RZA Partners With Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group and LL Cool J’s Rock the Bells to Expand Group’s Commercial Opportunities 

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Hip Hop icon RZA just made a power move, announcing a new partnership involving all of Wu-Tang Clan’s music, aiming to create expanded opportunities in television, merchandising, brand partnerships, and film. Before we say, okay, hasn’t he been doing this already, let’s dive in …

As part of this deal, Wu-Tang Clan has hinted at a potential collaboration with Nike. As reported by Variety, this ambitious partnership is designed to unite Wu-Tang Clan’s global fanbase through a centralized online platform. Feels like that trend of direct to consumer where all content and consumable verticals are living in one hub. Okay, we see you. 

Wu-Tang Clan, who debuted with the album “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” in 1993, has only released six studio albums since. If you remember, one of these, the legendary “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,” was controversially acquired by Martin Shkreli for $2 million in 2015. After Shkreli’s legal troubles, the government seized the album, and PleasrDAO purchased it at auction for $4.75 million in 2021. Recently, Shkreli was banned from streaming the album, suggesting he retained copies of it. Wild turn of events. See, that deserves a film treatment. 

Oh and if you want to see the Wu-Tang Clan live, they recently launched a residency in Las Vegas titled “Wu-Tang Clan: The Saga Continues,” which began during Super Bowl weekend in February and continued with additional dates in March. The group has also scheduled two more performances for September 27 and 28. Legacy act still delivering that authentic Hip-Hop. Dope. 

Here’s how RZA commented on the new partnership: 

“As we evolve from ‘Legendary Status’ to ‘Iconic Status,’ it’s only fitting and serendipitous that we join the team at Iconic Artists Group and Rock the Bells. This partnership will help us continue to expound and expand the Wu-Tang Clan’s legacy.”

Adding on to the enthusiasm, Susan Genco, Co-President of the Azoff Company, also expressed her excitement: 

“Wu-Tang Clan’s influence on hip-hop—and the way the world views hip-hop—is undeniable. The partnership with RZA and Iconic is committed to ensuring that the importance of WTC’s music and their message is celebrated now and for generations to come.”

Interesting to see how it all comes together. Wu-Tang Clan is still a major brand and arguably the most successful Hip-Hop group of all time, so good to watch the legacy live on.

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Action Bronson Talks To Apple Music About His “Beef” With David Schwimmer And Getting Covid From Mel Gibson

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Action Bronson sits down with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1 to talk about his new album Johann Sebastian Bachlava The Doctor. In the wide-ranging interview, Action Bronson talks about recently getting arrested in France, how he got Covid from Mel Gibson, his “beef” with David Schwimmer, and his favorite Olympics moment.

He also shares lessons learned from fatherhood, his painting and where his artistic inspiration comes from, and what made him start to prioritize his health.

Action Bronson Tells Apple Music About Recently Getting Arrested In France…

Action Bronson: I went on vacation for 10 days. In Paris, I got locked up with my fucking driver. I was going to get pastries. My family were leaving. And I take him, we  go nine in the morning to my man Bertrand’s spot Tapestry. He had a box waiting for me. Fucking, we get caught at the light. There’s two cops over there. They’re talking to the driver. The driver’s wearing a suit and he has some sort of pin, and they questioned him about the pin. And apparently the pin is like, you work for the president. And they’re not having it because the Olympics are coming. So they pull them out, they question him. They arrested him for impersonating a police officer. They bring me in. They refuse to speak English, but they still leave me with the phone. I’m just like, “Yo, bro, I’m just trying to get to my family.”

Zane Lowe: I got my pastries.

Action Bronson: I didn’t get the pastries yet. So three hours. My man has to make the phone call. Somehow I text him, he calls them. He’s like, “Yo,” he calls the precinct. “He has the key to the city in Lyon, the mayor. This is going to cause a scandal, blah, blah, blah.” Somehow they fucking let me out. Three hours later I got the pastries, but my family had already left, so I was very angry. But there was no consolation except the pastry. I was just fucking pissed. I’m just saying, that’s how I started the tour.

Action Bronson Talks To Apple Music About What Changed To Make Him Start Prioritizing His Health…

It was actually shame. It was a shame that I had let myself get there, because I’ve always been an athlete. I was like, “What the fuck is going on? What is this?” Wearing fucking mumu shirts. I still like a good comfortable shirt, but my Lord, I was like, “What is this?” And having a brand new baby, you want to be around. I want to be around forever.

Action Bronson Tells Apple Music The Story About How Mel Gibson Gave Him Covid…

Zane Lowe: Mel Gibson did give you COVID.

Action Bronson: That’s a fact. I mean, I don’t like to tell this story, but I will. That bastard gave it to me for sure. It was at UFC, McConor Gregory. I mean, pah, McConor Gregory… Conor McGregor and fucking Dustin Poirier part three. This was the COVID days. He turned around, we were the only ones there at the prelims. There was no one there. It was just me and him. He turned, I was sat here. He sat in front. He turned around and kept saying shit to me in my face, like commenting on the punch and commenting on the kick. And then everyone got it. Me and four other guys got it.

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Lil Rel Howery Champions Weight Loss Journey and Denies Using The Big ‘O’

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Gotta love a feel good story about wellness and that holds true with Lil Rel Howery proudly sharing his weight loss journey. The thing is many are “fans” are speculating his amazing transformation is due to the use of Ozempic. First off, so what and why is that a bad thing even if it was true? It isn’t if you believe Howery but so what if people use the big “O.” Sad that Ozempic shaming is a thing. People will find any reason to be miserable. 

Anwway, on July 22, the Chicago native posted a photo on Instagram from the red carpet premiere of his new film, “Harold and the Purple Crayon.” The image showcased a noticeably slimmer and leaner Howery. In his post, Rel explained his truth which was a dedication to health over the past five years has led him to feel and look the best he ever has. He attributed his success to quitting drinking, adopting a healthier diet, and improving his spiritual and emotional well-being.

“Whatever you do, please do it for yourself, and if you can, don’t take shortcuts. Really put the work in. This is all just straight hard work, nothing else, and that’s the honest to God truth,” Rel wrote. “Let me be an example of truly putting in the work. Also, please go see our new movie “Harold and the Purple Crayon” on August 2nd in theaters everywhere. #MovieMakingRel #RelTheUpgrade #ProudOfMe.”

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But fans being fans or haters, however you want to classify them, quickly flooded the comment section with mixed reactions to his transformation. Many applauded his commitment and found inspiration in his journey. 

One commenter joked, “Boy, you look like your own lil brother. [lmao] Good work G.” Another praised, “Your skin has a glow to it! The change from within is showing all over you! You look blessed, you look GOOD! This is MOTIVATION!”

Hollywood friends were congratulatory including Ludacris, Vic Mensa, Ava DuVernay, Terry Crews, and Tina Knowles to name a few. 

Some skeptics accused Rel of lying about his weight loss and using Ozempic instead. Comments ranged from, “Why can’t people tell the truth about how they lost weight,” to, “Damn crack is one hell of a drug,” and “This guy done got on Ozempic.” 

Here’s how Rel responded on the Gram … On July 24 with a video addressing his detractors. He firmly denied using Ozempic and emphasized that his weight loss was achieved naturally. “I’m on that Godzempic, Happyzempic, Hardworkzempic, PurposeZempic, and just plain Truthzempic,” he captioned the clip. “I’m grateful and glad I said yes to God’s assignment on my life and friends still here and gone that kept it 100 with me… #BlessedAndHighlyFavored.”

Whatever. Ozempic or not, and Howery makes it clear it is not, people need to live their truth and worry about their own wellness instead of attacking someone else’s. Period. 

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WATCH: ‘Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist’ Trailer Starring Kevin Hart in Limited Series Based on True Story

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Get this, ”Fight Night” is adapted from the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast of the same name. It delves into the real events that took place in Atlanta on October 26, 1970. Will Packer, who produced the podcast, also serves as an executive producer for the series.

Kevin Hart plays Chicken Man, a hustler striving to make his mark among elite Black mafia members, gangsters, and powerful figures not just in Georgia but nationwide. He throws an afterparty to celebrate the historic fight between Muhammad Ali and Jerry Quarry, marking Ali’s return to boxing after being banned for refusing military draft. FYI, that was a big deal back then.

We won’t say to much but the party takes a disastrous turn when attendees are robbed in what is known as Atlanta’s most audacious underworld heist, with Chicken Man suspected of masterminding the plot. He must then work to prove his innocence as law enforcement seeks to bring justice to the victims.

Don Cheadle plays Detective J.D. Hudson, who faces the complex challenge of investigating the heist, especially since some victims are also criminals. That’s a good role for Cheadle, he has played a great cop or federal agent in several roles in the past. 

So the podcast that inspired the limited series, first aired back in 2020, and provides the storyline:

“On October 26, 1970, Muhammad Ali triumphantly returned to boxing in Atlanta, Georgia. But the next morning, national headlines featured one of the biggest heists in history. At the center was a hustler named ‘Chicken Man.’ Fans arrived in Rolls Royces from New York City, wearing vibrant fur coats and diamonds. They entered the arena with engraved invitations, cheering when the first-round bell rang, minus two empty seats. After the fight, many top Black mafia leaders headed to Chicken Man’s house for a celebration, only to be met by sawed-off shotguns. On FIGHT NIGHT, J.D. Hudson, one of Atlanta’s first Black detectives, who helped lead Ali into the ring, was assigned to the robbery investigation by the police chief the next day. When asked years later, ‘When did the investigation end?’ J.D. replied, ‘When everybody was dead.’”

Behind the camera are Shaye Ogbonna and Jason Horwitch who serve as creators and showrunners. Executive producers include Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat, Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media, and Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts, alongside Jeff Keating, Lars Jacobson, Hart, and Packer.

Watch the trailer for “Fight Night” here.

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[WATCH] Megan Thee Stallion Drops New Teaser Trailer For ‘Playground’ Reality Series

Megan Thee Stallion Channels “Mother Fitness” In New Partnership w/ Planet Fitness

The brand new reality series PLAYGROUND from executive producer Megan Thee Stallion exclusively premiering on Hulu on Friday, July 26

Playground LA is the premier studio for pro dancers to be discovered and book their big break. Classes taught by highly sought choreographers and auditions held by top music artists – including three-time Grammy award-winning musician Megan Thee Stallion – attract the most ambitious dancers in the world – and all the drama they bring with them. Romance, friendships, and tenacity are tested at every turn, as the next hot dancer is always around the corner, trying to beat the established pros for their shot at the spotlight.

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‘Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys’ Premieres On A&E August 25

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A&E presents “Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys,” the first official documentary about the iconic Grammy®-nominated musician and legendary founding member of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan.

Co-directed by Emmy® and Peabody Award-winning Director Sam Pollard (MLK/FBI, Black Art: In The Absence of Light) alongside his son Jason Pollard (Get Me Roger Stone, Bitchin’ The Sound and Fury of Rick James), the two-hour special premieres Sunday, August 25 at 9pm ET/PT on A&E.”Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys” Premieres Sunday, August 25.

Produced by Pulse Films (Beastie Boys Story, Meet Me in the Bathroom), Four Screens, and the Ol’ Dirty Bastard Estate in association with GroupM Motion Entertainment, “Ol Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys” features access to his closest friends and family, including Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, ODB’s wife Icelene Jones, his son Bar-Sun Jones, his parents, recording industry executives, and more.

With never-before-seen personal archive shot by his wife, Icelene, this culture-defining special humanizes ODB as a man, a father, and a husband like never before. This definitive documentary provides an intimate picture of ODB’s life and reflects on the lasting impact he had on music and culture.

Born Russell Jones in 1968 in Brooklyn, NY, ODB developed a unique persona and rhyme style that set him apart from his contemporaries. In his short 35 years of life and long after his passing, ODB has had a significant influence on a whole generation of fans and performers.

The documentary centers on ODB’s solo career, from his first album release in 1995 until his untimely passing from a drug overdose in 2004. Charting his meteoric rise and heart-breaking fall, the film interweaves a modern narrative that looks back at his trauma-filled childhood to examine how it influenced the man and artist he would become.

A celebration of his artistry and legacy, the documentary is an unflinching look at the complexities of his life including addiction, adultery, fame, mental illness, sudden wealth, race and criminal justice, and asks the question of just how complicit the media and music industry were in hastening his demise.

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Drake Fan Creates ‘Family Matters’ Online Video Game; Players Can Keep Grammy Away From a Digital Kendrick

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Ayo, fans are wild. Drake fans to be exact. ICYMI, earlier this month, Kendrick Lamar fans kept up the same energy with the Compton rapper’s Drake feud by launching an online video game inspired by the epic chart topping diss track “Not Like Us.” 

The game, was reminiscent of the piñata scene from the song’s visual – basically a generic twist on the classic whack-a-mole, featuring OVO owls as targets. Gotcha. Kill owls. Call PETA. Kidding.

In response to that gamer trolling, a Drake enthusiast created *Family Matters: The Game*, which can be played online. Check it out: https://playfamilymatters.com

Get this, when you start the game, and a lo-fi Family Matters beat drops, an on-screen message reads: 

“Kendrick just opened his mouth, someone go feed him a Grammy right now. Tap the Grammy to feed Kenny. Don’t miss or he’ll be sad.” 

Then gameplay involves a moving arrow that indicates where the Grammy will be thrown when you click or tap, while a pixelated Kendrick Lamar moves side-to-side. 

Low key genius. 

If you miss, Lamar’s character grimaces, makes a sad sound, and a tear rolls down his face.

Super petty. 

Obviously, te game’s theme draws from Drake’s lyric in “Family Matters,” where he raps, “Kendrick just opened his mouth, someone go hand him a Grammy right now.” 

LOL Ya’ll got too much time on your hands!

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HBO Docuseries ‘STAX: Soulsville, U.S.A.’ Nominated For Two Emmy Awards

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Stax Records is thrilled to share that the critically acclaimed HBO docuseries STAX: Soulsville, U.S.A. has been honored with two Emmy® nominations including Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Series. This prestigious recognition highlights the series’ exceptional storytelling and its profound exploration of the cultural and musical impact of Stax Records.

Stax Records is critical to American music history as one of the most popular soul music record labels of all time. In 15 years, Stax placed more than 167 hit songs in the Top 100 on the pop charts and a staggering 243 hits in the Top 100 R&B charts. It launched the careers of legendary artists such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Rufus & Carla Thomas and Booker T. & the M.G.’s, among numerous others.

The HBO Original four-part documentary series STAX: Soulsville, U.S.A., an official selection of the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival and winner of the TV Premiere Audience Award, is directed by filmmaker Jamila Wignot. The series, a production of Laylow Pictures and White Horse Pictures in association with Concord Originals, Polygram Entertainment, and Warner Music Entertainment, debuted on May 20 on HBO and is available to stream on Max. The docuseries is produced by Jamila Wignot and Kara Elverson; executive produced by Ezra Edelman, Caroline Waterlow, Nigel Sinclair, Nicholas Ferrall, Scott Pascucci, Sophia Dilley, Michele Smith, Jody Gerson, David Blackman, Charlie Cohen, and Ron Broitman. For HBO: executive producers, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller, and Tina Nguyen.

“We are proud that the docuseries has received critical acclaim and, most importantly, that the Stax artists and legacy are being recognized and respected as a cornerstone of American history,” shares Executive Producer Michele Smith, VP, Estate & Legacy Brand Management at Craft Recordings.

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UK Grime Rapper ‘Skepta’ Will Be Subject Of New Documentary Opening the Door to Cultural Impact of His Journey

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In case you’re not up to speed on the UK Grime rap scene, let’s first put ya’ll on with a quick snapshot of who Skepta is, and what he represents to that world.

Joseph Junior Adenuga, widely known as Skepta, was Born in Tottenham, Haringey, London, to Nigerian parents. Skepta moved from Lagos to London at the age of three. Check it, there’s a huge Nigerian community in the UK, and their influence across English culture is well documented, and celebrated, especially in music and film. 

Skepta’s heritage interestingly traces back to the Falash Mura community in Ethiopia. As a producer and DJ, Skepta has become synonymous with the North London grime scene, particularly through his associations with Roll Deep and Boy Better Know.

The moniker “Skepta” is derived from “sceptre,” though he modified the spelling to create a unique identity that would be easily searchable online. Simple, makes sense. 

Skepta’s music career began with a victory in an MC battle, where he beat out over 300 contestants, including Tempa T. He soon partnered with his brother JME and took off across London with his hit single “Private Caller,” which he produced. This track featured many members of his Meridian Crew from Meridian Walk in Tottenham. Okay, now we’re all caught up.

Now, onto the new documentary in the works. The H.wood Group, co-founded by John Terzian and Brian Toll, are venturing into multimedia production, with the doc about the British grime rapper as one of their marquee film projects. Get this, the film will be co-directed by BAFTA nominee Hector Dockrill and produced by Terzian, Toll, and Jeremy Allen for H.wood Media, along with Dwight Okechukwu of 1PLUS1 Production.

Here’s what Terzian said about the project: ”H.wood Media is about telling the stories behind the personalities who shape culture, and Skepta is undeniably the perfect subject for us,” 

Terzian went on to add “His story is one of modern identity, the immigrant experience of ‘growing up in a place that is not your home,’ mental health, and finding one’s true self. His emotional and inspiring journey will resonate with audiences around the world, and we are honored he entrusted us to tell his story and work with us on future storytelling.”

Okechukwu expressed his enthusiasm: 

”I am thrilled and excited about our new partnership with powerhouse H.wood Media, based in Los Angeles. As we embark on this collaborative journey, I am truly excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead. I find Jeremy, John, and Brian very inspiring and supportive. It’s a great pleasure to be working with partners that move so efficiently.”

Get this, earlier this year, Skepta released his first short film, ‘Tribal Mark,’ co-directed with Okechukwu. Speaking to Variety, Skepta shared his dreams for the short becoming a franchise: “I hope that the next thing is the feature film. I want to do the first one, and then I want to step back so I can let another Black actor come and do it. We would love to have a fast forward of ‘Tribal Mark’ that goes into the future of his life, and it’s Denzel Washington. I’m shouting out to Denzel.”

The doc promises to take a deep look into Skepta’s world, not only focusing on his rise in the grime scene, but the cultural impact of his journey and his path towards self-discovery.

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Marvel Honcho Gives Positive Update On ‘Blade’ Reboot After Major Delays

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Here’s the download … 

Kevin Feige, the Marvel Studios President, has confirmed that the Blade reboot is still progressing even with all the pivots within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). 

Whew. Take a deep breathe. Blade is still about to get active!

Feige made it clear that the film would more than likely have an R-rating, keeping the same energy from the previous Blade trilogy. 

Another reason to clap. Yes, thank you!

He emphasized quality over speed, and stressed the need to take time to ensure the film meets  all of our impossibly high expectations.

Listen, take all the time you need, just not too much, ha!

The reboot, has seen numerous delays and even loss its second director in 2024 alone. Sheesh. 

Feige assured fans that the film, starring Mahershala Ali taking over as the iconic vampire hunter, is still a priority for Marvel Studios.

In a recent interview with BlackTreeTV, Feige dished on the possibility for more R-rated MCU films after the highly anticipated “Deadpool and Wolverine.”

“For the last few years, as we’ve been trying to crack that movie, the most important thing for us is not rushing it, and making sure we are making the right Blade movie. Because there were some great Blade movies years ago. They were all rated R. So I think that’s inherent – like Deadpool – that’s inherently the character of Blade.”

Get this, in another interview with Blavity’s Shadow and Act, Feige said:

“We are committed to the movie and we’re so committed to it that we’re not going to make it until it’s right. [It] has been frustrating for us and for some fans that it’s taken a while but we have a writer working on it now. I’ve read half of his new draft and it’s feeling good so far.”

Okay, we’re gonna chill out and relax but this can’t take forever. Feels like we’ve waited decades for Blade to return – oh wait, we kinda have. 

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