Hip Hop News

Fred White, Earth, Wind & Fire drummer, dies at 67

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Drummer Fred White Dead at Age 67

Musician Fred White, who was the drummer for the sound pioneering and chart-topping group Earth, Wind & Fire has died at age 67.

White joined the band at age 19 in 1974 alongside the group’s founders- his siblings Maurice and Verdine White.

In a statement, Verdine White shared praise for his late younger brother’s musical talents and contribution to music, stating “he joins our brothers Maurice, Monte and Ronald in heaven and is now drumming with the angels! Child protégé, member of the EWF ORIGINAL 9, with gold records at the young age of 16 years old! He was brother number 4 in the family lineup. But more than that at home and beyond he was the wonderful bro that was always entertaining and delightfully mischievous!”

(His older brother Maurice passed on in 2016 at the age of 74.)

The band sold over 50 million records globally and were responsible for creating a unique and iconic sound that combined disco, soul, jazz, pop, R&B, funk, disco, big band, Latin, and Afro pop genres. Although Fred left the group in the 1980’s, he returned for a reunion performance as the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

The official Earth, Wind & Fire Instagram account shared a video of White performing a drum solo during the group’s world tour in 1979.

No cause of death was immediately provided.

The post Fred White, Earth, Wind & Fire drummer, dies at 67 appeared first on The Source.

Roddy Ricch Checks Paparazzi for Filming Him Putting Car Seat in his Car

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Roddy Ricch has altercation with paparazzi

Roddy Ricch is the latest celebrity to push back after paparazzi have crossed personal boundaries. Video, allegedly taken on December 29, recently surfaced showing an unnamed member of the paparazzi getting a little too close for comfort to The Box artist.

The video, which was shared by The Hollywood Fix, was taken in West Hollywood and shows Roddy and two men (likely his security detail and a store employee) trying to load what appears to be a car seat into the artist’s black car. The person (an unknown male) recording the film at first just zooms in on the three men before approaching them and talking about how he saw the artist in concert.

The security guard blocks the camera and tells the person recording “he’s doing something private now, he’s doing something for his family.”

The person appears to back off before continuing to try to talk to the artist, to which the security guard repeatedly tells him to back off. The person continues to record and Roddy approaches him and tells him to “turn that off” and says he wants to talk to him “like a man.” The man continues to object and Roddy continues to ask him to turn the camera off, saying “you walked up on me…this is real life, bro.”

The man backs off and talks to someone off camera, confirming that it is indeed Roddy Ricch, but saying “he [Roddy] is in a bad mood though.”

Roddy and his security guard drive off without incident.

Earlier this year, rapper Kodak Black had a similar incident in which he told a person filming him in his private life to back off and stop recording, citing the murder of PNB Rock days before. (The artist’s murderer apparently found his location based on a social media video.)

It is unclear who the car seat was for. Roddy has one child, a son, with baby mama Allie Minati.

The post Roddy Ricch Checks Paparazzi for Filming Him Putting Car Seat in his Car appeared first on The Source.

Chloe Bailey’s Bikini Body Is On Full Display In First 2023 Thirst Traps

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At just 24 years old, Chloe Bailey has already accomplished far more than most people her age. Even with all the fame, fortune, glitz, and glamour, though, the 24-year-old remains humble and eager to grow into the best version of herself. Ahead of the new year, she obviously reflected on this with a heartfelt Instagram photo dump.

“This was my year of reconstruction,” the Atlanta native wrote to her 5.7M followers. “I needed the lows to make me into the person I’ve been praying to God to turn me into. I am so much stronger than I could ever imagine, and I am so proud of myself.”

She later went on, “Knowing that I got through this year, I can conquer absolutely anything. Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something. Believe in yourself. Hold your head up high and prove them wrong every time.”

From the outside looking in, Bailey appeared to have an undeniably extraordinary 2022. Though her debut album didn’t arrive, she did prepare fans for it with a slew of singles. Among them were “Treat Me” and “Surprise,” as well as “For The Night.”

Ahead of the latter’s release, she let the world know that the song (which features Latto) was written about YSL rapper Gunna. From the sounds of the lyrics, he simply wasn’t serious enough about pursuing her, which led their brief fling to fizzle out. Now that he’s a free man again, though, and can actually listen to the track, who knows what will happen between them?

Chloe Bailey and Gunna attend Atlanta Hawks vs Dallas Mavericks home opener game at State Farm Arena on October 21, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Following her reflective, commemorative IG post, Chlöe came through with a series of sultry thirst traps to set the mood for 2023.

On Sunday (January 1), she told the new year that she’s “ready” for it in the caption of her photo dump. The snapshots see her modelling a tiny golden bikini, her hair styled in a large afro surrounding her shoulders.

The next day, Bailey came back with more. On Monday (January 2), she shared a behind-the-scenes video montage captured at the same shoot. See it for yourself below, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

[Via]

Ty Dolla $ign Closes Out Another Year With “2022”

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Ty Dolla $ign delivered an anthem to close out 2022. The California singer delivered his new single, “2022” just before the new year, and it’s an anthem that embodies the highs and lows of 2022. “This is where our story ends,” he sings before asking rhetorically, “Or is this where it begins?” While it’s as much of a record about closing chapters, Ty Dolla $ign is clearly embracing the uncertainty of 2023. The song also came with a new set of visuals to accompany the song.

BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA – MAY 29: Singer Ty Dolla $ign performs onstage during Safe & Sound Music Festival at Swangard Stadium on May 29, 2022 in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Andrew Chin/Getty Images)

“2022” might just be a hint of what Ty Dolla $ign has in store this year. Throughout 2022, he remained rather lowkey with the exception of a handful of features and singles. He teamed up with Wiz Khalifa on “Champions.” Towards the end of the year, he shifted gears with a new single alongside Lil Durk titled, “My Friends.” Clearly, he has a lot of music in store and fans are excited to hear what he’s cooked up in recent times.

Though it’s been nearly three years since he released his last solo studio project, Featuring Ty Dolla $ign, he came through with dvsn for Cheers To The Best in 2021. The collab project contained features from YG, Rauw Alejandro, and the late Mac Miller.

We’re glad to see Ty back in action these days, especially after he revealed that he was hospitalized in November. The singer shared a photo of himself in a hospital bed. He explained that he suffered from a bad skateboarding incident that left him “knocked out for a few.”

Press play on Ty Dolla $ign’s new single, “2022” and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Are you looking forward to hearing new music from him this year?

Quotable Lyrics
Leavin’ our memories in 2022, ooh
I thought, I thought it would be me and you
But my momma, my momma, my momma knew
2023 I’d be with someone new

Lamar Odom Says That Dennis Hof Tried To Kill Him

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Lamar Odom says that the late Dennis Hof tried to kill him with drugs at the Nevada brothel where he infamously overdosed in 2015. Speaking with TMZ, the former NBA star remains adamant that didn’t use illicit drugs that night.

Odom recalled the night in question for the upcoming TMZ Presents: Lamar Odom: Sex, Drugs & Kardashians.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 26: Lamar Odom attends the 2022 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)

As for why Hof would want him dead, Odom admitted, “I don’t know.”

“This only what I can tell you,” Odom continued. “I went there– I didn’t do drugs there. I wound up with drugs in my system.”

When asked about “the first night,” that Odom spent at the Love Ranch South in Pahrump, Nevada, he clarified, “There was only one night as far as I’m concerned. I got there, had the drink, and woke up three days later ripping tubes out of my neck not knowing how I got there.”

As for how positive he is he that didn’t do any illicit drugs, he replied: “As much as I’m positive I’m a Black man sitting in front of you.”

Elsewhere in the upcoming interview, Odom reflected on his past relationship with Khloé Kardashian. Speaking candidly about the marriage, Odom admitted that things were even more “crazy” behind the scenes than in the public eye. The two were together from 2009 through 2013. Their divorce was officially finalized in 2016.

Odom has admitted in the past that he’d like to get back together with Kardashian if given the opportunity.

TMZ Presents: Lamar Odom: Sex, Drugs & Kardashians will premiere on Fox, on Monday night, at 9:00 PM, ET. Check out a trailer for the program below.

[Via]

Tory Lanez Case: 47 Prosecution Exhibits Surfaces Including Megan Thee Stallion X-Ray

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It’s been over a week since a jury found Tory Lanez guilty of all three counts in the trial surrounding the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. From die-hard fans online to his own father, the outcome of the trial became a divisive point of conversation online.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Tory Lanez attends Sorry For What Event on September 28, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 28: Tory Lanez attends Sorry For What Event on September 28, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

Deputy District Attorneys Alexander Bott and Kathy Ta showed the jury 47 exhibits to push for Tory’s conviction. Now that the case is closed, the exhibits of evidence used in the case have finally hit the Internet. StreetTV obtained evidence from the case which includes much of what appeared in the trial. Firstly, X-Ray images of Megan Thee Stallion’s injuries and bloodied foot surfaced, along with pictures of the shell casings at the scene of the crime. Additionally, LAPD bodycam footage and a neighbor’s surveillance video from the scene surfaced online.

The 35+ minute video also includes several text messages that helped the prosecution secure their conviction. One of which is Tory’s apology to Megan after the shooting. The second comes from Kelsey Nicole, who messaged Meg’s bodyguard Justin Edison, “Tory shot Meg.”

All 47 exhibits appeared online a few days after Tory Lanez’s jail call to Kelsey Nicole emerged. The call, which became critical in the prosecution’s case, includes an apology to Nicole and Megan Thee Stallion, though he didn’t outright admit to shooting anyone.

“I know she [Megan] probably never, ever gonna talk to me ever again,” Tory said. “But I just want you to know, bruh, I was just so fucking drunk. I ain’t even know what the fuck was going on, bruh, like deadass. I’d never do some shit like that… I was just so fucking drunk, n***a, I just didn’t understand what the fuck was going on, bruh. Regardless, that’s not going to make anything right and that’s not going to make my actions right.”

Tory Lanez was taken into custody after he was convicted. A jury handed down guilty verdicts on charges of assault with a firearm causing great bodily injury; possession a concealed, loaded and unregistered firearm in a vehicle, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. He returns to court on January 25th for his sentence.

Gangsta Boo’s Death Leaves Hip-Hop In Mourning: Drake, GloRilla, And More Pay Respects

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The excitement of a new year beginning is still wearing off, though the mood became sombre once the hip-hop community heard about the death of Gangsta Boo. She passed on Sunday (January 1), and it’s chiefly suspected that an overdose was her ultimate cause of death.

The rapper – born Lola Chantrelle Mitchell – was evidently discovered dead on her front porch yesterday. At the time, narcotics were correspondingly found on her person. The night before, she and her brother were celebrating in Memphis. In the midst of their New Year’s party, he apparently overdosed but was fine after receiving treatment at a hospital.

@champagnepapi/Instagram Story

Later that night, they took the celebration back to Boo’s place. Unfortunately, this looks to be when she met her ultimate demise. The news has been undeniably hard to swallow, with many friends and collaborators taking to social media to pay their respects.

Among them is Drake, who posted an old photo of the late rhymer and a friend on his Instagram Story. As an illustration of his feelings, he wrote, “Rest in heaven Gangsta Boo.”

Another reaction came from Chip Tha Ripper. On Twitter, he comparatively wrote, “Gangsta Boo was SUCH a beautiful Queen, inside and out. I’m so grateful to have been able to know you and share good times with you.”

The 36-year-old’s emotional post later goes on, “Wow. I grew up on your music and you are a household name the ghettos of America and loved all across the world!!! You will be missed.”

Other stars reeling over the sad news include Big Boi, Duke Deuce, Curren$y, Rah Digga, and finally, GloRilla.

The latter recently worked with Boo as well as Latto on her “FTCU” single. The collaboration undeniably hit it off with audiences. Many fans were undoubtedly eager to see what the recently deceased artist had in store for 2023.

See more star reactions to Gangsta Boo’s passing below. RIP.

[Via]