Hip Hop Lifestyle News | Culture Trends Archives - Page 20 of 28

Los Angeles Announced As Host City For Finals Of Red Bull BC One, World’s Largest Breakdancing Competition

August 19, 2022 by newhiphopnews

On September 17, the world’s largest, most esteemed breaking competition, Red Bull BC One, will host the USA National Finals in Los Angeles. Winners of the regional cyphers held in Philadelphia, Austin, Orlando, Boston, and Seattle will take the stage at Eden Hollywood to battle it out for the National Championship title and to represent the country at the Red Bull BC One World Final in New York this November.

Shining a light on the thriving breaking communities across the U.S., the nation’s top 16 b-boys and 16 b-girls will compete in a knockout bracket, judged by a panel of respected figures within the breaking and hip-hop community, including b-girl legend Asia 1 and Red Bull BC One All Star Neguin with Rakaa, of Dilated Peoples hosting the evening. Joining the regional finalists are wild-card invites of top US breakers including Hijack, Mace, Snap1, Rascal Randi, Sunny, and more. Only one b-boy and one b-girl will go on to represent the USA at the Last Chance Cypher during the Red Bull BC One World Final in New York on November 11.

B-girl Pep-C, an Olympic hopeful who will be competing in Los Angeles, took home the win at the Red Bull BC One Cypher East in Philadelphia last month. She shares, “The Red Bull BC One National Final is an exciting opportunity to put my training and skills to the test against the best b-girls across the country. With the Olympics around the corner, this prestigious competition is a stepping stone on the road to Paris..”

The 2022 Red Bull BC One season celebrates the communities that have helped push break forward to reach new milestones in the sport’s history: Hip-hop’s upcoming golden anniversary in 2023 and the highly anticipated debut of breaking at the 2024 Paris Games. Honoring these pivotal timestamps, the 2022 Red Bull BC One World Final will return to New York, paying tribute to breaking as an intrinsic element of hip-hop culture.

While breaking has its roots in the Bronx, it was also ubiquitous in the west coast hip-hop mecca of South L.A. and on the city’s east side. West Coast Dancers have shaped breaking’s evolution since the 1970s, fusing California-native dance styles like popping and locking with the ground-level gymnastics of New York B-Boys. The West Coast is also home to legendary breaking crews such as Air Force Crew, Radiotron Wizards, and Shake City Rockers, which trace back to intramural battles in L.A.

Emerging in the late 2000s, Squadron, a SoCal breaking crew, ignited a modern west coast breaking revolution. Brought together by breaking icon David “Mex One” Alvarado, Squadron was one of the first independent West Coast Crews made “by and for the scene”, which added a distinct West Coast flavor to the sport by merging it with capoeira moves, house dance, and other techniques. Its members include Red Bull BC One All Stars Omar “RoxRite” Delgado, who was a founding member, and Victor Montalvo.

“Generations of West Coast b-boys and b-girls from San Diego to Seattle have influenced what we know as breaking today. Being a member of Renegade Rockers and to represent the Red Bull BC One All Stars, two crews that are crucial to breaking’s proliferation, I am proud to carry the torch for the breakers who came before me while nurturing the next generation,” shares RoxRite.

Leading up to the competition, Red Bull BC One will host Breakalicious @ Delicious, a celebration of west coast hip hop and break, on Friday, August 26 from 7-9PM PT at Delicious Pizza, a neighborhood pizzeria and local community hub from the founders of the iconic hip-hop label Delicious Vinyl, which helped launch seminal artists such as Tone Lōc (“Wild Thing”), Young MC (“Bust a Move”), The Pharcyde and more.

Breakalicious @ Delicious will feature an open jam session and the unveiling of a limited edition Squadron pizza box. The event will kick off a four-week photo exhibition exploring the west coast break scene and a limited time offering from Delicious, the Pizza Break special, which includes a 12” pizza and two cans of Red Bull.

Tickets to the national final are $10. Secure your spot at the Red Bull BC One Cypher USA here.

The post Los Angeles Announced As Host City For Finals Of Red Bull BC One, World’s Largest Breakdancing Competition appeared first on The Source.

Los Angeles Announced As Host City For Finals Of Red Bull BC One, World’s Largest Breakdancing Competition

August 19, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Tickets to the national final are $10. Secure your spot at the Red Bull BC One Cypher USA here.

The post Los Angeles Announced As Host City For Finals Of Red Bull BC One, World’s Largest Breakdancing Competition appeared first on The Source.

Tevin Campbell Discusses Struggles and Triumphs of Being a Gay Man in the R&B Industry

August 19, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Tevin Campbell may be known for his hit 90s song “Can We Talk” and this week, he definitely talked, opening up about what it was like to be a queer man in the R&B industry in the 90s and how it has changed from then to now.

In an interview with host Janine Rubenstein on the PEOPLE Every Day podcast, Campbell confirmed that he identifies as a gay man, something that likely did not come as a surprise to many of his fans as earlier this year, he tweeted (and later deleted) the phrase “Tevin is…” followed by a rainbow flag emoji.

Campbell discussed some of the struggles of being a child celebrity, noting that he never really hid his sexuality from anyone close to him, saying that “I didn’t hide anything about me. I didn’t try to act a certain way or anything. You just couldn’t be [gay] back then.”

He explained that many of his songs were just R&B songs, but the industry tends to make songs heteronormative.

He noted that despite growing up in the public eye, that he was lucky to have made it while claiming that a lot of child stars “don’t make it.” He then went on to note that “a lot of us do,” saying that the fact that he has is one of the reasons that he has embraced himself. (Campbell first began his music career at age 12.)

He noted that when he did Hairspray in 2005, it was the first time that he was around a significant number of LGBTQ people who were living their best lives and that’s how he became more comfortable with his sexual identity.

He said that major stars such as Lil Nas X and Frank Ocean have helped increase LGBTQ representation in the R&B and music industries in general, but still noting that there is a lot of work when it comes to representation and acceptance in the industry.

He also dished on some of the general industry turmoil including a decades-old semi-beef with Usher, who was also mentioned as a possible artist to sing “Can we Talk” back in the 1990s. (He said that he and Usher are on good terms and there are no hard feelings.)

He also said that he likes watching the “Can we Talk” challenges on TikTok today and that he is excited about the future of R&B, citing artists such as Frank Ocean and Jasmine Sullivan.

He left listeners with the parting advice to love themselves, both the good and the bad.

The full episode can be listened to on iHeart at https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-people-every-day-76003809/episode/rb-star-tevin-campbell-opens-up-101008105/.

The post Tevin Campbell Discusses Struggles and Triumphs of Being a Gay Man in the R&B Industry appeared first on The Source.

Buying Back The Culture – How The Black Promoters Collective Is Changing The Face Of Live Music

August 17, 2022 by newhiphopnews

It started, as so many stories do today, with a phone call about COVID-19. The devastating effect of the virus was being felt by the music industry. Touring was impossible, and this hit Black and independent promoters with a devastating impact. But it was from these conversations that the Black Promoters Collective was born.

With the murder of George Floyd, and the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, the BPC recognized the importance of pooling together resources and knowledge to drive change in the music industry. A step that became not just necessary, but essential.

The BPC felt that the shared experience of Black musicians and promoters, their successes and their voices, could no longer be ignored by a biased industry. Troy Brown, Chief Marketing Officer of the BPC said “It’s time for us, as the culture, to buy back the culture. We need to go to these artists and say, ‘Here’s what we can do for you that some of these other big corporate entities can’t.’”

Now, just a little over two years later, the BPC grossed $60 million in their first quarter by putting on some impressive tours. The Collective headed up a 30-city tour for New Edition, called The Culture Tour featuring Charlie Wilson and Jodeci.

Another tour for Maxwell would feature Anthony Hamilton and Joe across 25 cities. Closing up an astounding quarter with a six-day tour featuring the legendary Patti LaBelle.

Off the back of this success, BPC is now promoting a 23-city tour for Mary J. Blige, the Good Morning Gorgeous arena tour. The tour will feature support from Ella Mai and Queen Naija.

The BPC is clearly starting to claim its share of the market. Working collectively, they sought to buy tours. Their collective work and expertise allow them to bid for entire tours, rather than smaller single dates or venues.

Their combined market weight, bringing together expertise from members from Detroit; Atlanta; Houston; Raleigh, N.C.; New York/New Jersey, Oakland and California, allows them to compete on a level playing field with giants like AEG and Live Nation.

History doesn’t repeat, but it does rhyme. This is not the first time that Black promoters have joined forces to confront the deep systemic white bias of the live music industry.

In 1998, a $700 million lawsuit was filed against multiple promoters and booking agencies by a group calling themselves The Black Promoters Agency. The lawsuit claimed antitrust and civil rights violations, but would be lost in 2005.

By contrast, the BPC continues to make inroads into the live music industry. With a mindset that firmly believes in reclaiming and buying back culture that was theirs in the first place, the BPC uses their Collective economics and business knowledge to their advantage.

The BPC has a mission of inclusion, and they mean it. They seek to work across multiple genres with a range of artists. Sticking to their mission, the BPC has managed to bring an increasing number of Black-owned businesses, as well as people of color, into the live music industry. And not just artists, but everyone from the caterers to the vendor partners. An action that, according to BPC’s Troy Brown, “Doesn’t happen in other, bigger corporate outfits.”

The BPC is making huge strides towards achieving their mission. By making the industry more inclusive, the BPC ensures a world that respects the work of Black promoters and provides artists and fans with options that are not just Live Nation and AEG.

By. Marty Most

The post Buying Back The Culture – How The Black Promoters Collective Is Changing The Face Of Live Music appeared first on The Source.

Karlie Redd, Capella Grey & Spice Releases “Werk” Music Video

August 16, 2022 by newhiphopnews

“Werk” is currently #3 on Apple Music’s Top Reggae chart with a bullet.

The Shade Room previewed an exclusive clip last week. Reality star-recording artist Karlie Redd, Capella Grey (“Gyalis”) and Spice (“First Time”) hit the desert for a magnificent carnival-themed party in the new music video for Redd’s charting new single “Werk,” out now, via Legacy Records. Redd’s new single is a spicy booty-shaking Reggae vibe perfect for the summertime wined down. Stream it now.

MORE: Lamar Odom Says He and Karlie Redd Are Friends and Not Lovers

The chemistry between Redd, Grey and Spice on the Video God-directed visual is electrifying. The traditional reggae sound blended with the hypnotizing curves twerking throughout the visual amplifies the song’s hit factor and desire for more collaborations between all parties involved in the future. Spice’s voice creeps in setting the tone then Karlie knocks it out reminding us that she is in fact an artist first. Capella Grey, whose personality bleeds all over the beat, marries the track together in a way that shouldn’t work but does.

Honoring her Trinidadian heritage, Karlie Redd is determined to change the current landscape of sound and carve out her space within the industry to deliver undeniably hits continuously.

Before the release of the “Werk” music video, Redd took to Instagram to praise her friend and collaborator Spice with a heartfelt message. “As I reflect upon my present blessings,” Redd wrote with a video of Spice and her celebrating her birthday on an island destination. “I went into a deep depression and a sunken place while trying to keep a smile on my face then Realized How blessed I am to have you in my life @spiceofficial I Didn’t get to post my bestie for her Birthday. Spice, Grace, Gracey & Aunty who wears many hats. Bestie I have never had a friend who stand up for me, fight for me, and have my back like you. I appreciate you so much. You work so hard. Your Heart Goes a long way. You are so strong. I tried so hard to reciprocate the best birthday as you did for me. I want to celebrate your birthday everyday. please allow me to put together another birthday for you. And I Promise To Have Your Back The Same Way! Thank You Pamputae Fen & @wondawoman0 for helping me put this together.”

“Werk” marks Redd’s first release in three years, which is the follow-up to her 2019 single “Ferrari Karlie.” “Werk” is produced by Johnny Blaze and Stadic and available on all platforms via Legacy Records.

MORE: Source Exclusive: Karlie Redd Talks Collaborating With Sean Garrett, New Music, and Her Career Goals

Outside the music, Karlie Redd stars in the new season of the hit VH1 reality show, Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta, with new episodes airing every Monday at 8/7 PM Central on VH1.

Capella Grey appears on the song and video courtesy of Allepac The Family. Spice appears on the song and video courtesy of VP Music Group, Inc.

Check out Karlie Redd’s new hit above and watch the official visual below.

The post Karlie Redd, Capella Grey & Spice Releases “Werk” Music Video appeared first on The Source.

Nipsey Hussle Honored With Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

August 14, 2022 by newhiphopnews

The marathon continues, Nipsey Hussle is being posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The late, great rapper will receive the honor on August 15th, which would have been his 37th birthday.

The Los Angeles native was shot and killed in March 2019 in front of his Marathon Clothing store. In July, Eric Holder was found guilty of the murder of Nipsey Hussle. He now faces life behind bars for the charges of murder and attempted voluntary manslaughter.

It isn’t the only honor Hussle has received recently, as L.A.’s Metro Rail announced a brand new station is going to be named after him.

Continue the conversation on social media.

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Nipsey Hussle Will Receive A Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

August 11, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Juice WRLD and Nipsey Hussle To Be Posthumously Featured on Maroon 5's Forthcoming Album

It isn’t the only honor Hussle has received recently, as L.A.’s Metro Rail announced a brand new station is going to be named after him.

Continue the conversation on social media.

The post Nipsey Hussle Will Receive A Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame appeared first on The Source.

D-Nice Brings ‘Club Quarantine’ to Carnegie Hall

August 8, 2022 by newhiphopnews

D-Nice pulled up to Carnegie Hall Thursday night (Aug. 4) to transform his iconic virtual ‘Club Quarantine’ into an in-person experience. He was joined by a number of guests, including Ashanti, Jadakiss & Styles P, Big Daddy Kane, DJ Clark Kent, and more. Queen Latifah made a surprise cameo as well.

While the performances were hefty appetizers for attendees to enjoy, the veteran DJ seamlessly took over the party with a number of classic hits as the main course.

Club Quarantine’ may have begun during the 2020 lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the energy has transcended over the past two years. The initial live stream gained praise and attendance from the likes of Michelle Obama and Oprah in 2020.

“I’m pretty excited about it because I know that not many people from my kind of Hip hop and R&B world have played Carnegie,” D-Nice told the Daily News. “For me to be able to headline Carnegie, let me not just say play because a lot of musicians play, play Carnegie Hall but being a DJ and being able to bring my vibe to that stage is honestly probably one of the highlights of my career.”

Jay-Z brought Hip-Hop to the historic concert venue back in 2012. D-Nice has graced the Hall with his presence more than a decade later.

The post D-Nice Brings ‘Club Quarantine’ to Carnegie Hall appeared first on The Source.

Demi Lovato Reveals Why She Changed Pronouns

August 4, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Demi Lovato's Alleged Dealer was Arrested for Guns and Drugs Months Before her OD

Demi Lovato says she’s back to using “she” and “her” pronouns again. The 29-year-old Pop singer made the announcement in an interview on the Spout Podcast.

Lovato says she started using “they” and “them” pronouns last year because at the time she was “balanced” in “masculine and feminine energy,” but now she’s adopted she/her again because she feels more feminine.

“So, for me, I’m such a fluid person that I don’t really, I don’t find that I am.. I felt like, especially last year, my energy was balanced in my masculine and feminine energy so that when I was faced with the choice of walking into a bathroom and it said ‘women’ and ‘men,’ I didn’t feel like there was a bathroom for me because I didn’t feel necessarily like a woman. I didn’t feel like a man. I just felt like a human,” she explained.

The former Disney star continued, “And that’s what they/them is about. For me, it’s just about like feeling human at your core.”

The “Cool For The Summer” singer didn’t mention that she’s completely jumping ship from ever using “they” and “them” as pronouns, she seemingly implied that she is adding “she” and “her.”

Share your comments with us on social media.

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Kendrick Lamar Shares 50 Photos of Big Steppers Tour on Instagram

August 4, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Kendrick Lamar may be in the middle of his “Big Steppers” tour, but he’s apparently not too busy performing to share his perception of his experience with fans. The artist took to Instagram on Wednesday afternoon where he uploaded 50 artistic photos of his recent tour along with a heartfelt and introspective message to his fans about his artistic struggles and motivation.

He uploaded the photos in just over an hour with no captions. Most of the photos, which appear to have been shot by a professional photographer, show Lamar performing a variety of his hits, often with dazzling special effects in the background. However, some are close crops of his outfits or props while others are silouhettes and wide panoramic shots that would look almost abstract if viewed too quickly.

While the photos did not have captions, the photo dump was accompanied by a heartfelt message in which he described his artistic struggle to create “Mother I Sober,” a song off his latest album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The story read:

“ngl jesus jojo and mary. took a n**** 20 years to find mother i sober. rap has truly helped my expansion of self. beyond the perception of who I believe to be. on jojo. music is air to a young n**** at this point. mr. morale. the catalyst of my self expression. ill never forget the process of falling in love with imperfection. the piano. my fans. the stories of reconciliation i hear from penitentiaries to small villages. Some words will find you today. Some will find you in 10. find your children type sh**. sitting in like an old book. im forever underground. infiltrating the mainstream a la carte. these cities still beautiful to watch. on jojo. ily -ok ok!”

Dates for the “Big Steppers” tour can be found here: https://www.livenationentertainment.com/2022/05/kendrick-lamar-announces-the-big-steppers-tour/.

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