Hip Hop News

Pencils of Promise Celebrates 15 Years of Empowering Education and Raises $1.2 Million at Gala Event

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Screenshot 2023 10 11 at 6.46.51 PM

Pencils of Promise (PoP), the renowned education-focused nonprofit, commemorated its 15th anniversary with a remarkable gala at the iconic Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City on October 13. The event, hosted by PoP’s CEO Kailee Scales, marked 15 years of dedication to empowering communities through education, and it was a resounding success, raising an impressive $1.2 million.

The gala evening began with a star-studded red carpet, VIP reception, a seated dinner, and a lively auction. Honorees were acknowledged for their extraordinary humanitarian efforts in various sectors, all connected by their unwavering commitment to education. The PoP Activist Award was presented to Emmy award-winning Actress and Activist Debra Messing, who delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Hip Hop icons Ja Rule and Doug E. Fresh, along with Dr. Olajide Williams, Vice Dean of Community Health at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, were honored with the PoP Audacious Award for their advocacy of social change and the PoP Transformation Award for their groundbreaking work in health literacy through Hip Hop Public Health.

The gala’s annual auction featured exclusive items, including unique experiences with Ja Rule, Doug E. Fresh, Gary Vaynerchuk, and fashion designer Nicole Miller. Generous donors, including Gary Vaynerchuk, Ja Rule, Natasha Graziano, and more, demonstrated inspiring acts of generosity during the “Fund A Need” segment, contributing to the mission of building schools.

To conclude the event, CEO Kailee Scales presented a heartwarming children’s book, “DREAMS UNFOLD: The Pencils of Promise Adventure,” which features illustrations by children in PoP’s focus countries and highlights the transformative impact of PoP’s work in Ghana, Guatemala, and Laos. The gala concluded with a video celebrating PoP’s 15th anniversary, featuring well-known figures and PoP supporters who extended their warm wishes for the organization’s future success. The New York City Gospel Choir serenaded the attendees with a jubilant rendition of “Happy Birthday” and “Happy” by Pharrell Williams as they left the ballroom, encapsulating the spirit of unity and action for positive change. Pencils of Promise continues to illuminate the path to a brighter educational future for communities worldwide.

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The post Pencils of Promise Celebrates 15 Years of Empowering Education and Raises $1.2 Million at Gala Event first appeared on The Source.

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Mr.Reaper Joins Forces With Wiz Khalifa For New Single “Options”

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Mr.Reaper Joins Forces With Wiz Khalifa For New Single “Options”

Virginia has blessed the music scene with some of the best to ever do it. From Missy Elliot and Timbaland to Pharrell and Pusha T, VA artists have been known to bring that heat, rap artist Mr.Reaper is no different.

Hailing from Woodbridge, VA, Mr.Reaper qualifies as one of the top artists to watch coming out of his city. If you haven’t heard the name, I suggest you get familiar. Inspired by hits like Bone Thugs N Harmony’s “Tha Crossroads”,  a 13 year old Mr.Reaper picked up his pen and began to ink greatness.

“Each and every day in school I would get my penang pad and write down lyrics. I was and still am all about music. I love it! You can reach so many people by telling your story. I want to let the world know of my talent of making lyrics, but also inspire those around me. Life is too short, and you only live once. The impact you have within yourself can bring a monumental impact to others.”

Recognized by Earmilk, Hip Hop Weekly, AllHipHop, ThisIs50, Notion and more, Mr.Reaper’s journey continues to resonate with the masses. His recent resurgence emphasizes his unwavering commitment, while his magnetic singles and collaborations paint a vivid musical narrative. As he evolves, Mr.Reaper remains dedicated to his listeners and his craft, solidifying his position as a luminary in Hip-Hop.

Notably, Mr.Reaper’s singles “Ur Slippin Away From Me” and “Thru The Dark” soared to chart success, finding their place on iTunes UK and South Africa charts. The music videos for “Thru The Dark” and “Awaken” earned prestigious premieres on MTV and BET, solidifying his status as a rising star.

Be on the lookout for Mr.Reaper’s forthcoming album The Price of Money, slated for release in early 2024, and stream “Options” featuring Wiz Khalifa below.

Keep Up With Mr.Reaper

Official Website | Instagram | Facebook | Apple Music | Spotify

The post Mr.Reaper Joins Forces With Wiz Khalifa For New Single “Options” first appeared on The Source.

The post Mr.Reaper Joins Forces With Wiz Khalifa For New Single “Options” appeared first on The Source.

Offset Drops New Solo Album ‘SET IT OFF’

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Offset Drops New Solo Album "SET IT OFF"

Offset has just released his latest album, SET IT OFF. This 21-track project is a deeply personal endeavor for Offset, serving as a form of healing for himself and a heartfelt message to his devoted fans and supporters.

SET IT OFF boasts a star-studded guest list, including Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Future, Cardi B, Mango Foo, Latto, Young Nudy, and Chlöe. The album promises diverse sounds and lyrical depth, reflecting Offset’s growth and experiences.

Offset dropped the official music video for “SAY MY GRACE” featuring Travis Scott to celebrate the album’s launch. The visually captivating video was filmed in Pattaya, Thailand, at The Sanctuary of Truth Museum, Nong Noch Botanical Gardens, and the Pattaya Floating Market earlier this year. Directed by Maya Table and executive produced by Offset and SheShe Pendleton, the video offers a cinematic and artistic visual experience.

Leading up to the album release, Offset treated fans to tracks like “JEALOUSY” featuring Cardi B and “FAN.” “JEALOUSY” quickly gained popularity on major hip-hop playlists across digital streaming platforms, amassing over 76 million combined global streams. The song’s accompanying video, inspired by the 2001 film Baby Boy, has garnered over 19 million views.

SET IT OFF is now available for your listening pleasure, offering a dynamic and personal journey through Offset’s musical and emotional landscape.

The post Offset Drops New Solo Album ‘SET IT OFF’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Offset Drops New Solo Album ‘SET IT OFF’ appeared first on The Source.

Westside Gunn Delivers New Album ‘And Then You Pray For Me’

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Westside Gunn Delivers New Album 'And Then You Pray For Me'

Westside Gunn has unveiled his much-anticipated album, And Then You Pray For Me, available through EMPIRE/ Griselda Records.

This exceptional album features an impressive lineup of legendary contributors, including RZA, Rick Ross, Jeezy, Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, J.I.D., DJ Drama, Giggs, Ty Dolla $ign, Denzel Curry, Stove God Cooks, Tay Keith, Boldy James, EST Gee, Rome Streetz, Daringer, Conductor Williams, Beat Butcha, and more.

In a heartfelt tribute to the late Virgil Abloh, Westside Gunn’s close friend, the renowned Off-White creative designed the artwork for And Then You Pray For Me. Abloh’s innovative and boundary-pushing designs also graced the cover of Westside Gunn’s “Pray For Paris.” This collaboration underscores their enduring friendship and creative synergy.

“I have Virgil Abloh doing my artwork and who left on earth can say that,” Westside Gunn says.  “I cannot disrespect his legacy, he’s immortal and I feel this is his way of blessing me; even though he’s not here in the physical.” 

For And Then You Pray For Me Westside Gunn adopted a unique approach by recording most of the album overseas, immersing himself in inspiring environments in Paris, Athens, London, and Denmark. This international journey allowed him to focus on his music, nurture his creativity, enhance his fashion design skills, and prioritize his mental well-being. By disconnecting from social media’s negative energy, Westside Gunn crafted a deeply personal and authentic album that resonates with listeners.

“I’ve been living a healthy, sucka-free life, and it’s given me a new energy,” Gunn details.  “I feel better than I ever have; stronger and smarter.  I’m the best curator in the game right now and that’s said by the who’s who—not me.  GOD is the greatest.  I love ya’ll.” 

You can hear the album below.

The post Westside Gunn Delivers New Album ‘And Then You Pray For Me’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Westside Gunn Delivers New Album ‘And Then You Pray For Me’ appeared first on The Source.

Tommy Davidson Recalls a ‘Run-in’ with Will Smith After a Kiss with Jada Pinkett-Smith While Filming ‘Woo’

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Tommy Davidson Recalls a 'Run-in' with Will Smith After Slipping a Kiss on Jada Pinkett-Smith While Filming 'Woo'

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are back dominating headlines. Just this week alone, we have found out they are separated, Chris Rock tried to date Jada, and she thought the Oscars slap was a skit. Now, enter another comedian, Tommy Davidson.

Speaking on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Davidson revealed he had a “run-in” with Will Smith after he kissed Jada Pinkett Smith while filming Woo. Davidson stated he did not discuss the kiss ahead of time.

“Me and Will had a run-in,” Davidson said. “He came into the trailer and I was sitting down. He’s standing over me and he’s like, ‘I don’t appreciate that, man. I don’t appreciate that.’ And I’m like, ‘What you talking about?’ I always know to play it off.”

He added, “Finally I just said, ‘This is a small place and people are here. We should talk about it, me and you outside because it looks like you need to get something off your chest.’ And Jada was like, ‘Oh nah nah, y’all.’ I was like, ‘What you mean nah y’all? Tell him!’ And that was the end of that.”

Davidson said he found out the reason behind the encounter when writing his book. During the process, he had to get details signed off, reaching out to Will Smith’s best friend, and uncovering the reason. Davidson says he was misled by film executives that Pinkett-Smith was ready for the kiss but actually was uncomfortable.

You can hear it all from Tommy Davidson below.

The post Tommy Davidson Recalls a ‘Run-in’ with Will Smith After a Kiss with Jada Pinkett-Smith While Filming ‘Woo’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Tommy Davidson Recalls a ‘Run-in’ with Will Smith After a Kiss with Jada Pinkett-Smith While Filming ‘Woo’ appeared first on The Source.

Fat Joe Cosigns 50 Cent’s ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ As One of the Greatest Rap Albums Ever

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Fat Joe

Fat Joe and 50 Cent once had beef, but that’s past both of them now. Fat Joe even shows his former foe love, naming the Get Rich or Die Tryin album as one of the greatest ever.

“And it’s crazy ’cause I had beef with him and I wouldn’t allow myself to hear it, wouldn’t let DJs play it,” Fat Joe said in an episode of Diggin’ in the crates for BET. “But I knew that it was G-Unit. Recently J. Cole came out at his concert and said it was the greatest album of all time. Nas came out and said, ‘Yo this changed the game.’ And it’s a fact.”

You can hear all of Joe’s reasoning below.

EMMY® and GRAMMY® award-winning artist Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson concluded his exhilarating Final Lap Tour with back-to-back sold-out shows at Barclays Center, leaving fans in awe.

The first night featured surprise performances that set the stage ablaze, including J. Cole, Jadakiss, DaBaby, Flo-Rida, and more. J. Cole’s dynamic collaboration with 50 Cent on “No Role Modelz” was a highlight, with J. Cole dubbing “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” the greatest album ever. Busta Rhymes and Jeremih also graced the stage, while Slick Rick and Baby Cham made memorable appearances.

Thursday’s show brought even more surprises, featuring Fat Joe, Bobby Shmurda, Young M.A., Phresher, and Sleepy Hallow. Fat Joe’s energetic rendition of “Lean Back” alongside 50 Cent was a crowd-pleaser, followed by a solo performance of “All The Way Up.” Notable guests, including T.I., Lala Anthony, and Kash Doll were also in attendance.

With an already staggering 900,000 tickets sold worldwide, the Final Lap Tour’s monumental 94-date journey continues across North America this summer before venturing overseas. For those eager to witness this historic tour, visit 50Cent.com for the remaining tickets and tour dates.

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The post Fat Joe Cosigns 50 Cent’s ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ As One of the Greatest Rap Albums Ever first appeared on The Source.

The post Fat Joe Cosigns 50 Cent’s ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ As One of the Greatest Rap Albums Ever appeared first on The Source.

Usher Returns to Top 10 of Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart for First Time in Seven Years

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Usher Returns to Top 10 of Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart

Usher is back in the spotlight, securing a top 10 position on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for the first time in seven years with his hit “Good Good,” featuring Summer Walker and 21 Savage.

According to Billboard, in the most recent tracking week (Sept. 29 – Oct. 5), “Good Good” saw 5.4 million official U.S. streams, marking a 1% increase from the previous week. The song also recorded 2,000 sales downloads, a notable 45% surge, propelling it to a new peak at No. 3 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart. Furthermore, “Good Good” garnered 38.7 million total audience impressions in radio airplay, reflecting a significant 9% improvement from the previous frame.

“Good Good” retains its position at No. 1 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart for a second consecutive week, solidifying its status as the most-played song on U.S. monitored R&B/hip-hop radio stations, even with a minor 2% drop in plays.

Usher is getting ready to close an epic 2023 and get ready for a more grand 2024. With plans for the Super Bowl underway, Usher’s catalog is receiving a big boost.

According to Billboard, Usher’s music is rising in streams, with increases headed into the millions. Between Sunday’s announcement and Monday, Usher saw a 16% increase. His staple “Yeah!” also got 962,000 streams, while “My Boo” moved 527,000 streams. On Tidal, “You Make Me Wanna…” had a 55% jump.

With a Super Bowl performance on the way and an album loaded, Usher‘s 2024 is about to get crazy. The next announcement is reportedly a world tour.

According to Billboard, Usher is scheming on a global tour, his first in a decade. Usher’s team is reportedly working to secure locations worldwide to bring his live show.

The full report is below.

Usher recently enjoyed a playful moment with Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union as he took his residency globally for a stay in France. His current set of dates is as the La Seine Musicale in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, and the power couple was in attendance.

As Usher reaches the point of his set where he serenades a woman, he approaches Union to sing but then hits a pause. “This is Dwyane Wade, I ain’t crazy! That man will knock my whole head off and then dunk it.”

The two laugh it off before Usher says, “So happy to see you.”

Meanwhile, Usher is killing the Super Bowl promo.

The post Usher Returns to Top 10 of Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart for First Time in Seven Years first appeared on The Source.

The post Usher Returns to Top 10 of Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart for First Time in Seven Years appeared first on The Source.

Flavor Flav is the Ultimate Swiftie at Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras’ Film Premiere

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Who knew Flavor Flav was a huge Taylor Swift fan. Flav hit the The Grove in Los Angeles for the premiere of the Eras tour film. During his time at the event, Falv mingled with Swift's family and exchanged the frendship bracelets that have become a practice at Swiftie events.

Who knew Flavor Flav was a huge Taylor Swift fan? Flav hit The Grove in Los Angeles for the premiere of the Eras tour film. During his time at the event, Falv mingled with Swift’s family and exchanged friendship bracelets that have become a practice at Swiftie events.

The Eras premiere also saw the two biggest stars on the planet, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, hanging out. Making for a cute moment, the two sat in the first row at a movie theater and posed for a picture. Beyoncé would playfully toss popcorn to the camera.

“I’m so glad I’ll never know what my life would’ve been like without Beyoncé’s influence,” Swfit wrote on Instagram. “The way she’s taught me and every artist out here to break rules and defy industry norms. Her generosity of spirit. Her resilience and versatility. She’s been a guiding light throughout my career and the fact that she showed up tonight was like an actual fairytale.

The post Flavor Flav is the Ultimate Swiftie at Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras’ Film Premiere first appeared on The Source.

The post Flavor Flav is the Ultimate Swiftie at Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras’ Film Premiere appeared first on The Source.