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Lil Reese Has Reportedly Been Sentenced To Five Years In Prison For Allegedly Assaulting His Ex-Girlfriend

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Sadly for Lil Reese fans, the “All That Haten” rapper has been forced to take a hiatus from music. According to recent reports, Lil Reese’s ongoing domestic dispute case involving his ex-girlfriend Kimani has ended with him behind bar.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice database (viewable here) lists Lil Reese (real name Tavares Taylor) as an inmate at the Garza West facility. According to the system, Taylor was sentenced to five years in prison for aggravated assault of a family or household member. Taylor’s alleged victim is Kimani, whom he shares a young daughter (Kai’ri) with.

Back in September, Taylor was accused of punching and strangling Kimani inside popular Houston nightclub, The Pinkhouse, which resulted in a warrant for his arrest. However, according to Taylor’s online file, the offense date for his current charge is marked as March 9, 2022.

Shortly after news of Taylor’s detainment, police body camera footage (viewable here) from June was leaked online that highlighted tension between the former couple. Fans began to flood Kimani’s Instagram comment comment with harassing messages.

In her Instagram Stories, she addressed the backlash, writing: “That video that don’t even show 5% of the sh*t that went on in that house! So, get y’all dirty, broke ass out of my comments, If you think he only went to jail for that weak ass police call, you slow.” she wrote.

Lil Reese’s release date is currently scheduled for February 6, 2029. But, he will become eligible for parole as early as August 8, 2026.

SZA Shut Down A Viral Rumor Claiming Frank Ocean Was Removed From Her ‘Lana’ Album

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Frank Ocean fans are yearning for new music. The “Novacane” singer’s base is so desperate for some original work that one fan page kicked off a rumor of his return.

Over on X (formerly Twitter), a fan page Frank Ocean claimed that the musician was supposed to make a surprise appearance on SZA’s long-awaited SOS Deluxe: Lana album. But after the body of work was available on streaming, no vocals from Frank were to be found. Then the page alleged that SZA removed Frank Ocean’s verse “at the last minute.”

Well, in a now-deleted post, SZA chimed in to shut down the viral rumor. “LMAO now why would you even make this up,” she wrote. “Ur insane… it never existed… and don’t ever play on Frank’s name like that EVAAAA.”

Prior to SZA’s denial, users online were gathering their pitchforks and flood her comment section demanding answers. But with SZA clearing the air, the potential online firestorm was averted.

Back in July, Frank Ocean teased that he returned to the studio with an endearing selfie. However, the fruit of that creative session has yet to be put out into the world. So, Frank Ocean fans are going to need to hold out a little longer.

SOS Deluxe: Lana is out now via Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA Records. You can listen to it here.

Summer Walker’s ‘Waiting To Exhale’-Inspired ‘Heart Of A Woman’ Video Stars NLE Choppa As Her Philandering Beau

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A fed-up Summer Walker grabs the gas can in an homage to ’90s Black cinema. Even if you haven’t seen the 1995 Angela Bassett vehicle, you can probably predict how the video for Walker’s single “Heart Of A Woman” ends. NLE Choppa stars as her cheating beau, who ends up with a smoldering heap where his designer clothes used to be after stepping out one too many times.

The video opens with Walker in her boudoir watching anime, when a buzzing iPhone sends her to the shower to confront a naked (safe for work) NLE Choppa. However, he convinces her to forgive him; after a few more cycles, though, Walker reaches the end of her rope, with fiery results.

“Heart Of A Woman” is the lead single from Walker’s upcoming third studio album, Finally Over It. Due for release in 2025, the album appears to be the final piece of her coming-of-age romantic trilogy. Its release is set to be accompanied by the launch of an Apple Music Radio station, Over It Radio, which was announced earlier this month. Walker’s had a quiet 2024, but it looks like the new year is going to be bringing a flurry of activity from the reluctant star.

Watch Summer Walker’s video for “Heart Of A Woman” featuring NLE Choppa above.

The Rockets Announcers Trolled Drake After Houston’s Win Over The Raptors

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It has not been the best year for Drake, as he found himself on the wrong end of 2024’s biggest rap beef with Kendrick Lamar, whose final salvo in the duel, “Not Like Us”, lived at the top of the charts for most of the summer. Beyond that, Drake’s beloved Toronto Raptors have fallen back towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference, as they look to rebuild around Scottie Barnes but seem like they may have to battle through some lean years before they can get back in the contending conversation.

A 7-22 start to the season for Toronto has made them (and Drake) a bit of an easy target, and the latest to get some shots in at Drake’s expense were the Houston Rockets broadcast team. After the Rockets held on late for a 114-110 win over the Raptors on Sunday night, many fans raised an eyebrow when Houston’s play-by-play man said the Rockets were “victorious tonight against the Guangdong Dragons.”

That line was pulled from Drake’s response to Fred VanVleet’s farewell to Toronto two summers ago, when Drake wished VanVleet luck on the “Guangdong Dragons”, likening the Rockets to a Chinese Basketball Association team — but getting the name wrong, as they are the Guangdong Southern Tigers.

Houston’s announcers did not forget about this and waited more than a year to drop this line after a win over Toronto, although I think it would’ve hit much harder had they said “the Guangdong Tigers are victorious over the Raptors” rather than trying to flip the name onto Toronto. In any case, there’s still a week left in 2024 for anyone trying to get a lick in on Drake, as it seems to still be open season.

André 3000 Wants To ‘Thank’ Drake For Leaking His Verse On Kanye West’s ‘Life Of The Party’

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In the hip-hop scene, Drake seems to be public enemy number one. However, the “No Face” rapper just received a public statement of appreciation from one hip-hop legend.

Yesterday (December 21), André 3000 stopped by The New York Times’ Popcast podcast to discuss all things music. During the conversation (viewable here), André 3000’s verse on Kanye West’s Donda song “Life Of The Party” became the topic of conversation. As André talked with hosts Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli, he revealed he should “thank” Drake for leaking it on his OVO Sound Radio show.

Although he expressed disappointment in the verse being used as a tactical move in Drake and Ye’s beef, he is happy to know that fans were still about to enjoy it. “I mean the history of it now, I know Kanye and Drake…were beefing at the time,” he said. “I don’t know how [this is so odd] Drake got a hold of the song before Kanye was able to put it out. And Drake released it on his radio show.”

André went on to say, due to creative differences the likelihood of his verse being released as he recorded it was up in the air. “At that point, Kanye and I weren’t really in agreeance with how the song would be release,” he said. “So, I’m not sure if it was even going to come out. I don’t know if Drake knew that the song wasn’t going to come out and said, ‘I’m going to put it out.’ Because Kanye was at a point in his life that he didn’t want any curse words on the album. And I said, ‘I’m cool with no curse words, but just take me off the song.’”

Unfortunately, the two didn’t come to an understanding before the track was eventually leaked. But André isn’t made about Drake leaking it, saying: “I kind of have to thank Drake for letting that song see the light of day.”

Kendrick Lamar’s Hometown Mural Has Been Vandalized Yet Again To The Dismay Of Its Artist

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Kendrick Lamar is beaming with hometown pride. In fact, the “Squabble Up” rapper dedicated his latest chart-topping album, GNX, to showcase his love for Compton, California and the surrounding areas.

Despite Kendrick’s dedication to his neighborhood, he isn’t immune to local hate. According to XXL, a mural in Kendrick Lamar’s honor has been defaced. This isn’t the first time the piece, located on Rosecrans Avenue behind Honduran restaurant Mi Sabor has been defiled. Back in September, the visual piece was vandalized with gang graffiti.

The latest markings have not been identified, but the artist responsible for it, Sloe Motions, expressed his displeasure with its defacement yet again. “I was one of the artist who painted the mural and the guy who blacked out the Kendrick face literally just made it worse,” he wrote in the comment section of XXL’s upload.

After the release of Kendrick Lamar’s song “Wacced Out Murals,” where he addressed the first incident, Motions detailed his frustration when his first piece was vandalized. “A couple months ago our Kendrick mural got hit. Of course, we were pissed and wanted to fix it, but it just kept getting worse,” he wrote. “Flash forward to today and Kendrick drops a song about the situation. It doesn’t necessarily make it ok, but it does feel good to have our hard work for the community immortalized in a song by one of the greatest to ever do it. Thank you, Kendrick Lamar for making this situation a little better today.”

Kendrick Lamar has not addressed the latest vandalization.

Drake’s Lawyers Double Down As They Call Out Spotify’s ‘Manipulative Practices’ Alleged In Legal Filing

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Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s rap beef was a monumental moment in hip-hop. But the “Family Matters” rapper’s upcoming legal battle with UMG and Spotify is gearing up to be an industry shifter.

On December 20, Spotify slammed Drake’s accusations of “artificially inflating” the popularity of Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us” with the use of bots and colluding with UMG in a payola scheme. Now, Drake’s legal team is firing back.

In a statement shared with USA Today, a representative of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP doubled down on the claims made in Drake’s legal filing.

“It is not surprising that Spotify is trying to distance themselves from UMG’s allegedly manipulative practices to artificially inflate streaming numbers on behalf of one of its other artists,” said the rep. “If Spotify and UMG have nothing to hide then they should be perfectly fine complying with this basic discovery request.”

Although Spotify has requested that the “false” and “speculative” inquiry be dismissed, it appears Drake’s legal team is ready to go the distance in an attempt to prove their allegations.

Just as Spotify denied Drake’s accusation, so has UMG. “The suggestion that UMG would do anything to undermine any of its artists is offensive and untrue,” said a representative for the label. “We employ the highest ethical practices in our marketing and promotional campaigns. No amount of contrived and absurd legal arguments in this pre-action submission can mask the fact that fans choose the music they want to hear.”

All eyes are on this ongoing legal matter.

SZA Can Not Believe Her Martin Scorsese Name-Drop, Earned Her A Subtle Co-Sign From The Filmmaker Himself

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It appears SZA is grateful she abandoned her intergalactic trip to Saturn. Yesterday (December 20), after a slight hiccup SOS Deluxe: Lana was finally uploaded to streaming platforms. Among the 15 new tracks, SZA couldn’t help but make yet another movie reference. On the first installment of the musical series, Quentin Tarantino’s 2003 hit Kill Bill was her film fix.

But now SZA is all about coveted filmmaker Martin Scorsese, and he is all for it. Over on Instagram, Scorsese’s daughter Francesca shared a subtle stamp of approval from her and her dad. With a photo of her father (viewable here), Francesca used SZA’s track “Scorsese Baby Daddy” that name-drops Martin along with the caption: “SZA, Queen sh*t”

Well, shortly after SZA shared her geeked about reaction to the show of love. “The fact that this isn’t AI, and it is actually Martin Scorsese 😭,” SZA wrote in her repost.

Although the song doesn’t reference any of Scorsese’s award-winning films, it does something even better—hail Scorsese has the king of dramas.

“I rolled up all my problems / And then I smoked about it / I could’ve called my mom up / I’d rather f*ck about it / Addicted to the drama / Scorsese baby daddy / Right there, just a little further down / Got a brand new reason to spiral out / Bad mood, baby, come work me out / Oh, I’ma crash out, baby, don’t slow me do,” she sings.

Given that SZA’s recent interaction with Ben Stiller online led to him starring in the music video for “Drive,” this could be the start of an epic visual saga.

Listen to SZA’s song “Scorsese Baby Daddy” above. SOS Deluxe: Lana is out now via Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA Records. Find more information here.

Lil Baby Says ‘WHAM (Who Hard As Me)’ Will Not Be The Only Album He Releases In 2025

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After mustering through a rocky 2023, this year Lil Baby took some much needed ‘me time’ to creatively regroup. Next, year the “Touchdown” rapper plans on treating supporters to what he crafted during his hiatus.

While, Lil Baby already announced his upcoming album, WHAM (Who Hard As Me), this isn’t the only project he has tucked away.

During an appearance on Lil Yachty’s A Safe Place podcast, Lil Baby confirmed that he will release two full length albums in 2025.

“At first, I was telling people I was going to drop a double album,” he said. “Now, I’m dropping the ‘WHAM’ album and ‘Dominique’ album.”

So far, the tracklist for WHAM (Who Hard As Me) has been revealed. But Lil Baby has not yet teased anything about Dominique. But later in the conversation, Lil Baby outlined what will separate the two bodies of work.

“’WHAM’ is more me on some young n**** sh*t — fast cars, girls, jewelry, money,” he said. “You know, the turnt lifestyle. And ‘Dominique’ is more the serious me, more personal. That’s a part of the new journey I’m on. I hate the word vulnerable, but I’m gonna be more open to my fans and my audience.”

But there will be slight crossover between the album. “I still put some of the songs I was gonna use for ‘Dominique’ on ‘WHAM’ [be]cause I know my fan base really want to hear them certain songs,” added Lil Baby.

Watch the full episode of Lil Yachty’s A Safe Place podcast featuring special guest Lil Baby above.

WHAM (Who Hard As Me) is out on 1/3/2025 via Quality Control / Motown.

Barack Obama Shared His Favorite Music Of 2024, Which Of Course Includes Kendrick Lamar

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As far as musical year wind downs go, Spotify has Wrapped and Apple Music has Replay. At Uproxx’s we have our Best Albums and Best Songs list. Still, annually the most discussed curated collection tends to come from former president Barack Obama. Yesterday (December 21), Obama shared his Favorite Music of 2024 playlist and in typical fashion users online are divided.

Last year’s list featured a plethora of rap and R&B goodies. This year’s collection spreads the love among country, reggaeton, pop, Afrobeats, and indie rock. Atop the list is Kendrick Lamar’s most recent No. 1 hit “Squabble Up.” Bangers from Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, Fontaines D.C., Shaboozey, and Karol G also made the cut.

See the full list below.

Kendrick Lamar – “Squabble Up”
Billie Eilish – “Lunch”
Rema – “Yayo”
Tyla, Gunna & Skillibeng – “Jump”
Central Cee & Lil Baby – “Band4band”
Ezra Collective & Yazmin Lacey – “God Gave Me Feet for Dancing”
The Red Clay Strays – “Ramblin’”
Fontaines D.C. – “Favourite”
Asake & Travis Scott – “Active”
Shaboozey – “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
Bonny Light Horseman – “Old Dutch”
Rae Khalil – “Is It Worth It”
Beyoncé – “Texas Hold ‘Em”
Jordan Adetunji – “Kehlani”
Artemas – “I Like the Way You Kiss Me”
Johnny Blue Skies – “Scooter Blues”
Hozier – “Too Sweet”
Leon Bridges – “Peaceful Place”
Tommy Richman – “Million Dollar Baby”
Waxahatchee & MJ Lenderman – “Right Back to It”
Myles Smith – “Stargazing”
Jack White – “That’s How I’m Feeling”
Moses Sumney – “Gold Coast”
Karol G – “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”
FloyyMenor & Cris MJ – “Gata Only”

X (Twitter)