Hip Hop Culture | Hip Hop Arts and Lifestyle Archives - Page 44 of 61

Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott Are Reportedly Broken Up

January 7, 2023 by newhiphopnews

New year, new significant other? That might be the mantra for both Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott, who reportedly are no longer together according to multiple sources.

The parents of two (a girl, Stormi, and an unnamed boy) were allegedly supposed to spend the holidays together, but instead Jenner went to Aspen with friends (including Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, and Stacey Karanikolau) as well as daughter Stormi. Scott was not in attendance.

The couple, who first got together in 2017, were last photographed together in December of 2022 in Miami at one of Scott’s performances.

A source close to the couple told US Weekly that the on-again, off-again couple are finally done this time, stating that “this has happened so many times before, they’re known to be on again off again, but always remain friends and great coparents.”

Neither party has made a public statement. Earlier this week, Jenner posted a solo pic wearing a black dress, sitting in the back of a car with the simple caption: “where we going ?” (It does, however, appear that she has a ring on her left ring finger although the ring details are unclear.)

Scott, meanwhile, is likely focusing on his upcoming appearances for a series of global Rolling Loud festivals.

The post Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott Are Reportedly Broken Up appeared first on The Source.

Fred White, Earth, Wind & Fire drummer, dies at 67

January 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Musician Fred White, who was the drummer for the sound pioneering and chart-topping group Earth, Wind & Fire has died at age 67.

White joined the band at age 19 in 1974 alongside the group’s founders- his siblings Maurice and Verdine White.

In a statement, Verdine White shared praise for his late younger brother’s musical talents and contribution to music, stating “he joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels! Child protégé, member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old! He was brother number 4 in the family lineup. But more than that at home and beyond he was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous!”

(His older brother Maurice passed on in 2016 at the age of 74.)

The band sold over 50 million records globally and were responsible for creating a unique and iconic sound that combined disco, soul, jazz, pop, R&B, funk, disco, big band, Latin, and Afro pop genres. Although Fred left the group in the 1980’s, he returned for a reunion performance as the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

The official Earth, Wind & Fire Instagram account shared a video of White performing a drum solo during the group’s world tour in 1979.

No cause of death was immediately provided.

The post Fred White, Earth, Wind & Fire drummer, dies at 67 appeared first on The Source.

Roddy Ricch Checks Paparazzi for Filming Him Putting Car Seat in his Car

January 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Roddy Ricch has altercation with paparazzi

Roddy Ricch is the latest celebrity to push back after paparazzi have crossed personal boundaries. Video, allegedly taken on December 29, recently surfaced showing an unnamed member of the paparazzi getting a little too close for comfort to The Box artist.

The video, which was shared by The Hollywood Fix, was taken in West Hollywood and shows Roddy and two men (likely his security detail and a store employee) trying to load what appears to be a car seat into the artist’s black car. The person (an unknown male) recording the film at first just zooms in on the three men before approaching them and talking about how he saw the artist in concert.

The security guard blocks the camera and tells the person recording “he’s doing something private now, he’s doing something for his family.”

The person appears to back off before continuing to try to talk to the artist, to which the security guard repeatedly tells him to back off. The person continues to record and Roddy approaches him and tells him to “turn that off” and says he wants to talk to him “like a man.” The man continues to object and Roddy continues to ask him to turn the camera off, saying “you walked up on me…this is real life, bro.”

The man backs off and talks to someone off camera, confirming that it is indeed Roddy Ricch, but saying “he [Roddy] is in a bad mood though.”

Roddy and his security guard drive off without incident.

Earlier this year, rapper Kodak Black had a similar incident in which he told a person filming him in his private life to back off and stop recording, citing the murder of PNB Rock days before. (The artist’s murderer apparently found his location based on a social media video.)

It is unclear who the car seat was for. Roddy has one child, a son, with baby mama Allie Minati.

The post Roddy Ricch Checks Paparazzi for Filming Him Putting Car Seat in his Car appeared first on The Source.

Snoop Dogg Launches Death Row Cannabis

December 29, 2022 by newhiphopnews

For over 30 years, through countless chart-topping hits and landmark artists, Death Row Records has stood as one of the music industry’s most iconic and culturally significant platforms.

MORE: Snoop Dogg Says Jay-Z Threatened to End NFL Partnership For Halftime Show

Today, it is under powerful new management. Recently acquired by Snoop Dogg, the infamous musical empire has reemerged as a multi-category cultural platform across music, fashion, entertainment, and cannabis, all united by the blockchain for a new generation.

Today at 8AM PT, their first cannabis drop will be announced on social media at @DeathRowRecords and @DeathRowCannabis, using an animation of their globally recognized logo and reveal of their branded pre-roll tube. The teaser video was created by artist MylarMen with a soundtrack by Kevin Gilliam aka DJ Battlecat. The 22-second clip is sure to electrify the global fans of the label while being a buzzy beginning of Death Row Records’ domination of the weed nation.

Promising to return Death Row to its former glory, all elements of the former label are being refitted for today’s audience and their evolving tastes. The first drop debuts in limited edition commemorative metallic bags, featuring the iconic hooded prisoner figure seated in an electric chair on the front. Important to note: this is a brand new version of the prisoner that was designed for the launch of the cannabis brand – the main difference being he has one hand broken free and is smoking a fat doobie.

MORE: [WATCH] F. Gary Gray Teams with Pepsi to Create Trailer for Hip-Hop’s Superbowl Halftime Show

Another especially exciting note for those cannabis connoisseurs is the man responsible for curating Death Row Cannabis. AK – hand-selected by Snoop himself – is a longtime West Coast legacy cultivator and industry insider, best known for his role alongside former partner WizardTrees in sprouting, selecting, and expertly growing the RS11, Studio 54, and Shirazi strains from exotic cannabis breeder DEO. He’s the man behind the IYKYK brand SMKRS, and he is also well known as the VP of Cultivation for TRP LLC, who owns a majority of the Cookies stores across the nation including their facilities in Florida.

AK’s reputation for growing “fire” weed and his palette when it comes to selecting winning strains, keeps people camped out in lines in front of their dispensaries.

Launching in-stores next week, Death Row Cannabis is not one to keep its fans waiting. The brand will soon make an announcement with an exact date and locations for their debut drop.

Select Cookies California stores (Brentwood, San Bernardino, and San Diego) will be the first locations to carry Death Row Cannabis, with other locations and more states to follow soon.

The post Snoop Dogg Launches Death Row Cannabis appeared first on The Source.

Rapper Theophilus London is Reported Missing in Los Angeles

December 28, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Theophilus London Reported Missing in LA

Despite recently performing with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, rapper Theophilus London is nowhere to be found- and he has now officially been declared a missing person.

This week, London’s family officially reported him missing, filing an official police report with the LAPD. The family alleges that they have not seen or spoken with the 35-year-old artist since July. (His last Instagram post was from July 11.)

London hails from Trinidad and Tobago and has worked with the likes of Kanye West, Travis Scott, Azealia Banks, Tame Impala, and many more. He has also performed at many international and North American music festivals, drawing praise from music critics in multiple genres.

According to TMZ, London’s father made the following statement: “Theo, your Dad loves you, son. We miss you. And all your friends and relatives are searching for you. Wherever you are send us some signal. No matter what we will come get you son.”

The rapper’s family has urged the public to contact the LAPD if they have information about his whereabouts or well-being. They can also reach out to London’s cousin, Mikhail Noel, on Instagram at @iamdjkellz.

in 2011, London released his debut album, Timez Are Weird These Days. It was followed up by Vibes (with Kanye West serving as executive producer) in 2014 and Bebey in 2020.

The post Rapper Theophilus London is Reported Missing in Los Angeles appeared first on The Source.

Vedo Prepares To Drop New Album, ‘Mood Swings’ on Jan. 13

December 28, 2022 by newhiphopnews

While Vedo has his eyes set on the release of his new project, Mood Swings, he reflects on how he positioned himself for one of the biggest cultural phenomenons of 2022.

Since his introduction to the world on Season 4 of “The Voice,” the Grammy-nominated crooner has captivated R&B fans with his vocal ability and songwriting. This year was no different. He penned Chris Brown’s lead single, “WE (Warm Embrace),” for his 10th studio album, which he wrote three years ago.

“I originally wrote it for Usher,” says Vedo. “I sent it to Breezy. He loved it and he cut it three years ago. There were many times I was close to dropping the record on my own, but you can’t be selfish to the other creatives involved.”

His decision proved the right one as the song helped Chris Brown surpass Elvis Presley for the eighth most Hot 100 entries as one of five from the album to land on the Hot 100. In addition, Vedo received his first Grammy nomination for his work on the project.

He could not have predicted the viral moment that was forthcoming after the release of Breezy.

Ironically, Usher’s Tiny Desk Concert succeeded in several comedic moments from R&B singers that sent Black Twitter into a frenzy. Between VERZUZ and the BET Awards, R&B did not have the best week on display.

Usher, Vedo, and Eric Bellinger proved to be the perfect segue to the week that preceded it. The trio, along with a great band, flawlessly glided through Usher’s classic catalog, where he opened the floor for both Bellinger and Vedo to shine.

According to Vedo, the “My Way” singer initially called him and Bellinger to share the stage with him at Pharrell’s Something in the Water Festival, where they could perform their songs as well.

“Last minute he tells us, ‘by the way, we’re gonna do Tiny Desk,’” says Vedo. “We’re rehearsing, but now it’s time to adapt. When I say adapt, it’s going from being a lead sold artist to a supporting artist, but still having the same impact if you were front and center.”

Vedo attests the massive success of Tiny Desk to his preparation and gives the utmost gratitude to Usher and Eric Bellinger.

Now Vedo is gearing up to release his next project, Mood Swings, following his debut performance at the Soul Train Awards last month. He performed the album’s lead single, “Forever,” as well.

The 13-track project will drop on Jan. 13 and feature cameos from Chris Brown and Tink.

The post Vedo Prepares To Drop New Album, ‘Mood Swings’ on Jan. 13 appeared first on The Source.

The XXXTentacion Foundation Intervene In Jackson, Mississippi’s Water And Medical Crisis

December 23, 2022 by newhiphopnews

XXXtencation has been trending lately, as his trial is set to begin in January. A lot has been said about the rapper but what many people do not know is that X had goals and dreams that he didn’t get to see come to fruition.. One of those was the foundation he created to assist those in need. His mother is continuing his dream through various initiatives.

In August 2022, the national media started to shine a light on Jackson, Mississippi’s water crisis. The city had sustained heavy rain, which resulted in massive flooding. Years of neglect, combined with racism and a pump malfunction, became a recipe for disaster.

More than 170,000 residents, including infants and children, were left without water. Locals were unable to drink, shower, or even flush toilets. Seniors and lower-income residents with medical needs are forced to choose between buying crucial medications or purchasing water. A boiling water advisory was put in place to help salvage the issue. Still, according to Rukia Lumumba, Chair of the Mississippi Rapid Response Coalition and sister of Jackson’s mayor, the situation is far from resolved.

“The water crisis has left over 150k residents under a boiling advisory. This will last at least a year or more. So we still need more water and water filters,” said Lumumba.

The water crisis has created a medical emergency amongst affected individuals in Jackson.

“Not having access to clean drinkable water is detrimental to the health of anyone, especially infants, kids, and the elderly who have preexisting conditions,” stated Dr. Tom Ellison, MD.

Ellison is the Founder and Director of Project Help, a national medical-based non-profit disaster relief organization of over 4500 doctors who volunteer during natural disasters. Project Help has assisted residents in Jackson since August when they got a call from the XXXTentacion Foundation in late October. Since that time the foundation has provided enough water to last residents til March of 2023.

Cleopatra Bernard is a Music, Film and TV Executive Producer. Bernard is also a philanthropist, and the mother of late Rapper, XXXTentacion. The executive and her team decided to step in and help the residents of Jackson through the XXXTentacion foundation.

The post The XXXTentacion Foundation Intervene In Jackson, Mississippi’s Water And Medical Crisis appeared first on The Source.

A$AP Ferg, Dave East, Dapper Dan & More Join DJ Webster For His 12th Annual Harlem Holiday Toy Drive

December 22, 2022 by newhiphopnews

This past weekend DJ Webster was joined by A$AP Ferg, Dave East, Dapper Dan and more for his annual Harlem Holiday Toy Drive to culminate a philanthropic during the holidays season.

The annual giveback had its biggest turnout to date with thousands of toy and coat donations collected on behalf of The Boys and Girls Club of Harlem and The Dunlevy Milbank Community Center. Other guests included actor & comedian Mr. Commodore, Tidal’s Jason Kpana, Cash App’s Gary Johnson, rapper K Goddess and more.

During the event, Dapper Dan presented DJ Webstar with a Certificate of Recognition from the City of New York & Mayor Eric Adams for 20 Years of Service uplifting both seniors and the youth in his community. The honor also recognized his 12th Annual Toy Drive, this year being the biggest to date. Cashapp served as the presenting sponsor in partnership with both Tidal and Gap.

Later this week DJ Webstar will continue to visit families in need throughout Harlem distributing the thousands of donations that were collected at his 12th Annual Harlem Holiday Toy Drive.

Check out images from the Holiday Toy Drive below.

The post A$AP Ferg, Dave East, Dapper Dan & More Join DJ Webster For His 12th Annual Harlem Holiday Toy Drive appeared first on The Source.

Senator Gillibrand Secures $3M In Federal Funding For BX’s Universal Hip Hop Museum

December 21, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced she secured $3 million in funding in the year-end omnibus package to go toward construction of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, which broke ground in the South Bronx in May 2021 and is slated to open in 2024. The omnibus is expected to pass Congress and be signed into law this week.

The Universal Hip Hop Museum aims to become a tourist hub honoring the genre’s influence over art, music, fashion, film, marketing and entertainment, celebrating the pioneers who built the culture, such as Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, DJ Kool Herc, Run DMC and Notorious B.I.G. The funds attained by Senator Gillibrand will go toward helping support the interior fit out of the facility, which is currently under construction at Bronx Point in the “Boogie Down” borough.

“The Bronx has historically been a creative incubator for so many wonderful genres of music, ranging from doo-wop to salsa, but few genres have left a greater mark on mainstream culture than hip hop music,” said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. “It is amazing to see that what started as a party in the basement of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue became a global phenomenon that spawned artistry and entrepreneurs like Jay-Z, Queen Latifah, and 50 Cent. With the 50th anniversary of hip hop right around the corner, I am proud to have secured funds to help the Universal Hip Hop Museum celebrate everything that is beautiful about hip hop culture.”

Located in the borough that give birth to the musical genre, the Universal Hip Hop Museum is the only state-chartered educational museum that is focused on the preserving the genre’s deep musical history and celebrating the 5 elements of hip hop’s culture: emceeing, DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art, and knowledge.

Transcending language, age, race, geographic, and socioeconomic barriers, hip hop has grown from “New York City” street music getting minimal radio play that gave a voice to the voiceless to topping the Billboard charts thanks to musical acts such as Drake, Nas, Kendrick Lamar and Lizzo, as well as influencing other genres ranging from pop music to R&B to heavy metal music.

The post Senator Gillibrand Secures $3M In Federal Funding For BX’s Universal Hip Hop Museum appeared first on The Source.