Rihanna’s former publicist spoke out about a new documentary about Jay-Z and new drama that sparked because of it. YouTuber Trap Lore Ross published The Disturbing Death of Jay-Z’s ‘Mistress’ earlier this month. It centers on the mysterious death of 28-year-old model Cathy “Kori” White, who died in 2011 after suffering a reported brain aneurysm. White allegedly told Jay-Z that she was pregnant with his child prior to her death. Jay-Z was married to Beyoncé, and they were expecting their first child, Blue Ivy. Rumors ran rampant, and many concluded White’s death was more sinister than anyone let on.
The documentary mentioned a publicist named Jonathan Hay. Hay represented Rihanna at the start of her career when she was promoting her debut single, “Pon de Replay.” In the past, Hay admitted to making up a story about Rihanna and Jay having an affair. Hay’s goal was increased publicity for his artist, and it was a successful ploy. Following his mention in the new documentary, he took to Instagram to note there was much more to the story. After that, he went to AllHipHopand discussed it further.
Rihanna’s Former Publicist Speaks Out About New Jay-Z Documentary
“So I was like ‘f*ck Jay-Z,’ since he won’t give us any attention and he’s being disrespectful to Amil, who was a single mother,” said Hay. “I’m going to get his attention and be disrespectful back to Jay-Z, as Rihanna was the best thing on Def Jam by far. I thought Jay-Z was a dirtbag, so I put out the story that Jay-Z was in a love triangle with Rihanna and Beyoncé, and that caught fire, sparked conversation, increased radio airplay, press coverage and other forms of attention. I was in an unapologetic ‘by any means necessary’ state of mind.”
The rumor, while untrue, caused police to interrogate Hay. The police had their attention on Jay-Z for several years, ever since an incident between Jay-Z and former music executive Un Rivera. That incident ended with Jay-Z allegedly stabbing Rivera. Hay attempted to explain that the rumors of an affair between Jay-Z and Rihanna (then a 17-year-old) were a publicity stunt, but the police didn’t believe him. Eventually, they did, and Jay-Z’s team made Hay issue a public apology for his actions. Hay alleges that he was supposed to get his other clients promoted on TIDAL for his cooperation, but never did.
According to the RIAA, Songstress Alicia Keys is now a certified diamond artist, thanks to her classic NYC anthem with Jay-Z “Empire State Of Mind”.
As of yesterday(July 24), Keys earned the certification along with Jay-Z, whioc has sold over 10 million units since its 2009 release.
Keys tweeted, “Empire is diamond!!!!!!!!,” as Roc Nation made the formal announcement.
This marks Keys’ first Diamond single and Hov’s third. His first came in 2023 with his Kanye West collab, “N***as In Paris” from their 2011 joint album, Watch The Throne. His second came back in May when Rihanna’s “Umbrella” achieved the feat.
Kamala Harris isn’t wasting time. President Joe Biden stepped down on Sunday, July 21, and Harris, the new Democratic nominee, gave a speech on July 22. Recognizing the importance of strong branding, the current Vice President decided to use Beyonce’s “Freedom” as her walk-out song. “Freedom,” released by Bey on her self-titled album, is described by Genius as an “anthem dedicated to Black women.” Given the reverence for the song, and Harris’ public profile, the alignment of art and politics makes sense.
This is not the first time Kamala Harris has publicly aligned herself with Beyonce’s music. During a 2023 interview with People Magazine, the VP revealed that she attended Bey’s Renaissance World Tour. She also cited “Break My Soul” as her favorite song on the Renaissance album. “I just love that song,” Harris explained. “I play it all the time. It’s one of the anthems for women. When [Beyonce says] ‘you,’ you could be life, you could be a person, you could be a situation. You will not break my soul.” Bey’s last album, Cowboy Carter, drew similarly high praise from Harris. “You have redefined a genre and reclaimed country music’s Black roots,” she wrote on Twitter. “Your music continues to inspire us all.”
The timing of Kamala Harris’ “Freedom” needle drop could have been more perfectly timed. The same day the VP utilized the Beyonce song, Beyonce’s mother, Tina Knowles, endorsed her presidential bid. “You asked for it and our President Biden did what was best for the country,” Knowles explained on IG. “Putting personal Ego, power and fame aside. That is the definition of a great leader,” Knowles thanked Biden for his decision and made it clear she was behind Harris all the way. “Thank you, President Biden for your service and your leadership,” she added. “Go Vice President Kamala Harris for President.”
Beyonce has not spoken publicly about Kamala Harris. She did, however, provide the Vice President with free tickets to her show in 2023. NBC News reported that the tickets Bey gifted to Harris were valued at a whopping $1655.92. Harris returned the favor by posting photos of the concert, and thanking Beyonce for the kind gesture. “Thanks for a fun date night, @Beyonce,” she wrote on August 6. Both Beyonce and JAY-Z have made their friendship with the Obamas public, and have been vocal about their politics in the past. Only time will tell if Beyonce decides to voice support for the new candidate.
Labeled by many as the “Top 3” of all time, Jay-Z, Biggie and Nas, as well as “The Big 3” of rthis generation, J. Cole, Drake and kendrick Lamar, were all left off of the Top 5 list of best rappers of all time n a recent episode of Family Feud.
Only Biggie and Jay made it on the list of eight rapper, which made host Steve Harvey even comment that the top 100 people surveyed for that answer were obviously not Hip Hop fans.
A TikTok user shared the footage showing a member of singer Meghan Trainor’s team answers first to reply to Harvey’s question, “Who is the greatest rapper of all time?”, who swiftly responded, “J. Cole.”
Cole’s name results in a strike, which resulted in a member of the opposing team, led by Tori Kelly, then suggests Kendrick, who was also left off the list. It wasn’t until the fourth answer was given and Kelly’s team answered Tupac, who appeared as number two on the board. Kelly’s father’s answer was B.I.,G., who appeared in the number eight slot.
JAY-Z came in as the 8th and final most popular answer, while Nas and Drake, both suggested by contestants, didn’t make the board at all. Ice Cube was also offered as an answer, but a wrong one.
“We in Rhode Island again, where we at?,” said Harvey. He later tells Tori Kelly, “You’re thinking as a Hip-Hop head. I don’t think that’s who answered these questions.”
The final list, according to those who answered Family Feud‘s poll were, in order from first to last: Snoop Dogg, 2Pac, Eminem, Dr. Dre, LL Cool J, B.I.G., 50 Cent, and Jay-Z.
Jay-Z isn’t a businessman, he’s a business man. Sadly, his former professional partner Dame Dash appears to still have a vested interest in the “Public Service Announcement” rapper’s musical dealings.
Over on Instagram, Dame seemingly announced his plans to sell his interest in Jay-Z’s debut studio album, Reasonable Doubt. With the wave of artists selling off the rights to their catalogs, this shouldn’t be a big deal. However, in this instance, it is major considering the pair were once tied up in a legal battle over it.
“This shit is for sale 1/3,” he wrote. “Only real inquiries only.”
Users on the platform immediately flooded Dame’s comment section with mixed reactions to the post.
“As much as I like Dame and a lot of what he stands for, I can understand why Jay cut ties,” wrote one user.
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“‘This sh*t is diabolical. Crazy how y’all were once looked up to in hip-hop to ‘this sh*t,’” penned another addressing Dame’s reference to the revered album.
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“Not ‘this sh*t.’ Smh. Sounding bitter my boy,” chimed another.
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“I love u Dame but this corny, respectfully,” added another.
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“Hate it had to come to this. Wish you and Jay could talk it out like grown men. Smh I’m just a disappointed fan at this point,” remarked one user.
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“It was all good just a week ago,” penned another referencing Jay-Z lyrics.
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One user even offered a suggestion on who Dame should sell his interest to. “Sell it to Ye. Keep it in the family,” wrote the user.
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In 2022, Dame Dash and Jay-Z reportedly reached a settlement that barred Dame, Jay, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke from selling the project. Could things have changed?
Dame Dash has apparently been trying to get out of Roc-A-Fella for a while now, most recently reaching out to Kendrick Lamar with an offer to sell his one-third share in the company to him. But his most recent Instagram post has some fans scratching their heads, as he included the cover art for Jay-Z’s album Reasonable Doubt and the following caption: “This s**t is for sale 1/3 … only real inquiries only.” Moreover, it’s unclear if Dame wants to sell his partial ownership of the rights to the 1996 album or is talking about his one-third stake in Roc-A-Fella as a whole. Probably both, but history tells us that this could be a complicated process.
Furthermore, as we alluded to before, this is far from the first time that Dame Dash has tried to sell off his role in the Roc and move on. But when he tried to sell his share of Reasonable Doubt, the record company and Jay-Z himself were quick to respond with their best efforts to prevent this from happening. From the looks of it, they resolved the issue and agreed that Dame can eventually sell his shares in Roc-A-Fella, but not anything related to an album, since the actual ownership behind it is much more complicated. The crux of the Roc’s legal team was this: Dame can’t sell something he doesn’t own, and it held up.
Elsewhere, this comes amid Dame Dash, multiple other reflections on the Roc-A-Fella days and how he looks back at that era today. “In that moment, Roc-A-Fella was in trouble and if that ‘Big Pimpin” didn’t work, I was gon’ start rapping,” he told the Moguls In The Making podcast. “[I don’t got bars, but] I would have just did it for the company.” “Everything Jay said, he was pretending to be me,” Dame added about the smash hit.
Meanwhile, Dame Dash also recently commented on the horrifying nature of the Diddy situation. “If that were something I see happened to my daughters, Puff… he’s dead,” he remarked to Choppin It Up concerning the Cassie video. “I’d go do the time or I’d try to figure out how not to have to go do the time. I don’t think I could handle watching any many touching or doing any kind of violence to my daughters.”
Jay-Z has a lot of history to look back on, whether it’s his still-contentious alleged beefs or the wealth of great bars that he’s given the culture. Still, not every Hov bar is easy to research or break down, and one particular line off of his smash 2003 hit “Public Service Announcement” has always left fans scratching their heads. “My homie Strick told me, ‘Dude, finish your breakfast!’” he raps at one point, and it turns out that no one figured this bar out because it was such a specific anecdote. Moreover, former NBA player Smush Parker recently explained the context behind this line during a conversation with the legendary Rucker Park’s Streetball collective.
Apparently, this Jay-Z line refers to a failed dunk attempt from Parker to Strick during a game at the Rucker, to which Strick told his opponent: “Yo, young fella, you gotta finish your breakfast” with a side-eye. The Brooklyn MC witnessed this moment and chose to christen it on one of his biggest songs, which is quite the flex. Frequent Jay collaboratorJust Blaze made this “PSA” beat off of The Black Album, and he previously spoke on how they already finished the project by the time he cooked this song up.
“The Black Album was done, it was handed in,” Just Blaze told REVOLT of the Jay-Z collab all the way back in 2013. “My two contributions were ‘December 4th’ and the intro [‘Interlude’], which I was fine with. And we’re at Battery [Studios] mixing something. One of my best friends by the name Big Jack comes in the studio, ‘I got something you gotta hear.’ I put the headphones on and he puts this record on and all you heard was ‘doom-doom-doom-doom-doom’ and I’m just sitting there like ‘What is about to happen?’
“So, I made the ‘PSA’ beat in the headphones while the engineer was mixing one of the records we was working on,” Just Blaze continued concerning Jay-Z. “I made the beat in like 10 minutes and I ran over to the studio… So, the next day Jay’s doing listening sessions for the press for The Black Album… I’m like ‘Nah, you gotta come in here.’ And I play it and at first his reaction was just like… and I’m like ‘Do you not hear what we’re all hearing?’ As he’s doing the press, he’s thinking about this beat in the back of his mind. Coming up with the song… So, he comes in the next day. Spits the whole thing over in one take…Two or three weeks later we’re at the Garden and the entire arena knows the words.”
Memphis Bleek is trying to get JAY-Z back in the booth and on his new single. After dropping off “Bands Up,” Bleek revealed he wants to reunite with HOV.
Replying to a X user about being able to get Hov on the single, Bleek typed, “I’m on his neck for one trust me.”
JAY-Z is an elder statesman of rap. He’s arguably the most respected emcee of all time. That said, LL Cool J is one of the few people who can lay claim to having more longevity. He was a megastar a decade before Hov released his first album. The two men have encountered each other several times over the years, but there always seems to be underlying tension. There’s stories about rap battles in New York, and subliminal disses dating back to 1996. LL Cool J decided to clarify how he feels about Hov, though, during a recent interview.
LL Cool J has been on the press grind in preparation for his new album, and he sat with Charlamagne tha God to discuss his legacy. Naturally, JAY-Z came up. The rapper recounted an incident where he was at a club and was approached by a group of up-and-comers. The group, led by Sauce Money, started spitting bars at LL, who was already an established superstar. LL’s status is worth noting, because according to him, he didn’t have many rhymes saved up for a battle. “When I ain’t had a deal,” he explained. “I had a suitcase of rhymes. Now I’m albums in…” JAY-Z took over for Sauce Money, at which point LL Cool J admits he’d emptied his lyrical tank. “Jay came up rapping. I was out of rhymes, b,” he admitted.
LL Cool J Denies Throwing Subs At JAY-Z On “Loungin’”
The rapper asserted that the timing was unfortunate, but that by no means did JAY get him. “Did I run out of rhymes? Was I finished rapping? Abso-f*cking-lutely,” he recalled. “Was it their peanut gallery? Absolutely. But do you really wanna get into some of that shit with LL? You really want that?” LL Cool J also cleared up the rumor that his classic single “Loungin’ (Who Do Ya Luv)” had subliminal disses for Hov. His argument against the theory is that JAY-Z was just starting his career, and had barely proven himself as a viable artist. “What could I possibly want from him in 1996,” he logically noted. “What do I want with him?”
While nobody would accuse LL and JAY-Z of being best friends, the two artists have expressed admiration for each other in the past. In 2020, the latter told Hip-Hop Wired that LL Cool J was one of the first rappers to prove that longevity was attainable. “We’ve seen people like LL have longevity,” he noted. “And we respect the heritage of what he’s done.” The fact that both artists are still around, and still relevant, is a testament to their talents.
Beyoncé, one of her generation’s most influential and accomplished artists, has continually redefined the boundaries of music and performance. Starting as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, she embarked on a solo career that has won numerous awards. These include multiple Grammys that have taken her to record-breaking heights. Her music spans various genres, showcasing her vocal prowess, emotional depth, and ability to address personal and political themes. From her powerful ballads to her high-energy anthems, Beyoncé’s discography includes numerous tracks that have left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture.
Throughout her career, the singer has also released songs that have topped the charts and inspired and empowered listeners worldwide. These essential tracks represent a pivotal moment in her artistic evolution, reflecting her growth and the various phases of her life and career. These songs highlight the profound impact she has had on music and society.
Released in 2003 as the lead single from her debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, “Crazy in Love” marked Beyoncé’s successful transition from Destiny’s Child to a solo artist. The song features an infectious horn riff sampled from the Chi-Lites’ “Are You My Woman (Tell Me So),” powerful vocals, and a dynamic feature from Jay-Z. This track topped the charts worldwide and became a defining moment in Beyoncé’s career. It showcased her ability to blend pop, R&B, and hip-hop into a cohesive and commercially successful sound.
The music video for “Crazy in Love” further cemented its impact, featuring Beyoncé’s iconic dance moves and glamorous style. Directed by Jake Nava, the video became instantly recognizable and set a new standard for pop music visuals. “Crazy in Love” received critical acclaim and won multiple awards, including Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. This song remains a staple in Beyoncé’s live performances and a highlight of her extensive catalog.
2. “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” (2008)
“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” is a standout track from Beyoncé’s third studio album, I Am… Sasha Fierce, released in 2008. The song quickly became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a viral dance craze. Its empowering lyrics encouraged women to take control of their relationships and demand respect. The track’s production, featuring a minimalist beat and handclaps, showcased Beyoncé’s powerful voice and ability to create a compelling anthem with a simple yet effective arrangement.
The “Single Ladies” music video was also iconic. It features Beyoncé and two backup dancers performing intricate choreography in black leotards. Directed by Jake Nava once again, the video became was widely parodied and imitated, further cementing the song’s impact on pop culture. Further, “Single Ladies” won three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year. Its influence extends beyond music, symbolizing women empowerment and independence.
3. “Formation” (2016)
“Formation,” released in 2016 as the lead single from Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade, is a powerful anthem. It addresses themes of Black pride, identity, and social justice. The song was released one day before her performance at the Super Bowl 50 halftime show, where she delivered a politically charged performance highlighting police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. “Formation” features a strong bassline, trap beats, and poignant lyrics celebrating her heritage. It was also a call for solidarity and empowerment within the Black community.
The music video for “Formation,” directed by Melina Matsoukas, is equally impactful. It featured striking imagery that references historical and contemporary issues faced by Black Americans. From scenes of Beyoncé on a sinking police car to a young Black boy dancing in front of riot police, the video sparked widespread discussion and praise for its bold commentary on race and culture. “Formation” received critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Music Video. The song remains a significant part of Beyoncé’s discography, emphasizing her influence as an artist and activist.
4. “Halo” (2009)
“Halo,” another single from Beyoncé’s third studio album I Am… Sasha Fierce, is emotional and powerful. Written by Ryan Tedder, Evan “Kidd” Bogart, and Beyoncé, the song features pop and R&B elements, with sweeping strings and a cascading piano accompaniment. The lyrics depict an intensely personal narrative of finding solace and safety in a loved one. As expected, the track became a commercial success, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning double platinum certification from the RIAA. The music video, directed by Philip Andelman, complements the song’s ethereal quality with soft lighting and intimate scenes. “Halo” remains one of her most beloved ballads, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards.
5. “Run The World (Girls)” (2011)
In 2011, Beyoncé released “Run the World (Girls)” as the lead single of her fourth studio album, 4. The track praises women’s power and determination and has attracted a great number of fans all over the world. This audacious piece mixes African beats with contemporary pop music and dance elements. It’s bold production also samples Major Lazer’s “Pon de Floor,” making it a lively anthem that pushes females to take control and lead.
The music video was shot by Francis Lawrence, where we see Beyoncé command an army of ladies in the middle of nowhere. They also perform difficult moves that show off her strength and confidence. This work has been acclaimed for its strong images and energetic choreography sequences, which greatly contributed to the popularity of this song. According to Billboard Hot 100 charts, “Run the World (Girls)” took position 29 before becoming a worldwide known hit, further establishing herself as one of the most influential figures in our culture today. She frequently performs live renditions of it during shows, while many campaigns have used it for advocating equal rights among genders alongside other women-related issues.
