Kevin Gates Awarded For Commitment To Addressing Societal Issues From New Orleans’ First Female Mayor: Watch

Kevin Gates is getting ready for a possible return right before the end of 2023 with a brand-new album. Soon after teasing its release, he put out a YouTube video for the possible lead single, “God Slippers.” It is rumored to appear on the project which will be named Ceremony. While that is all fine and dandy, Gates might have just received something that will top any accomplishment this year and maybe over the next few. Over the weekend the Louisiana native was performing at the Uno Lakefront Arena, which is located near his hometown. In fact that arena is on the campus of the University of New Orleans.

During his performance, the New Orleans Mayor, LaToya Cantrell, presented him with a prestigious honor. In the city’s over 200 years of history, they have never had a woman in this position. She earned this title on May 7, 2018, making this moment for Gates all the more special. While there is no official name for this award, the meaning behind it is what makes it all worth it.

Read More: Mariah Carey’s Sexy Victoria’s Secret Campaign Shows Off All We Want For Christmas

Kevin Gates Receives His Award

LaToya gave an impassioned speech in front of a raucous crowd as Kevin Gates stood near her soaking it all in. The recognition was for Gates’ commitment to addressing crucial societal issues. From bullying, mental health, depression, and suicide prevention, the rapper is also a philanthropist of the highest honor. You can check out the live moment above.

What are your initial thoughts on Kevin Gates receiving this honor from New Orleans’ first-ever female mayor? Is Gates deserving of this recognition? Are you excited for his upcoming album? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Kevin Gates, as well as everything else going on around the music world.

Read More: Adam22 Blasted By O-Block Member For Bringing Him Up In Sidney Starr Interview

[Via]

The post Kevin Gates Awarded For Commitment To Addressing Societal Issues From New Orleans’ First Female Mayor: Watch appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

E-40 And City Of Vallejo Finalize Street Name In His Honor

E-40’s legacy should always be remembered amongst all rap fans. His contributions to the genre, especially to the West Coast sound, have been vital to the growth of it. Since his career took off in the 1990s, E-40 has given us plenty of classic tracks like, “Captain Save a H**,” “Tell Me When to Go,” and so many others to name. Born Earl Stevens on November 15, 1967, in Vallejo, California, the rapper now further cements his legacy with a well-deserved honor. A short time ago, HipHopDX discovered that E-40 official got a street named after him.

Around early August, news was circulating that he was going to be receiving a street under his name. Now, it is finally official as of yesterday. E-40 took the time to thank his hometown for the prestigious acknowledgment of his career. The icon posted a picture of him next to the new street sign on his Instagram.

Read More: Jay-Z Finally Settles The Viral Debate Over Lunch With Him Or $500K

E-40 Takes It All In On His Instagram Post

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by E40 Mogul 🥂🎩 (@e40)

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to have my childhood street in Vallejo named after me! Don’t ever give up on your dreams! Thank you to the @CityofVallejo.” On top of this, he also got the key to Vallejo. It is just the second time in the city’s 173-year existence that they have given out the key. Finally, the most special part about this, is that the street is the one E-40 grew up on and tne unveiling took place right in front of the home he grew up in. Truly, this is an incredible full-circle moment for him and we at HNHH congratulates him for this amazing accomplishment.

What are your initial thoughts on E-40 getting a street name in his honor in Vallejo, California? Is he deserving of this recognition? What is your favorite E-40 album and song? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around E-40, as well as everything else going on around the music world.

Read More: Blueface’s Mom Claps Back After He Calls Her A Wh*re For Having Children From Different Men

[Via]

The post E-40 And City Of Vallejo Finalize Street Name In His Honor appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Vallejo Pays Tribute To E-40 With Street In His Name

The Vallejo City Council announced earlier this week that the city plans to pay tribute to E-40. A native to the northern California city, E-40 has spent his career honoring his original stomping grounds, including Magazine Street. A track named after the street even landed on the rapper’s 2015 EP, Poverty and Prosperity. Pretty soon, Magazine Street will become “E-40 Way.”

This year is also the 30th anniversary of E-40’s 1993 debut album, Federal. Though there’s no official date set for the street’s dedication ceremony, it’s scheduled to take place sometime later this year. Earlier this year, E-40 was also recognized by Grambling State University in Louisiana, which he attended in the ’80s. “This means so much to me, man, being from Magazine Street – 1300 block [of] Vallejo, California, ya understand me? The Bay Area,” he said while accepting his honorary degree.

Read More: E-40 Reflects On His Impact On West Coast Hip-Hop: “They Call Me The Ambassador Of The Bay

Magazine Street To Become “E-40 Way”

Last month, E-40 spoke to The New York Times about his impact on the West Coast hip hop scene for their “50 Rappers, 50 Stories” piece. “I put new life into the West Coast in 2006,” he told the outlet. “And that’s no ifs, ands or buts. Can’t nobody say I didn’t, with the help of Lil Jon. And it’s never stopped since then.” He continued, “That’s my role — they call me the Ambassador of the Bay. And I don’t know nobody else there that represents it like me.”

E-40 isn’t the only artist to receive a street named after them in the Bay Area. Earlier this year, it was revealed that 2Pac will have a portion of MacArthur Boulevard between Grand Avenue and Van Buren Avenue in Oakland named after him. Council member Carroll Fife pitched “Tupac Shakur Way,” citing his invaluable contributions to Bay Area hip hop. “Tupac Shakur’s legacy will continue through his contributions in art and social outreach, through his family and fans,” she explained. Fife noted how 2Pac managed to “[touch] countless lives of children and elders over the years while alive and after his death.”

Read More: Snoop Dogg And E-40 Announce New Cookbook For November 2023

[Via]

The post Vallejo Pays Tribute To E-40 With Street In His Name appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Diddy To Be Honored By Apollo Theater At Spring Benefit

Diddy is no stranger to accolades or honors. Fans and industry members alike continue to show admiration for his work even this far into his long and storied career. Now, Diddy will be receiving the Icon Award from the world-renowned Apollo Theater. In June, they will be holding their Spring Benefit gala in Harlem. Recognition from such a legendary theater is no doubt quite an honor, even for someone of Diddy’s caliber. However, the theater will not only recognize the rapper, as the Impact Award will also be presented to basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Additionally, the Apollo will honor Jonelle Procope, the CEO, for her twenty years of dedicated service to the theater. Furthermore, indie eyewear manufacturer Warby Parker will receive the Outstanding Leadership in Innovation, Diversity, and Global Community award.

The event will also play host to performances by MC Lyte, Wyclef Jean, and DJ D-Nice, who will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop with DJ sets. All tickets sold will benefit The Apollo’s performing arts, education, and community initiatives that serve 200,000 people annually. While Diddy has received numerous accolades, he also pays it forward to other rap superstars, such as DJ Khaled, who recently received a stunning new gift from him, as showcased in a video on Instagram earlier this month.

Diddy Pays It Forward

Diddy gifted his friend DJ Khaled a luxury golf cart earlier this month. In a video posted by Khaled to Instagram, the pair can be seen checking out the cart’s features. “Thank you [Diddy] love brother beautiful gift!!!!!!! Grateful! #LetsGoGolfing,” the DJ wrote in the caption of the post. Diddy spoke out on the gift, telling the world how proud he was of DJ Khaled’s work. “I’m so proud of my brother [DJ Khaled] for all the work he’s putting in on the golf course,” Diddy wrote. “Enjoy my gift to you! I had to find the flyest of the fly for my brother! This ain’t no regular degular golf cart!”

DJ Khaled teased a new golf-focused TV show last month, made with the help of Diddy and actor Mark Wahlberg. Several Instagram videos showed the DJ and Diddy playing golf. In one, “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G. plays in the background as Khaled takes a big swing. In another clip, Diddy praises Khaled’s golf game, and reveals that they have already filmed the pilot episode of the show. Furthermore, there is currently a bidding war for the rights to air the series. Looks like Diddy is staying booked, busy, and appreciated. What do you think of the new award from the Apollo Theater? And are you planning to watch Diddy and Khaled’s golf show? Let us know in the comments.

[Via]

Ice Cube’s Son O’Shea Jackson Jr. Takes Pride In Being A “Nepo Baby”

O’Shea Jackson Jr., son of the legendary Ice Cube, recently spoke on being a “nepo baby,” and actually taking pride in it. Moreover, the 32-year-old spoke on The Kelly Clarkson Show about the debate surrounding the term, which refers to celebrity children with successful Hollywood careers. Of course, Jackson Jr. is one of the many starts in the recently released Cocaine Bear film, which might approach cult status soon. If it doesn’t, at least it was a fun and Pusha T-cosigned movie to look back on. Regardless, O’Shea actually made his film debut portraying his father in the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton.

With that experience in mind, he says the label is like a “badge of honor” for him. “I’m forever grateful for everything my dad had to do to get me the opportunities that I have,” he expressed. “And if I were to run away from that or shy away from that in any way, in my eyes, that’s disrespectful to everything he had to go through. He didn’t work as hard as he did for me to not accept and appreciate it. So, I wear it as a badge of honor.

O’Shea Jackson Jr. Is A Proud Nepo Baby

“At the same time, the door can be open but you’ve gotta walk through,” he continued after calling his dad his hero. “You know, a lot of people, they have an idea of what I’m going to be before I get to any set because of their idea of what my dad is. They think I’m coming to set entitled or I feel like I need to have a ‘posse’ of 15-20 people with me… you know… straight rap stuff. But I’m here to work. I pride myself on my professionalism.”

While some will hate on nepo babies no matter what, O’Shea actually makes some valid points with his remarks. After all, being a nepo baby, in theory, is only as bad as you make it with your attitude towards others and sense of entitlement. Also, this isn’t the first time he’s spoken on it. In fact, he auditioned to play his father two years before getting the role and pointed out how he switched agencies as well. Overall, he spoke earnestly about expressing gratitude for the door his father opened up, and about it being up to him to truly succeed out of merit. Regardless of your take, check back in with HNHH for the latest on O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Ice Cube.

[via]

GloRilla Attends Gangsta Boo’s Funeral, Wants To “Keep Representing” Her

When news broke of Memphis legend Gangsta Boo’s passing, sympathizers and artists like GloRilla attended her funeral with heavy hearts. As the hip-hop world and beyond mourns her loss, the next generation is recognizing the importance of legacy. Furthermore, GloRilla spoke at the proceedings about her commitment to keeping the Three 6 Mafia queen’s spirit alive.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 05: Gangsta Boo attends the Grand Opening for My Fish Stop Mississippi Soul Fish North Hollywood at My Fish Stop on May 05, 2022 in North Hollywood, California. (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images)

“She’s still alive. You know what I’m saying?” she said at the funeral. Also, she reposted clips of talking to reporters on her Instagram story. “Big Memphis. We gonna keep representing her.” In another snippet, the 23-year-old added “Long live Lola. Big Memphis. Let’s go!”

Moreover, the two Memphis MCs collaborated with Latto on their song “FTCU.” After Boo was found dead in her native city on New Year’s Day at the age of 43, an official cause of death has not yet been determined.

Given the shocking news, many wanted and still want to pay their respects. After her passing was shared with the world, she was laid to rest on Saturday, January 14th. Furthermore, family and friends held the funeral at Brown Missionary Baptist Church in Southaven, Mississippi. According to The Commercial Appeal and Action News 5, she rests about 15 minutes south of her hometown.

Meanwhile, Boo’s other “FTCU” collaborator Latto shared her grief over the rapper’s loss. “The one hit different,” the “Big Energy” rapper wrote. “I’m just glad I got to feel your embrace & give u ur flowers before u left us. BIG BOO 4L.”

While the city of Memphis is hurting right now, the success of artists like GloRilla is forever indebted to the ground Gangsta Boo paved. Moreover, fellow Memphis star Moneybagg Yo just dropped “On Wat U On” featuring Glo. As two of the hottest rappers of the moment, they haven’t lost sight of the city that birthed them. That being said, we will see how Boo’s passing impacts the art the city creates in the future.

What do you think of GloRilla’s words at Gangsta Boo’s funeral? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, as always, check back in with HNHH to continue celebrating Gangsta Boo’s life and impact.

[via]