Justin Bieber has announced the final North American date of his sold-out Justice World Tour, which will be held on July 3rd at the KIA Forum in Los Angeles. Ticketmaster will begin selling tickets for the Forum event on July 3rd at 10 a.m. PT on Friday, May 6th.
Justin linked up with director Cole Bennett for his new song +video “Honest,” which features Don Toliver, which was released last week. “Honest” is Justin’s first official single since “Ghost,” the anthemic conclusion to the multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated Justice, hit #1 at pop radio in January, giving him the most #1 hits by a male solo artist in US radio history and making him the only fifth artist to reach twenty Top 5 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Justin’s eighth professional Hot 100 #1 single, “Stay” with Kid Laroi, made him the youngest solo artist ever to surpass 100 Hot 100 hits. Justin became the first male solo artist to start at #1 on both the Billboard 200 album chart and the Billboard Hot 100 singles list with his triple-platinum blockbuster “Peaches.”
The Justice World Tour kicks off in Mexico this month, then heads to Scandinavia for festival appearances in August; South America, South Africa, and the Middle East in September and October; and Australia and New Zealand in November and December, before heading to the United Kingdom and Europe in early 2023.
Justin’s Justice World Tour, presented by AEG Presents, is his first international tour since the ‘Purpose World Tour’ in 2016/2017. Bieber played to 2.7 million fans during the duration of his 2016-2017 tour, with 65,000 spectators attending the finale at London’s British Summer Time Hyde Park festival, according to The Times of London.
The Justice World Tour kicks off in Mexico this month, then heads to Scandinavia for festival appearances in August; South America, South Africa, and the Middle East in September and October; and Australia and New Zealand in November and December, before heading to the United Kingdom and Europe in early 2023.
Justin’s Justice World Tour, presented by AEG Presents, is his first international tour since the ‘Purpose World Tour’ in 2016/2017. Bieber played to 2.7 million fans during the duration of his 2016-2017 tour, with 65,000 spectators attending the finale at London’s British Summer Time Hyde Park festival, according to The Times of London.
Today, Paramount+ announced the global reimagination of the groundbreaking hip-hop series YO! MTV RAPS will air on the service exclusively on Tuesday, May 24. In all worldwide regions where the service is available, the new series will be available exclusively on Paramount+.
YO! MTV RAPS is a thorough deep dive into the present state of hip hop, produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, with hosted segments from legendary battle rapper Conceited and celebrated deejay DJ Diamond Kuts, live performances, cyphers, and lifestyle content. The following celebrities are among the featured guests, along with their respective air dates:
Freddie Gibbs: May 24
Latto: May 31
Saba: June 7
JID: June 14
Shenseea: June 21
Tee Grizzley: June 28
IDK: July 5
Trina: July 12
Beginning Thursday, May 5, fans will be able to watch 50 of the best archival episodes of the original YO! MTV RAPS series on Paramount+.
Kurt Williamson, Warren Oliver, and Michelle Kenner of HollandWest Productions are executive producers for the series. Kim Velona is the production manager. MTV’s executive producers are Bruce Gillmer and Jennifer Demme.
Earlier this year, Saba dropped off his new album Few Good Things. The stellar effort brought in collaborations with G Herbo and Krayzie Bone. Now Saba has his eyes on another collaboration with No I.D.
Appearing on Apple Music 1 with Ebro Darden, Sabab talked about the Few Good Things album before revealing he received 120 beats from legendary producer No I.D. for a future project.
“So, when I got up with him, he told me he did 120. He was like, ‘A two-week span,’” Saba said. “‘I got 120. How many of them you want me to send you?’ And I was like, ‘Bro, I’m about to go on tour. Send me all 120.’ I didn’t expect him to actually do it, but he did it, and with the intent of just… I’m just having fun, mixtape style, just writing to as many of them… My goal is 10. I want to leave tour with 10, but I’m already at six, and we’ve been on tour for like a week, so I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll see how many, but it’s definitely… It’s something to come.”
A collaboration between the two Chicago natives would be epic, Saba added that No I.D. was one of the first to hear the Few Good Things album:
I played the album for No I.D. before it was finalized. I’m just like, “Hey, these are the songs I’m working on. I’m about to finish it up. This is the album.” I had 10 records that I played for him, and he gave me some notes, and they was really solid…one thing that he pointed out, he was like, “You did all of the musical shit, but I’ve been to your show before, and you had motherfuckers out there moshing, doing all type of other crazy shit that you didn’t do yet on this album. You need to do that.” And to me, that was like just a oversight, where it was something I didn’t even think about. It was like some legend advice to me…But to me, the most important thing he said, he was like, “You need a new closer.” He was like, “If you play… When you tour this album, without these new records, you’re going to still be closing with the big song from your last album.” He was like, “You can’t do that.” And I was like, “That’s something I didn’t even think about.” And it was the best…it put the battery in my back and got me back to work, and I went home, and “Survivor’s Guilt” was the first beat that I made.
You can see the entire conversation between Saba and Ebro here.
Juicy J is known for his trippy videos, and today he’s back with a new one in which he dresses up as NBA player James Harden, complete with a beard. “Step Back,” which features fellow Memphis rapper Duke Deuce dressed in Grizzlies garb, drops just before the Grizzlies advance to the next round of the playoffs.
Hopefully, the video can bring luck to both the Grizzlies and the Philadelphia 76ers as they both dropped game 1 of their second-round series. You can see the new video below.
Yo Gotti has signed R&B artist Lehla Samia to his legendary CMG record company in collaboration with Interscope Records, making her the first woman to join the imprint’s ranks and heralding CMG’s growth into the R&B genre.
“I’m proud to welcome Lehla to the CMG family,” Gotti said. “She has an incredible voice, she’s creatively gifted and she’s been putting in the work to develop into the next R&B superstar. I’ve always said that CMG is more than just hip-hop label – we have our focus on building the biggest and most versatile force in the music industry. Signing Lehla is the latest example of that goal.”
The 22-year-old singer gained a large online following after making covers and remixes of popular R&B songs and posting them to social media under the moniker “LehMixes.” While juggling nursing school, Lehla gained a following after her TikTok flips of Queen Naija’s “Butterflies” and Coi Leray’s “No More Parties” went viral.
The covers and remixes helped the Delaware native get over 1.2 million followers on TikTok and 14 million likes to date. Most notably, Gotti was taken with Lehla’s dramatic vocals, prompting the CMG CEO to fly the emerging star to Miami for a studio session that would forever transform her life and career path.
“Signing with Gotti and joining the CMG team is a dream come true,” Lehla said. “I’ve been grinding for this opportunity for a minute and I’m really excited about this new chapter in my career. I can’t wait to share my story with the world and deliver that pure R&B sound for my old and new fans.”
Moneybagg Yo, 42 Dugg, EST Gee, Mozzy, Blac Youngsta, Blocboy JB, Lil Poppa, Big Boogie, and 10Percent are just a few of the hip-hop artists who have signed to CMG.
The pandemic hit at an unfortunate time for the Compton leg of the Black Ink Crew franchise. As viewers were able to get introduced to the cast of Compcon artists, a halt in production, and the entire world, delayed more of the stories the shop led by iamCompton.
Now, Black Ink Crew: Compton is back in season two, allowing us to learn more about the hottest Black artists on the nation’s west coast. iamCompton led that group to Atlanta to take on their counterparts from the Chicago and New York Shops.
While on hand in Atlanta, iamCompton spoke with The SOURCE about owning the first tattoo shop in Compton, gearing up for the “Battle of the Tattoo Titans,” and more.
As a fan of Black Ink, I feel like the pandemic screwed me over. Just as we got introduced to you all, the story got cut short. How was it being a shop owner and continuing business right after the initial stages of opening the shop and then the pandemic?
Honestly, it was a struggle as a first-time shop owner. Trying to do something in Compton, being the first tattoo shop ever in Compton. It was a lot of pressure on me. And then when the pandemic hit, it was like, oh man, I got this far and now I got to somehow keep it above water. I just took it one day at a time and thank God that I’m here now.
Do you feel there is a never-ending set of roadblocks and challenges?
Oh for sure. Obstacles come left and right through life it’s it is a rollercoaster, but I’ll never stop. Might ease out for a while but that’s, that’s part of life going through those hurdles.
What have you learned about yourself as a person, but also a business owner, and then a tattoo artist?
Don’t take nothing personal. It’s just business. Don’t mix emotions with business.
When you got here to Atlanta and saw the setup for the competition. How did you feel?
That was exciting. I was like, oh, hold up. We important [laughs]. Y’all took the time out to do something for us. You get kind of numb when you been working for a long time and tattooing a lot of people or to see somebody spend $1,500 on a pair of shoes or $5,000 on a bag, but they didn’t want to pay for $500 tattoo at the most. It throws you off and you feel like you are not doing enough and it’s a difficult job. Now, everything changed and now people appreciate it a little more for art. And even the things like the NFTs and stuff, the artists being more appreciated, more valuable. And that’s what I felt walking out like, oh, y’all value us. So it was excitement, a good feeling.
When you first heard about this battle and everything coming together for it, placing you in the same arena with the other two shops and on this grand stage, what was your initial thoughts?
I thought it was dope. I thought it was a great idea. I’ve been waiting to be a part of something cool like that. I didn’t know what it was, but that was it. You can take this all over the world and have fun with it. It’s the culture and it’s a part of my brand. I done dreamed about this environment, not knowing it, you know what I’m saying? I can do what I love.
This is a family environment, but at the same time, there’s a level of competitiveness that comes into it. How did you prepare yourself and your team for this?
I think they got a lot of competitive nature. I wasn’t concerned about them competing, but as far as coming and being prepared and having everything you need on a spot and then like do this right now and figure it out. You got this amount of time with the pressure for cameras and, and stuff like that. It’s difficult. But we deal with that anyway. So I think it’s dope. It’s all fun. It’s all up. At the same time, you can display your talent. They get to show their skills under pressure and see what obstacles they overcome at the end of the day. We all get a chance to use the platform to show people what we do.
Reflecting back on season one, was there a big lesson you would take a way from it?
I think I would have did the tattoo shop thing a couple of years before the show. It’s still cool that I did it the way I did it. Cause I showed the process of starting and building it from scratch. You got to see the struggles and then there you gonna be at two years from now.
You’re competing against Ryan and Ceasar. You are a boss in your own right. How do you feel coming into it? Do you look at yourself as the underdog or the upstart that is taking on the guys who have had more TV time?
Honestly, when I played football I learned to focus on your assignment and what you are supposed to do. Now me, one on one, I play receiver I’m on that island. It’s a DB trying to stop me. I’m not even worried about you. I’m calm. I know my assignment. I know what I need to do. As long as I can get to the zone, I’m good. Take your time. Be patient, keep calm. Do the assignment, get in the zone. Once you in that zone, your talent going to speak. Your art is going to speak. And this is what we do.
You art ranges from tattooing to music. Where do you draw the inspiration for your music?
I’m speaking on situations that I’m been through. I seen my life flash before my eyes and I’ve been robbed and woke up to some gun in my face. I done seen life from a different perspective. So all of this is fun. I just take it one day at a time.
On this day in 1993, the legendary Wu-Tang Clan began their reign as one of the most powerful and influential rap groups in history by releasing their debut single, “Protect Ya Neck.” With this track, Wu-Tang took the rap game by storm with a style unheard and an attitude unseen. “Protect Ya Neck” set a tone in Hip Hop that shifted the genre toward a more hardcore, rugged sound.
Originally recorded in a different order with a completely different beat, group member RZA took the liberty to reconstruct the song in post-production to the goliath that we all know and love. According to him, all he needed was the vocals of the group. The original beat used was just a placeholder used to get the verses. RZA’s unique style also incorporated the kung-fu film dialogue and fought scenes throughout the track. This unique style of production became a trend for Wu-Tang Clan.
To clarify any confusion about who is who on the song, the order of verses is as follows: Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, Method Man, U-God, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, RZA, & GZA. The single was first released independently through Wu-Tang Records and had “After the Laughter Comes Tears” as the B-side. Loud Records later re-released it with “Method Man” as the B-side. It sold 10,000 copies.
Future, multi-platinum artist, philanthropist, executive, fashion connoisseur, who is fresh off being the credited Executive Producer on Ye’s (f.k.a. Kanye West) DONDA 2 that dropped in , has come together again with Ye to release a collaborative merchandise collection celebrating his new album I NEVER LIKED YOU, available now until Thursday 5/5 at midnight exclusively on ineverlikedyou.shop
The collaboration, which is designed by Ye’s legendary creative collective DONDA, features imagery of Future and type treatments inspired by the album title as well as the single “Keep It Burnin”. The range features a long sleeve tee, hoodies, hats, socks, a face mask similar to what Ye is seen wearing in the video, and a take on the instantly iconic eye mask look from the I NEVER LIKED YOU cover.
Prices range from: $22-$142.
The collection further cements the creative pairing, directly supporting the collaboration on the song and video for “KEEP IT BURNIN” featured on Future’s new album I NEVER LIKED YOU.
The video, directed by Rick Nyce, is the first video released from the album, and showcases Future and Ye trading bars in the YEEZY offices on the high energy song from their recent sessions together.
The album is on track for a #1 Billboard debut and is tracking to post the largest 1st week debut of 2022.
Rihanna and her baby bump made an appearance at the Smokers Club Festival where A$AP Rocky was the headliners. Rihanna was spotted backstage and waving at bae as he performed for a capacity crowd.
Rihanna is reportedly weeks away from birth, but according to TMZ, being on hand for Rocky was important to her.
Last week, A$AP Rocky’s arrest seemingly put a hold on celebrating his forthcoming baby with Rihanna. According to The Sun, Rihanna “has been crying non-stop.”
“She’s heavily pregnant and these are very serious accusations,” a source said. “It’s a nightmare scenario for her.
“Rihanna was very, very upset and stressed by Rocky’s arrest. It’s not the best time for her to be on such an emotional rollercoaster,” the source added.
A$AP Rocky was arrested as he returned to LAX on last Wednesday morning. According to TMZ, the rapper arrived at the airport on a private jet from Barbados and was met by officers at the terminal and arrested. The charges for Rocky were assault with a deadly weapon. The weapon was a gun. Rocky was returning to America after vacationing with his girlfriend, Rihanna.
The assault is believed to occur on November 6, 2021, when Rocky allegedly shot at the victim three or four times, grazing him on the left hand, NBC News reports. The shooting reportedly happened near Vista Del Mar and Selma Ave. around 10:20 pm. Two additional men reportedly accompanied Rocky. Rocky was on hand the next day for Complex Con on November 7.
The alleged victim stated the shooting happened after an argument between the two. The LAPD says Rocky knows the victim who helped them identify the rapper as a suspect. Offers also executed a search warrant at Rocky’s home, ramming their way through his front gate.
Pete Davidson has long been a target of Kanye West due to dating his ex-wife Kim Kardashian. Davidson was on hand at the Netflix is a Joke festival this past week and made his issues with Ye a part of his routine.
“I had an AIDS scare this year,” Davidson said, alluding to YE stating the comedian had the virus. He then stated he hopes Kanye goes all in with his tactics, citing Mrs. Doubtfire, a film where Robin Williams dressed as a nanny to spend more time with his kids.
“Am I the only who secretly hopes Kanye will go full Mrs. Doubtfire?” Davidson said according to Variety.
Kardashian hit Instagram last month to show off pics of her ane bae, Pete Davidson, out for a night in Los Angeles.
According to PEOPLE, Kardashian and Davidson were at Jon & Vinny’s, a popular Italian restaurant in Los Angeles following the premiere of the new HULU show The Kardashians.
Also last month, Kim Kardashian spoke with ABC journalist Robin Roberts about The Kardashians show. While chatting with Roberts, Kim dived into her new romance with Pete Davidson, citing the affair is real, and she planned to spend a lot of time with the comedian.
“I wouldn’t be with someone if I didn’t plan on spending a lot of my time with them,” Kardashian said. “Obviously, I want to take my time, but I’m very happy and very content. And, it’s such a good feeling to be at peace.”
