Hip Hop News

Joe Budden has responded to the sexual harassment allegations from Olivia Dope, former co-host of See, The Thing Is, in a new statement.

On Monday, Olivia Dope accused Budden, her boss on the Joe Budden Network, of sexual harassment. “On Jan. 18, 2021, Joe Budden sat in on a recording of the female-led podcast I was a part of and continuously made sexual, suggestive remarks to me that made me extremely uncomfortable as well as fearful of dampening the mood if I didn’t laugh along while he made those sexual remarks to me,” she said. Shortly after she made the claims, a video resurfaced of Budden giving Dope a hug during the recording, seemingly moving his hips during the embrace.

Budden issued the following statement, according to Rolling Stone, in his official response to Dope’s allegations.

“As a podcaster, it is my job to address topics and create dialogue around them. During the conversation on the See, The Thing Is podcast I didn’t handle the topics with the sensitivity they deserved. I recognize my words and power in that situation created an upsetting environment for Olivia. Upon reflection, both the network and I take accountability for this. I apologize sincerely to Olivia, her former co-hosts, our staff, and the public.In an effort to not further any trauma, the episode will be removed from all platforms.

We support all women’s rights to feel comfortable and protected in the workplace. We fell short of that in this instance. We support Olivia in her quest to heal, applaud her for finding the strength to share her experience, and wish her the best in all her future endeavors. I am taking the time to listen and learn; we have already begun to make the necessary changes to ensure this is a safe environment for all moving forward. We at the network endeavor to continue to elevate Black women’s voices and create opportunities to have constructive conversations to impact change.”

Let us know what you think of this situation in the comments.

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Oftentimes, 50 Cent has a menacing presence on social media. The Jamaica, Queens rapper often does not hold back on giving his raw opinions on popular pop culture moments, even if they happen to be about fellow members of Hollywood. In the past year, he’s taken to social media to taunt the likes of Floyd Mayweather, Ja Rule, and Young Buck. 

The hip-hop mogul does have a more affectionate side, however. He recently shared some community work he’s been helping make happen down in Houston, Texas. Mayor Sylvester Turner and 50 announced a program on Monday (May 17) aimed at helping high school students at three Houston schools that have historically underperformed academically. 

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50 committed $300,000 to partner with Houston ISD, Horizon United, and the G-Unity Foundation to fund the new G-Star program at Wheatley, Worthing, and Kashmere high schools. The program will help students learn business skills that define entrepreneurship while providing students with Masters-level lessons. 

“This program is another platform to help build the leaders and workforce of the future,” said Turner. “Educational opportunities play a key role in Houston’s quality of life.” 

According to 50, the program has been in development for two years now. “It’s starting at three schools now, but it’s going to be a lot more,” he said. “Just watch me.” 

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Travis Barker is presently dating Kourtney Kardashian, displaying all kinds of PDA on social media. As they get tattoos for one another and declare their love after only a few months of dating, Barker’s ex-wife Shanna Moakler has arrived to stir the pot. According to the Blink-182 drummer’s former partner, their marriage ended after Barker allegedly had an affair with Kim Kardashian– Kourtney’s sister.

The claims come following an Instagram post from Shanna and Travis’ 15-year-old daughter Alabama, who said that her mother was “never completely” in her life. She posted screenshots from text message conversations with Shanna, revealing that her mother said that she “divorced Travis because [she] caught him having an affair with Kim [Kardashian].” Travis has been friends with the Kardashian family for years, living in the same neighborhood as them, but according to sources from Page Six, Shanna Moakler’s claims are not true.

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“Travis and Kim have never had a romantic relationship,” said a source close to Kim Kardashian to the publication. “They were friends who met through Paris Hilton and that is also how Kourtney and Travis were introduced.”

Moakler has responded to the allegations in an Instagram comment, calling them “completely rediculous [sic].” 

Check out Alabama Barker’s post below and let us know what you think of all this.

Image via Page Six

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There was once a time when Quando Rondo was among the game’s promising rising stars, though his circumstances appear to have dramatically changed. His association with the man who shot King Von has left him on the outside looking in, and though Angela Yee recently offered him space to share his side of the story, many have been quick to turn their back on the young rapper. 

Not even speculation of a full-blown industry blackball seemed to deter Rondo, however. He recently delivered his brand new studio album, the defiantly-titled Still Takin’ Risks, foregoing features altogether — whether this was due to his own creative decision or his lone-wolf status has sparked speculation. While his loyal fans did find much to appreciate about the project, it would appear that not many were tuning in to begin with, as Quando’s first-week sales tally certainly falls short of expectation.

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According to Akademiks, Still Takin’ Risks has moved nine thousand album-equivalent units, prompting the media personality to inquire as to whether or not Rondo has the deck stacked against him beyond repair. It’s certainly enough to note that a steep decline has taken place. A quick gander over at his RIAA profile serves as a reminder that Quando was once dropping gold and platinum tracks, including one collaboration with Lil Baby. Given Baby’s current creative partnership with Durk, it’s unlikely that he’ll be working with Rondo anytime soon.

Though some have opted to clown Quando for his first-week sales, the rapper appears inspired, pushing himself to “go harder” in the future. Check out his reflection below, as well as Ak’s sales report — do you think Quando Rondo is in the midst of being blackballed?