Hip Hop News

“Big Little Lies” actress Zoë Kravitz will step behind the camera and take a seat in the director’s chair for the first time in an upcoming film. 

While this is the first time Kravitz will hold the directing title, she has gained experience by contributing with production for Hulu’s High Fidelity alongside her starring role.

The film, titled Pussy Island, will follow the story of Frida, an L.A. waitress who strategically inserts herself in tech-billionaire Slater King’s circle and scores an invite to a party on a private island. The smart young woman can tell that something dark is brewing beyond the glitz and the glam of the elite, and seeks to find out exactly what that is.

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When speaking of the eyebrow-raising title of the film, Kravitz told Deadline:

“The title means a lot of things… it alludes to this time and place we claim to not be in anymore, in terms of sexual politics. People are evolving and changing but there is still a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths from past behavior. It’s a nod to that, but it’s also playful, and a really playful film in a lot of ways. I like that the title leads with that and has some heavy meaning beneath it.”

Kravitz originally wrote Pussy Island with the mindset she would cast herself as Frida. Instead, she has chosen to give the role to somebody else in order to fully step behind the scenes for her first directing position. It is unknown who is likely to secure the leading role alongside Magic Mike’s Channing Tatum as Slater King.

Tatum was shocked that he was chosen for the role stating:

“When Zoë called me about this, I was shocked. I didn’t know her… This came out of nowhere and the subject matter made me say, wait, why are you thinking about me for this? No one gives me a chance to play a role like this, everybody throws me down a different alley and expects me to do a certain thing. It was scary and liberating, just to be able to have a free conversation.” 

The film is set to begin production next year.

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She recently said that her “kick down your doors and smack your chick” days were a thing of the past, but Monica proved that she won’t be tested. The R&B icon has been entertaining her fans with hilarious TikTok videos, but she recently took some time to relax with her daughter as they appeared on Livestream together. 

During the chat, a viewer asked if Monica had received the COVID-19 vaccine and she politely said she hadn’t. After reading someone’s additional comment, she added, “Um, you’re entitled to your opinion, but let’s not speak to each other in a disrespectful manner.”

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“You can’t say that someone’s stupid because they’ve chosen not to do something because you don’t know the discussions myself and my doctor have had, especially with the condition that I’m currently in. So, I’m doing what’s best for me and I suggest you do what’s best for you. And that would include watching your mouth.”

According to the latest data, 146 million Americans are fully vaccinated and on Wednesday (June 16), several major cities are once again operating without the need of masks or social distancing. Monica didn’t elaborate about her condition, but we’re sure that the person who attempted to put her in her place doesn’t have much else to say.

Check out the clip below.

For the first time in Verzuz history, fans received a matchup between two women in Rap. On Wednesday (June 16), Eve and Trina graced the Verzuz stage—or stages, as they appeared on the series from separate locations. Trina, naturally, performed to an audience in her native 305 as Eve stayed on her home turf, as well, appearing from London via satellite. 

When this Verzuz was first announced, some Hip Hop fans attempted to underscore Trina, stating that she and Eve weren’t a fair match. The Miami icon proved her naysayers wrong and even brought out backup dancers to assist. However, it was her special guest, Trick Daddy, who stole the show.

The ladies made sure to include all of our favorites; Trina gave us her verses from tracks like “Nann,” “Da Baddest B*tch,” and “Shut Up,” while Eve delivered “Who’s That Girl,” “Blow Ya Mind,” and “What Y’all N*ggas Want.” The two even shared a moment when they performed bars from their inclusion to the remix of Ludacris’s “My Chick Bad.”

There was a point when Eve lamented about how late it was in London, but after getting into her groove, she told Trina she wished she was in Miami turning up with everyone else. It was a party that social media users enjoyed and are still talking about, so check out a few reactions from the feel-good Hip Hop moment below.

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The attempts to entice unvaccinated citizens to bite the bullet have expanded with yet another approach. Taco Bell now sits among the likes of Krispy Kreme’s free donut deal and Washington’s free pre-roll partnership for those that opt to get the vaccine.

Taco Bell showed public support for the vaccine with an announcement last week that on June 15, all customers who showed a vaccination card at a California location would receive a free Doritos Locos Taco.

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CEO of the fast-food giant Mark Kingsaid stated, “It’s been a tough year, and we are all ready to put COVID-19 behind us, we are thrilled to do our part and give back to our home state with something everyone knows and loves to celebrate those who have made the decision to get vaccinated.”

In the Golden State, 70 percent of the population is vaccinated already. The Taco Bell promotion is part of a ‘Vax for the Win’ campaign aimed at convincing the remaining 30 percent to get the vaccine. California Chipotle locations also offered a similar deal on Wednesday, offering a free queso blanco in exchange for showing a vaccine card, but the food isn’t where it ends. ‘Vax for the Win’ is a full sweepstakes program with prizes as large as tickets to a Lakers Game or a vacation to Disneyland. 

Let us know what you think about these ever-increasing free offers below.

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It’s been a busy day for Soulja Boy as he’s calling people to the carpet. He’s recently made headlines due to his back and forth banter with Bow Wow as the rappers prepare for their appearance on Verzuz, but on Wednesday (June 16), Soulja had a bone to pick with a few people. The “I Did It First” icon exploded on Instagram Live as he went after Charlamagne Tha God after The Breakfast Club host remarked that Soulja wasn’t really from Atlanta, causing the rapper to put Charlamagne in his place.

The rants weren’t over, because after Akademiks reposted the clip, Hitmaka slid in the comments showing that he was laughing, and Soulja didn’t appreciate it. “Yung Berg, you is a b*tch, boy,” said Soulja. “Go get your chain back. Didn’t I take yo chain a long time ago? That Transformers chain? You ain’t neva get it back?” He then brought up the previous altercations involving Hitmaka being assaulted.

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

“P*ssy ass n*gga don’t never be under no f*ckin’ comments under Akademiks post leaving no f*ckin’ laughing emojis,” Soulja added. “You lame!… Stealing beats, you don’t make beats for real. Stick to gettin’ n*ggas to makin’ beats for you and you sell them to other artists and act like you made it.”

Soulja told Hitmaka to “keep my name out your mouth,” adding, “You’ll never make a hit by yourself like ‘She Make It Clap.’ Solo that’ll go number one on the Billboard. You’ll never write and produce a record at sixteen that go platinum, that go triple platinum, that go viral. P*ssy ass n*gga.”

That was just the tip of the iceberg. Swipe below to check out Soulja Boy’s angry message to Hitmaka.