Hip Hop News

Her acclaimed films have earned her deserved accolades and now Lena Waithe is making major moves in the music arena. The filmmaker will follow the many moguls before her as she crosses over from the silver screen to the studio, and Waithe recently shared with Rolling Stone that she’s partnered with Def Jam to establish Hillman Grad Records.

“As I got older and more into my career, I think people really started to pick up on the music choices in the film or TV that I was doing, and that really spoke to me,” Waithe told the publication. She named Prince, Erykah Badu, and Brandy as music icons that she’s admired for decades, and it sounds as if she’s hoping to become instrumental in reviving the 1990s R&B energy with today’s current trends.

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“I don’t want to do the typical thing,” she added. “We are not going to come out with 10 albums a year. It’s about finding really interesting artists who have a real drive and sense of wanting to figure out who they are over time. We really want artists that can grow. Yes, it includes albums and singles, but to me it’s about personality and moments.”

Waithe shared that she finds it “important for artist storytelling to be brought back” in a time when often, the art is not as important as the money-making machine. “That’s going to take time, energy, and trials. But we’re willing to stumble and fall and get back up again.” 

She didn’t divulge if there were any particular artists she’d set her sights on, but she stated that she’s looking to ink deals with creatives who are like Miguel, Lil Nas X, Summer Walker, Jazmine Sullivan, and H.E.R. “I think there is this desire to have artists do the same thing again and again,” Waithe said. “I really miss watching an artist and their albums shift and change with each one. But I want to bring back some of that old vibe and nostalgia and rollout of actual singles.”

Aside from the music, Waithe also revealed that keeping a level head while navigating the entertainment industry will be of the utmost importance as mental health will be something she focuses on with her artists. Who do you think would be a good fit for Hillman Grad Records?

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Fans haven’t seen this famous family strut down the red carpet together since 2019, but Travis Scott, Kylie Jenner, and Stormi Webster reunited in New York City. Last month, it was announced that Scott would be one of a handful of creatives to be honored at the 72nd annual Parsons Benefit hosted by The New School in New York. The event took place on Tuesday (June 15), and it’s reported that Kylie and little Stormi traveled to the Big Apple to support the rapper.

Travis and Kylie announced that their split back in October 2019, but the parents have been the subject of reconciliation rumors ever since. They’ve both maintained that they are close friends and have mutual respect for one another, but E! News reports that Scott kicked up dust once again at the end of his Parsons Benefit speech.

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Scott made sure to acknowledge his loved ones by saying, “Stormi, I love you, and wifey, I love you.” Although neither party has confirmed that they’ve reconciled their romance, it hasn’t taken long for their red carpet family photos to circulate amid conversations of them rekindling their relationship. Recently, Kylie came forward to deny rumors that she and Travis were back together, albeit in an open relationship.

Meanwhile, weeks ago, Scott spoke about his Parsons Benefit honor. “I’m very excited to be receiving this honor from The New School and grateful to be a part of this group of innovators,” he said. “I’ve always tried to fuse fashion, technology and the arts into everything I do. These are all linked and a natural extension of my work. It has never been about specific brands or labels for me. It’s about the vision. It’s about making your own things, seeing what’s out there, and never compromising.”

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After battling it out with Instagram to have her account restored, Akbar V is back. The rapper has had a rough time in the last few weeks as she’s been scrutinized for the way she reacted to a recent altercation with former friend Alexis Skyy. The ladies were filmed as they were engaged in a hostile confrontation outside of a Philadelphia club, and later, Akbar took to Instagram Live to call Skyy out.

During the rant earlier this month, Akbar said, “B*tch, you got a braindead baby.” Skyy’s young daughter was born with Hydrocephalus and underwent several life-saving surgeries. “Your baby ain’t got brain. B*tch, you got a r*tarded child.”

After standing by her words, Akbar returned to Instagram this (June 15) evening to share that she’s had a change of heart. “I want to apologize for my action a couple of weeks ago,” Akbar began. “Nomatter what i shouldn’t have stepped out of character i said things i shouldn’t have said so as a business woman as a woman period I’m apologizing for anyone that i offended I’m better than that and I’m going to get the help i need and deserve.”

“I’m going to therapy and really about to heal myself,” she continued. “Lay lay i apologize and to any other special needs kid that i offended i really apologize for that nomatter who said something first to me i should have handled that situation.” Alexis Skyy has yet to react to the apology, but you can check it out below.

We’re approaching eight months since King Von was gunned down outside of a hookah bar in Atlanta. As his loved ones continue to mourn his loss and wave the banner of his legacy, Quando Rondo remains engulfed in the scandal. He was reportedly at the scene when Von was murdered after witnesses claim the two rising rappers’ crews got into a fatal scuffle.

Since the altercation, Rondo has faced scrutiny for his alleged involvement, especially considering the suspected shooter, Timothy Leeks, is a close friend of the rapper. In a recent interview, Rondo lamented over his struggles to move forward with his career, claiming that he’s finding it difficult to secure live performances due to the controversy.

“Nobody wanna book me ’cause they terrified,” said Rondo. “That’s the truth. Big bruh, man, so many people callin’ like, man, big bruh. I wish the fans let that sh*t go, like, big bruh. The longer y’all talk about it…why is y’all hyping this sh*t up?” The host responded by asking him if it was true that the mayor canceled one of Quando’s shows. Last November, following Von’s death, Quando Rondo insisted that Georgia’s mayor axed one of his appearances amid rumors that he canceled it on his own accord.

“Big bruh, I put this on my daughter’s life,” he answered. “The mayor canceled my show, big bruh. On my daughter life. Facts. No cap, big bruh. If I’m lying, my daughter die… I ain’t canceling no show, big bruh.” Check out the clip below.

We’re not sure where this lays on the 2021 Bingo Card, but there’s animosity between Roger Stone and 50 Cent—and it somehow centers around Big Meech. We’ve regularly reported on the updates regarding Meech’s pleas to get out of prison, and recently it was shared that he was able to shave three years off of his 30-year sentence. Meech has been incarcerated since 2007 and it’s reported that he may taste freedom in as early as 2028.

Fif took to Instagram to boast about the news, but earlier today, it began to circulate that former Trump advisor Roger Stone had a bone to pick with the Rap mogul. In a brief video, Stone accused 50 Cent of cheating Big Meech and not adequately compensating him for his life rights, as Fif has helmed BMF, a forthcoming Starz series about the Meech’s infamous Black Mafia Family. 

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The Power player bit back, calling Stone a “clout chasing c*ck sucker.” Without batting an eye, Stone fired off another video where he reiterated that 50 Cent owes Big Meech.

“Hey, 50 Cent, you punk ass b*tch,” he said. “I’m looking for attention? Dude, far more people know who I am than you were. So, why did you pay Big Meech anything? Why did you rip him off on his life rights? Just answer the question. How much did you pay him? Pay up, man. And get behind the effort to free Big Meech. It’s time for justice.

Her Hotties have helped catapult her into stardom and when they’re in need, Megan Thee Stallion will do her best to help wherever she can. The Houston icon has been riding the waves of success over the last few years as her star continues to rise, but on Tuesday (June 15), Megan received the unfortunate news that one of her fans had passed away.

A Twitter user named Selena shared, “Meg we lost a hottie [crying loudly emoji] our best friend passed away unexpectedly.” She was speaking about her friend, Shaniah Scales.

“They absolutely loved you, listening to ur songs was something we did every time we were together,” she continued. “We’re helping their family w funeral costs. We started a gofundme & are halfway there. @theestallion.” Without hesitation, the rapper retweeted the message and asked, “How much do y’all need?”

The person told Megan they still needed $8K, and after being sent a link directing her to the GoFundMe campaign, the “Thot Sh*t” hitmaker immediately donated $8,155. The GoFundMe reached its goal and was closed. 

“Y’all better RIDE for @theestallion if you weren’t already,” Selena later tweeted. “Shaniah is in heaven freaking the f*ck out right now. The realest out there. I’m still in shock. Omg what a blessing. Also for anyone sending us love, I appreciate you. It’s overwhelming im gonna try and get back to u!”

Soon, Selena faced accusations that she was scamming Megan Thee Stallion and her fans out of money, so she returned to defend herself. “Sad I have to even tweet this but I’ve been receiving a lot of messages that apparently we are scamming people,” she said. “I wish my best friend’s death was not real but this is 100% true. We don’t need to involve anyone to try and get money for no reason. Shaniah’s service will be this Sat.”

Check out a few tweets below.

They were once close friends who helped create the empire that is Jackass, but the relationship between Bam Margera and the films’ director is frayed. We’ve previously reported on Margera’s antics that have caused concerns for his friends and co-stars Johnny Knoxville and Steve-O. Margera has reportedly struggled with drug and alcohol abuse, and while his famous friends have stood beside him and encouraged him to seek treatment, Margera’s behaviors have distanced him from the Jackass franchise.

He was all set to appear in the forthcoming Jackass 4 film, but occurrences on set caused the stunt actor to be fired. Then, news broke that Jeff Tremaine, director of the Jackass movies since their inception, filed for a restraining order against Margera after he alleges his former friend sent him death threats.

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The alleged threats not only were tossed Tremaine’s way, but the director claims that Margera also threatened the lives of his wife and children. On Tuesday (June 15), TMZ reported that Tremaine was granted the restraining order he sought and Margera has been ordered to stay “at least 100 yards away from Jeff for the next 3 years.” That goes for Tremaine’s family, as well.

Additionally, Margera isn’t allowed to contact Tremaine or the director’s loved ones during that time. It doesn’t look like the remainder of the Jackass crew will reunite with Margera on the silver screen anytime soon.

Francois Durand / Stringer / Getty Images

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