The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years. Celebrities and influencers alike have undergone the procedure to enhance their curves. It’s an age where social media and celebrity culture often promote the perfect hourglass figure. Unfortunately, many view BBLs or butt injections as a quick fix for their body image problems. However, people are increasingly speaking out about their regrets and the harsh realities of the surgery as the trend grows. As these high-profile individuals have demonstrated, the risks and decisions of getting a BBL can have long-reaching consequences.
The New York rapper has been candid about her experiences after regretting getting injections. She revealed that she felt pressured to undergo these procedures after becoming a stripper out of high school. At just 19, Cardi B had breast implants, followed by illegal buttock injections due to insufficient body fat for a traditional BBL. In an interview with GQ, she shared, “When I was 21, I did not have enough meat on my body — if I was to get lipo, I wouldn’t have fat for my ass.” Desperate for a solution, she paid $800 for filler injections, enduring excruciating pain and leakage for five days. Despite the risks, Cardi B attempted to get a touch-up. However, she discovered that the woman administering the injections had been arrested for allegedly causing someone’s death.
In 2014, Cardi got the illegal silicone injections and removed them after giving birth to her son, Wave, in 2022. She warned fans against the procedure during an Instagram Live in December 2022 when she revealed she had 95 percent of her biopolymer buttocks injections removed. “All I’m going to say is that if you’re young, if you’re 19, 20, 21, and sometimes you’re too skinny, and you be like, ‘OMG, I don’t have enough fat to put in my ass,’ so you result to ass shots—don’t,” said the rapper. “When it comes to BBLs, if y’all want advice from me, before you get your BBL done, you have to make sure your blood levels are all right,” she added. “If a doctor says your blood levels are too low or you have diabetes or whatever, don’t do it.”
Nicki Minaj opened up about her own struggles with body image and the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. During a podcast interview with Joe Budden, Minaj revealed that she received illegal butt injections early in her career. She explained that being surrounded by women with large buttocks at Cash Money Record label studios, particularly those invited by Lil Wayne, made her feel inadequate. “All I would hear them talking about is big butts, and I didn’t feel complete or good enough, good as those girls because I’m like, ‘Oh My God, you know, this is what you’re supposed to look like in the rap culture, and I don’t look like that,” Minaj expressed. Although she said the jokes directed at her smaller buttocks by label members were likely unintentional, Minaj emphasized the impact of their words on her self-esteem.
“I think they said stuff sometimes jokingly. But to a young girl or up-and-coming rapper or anything, when it’s from someone like Lil’ Wayne, it matters. You know?” Minaj said. “Even if they’re joking, they don’t know that the person that is there in that room with them is not finding it funny.” She said she now understood the impact of their words. “They’re just joking. They didn’t mean any harm. But it wasn’t a joke to me,” the rapper added.
Asked by Budden if she held herself responsible for and regrets influencing the BBL trend, the mother of one confessed that she did. “I was one of the first people saying, ‘Oh, I’m not these people’s parents,’ but now I get it. I look at it from a different perspective now. Because superstars inadvertently become role models no matter what,” Minaj said.
Memphis singer K. Michelle has also been vocal concerning her regrets about getting injections and the pressure to conform to industry beauty standards. She underwent a staggering over one dozen surgeries in one year to have her injections removed, yet still struggles with confidence in her body. “I be asking myself, ‘Are you healed or are you just numb?’ You know what I’m saying? So, when you do 13 surgeries in a year and you watch your mama look at you like ‘what the f—k did you do to yourself?’” K. Michelle shared with The Shade Room.
She attributed her decision to get the augmentations to the expectations within the entertainment industry. “I didn’t know that certain things were needed and expected until I got into the industry,” she said. “Then it got very—I gotta do this. I need to fix this; I got the money to do this, so I need to fix that. That was the worst sh—t ever.” She now believes that her strength is her greatest physical asset. “I’m learning…to deal with the confidence, and I’m not ashamed to say that […] You gotta figure out what is it about you, and that’s what I’m doing.”
Chantel Sophia
Social media influencer and podcast host Chantel Sophia addressed a follower’s question about whether she felt peace after regretting getting a BBL. In a transparent response, Sophia revealed that the surgery had only intensified her existing insecurities. “I always say this to anyone who comes to me with, ‘Oh, I wanna get surgery, I wanna do this.’ Be prepared to have a focus on all your insecurities times a thousand,” she cautioned. Sophia explained that while the initial “honeymoon phase” of enjoying the change in her body was gratifying, the eventual comedown was inevitable.
“In my case, it wasn’t perky enough, it wasn’t round enough, it wasn’t big enough,” she recalled. “Some days it wasn’t small enough. Nothing was enough.” The podcaster also felt her buttocks had become an integral part of her identity as a result of seeking approval from others. “My character trait became how big my bum was…i just needed the outward validation that ‘does everyone like this yeah?’” she explained.
R&B songstress Queen Naija also expressed regret over her decision to have a BBL. “I hated my hip dips and c-section belly,” she wrote in the comments of a post by The Neighborhood Talk. “Now I dislike how all my weight gain goes to my booty and hips. Either way, I disliked something.” While many users suggested that a removal procedure could alleviate her concerns, Naija admitted that the thought of another surgery was too daunting. She added, “Can’t be perfect y’all [shrug emoji]. I would get it reduced, but the risk of getting put to sleep again is scary.”
Recently, Blac Chyna had several major cosmetic surgeries reversed. These included a breast reduction, silicone injections from her butt, and fillers from her face. Chyna explained that when she was 19, she had shots in her buttocks, which she now regrets. “I just want all the ladies out there to know: Do not get silicone shots. You can get sick, you can die, have complications, and all this other…stuff.” She added, “Normally, my procedure would’ve taken four hours tops. My procedure took over eight-and-a-half hours y’all. Whatever that silicone mass—whatever that was that was in my buttocks—it kept clogging the machine and breaking it.”
She explained her motivation for making the change. “I’m just tired of the look. It’s just not flattering. It’s just not what I look like,” she told her doctors in an Instagram Live video. “It totally changed my face and I’m just ready to get back to Angela. Blac Chyna’s Blac Chyna, and I feel like I’ve outgrown that.” She also revealed that she began getting fillers at a very young age, which did not allow her body time to fully develop.
Rachel Velasco, a 23-year-old influencer, endured an excruciating experience that made her regret getting a BBL at 7Q Spa in Los Angeles. The procedure was performed by Dr. Anna Gevorgyan, an OB-GYN on probation. Desperate for the perfect body, Velasco overlooked the risks. “I was just so thirsty to get a BBL,” she told NBC News. Hours later, she was hospitalized, “screaming and covered in blood,” enduring “indescribable agony.” Despite complications and minimal results, including a 4-inch puckered scar, Velasco spent over $13,000. Gevorgyan, who previously practiced in Illinois, faced disciplinary action in both states. Velasco admitted, “I would have not done this if I would have known that I would have a scar and it would be this big hooplah,” questioning, “You cut my body open for what?”
Celebrities and influencers can make cosmetic procedures like the BBL appear quick and easy to achieve. However, as the experiences of Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, K. Michelle, and others demonstrate, the reality is far more complex. In addition to their risks and potential complications, these procedures do not address the underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to low self-esteem.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is a deeply personal one that should not be taken lightly. It’s essential to approach these procedures with a clear understanding of the risks and limitations. And by prioritizing self-love, self-care, and a healthy body image, an individual can achieve true confidence and contentment.
K. Michelle and Tamar Braxton’s feud is one news story that never seems to go out of date. The singers have engaged each other in social media outbursts for years. It is difficult to understand why the pair are always in the news over their beef. However, rather than settle their issues or just ignore each other, they successfully find a way to reignite hostilities. It is not like Tamar and Michelle have not tried to make peace with each other. After all, they performed together at the 2015 BET Awards. However, they found themselves exchanging insults soon after.
The singers again became the center of attention after Beyoncé released her country album, Cowboy Carter. During an interview, Tamar paid homage to Beyoncé, praising her for representing Black artists well in country music. However, although Tamar didn’t mention K. Michelle’s name during the interview, the latter still took offense and responded, sparking a back-and-forth. Tamar Braxton and K. Michelle’s latest spat made fans wonder why they keep locking horns. Here is a breakdown of the their beef history, from how it started to its latest exchange.
K. Michelle’s Abuse Allegations & Tamar Braxton’s Subtle Shade
K. Michelle and Tamar Braxton’s beef began in 2012 following the premiere of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. During an episode, Michelle, who was a cast member on the reality TV show, made accusations against an ex-boyfriend. She alleged that the ex-boyfriend physically abused her when they were dating. She also alleged that he had a hand in blackballing her after their split. Michelle mentioned no names while opening up about her alleged abuser, but fans later realized she spoke about Jive Records’ former A&R, Memphitz. Although Memphitz denied Michelle’s claims, court records later proved she spoke the truth. However, before all of that, Tamar seemingly waded into the issue.
When Michelle made the allegations against Memphitz, he was married to Toya Wright. Toya and Tamar were friends, so the latter felt Michelle’s allegations didn’t hold water. However, rather than keep her thoughts to herself, Tamar went on X, then known as Twitter, to post a message to Toya while an episode of Love & Hip Hop aired. She wrote, “Oh have fun and let this girl sell her fairytale.” Michelle found out about Tamar’s post and didn’t respond kindly. The ladies engaged each other in back-and-forth subtweets. Eventually, Tamar felt threatened and sent a cease and desist to Michelle.
K. Michelle spoke about her abuse allegations and issues with Tamar during a radio interview with TT Torrez. She emphasized that she was telling the truth about Memphitz and hoped he was a different man in his marriage to Toya. Meanwhile, she said of Tamar, “The one person I am mad at is Tamar Braxton, that muppet. She needs to have several seats. […] Because she deleted the tweets, because people were tweeting me what she said. She was saying to Toya, ‘Oh have fun. Let this girl stay in her fairytales. And stay in her fairytales’ All I tweeted was ‘I like Toni anyway.’ I don’t play in those little games. The muppet needs to get it together. She needs to stay away from me.”
K. Michelle released her Rebellious Soul album in 2013, but it caused another issue between her and Tamar Braxton. After the album’s release, Tamar seemingly insinuated Michelle stole her look and tweeted, “Damn! I lost my wig!!!!….” Tamar followed with another tweet, “#shadebutnoshade.” Michelle didn’t waste time responding to Tamar. She returned fire by tweeting, “You didn’t lose your wig, Kermit snatched it.” With the Kermit reference, Michelle meant that Tamar resembled the muppet character, Miss Piggy. Michelle didn’t end her onslaught there. She went ahead to insinuate that Tamar buys her own records and lip-syncs by tweeting, “Rebel against muppets gone wild! No shade. Rebel against lip synching and buying ur own singles. Noshade.”
Afterward, Michelle ended by writing, “I’m in a positive place but I ain’t no punk!!! Dont come for a G. Now let me go to the boys and girls club and talk to the kids.” Rather than responding to Michelle, Tamar shared a picture of her baby son Logan. She also promoted her then-upcoming LP Love and War.
K. Michelle & Tamar Braxton Argue Over Album Sales
Humble yourself! You bout SEVERAL of those albums. I sold over a 100,000 albums 2, just 4 days after u. SHE is not winning like SHE thinks.
Michelle tried to make peace with Tamar afterward by buying her Love and War album and encouraging fans to do the same. However, Tamar wasn’t having it. She spoke about the “V.S.O.P” singer while promoting her album on The Breakfast Club. When asked about her issues with Michelle, Tamar said Michelle buying her album didn’t undo her previous bad deeds. She said, “I really don’t talk about the people who bully me, like if you do one good gesture, does that make up for you calling me a muppet and for telling everybody I lipsync? I don’t want to talk about her. On my third day, I sold over 100,000 copies of my album, so we’re not even in the same conversation in life.”
After Tamar’s album sales comment went viral, Michelle responded via several posts on X. In one of her tweets, she explained that she bought Tamar’s album to support her but didn’t understand why she was the bully in the situation. Michelle also tweeted, “Humble yourself! You bout SEVERAL of those albums. I sold over a 100,000 albums 2, just 4 days after u. SHE is not winning like SHE thinks.”
In another tweet, Michelle asked Tamar not to worry about her album sales but about finding her original face. She added, “My sales are REAL, nothing political ALL HARD WORK.” Michelle also responded to Tamar calling her a bully by tweeting, “You keep throwing rocks at me and then u run and hide behind Vince’s man boobs! U not above getting checked shady boots!” The singer ended her tirade by tweeting, “Now stop coming for me. There’s enough room for everybody! Just shut up and sing!”
K. Michelle Says She’s Done With The Beef
Not long after Michelle’s Twitter tirade, Tamar appeared on The Arsenio Hall Show. During the show, she was asked about her and Michelle’s issues. However, Tamar responded by acting as though she didn’t know who Michelle was. She replied, “Who? K Mart, where they sell Nicki’s clothes at? That’s the only K I know.” K. Michelle appeared on The Skorpion Show and spoke about her beef with Tamar Braxton. During the interview, Michelle said she was done with the beef. However, she reiterated that she didn’t start fights with Tamar but only responded to her shades. Michelle explained, “I always win arguments, and just because I win them doesn’t mean I start them.”
In another interview with The Demi Lobo Podcast, Michelle said Tamar was insecure and wanted to be young like her. She said she constantly tried to remain positive about the situation. She said of Tamar, “This lady is 40. There’s no reason why. I am a new artist, you are 40, you just had a baby. Like, I don’t even know her, and she continues to comment and poke, but people are so used to me being aggressive. At first, they thought it was me, but then when you start to pay attention, I’m never saying anything.” Michelle also asked Tamar to leave her alone and stop coming for her.
K. Michelle & Tamar Braxton Perform At The BET Awards 2015
Hope that K. Michelle and Tamar Braxton could be friends arose when they performed together at the 2015 BET Awards. Before the performance, Tamar spoke to ET about her and Michelle. She said, “I’m doing a very special performance with myself and K. Michelle, who in the past, you know, we’ve both had a lot of disagreements just about, I guess life in general.” She revealed that the BET performance would be the first time she and Michelle would be meeting each other. Tamar concluded, “I’m just really excited because I’m really about girls sticking up for each other and being there for each other, and it’s time for all the nonsense to stop and let’s just empower each other and be great!”
Tamar also discussed the performance in a post on X. She said people change, and she and Michelle were moving forward positively. The pair tweeted about the performance multiple times, raising anticipation levels. The day came, and the previously feuding women serenaded the audience at the 2015 BET Awards as they joined Patti LaBelle for a lovely rendition of her song, “If Only You Knew.”
K. Michelle & Tamar Braxton Reignite Feud
Many hoped K. Michelle and Tamar Braxton’s performance at the 2015 BET Awards would mark the beginning of more collaborations. However, that was not to be, as the R&B singers soon returned to their old ways. In April 2018, Michelle opened up about how she was recovering after removing her butt injections in January 2018. She revealed she was dealing with complications from the procedure. Before going to surgery, Michelle appeared on The Steve Harvey Show to share details about her removal. Weeks later, Tamar also appeared on the show to join in a conversation about the benefits and risks involved in plastic surgery.
Tamar said all the right things during her appearance. However, she could have done so without leaving any subtle hint of shade at Michelle. The “Pieces” singer said, “I just think that you do have to do your research. But you can’t be thinking you’re gonna go ahead and have plastic surgery on the Groupon. Ain’t no plastic surgery on sale! Like that’s not gonna happen.” She added, “And if it’s on sale–nine times out of ten–you’re not supposed to get it from the person that’s having a sale. Don’t do that.” Tamar did not specifically mention Michelle or say she had cheap surgery. However, given the pair’s history, her words sounded like a subtle shade at Michelle, who was suffering complications from her butt removal surgery.
Unsurprisingly, despite not being named, Michelle took Tamar’s response personally and went on X to clap back. She wrote, “Ugly face a*s milk dud.” She also tweeted, “Tell that to your left nostril broke joke.” Tamar added another tweet, writing, “You so called paid all that money and your nose is still doing the Gangsta lean.” Afterward, she tweeted, “Good night. Going back to heal and mind my own business like I always do, not bothering anybody!”
Things Get Heated
You start something AGAIN then cry like a victim. I wasnt bothering a soul Bring up my child we got beef Forever! 10 years old then me and keep going. Don’t Act your current wage act your age Charles Barkley.
Although Tamar didn’t respond directly to Michelle’s tweets, she made a post that heated things up even more. Tamar shared a video of her son Logan and added a lengthy caption to the post. In her caption, Tamar wrote, “I’m just a Mother who takes care of her SON no MATTER WHAT!! I’ll NEVER trade him for a night out, a man, nor a job #mygift #imaREALmom #bestjobever #heliveswithME shout out to all the amazing real mothers!! Love yall.” Many people perceived Tamar was shading Michelle with her caption because the latter opened up about allowing her son to stay with relatives to allow her to pursue her career.
Michelle didn’t waste time clapping back after discovering Tamar’s post. Taking to X, she wrote, “I woke up this morning excited about seeing my family. Yesterday it was just shocking to me how a person can continue to take shots at a person after years for no reason even when Their very own life is in shambles. I then realize the head and heart are just miserable.” In another tweet, Michelle wrote, “Never bask in the distress of others but know that karma has and will bring them to their feet.”
Tamar responded by updating the caption of her post about her son. She added, “Love yall this is why I turn my comments off because it IS ok to pat yourself on the back!! It’s hard working your a*s off all day like most of us do THEN go home and be A FULL TIME parent! Shade who for WHAT!!?!? Gtf up please.”
Tamar also addressed the issue on Instagram Live. She said, “If you’re getting victory and joy out of talking bad about somebody or think that’s fun or jumping on social media to talk about somebody, criticize or ridicule them, then you’re lame, and it’s late, and it’s played out, and I’m simply nothing like that. That’s not the objective of my life.” K. Michelle fired back on X, writing, “No tater tot formed against me shall prosper.” She addressed Tamar, writing, “You start something AGAIN then cry like a victim. I wasn’t bothering a soul Bring up my child we got beef Forever! 10 years old then me and keep going. Don’t Act your current wage act your age Charles Barkley.”
Two months after their back-and-forth, K. Michelle and Tamar were at it again. This time, the issue was over comments Tamar made about the income Love & Hip Hop cast members received. Then, Tamar wasn’t pleased with her sister Traci’s decision to keep filming their reality TV show, Braxton Family Values, with friends rather than family. When a fan asked about Tamar’s opinion on Traci’s decision, she replied, “[Traci isn’t getting paid and] she is getting LESS than lahh [Love and Hip Hop]… basically nothing.” K. Michelle found out about Tamar’s comments and clapped back in her usual fashion. During an Instagram Live, the former Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta star responded to Tamar, saying, “Ta-muppet talking about what we make on Love and Hip Hop. Girl, you ain’t paying your coins either, honey. You getting kicked out of your house. You ain’t getting too much on We.”
K. Michelle Accuses Tamar Braxton Of Sleeping With Jermaine Dupri’s Father
Tamar Braxton appeared on the May 2020 episode of TS Madison’s Supreme Virtual Court and was asked who she thought would win a #Verzus battle between Monica and Brandy. In response, Tamar praised Brandy and Mo and encouraged them to participate in the performance. However, when asked if she would battle with K. Michelle, Tamar showed no interest in answering. It took Tamar a month to respond, and when she did, all hell broke loose.
In a video, Michelle, who had just released her fifth LP, All Monsters Are Human, and was working on a follow-up project at the time, first spoke about how much time she was spending at the studio. Afterward, she moved on to speaking about Tamar, who she called a muppet again. Michelle said, “I’ve been fighting my whole f*cking life and now I’m supposed to fight a b*tch with no edges?” She added, “I’m supposed to fight a muppet? How do you slay a muppet that’s still talking sh-t and still running her motherf—– mouth! Y’all want me to fight a cartoon character.”
Later in the video, Michelle claimed Tamar was in an affair with Jermaine Dupri’s father. She also claimed Jermaine’s mom beat Tamar up in an elevator. Michelle said, “You can’t go around talkin’ ’bout nobody when you was sleepin’ with a married man! You was sleepin’ with Jermaine Dupri daddy! How you sleep with Jermaine Dupri daddy and get yo’ a** beat by Jermaine Dupri momma in a elevator?…but you wanna talk about me? I don’t f*ck with married men! Hmm. But you so holy…rice and beans and cabbage. Hmm, hmm, hmm. Tellin’ the truth. I ain’t never lied. Got drug up off that elevator. Whoop! Whoop! You know who you are! Whoop! Next!”
While Tamar did not respond to K. Michelle’s accusations, her then-boyfriend David Adefeso leaped to her defense during an episode of their YouTube show, Quarantine & Coupled with Tamar Braxton and David Adefeso. The Nigerian-born entrepreneur discussed how Michelle’s accusations made him feel. He said, “What I saw this morning made me sad because I saw one strong Black woman, [a] strong good-looking Black woman, tear another strong, good-looking Black woman down and it broke my heart.” David added, “What makes me sad is Tamar now gotta defend herself against something which is false. Against something which was concocted. Against something which was meant to defame her character. As her man, it broke my heart.”
K. Michelle & Tamar Braxton Feud Over Country Music
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album was groundbreaking in more ways than one, as it stirred up discussions about how Black musicians can explore and conquer the music genre. Before Beyoncé released the album, K. Michelle revealed she would fully transition into Country music after her September 2023 project, I’m The Problem. Although K. Michelle didn’t feature in Beyoncé’s country album, she received flowers from the legendary songstress. Michelle took to her Instagram page to reveal the flowers Beyoncé sent her. Accompanying the flowers was a note. Queen Bey wrote, “You’re killing it! I love what you’ve been doing and I know it’s not easy to enter a new space. Sending you positivity and respect. I hope to meet you one day. Love, Beyoncé.” Michelle appreciated Beyoncé’s gesture and said she was motivated to release her first country album.
In April 2024, Tamar Braxton appeared on the We Sound Crazy podcast and was asked to share her thoughts on Cowboy Carter. She responded, “I think that Black country is so necessary. I’m so happy that people with talent, who can actually sing country music that are Black people, are finally getting the recognition they deserve.” Tamar added, “I just really appreciate Beyoncé for opening the door for all the other Black artists that have rode that wave behind the floodgates.” Those comments from Tamar were unproblematic, but her next words stirred controversy.
Tamar said some people didn’t respect Black culture well in country music. She explained, “There are a couple of people who not have should been singing Country Black music that were awful and it was concerning for me.” Tamar added, “I’m not trying to be funny; it just didn’t sound good. You’ve got to make sure if you’re going to step into a new genre of music and represent us…you’ve gotta right. You can’t be all autotuned down and flarp.” Tamar didn’t mention K. Michelle’s name but the latter responded to her.
Taking to X, Michelle clapped back at Tamar with some insults. She tweeted, “Imagine you keep playing with someone who’s minding they business, then BOOM. They sick of you. One tweet and screenshot and it’s over 4ya.” In another post, Michelle wrote, “I don’t pull stunts Raggedy Ann, I pull cards.” Michelle continued her tirade by writing, “Loud Cackling hyena.” She posted a picture of a muppet, which she captioned, “How many times are you going to keep calling for something you can’t handle upon its arrival? Huh Janice?”
K. Michelle made further posts where she said she was going back to being peaceful and minding her business. In another tweet, she said, “I’ve grown, I’ve healed, but I’m not weak. Leave me alone. I’ll turn the other cheek but I’ll slap yours first.” Word of Tamar and Michelle’s beef spread, and fans started wading in. A fan tweeted in Tamar’s defense, saying she wasn’t referring to Michelle with her comments. Tamar responded to the fan’s post, “I absolutely was not!! I said a FEW artists! I paid homage to Beyonce 4bringing positive attention to country music. There are people who i don’t address n don’t mention/shade to keep mess away… where was all this chatter when my song went #1. I mind my business and go to work.”
Tamar also responded directly to Michelle’s tweet. She wrote, “I wasn’t speaking about you. I would have said your name.” She added, “I was speaking of country “Black” music that I have heard before that I didn’t enjoy.” Tamar concluded, “I wish you the best on all your future endeavors. I only want to beef with the devil. The End.” However, Michelle didn’t buy Tamar’s words. She jumped on the comment section of TNT‘s post to call her archnemesis out.
Per Vibe, Michelle commented, “Y’all know I wouldn’t be saying anything. She knows exactly what she’s doing. She’s been going on for months now, well years, she’s just very hurt acting out. It has to stop TODAY.” Michelle accused Tamar of bringing her up, throwing shades at her, and then playing the victim. She said, “I’m just not going to keep playing with her. It’s played out, but she WILL stop. I can overlook negativity all day but don’t keep poking at me even at shows.” Michelle claimed she had information about Tamar that the latter wouldn’t want her to reveal. She also told Tamar there was no reason for her to continue subbing and jabbing her.
Michelle continued, “It’s like you have to be seen even if it’s shading and negativity. Bitter Betty. Live in your talent, not in your drama. Lesson I had 2 learn and worked out 4me. I have a right to defend and be sick of your sh*t.” Concluding, she warned Tamar to leave her alone. She wrote, “I finally say in front of everyone LEAVE ME ALONE or else. I stand on that, you should try it. Your 9 whole years older than me, you should set an example of some sort. Now go play victim.”
Tamar didn’t respond to Michelle, and things quietened afterward. One can only wonder if this signals the end of the on-again, off-again feud between two women who have done so much for the music industry. What do you think about K. Michelle and Tamar Braxton’s beef? Do you think they will soon get into another online spat? Let us know your thoughts on their never-ending feud in the comments section.
Earlier this year, Beyonce released her highly-anticipated new album Cowboy Carter. It was the second release in her Renaissance trilogy of genre experimentations and it focused on indulging in country music. While she’s far from the first artists to ever attempt to transition into country music, the biggest comparison many fans made was K. Michelle. Some even elevated it to accusations of ripping off her transition from R&B into country. While that was months ago and has mostly been settled since, comments made by Tamar Braxton on a podcast reignited the debate and sparked a robust response from Michelle.
Braxton commented that black artists crossing over into country music had to be careful to represent the culture well. While the discussion was primarily focused on Beyonce, and K. Michelle wasn’t mentioned by name, she still felt slighted. That seemingly caused her to erupt into an absolute Twitter tirade making numerous tweets about the situation trying to defend herself. In her series of tweets she repeatedly insults Braxton, who replies once again claiming she didn’t mention Michelle by name and claims to not even be talking about her. In the comments of a post recapping the situation. Michelle once again comments. “Y’all know I wouldn’t be saying anything. She knows exactly what she’s doing” the beginning of a very long reply reads. Check out all of the posts the pair have reportedly made about each other so far.
Last month, Braxton made some tweets that left fans concerned. She revealed that she was having trouble dealing with second anniversary of her sister’s death. the tweets left plenty of fans concerned for her wellbeing, though she eventually brushed off their concerns with a follow-up claiming that she was going to be all good.
What do you think of the most recent back and forth between Tamar Braxton and K. Michelle? Who do you think is coming out on top of their recent spat? Let us know in the comment section below.
The first-week projections for Beyoncé‘s COWBOY CARTER are in, and she will easily claim the top spot on the Billboard 200.
According to HITS Daily Double, Queen Bey’s Act ii will sell over 350,000 equivalent album units in the first week and have a streaming total of 250 to 300 million.
The album also set a first-day streaming record for Spotify, bringing in 76 million streams.
Beyoncé is saluting the Black Country singers who have come before her. On the heels of the release of her COWBOY CARTER album, Beyoncé sent flowers to Mickey Guyton and K. Michelle, who created country music as Black women.
“Thank you for opening doors for me, queen. Keep shining. Love and respect, Beyoncé,” the message to Guyton read.
Michelle’s reads, “You’re killing it! I love what you’ve been doing and I know it’s not easy to enter a new space. Sending you positivity and respect. I hope to meet you one day. Love, Beyoncé.”
You can read the reaction from both Guyton and Michelle below.
Beyoncé is saluting the Black Country singers who have come before her. On the heels of the release of her COWBOY CARTER album, Beyoncé sent flowers to Mickey Guyton and K. Michelle, who created country music as Black women.
“Thank you for opening doors for me, queen. Keep shining. Love and respect, Beyoncé,” the message to Guyton read.
Michelle’s reads, “You’re killing it! I love what you’ve been doing and I know it’s not easy to enter a new space. Sending you positivity and respect. I hope to meet you one day. Love, Beyoncé.”
You can read the reaction from both Guyton and Michelle below.
Memphitz has hit back at claims that he physically abused K. Michelle. Appearing on a talk show, Memphitz claimed that Michelle had straight up told him that she was going to telling people that he abused her. This was due to Michelle not wanting to see him happy in his then-upcoming marriage to Toya. This goes against the deposition that Memphitz underwent in which he admitted to abusing Michelle. However, in this new clip, which you can see in full below, Memphitz bluntly states that he “never hit that crazy b-tch”.
However, fans weren’t having it online. “He so sick he know he beat the daylights out that woman because we seen how you treated Toya. SMH only if Rasheeda woulda believed K. Michelle and warned her friend ,” one person noted. “I mean her songs bout u came out before u got with Toya so math not mathing ,” added another. In short, it seems like Memphitz’s claims that Michelle was just trying to cause trouble for him have fallen on deaf ears.
However, this isn’t the first time that Memphitz has used the argument that Michelle lied. Back in September, after allegations came out about Carlos King, Memphitz jumped on the train demonizing the embattled producer. “He’s also the one that told K.Michelle to tell people I hit her before. All of Ratings. K told me. My brother right? Way ta go Los. Kim told Me he coached her on what to say & how to say it so her story line would get ratings. F-ck me huh?” Memphitz said.
Furthermore, Memphitz received a pretty fiery response from the now-husband of Toya. After Memphitz had posted a picture from his time with Toya, her current husband hit him with the Will Smith Oscars moment and a stern caption. “I was raised in GA, one thing my good brother @troubleman31 always taught us. DISRESPECT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. PERIOD!!!’ AND IM STANDING ON THAT SH-T 110 PERCENT,” Robert Rushing wrote on social media.
Keyshia Cole is set to headline the highly anticipated Love Hard Tour, which is presented in partnership with the Black Promoters Collective. The upcoming tour brings together some of the biggest names in R&B for an unforgettable experience that will take fans on a journey down memory lane.
Keyshia Is Back!
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Keyshia Cole, known for hits like “Love” and “Heaven Sent,” will officially be headlining the Love Hard Tour.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0zKZMoLpfd/
Joining her will be singer Trey Songz, alongside R&B singer Jaheimand songstress K. Michelle. As the “Should’ve Cheated” singer is the headliner of the tour, she stated:
“I am beyond excited to announce ‘The Love Hard Tour,’ and to be collaborating with the Black Promoter’s Collective. This tour is a true labor of live and I’m looking forward to connecting with my fans, sharing new memories and healing through music.”
More Tour Details
Kicking off in Macon, Georgia, on February 22, 2024, the tour consists of 24 shows. The artist presale began on Wednesday, December 13, while the local, venue, and promoter presales will commence on Thursday, December 14, from 10 AM to 11:59 PM, with the code “BPC.”
Tickets will be available to the general public starting on Friday, Dec. 15, at 10 AM CST. Fans can access tickets here.
‘This Is My Story’
Keyshia Cole is getting all of her accolades, as the singer has been propelling to the forefront lately. Recently, in June 2023, Cole was featured in a Lifetime film, a biopic of her life, titled Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story.
The R&B Resurgence – Thanks To Usher
As the R&B resurgence continues to captivate music lovers, the ‘Love Hard’ Tour is a testament to the genre’s enduring popularity. R&B iconUsher has also been at the forefront of this resurgence, with successful ventures such as a Las Vegas residency and headlining the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Performance.
Thanks to social media, most of the drama that unfolds within the music industry is quickly plastered across the internet for fans to react to. However, there are still things that go down behind closed doors, some of which only come to light years later during podcast interviews or dramatic blowouts. Since Nicki Minaj confirmed her Pink Friday 2 album is dropping later this year, there’s been a notable increase in the number of unflattering stories about the mother of one in the news. K. Michelle only contributed to that while recording an episode of R&B Money, reflecting on some things that Minaj allegedly stole from her earlier in their careers.
“‘Buy A Heart’ was on a Meek Mill album, and Nicki Minaj’s mean a** took it from me,” the 41-year-old told Tank and J Valentine. “Atlantic Records put me in with Meek Mill ‘cuz he needed some love songs,” she explained to the confused hosts. “He played that record, it wasn’t on his album. I said, ‘Oh, you sleeping on this.’ So I got the record,” Michelle shared. At the time, she wasn’t aware of the Philly native’s romantic relationship with Minaj, but the Queen of Rap was well aware of her existence.
“I had never slept with Meek, none of that,” the “Can’t Raise a Man” singer clarified. “She wanted to take the record from me, and she said that he had to take back his chain from me.” Michelle noted that she was always a fan of Minaj’s, and didn’t think she had done anything to upset the “Only” artist.
In the end, “Buy A Heart” ended up on one of Minaj’s previous albums with her then-boyfriend as a featured artist. It’s been nearly a decade since The Pinkprint first landed, but its influence remains undeniable – even if the Trinidadian wasn’t the original owner of all the songs.
Check out K. Michelle’s full conversation with Tank and J Valentine on R&B Money above. Do you believe what the L&HH cast member is saying about Nicki Minaj? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more music/pop culture news updates.
K. Michelle is set to release her final R&B album, I’m The Problem. After expressing her intention to focus on Country music, the R&B singer is taking a step in that direction with this album. ‘I’m The Problem’ K. Michelle will be dropping her final R&B album on September 22, 2023, via MNRK Records. The […]
There is plenty of talent to be found in the lush expanses of Georgia. The Peach State is a leading force in all genres of music, but it’s had quite a run in Hip Hop. Labels like Quality Control Music and Young Stoner Life have helped develop Platinum-selling voices from Atlanta and beyond, and in a small town called Thomaston, a young Mondaii was waiting for his chance at stardom.
As a rapper with the soul of a country boy, Mondaii, real name Tony Matthews, navigates his burgeoning career with a determined spirit. His journey, magnified by his rich Southern heritage, resonates with those who hear the authenticity in his words and the strength behind his usually soft-spoken demeanor. His path to this place—albeit still early in his career—reads like a stroke of luck. While immersed in his day job at one of K. Michelle‘s restaurants, little did Mondaii know that his artistry would catch the discerning ear of the very singer he worked for.
Discovering his musical brilliance through the digital whispers of social media, K. Michelle extended an invitation to collaborate. She recognized the gold mine of talent before her, changing the trajectory of Mondaii’s future. Thus, began his ascent, co-penning tracks for the hitmaking singer, with some blossoming as singles and others waiting in the wings for the release of her upcoming album.
I remember just seeing Eminem, “Forgot About Dre.” I said, wait a minute. He’s a white rapper that sounds like this. It taught me that, wow, Hip Hop really comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, orientations. It’s about the craft, and not so much about everything else.
-Mondaii
Yet, it isn’t just his songwriting that sets him apart. Recognized and celebrated by the iconic duo of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Mondaii received a grant that furthered his musical journey and cultivated deep-rooted mentorships. Today, these legendary producers stand beside him, guiding and nurturing as Mondaii crafts his own legacy.
From the onset of our interview with Mondaii, it was clear that he is a young man with a dream in his heart and his eye on the prize. He’s tackled every opportunity headfirst, hoping that the music he creates will resonate with listeners who may be overlooked, but who still push forward with confidence. Read through our expansive (and fun!) conversation with this emerging artist as he speaks with us about his roots, songwriting for K. Michelle, wise advice from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, his dream collaborations with Pink and Nicki Minaj, being open about his sexuality, and remaining authentic in an industry that often dulls one’s shine.
This interview has been slightly edited for clarity.
HotNewHipHop: So I see that you’re a Georgia native. And, of course, Georgia has been spitting out hitmakers and talents for as long as I can remember. What inspired you to pursue music professionally, and not just as something you’re just doing on the side?
Mondaii: Well, I’ve always had a dream of doing music. But what made me do it professionally is I saw how much money could be made from songwriting. I see people living different types of lifestyles. If this is what I love, then why wouldn’t I want to pursue this as a career? I mean, I never seen myself clocking in—and no shade to the people that do this, you know what I mean? I never really seen myself clocking in like a normal nine-to-five. Sometimes, I feel like I have ADHD, my attention span is short, for one. So, me doing something routine could get very monotonous fast for me. And I felt like, my purpose and my God-given calling was music.
In 2017, I would make these Rap videos where I would do covers on Instagram to people’s tracks. I’ll maybe do an eight to 16-bar freestyle. I just started doing it more consistently. One day, K. Michelle saw it and sent me a DM! And she was like, wow, I didn’t know he was talented. I want to work with you on my album. And I was like, wow. Here’s my chance. Alright, we’re doing it! We’re doing it! Kind of like that.
That’s incredible! I heard that at the time you were working at K. Michelle’s restaurant?
Yes, I was. I was working as a server. And I would never mention to her that I did music. Because although it was K. Michelle’s restaurant, she had like a manager to oversee. So, I really never see her, she’d be calling the big shots. Even when times where I did see her, it was not like I was dying to say, “Hey, here, check out my mixtape.” Because I know, before I met K. Michelle, I’d be afraid. I’d be like, “Y’all, K. Michelle’s gonna curse me out. Like, she’s gonna go off and then I’m gonna be jobless.” [laughs] So, I never said that I did music.
However, right next door to K. Michelle’s restaurant was Killer Mike’s barbershop. And I remember after work, I’ll be outside with my friends, some of the workers over there, and we have little cyphers in front of the restaurant and stuff. And I remember one of the chefs at K. Michelle’s restaurant—I don’t know if she showed K. Michelle, or one of my other co-workers that were higher up in position than I was showing her that I rapped. But long story short, she found out, and she was like, “Yeah, well, you never said anything.” And I was like, you know, I was scared of her like [laughs]. So, that’s how that happened.
And what tracks did you work with her on specifically?
Okay, so in 2017, I started working with K. Michelle. So, I would do her smaller projects. I worked on her mixtape. I remember she would just send me all kinds of cool creative ideas and be like, “What can you do to this?” And I feel like she would get a kick out of how fast I can send her something back. Like, so many different people’s songs. One time she sent me “Playing Games” by Summer Walker, I came up with something super fast and sent it back to her. She would send me all the hottest tracks that are out that she wanted to do.
I remember this Cardi B song. And she just sent it to me, and I’ll send her something back really, really quick. But that was on her mixtape stuff, which was really, really good. Now, fast forward. You know, I was starting out. I’ve always been a songwriter, and I like to write songs, but I would write mostly Hip Hop tracks. So, what was really special about our relationship is I feel like she saw something in me that I didn’t see myself at the time.
But I didn’t sell myself short. Because at the time, she was like, “Hey, enough with the mixtape stuff. I want you to work with me on my album.” I listened to R&B growing up as a kid, but I never wrote any R&B music. So, it was something new for me to do, but I liked writing. I took it on as a challenge. And fast forward to today, I’m her I’m the Problem album, which is supposed to be released very soon. I’m gonna have a total of nine songs on the album.
You can check out two songs that I’ve already written. I’m on “Wherever the D*ck May Land.” It’s featuring Gloss Up from Quality Control. I wrote on that one that’s currently out. And I also wrote on the track that she has out called “You.” So, those are two singles that I have out on her album right now. And I have seven more coming. Excited for those to come out!
That’s incredible. Congratulations on that. Because that’s a very—that’s a story that doesn’t happen to everybody. It’s just taking advantage of an opportunity that’s presented to you and then just watching it unfold over the course of years to something better. I love those hustling-from-the-bottom stories, you know? And you said this was your introduction to writing for R&B. What is a huge lesson, just as a songwriter in general, that you learned? What’s something that you just have observed in the songwriting process?
Well, I think one of the most valuable things that I’ve learned is to get your business together. You know, it’s not called the music music, it’s called the music business for a reason [laughs]. And, you know, I want to keep this interview on a positive light note. But, I have had instances where I’ve worked with artists, and I’ve had music that I was a part of that necessarily wasn’t credited for. But, you know, all in all, it taught me, okay, this is how you should be moving.
You’re in the studio, get splits. As an up-and-coming writer, you know, I used to be scared to make people feel uncomfortable or will make me feel uncomfortable to conduct business after. If you’re in a studio, we’re all creative, we’re all hyped about the song. “Yeah, yeah, that’s the one, that’s the one!” And then I gotta be like, “Alright, y’all. Okay, so I’m gonna need your information. I’m going to share information.” [Laughs] You see how that can be like a mood killer?
I was scared to do that. Sometimes I would be like, “I’ll just wait later,” you know? I mean, they clearly see I was on the song. But no, you wait later, people get amnesia. You got people handling the business that wasn’t even in the studio. And next thing you know, you’re gonna look on the credits, and you’ll be like, “Wait a minute. Where I’m at?!” [laughs] If anything, I feel like, you know, it’s taught me how to be a boss. And it’s taught me to be my own bodyguard. Nobody’s gonna take up for me and speak up for me how I’m gonna do it for myself.
That’s really true. Yeah, especially out here in the Music Music! [laughs] Well, keeping that energy, as you said of something that’s positive and coming off of the lessons that you’ve learned and what you see is valuable… I know that Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have been mentors and friends to you. That’s super interesting to me because I have loved them since my childhood, way back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth [laughs]. I was a Janet girl, Ms. Jackson, if you’re nasty. Talk about how you met and developed a relationship with them. How that has influenced your career? And just the advice from monumental legends like them?
Oh, yes! First of all, I love them. They’re like my big uncles. I be like, ‘Yo! Big Unc!” Literally, I was just talking to Mr. Jimmy today, actually. Um, but yeah, I met them by applying. I met them through the opportunity of applying for a grant. So, last year, they had a grant, they partnered with the Black Music Coalition. And of course, they awarded up-and-coming musicians, an award to help them out.
So, during that time, I really didn’t live in Atlanta, but I would always be here. And I’m not even going to hold you, I was struggling. I wanted to be in Atlanta so bad. I was trying to get on people’s albums, in the studio, I was sleeping in my car. It was really, really rough for me. And I applied for this grant. I almost didn’t apply because I felt like, what are the chances? You got so many people that are doing things way better than I am? You know what I mean? What are the chances? People with more impressive accolades than me? What are the chances that I’m gonna get this grant by applying?
I saw the grant, and I saw some of my friends applying and saying, hey, tag me in this. I kind of hate being one of those people because I feel spammy. Anyway, I felt like God really put it on my spirit to like, “Listen, boy, go’n ahead and apply for that grant.” Because that’s just our relationship [laughs]. So, I applied, and maybe a month or so went by. I was still in my parents’ house in the country in a small town called Thomaston, Georgia. I think I was running some errands for my mom, and I got a call from a random number. It was like, “Hey, you’re a finalist in the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Musicmakers Grant.” And I was like, “Oh, what?! Like, really?” I was so stunned. I remember being super excited.
But I don’t even think that I was as much excited that I was a finalist with the grant. I was just super excited that Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis knew who I was, a small boy from a country town in Georgia. So small people go to Walmart for fun, you know what I’m saying? Like, they know me. What?!
So, I was super excited about that. Fast forward. I had heard I was a finalist, they flew me out to L.A. to meet with them. And I met with them, I chopped it up with them. We talked about music. I feel like we connected instantly. You know what I mean? They just have really, really great spirits. They really had like a very mentor and father figure-like presence. They’re legends in this game. Yeah. So, I told them my story. I feel like they resonated a lot with me. And I was awarded the grant.
And then, after being awarded the grant, I sat down and chopped it up with Mr. Terry and Mr. Jimmy. Mr. Terry tells me…he sits me down. He says, “You know, when you’re out here in L.A., you’re getting all those awards and everything. Don’t stare up at the Hollywood sign too long because you might crash.” So, I’m looking like, I feel like it’s a message, but what does that mean?
He says, “Don’t stare at the Hollywood sign so wrong, you might crash.” So, you know, I pondered a little while, I came back to him. And I said, “I got it. I know what it means.” And we talked, and the meaning of what he said was so profound. He’s basically saying, you know, don’t chase what’s in, or what you think is glitz and glam or trendy. Because you might crash.
Not that you literally might crash, but you could crash because you might burn yourself out. And he was telling me the premise of that Hollywood sign. The glitz and glam of the industry are not the same premise of why you are gifted your gift. Yeah. And he was basically saying if you were given your gift to be impactful and make a difference in the world, then that should be your motivator, always. That’ll continue driving you when you don’t get the yeses that you need. Or you don’t have the instant gratification that you need or you would like. Do you get what I’m saying? So, he was like, “Just always know what your motivating factor is and strive to do great things in music, so that you could give back, as well.”
That’s really good. Because you can see it all the time in interviews, on Instagram, social media, all over. Artists, they’ll tweet or put in a caption—you can tell they’re just burnt out, they’re just tired. You gotta get up here and put on this TikTok video because that’s viral right now. And you gotta make this song with this person because that’s what’s hot right now. And it removes them from their authenticity of why they even got into it in the first place.
Butspeaking of one’s authenticity, you touch on your sexuality in your music. We’re seeing an influx of queer artists being comfortable with incorporating their creative talents with just who they are and how they live their lives. This is in an industry with a history of telling people to hide that part of themselves. Why do you feel it’s important for you to share that in your music?
You know, I feel like it’s very important for me to include that part of my life and my music because it is me. And it’s actually a big reason of why I have a strong passion for music and how I got into music in general. I felt like growing up as a kid, I feel like people could see things on people. People like to pretend that they don’t know. I felt like I always tried to be something I was not. I’m from a small country town. My parents are Southern Baptists. So, I was always told, if you’re gay, you’re going to hell, you’re gonna burn in hell. Zero to 100!
How everybody else be forgiven for their sins, but I’m going to hell? [laughs] No, option me, though. So, yeah, I just remember not being able to fit in. I always remember trying to change. I remember trying to always change things about myself. People always tell me, “Oh, you don’t need to walk like that.” Or, “You don’t need to sound like that. Put some more bass in your voice! Men don’t talk like that. Men don’t do this, men don’t do that.” And you’re trying to change all these things about yourself. You will lose your mind.
I thought maybe I’ll fit in more if I play football, maybe more masculine. Did not work. I tried to play basketball, did not work. So, I’m like, what? How can I be there with my peers? How can I fit in without being ostracized? I mean, I’ve always had a unique voice that I was a little bit insecure about because I sound different from my average male peers. So, I was like, I’ll try this out. I’ll try that out. I know, I’ll try rapping.
And I remember just seeing Eminem, “Forgot About Dre.” I said, wait a minute. He’s a white rapper that sounds like this. It taught me that, wow, Hip Hop really comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, orientations. It’s about the craft, and not so much about everything else. So, I started rapping. I’m not gonna tell you a lie and say I was just instantly good. I actually sucked [laughs]. But I wanted to do it, so I just kept studying the craft, learning different techniques, and I gradually got really, really, really good at it.
It’s to the point where I was like, “Oh, I’m gonna pop my ish!” I feel like it’s a sport for me now, I want to be the best. I’m coming to compete. So, I feel like my sexuality has definitely been a part of my music. That’s why I want to include it because I feel that with me, not really having a close-knit group to go to growing up, I feel like I want to put that more in the music so we can normalize certain things. Normalize that it’s regardless of your sexual orientation or your interests.
People like to classify LGBTQ with a rainbow. But it’s ironic that it’s a rainbow that has multi colors. But we’re only viewed in one color spectrum. And I want to let people know that, hey, we have layers. You know, we’re not all flamboyant, death-dropping, duck-walking, you know what I mean? We have layers, we’re all unique. We all possess different things. And I don’t want to be just limited to, you know, making gay music or music for the queer community. I want to make music for everybody. Yeah, we’re artists. Yes, I am. But I’m going to make music for everyone.
That’s amazing. And how would you define your music? Like, “My music is for people that _____”?
My music is for people who want to feel good about themselves and spread love to others. I just want to empower people. And I want to make them feel like they’re the ish, because they are.
And what can we expect from your upcoming project?
Well, I have an upcoming project called Boy Interrupted. And I feel like you can expect some bops that are gonna make you feel good. Also, I feel like we can expect some more reflective songs that are gonna be a little bit more thought-provoking. I like giving food for thought in my lyrics.
Okay, all right. Well, food for thought, sprinkle, sprinkle [laughs]. Of course, you’ve already worked with K. Michelle, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis are your mentors, you got your foot in the door coming out of a little country town and doing some big things. What are some dream collabs? If you could manifest something right now, get a phone call, three artists that you would be dying to stop everything you’re doing and just hop in the studio with?
Oh, my goodness. So, it’s going to be a random selection. I would say my dream collaboration will be Nicki Minaj. Like, everything to be in the studio with Nicki Minaj, whether writing on a project or us collaborating. I feel like growing up, just the confidence in which she attacked her lyrics—before her, I really, really liked Biggie Smalls, but you know, that collaboration wouldn’t be possible unless someone regenerated his voice. So, I would say the first one would be Nicki Minaj.
The second one would be Pink. I really love listening to Pink as an adolescent and in my middle school years. I feel like Pink lowkey inspired my songwriting because I like to tell tales of triumph that wins. Like, I was once the underdog, just like feeling in power, or stories of where you can go from down here but go up there? Because I feel like that’s been my life. So, I would like to collaborate with Pink because she makes those timeless, empowering hits. And who else…
Hold on, hold on. What Pink are we talking about? Are we talking about Pop Pink? Are we talking about Country Pink? The belting out ballads Pink?
It could be whatever! I love my early 2000s Pink. “You and Your Hand” and “Family Portrait.” I like that. That was cool because I do Alternative music as well. I write that as well. But I would also like ballad Pink, create something timeless. I want to create timeless music, I don’t want to create anything that’s just for the now. That even when I’m gone, it can transcend across time, you know?
Yeah. That replay value from one generation to the next.
Yes. And I think my third collaboration would be…this is so hard. Does it have to be an artists or producer?
It could be anything!
Mr. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis!
Oh, of course. Of course!
Of course! They already got the game on lock. Been producing hits for years. You know? I feel like I’m talented. We know they’re legends! [laughs]
Yeah, that is the perfect answer. Because the good lord knows if I had an ounce of musical talent, I’d be chasing them around the country…begging! [laughs] And this is my last question. I asked it to everybody. It’s harmless. So, we know that celebrity in and of itself is an illusion, right? When people look at artists, they see them for what they think they are. Fans see them as whatever they can find on social media or in interviews or in their artistry. And even people on an artist’s team have expectations of what they should be doing to work on their career. Families have expectations of who they are within the household unit. As an artist, what is something about the heart of who you are as a person that doesn’t always translate because this veil of celebrity can be almost a boundary between you and the general public, or even just the world?
Wow, that is a very thought-provoking question [laughs].
That’s why I asked it last!
Wow. Because look, I’m trying to figure out if this is an interview or a therapy session [laughs]. But no, I think something that gets overlooked due to the expectations from the music industry about me is that—wow. That’s a great question. I’m over here, like, stuck. I don’t know…that gets overlooked? Maybe it does. But I, I guess that I’m not always confident. I’m not always as confident as my lyrics may portray me.
I know, I pop mad ish in my lyrics. If anybody knows me, I’m pretty soft-spoken. I’m very considerate of others. I’m an extreme empath. Like, I feel, and I sense energies very easily. So, I have a really, really, really big heart at the end of the day. And I really try my best to help people. Even with my music, I want to make people feel good. I’ve felt not seen so many times in this music industry, or overlooked due to what I perceive you have to have to make it in this industry.
People like things that are flashy, that are boastful, but at the end of the day, I’m just a regular guy. I’m regular. I feel just like the next person, I get my feelings hurt sometimes when I put them on the line. I’m not always the most confident. So, sometimes I had to just pep myself up and encourage myself. That’s something that I feel like could get lost in translation with my music and in the industry. That I’m just a regular guy trying to strive to make it through this thing called life.
(@blacchyna)
(@TamarBraxtonHer) 
.” Afterward, she tweeted, “Good night. Going back to heal and mind my own business like I always do, not bothering anybody!” 
.” Word of Tamar and Michelle’s beef spread, and fans started wading in. A fan tweeted in Tamar’s defense, saying she wasn’t referring to Michelle with her comments. Tamar responded to the fan’s post, “I absolutely was not!! I said a FEW artists! I paid homage to 
,” one person noted. “I mean her songs bout u came out before u got with Toya so math not mathing 
,” added another. In short, it seems like Memphitz’s claims that Michelle was just trying to cause trouble for him have fallen on deaf ears. 
