Hip Hop News

When an artist is as universally beloved as Nicki Minaj, it’s safe to assume that her fanbase stems from all walks of life. And while many were quick to celebrate the Young Money reunion anthem “Seeing Green,” which arrived as part of Nicki’s re-released Beam Me Up Scotty mixtape, some fans were quick to note the absence of a clean version. 

While such an absence might not bother the average rap listener, who have by now grown accustomed to explicit language and mature lyrical content, there are many who appreciate clean versions and radio edits — perhaps a younger sibling looking to discover hip-hop or a grandparent with different values and principles. One such fan was quick to hit Nicki Minaj with a request for an edited “Seeing Green”, citing religious grandparents who rely on clean versions to get their Nicki fix.

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“The fact that I didn’t realize no clean versions were uploaded,” replied Nicki, wasting little time in getting the ball rolling. “Smh. The cleans will b out tmrw guys. My bad on that. Give ur grandparents a hug for me babe.” As of this moment, the clean versions have indeed been adding to streaming platforms, proof that Nicki Minaj is for the people — especially those who pledge allegiance to the Barbz. 

In case you haven’t done so already, be sure to revisit Nick’s reloaded version of Beam Me Up Scotty, a project that went a long way in laying the foundation for her eventual hip-hop queenship. Largely praised as one of the great breakout mixtapes, Minaj’s zany delivery, inspired creativity, and breakneck lyricism were put on full display throughout. We can only hope that the re-release signals a new project to come, as the game could certainly use some new Nicki Minaj bars right about now. 

Soulja Boy has no problem reminding the world of his contributions. He often takes to social media every once and a while to jog everyone’s memories of the important things he’s given to the culture. Last week, after Nicki Minaj serviced her 2009 EP Beam Me Up Scotty to streaming platforms, he took to Twitter to remind folks he produced the melody for the memorable cut “Itty Bitty Piggy.”

Other things he’s claimed a vital hand in popularizing include pushing artists to use YouTube as a platform for music, revolutionizing how artists market themselves in the industry. It seems like some people aren’t impressed by Soulja’s most recent viral “first tweet.” According to TMZ, famed jewelry and diamond store Icebox is still pursuing a case against the rapper for an unresolved lawsuit dished to him back in 2013. 

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“I was the 1st rapper at Icebox,” said Soulja in the tweet over the weekend (May 15). While lighthearted in nature, a rep for the company told the publication that the viral tweet meant nothing in light of the alleged fact that he’s been ducking an open lawsuit they have against him. The company sued him back in 2013 for an open tab of over $60k they claim he never paid. 

They add they’ve been unable to collect the debt and it has now soared to nearly $200k. TMZ reports Icebox has assigned lawyers to the case in attempts to get the cash back with a judge ruling in their favor, but claim Soulja’s accounts never total more than $10k at a time. Essentially, hunting down the money has been a lost cause.

In other news, the Atlanta rapper has received a wave of support on social media in recognition of being ahead of his time. If you recall, Bow Wow recently gave Soulja Boy his long-overdue flowers. 

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Kim Potter, the 26-year police veteran that fatally shot Daunte Wright and claimed that she accidentally pulled her gun instead of her taser, will officially be on trial later this year for her charges. 

On Monday, a judge ruled that the trial would begin as early as December. Potter was charged with second-degree manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years. She was not charged with murder. 

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Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, was killed on April 11, 2021. He was fatally shot in Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis– just miles away from where George Floyd was killed months prior. The shooting took place in the midst of Derek Chauvin’s sentencing trial for murder charges connected to Floyd’s death. Dozens of protests erupted in the streets of Minneapolis as people were enraged at yet another police-involved shooting of a Black person. 

During the court hearing on Monday, Hennepin County District Court Judge Regina Chu ruled that the trial can begin on December 6, though it may experience further delays. “I think it’s to the benefit of everyone to try to expedite this case and try to come to a resolution or trial as quickly as reasonably possible,” said Chu.

We will continue to keep you updated on this case as it develops. Long Live Daunte Wright.

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