Hip Hop Lifestyle News | Culture Trends

Eric. B & Kool DJ Red Alert Awarded Public Leadership in the Arts Awards In D.C.

by
unnamed 4

On Friday, January 20, hip-hop legends Louis “Eric B” Barrier and Fredrick “Kool DJ Red Alert” Crute were among a group of honorees to receive the 2023 Public Leadership in the Arts Awards at The U.S. Conference of Mayors 91st Winter Meeting in Washington, DC.

MORE: Today In Hip Hop History: Eric B. And Rakim’s Sophomore LP ‘Follow The Leader’ Dropped 34 Years Ago

Eric. B, best known as part of the legendary duo Eric. B and Rakim, and Kool DJ Red Alert, the pioneer of hip hop, were awarded the Legendary Artist Awards. The award honors an individual or group who has used their position to consistently advocate and support the arts and culture and/or arts education in the United States.

Others included Dan McKee, Governor of Rhode Island, who was awarded the National Award for State Arts Leadership. David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City, received the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population of 100,000 or more. Jon Mitchell, Mayor of New Bedford, Massachusetts, was awarded the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population of fewer than 100,000.

MORE: Today In Hip Hop History: Eric B. and Rakim’s Debut Album ‘Paid In Full’ Turns 35 Years Old!

“The leadership of Governor McKee, Mayor Holt, and Mayor Mitchell should be an inspiration to all those serving in public office. They believe that the arts connect people and drive civic engagement, and their unparalleled commitment to supporting arts programs exemplifies how investment in the arts translates into community growth, economic prosperity, and increased cultural funding,” said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “We are also proud to recognize Eric B and Kool DJ Red Alert, who have contributed enormously to America’s artistic and cultural legacy, and whose achievements have no doubt helped change the future of the arts in America for the better.”

“The U.S. Conference of Mayors is pleased to recognize the exemplary work of Mayor Holt, Mayor Mitchell, Governor McKee as they use the arts and culture to not only promote their city/state, but to grow their economies,” remarked Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “Mayors understand the inherent value of the arts to bring people together, promote cultural understanding, and make cities safer places to live, work and play.”

The post Eric. B & Kool DJ Red Alert Awarded Public Leadership in the Arts Awards In D.C. appeared first on The Source.

Young Dolph’s “Dolphland” NYC Museum Tour Opening Brings Out Sold Out Crowds

by
Screen Shot 2023 01 16 at 9.14.00 PM

Dolphland Creative Director Skye Williams explained that each room design came from friends, family, and collaborators close to Dolph. “This is very authentic to him and there was a lot of time and energy and effort put into this by people who love him.” 

Screen Shot 2023 01 16 at 9.21.17 PM

Additional attendees included Jay Adino (Empire), Lowkey (Apple Music), Georgette Cline (Editorial Director, XXL), Dimas Sanfiorenzo (Okayplayer Managing Editor), Gray Rizzy (SiriusXM/Hip Hop Nation), Jerry Barrow (Head of Content, Hip Hop DX), actor Hassan Jackson, Drea Jackson (Sound Clous), Kelly Jackson (SiriusXM), Alvin Aqua Blanco (Managing Editor, Hip Hop Wired), Michael Saponara and Marc Ellibert (Billboard), Jade Gomez (News Editor, Paper Mag), Justin Frasier-Wright (Complex), Robyn Mowatt (Okay Player), Kim Osorio and JT Soyemi (BET), Rosy Rodriguez (Say Less Podcast), and Mecca Rashawn (My Expert Opinion Podcast) among many others in the media. 

This weekend in New York City, Young Dolph’s label Paper Route Empire hosted a cocktail launch celebration for “Dolphland,” a traveling pop-up museum exhibit celebrating the life of Young Dolph and his new posthumous album “Paper Route Frank.” Co-hosted by platinum-selling PRE recording artist and Dolph protegee Key Glock, hundreds of industry friends, media and NYC’s Hip Hop glitterati such as Jim Jones, Dave East, Maino and many others, packed the pop-up to get an exclusive first glance of the exhibit throughout the three-hour private opening. The premium open bar flowed and DJ Clue along with Dolph’s DJ Rocksteddy kept the vibes going in honor of the late Hip Hop artist.

Screen Shot 2023 01 16 at 9.20.26 PM
Screen Shot 2023 01 16 at 9.20.26 PM
Screen Shot 2023 01 16 at 9.20.41 PM
Screen Shot 2023 01 16 at 9.20.41 PM

Conceptualized by Paper Route Empire and Young Dolph’s manager Allen Parks of Street Execs Management in conjunction with curating partner Trap Music Museum, the multi-room art exhibit features original artwork of various mediums portraying Adolph “Young Dolph” Thorton Jr. throughout various stages of his life, and celebrating his musical legacy.

Dolphland Creative Director Skye Williams explained that each room design came from friends, family, and collaborators close to Dolph. “This is very authentic to him and there was a lot of time and energy and effort put into this by people who love him.” 

Screen Shot 2023 01 16 at 9.18.25 PM

Additional attendees included Jay Adino (Empire), Lowkey (Apple Music), Georgette Cline (Editorial Director, XXL), Dimas Sanfiorenzo (Okayplayer Managing Editor), Gray Rizzy (SiriusXM/Hip Hop Nation), Jerry Barrow (Head of Content, Hip Hop DX), actor Hassan Jackson, Drea Jackson (Sound Clous), Kelly Jackson (SiriusXM), Alvin Aqua Blanco (Managing Editor, Hip Hop Wired), Michael Saponara and Marc Ellibert (Billboard), Jade Gomez (News Editor, Paper Mag), Justin Frasier-Wright (Complex), Robyn Mowatt (Okay Player), Kim Osorio and JT Soyemi (BET), Rosy Rodriguez (Say Less Podcast), and Mecca Rashawn (My Expert Opinion Podcast) among many others in the media. 

The post Young Dolph’s “Dolphland” NYC Museum Tour Opening Brings Out Sold Out Crowds appeared first on The Source.

Rihanna Teases Upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Performance

by
Rihanna Teases Upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Performance

While the team matchup may not be known yet, one thing is certain: this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, which features Rihanna as the leading performer, will be spectacular.

Rihanna took to social media to tease her upcoming appearance and show off a limited edition Super Bowl-inspired piece from her Fenty collection earlier this week.

Both NFL and Apple Music shared a short clip on their Instagrams of Rihanna in her Super Bowl-themed black hoodie with the photo of her arm holding a football. (It’s the same photo she used to announce her Super Bowl halftime performance.)

The caption reads, “5 weeks from today,” followed by two fire emojis.

Rihanna has also added a new Game Day Collection to her Fenty brand, complete with sweatshirts, t-shirts, boxers, loungewear, and more to commemorate her halftime performance.

This is the first year Apple Music will sponsor the iconic halftime show. DPS is producing the halftime show with Roc Nation,

The post Rihanna Teases Upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Performance appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Lil Wayne Asks For Special Favor After Packers Miss Playoffs

by
Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne is one of Hip-Hop’s most avid sports fans. He has constantly voiced his love and respect for the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Lakers and even had a close relationship with the late great Kobe Bryant. He even dropped a dedication song to the “Black Mamba” back in 2008 after his 4th championship.

Weezy is also a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. On Drake’s “Ignorant Sh*t,” he raps, “I’m a cheese head, word to Vince Lombardi.” The Packers fan base is referred to as “cheese heads.” After the Packer’s 20-16 loss to the Detroit Lions Sunday night, the Young Money founder was one of many disappointed cheese heads. He took to Twitter to react to the L.

“Pls do me a favor and don’t call or text me I don’t want talk,” tweeted Lil Wayne.

Lil Wayne voiced his frustration with Rodgers and the Packers back in November after a previous loss to Detroit.

The Packers struggled this season as Rodgers adjusted to playing with a young receiver core. The silver lining was the late-season breakout of rookie wide receiver Christian Watson. Watson finished the season with seven touchdowns in the final eight games.

After the game, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed his future, and his comments won’t spark inspiration in fans like Lil Wayne.

“At some point, the carousel comes to a stop and it’s time to get off, and I think you kind of know when that is,” Rodgers said Sunday. “And that’s what needs to be contemplated. Is it time? Also, what’s the organization doing? That’s part of it, as well. But the competitive fire is always going to be there. I don’t think that ever goes away. Sometimes it gets transferred, I think, to other things that might not ever fill that large void. But like I said, I feel good about what I’ve accomplished in this league and wouldn’t have any regrets walking away. But I got to see what it feels like once I get away from this.”

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Lil Wayne Asks For Special Favor After Packers Miss Playoffs appeared first on The Source.

Snoop Dogg Launches Death Row Cannabis

by
Death Row Cannabis Deck 2

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.

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

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

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.

Kid Cudi Shuts Down Travis Scott Album Collab, but Leaves Door Open for Future Opportunities

by
Kid Cudi Shuts Down Travis Scott Album Collab but Leaves Door Open for Future Opportunities

Kid Cudi and Travis Scott will not be releasing an album, Kid Cudi has confirmed, much to the dismay of fans.

On Wednesday, whose real name is Scott Mescudi, got on Twitter to answer fan questions. One of the questions was whether or not a rumored “The Scotts” (referring to Travis Scott and Cudi’s real name) album would be happening.

In response to the fan question, Cudi answered: “Naw im not doin that. The moment has passed.”

The news was met with sad reactions from fans who posted a series of sad memes and gifs.

However, Cudi, who worked with Scott on numerous projects including songs on Cudi’s 2018 LP Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’ and Scott’s Astroworld and Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight as well as a 2020 song “The Scotts,” did not rule out future collabs, replying “most def” when asked if they might ever collab on a song together.

Kudi did not address questions such as whether or not Kanye West ever apologized to him or other questions about his personal life and rumored celebrity beefs.

Earlier this year, Cudi contemplated a post-music career of possibly becoming a kindergarten teacher.

As Travis Scott has been slated to headline a series of Rolling Loud festivals, perhaps a surprise appearance by Cudi would appease fans?

The post Kid Cudi Shuts Down Travis Scott Album Collab, but Leaves Door Open for Future Opportunities appeared first on The Source.

Chris Brown’s ‘Under The Influence’ UK/Europe Tour Sells Out In Minutes

by
316867933 1733927453656669 8033264861911831087 n

Grammy-winning phenomenon Chris Brown announced his UK and European Under The Influenceheadline tour for 2023 last Friday, and within minutes the entire 19-show tour sold out, including four nights at London’s renowned O2 Arena, two nights at Accor Arena in Paris, two nights at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam and more. The forthcoming tour will have rising global Jamaican rap/dancehall trap artist Skillibeng as the special guest.

MORE: Christmas Clapback: Chris Brown’s Baby Moms Get’s Nice Nasty on Troll That Questions the Baby’s Paternity

The 19-date stretch, produced by Live Nation, kicks off at Dublin’s 3Arena with his two shows on February 11th and 12th before heading to the UK for his first headline shows in over 10 years, then onto France, Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium, closing the tour back in the UK in Manchester at AO Arena on Thursday, March 9th.

Brown released his Grammy-nominated BREEZY (Deluxe) album in July  and the alternative Breeze – It’s Giving Christmas versionin November. The July 33-track deluxe version, up for“Best R&B Album” at the 65th Grammy Awards, added Anderson .Paak and Davido to the already star-studded list of features from major artists that included H.E.R., Jack Harlow, Bryson Tiller and more. The It’s Giving Christmas version includes the two-holiday singles, “It’s Giving Christmas” and “No Time Like Christmas.” 

He also released live performance videos of the Christmas singles – watch “It’s Giving Christmas” and “No Time Like Christmas.” The original version of his 12th studio album BREEZY, which came out in the end of June, debuted at #2 on the R&B Albums and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts and #4 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking this as Chris Brown’s 11th album to chart in the top 10 on both the Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Recently, Brown’s single “Under The Influence” from Indigo (Extend) gained major popularity the past few months and currently has over 1 billion global streams across all platforms worldwide. It also reached #1 globally and in the US on Apple Music in addition to reaching #6 on the Spotify Global chart.

MORE: T-Pain to Drop New Collaboration With Chris Brown This Friday

Throughout his career, Brown has continued to break records – even his own – and received a plethora of accolades. Chris Brown currently stands as the R&B singer with the most Hot 100 entries in Billboard history to-date. The original version of “Go Crazy” topped his single “No Guidance” as the longest-running #1 song on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart at 28 weeks and counting.

In the past two years alone, he’s garnered nominations and wins from multiple award shows. “Go Crazy” won three Soul Train Awards in 2020 for Song of the Year, Best Collaboration and Best Dance Performance and garnered seven more nominations in 2021. He was also nominated for seven Billboard Music Awards, including Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Album and Top R&B Song (“Go Crazy”), four BET Awards including Video of the Year (“Go Crazy”) and Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, two BET Hip-Hop Awards for Best Hip-Hop Video (“Go Crazy”) and Best Duo or Group, and two MTV Video Music Awards for Best R&B Song (for two songs – “Go Crazy” and “Come Through” with H.E.R.).

In 2022, Brown has been nominated for NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration – Contemporary (“Go Crazy (Remix)” with Young Thug, Lil Durk, Future and Latto) and theBET Awards for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist. Chris recently won Favorite Male R&B Artist at the 2022 American Music Awards and Best R&B/Soul Male Artist at the 2022 Soul Train Awards.

The post Chris Brown’s ‘Under The Influence’ UK/Europe Tour Sells Out In Minutes appeared first on The Source.

Rolling Loud Thailand Teases Travis Scott as First of Three Major Headliners

by
Travis Scott to headline Rolling Loud Thailand

Travis Scott appears to be working to put the Astroworld disaster behind him and return to performing live concerts. Earlier this month, Scott was announced as a headliner for Rolling Loud Portugal and this week he was announced as a headliner for Rolling Loud Thailand.

The website announced Scott as the first of three major headliners with more to be announced in coming weeks. The festival has also promised over 60 artists including well-known international artists as well as popular Asian acts.

The long-anticipated inaugural event will be Rolling Loud’s first event in Asia and will take place April 13-15, 2023 and will be held in Pattaya, Thailand, an area about 150 km south of Bangkok, known for its breathtaking beaches as well as festive nightlife.

In addition to expanding their American presence, Rolling Loud recently held their first-ever Canadian festival (with Future, WizKid, and Dave headlining), a European debut in Portugal, the brand’s first camping festival in The Netherlands, and most notably, the Rolling Loud world tour in New York in September, headlined by Nicki Minaj, A$AP Rocky, and Future.

Tickets are priced at about $385 USD for VIP and $242 for general admission.

More information can be found at https://www.rollingloud.com/thailand.

The announcement comes just over a year after Scott’s Astroworld disaster in which eight people were killed and dozens more injured due to crowd control issues.
 

The post Rolling Loud Thailand Teases Travis Scott as First of Three Major Headliners appeared first on The Source.

Mexico’s Aczino Makes History as Red Bull Batalla’s First Triple World Champion

by
Screen Shot 2022 12 14 at 8.55.49 AM

Over the weekend, Mexican MC Aczino took home the title at the 2022 Red Bull Batalla World Final in Mexico City Saturday night in front of 17,000+ people at a thrilling showdown for Spanish-language freestyle at a sold-out Palacio de los Deportes. Aczino defeated Spanish MC Gazir in the final round. The final podium from the 2022 Red Bull Batalla World Final was as follows: first to Aczino, second to Gazir and third to Mecha from Argentina.

Aczino also made history with his win as he’s now the first-ever triple world champion of Red Bull Batalla, the world´s largest Spanish-language freestyle rap competition, after his wins in 2017, 2021 and now, 2022.

Also announced onstage was the news that Columbia will be the host country for the 2023 World Final.

The post Mexico’s Aczino Makes History as Red Bull Batalla’s First Triple World Champion appeared first on The Source.