Inside SelectCon NYC: 50 Cent, Cam’ron And Joe Budden Drop Major Industry Secrets

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This year’s SelectCon NYC, hosted by UnitedMasters and held at Brooklyn’s Zerospace, brought together some of hip-hop’s most influential voices—Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Cam’ron, and Joe Budden—for a transformative day of inspiration and insights. SelectCon provided a platform for these industry giants to dive deep into topics like music, entrepreneurship, and legacy-building. Here’s a rundown of the event’s highlights.

UnitedMasters founder, Steve Stoute, led powerful one-on-one discussions with each of the headlining icons. In separate conversations, 50 Cent, Cam’ron, and Joe Budden shared personal stories of their music careers, business ventures, and hard-won lessons on navigating the entertainment industry. The trio touched on iconic music moments, valuable mistakes, and their boldest career pivots, delivering unfiltered insights for attendees. Notably, they each shared the importance of creativity, adaptability, and ownership in building successful, sustainable careers. Industry titans Lenny “Lenny S” Santiago (SVP, Roc Nation) and Tremaine Emory (Founder of Denim Tears) also gave insights on their professional and personal journeys on an Ally presented panel.

Cam’ron Reveals ‘It Is What It Is’ is Crushing YouTube Sports—Trailing Only ‘First Take’

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At SelectCon, Cam’ron shared an exciting update about his sports show ‘It Is What It Is’. The show has not only captivated sports fans but is also outperforming major sports programs on YouTube, including SportsCenter. In fact, the only show with more views is ‘First Take’. Cam’ron and Mase’s unique take on sports commentary, combined with their authentic style, has clearly resonated with viewers, marking a significant shift in how audiences engage with sports media online.

50 Cent on Early Sacrifices for Power: Took $17,000 per Episode to Executive Produce, Star, and Oversee Music

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At SelectCon NYC, in a candid reveal, 50 Cent discussed his financial sacrifices during the initial seasons of Power, his hit TV series. Agreeing to be paid only $17,000 per episode, he prioritized retaining creative control to ensure the show’s authenticity. This early decision paved the way for the series to become a pop culture phenomenon, allowing him to leverage the show’s success to secure a stronger deal later. His story was a masterclass in trusting the creative process and focusing on the long game.

Joe Budden’s Tough-Love Advice to Aspiring Podcasters: “Stop Begging”

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In his discussion, Joe Budden offered blunt advice to beginner podcasters, emphasizing that building an audience should come before seeking compensation. Urging aspiring podcasters to “stop begging” for checks before establishing a following, Budden highlighted the importance of hard work and consistency. His message reflected his own journey in the industry and underscored the necessity of dedication for success in the media space.

The event also featured an inspiring panel presented by Ally, focusing on mentorship, coaching, and sustainable business practices in the digital era. Moderated by Goldie Harrison (UnitedMasters Dir. of Commerce), the panelists included Lenny “Lenny S” Santiago (SVP, Roc Nation), Tremaine Emory (Founder of Denim Tears), Natalie Brown (Sr. Director, Corporate Citizenship, Ally) and UnitedMasters VP of A&R, Mike Weiss. Together, they shared fresh perspectives on the role of mentorship in empowering artists and discussed strategies for creative ownership in a digital-first economy.

50 Cent and Cam’ron Reunite at SelectCon: The Legendary Backstage Reunion

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One of the day’s most memorable moments was the unexpected backstage embrace between 50 Cent and Cam’ron. Once known for their rivalry and playful jabs, the two icons came together in a show of mutual respect, capturing a moment that underscored the evolution of hip-hop relationships.

SelectCon NYC continues to push boundaries for artists, creators, and industry professionals by spotlighting career growth, ownership, and the entrepreneurial spirit. This year’s event reaffirmed SelectCon’s dedication to celebrating innovation, fostering dialogue, and empowering the next generation of creators.

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MuseZeuM and Apple Music Launch Exclusive DJ Mix Series Featuring Curated Sounds from Salaam Remi, Ralph McDaniels And More

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MuseZeuM is thrilled to announce its groundbreaking collaboration with Apple Music to bring fans “The Best Curated DJ Mixes,” a unique series of mixes that merges artistry with cutting-edge sound. This series marks the beginning of MuseZeuM’s mission to make iconic mixtapes accessible in a format that ensures artists and DJs receive their due recognition and support.

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Each mix within this exclusive collection is designed to deliver an immersive experience, true to the MuseZeuM brand. The inaugural lineup includes legendary producer Salaam Remi, known for his soul-stirring blend of classic and contemporary sounds; DJ Dirty Harry, who seamlessly fuses nostalgic throwbacks with modern beats; Ralph McDaniel, the visionary behind Video Music Box, who marries iconic visuals with fresh audio; Bambino, renowned for his dynamic mixes of old-school and new-school reggae; and Disco Neil, who infuses high-energy dancehall vibes that keep listeners on their feet.

“Our partnership with Apple Music is about more than just music; it’s about creating a space where art and technology intersect to pay homage to classic mixtapes while supporting the artists who inspire us,” says Salaam Remi, founder of MuseZeuM. “These mixes offer a unique blend of nostalgia, rhythm, and creativity that makes the MuseZeuM collection an unforgettable listening experience.”

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Listeners can follow the MuseZeuM Apple Music page to stay updated on the latest releases, handpicked playlists, and exclusive content. This launch is only the beginning—MuseZeuM and Apple Music have much more in store to enrich the music culture and create memorable audio experiences for fans worldwide.

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SOCIALizing: Russell Simmons Reflects on Turning 67 With Shirtless IG Post

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Social media is a thing. It has anyone doing anything and it’s officially normalized. How do we feel about that? Well, here’s how Russell Simmons feels about it. Let’s get right to his shirtless birthday post. The caption was a long one:

@67 i come to appreciate DAILY ROUTINES for instance i have come to appreciate daily ice bath every morn …daily meditation 2x a day …daily asana(yoga) practice, i take time out for gym daily …. i have learned to appreciate the excitement of choosing only healthy food that has medicinal properties and avoiding toxic food and people (love everyone but hang w/ those who lift u up ). i introduced ideas and practices to my life over the years basically i believe one thing at a time is the easy way , and before you know it you will begin to build a life of abundance im obviously still a work in progress but i learned be gentle w/myself and to master one thing at a time… choose ONE thing to make u grow do it until its habit, then choose another and another❤ God will appreciate ur efforts and support you I PROMISE i have written 5 books on health happiness and spirituality God is always reminding me and you for that matter to be obediant live up to the promises, to try to remember to remember to walk the path that’s laid out in your heart and in scriptures #cryotherapy daily

Not sure if he’s still camping out in Bali or what because you never know with socials but that’s the post.

Check it out here:

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SelectCon NYC: 50 Cent’s Sacrifice for Power, Cam’ron’s Sports Show Triumph And Legendary Reunion with 50 Cent and Cam’ron

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At this year’s SelectCon, Steve Stoute hosted exclusive conversations with 50 Cent, Cam’ron, and Joe Budden, giving audiences rare insights from three of hip-hop’s biggest names. The discussion covered everything from their most iconic music moments to navigating mistakes, making bold pivots, and the business ventures that have fueled their successes beyond music. The trio also weighed in on the current state of music, shared lessons learned, and even addressed a few rumors. SelectCon continues to deliver powerful moments like these, celebrating entrepreneurship, creativity, and unfiltered dialogue.

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At SelectCon, Cam’ron shared an exciting update about his sports show It Is What It Is. The show has not only captivated sports fans but is also outperforming major sports programs on YouTube, including SportsCenter. In fact, the only show with more views is First Take. Cam’ron’s unique take on sports commentary and his authentic style have clearly resonated with viewers, marking a significant shift in how audiences engage with sports media online.

At SelectCon NYC, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson shared a little-known story about his early financial sacrifices to bring his hit series Power to life. In a candid discussion, 50 Cent revealed that he accepted just $17,000 per episode during the show’s initial seasons—a fraction of what a show of Power’s caliber might typically demand. But there was a reason for this decision: retaining creative control. For Jackson, it was essential to produce the series on his terms, ensuring the authenticity and vision that would ultimately make it a massive hit. As the show’s popularity soared, 50 Cent used his early investment and Power’s undeniable success as leverage to negotiate a significantly better deal. His story underlines the importance of prioritizing creative freedom and trusting the process—sometimes even before financial rewards start rolling in.

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During an insightful conversation with Steve Stoute at SelectCon, Joe Budden offered tough love to beginner podcasters, urging them to focus on growth rather than early payouts. ‘Don’t come to me about a check until you’ve put in the work and garnered an audience,’. Pointing out that too many newcomers prioritize compensation before building a following. Budden’s advice reflects his own journey in the podcasting world and highlights the importance of dedication and consistency in achieving success in the industry.

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Fat Joe Reflects On Ex Who Abandoned Son After Down Syndrome Diagnosis: ‘I’m Not Giving Up’

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Here’s a tearjerker of a story. Fat Joe recently opened up about the heart-wrenching experience of raising his son, who has Down syndrome, after the child’s mother abandoned him following the diagnosis. During an emotional appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, the rapper shared the painful memory of his ex-partner walking away from their child and how he, alongside his own family, took on the responsibility of raising his son alone.

This is tough but we appreciate the realness of it all … Joe recalled the difficult moment when doctors informed them of the diagnosis: “So, the doctor tells us, ‘I got bad news to tell you… [your son] has Down syndrome and it’s gonna be a big challenge.’” Joe explained that he was in the room with both his parents and his son’s mother. But, to his shock, the mother immediately rejected the idea of taking on the challenge. “And [my son’s] mother said, ‘Yo, I can’t do this, I’m going to have to give him up for adoption.’ My mother was like, ‘You crazy, bi**h, I’m not giving up—.’” Joe then shared the painful reality: “I never seen his mother again… She never visited him again. I’m not here to kick and — you know, she abandoned the kid.”

While reflecting on the admirable journey in raising his son without his mother’s involvement, Joe and his family stepped up. “We raised him by ourselves,” Joe shared, emphasizing that the door had always been open for the mother to return, but she never did. “It wasn’t like I kept the door closed where she couldn’t see her son. It was always available for her… But we got wicked people out there — whether male or female — and it’s usually the other way around: the baby comes out with Down syndrome, and the man runs away. Shame on you.”

What’s more, the rapper then spoke directly to other fathers, highlighting the importance of never giving up on their children. “But a father has to be a father, [and] I don’t know how to be a fake father. I gotta take care of my kids regardless, and I don’t know how to give up on my kids,” he declared. Joe also acknowledged the challenges his son has faced but praised his child’s spirit. “He’s had his challenges, my son — I don’t know if other kids autistic or on the spectrum [are like this], but this guy happy. Swear to God, he’s always happy. He’s never sad. He’s the Don.”

Towards the end of the conversation, Joe expressed that his son has been his “biggest blessing,” saying that because they never gave up on him, God has continued to bless their family.

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Misa Hylton, Mikki Taylor And More Featured At “Don’t Touch My Hair” Art Experience

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The Culture Parlor, led by visionary filmmaker Ayana Morris, unveiled its inaugural mobile art installation, “Don’t Touch My Hair,” at Harriet Tubman Square during the Newark Arts Festival. This immersive exhibit, designed to challenge societal norms surrounding Black hair, marks a significant cultural moment in Newark’s artistic landscape.

The opening ceremony, held on October 11th, featured esteemed guests, including Newark Mayor Ras J Baraka, Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, and Rutgers University–Newark Chancellor Jeffrey Robinson. The event commenced with a powerful address by Ayana Morris, who highlighted the exhibit’s mission to celebrate and reclaim Black identity through art.

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Once inside the “Don’t Touch My Hair” exhibition, the viewer is immersed in seven moving images that explore various aspects of Black women’s hair. Themes such as bondage, resistance, embrace, assimilation, and survival are highlighted. A powerful poem accompanies these visuals, helping the audience grasp the struggles and triumphs Black women have experienced with their hair. For example, the image on assimilation portrays a woman with blow-dried straight hair, symbolizing the pressure to conform. In contrast, the theme of survival reflects on how hair was braided into maps, guiding the path to freedom for slaves. The exhibition features a full service salon installation with products from renowned hair product company Mielle. Illuminated by ambient lighting, dynamic table dressings and reflective mirrors, the exhibit encourages introspection on the historical and cultural significance of Black hair, creating a space for dialogue and empowerment.

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Throughout the weekend, attendees enjoyed a series of events, including the Hair Gala, which encouraged attendees to express their creativity through elaborate hairstyles while enjoying a panel discussion. Saturday’s conversations with Allure’s Jessica Cruel, Shauna Kay, Barri Gibson, Amanda Mitchell, and Kela Walker, and Jennifer Edwards covered Black Women’s Portrayal In Print Media, Black In Beauty, as well as leveraging social media. On Sunday, The Grit & Glam Brunch honored influential figures Mikki Taylor, Misa Hylton, and Claire Sulmners for their contributions to Black beauty and fashion. Panel discussions, live performances, and a vibrant Hair Gala further enriched the festival’s theme of “Radical Reimaging,” enhancing Newark’s cultural vibrancy. Music was provided by DJ Sienna. 

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Ayana Morris’s “Don’t Touch My Hair” will remain on display at Harriet Tubman Square until November 15, 2024, inviting the public to engage with its transformative narrative. 

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Travis Scott and Cactus Jack To Curate COMPLEXCON, Bringing CACTUSCON To Las Vegas

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ComplexCon, the pioneering festival and exhibition of convergence culture that curates the very best in style, music, art, and food, announced today that Travis Scott will be the event’s 2024 Artistic Director and Sunday night headliner, bringing “CactusCon” to ComplexCon Las Vegas, a nod to his creative collective, Cactus Jack.

Under Scott’s creative direction, Cactus Jack will infuse its iconic style throughout ComplexCon. Scott will also design exclusive merchandise only available at the festival. The multi-platinum, diamond-certified recording artist, producer, and style icon’s role builds upon ComplexCon’s history of working with the most prominent and innovative artists such as Takashi Murakami, to push artistic and experiential boundaries. 

Scott, whose CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR is officially the highest-grossing rap tour of all time, will also headline Sunday evening for a highly anticipated performance that will mark a triumphant homecoming to the festival he helped inaugurate in 2016.

After a wildly successful run in its hometown of Long Beach, ComplexCon will head to Sin City for the first time ever on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17, taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This year’s show will grow 4x in size, spanning over 1,000,000 sq ft, with an unprecedented number of brands, exclusive drops, activations and experiences. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to shop hundreds of exclusive releases from today’s most sought-after brands and cultural creatives, including 032C, Ambush, Asics, Awake NY, BYREDO, Cactus Plant Flea Market, Ecko Unltd., EDGLRD, Fox Racing, Fragment, Futura Laboratories, Glo Gang, HELLSTAR, Hidden NY, Holiday, Infinite Archives, Kids of Immigrants, Malbon Golf, Mastermind, Mitchell & Ness, Mowalola, New Era Cap, Nike, Oakley, Online Ceramics, PDF Channel, Psychworld, Rick Owens, Satoshi Nakamoto, Saucony, Sp5der, Stash, Thug Club, Undefeated, Vans, Vetements, WWE, Zippo and more.

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Museum of Graffiti Presents: Samuel Sumak’s Visions

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The Museum of Graffiti is proud to present “Samuel Sumak’s Visions,” a compelling exhibition that explores the story of Samuel Sumak, a graphic artist and muralist whose life and work have shaped the Chilean graffiti scene. The opening reception will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 7 PM to 10 PM at the Museum of Graffiti, located 276 NW 26th Street in Miami’s dynamic Wynwood Arts District.

This exhibition, the result of the U.F.O. (Unión, Fuerza, Objetivo) collective’s workshop, includes a wide array of media such as paintings, drawings, installations, and graffiti. At its core, the exhibit tells the powerful story of Samuel Sumak, who was persecuted during the 1990s and forced to live underground as a vagabond, adopting the name Bultisam. This deeply personal narrative is depicted in a large triptych, which Sumak has been painting over the past three years, capturing his journey of resilience, transformation, and artistic expression.

In addition to the visual journey presented by Sumak, the evening will feature a live musical performance by Foex, a prominent Chilean music producer and founding member of the U.F.O. collective. Known for his genre-defying sound, Foex blends Hip-Hop, Soul, and Electronica, infusing his music with experimental creativity. As the founder of Potoco Discos, Chile’s pioneering urban music label, Foex has earned recognition for his cutting-edge approach to music production. His performance will provide a rich auditory backdrop to the exhibition, enhancing the evening’s immersive experience.

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Drake Continues to Tease Joint Album with PARTYNEXTDOOR: ‘CLA$$$IC’

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Drake continues the hype train for his forthcoming album with PARTYNEXTDOOR. Hitting PND’s Instagram comments, Drake commented on an album tease with: “LOADED IN MY PHONE CLA$$$IC.”

Drake has provided an update on his collaboration album with PARTYNEXTDOOR. While on stage over the weekend, Drake stated: “Shoutout to my brother PX, album dropping soon.”

You can see the update below.

On Aug. 2, Drake and fellow OVO star PartyNextDoor originally announced that they have something up their sleeve. On stage, they announced that they would release a collaborative album later this year. Well, okay, that announcement was long overdue. 

Get this: the announcement went down during PartyNextDoor’s concert on Friday in their hometown of Toronto. Naturally, Drake made a surprise appearance onstage and gave fans what they wanted to hear, performing hits and the news of the upcoming project. 

Here’s a couple quotes from the 6 God … ”On behalf of me and Party, we’ve been working on something for y’all,” Drake told the audience. “So, you get the summer over with, do what you need to do. I know all you girls are outside. When it gets a little chilly, PartyNextDoor and Drake album will be waiting right there for you.” That part. 

So check this out, the show was originally PartyNextDoor’s concert, but Drake being the tour de force that he is, treated the crowd to a nearly hour-long surprise set. As you can imagine most of the surprise set was a medley of Drizzy’s R&B-ish tracks from his chart topping catalog. 

If you don’t know Party was the first signee to Drake’s OVO Sound label. The “Recognize” (feat. Drake) artist has collaborated a ton with Drake over the past decade on bonafide smashes like “Come and See Me” and “Loyal,” as well as on Drake’s album tracks like “Wednesday Night Interlude,” “Members Only,” and “With You.” However, this upcoming LP marks the first time the two artists have worked together on an entire album.

ICYMI, PartyNextDoor released his latest LP, “PartyNextDoor 4”, in April. Outside of his recent season of diss tracks and Camila Cabello guest spots, Drake last released “For All the Dogs” in 2023. Prior to that, Drake collaborated with 21 Savage on their album “Her Loss” in 2022.

We are waiting like the rest of ya’ll for this collab but keep that same energy when it drops in case you wasn’t rocking with Aubrey this summer. Just saying. 

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Drake Says His Joint Album with PARTYNEXTDOOR is ‘Dropping Soon’

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Drake has provided an update on his collaboration album with PARTYNEXTDOOR. While on stage over the weekend, Drake stated: “Shoutout to my brother PX, album dropping soon.”

You can see the update below.

On Aug. 2, Drake and fellow OVO star PartyNextDoor originally announced that they have something up their sleeve. On stage, they announced that they would release a collaborative album later this year. Well, okay, that announcement was long overdue. 

Get this: the announcement went down during PartyNextDoor’s concert on Friday in their hometown of Toronto. Naturally, Drake made a surprise appearance onstage and gave fans what they wanted to hear, performing hits and the news of the upcoming project. 

Here’s a couple quotes from the 6 God … ”On behalf of me and Party, we’ve been working on something for y’all,” Drake told the audience. “So, you get the summer over with, do what you need to do. I know all you girls are outside. When it gets a little chilly, PartyNextDoor and Drake album will be waiting right there for you.” That part. 

So check this out, the show was originally PartyNextDoor’s concert, but Drake being the tour de force that he is, treated the crowd to a nearly hour-long surprise set. As you can imagine most of the surprise set was a medley of Drizzy’s R&B-ish tracks from his chart topping catalog. 

If you don’t know Party was the first signee to Drake’s OVO Sound label. The “Recognize” (feat. Drake) artist has collaborated a ton with Drake over the past decade on bonafide smashes like “Come and See Me” and “Loyal,” as well as on Drake’s album tracks like “Wednesday Night Interlude,” “Members Only,” and “With You.” However, this upcoming LP marks the first time the two artists have worked together on an entire album.

ICYMI, PartyNextDoor released his latest LP, “PartyNextDoor 4”, in April. Outside of his recent season of diss tracks and Camila Cabello guest spots, Drake last released “For All the Dogs” in 2023. Prior to that, Drake collaborated with 21 Savage on their album “Her Loss” in 2022.

We are waiting like the rest of ya’ll for this collab but keep that same energy when it drops in case you wasn’t rocking with Aubrey this summer. Just saying. 

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