Hip Hop Lifestyle News | Culture Trends

VERZUZ Battle Between UGK And 8Ball & MJG Is Set To Happen

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ugk 8ball mjg verzuz

The VERZUZ battle phenomenon is still here and up next is two well respected southern Hip-Hop groups. During Memorial Day weekend, UGK and 8Ball & MGK will take the stage in Atlanta for an iconic VERZUZ battle.

VERZUZ took it to Twitter to announce the news.

Both UGK and 8Ball & MJG played major roles in bringing southern culture to Hip-Hop. Both groups used their music to lyrically give insight to how things went in the south.

The Port Arthur, Texas duo, UGK, consisting of Bun B and the legendary late Pimp C, made a splash in the rap game when they dropped their ’96 classic Ridin’ Dirty.

Meanwhile, 8Ball & MJG were the some of the first rappers to but Mempish on the map.

The date for the battle will happen on May 26, at 8PM ET, in Atlanta. Fans can stream UGK vs 8Ball and MJG, on all Verzuz social media feeds, as well as Triller.

Fans can also receive updates about this, Verzuz, by texting 855-968-1499. As of now, it’s unclear when tickets will be available, for fans to purchase, in order to attend UGK vs 8Ball & MJG.

The post VERZUZ Battle Between UGK And 8Ball & MJG Is Set To Happen appeared first on The Source.

First Annual Impacting Futures Gala Honors Charles Oakley, Mona Scott-Young, Treach, Mr Commodore And More

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On May 19, Founder of Bold Beginnings Tiffany Mack held the First Annual Impacting Futures Gala honoring NBA Legend Charles Oakley at Grand Café & Bistro in Elizabeth, New Jersey. 

The silent auction raised over $15,000. Notable guests include Charles Oakley, Mona Scott-Young, Treach, Commissioner Stan Neron, Producer Karriem Mack, Tyhem Commodore (Mr. Commodore), Khairy Williams (Spotify), Brenda Green (Fit4abtterme), Tiffany Emmanuel (Ms. Emmanuel), Stacey Wade (sexxystaceface), and Sarah Stone (starringsara). 

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The mission of Bold Beginnings is to bring awareness, raise funds and to help fight for homelessness and domestic violence in our community and provide resources for unprivileged and underserved women, men, children, and families to give them Bold Beginnings.

Photos: Claude Yao Sahi   @hijo_elconquistador)

The post First Annual Impacting Futures Gala Honors Charles Oakley, Mona Scott-Young, Treach, Mr Commodore And More appeared first on The Source.

Lil Kim, Junior M.A.F.I.A., Fat Joe And More Celebrate Biggie’s 50th Birthday In NYC

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The rainy weather didn’t keep Brooklyn and the rest of the New York from showing up and showing out for the exclusive, black-tie Notorious B.I.G. 50th Birthday Gala. Last weekend, the city’s biggest influencers and tastemakers were all on hand the bring in what would’ve been Biggie’s 50th born day(May 21). Sponsored by Pepsi and put on by the Christopher Wallace Estate, Manhattan’s Guastavino’s was the locale of the prestigious bday bash for the game’s most celebrated emcee, which drew celebs from all facets of urban entertainment.

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B.I.G.’s real friends, family and diehard supporters were in attendance for this second annual event. Everyone impactful in his career was in attendance; from his original Brooklyn family/crew, Lil’ Kim , Lil Cease and Junior M.A.F.I.A., to his extended family in the Hip Hop community, including Fat Joe and Sway Calloway, who conducted Biggie’s last radio interview just four days before he was killed in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997.

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The night began with an exclusive full course dinner while a live band called The Frank White Experience played some of Biggie’s most revered hits, which preceded some of his “Notorious” hits being played in digital format by none other than HOT 97’s DJ Enuff for the capacity crowd to enjoy. A large ice sculpture with the letters “B.I.G.”graced the stairs to the entrance of the upper level gala, where many of the attendees took their “I was there” pics.

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Some of the other notables who came through to show Biggie sone Brooklyn love include Biggie’s children T’Yanna and C.J. Wallace, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Smif N’ Wessun, Caesar Emanuel of Black Ink, Karliee Redd of Love And Hip Hop ,Don Pooh, Bri Steeves, Coodie (director of Kanye West’s Jeen-Yus documentary}, Lil Kim’s business partner Alyi V, marketing guru Greg Walker, entertainment attorney/The Source Magazine owner Londell McMillian and countless others.

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Performances included a set by Lil Kim and Junior M.A.F.I.A., including a “Quiet Storm” cameo with Kim and Havoc. The surprise of the night was watching “Lil Biggie” Christopher “C.J.” Wallace perform his one of his father’s premiere hits, “One More Chance”, as the crowd felt the spirit of Biggie through his only son.

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The post Lil Kim, Junior M.A.F.I.A., Fat Joe And More Celebrate Biggie’s 50th Birthday In NYC appeared first on The Source.

New York City Honors The 50th Birthday Of The Notorious B.I.G.

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Biggie’s golden anniversary is this upcoming Saturday. The Notorious B.I.G., who would have turned 50-years-old on May 21, is receiving a number of tributes in New York City.

On Friday, there will be a ceremony in partnership with Bad Boy/Atlantic and Rhino Records at the Empire State Building with family members, friends and collaborators of the legendary rapper, Christopher Wallace.

While Brooklyn’s Barclays Center will feature a video montage of him on the mega oculus display above the venue’s entrance.

READ MORE: Fat Joe Recounts Uniting Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Biggie for “Notorious Thugs” Collaboration

New York City is going B.I.G. for Biggies 50th birthday.

On Saturday, the landmark skyscraper will be changing its lights to red and white, with a crown spinning on its mast.

In addition, the MTA is releasing a special MetroCard edition featuring the Brooklyn-born Hip-Hop icon and there will be a free orchestral tribute at the Lincoln Center on June 10.

For more information on the tribute, visit the Lincoln Center’s website.

The post New York City Honors The 50th Birthday Of The Notorious B.I.G. appeared first on The Source.

(EVENT RECAP) Mr. Chicken x DJ Drewski // ‘2 Piece’ EP Release Party

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Last weekend, melodic hip-hop artist Mr. Chicken dropped his two-track EP ‘2 Piece’ featuring singles “Runnin” and “OTW 2 The Party.” He co-hosted a packed-out release party with fellow New Jersey native DJ Drewski. The two wowed the crowd by handing out actual boxes of chicken and a large styrofoam cup of juice. Manager Stragglife-Trav is credited for the event’s rollout; a move reminiscent of Diddy’s Big-Mac introduction of Craig Mac and Notorious BIG in the early days of BadBoy Records. 

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Sponsored by Belaire, Mr. Chicken’s release party was captured by Hip-Hop photographer @KPShotit. In attendance were fellow artists Kocky Kai, Kayah Baby, Phresher, Jabar Hakeem, publicist Marie Driven, LA Jean, and influencer Ms. Hustle. At the end of the night, DJ Drewski remarked, “Mr. Chicken is an uber-talented artist with a strong work ethic and a humble personality. He’s up next, in my opinion.” 

‘2 Piece’ is available on all streaming platforms, including Apple Music, Youtube, Spotify, etc. Check @Mr.Chicken out on instagram and give him a follow.

The post (EVENT RECAP) Mr. Chicken x DJ Drewski // ‘2 Piece’ EP Release Party appeared first on The Source.

Biggie Would’ve Turned 50 on May 21, New York City Celebrates

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His Love For Jazz Music, Dreams of Entrepreneurship and 9 Other Things I Learned From Watching Netflix's 'Biggie: I Got A Story To Tell'

Biggie’s golden anniversary is this upcoming Saturday. The Notorious B.I.G., who would have turned 50-years-old on May 21, is receiving a number of tributes in New York City.

On Friday, there will be a ceremony in partnership with Bad Boy/Atlantic and Rhino Records at the Empire State Building with family members, friends and collaborators of the legendary rapper, Christopher Wallace.

While Brooklyn’s Barclays Center will feature a video montage of him on the mega oculus display above the venue’s entrance.

READ MORE: Fat Joe Recounts Uniting Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Biggie for “Notorious Thugs” Collaboration

New York City is going B.I.G. for Biggies 50th birthday.

On Saturday, the landmark skyscraper will be changing its lights to red and white, with a crown spinning on its mast.

In addition, the MTA is releasing a special MetroCard edition featuring the Brooklyn-born Hip-Hop icon and there will be a free orchestral tribute at the Lincoln Center on June 10.

For more information on the tribute, visit the Lincoln Center’s website.

The post Biggie Would’ve Turned 50 on May 21, New York City Celebrates appeared first on The Source.

New Report Shows Black Lives Matter Has Over $40M in Assets

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Black Lives Matter has spent over #37 million on grants, real estate, consultants, and other expenses in recent years but still manages to have over $40 million in access.

The Associated Press received a 63-page Form 990 stating Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation Inc. has invested $32 million in stocks from the $90 million donations in 2020. Organizers say that investment will be an endowment to carry on the work of BLM for years to come.

According to the Black Lives Matter foundation, $4 million is in the operating budget, and there is $42 million in net assets. In addition, $6 million was spent on a Los Angeles headquarters in Studio City, including six bedrooms and bathrooms, a swimming pool, office space, and a soundstage. The board states the property is used for a Black artists fellowship.

Black Lives Matter does not have an executive director or in-house staff, mainly citing that it operates “as an early startup nonprofit, without substantial governance structure, that got a huge windfall.”

The BLM co-founders, Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Ayọ Tometi, have vowed to build an organization governed by the consent of the BLM chapters. You can read more of the report, including the controversy of how funds would be distributed here.

The post New Report Shows Black Lives Matter Has Over $40M in Assets appeared first on The Source.

Empire State Building To Hold Lighting Ceremony In Honor Of Notorious B.I.G.’s 50th Birthday

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This Friday evening at 4 p.m., the Empire State Building (ESB) will host a lighting ceremony to honor the 50th birthday of the Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie), in partnership with Bad Boy / Atlantic / Rhino Records and the Christopher Wallace Estate. 

The Empire State Building Observatory Experience will feature a life-size photorealistic avatar of Biggie for guest viewing and photographs on Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Also, on Friday and Saturday, fans can purchase exclusive Biggie x ESB hats, t-shirts, and sweatshirts, sold only at the Observatory. Biggie’s 11x platinum album Life After Death will be available to purchase on cassette, along with the preorder for the 8-LP Deluxe. 

Fifteen minutes after sunset on Saturday, May 21 – what would have been Biggie’s 50th birthday – the Empire State Building will light up in dynamic red and white with a rotating crown and the number “50” in the mast.  

The post Empire State Building To Hold Lighting Ceremony In Honor Of Notorious B.I.G.’s 50th Birthday appeared first on The Source.

Casting Director E. Mills Challenges Diddy’s “Best Party Thrower” Claim

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From his infamous all-white parties in the Hamptons to New Year’s Eve extravaganzas in Miami, it’s no secret that Diddy, 52, presented the culture with some of the most memorable parties throughout his 30-year-plus career. While promoting the upcoming Billboard Music Awards, Diddy titles himself the “Best Party Thrower” in a new commercial that instantly sparks a reaction from Award-winning Los Angeles Casting Director and Party Thrower Ed “E. MillsDidIt” Mills, followed by him suggesting a debate for the rightful owner of the moniker to the general public on social media in order to determine who is the real “best party thrower” between the two.

MORE: Diddy Announces CÎROC is Headed to Ready-to-Drink Market

In reaction to Diddy’s declaration, E. Mills — who’s not looking to self-proclaim the title like Diddy — shared a Tik Tok promo that uses a clip from Diddy’s 2022 Billboard Music Awards commercial where he states “Interrupting your regularly scheduled program, I have an announcement to make. I’m the best muthaf*ckin party thrower
”, a scene from the classic film Coming To America with Hakeem (Eddie Murphy) asking: “
You’re the prince, then who am I?”, a clip of E. Mills turning his head with a stunning look and a puzzled mannerism, and a few clips of him partying hard while surrounding around an army of models. The clip issues the vote-requesting statement “Let’s let the people decide
”, followed by taunting remarks and signature catchphrases from E. Mills, like “oh yeah. E. Mills Did It,” “Mill Ticket” and “Mr. Imma Out Work You Ni**as.”

The song in the clip is Wallet Green’s “F*ck It Up,” which name drops E. Mills and his entertainment company Mill Ticket Entertainment in a verse that raps: “
 I got hoes like Mill Ticket / They gon think E. MillsDidIt.”

Diddy was announced as this year’s Billboard Music Awards’ host and executive producer last month. While the mogul made the statement in the commercial — it was neither confirmed nor denied that the mogul’s statement was an open invitation to all challengers. Now, E. Mills is well aware of the billionaire mogul’s high-profile party-throwing history but approaches the conversation for sheer acknowledgment of his rivaling partying-throwing resume across the U.S. throughout the 2000s.

“Let’s be clear,” said E. Mills in an issued statement when reached for comment by The Source’s Bryson “Boom” Paul. “It wasn’t necessarily a challenge set forth, but more so me putting the world on notice. I’m not a walk through the park, so to speak when it comes to this lifestyle. I’ve created a lot of vibes over the years and know I’ve planted my feet in these couches [laughing] but hey I’m not running from a challenge either — never have and never will. We can definitely do it for the culture. With that being said, I do give credit where credit it’s due. He’s earned his stripes, just give me mine too 🎟”

Mills is the Founder and CEO of Mill Ticket Entertainment, a popular Los Angeles-based entertainment brand for years now best-known for casting models in music videos for the majority of hip hop’s biggest superstars. The brand’s resume includes a wide variety of high-profile brands and the biggest superstars in today’s music such as 1800 Tequila, New Balance, and Adidas. Mill Ticket models have been seen starring in music videos for everyone, ranging from Drake to Chris Brown to YG to Tyga to 2 Chainz, and so many more. Interestingly, E.Mills has provided models for the Diddy-owned television network, Revolt TV, and its popular original talk show, Respectfully Justin hosted by Justin Laboy.

E.Mills cast the brand new Diddy-starring Ciroc commercial promoting the brand’s new ready-to-drink line in Miami.

MORE: T-Pain Taps Lil Jon, Hannibal Buress, O.T. Genasis For Inaugural “Wiscansin Fest”

Diddy has yet to rebuttal to Mills’ promo at this time but the streets is talking, and want the two to go head-to-head for the title, party-for-party. Mills shared a fan-made versus flyer featuring himself and Diddy with the caption “Somebody just sent me this lol who wants to see it?”

“We need this!,” wrote Lauren Banks under the Instagram post with fire emoji. “Come on now we all know you gonna win,” commented rapper Joey $ynth$ with side-eyed eyes and 100 emoji. “Let’s goooo!!” comments hyped photographer Jam-X.

The Source’s requests for comment(s) from Diddy and/or representatives have gone unresponded at press time. More as this story develops.

Billboard Music Awards hosted and executive produced by Diddy, aires live this Sunday (May 15) at 8PM ET/5PM PT on NBC-Peacock. Watch the trailer below.

The post Casting Director E. Mills Challenges Diddy’s “Best Party Thrower” Claim appeared first on The Source.

Young Thug-Protege Lil Keed Dead At 24, Hip-Hop Mourns

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Young Thug-protege and 300 Entertainment/YSL Records-signed recording artist Lil Keed passed away at Burbank Hospital in Los Angeles on Friday (May 13) — according to the artist’s family members, girlfriend and reps.

The cause of death is currently unknown at this time. More on the passing as information becomes available. Lil Keed’s brother and Atlanta rapper Lil Gotit and longtime girlfriend Quana Bandz, who also shares a child with Keed, shared tearful tribute messages with fans via Instagram on Saturday morning (May 14)

MORE: EyeOnEyez Releases new single “SHYNE” Ft. Lil Keed and Frankie Smallz “Listen Here”

“Can’t believe I seened u die today bro I did all my cries I know what u want me to do and that’s go hard for Mama Daddy Our Brothers Naychur and Whiteboy,” wrote Lil Gotit in an Instagram post early Saturday morning (May 14).

“I love you sooooo much baby what I’m post to do with out you I can’t breathe right sleep right nothing I don’t even wanna talk to nobody Keed I can’t take this,” shared Quana Bandz in the captions of a tribute post on Instagram with a series of photos and videos with Lil Keed and her together. “What am I supposed to tell Naychur? What am I gone tell our new baby ? Keed I just told you the other day if you left me with these two kids I was gone loose my mind my Mind is lost baby. You told me everything I’m sooooo sorry I didn’t fly to LA I know I could’ve saved you baby you really showed me all you needed was MY LOVE you gave me that I gave you that. IM SORRY please just tell me this a dream come home. YOU PROTECTED US. Whyyyy DADDY. You a fighter bru I was on my way I was RAQHID 
..these 8 years you been in my life you showed me nothing but love I’m sorry baby I’m sorry for whatever I did anything I did I’m sorry let me make it better You my backbone you my spine you my heart baby IF I DONT KNOW ANYTHING I KNOW YOU LOVE ME & MY BABY MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD 💚😱 WE fight we argue but you know we was what each other needed
 YOU GAVE ME THE WORLDDDDDDDDD. Anything I wanted 
. Needed you got it / did it for me with no questions ask! BABY you was just on the phone with me in the bed HOW you leave like that without saying that was gone be your last goodbye your last I love you our last FaceTime ! SMH baby please tell me I’m dreaming I wanna wake up and this shit be a dream. CALL ME BACK DADDY. My head spinning đŸ˜”â€đŸ’« my body numb I don’t even feel myself typing Raqhid you know I’m so weak for you baby WEAK AS HELL for you . SOOOOOOO WEAK SO WEAKKKK SO FUCKINNNN WEAK FOR U BRO THIS SHIT HERE HIT HARD. WHO IM GONE MAKE LOVE TO NOW ???? WHO GONE KISS ME IN MY SLEEP ALL NIGHT? Who gone rub my Belly ? RAQHID WHY U LEAVEEEEE ME MAN. You was my boyfriend my best friend my slime my twin my ride or die! WHATEVER u on you know I was on it 10x Worst. THESE FUCK ASS NIGGA KNOW THEY COULDNT FUCK WITH U AND THEY HATE THEY. MY BD NEVER LACK YALL PUSSY ASS NIGGAS DONT NEED TO BE ACTIN LIKE THIS YALL BODY EITHER. GOD WANTED MY BOY HOME he had better plans. SLAT IN PEACE PRINCE SLIME 💚 WE LOVE U FOREVER I hope I have a son he gone be your 1st JRđŸ€°đŸœđŸ‘šâ€đŸ‘§Â #LONGLIVEPRINCESLIME ❀”

Hailing from Atlanta, Lil Keed broke onto mainstream hip hop with his trio of breakout mixtapes in the Trapped in Cleveland series. After catching the attention of Young Thug, Keed signed with 300/YSL in 2020 and appeared on the YSL compilation albums Slim Language and Slim Language 2. Keed recently appeared on his brother and Ty Dolla Sign’s collaboration “Rich $hit.”

Along with Lil Gotit and Quana, other hip hop stars paid tribute to the late-artist, including Lil Yachty, Trippie Redd and Westside Gunn. “Damn Keed” tweet Gunn on Twitter with sad face and hand in front of his face emojis. Trippie Redd shared a video of him and Keed on stage with the caption, “Me and Keed talking to ummmm
”

See more tributes below:

MORE: Jimmy Bolt & Lil Keed Join Forces for “Wolves”

Lil Keed was working on his upcoming album before his passing. No official word on the forthcoming Lil Keed project’s status or release schedule at press time.

Lil Keed is survived by his daughter, Naychur. He was 24-years-old.

We at The Source would like to send our prayers and condolences to the family, friends and fans of Lil Keed. Rest in peace.

The post Young Thug-Protege Lil Keed Dead At 24, Hip-Hop Mourns appeared first on The Source.