OVO Co-Founder Nico Launches CEBL Team, The Scarborough Shooting Stars

OVO co-founder Nicholas Carino, better known as OVO Nico, is bringing a new professional basketball team to Scarborough. The Shooting Stars are officially set to make their debut in the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), in May 2022.

“I was born and raised in Scarborough. It’s a big, big thing for me to do it here. It’s a dream come true,” Niko explained to Complex, as for why Scarborough.

“I love the idea of it being in the summertime,” he added. “I think that was the major thing for me because I didn’t want it to compete with the Raptors, Euro League, FIBA.”

Drkae, OVO, Nico
Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

Nico also discussed where the team name came from, explaining that he wants it to inspire the youth: “It’s the inspiration that allows the youth to dream bigger. Dream for the stars, shoot for the stars, or whatever the case may be. I think that’s my main thing for the youth: to inspire and to create different opportunities [for them].”

Nico has been a longtime close friend of Drake’s and helped the rap legend to found the fashion and lifestyle brand OVO.

Fans can get access to season tickets by putting down a $100 deposit.

[Via]

Drake Reveals He Had COVID, Which He Thinks Made His Hair Grow In ‘Weird’

As fans eagerly await the release of Drake’s highly-anticipated album Certified Lover Boy, the Canadian superstar himself has continually pushed it back. Although the initial delay could be attributed to his knee injury in late 2020, further delays have frustrated fans. However, it seems that Drake may have had a good reason for putting it off, as he casually revealed that he contracted COVID at some point over the past several months while defending himself from a fan account’s brutal assessment of his haircut.

After a fan account on Instagram posted comparison pics of Drake’s now-infamous “heart part,” commenting that in the more recent pic “that heart is stressed,” Drake himself replied in the comments, attributing the funky growth to a bout with coronavirus. “I had Covid,” he reasoned. “That sh*t grew in weird, I had to start again.” However, he promised, “It’s coming back don’t diss.”

The photo in question is several weeks old so it’s possible that he’s already mostly recovered physically and follically, and as he told Sirius XM’s Sound 42 show Fri Yiy Friday, “[ Certified Lover Boy]’s ready… album’s cooked, looking forward to delivering it to you.” It may still be a while until it’s released, as there are usually last-minute details to be worked out, brand partnerships to solidify, and tour dates to arrange before an album drops but hopefully, Drake can use that additional time to repair his broken heart.

Belly Announces The Release Date For His Jay-Z-Approved Album, ‘See You Next Wednesday’

It’s been a minute since we last heard from Toronto-based rapper Belly, who last dropped a full-length project in 2018 (Immigrant). Throughout 2021, though, he’s been more active than ever, releasing the singles “Money On The Table” with Benny The Butcher, the Moneybagg Yo-assisted “Zero Love,” and “Better Believe” featuring Young Thug and Belly’s XO Records boss The Weeknd. Today, he announced the culmination of all this activity: His upcoming album See You Next Wednesday, sharing the cover, tracklist, and release date, August 27.

In addition to the aforementioned tracks, See You Next Wednesday will also include feature appearances from Big Sean, Gunna, Lil Uzi Vert, Nas, Nav, and PnB Rock. It will also have production from Belly himself, DannyBoyStyles, The ANMLS, and The Weeknd. In January, when Belly gave the first inklings that the album was on the way, he noted that the album is also approved by two of the more prominent voices in hip-hop: Jay-Z and The Weeknd.

“Before I officially close out an album, there’s two people I play it for to get the seal of approval: Hov and Abel,” he tweeted. “That being said, I can officially say the album is done.”

See You Next Wednesday is due 8/27 via XO Records and Roc Nation. You can pre-save it here.

Belly Announces The Release Date For His Jay-Z-Approved Album, ‘See You Next Wednesday’

It’s been a minute since we last heard from Toronto-based rapper Belly, who last dropped a full-length project in 2018 (Immigrant). Throughout 2021, though, he’s been more active than ever, releasing the singles “Money On The Table” with Benny The Butcher, the Moneybagg Yo-assisted “Zero Love,” and “Better Believe” featuring Young Thug and Belly’s XO Records boss The Weeknd. Today, he announced the culmination of all this activity: His upcoming album See You Next Wednesday, sharing the cover, tracklist, and release date, August 27.

In addition to the aforementioned tracks, See You Next Wednesday will also include feature appearances from Big Sean, Gunna, Lil Uzi Vert, Nas, Nav, and PnB Rock. It will also have production from Belly himself, DannyBoyStyles, The ANMLS, and The Weeknd. In January, when Belly gave the first inklings that the album was on the way, he noted that the album is also approved by two of the more prominent voices in hip-hop: Jay-Z and The Weeknd.

“Before I officially close out an album, there’s two people I play it for to get the seal of approval: Hov and Abel,” he tweeted. “That being said, I can officially say the album is done.”

See You Next Wednesday is due 8/27 via XO Records and Roc Nation. You can pre-save it here.

A New Podcast, ‘The King Of Crenshaw,’ Will Explore Nipsey Hussle’s Legacy In The Sports World

There’s a new podcast coming that offers a new angle on the life of late Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle and sports. Presented by 30 For 30 Podcasts and The Undefeated, the four-part “The King Of Crenshaw” will “focus on how the late Nipsey Hussle’s life, death, and legacy deeply impacted the sports world” and “examine how that overlap of Black male creativity, talent and ambition will forever live on in Nipsey’s responsibility to his neighborhood. And how NBA players are vowing to continue his marathon moving forward.”

The pod will also feature interviews with NBA All-Stars Isaiah Thomas, DeMar DeRozan, DeMarcus Cousins, plus Nipsey’s brother Blacc Sam. “Everyone knows I’m a huge Nipsey fan,” Cousins, who plays for the LA Clippers, said. “He’s more to me than just a rapper. He’s an icon.”

On March 31, 2019, Nipsey Hussle was tragically shot and killed at his Marathon Clothing store in South Los Angeles. His death shook the music world, leaving many to grieve a loss that came at the height of his career. On the two-year anniversary, his longtime girlfriend, Lauren London, took to Instagram to honor him. “The Day Of Ermias’ transition changed the course of my life forever,” she wrote. “2 years, and it feels like yesterday and eternity all at the same time. Grief and Healing have been constant companions on this journey.” She added, “In Honor of His life and demonstration… May all of Heaven exalt Your name for all You did on Earth and beyond. Brave and Beloved Soul, Ermias. You are missed deeply. You are loved immensely. You will forever be. I love you eternally.”

Look out for a full season drop of “The King Of Crenshaw” on 8/23.

Nipsey Hussle is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Trippie Redd Reportedly Won’t Be Prosecuted For Alleged Assault

It looks like Trippie Redd dodged another bullet. According to TMZ, the Ohio rapper will not be prosecuted in his alleged assault case. Back in 2018, Trippie was arrested after a woman accused him of pistol-whipping her in the head, and the cops said they noticed a bump on the woman’s head where she said she was struck, ultimately leading to that arrest.

Despite probable cause in the case, prosecutors have decided not to prosecute Trippie at this time. Unclear as for why the decision was made, but Trippie’s lawyer, Drew Findling, is thrilled about it. He said his law firm has worked tirelessly for over the past three years to prove the rapper was innocent of the aggravated assault allegation.

Vivien Killilea/ Getty Images

Trippie can now put his entire focus, if it wasn’t already, onto his forthcoming album, Trip At Knight, which is reportedly dropping sometime this month. Look for that to feature guest appearances from Drake, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Durk, Polo G, Ski Mask the Slump God, Juice Wrld, XXXTentacion, Icewear Vezzo, and more.

In addition to the album, Trippie is readying a supporting tour as well, which you can peep dates for (below) if interested.

Trippie Redd Reportedly Won’t Be Prosecuted For Alleged Assault

It looks like Trippie Redd dodged another bullet. According to TMZ, the Ohio rapper will not be prosecuted in his alleged assault case. Back in 2018, Trippie was arrested after a woman accused him of pistol-whipping her in the head, and the cops said they noticed a bump on the woman’s head where she said she was struck, ultimately leading to that arrest.

Despite probable cause in the case, prosecutors have decided not to prosecute Trippie at this time. Unclear as for why the decision was made, but Trippie’s lawyer, Drew Findling, is thrilled about it. He said his law firm has worked tirelessly for over the past three years to prove the rapper was innocent of the aggravated assault allegation.

Vivien Killilea/ Getty Images

Trippie can now put his entire focus, if it wasn’t already, onto his forthcoming album, Trip At Knight, which is reportedly dropping sometime this month. Look for that to feature guest appearances from Drake, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Durk, Polo G, Ski Mask the Slump God, Juice Wrld, XXXTentacion, Icewear Vezzo, and more.

In addition to the album, Trippie is readying a supporting tour as well, which you can peep dates for (below) if interested.

Kari Faux & Deante’ Hitchcock Explore Relationship Differences On “Too Much, Too Fast”

In a world full of DM slides, Tinder Link-ups, and Netflix and chill sessions, Kari Faux is very vocal about her wants on her new single “Too Much, Too Fast”. Released on her own label, Lowkey Superstar Records, a joint venture with Don Giovanni Records, the vibey track presents a conversation between two potential lovers who are not on the same page. Atlanta rapper Deante’ Hitchcock brings an infectious southern lyrical flow to the track that is reminiscent of Andre 3000 and T.I. 

Matching Deante’s energy, Kari Faux’s bubbly conversational flow maintains the song’s upbeat mood. The production of the track is quite impressive as the melodic shifts towards the end of the song sonically offer a unique 1970s funk-inspired groove.  

“Too Much, Too Fast” will be featured on Kari Faux’s newest full-length project Low Kew Superstar Deluxe, which is scheduled to be released next month. It is clear that the rapper-singer has an eye for talent as her album also includes collabs with a roster of some of the most creative artists out now: Smino, J.I.D, Yung Baby Tate, and Jazz Cartier. 

Check out the tracklist below: 

Low Key Superstar Deluxe Tracklist 

01. While God Was Sleepin’… (Remix) [ft. J.I.D]
02. StickUP! (Remix) [ft. Jazz Cartier]
03. Skit
04. McGrady
05. Actors, Rappers & Wrestlers
06. Freakin’ N’ Ballin’ (An Ode to Big Corey)
07. Look @ That (Remix) [ft. Yung Baby Tate]
08. Chattin’ Shit
09. Mo’ Liquor [ft. Smino]
10. Trouble
11. Too Much, Too Fast [ft. Deante’ Hitchcock]
12. Rapunzel

Quotable Lyrics:

You gotta slow down, baby pump your brakes
Gotta make you wait, ain’t no picking up the pace
Cause it’s too much too fast (too fast)

[via]