recent recognition at the inaugural SEED Summit + Awards. Honored alongside esteemed industry figures, MC Lyte continues to inspire and empower the next generation of creators and artists.
Known for her advocacy for women and girls in hip-hop, MC Lyte’s unwavering commitment to the culture is evident in her participation in events such as the I AM Woman celebration at the Kennedy Center. Reflecting on the significance of women’s contributions to hip-hop, MC Lyte emphasized the enduring legacy of the genre and its ability to inspire and unite individuals from all walks of life.
As fans eagerly await the release of MC Lyte’s new music, her forthcoming album promises to be a testament to her unparalleled talent and enduring influence in hip hop MC Lyte continues to leave an indelible mark on the culture, reaffirming her status as a pioneer and icon.
Nicki Minaj, the reigning queen of rap, has bid farewell to the North American leg of her Pink Friday 2 Tour with a triumphant finale earlier this week.
The iconic NYC artist embarked on her tour in March, igniting stages across the continent from Oakland, California, to Oklahoma City. With a total of 36 sold-out shows, Minaj has etched her name in the annals of music history, achieving a remarkable feat unmatched by any other female rapper.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday (May 14), Minaj expressed her gratitude to her unwavering supporters, sharing a heartfelt moment captured during a recent episode of Angela Yee’s podcast. In the clip, Yee lauded Minaj for her unprecedented success, highlighting her achievement as the first female rapper to sell out every show consecutively on a tour. Moreover, the Pink Friday 2 Tour stands as the highest-grossing tour by a female rapper in history, a testament to Minaj’s enduring influence and undeniable star power.
In a poignant caption accompanying the post, Minaj extended her appreciation to her devoted fan base, affectionately known as The Barbz, and every resident of Gag City who made the tour an unforgettable experience. She also credited her dedicated team for orchestrating the tour with unparalleled creativity and flair.
But the celebration doesn’t end here. With a hint of anticipation, Minaj suggested the possibility of adding more tour dates in the United States, teasing that this is just the beginning of what’s to come. As she gears up to conquer European stages in the coming days, Minaj’s message resonates with a promise of more exhilarating performances and boundless success on the horizon.
As the curtains close on the North American leg of the Pink Friday 2 Tour, Nicki Minaj leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking achievements and artistry. With her sights set on new horizons, Minaj continues to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the realm of hip-hop and beyond.
