A$AP Rocky and Rihanna have collaborated on music before, but that isn’t the greatest of their combinations. According to A$AP Rocky, their best work is their children.
“If me and my lady was to collab what could we team up and just fucking just smash and go crazy on?” Rocky said to Complex. “I think we do a real great job at collaborating and making children. I think that’s our best creation so far.”
A$AP Rocky celebrated his birthday on Tuesday (Oct. 3) and went with his bae and the mother of his children, Rihanna, on a trip to Carbone. Leaving the kids at home, Rihanna stunned in all black and flexing in some heeled leggings. Rocky left in a blazer with a shirt and tie nestled under a grey sweater.
Last month, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky formally introduced the world to their new son, Riot Rose. The 1-month-old baby is the subject of a photo shoot featuring their first son RZA.
Rihanna and A$AP Rocky share first look at newborn son Riot Rose in family photoshoot.
Riot was born on Aug. 1, 2023, at Cedar Sinai Hospital at 7:41 a.m. Additionally, the belief is “RIhanna feels her family is now complete” and “it’s something she’s always wanted.”
“She loves being a mom, so this is where her mind is at the moment,” the source added.
Van Jones and will.i.am orchestrated an exclusive summit in Los Angeles over the weekend, aiming to elevate Black and Brown leaders in the technology sector and empower them to shape the future of innovation. The invite-only event attracted diverse influential figures, including Tiffany Haddish, Ashton Kutcher, Quincy Jones III, Lawrence “Rance” Dopson, Kelly Burton, Samantha Tweedy, Aloe Blacc, and more.
Panels, keynotes, and brainstorming sessions explored topics like the impact of AI on the music industry, leveraging technology for economic equality, and investment opportunities. The summit featured video contributions from Reid Hoffman, Boris Kodjoe, Mustafa Suleyman, Sinead Bovell, Felecia Hatcher, and others, encouraging the pursuit of AI knowledge to empower marginalized communities. Attendees witnessed will.i.am engaging with an AI, emphasizing the importance of protecting identity, while Kutcher highlighted AI’s potential as an equalizer for underserved communities. Segall shared her work on a documentary using AI to bring back a departed friend.
In an unexpected yet exciting collaboration, the iconic duo of Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart has ventured into the world of fashion, unveiling a collection of limited-edition crossbody bags that seamlessly blend functionality with style. Aptly named the “Best Buds Bags,” these exclusive accessories promise to be the next big thing in the world of celebrity-endorsed fashion.
Known for their dynamic and entertaining friendship, Snoop and Martha have translated their camaraderie into a line of crossbody bags that reflect their shared love for both fashion and, well, lighting occasions. The bags feature a standout element – lighter latches that not only add a touch of uniqueness to the design but also serve a practical purpose, providing a convenient spot to keep your lighter always within reach.
Snoop has already stamped it his favorite. “This bag’s got it all. From my favorite lighter, favorite color, and dime-sized secret stash pocketsto stash my favorite herbs.”
Beyond mere functionality, the Best Buds Bags offer a sneak peek into Snoop and Martha’s upcoming lighter collection, scheduled for an early 2024 release. The celebrity BFFs have ensured that their collaboration exudes quality, with both bags crafted from Italian genuine leather, a testament to the high standards of their friendship.
One can’t help but notice the clever dime-sized pockets incorporated into both bags, designed for a discreet and convenient storage solution for, well, your preferred “bud.” It’s a subtle nod to the duo’s shared sense of humor and lifestyle.
Starting today, fashion enthusiasts and fans of Snoop and Martha can head to BIC’s website to secure their very own Best Buds bag for $99, but act fast – these exclusive pieces are available only while supplies last. Adding a heartwarming touch to the holiday season, Snoop and Martha have pledged that ALL proceeds from the sales will go to support the Martha Stewart Centers for Living, underscoring their commitment to giving back.
Martha Stewart shared, “You never know when you’re going to need a lighter! The Best Buds Bag combines convenienceand style into one.”
With the perfect blend of style, functionality, and a dash of humor, the Best Buds bags are poised to become the next viral fashion trend. Whether you’re a fan of Snoop Dogg’s laid-back swagger or Martha Stewart’s timeless elegance, these limited-edition crossbody bags offer a unique opportunity to carry a piece of their iconic friendship wherever you go. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this celebrity fashion phenomenon!
Rapper Snoop Dogg has spent the last several decades adding almost as many successful business ventures to his portfolio as he has musical awards to his artistic accomplishments. And this week, he diversified his business portfolio even more, stepping into the world of tech with his son, Cordell Broadus, as the two announced Death Row Games, a Fortnite-based game studio designed to provide access and opportunity to diverse creators and broaden the narrative around gaming.
The game studio relies on Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5 (UE5), a community-based platform that allows anyone from individual creators to professional gaming studios to create content using open-source code. (Epic Games takes a 5% royalty fee from most developers who sell their content via the platform.) The versatile code allows creators to create games that are usually functional on most consoles including Xbox, Playstation, PC, and VR devices.
Snoop stated that he and his son have been experimenting with game publishing for the last few years, but on an amateur level. They decided to start Death Row Games as a way to make “a home for diverse creators in the gaming ecosystem and be a part of the narrative, the storytelling of what the next game should be looking like. And I keep saying ‘show representation of the culture in these sectors,’ versus us just being the talent. We wanted to make sure that we’re part of the decision that’s being made and more importantly tell these stories from diverse creators and focus on creatives in underserved communities.”
For those that may not be aware, Snoop has been involved in the gaming industry for quite some time, participating in the esports gaming collective FaZe Clan and also had a custom skin in Call of Duty and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. In 2019, he launched his own esports tournament series, the Gangsta Gaming League and in 2021, he dropped an exclusive NFT collection titled “A Journey with the Dogg.” In 2013, the rapper also debuted the Snoopify app, which allows users to add Snoop Dogg-themed stickers and graphics to their personal photos.
Death Row Games will join Snoop’s other business ventures, which have an estimated net worth of $160 million and include Snoop Doggie Dogg’s pet product line, venture capital firm Casa Verde Capital, the Leafs by Snoop cannabis brand, Snoopadelic Films, his Indoggo gin line, and several more. Cordell, Snoop’s second-oldest son, also has experience in the game design and NFT space.
No word if Snoop will show up like Travis Scott to perform a Fortnite concert for fans yet, but Snoop did set up residency in The Sandbox gaming metaverse back in 2021, hosting a virtual performance and dropping custom NFTs for fans.
Last summer, rapper Coi Leray and her estranged father Raymond “Benzino” Scott appeared to have been on good terms after Benzino showed up for one of Coi’s concerts. Now Benzino is upset again after Coi called him jealous of her in an interview with Angie Martinez…Benzino went live on Instagram and flipped out on his daughter for accusing him of being jealous and claims Coi is lying about sleeping in cars and dealing drugs.
He wrote on his Instagram page:
This has to be the most ridiculous I’ve heard in my entire life on this earth. How tf can be envious towards someone I RAISED, NUTURED, PROVIDED FOR, INFLUENCED AND LOVE VERY DEARLY??? This industry and the internet have completely messed up the minds of this young generation. I’m tired of her pushing a false narrative about who I am and what I’ve done as a father. In my 40 years in hip hop I’ve never ever seen an artist DOG their parents out the was Coi does and it’s embarrassing and sad…and one last thing, @angiemartinez knows she doesn’t like me so she’s just being manipulative and messy. They want me crash out but I’ve worked on myself so hard that I ain’t going backwards for ANYTHING, but what I won’t do is allow ANYONE to slander my name and push a false narrative on my reputation and who I am. I’ve shed too many blood, sweat and tears, survived street wars and indictments. Nope no more.
In an exclusive interview with NPR Music’s Rodney Carmichael published this morning, musician André 3000 announced his debut solo album New Blue Sun, which the former member of OutKast will release this Friday, Nov. 17th!
In a conversation that explores this new album — its art includes a label warning that the album contains “no bars” — André reveals the mind-opening journey that led him to his current instrument of choice, the flute, and how it has allowed him to push his one-of-a-kind creative energy into new places.
It’s the first full-length André has released in 17 years, since OutKast’s sixth studio album Idlewild. And it’s part of an artistic evolution that has taken him from MC to multi-hyphenate icon.
“I didn’t know I’d be rapping,” he tells NPR. “I didn’t know I’d start producing. I didn’t know I’d start singing. I didn’t know my style would go a certain way. I didn’t know I’d put a wig on. Like, I didn’t know none of this. So, I’m on the ride with y’all.”
While the element of surprise has always been a strength of Andre’s repertoire, he acknowledges fans may be caught off guard by his latest departure. So he tackles the elephant in the room with the first song title: “I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time.”
“I don’t want to troll people. I don’t want people to think, Oh, this André 3000 album is coming! And you play it and like, ‘Oh man, no verses.’ So even actually on the packaging, you’ll see it says, ‘Warning: no bars.’ It’s letting you know what it is off the top.”
Though his feelings for rap haven’t diminished, he says it’s simply not where he is creatively.
“I love rap music because it was a part of my youth. So I would love to be out here with everybody rapping, because it’s almost like fun and being on the playground. I would love to be out here playing with everybody, but it’s just not happening for me. This is the realest thing that’s coming right now. Not to say that I would never do it again, but those are not the things that are coming right now. And I have to present what’s given to me at the time.”
In this hour-plus conversation with Carmichael, André is equally transparent and tangible, whether laughing about Tyler, the Creator’s funny response to his music, detailing the wild ayahuasca trip that had him purring like a panther in Hawaii or sharing the reason why he gets so many requests to play flute at funerals now.
Read selected quotes below. You can hear the entire interview and read an edited transcript of the conversation at NPR.org
Highlights from the interview:
Rodney Carmichael: I don’t know if fans always remember to take into account when we make these selfish demands for more music from artists that we love. In the last decade, you’ve lost both your mom and your dad and, more recently, your stepdad — who I know you’ve said was really an anchoring person in your life. That’s a lot of grief for anybody to hold, especially back to back. How did managing all of that changed you or impacted you as a person?
André 3000: Yes, it’s a lot … in the order that it happened. But it’s life too, man. The worst thing about it is you don’t expect it. It wasn’t anything that I could prepare for. But yeah, I’m happy to know that my parents and my stepfather are in their next phase of what’s happening, you know. At the time, it felt a lot. It was a lot. It was really, really heavy for me, but you get through it and you keep living. They exchange energy with you, so you kind of feel a boost in your back at the same time as if, you know, when they pass, they give it to you. So I can say, death makes you think about living. Death makes you push, you know.
***
[on the story behind the song titled “That Night In Hawaii When I Turned Into A Panther And Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn’t Control. Shit Was Wild.”]
Rodney Carmichael: Now, I ain’t gonna lie, this sounds like a straight-up ayahuasca trip or something like that.
André 3000: I was actually in Hawaii and it was my second night of the first time I’d ever taken ayahuasca. We did it like a three-night kind of phase. The first night was inviting and beautiful and the most powerful love and connection with all things I’ve ever felt in my life. The second night was different and everybody knows that aya will do you that way. The second night my stomach was hurting, my mouth contorted like a panther and I actually turned into a panther. And I was doing like, GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. That kind of thing.
It was doing this thing called toning. Toning is another way of purging. And toning is where you make these vibrational noises that you can’t control. It started playing me like an instrument.
In a dedicated tribute to the cultural force that is hip-hop, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is set to host a monumental event on November 11, 2023, commemorating 50 years of hip-hop artistry and marking National Hip-Hop History Month. The celebration will unfold at MoPOP’s iconic location at 325 5th Avenue N in Seattle, Washington, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.
Honoring a Hometown Hero
The highlight of the event is the presentation of the Hometown Hero Award to none other than Auburn, Washington native, and hip-hop luminary Sir Mix-A-Lot. Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the local and global hip-hop scene, Sir Mix-A-Lot will be bestowed with this prestigious award by MoPOP CEO Michele Y. Smith. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at 1:15 p.m. PST, promising an unforgettable moment for hip-hop enthusiasts and the public alike.
A Day of Hip-Hop Extravaganza
The National Hip-Hop History Month Event promises an immersive experience for attendees. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will come alive with a dynamic array of activities, including DJ demos, graffiti techniques, movie screenings, dancing, hip-hop choreography, and exclusive guests. This is not just an event; it’s a journey through the evolution of a genre that has shaped the world’s music, art, and culture.
A Message from the CEO
Michele Y. Smith, MoPOP’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “In celebration of National Hip-Hop History Month, I’m excited to announce Sir Mix-A-Lot as the recipient of our Hometown Hero Award. Sir Mix-A-Lot embodies a true champion of the local Seattle hip-hop community. The team at MoPOP and I are proud to honor him with the award.”
Sir Mix-A-Lot’s Gratitude
In response to the honor, Sir Mix-A-Lot conveyed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you Michele, thank you MoPOP, and most importantly, thank you to the whole Pacific Northwest for not selling out on our culture. I have and always will keep it 100% Sea-Town. FO LIFE.”
For those planning to attend, MoPOP is conveniently located at 325 5th Avenue N, Seattle, Washington. Street parking and pay lots are available, with the Gates Foundation Parking garage situated across the street from MoPOP at 5th Avenue N and Harrison Street.
Join MoPOP in this historic celebration of hip-hop’s influence, innovation, and the local legend, Sir Mix-A-Lot. It’s not just an event; it’s a homage to 50 years of a genre that continues to shape the heartbeat of global pop culture.
New York City is gearing up for a historic celebration as it pays tribute to RZA and the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. On November 9, 2023, the iconic Empire State Building will light up in Wu-Tang’s signature black and yellow colors, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the group’s seminal 1993 debut album, ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).’ Mayor Eric Adams will also declare November 9th as “Wu-Tang Day” in the city, marking a momentous occasion for both hip-hop and New York.
A Musical Revolution
Back in 1993, Wu-Tang Clan exploded onto the music scene with their groundbreaking debut album, ‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).’ This collective of talented rappers, including RZA, GZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killa, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa, forever altered the landscape of hip-hop. Later, Cappadonna would officially join their ranks. Their influence extended far beyond music, reaching into clothing lines, films, publishing, video games, and production companies. Wu-Tang Clan was at the forefront of launching their own fashion line, Wu Wear, which became globally recognizable. Their monumental success in building a multifaceted business empire opened doors for future generations of hip-hop entrepreneurs. With seven studio albums and gold and platinum records, Wu-Tang Clan boasts worldwide sales exceeding 40 million albums and has also launched prolific solo careers.
’36 Chambers’ – A Hip-Hop Gem
‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ quickly became one of the most acclaimed albums in hip-hop history. Achieving platinum status within a year of its release, the album has now reached triple-platinum status. Its significance is further underscored by its inclusion in the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry, a distinction awarded to just 25 albums annually for their cultural, historical, or aesthetic importance. In 2022, Rolling Stone magazine ranked the album at number 8 on its list of the 200 Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time. In 2021, it was placed at number 27 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Even 30 years on, Wu-Tang Clan continues to inspire artists and resonates not only with the borough and state that birthed them but with the entire globe.
To mark this milestone, RZA and the Wu-Tang Clan have forged a new partnership with Rock The Bells and SiriusXM. Starting on November 29, RZA will host #WuWednesdays, a weekly show on LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells, airing on SiriusXM channel 43. The show will feature new and classic tracks from all Wu-Tang Clan members, exclusive DJ mixes, interviews, and more. The first episode will shine a spotlight on Wu-Tang’s unforgettable performance on August 10th in Queens, New York, for SiriusXM’s Hip-Hop 50 celebration.
In collaboration with Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, Get On Down is set to unveil a special edition 7-inch box set, a limited-edition LP, and a limited-edition cassette. These collector’s items will be available for order at www.getondown.com starting on Thursday, Nov 9th at Noon EST. The preorders for both the limited-edition box and color LP product pages will remain open until November 30th.
New York City Joins the Celebration
New York City is unleashing a series of celebratory activations for Wu-Tang Clan’s 30th anniversary, including RZA’s The 36 Chambers 30th Anniversary Celebration at New York’s Gramercy Theatre from November 7-9. On Thursday, Nov 9th, 36 Chambers will host a pop-up shop in the East Village, offering signed copies of RZA’s graphic novel, “Bobby Digital and The Pit Of Snakes,” along with other apparel, records, toys, and collectibles. Additionally, the Hip-Hop Education Center (HHEC), Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and 36 Chambers ALC will present a special screening of the new documentary “A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre” on Wednesday, November 15 at 7:00 pm. Notably, RZA, co-director of the documentary, is Urbanworld’s official ambassador for this year’s festival and presented the film at Urbanworld.
Get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Hip Hop as the Founders of the Museum Of Graffiti unveil their latest creation, “The Art of Hip Hop,” during Art Basel Miami Beach 2023. This immersive educational exhibition promises to celebrate the rich history and cultural significance of Hip Hop, focusing on the unsung heroes of this genre – the visual creators. From photographers to album cover artists, graffiti legends, and logo designers, the exhibition will shed light on their immense contribution to Hip Hop’s iconic projects.
After successful showcases at SXSW and Seoul’s UrbanBreak, this exhibition is making its permanent home in Wynwood, perfectly timed to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. The programming extends beyond the Art Basel week, exploring all four pillars of Hip Hop: MC’ing, Breakdancing, Graffiti, and DJ’ing.
In collaboration with StockX, the world’s leading marketplace for current culture, “The Art of Hip Hop” will kick off a grand opening weekend filled with programming and celebrations from December 5th to December 10th. This groundbreaking exhibition, titled “From the Bronx to the Beach,” offers visitors an opportunity to witness rare ephemera, showcasing the journey of Hip Hop from its roots in the Bronx with DJ Kool Herc to Miami’s very own pioneer, Uncle Luke.
While rappers and DJs often take center stage, “The Art of Hip Hop” places a significant emphasis on the visual creators who have left an indelible mark on this movement. Expect to see the works of renowned Hip Hop photographers like Janette Beckman, Mike Miller, Henry Chalfant, Matt Doyle, Lisa Leone, Joe Conzo, and Daniel Hastings, alongside Hip Hop album cover designs by Cey Adams, Eric Haze, Slick, Kaws, and many more.
The exhibition will also feature a special spotlight on Miami’s unique Hip Hop history, captured through the lenses of local historian and photographer Derrick Ganth and Esdras T. Lusma. Alan Ket will collaborate with StockX to curate a collection of sneakers that further amplify the stories featured in the exhibition.
“Since its inception, hip-hop has revolutionized sneaker culture. Most of our favorite pairs have been defined, in some way, by hip-hop’s legacy. Over the course of its 50-year history, the genre has been influencing brands and giving them cultural resonance. It is our privilege to work with The Museum of Graffiti to bring its exhibit to life, and to not only celebrate ‘The Art of Hip Hop’, but to honor the community that has shaped it.” says Deena Bahri, CMO of StockX.
Art of Hip Hop SXSW (2)
Art of Hip Hop SXSW (2)
Art of Hip Hop SXSW
Art of Hip Hop SXSW
Beyond the immersive experience, “The Art of Hip Hop” will house a world-class specialty gift shop and art gallery. Here, you can explore and purchase original paintings on canvas and sculptures spanning the last five decades.
AlanKet, Curator and Co-Founder of The Art of Hip Hop shares his sentiment. “I fell in love with Hip Hop culture 40 years ago in the streets of New York. This historical exhibition belongs in Miami which has historically been a city with innovation and creativity in all the elements of Hip Hop. The public is going to love this.”
Doors will open daily from 11 am to 6 pm, starting on December 5, 2023, taking over the entire building located at 299 NW 25th St., Miami, FL 33127. General admission tickets are available for $12, and all special programming tickets will be exclusively offered at www.artofhiphop.com.
As part of their partnership with the Museum of Graffiti, StockX will make 250 tickets available for free to the public each day from December 5th to December 7th, on a first-come, first-served basis.
Schedule:
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 (11 am – 6 pm): Open to the public with 250 free tickets courtesy of StockX.
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 (11 am – 6 pm): Open to the public with 250 free tickets courtesy of StockX.
Thursday, December 7, 2023: Open to the public with 250 free tickets courtesy of StockX. Panel Discussion (1 pm – 2 pm): StockX presents a design-focused talk led by renowned sneaker design authority and Pensole College of Business and Design Founder, D’wayne Edwards.
Friday, December 8, 2023: Open to the public with 250 free tickets courtesy of Ciroc. Panel Discussion (1 pm – 2 pm): StockX presents a Hip Hop business-focused panel discussion led by Senior Vice President at Roc Nation, Lenny Santiago.
Beyond Art Basel: The Art of Hip Hop will continue to update its programming throughout the year, highlighting all four pillars of Hip Hop – MC’ing, Breakdancing, Graffiti, and DJ’ing.
Former graffiti artist-turned hip hop mover and shaker DJ Kay Slay is not done with his epic Rolling Deep series. Now the Harlem native is being honored with the release of the biggest posse cut in Hip-Hop history. The track titled “Rolling 200 Deep,” the track is broken into 16 parts totaling 62 minutes and features 200 rappers.
Snoop Dogg, Ice-T, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, AZ, Run-DMC, Bun B, Big Daddy Kane, Coke La Rock, Kid Capri, Goodie Mob, B-Real, Memphis Bleek, Twista, E-40, Jim Jones, MC Serch, NEMS and Papoose are a few of the MC’s featured on the track. “Rolling 200 Deep” is the fourth installment in DJ Kay Slay’s Rolling Deep series, following Rolling 25 Deep (2005) Rolling 50 Deep (2020) and Rolling 110 Deep (2021).