Hip Hop Entertainment | Hip Hop TV, Film and Video Games

Chuck D Releases Trailer, Cover Art For ‘Can You Dig It?’

by
Screen Shot 2023 07 13 at 9.57.17 AM

Can You Dig It? A Hip Hop Origin Story has released the official trailer and cover art for the new Audible Original with hip-hop legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Chuck D. The 5-part Audible series, debuting August 10 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, explores a rarely told story that led to the birth of a global artistic movement. Offering an exclusive sneak preview, the trailer sets the stage for an extraordinary journey, telling the story behind the birth of hip-hop in the Bronx during the early 1970s.

Can You Dig It? explores the events surrounding the murder of Cornell “Black Benjie” Benjamin, a respected peacekeeper and member of the Ghetto Brothers gang in the Bronx. This series dives deep into the impact of his death and the subsequent Hoe Avenue peace meeting, where hundreds of gang members gathered to choose peace over violence. The outcome of this historic meeting laid the foundation for the birth of hip-hop, ultimately leading to Kool Herc’s legendary Back to School party in 1973.

Narrated by Chuck D, Can You Dig It? features interviews with influential figures who were at the forefront of this cultural movement. Their firsthand accounts, including former Black Panther and peacekeeper Joseph Mpa, original hip-hop MC Coke La Rock, and renowned photographers/documentarians Joe Conzo and Henry Chalfant, provide an immersive journey into the political and social landscape of the time.

Also included is insight from the family of Black Benjie, who go on-record, for the first time ever, “If Kool Herc is considered the father of hip-hop, then my uncle was the general; my uncle was the martyr,” says Angelique Lenox, niece of Black Benjie. “He didn’t die in vain, something good came from his death; his life mattered. This is truly my best version of a love letter to my father and my family and I will not stop until his name is a part of the hip-hop story.”

The post Chuck D Releases Trailer, Cover Art For ‘Can You Dig It?’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Chuck D Releases Trailer, Cover Art For ‘Can You Dig It?’ appeared first on The Source.

Rapper Wiz Khalifa Sells Portion of Music Catalog

by
Screen Shot 2023 07 09 at 11.43.59 AM

Hip-hop’s biggest stars continue to sell their music catalog this week Wiz Khalifa  is the newest to let go of a percentage of his catalog. After both Nelly and Logic sold portions (or their entire music catalog), the Pittsburgh rapper has officially sold the publishing rights to a portion of his music catalog to HarbourView Equity Partners– the same firm that Nelly entered a deal with on Wednesday.

Although Wiz’s earnings in the sale have not been publicized, it has been confirmed that hit songs of his such as “Black & Yellow” and “See You Again” are both included in the deal, as both are the only two songs in his career to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In a statement attached to the press release, Khalifa spoke on his relationship with HarbourView Equity Partners’ founder Sherrese Clarke Soares and how much the agreement impacts his record label Taylor Gang.

“Sherrese and HarbourView truly understand the value of music and artistry,” he said. “We are excited to partner with them as they continue to build a dynamic media company that is in line with the values and goals we all have here at Taylor Gang.”

Soares also made a statement of her own celebrating Wiz’s talent.

“Wiz Khalifa has already made a profound impact on culture as a musician, executive, media visionary and creative force.” she said, “We celebrate his talent and creativity and are thrilled to welcome him and Taylor Gang to the HarbourView family today.”

The post Rapper Wiz Khalifa Sells Portion of Music Catalog first appeared on The Source.

The post Rapper Wiz Khalifa Sells Portion of Music Catalog appeared first on The Source.

Nelly Sells 50 Percent Of His Music Catalogue

by
Screen Shot 2023 07 06 at 2.26.25 PM

Rapper Nelly recently followed a rising trend of artists selling a hefty percentage of their music. Now the ‘Hot n Here’ rapper cut a $50 million deal for the sale of 50% of his music catalog.

TMZ reports:

Sources close to the rapper tell TMZ … Nelly secured a $50 million deal for 50% ownership over his entire catalog — which includes 8 albums and a ton of #1 singles that helped define pop culture in the 2000s.

We’re told Nelly is teaming up with a company called HarbourView Equity Partners for this, which is forking over the dough to lock up some of his best-known songs … such as, “Ride Wit Me,” “Dilemma” and of course, “Hot in Herre.” Obviously they’re getting more than just that … but those tracks are, by and large, the ones Nelly’s perhaps best-known for.

In fact, a couple of these songs won him Grammys — he snagged a statuette in 2003 for “Dilemma” (Best Rap/Sung Performance) and another that same year for “Hot in Herre” (Best Male Rap Solo Performance). He has another Grammy to his name for “Shake Ya Tailfeather.”

No word yet on which parts of Nelly’s catalog — besides the above-mentioned singles — now belong to HarbourView … but considering the wide range of tunes he has under his belt … you gotta figure there’s more goodies in the vault that they’ll now have a claim to.

It’s a lot of money, obviously — so it’s great news for Nelly. Interestingly enough, things are going swimmingly for Nelly in other departments of his life … including his business ventures, like his alcohol brand, MoShine.

Plus, he’s not even done making music at this point in his career … the guy produced a full-on country album, “Heartland,” in 2021 — and we’re hearing part 2’s on the horizon as well.

The post Nelly Sells 50 Percent Of His Music Catalogue appeared first on The Source.

Gospel Star Pastor Mike And Walt Disney World Resort Announce 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy Applications Opening Date

by
Disney Dreamers Academy Application Announcement 1

Walt Disney World Resort made a special appearance at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture to announce the opening of applications and nominations for the 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy. 
Gospel singing star Pastor Mike Jr., joined Disney executive Tracey D. Powell and motivational speaker/former dreamer– Princeton Parker during the announcement at the Essence stage in front of thousands of spectators to announce the life-changing program.    

Disney Dreamers Academy Application Announcement 3
Disney Dreamers Academy Application Announcement

The Disney Dreamers Academy is an epic four-day annual event held in March to enlighten and cultivate students at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The program is designed to broaden career and personal development for 100 teens from Black and underrepresented communities across America.

Students looking to achieve their dreams can apply and, for the first time this year, be nominated for the program at www.DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. The application process opens Monday and runs through October. The 100 selected students will receive an all-expense-paid trip along with one parent or guardian to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to experience a combination of inspiration, education and fun at The Most Magical Place on Earth.

“We’re seeking the next generation of big dreamers to bring to Walt Disney World for the 17th year of this life-changing program,” said Disney Signature Experiences vice president Tracey D. Powell, who is also the program’s executive champion. “Any teen in your life who aspires to achieve their goals should apply. You never know where it could take them!”  

Pastor Mike Jr., dubbed “The New King of Urban Inspiration,” is an 11-time Stellar Award Gospel Artist, best known for his songs “I Got It” and “So Good”.  As one of several celebrity speakers who took part in last year’s Disney Dreamers Academy, he motivated the students through his inspiring storytelling and musical performance.

“Inspiring others is my passion, and it is also the core of Disney Dreamers Academy, which is why I’m so proud to affiliate myself with this program,” said Pastor Mike Jr. “I’ve seen how passionate these students are and I would encourage all students to apply or nominate a fellow Disney Dreamer for this once-in-a-lifetime transformative event.”

Disney Dreamers Academy Application Announcement 1
Pastor Mike Jr., Tracey D. Powell and Princeton Parker

The impactful Disney program introduces the teens to an array of new opportunities, such as sessions teaching valuable life tools, leadership skills, effective communication techniques and networking strategies.

Students attend in-depth workshops in a variety of disciplines aligned with their dreams. These workshops introduce the Disney Dreamers to diverse career paths within business, entertainment, and sciences, including career opportunities within The Walt Disney Company.

Halle Bailey Surprises Students at Disney Dreamers Academy
Halle Bailey Surprises Students at Disney Dreamers Academy

In her role as Disney Dreamers Academy Ambassador, actor and singer Halle Bailey, who plays the lead role as Ariel in the live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” was part of many special moments during this year’s event, sharing her own personal struggles and lessons on her path to success. She also personally hosted two aspiring filmmakers from the class at the world premiere of “The Little Mermaid.”

Over the years, Disney Dreamers Academy has inspired more than 1,500 students from across the country. Each year, graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers, performing artists, entrepreneurs, Disney Cast Members and more, and some have transitioned into mentors to the Disney Dreamers who followed them.

The Disney Dreamers Academy program is an important part of Disney’s commitment to supporting diverse communities by encouraging the next generation to think big and to use what they learn in their relentless pursuit of their dreams in hopes of making a difference in the lives of others.

For more information, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com, or follow on social media at Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy, Twitter.com/DreamersAcademy and Instagram.com/disneydreamersacademy/

The post Gospel Star Pastor Mike And Walt Disney World Resort Announce 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy Applications Opening Date appeared first on The Source.

Hollywood Cuts DEI Execs Following Affirmative Action Ruling

by
women

Last week the U.S. Supreme Court stuck down Affirmative Action in higher education when they reversed affirmative action after 62 years. The Supreme  set new limits on affirmative action programs in cases involving whether public and private colleges and universities can continue to use race as one factor among many in student admissions. After decades of fighting for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in films and television, both behind and in front of the camera, Hollywood is flipping the script.

In similar but unrelated news, four Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officers in Hollywood were fired the very next day.

Actress Yvette Nicole Brown took to her Instagram page and wrote:

In ONE day, FOUR talented, smart Black women lost their jobs — or “left on their own accord” in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion space.

A day after #AffirmativeAction was gutted by the compromised and BOUGHT six GOP-chosen “Justices” #SupremeCourt

Actress Niecy Nash supported and reposted along with several others.

#ThisIsAmerica
Thoughts?

The post Hollywood Cuts DEI Execs Following Affirmative Action Ruling appeared first on The Source.

From Long Beach To Million Dollar Endorsement Deals: What Is Snoop Dogg’s Total Net Worth?

by
snoop

Rapper Snoop Dogg has been making money since he first stepped on the scene back in 1992 and the ‘Gin And Juice’ rapper has been on go since his arrival. HIs debut album Doggystyle sold a million copies in its first week. His smooth transition has been remarkable to witness as a fan. The 51-year old MCis now known as a Musician, Actor, Television producer, Film Producer, Rapper, Film Score Composer, Screenwriter, Singer-songwriter, Record producer and Voice Actor.

Aside from being arguably the most internationally recognized face in hip-hop, RIAA says he’s sold more than 13.5 million certified units in album sales. But if you ever wondered how much he makes every single year, Celebrity Net Worth brokedown the rapper’s alleged yearly earnings.

2007: $17 million
2008: $16 million
2009: $11 million
2010: $15 million
2011: $14 million
2012: $9 million
2013: $10 million
2014: $10 million
2015: $10 million
2016: $13 million
2017: $17 million
2018: $15 million
2019: $15 million

Snoop has earned lucrative endorsement deals with heavy hitters like Burger King and Wonderful Pistachios. Forbes says he earned $10 million in 2014 through deals with everyone from Hot Pockets to Airbnb, and it reports that he earned $10 million in 2015 just from touring and endorsements alone. In 2017, Forbes reported that Snoop made his millions from Martha and Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party and his cannabis lifestyle platform, Merry Jane.

He’s invested in everything from video games and cannabis to Reddit and Klarna, a multibillion-dollar Swedish financial tech company. Here’s what he had to say about that:

“I’ve been doing business in Europe for years with fashion brands, telecommunication companies, and more. I’ve endorsed them, advised them, and now I’m looking to invest in them. I plan to keep growing the portfolio, ya dig?”

According to Celebrity Net Worth, his total net worth is $160 million.
Salute to you Snoop…black excellence!

Check out a few a Snoop’s appearances below.

The post From Long Beach To Million Dollar Endorsement Deals: What Is Snoop Dogg’s Total Net Worth? appeared first on The Source.

Angela Bassett to Receive Honorary Oscar Award This November

by
Angela Bassett Hints at the Future of Her 'Queen Ramonda' Character in Marvel Films

Angela Bassett will be awarded with an honorary Oscar at this year’s Governors Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that additional honorary awards will go to Mel Brooks and Carol Littleton.

Sundance Institute’s Michelle Satter will also receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Awards. According to Variety, the four awards will be presented on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Los Angeles.

“The Academy’s Board of Governors is thrilled to honor four trailblazers who have transformed the film industry and inspired generations of filmmakers and movie fans,” said Academy President Janet Yang. “Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting. Mel Brooks lights up our hearts with his humor, and his legacy has made a lasting impact on every facet of entertainment. Carol Littleton’s career in film editing serves as a model for those who come after her. A pillar of the independent film community, Michelle Satter has played a vital role in the careers of countless filmmakers around the world.”

Bassett received her first Oscar nomination for her 1993 role as Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It? She also was recently nominated for her role as Queen Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

The post Angela Bassett to Receive Honorary Oscar Award This November appeared first on The Source.

Grammy Award-Winning Artist Monica To Launch MoTalk Radio On Apple Music Featuring Shaquille O’Neal

by
Screen Shot 2023 06 21 at 12.21.45 PM

Grammy Award-winning singer, actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Monica is announcing MoTalk Radio, a limited radio series airing exclusively on Apple Music’s global live-streaming radio station Apple Music Hits.

On MoTalk Radio, Monica will focus on R&B of the ’90s and ’00s with mixes curated by DJ Baby Yu. She will bring this music to life with her commentary and insight, and will include candid interview segments with various personalities, touching on music and trending cultural topics.

The debut episode will air Saturday, June 24 at 3pm PT featuring special guest NBA Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal.

About the show, Monica says, “MoTalk is an outlet for artists, entertainers, musicians, politicians, athletes, and others to share their story, their way! Being interviewed over the years has given me insight that allows me to tell the story respectfully, our truths are often diluted and distorted for the gain of others. MoTalk brings that to an end, and gives creatives back their stories. Discussing hard topics, creating change, and highlighting the greats is key for me.”

The post Grammy Award-Winning Artist Monica To Launch MoTalk Radio On Apple Music Featuring Shaquille O’Neal appeared first on The Source.

‘The Flash’ Opens with Disappointing $55M Three-Day Total

by
'The Flash' Opens with Disappointing $55M Three-Day Total

Not every movie is smashing the box office. The Flash had a three-day opening of $55.1 million and a Juneteenth weekend of $64 million. Both were viewed as disappointments for the weekend.

Deadline points to The Flash’s “flop” due to the film’s star, Ezra Miller, being unable to do press following ongoing controversies between 2020 and 2022. The film was projected up to $75 million for the three-day window.

The SAG-AFTRA strike may also prevent further film stars from doing press if it becomes fully enacted amid talks.

The film received a B CinemaScore and 77% Comescore, combatting the belief by James Gunn that The Flash would be one of the best movies superhero movies of all time.

The post ‘The Flash’ Opens with Disappointing $55M Three-Day Total appeared first on The Source.

Karl Kani Featured In NBC News Doc ’50 Years Fly: The Rise, Fall And Revolution of Hip Hop Fashion’

by
Screen Shot 2023 06 16 at 11.02.09 AM

Karl Kani is the undisputed Godfather of streetwear who launched the first streetwear brand in fashion history! His style and influence are still felt today. Karl will be featured in the new NBC News digital documentary, 50 Years Fly: The Rise, Fall, and Revolution of Hip-Hop Fashion. Born and raised in the streets of Brooklyn, Karl’s creativity and originality were forged in the crucible of Hip-Hop and urban culture, where he quickly became a standout for his unique style. More than 30 years after he launched his eponymous clothing line, his designs have been consistent go-to’s from stars like Tupac and Wu-Tang Clan to Joey Bada$$ and Ariana Grande.

Karl also worked closely with Aaliyah before she passed away. On the cover of her 1994 debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number, she wore an iconic Karl Kani metal plate hoodie. The duo also collaborated on a custom racing jacket that Aaliyah donned on the cover of her sophomore LP, One In A Million. Regarding his relationship with the late R&B legend, Karl commented, “Working with Aaliyah was an iconic moment. She simply changed women’s fashion forever. Baggy bottom crop top: that’s the Aaliyah look. Before her, it didn’t exist.”

50 Years Fly: The Rise, Fall, and Revolution of Hip-Hop Fashion is currently available on NBC’s Peacock and also streaming on NBC News NOW, NBCNews.com, and NBC News’ YouTube channel.

The post Karl Kani Featured In NBC News Doc ’50 Years Fly: The Rise, Fall And Revolution of Hip Hop Fashion’ appeared first on The Source.