Hip Hop Culture | Hip Hop Arts and Lifestyle

Rapper DDG Slammed For Exposing His Insecurities In Relationship With Halle Bailey On New Song

by
Screen Shot 2023 07 15 at 12.58.45 PM

Rapper DDG must have been feeling a way about watching his girlfriend The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey on the big screen with another man. This New Music he dropped off an album called Maybe It’s Me, with the song “Famous” seemingly venting about his relationship woes with Bailey. “Filmin’ a movie now you kissing dudes / You know I love you a lot / I don’t give a f**k if that shit for promo / I don’t wanna see this s**t no more,” the Michigan-born artist made it clear.

Since the song’s release, the hashtag #FailedRapper has been trending on Twitter. “Halle Bailey is a beautiful and talented soul. DDG is very jealous and possessive about her career. The fact that he threatened to hurt her image because he is insecure is a bad sign,” one person reflected after catching up on the tea.

Elsewhere, others suggested that it could all be a ploy for attention. “Lol that’s [wild] failed rapper is still trending. @HalleBailey and @PontiacMadeDDG I feel like [they’re] good. If you know DDG you know he’s a troll. N if Halle wasn’t cool with the song it wouldn’t be out. DDG is like 6ix9ine but a good boy,” someone speculated.

Thoughts?

The post Rapper DDG Slammed For Exposing His Insecurities In Relationship With Halle Bailey On New Song first appeared on The Source.

The post Rapper DDG Slammed For Exposing His Insecurities In Relationship With Halle Bailey On New Song appeared first on The Source.

Lil Wayne’s Mom Didn’t Accept His First Big Check: ‘She Gave It Right Back’

by
Screen Shot 2023 07 15 at 12.55.39 PM

Rapper Lil Wayne joined The Pivot Podcast for an enlightening conversation and revealed what he did with his first big check. His mom, Jacida Carter, taught Weezy that money isn’t everything, something that he still keeps in mind to this day.

“First big check, though?” Lil Wayne remarked. “I just gave it straight to her. Gave it straight to my mom, and the first thing she did was give it straight back. You know, with this check, we got three digits before the other three digits. We had never seen that in our lives, you know what I mean? She was like, ‘Boy that’s yours. You made that.’

“Goes to show you how we are,” Lil Wayne continued. “Just that right there, I mean, that just taught me how to be with money right there at that moment. It taught me that it doesn’t mean nothing. I’m like, ‘You don’t need nothing out of this?’ She was like, ‘I don’t need nothing.’ I was like, ‘I’m going to build you a house.’ And she took, like, the least she could take to build the house. But that taught me from that moment that it’s just paper. That don’t mean too much.”

The post Lil Wayne’s Mom Didn’t Accept His First Big Check: ‘She Gave It Right Back’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Lil Wayne’s Mom Didn’t Accept His First Big Check: ‘She Gave It Right Back’ appeared first on The Source.

Hip-Hop Turns 50! A Look at The SugarHill Gang & Their Legacy

by
IMG 0189

Can you believe that Hip-Hop actually turns 50 this year?  It just doesn’t seem that long ago when DJ Kool Herc birthed Hip-Hop when he held a party in his building’s community room on Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx. Over the years, we have seen hip-hop artists and rappers come & go, but the main stay has been the SugarHill Gang.

When the deceased Rock N Roll Hall of Famed, Sylvia Robinson, created the trio, the SugarHill Gang (Big Bank Hank, Wonder Mike, & Master Gee), she had the tenacity to believe that this new sound of music would make history. “My mother, Sylvia Robinson, was an award-winning singer, song writer, arranger, producer, and innovator”, states Leland Robinson, son to Sylvia Robinson and CEO of SugarHill Records. “She produced timeless music”.

To date, Sylvia Robinson is responsible for ushering Hip-Hop into its very own genre of music. Produced and distributed from her indie record label, SugarHill Records, this Englewood, New Jersey based musical conglomerate still holds the record for selling well over 8 million copies of a single, “Rapper’s Delight”.  This fourteen minute and thirty-five second body of work, has managed to raise the vibration of anyone in earshot of the song.

Listed as one of the greatest songs of all time, “Rapper’s Delight” is credited for introducing hip-hop music to a wide audience, reaching the top 40 in the United States, as well as the top three in the United Kingdom and number one in Canada.

Managing to break away from their vigorous touring schedule, at the top of the summer, the SugarHill Gang opened up the 2023 BET Awards with their smash hit. As everyone stood on their feet at the command of DJ Kid Capri, and rocked to the beat, everyone in the crowd, everyone watching  television screens, and watching via streaming platforms, all waved their hands in the air like they just didn’t care.

“Our historical song transcends all ages, genders, and ethnicities”, states Wonder Mike. “Our record breaking song, “Rapper’s Delight” has been featured in numerous commercials, television shows, and major movies”, states Master Gee.

In addition to traveling and showcasing their music, the group will be highlighted at Yankee Stadium, Radio City Music Hall, and alongside Funkmaster Flex at Madison Square Garden in New York City in the Fall. Nationally, the SugarHill Gang can be seen during LL Cool J’s “Rock The Bells Tour”.

Thank you to the SugarHill Gang for their contributions and Happy 50th Birthday, Hip-Hop!

The post Hip-Hop Turns 50! A Look at The SugarHill Gang & Their Legacy first appeared on The Source.

The post Hip-Hop Turns 50! A Look at The SugarHill Gang & Their Legacy appeared first on The Source.

Artist Hebru Brantley Teams with Spirits Vet Peter Ibrahim to Launch ‘The Old G’ Gin Brand

by

The Old G, a premium London Dry Gin, has officially launched, offering gin enthusiasts a meticulously crafted spirit free from artificial flavors or colors. With a commitment to exceptional quality and an enjoyable drinking experience, The Old G is distilled using the finest botanicals and produced in limited quantities.

Renowned artist Hebru Brantley and spirits expert Peter Ibrahim have joined forces to create a gin that delivers exceptional taste and represents and celebrates the minority community.

“We’re thrilled to announce the launch of The Old G. It was our goal to create a Gin that stands deliciously on its own, without the need for any modifiers or mixers to enhance its exceptional taste – and that’s exactly what we did here,” said Peter Ibrahim, Head of Brand and Founder of The Old G. “We also wanted to create a product that gives a voice to underrepresented communities. As an Egyptian teaming up with a prominent Black artist, it was crucial to build a brand that reflects our upbringing, struggles, and our perseverance in this industry.”

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress


FGM09189


IMG 0233


IMG 0310


IMG 0316

Embodying the spirit of the “Old G’s, ” the pillars of neighborhoods and communities, The Old G is a masterfully crafted gin with a bold yet smooth flavor profile that can be savored neat, on the rocks, or mixed in cocktails.

The iconic bottle design, envisioned by Hebru Brantley, catches the eye with its distinctive aesthetic, making it a standout addition to any home bar or professional establishment.

“The design of the bottle comes from the minimalistic idea of stripping the unnecessary and intentionally focusing on simplicity. The minimalism is also a way of having the product stand on its own – where the bottle, logo and overall design does not take away from the spirit itself,” said Hebru Brantley, Head of Creative for The Old G.

Available for purchase in 750ml bottles priced at $34.99, The Old G is currently accessible in Florida, Georgia, California, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey. The brand plans to expand its availability to other states in the near future, allowing more gin lovers to indulge in this exceptional spirit.

The post Artist Hebru Brantley Teams with Spirits Vet Peter Ibrahim to Launch ‘The Old G’ Gin Brand first appeared on The Source.

The post Artist Hebru Brantley Teams with Spirits Vet Peter Ibrahim to Launch ‘The Old G’ Gin Brand appeared first on The Source.

John Singleton’s Daughter Fighting Grandmother In Court Over Allowance

by
Screen Shot 2023 07 13 at 10.12.53 AM

Four years ago director John Singleton passed away after suffering a stroke. The 51-year-old director had been in a coma after suffering a stroke while at a Los Angeles hospital for another health concern. He died peacefully and surrounded by friends, his family said in a statement shared by his publicist.

Now John’s daughter Cleopatra is fighting in court with his mother after getting cut off of $2700 school allowance following her graduation arguing she is still enrolled in online school.

Radar Online reports:

According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, Cleopatra, one of John’s 7 children, asked the court to shut down the late director’s mom Shelia Ward.

As we first reported, Shelia, who has been in charge of John’s estate since his 2019 death, recently asked the court to allow her to stop paying Cleopatra $2,700 per month.

The support was initially approved by the court in December 2019. The money was to be used by Cleopatra for support because she was a “full-time student who did not have other sources of income.”

Sheila said Cleopatra graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana in May 2021 but was still being paid. She asked that Cleopatra’s final payout from John’s estate be reduced by the amount she was paid to her after the date of graduation from Xaiver University.

Now, Cleopatra said her grandmother’s request should be shut down because she’s currently enrolled in an online school.

Further, Cleopatra said Sheila’s final accounting report submitted to the court should not be approved. She claimed it contained “woefully inaccurate” information and failed to include documentary proof for certain transactions.

A judge has yet to rule.

Singleton, who was also a screenwriter and producer, made history in 1992 when he became the first black director nominated for an Academy Award and, at 23, the youngest nominee in that category for the 1991 drama “Boyz n the Hood,” his directorial debut. The critically acclaimed film follows the lives of three teenage boys in Los Angeles and addresses questions of race, violence and relationships.

The post John Singleton’s Daughter Fighting Grandmother In Court Over Allowance first appeared on The Source.

The post John Singleton’s Daughter Fighting Grandmother In Court Over Allowance appeared first on The Source.

PUMA Reveals ‘Mixtape Collection’ in Honor of Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary

by
23AW SP Mixtape RS XL Group Look 1 0074 RGB

PUMA, the renowned global sports company, has joined forces with Roc Nation, Paper Planes co-founder Emory Jones, and footwear designer Alexander John to launch the highly anticipated Mixtape collection.

This unique apparel and footwear line celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and pays tribute to the iconic mixtape format. Exclusively available at Foot Locker and Champs Sports, the collection showcases the RS-XL shoe in three versions inspired by different mixtape formats: cassettes, CDs, and playlists.

Each shoe features an NFC-powered chip called the “LGT Tag” from Legitimate, which unlocks a digital portal offering exclusive content, weekly mixtape releases, and behind-the-scenes access to Roc Nation artists.

The collection includes a range of jackets, tees, and shorts with eye-catching graphics and music-inspired designs. The Mixtape collection will be available online and in-store at select retailers starting on Friday, July 14, with prices ranging from $35 to $130.

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress


23AW SP Mixtape RS XL Playlist Group Look 3 0057 RGB


23AW SP Mixtape RS XL Playlist Product Look 3 0192 RGB


23AW SP Mixtape Group Look 2 0047 RGB


23AW SP Mixtape RS XL Group Look 1 0074 RGB


23AW SP Mixtape RS XL Cassette Group Look 3 0096 RGB


23AW SP Mixtape RS XL Cassette Product Look 1 1380 RGB


23AW SP Mixtape RS XL Disc Group Look 3 0020 RGB


23AW SP Mixtape RS XL Disc Product Look 2 0126 RGB


23AW SP Mixtape RS XL Disc Product Look 2 0165 RGB

The post PUMA Reveals ‘Mixtape Collection’ in Honor of Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary first appeared on The Source.

The post PUMA Reveals ‘Mixtape Collection’ in Honor of Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary appeared first on The Source.

D.J. Envy to Headline HBCU New York Classic After Party

by
Screen Shot 2023 07 12 at 10.56.30 AM

New York native D.J. Envy, is set to takeover the Toyota HBCU New York Classic after party and he’s inviting fans out to enjoy the party of the year Saturday, September 16, 2023.

“I’m personally inviting everybody to the HBCUNY classic and after party,” said Envy. “I need all my Virgos to pull up for my birthday party/homecoming party. So, all HBCU’s, fraternity, sororities and HBCUish colleges…join us.”

 D.J. Envy who co-hosts the wildly popular syndicated radio show “The Breakfast Club” from Power 105.1 FM in New York. After only two years, the show was dubbed the number one radio program in the nation and is widely regarded as the most informative and entertaining hip-hop and R&B morning show today. Envy made a name for himself as one of New York City’s premier mixtape producers. In the early-2000s, he premiered exclusive freestyles by artists like Jay-Z, Fabulous, and 50 Cent. A three time “Justo Mixtape Award” winner, Envy won the award for “Most Influential Radio DJ” at the Underground Music Awards in 2008.

 “As an iconic figure in the New York hip-hop scene, D.J. Envy is the perfect person to help us celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and cap a full day of HBCU football and culture with style,” said HBCU New York Classic President Albert Williams.

“What sets D.J. Envy apart is not only his remarkable talent but also his deep connection to the HBCU community. Having attended Hampton University, D.J. Envy proudly represents the legacy and values instilled in him during his time at the institution. He carries his HBCU experiences with him, and his love for supporting HBCUs shines through in his work.”

 “American Dream is thrilled to host the HCBU New York Classic after party and welcome D.J. Envy and fans to the Dream Bar for the perfect post-game celebration,” said Bryan Gaus, senior vice president and general manager of American Dream.

Known as the world’s largest HBCU Homecoming, the Toyota HBCU New York Classic is a multi-day celebration of HBCU culture and community activities that culminates with an epic match-up between Morehouse College and Albany State University. Following an incredible first year with over 35,000 fans in attendance, the HBCU New York Classic returns to MetLife Stadium on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. ET.  The game will be presented live on CNBC, Peacock, and the NBC Sports App.

 Additional musical acts and halftime entertainment will be announced in the coming weeks. For the latest information, or to purchase tickets go to www.hbcunyclassic.com and follow @hbcunyclassic on Instagram and Twitter.

The post D.J. Envy to Headline HBCU New York Classic After Party first appeared on The Source.

The post D.J. Envy to Headline HBCU New York Classic After Party appeared first on The Source.

CJ Wallace Uncovers Father’s Legacy In New Documentary About The Notorious B.I.G.

by
Screen Shot 2023 07 11 at 12.42.32 PM

A new documentary about the Notorious B.I.G. — told through the lens of his son who was just five months old when the illustrious rapper died — is in the works.

Hollywood Reporter reports that Time Studios is producing Understanding Christopher Wallace, which promises “an intimate look at the untold life story of one of the greatest rappers to ever live … from the perspective of the son who never knew him.”

Notorious B.I.G., born Christopher Wallace in New York City, was shot to death in March 1997. C.J. Wallace, the rapper’s son with Grammy-winning R&B singer Faith Evans, was born in Oct. 1996.

“Over the past few years, I realized my personal journey is connected to understanding who Christopher George Latore Wallace was outside of his big rap persona,” C.J. Wallace said in a statement. “I am on a journey to fully understand the world he lived in and the massive impact he had on American and Black history and by doing so, I can ensure that I honor his hopes and dreams while I build and create my own legacy for future generations of Wallaces.”

cj

Time Studios say the documentary “is a dual narrative that navigates between the lives of both Christopher Jr. and Sr. – from the 2020’s back to the 1980’s – exploring concepts of identity, legacy, and fatherhood. As C. J. chases a deeper understanding of his own destiny, his quest uncovers a more holistic portrait of his dad than the world has ever known.”

Evans, Lil Kim, Jadakiss, Lil Cease and others participate and speak with C.J. Wallace in the doc.

“The Notorious B.I.G. had such an immense impact on not only music, but also on popular culture as a whole. But this film is about so much more than that,” Loren Hammonds, head of documentary at Time Studios, said in a statement. “It’s about fatherhood, loss, and love. It’s incredibly special to be able to let audiences learn about the man behind the myth through C.J.’s eyes, and we’re very proud to play a part in carrying on Christopher Wallace’s inimitable legacy.”

The post CJ Wallace Uncovers Father’s Legacy In New Documentary About The Notorious B.I.G. first appeared on The Source.

The post CJ Wallace Uncovers Father’s Legacy In New Documentary About The Notorious B.I.G. appeared first on The Source.

Infamous Photo From Notorious B.I.G.’s Contact Sheet To Be Auctioned Tomorrow

by
THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE (HORIZONTAL)

“THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE” showcases the original photo of The Notorious B.I.G., captured and selected for publication by Barron Claiborne in 1997. Archived for 26 years, this piece is a cutout from the original contact sheet, making it the only one of its kind ever created. Released by the artist in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, it presents a rare opportunity for true fans of The Notorious B.I.G., music collectors, and art enthusiasts to acquire one of the crown jewels of Hip-Hop history.

Originally syndicated by Corbis in 1997, this medium format contact sheet is sized at 6×7 centimeters and displays the film information along its borders. It is labeled on the front and signed by the artist on the back. Notably, during the labeling process, Corbis unintentionally marked the year as 1995, which adds a unique and special element to the piece. The auction winner will receive the physical artwork and will also gain ownership of its digital counterpart on the blockchain, ensuring provenance. As an exceptional bonus, the auction includes a one-on-one video call with the artist, to learn more about the historical moment when the portrait of Christopher Wallace, just three days before his passing, was taken.

“THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE” is the masterpiece of The King of New York (KONY) Collection, along with five other selected works, which are all directly available on Barron Claiborne’s own website.

THERE CAN ONLY BE ONE 1x1 1
Barron Crown hat
Barron Claiborne

Barron Claiborne is a New York based self-taught photographer and cinematographer originally from Boston, who works primarily in 4×5 and 8×10 large format photography.

He is renowned for his distinctive style and contributions to American culture. In 1997, he made history when he created one of the most iconic images in Hip Hop – The Notorious B.I.G. as The King of New York (KONY) with a tilted crown. The use of the Crown for the photo shoot was symbolic, to portray Biggie as “a big noble King.”

Barron’s work has been published in numerous publications including; The New York Times Magazine, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Paper and Interview magazines. He has also been featured in Encyclopedia Britannica, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was twice nominated for the Alfred Eisenstaedt Award for Magazine Photography. Some of Barron’s photographs are in permanent collections around the world including The Polaroid Museum Cambridge, The Brooklyn Museum and The Houston Museum of Fine Arts. He documented poverty in America for The New Yorker, traveling from Mississippi through Appalachia, to the Rust belt. His work has taken him all over the world, from portraying boy soldiers in Sierra Leone, Guru’s in India to capturing beauty in Paris.

Instagram: @barronclaiborne
Twitter: @thekonynft
Website: www.barronclaiborne.art

The post Infamous Photo From Notorious B.I.G.’s Contact Sheet To Be Auctioned Tomorrow first appeared on The Source.

The post Infamous Photo From Notorious B.I.G.’s Contact Sheet To Be Auctioned Tomorrow appeared first on The Source.

Drake Calls Nail Polish Backlash “Homophobic”

by
Drake Dreamville

Drake is secure in his masculinity- and isn’t afraid to show it, clapping back at critics who felt some type of way about his recently painted nails.

In a recent Instagram post, Drake addressed Lil Yachty, who he claims told him to paint his fingernails as it would help him stop biting them. On July 3, Drake showed off pink nails on his IG story. Naturally, his audience was divided on the “Rich Flex” artist’s manicure.

On Monday, Drake (who has just kicked off his It’s All a Blur tour with 21 Savage), seemed to jokingly address Lil Yachty, writing

“GET OUT MY COMMENTS YOU TOLD ME TO PAINT MY NAILS SO I STOP BITING THEM AND NOW THE WORLD IS BEING HOMOPHOBIC FOR THE 1st TIME SINCE ‘RICH FLEX…which wasn’t that long ago now that I think about it….wait is the world homophobic? Smh.”

Drake Calls Nail Polish Backlash Homophobic
Drake calls nail polish backlash “homophobic”

Yachty wrote back ““woo-sah brother, your [sic] not supposed to have these episodes in public, it’s fine. They just don’t get u bro #UDIFFERENTAF!!”

Drake is hardly the first male celebrity to paint his nails. Machine Gun Kelly has his own nail polish line, Bad Bunny has rocked brightly colored digits, and A$AP Rocky said in an interview with Vogue that he feels “like men should be able to do nail art without feeling feminine,” noting in the same interview that his nails were painted with Prada fall 2019 motifs, including the broken heart and Frankenstein. In fact, Vogue even highlighted famous male celebrities who have rocked colored nails.

The post Drake Calls Nail Polish Backlash “Homophobic” first appeared on The Source.

The post Drake Calls Nail Polish Backlash “Homophobic” appeared first on The Source.