Diddy’s alleged sex crimes will be explored in a new documentary by the creators of the Nickelodeon docuseries ‘Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.’
Hip Hop News
Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment Opens State-of-the-Art Dolby Atmos Studio
Today, the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University (LIU) unveiled a new, state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos® studio. This cutting-edge facility will be integrated into the curriculum, offering students immersive learning opportunities while preparing them for careers as producers, engineers, and more.
As the first program in Brooklyn to offer a fully-integrated Dolby Atmos Music curriculum in partnership with the Dolby Institute, the school aims to cultivate the next generation of creative talent. Spanning 2,400 square feet, the studio includes four iso booths for live band recordings, a large tracking room, and a 750-square-foot control room outfitted with the latest audio technology.
“We’re thrilled to open this next-generation studio to bolster our curriculum and better serve our ambitious students,” Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment Dean Tressa Cunningham said. “Our new facility will enable students to gain immersive experience using the latest technology to put themselves in the strongest positions to thrive after graduation. It also creates a new opportunity for the School to engage with the larger creative community.”
Designed by Walters-Storyk Design Group (WSDG) and Pro Audio Design Inc., the studio marks one of the largest professional Dolby Atmos music recording spaces in New York.
“This new Dolby Atmos studio further solidifies our school’s place at the forefront of music education,” Guru said. “Every detail in the facility was methodically curated for our students and I’m excited for them to maximize their learning experience on campus and prepare to enter the workforce with an unprecedented advantage.”
“This project is an amazing example of what happens when you take the best of what we do in higher-ed facility design and hip-hop studio work and apply it towards something that benefits the growth of future industry leaders and artistic creatives,” said WSDG Founding Partner John Storyk. “We were honored to design this facility for Roc Nation LIU and we all benefit as a creative community to see the next generation of industry professionals thrive in a program like this.”
Director of Music Technology Gimel “Young Guru” Keaton and Pro Audio Design President Dave Malekpour curated high-end equipment, including a 9.1.4 Augspurger speaker system, SSL Origin mix console, and Avid ProTools Ultimate.
The new facility will host masterclasses with industry leaders, and provide hands-on experiences for students, strengthening their technical skills in music production and recording.
“Dolby is proud to partner with Long Island University and Roc Nation School of Music, Sports and Entertainment,” said Christine Thomas, Head of Music Industry Relations, Dolby Laboratories. “This collaboration empowers the next generation of creatives with Dolby Atmos, furthering our commitment to education and the creative community. By combining Young Guru’s expertise, Roc Nation’s industry leadership, and LIU’s innovative programs, we’re creating a rewarding partnership that will shape the future of music production.”
The Roc Nation School offers world-class education and prepares students for successful careers in music, sports business, and entrepreneurship.
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Paper Planes Hosts Epic Rooftop Party to Close Out Summer in New York
On Sept. 12th, Roc Nation’s streetwear brand, Paper Planes, marked the end of summer with an unforgettable rooftop party at the company’s headquarters, set against the iconic Empire State Building backdrop. The exclusive event brought together VIPs, industry leaders, and cultural influencers for a night of music, celebration, and stunning New York City skyline views.
Guests enjoyed drinks by D’usse as the sunset transitioned into a dazzling display of city lights. The atmosphere was laid-back yet sophisticated, allowing for meaningful conversations and networking in true New York style. DJ Sounds of Reality set the tone with smooth beats while rising underground rapper Lord Sko surprised attendees with a spontaneous performance.
Notable music, media, and entertainment figures were in attendance, including Ghost star Michael Rainey Jr., Spiderman: Miles Morales voice actor Shameik Moore, and Bel-Air actor Olly Sholotan. The celebration also included Rappers Dave East, Jae’Won, Vina Love, and HDBeen Dope.
The event capped off summer with a perfect blend of style, music, and VIP energy, making it one of the season’s most memorable evenings.
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STARZ Announces Premiere of ‘Fat Joe Talks’ with Method Man as Inaugural Guest
STARZ has revealed that its first weekly interview series, Fat Joe Talks, will debut on Friday, October 4. The premiere episode will feature award-winning artist and actor Method Man, star of Power Book II: Ghost, as the inaugural guest. Host Fat Joe will delve into Method Man’s NAACP Image Award-winning role as Davis MacLean, exploring his reflections on the character following the conclusion of the hit series.
The conversation between the two hip-hop legends also touches on their shared history from the 1990s, Wu-Tang Clan’s enduring influence, and Method Man’s ability to balance his public career with family life. Filmed in Staten Island, Method Man’s hometown, the episode will feature locations meaningful to his journey.
“I’ve been preparing all my life for the moment to host my own show and it’s finally here,” Fat Joe said. “We are going to make history and I’m grateful to STARZ, Embassy Row and SpringHill for believing in the vision. I’m looking forward to showing another side of my personality and having compelling conversations with some of the world’s most influential leaders and entertainers. Get your popcorn ready.”
New episodes of Fat Joe Talks will air every Friday at midnight on the STARZ app and 9 PM ET/PT on STARZ in the U.S. Guests include Mary J. Blige, Hakeem Jeffries, T.I., Babyface, Latto, Buju Banton, and Remy Ma.
Fat Joe, the series’ host and executive producer, brings his charismatic approach to interviewing high-profile celebrities, diving into untold stories and cultural moments that shaped their lives.
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Nika Muhl and Jewell Lloyd Turn Heads with Stylish Tunnel Walk Ahead of Aces vs. Storm Game
Before Tuesday’s WNBA matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and the Seattle Storm, Nika Muhl and Jewell Lloyd made a fashion statement with a one-of-a-kind look styled by athlete stylist Brittany Hampton. The duo, challenged by smartwater to craft an eye-catching outfit, showcased their personal styles with smartwater as the perfect game-day accessory.
smartwater, a brand representing forward movement, continues to make waves at the intersection of sports, style, and culture. Just last week, Aces guard Kelsey Plum participated in the activation with her own distinctive look, reinforcing the brand’s presence in the fashion-forward sports scene.
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Elliott Wilson Releases Fourth Episode of Podcast Featuring Chance The Rapper, Waka Flocka Flame, and More
Elliott Wilson has dropped the fourth episode of his podcast Elliott Wilson Experience, recorded backstage at Lyrical Lemonade’s Summer Smash in Chicago. The episode features conversations with Chance The Rapper, Waka Flocka Flame, DJ Whoo Kid, Bay Swag, BIA, and Anycia.
Chance The Rapper shares his thoughts on hip-hop’s evolution, saying, “We’re in a renaissance…People like me decide what hip-hop is.” He also cites Lauryn Hill and Kanye West as some of his favorite artists. Bay Swag talks about Ice Spice’s involvement in the “FISHERR” remix, stating, “It just made sense.” BIA comments on the state of the industry, saying, “There’s too much theatrics…let’s just get to the music.” Anycia clears up rumors of feuds, affirming she “doesn’t have beef with b*tches.” Meanwhile, Waka Flocka Flame praises DJ Whoo Kid as a “golden goose” for his cross-market success.
Listeners can catch past episodes featuring artists like Cash Cobain, Rapsody, Common, and Pete Rock on HipHopDX’s YouTube channel and streaming platforms. New episodes will release weekly, highlighting the biggest names and rising stars in music.
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Young Thug: Potential Witness Believes Testimony In RICO Trial Could Cost Him His Life
Young Thug’s YSL RICO trial shows no signs of ending, and a potential witness now claims he could die from illness if he testifies.
Nelly Is Being Sued By His Former Group, St. Lunatics, Over Unpaid Royalties From ‘Country Grammar’
Millennials are having it rough lately; in addition to dismal employment, housing, and romantic prospects all around, our nostalgic memories of our childhoods — all we have to hold onto, really — have been upended a whole bunch in recent months.
The latest upheaval: Nelly is being sued by members of his former group, St. Lunatics, over songwriting credits and royalties from his hit debut album, Country Grammar. Released in 2000 to widespread acclaim and truly breathtaking commercial success — it spent five weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — Country Grammar spawned three top-40 hits: “E.I.,” “Ride Wit Me,” and the title track. It also launched the St. Lunatics’ empire, which consisted of sneakers, energy drinks, clothing lines, and even an appearance in NBA Street Vol. 2 as playable characters.
Unfortunately, according to Ali, City Spud, Kyjuan, and Murphy Lee, Nelly did not give them fair credit on the album, keeping them from being properly paid for a number of its tracks which they say they helped co-write (the group’s sixth member, Slo Down, is not included as a plaintiff). Although various members are listed as co-writers throughout the album, they say they weren’t credited on “Country Grammar,” “Steal the Show,” “Thicky Thick Girl,” and “Wrap Sumden.”
Nelly has previously acknowledged that his friends wrote on those songs (it’s no secret that he was never the strongest lyricist in the group, and that they rallied behind him specifically to get their foot in the door as a collective). However, the lawsuit says, “Despite repeatedly promising plaintiffs that they would receive full recognition and credit… it eventually became clear that defendant Haynes had no intention of providing the plaintiffs with any such credit or recognition.”
According to Billboard, though, the case could be complicated by the St. Lunatics claiming ownership rather than infringement, as “copyright infringement lawsuits can be filed decades after an infringing song is released, disputes over copyright ownership face a stricter three-year statute of limitations.”
As for why it took the group so long to pursue legal action,they explain, “Unfortunately, plaintiffs, reasonably believing that their friend and former band member would never steal credit for writing the original compositions, did not initially pursue any legal remedies.” After retaining legal counsel and reaching out to Universal Music Publishing Group, they were referred to Nelly’s attorneys, who they say “expressly repudiated” their claims in 2021.
Nelly, of course, sold half of his catalog in 2023 for $50 million. He’s not just facing civil issues at the moment, either; he was arrested in August for possession of ecstasy.
GloRilla Kicks Off Her ‘Glorious’ Rollout With The Rambunctious ‘Hollon’ Video
One thing GloRilla is good at: giving fans rambunctious singalong anthems with crowd-pleasing chants set to soul-shaking beats. Her latest is “Hollon” — as in “hold on” with that inscrutable Memphis accent of hers — and it’s a stern warning to not start with Glo, because she’ll certainly end it. As she puts it in the first verse: “you must not know what you just started / Me and my bitches go gnarly / Give a f*ck about this party / We gon’ step on sh*t regardless.”
The single is the first from GloRilla’s heavily anticipated debut album Glorious, which she announced today after a busy year that included joining Megan Thee Stallion on tour, releasing a hit mixtape, Ehhthang Ehhthang (told y’all about that accent), getting arrested for a DUI, performing at the BET Awards and the MTV VMAs, and receiving the key to the city of Memphis.
Glorious, which takes inspiration from GloRilla’s real name, Gloria, is due for release on October 11. It also might not be the last project she releases in the near future, as she and Megan Thee Stallion both expressed interest in recording a joint album. Stay tuned.
You can watch the video for “Hollon” above.
Glorious will be out on 10/11 via CMG/Interscope. Find more information here.
Schoolboy Q Gets Animated In The Videos For ‘Thank God 4 Me’ And ‘Lost Times’
Although it has been over six months since Schoolboy Q released his new album, Blue Lips, the California rapper supports the album today with two new music videos. The first, for “Lost Times,” sees Q reimagine classic cartoon characters with darker skin to draw attention to the way popular media — even children’s cartoons — erased Black contributions to culture. Among the references are Snow White, Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig, and Tweety Bird of Looney Tunes, and Mickey Mouse. You can watch the video above.
In the second video, “Thank God 4 Me,” more abstract but traditional imagery permeates an antsy, paranoid visual companion of one of the more bipolar tracks from the album. While the majority of the song revolves around a soothing sample of Julius Brockington’s “Forty-Nine Reasons,” the beat switches to a jumpy, horn-driven fight anthem that evokes the reckless, forceful energy of Waka Flocka Flame’s “O Let’s Do It.” You can check it out below.
Blue Lips was a triumphant comeback for Q after five years away from the limelight, earning a spot on the Best Hip-Hop Albums Of March 2024 from Uproxx. What kept him away all that time? Golf. Since releasing the album, he’s been on a North American promotional tour, interrupted by a cancelation in Toronto, which he jokingly blamed on Drake and his participation in Kendrick Lamar’s Pop Out concert during the two rappers’ beef.