Lifestyle

Fabolous Collabs on Vegan Accessories and Baggage Line

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Fabolous

Many hip-hop stars are known for creating their own clothing, shoes, or jewelry line, but rapper Fabolous might be the first artist to have a line that includes a Parisian jewelry trunk and other upscale accessories that can fit in with both work and play fits.

Fobolous Hemincuff line
Fobolous Hemincuff line collab

The resulting collab between Fabolous and well-known jeweler Greg Yuna is a new line in the NYC-based vegan and sustainable accessories brand, Hemincuff. The collection, which features a variety of trunks, cases, and packs, is decorated in the brand’s exclusive geo-print, which is inspired by Hemincuff CEO/Founder Noel Veloz’s love for Parisian fashion, art, and architecture as well as hip-hop culture.

Noel Veloz details the collaboration stating, “I wanted to drop this Paris Collection with Fabolous and Greg Yuna because they are defined as tastemakers in the industry. Fabolous has been my all-time favorite hip-hop artist since I was a kid, and my dream has always been to work alongside him and that’s just what I did. I bumped into his manager at one of my retail jobs, he introduced me to Greg Yuna, and the rest was history. With this collaboration, I’ll become the first Dominican American to release vegan leather trunks handmade in Mexico. I’m really looking forward to creating my own lane with this collection.”

According to Velez, the line’s geo-print was inspired by his close relationship and love for his family with the six leaves in the print representing the six letters in the word “family” and the six members of Noel’s family. The two darker colors represent Velez’s parents and the four royal blue leaves, which is Velez’s and his father’s favorite color, represent his three other siblings. When his family comes together the geo print is complete.

Fabolous describes how he was excited to be a part of the collaboration as Velez and his family hail from Queens, Fabolous’s home city, stating: “When Noel approached me to be a collaborator in his Hemincuff Paris Collection alongside Greg Yuna, I knew I had to be a part of it. Noel’s Father has been and is the inspiration of these creations and the Hemincuff brand as a whole – him and Noel put the name in the vegan leather! Greg is from Queens, I’m from Brooklyn, and Noel is from the Bronx – it was a New York collaboration! When we come through with the vegan trunk briefcase, we mean business!” 

Hemincuff unveiled the gorgeous  PARIS THE FAMILY X GY collection ($295 – $695), which is now available for pre-order.. Customers are able to join the waitlist now on the brand’s website www.hemincuff.com

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McDonald’s USA & Keke Palmer Surprise Young Leaders with $220K

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 McDonald’s Future 22 is an integrated, creative campaign, launched during Black History Month, that highlights 22 young, Black visionaries who are creating meaningful change in communities across the country.  

MORE: Keke Palmer Set to Release a Fictional Essay Collection ‘Southern Belle Insults’

During the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture, McDonald’s furthered its commitment to serving up bright futures by surprising 22 young, Black leaders with $10,000 each — totaling to $220,000 — to help them achieve their community-driven goals, with the help of award-winning actress, singer and entertainer and campaign spokesperson, Keke Palmer.   

“It’s an honor to join McDonald’s to recognize and celebrate these awesome leaders, while also supporting their work and mission,” said Keke. “They are creating bright futures for themselves and the next generation – and, really, all of us – and the excitement on their faces during the McDonald’s surprise gave me joy.”  

During the celebratory event held at Essence Fest last weekend in New Orleans, which McDonald’s sponsored for the 22nd year, Keke and Marissa Fisher, a second-generation McDonald’s Owner/Operator in New Orleans, participated in a fireside chat moderated by McDonald’s Senior Director of Cultural Engagement, Elizabeth Campbell, to inspire Future 22 leaders and provide tips on staying true to one’s mission, finding balance while changing the world and paving the way for others, among other topics.   

“This year’s Essence Fest theme was Black Joy, and we couldn’t wait to celebrate all 22 leaders and bring them to New Orleans, in honor of their accomplishments,” said Campbell. “We certainly could’ve surprised them virtually but making them a part of our Essence Fest moment meant unlocking the additional community of supporters who are McDonald’s Owner/Operators and the Essence Fest family, to further celebrate them and demonstrate our belief in their work. It was more special than imagined, representing our commitment to feeding and fostering the communities we serve.”    

MORE: Halle Berry Hops On The ‘Baby, That’s Keke Palmer’ Twitter Trend: Meme Explained

All weekend long, the Future 22 leaders were invited to celebrate the Essence Festival of Culture 2022 theme of “Black Joy” through different McDonald’s activities, including a celebratory event in their honor, impactful experiences at its branded booth, loads of entertainment, and show-stopping performances.  Future 22 campaign spokesperson Keke Palmer announced the funds during the celebratory event following a fireside chat with New Orleans-based Owner/Operator Marissa Fisher on staying true to one’s mission, creating your own opportunities and finding balance while changing the world. Moderated by McDonald’s Senior Director of Cultural Engagement, Elizabeth Campbell. 

McDonald’s Future 22 and the Essence Fest partnership are two of the many company initiatives that celebrate Black excellence. For more than 65 years, McDonald’s and its Owner/Operators have awarded scholarships to HBCU students, and created impactful partnerships with community organizations like the National Urban League, NAACP, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and more. And this year, McDonald’s is proud to congratulate the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association for 50 years of entrepreneurial and community excellence. 

Watch the interviews above for more on Keke Palmer and McDonald’s Future 22 campaign.

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Kid Cudi To Headline Camp McDonald’s Music Event

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Kid Cudi blunt roller

Kid Cudi will headline McDonald’s Camp McDonald’s virtual music event starting July 13, which features an all-star line-up, including BIBI, Omar Apollo, and blackbear. The virtual music event is a four-week special available only on the McDonald’s app. Each week will bring exclusive merch, menu items, and promotions, like a $2 Big Mac, and free McFlurry with a $1 purchase.

MORE: Diddy Travels to London and Celebrates Naomi Campbell’s Honorary Doctorate

Pre-recorded musical sets will be available every Sunday, starting July 10, exclusively on the McDonald’s App with a $1 purchase on mobile order and pay.  The series of virtual concerts will begin with blackbear on July 10, followed by Apollo, BIBI and ending with Cudi on July 31.

Merch will be supplied by  L.A. clothing brand Free & Easy, streetwear label Ma®ket and Kid Cudi. All merch will be available in adult, unisex sizes small through XXL. The “Don’t Trip” tee is available now.

MORE: John Legend is Joined by Muni Long for New Song and Video “Honey”

Kid Cudi is set to hit the road this summer on the “To The Moon Tour” with the opening acts Denzel Curry, 070 Shake, Strick and Don Toliver. In support of the tour, Kid Cudi released the first volume of his compilation series, The Boy Who Flew To The Moon, out now on all digital streaming platforms on Friday (July 8), an 18-track collection that features fan-favorites, like “Day N Nite,” “Mr. Rager” and “Pursuit Of Happiness (Nightmare).”

“The Boy Who Flew To The Moon is a much-needed reminder of everything I’ve accomplished the last 14 years,” Cudi tweets. “The ups, the downs, the return, my rise again. One hell of ride. Who knows what the next 14 years has in store for me. I promise it won’t be boring.”

Stream the entire compilation below via Republic Records.

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Usher Presents L.A. Reid With Icon Award At Culture Creators

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usher la reid

Usher honored his mentor L.A. Reid with the icon award at the 6th annual Culture Creator Brunch. “Our honorees share in our collective experience that is sometimes met with doubt, frustration, and unnecessary complication,” says Culture Creators founder Joi Brown. “Yet we march on as a collective village that continues to produce excellence because experience has taught us that we don’t get to quit.”

She continued: “I didn’t know what Culture Creators was to become when I started, but I’m clear on where we’re headed.” 

MORE: YG Channels Usher with “YG Bucks”

This year, Usher presented Reid, a music industry veteran and mentor, with the Icon Award. L.A. Reid’s acceptance of the honor was preceded by a video montage, which included personal congratulatory remarks from the likes of Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, 21 Savage, DJ Khaled, and Jermaine Dupri, to name a few.

Guests were also treated to captivating performances by Amber Riley and host Coco Jones. Culture Creators also introduced three new awards that were given out on the red carpet, Community Advocate, Blog of the Year, and HBCU Rising Culture Creator.

MORE: Usher Announces New Las Vegas Residency at Park MGM This July

Presenting sponsor Netflix welcomed Culture Creators’ guests to a lush photo experience via the Strong Black Lead Portrait Studio. Empowered partner CÎROC treated guests to a number of curated specialty drinks like the DeLeón Blanco Pink Paloma, Summer Citrus Sunset, and a few of their summer spritzers during the immaculately designed post-show reception. Additional partners included Pivotal Ventures, Lexus, and Morgan Stanley. 

2022 saw the event expand and evolved as it highlights the achievements of thought leaders, philanthropists, executives, entertainers, artists, and other pillars of African American culture in an intimate setting among key players.

In other news, Usher has a new single with City Girls slated for a July 1 release.

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Young Guru Joins Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment

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Long Island University today announced Grammy Award-winning audio engineer and producer Gimel “Young Guru” Keaton has joined the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment as Director of the Music Technology, Entrepreneurship & Production program.

The Roc Nation School and Young Guru also announced a full-tuition scholarship to be awarded to one highly qualified student. Apply for the scholarship today, here.

Keaton is an accomplished music producer, record executive, audio engineer and DJ who works with the music industry’s top artists, spanning from JAY-Z to Rihanna to Mariah Carey. He has garnered multiple Grammy nominations, and in 2019 Keaton won a Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album for mixing the album Everything Is Love by The Carters. 

Keaton co-founded and co-leads the label Jamla, which houses Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed lyricist Rapsody, and newcomers Reuben Vincent and Ian Kelly.

“Education is a valuable platform to show talented students how to navigate the music industry, preserve music history, and share their culture with the world,” Keaton said. “Joining the Roc Nation School is an incredible opportunity to offer my experience as a guide for up-and-coming artists and producers.” 

Keaton previously served on the faculty of the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music as an artist-in-residence and has lectured at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Music and Emory University. 

“The Roc Nation School is the premier destination for the next generation of professionals in the music industry who have the opportunity to learn directly from top executives and artists,” said Long Island University President Kimberly Cline. “We are thrilled to welcome Young Guru to the Roc Nation School’s leadership team. His decades of experience and expertise in the music business will be an incredible asset to the school.”

The Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment offers undergraduate degrees in applied music; music technology, entrepreneurship and production; sports communication and marketing; and vocal performance. It also offers a BS, MS and PhD in sports management.

Keaton joins a growing roster of exceptional artists and industry elites such as super producer 9th Wonder, visiting professor and artist in residence at the Roc Nation School, who teaches courses in hip-hop history and the making of an album.

The Roc Nation School Speaker Series features nationally and internationally recognized speakers who are invited based on their expertise and accomplishments providing Roc Nation School students with incredible opportunities to interact with these global leaders. Recent speakers include:

·       Andrew Gould: VP, Music Publishing, Roc Nation

·       Adam Silver: NBA Commissioner

·       Don Garber: MLS Commissioner

·       Desiree Perez: CEO, Roc Nation

·       Michael Rubin: Executive Chairman, Fanatics; 76ers Partner

·       Keith Sheldon: President, Hard Rock

·       Bernadette McGlade: Atlantic 10 Conference Commissioner

·       Jon Platt: CEO, Sony Music Publishing

·       Adam Petrick: Global Director of Brand and Marketing, Puma

Roc Nation Hope Scholarships provide 25% of enrolled students with full tuition and individualized support and mentorship. The Roc Nation Hope Scholars are selected from a pool of academically competitive, first-time freshmen with the highest need.

International sportswear brand PUMA announced the establishment of the PUMA Hope Scholarship Fund for students in the Roc Nation school. Previous scholarship opportunities have also been sponsored by NBA Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball and artist Megan Thee Stallion.

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Big Sean Received Award At Inaugural Juneteenth Honors Ceremony

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Multi-platinum artist, philanthropist and entrepreneur Big Sean was awarded at the inaugural Juneteenth Honors Ceremony.

Hosted by the Juneteenth Foundation, the ceremony highlighted Black excellence and those esteemed individuals who have an extraordinary track record of service to the Black community. The event aired on Fox Soul Sunday night. 

MORE: Big Sean and Jhené Aiko Reportedly Expecting Child

The importance of advocacy and service was instilled in Sean at a very young age by his late grandmother, Mildred V. Leonard. She was a World War II veteran and one of the first Black female officers in the army. Last Wednesday (6/15), Mildred’s battalion was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal at the Military Women’s Memorial.

Mildred was part of Women’s Army Corps’ 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion sent overseas during the war. The battalion’s success led to the desegregation of the military. 

MORE: J. Cole, Doja Cat, Lil Baby, Big Sean, Jazmine Sullivan and More Set for Lollapalooza 2022

Following these incredible accolades and awards, Sean and his non-profit, the Sean Anderson Foundation, will continue to assist, uplift and empower underserved communities. The foundation is currently planning its annual D.O.N. (Detroit’s on Now) Weekend to celebrate and give back to the Detroit families, entrepreneurs, teachers and long-standing institutions who are the backbone of the city.

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Kevin Hart Set To Open Two Plant-Based Restaurants In Los Angeles

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Fast-food in a Hartbeat.

Comedy mogul Kevin Hart expands his empire into the plant-based industry with the announcement of the opening of two upcoming plant-based restaurants in Los Angeles called Hart House. For the new venture, Hart, 42, will team with established restauranteur and Hart House CEO Andy Hooper to bring a fast-food menu featuring vegan burgers, “chicken” sandwiches, nuggets, fries, tots, salads, and milkshakes. Two years in the making, the first Hart House will open this summer in Hollywood.

MORE: Kevin Hart’s HARTBEAT Enters Music Publishing Deal with Warner Chappell Music

Hart and Hooper broke the news of Hart House to LAMag last Thursday (June 16). Hooper told the publication, “I think it’s important for us to be a restaurant that first and foremost serves a crave-able product that people go out of their way to consume and then at the end we’re like, ‘Hey, by the way, this just happens to be all plant-based.”

Hart House is currently a food truck used for private events. “Kevin sort of conceptualize this idea at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Hooper on Hart House’s conception. “If I were advising him at the time, I would say, ‘Don’t you dare ever start a restaurant, and don’t you ever start a restaurant in the middle of COVID,’ but after almost two years of really working on this menu and getting the food to a place where it can deliver on that promise, we’re ready to go and we’re excited to tell the world about Hart House and excited to serve the food.” 

Hart began his plant-based diet after his highly-publicized 2019 car accident. During an interview with Joe Rogan in 2020, he revealed the near-death ordeal prompted him to live a healthier lifestyle, which included the removal of red meat, fish and seafood from diet. Hart told Rogan, “Just because you make the decision to go and try plant-based, doesn’t mean you have to [ be engulfed] in that world. Learn it, understand it, and see if there are benefits that work for you.”

MORE: Season 2 of Kevin Hart’s ‘HART TO HEART’ to Feature JAY-Z, Chris Rock, Saweetie, Mike Tyson & More

In other Kevin Hart news, the comedic actor’s multi-platform media company, Hartbeat, inked a exclusive global publishing partnership deal with Warner Chappell last week. A first of its kind, the deal will have Warner Chappell oversee all of Hartbeat’s music composition copyrights, covering past and future programming from the platform’s shows like “Die Hart” and “Hart to Heart.”

In comedy, Hart is currently overseas on his “Reality Check” arena tour. “14 Days until I kick off my ‘Reality Check’ tour!!!! I’m fucking HYPE AS HELL to give ya’ll these damn jokes… I will be hitting arean’s EVERYWHERE!!! Buckle up damn it…. Go to KevinHartNation.com to get thickets NOOOOWWWW!!! Let’s Gooooo,” tweets Hart last week on Twitter.

For more information on Hart House and complete menu, visit the restaurant’s official website.

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DDG Set To Fight PNB Rock In Celebrity Boxing Match

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DDG PNB Rock

More celebrity boxing is coming this summer with the announcement Thursday evening (June 16) of popular recording artist and recurring celebrity boxer DDG (“Moonwalking in Calabasas”) set to return to the ring to face off against chart-topping Atlantic Records recording artist and first-time celebrity boxer PnB Rock (“Selfish”) on July 30 in Los Angeles, California at Crypto.com Arena and Pay-Per-View.

“I said I wasn’t getting back in the ring unless it was another artist,” tweets DDG on Twitter with a promotional flyer featuring PnB Rock and himself. “LETS GET IT!!! Get tickets now.”

MORE: DDG Returns With New Single “Storyteller,” Reveals US and Europe Tour Dates

Brought to you by Social Golves Entertainment and Bash Boxing, the two hip-hop stars will join as co-headliners of the upcoming boxing match between Los Angeles recording artist Blueface and NBA champ-turned-podcaster Nick “Swaggy P” Young. Bout against PnB Rock marks DDG second celebrity boxing match with a decisive win against YouTuber Nate Wyatt in June 2021 at Battle of the Platforms in Miami.

In his fight against PnB Rock, DDG hopes to inspire the end of senseless gun violence in today’s hip-hop that has taken the lives of so many prominent hip-hop stars in recent years. He encourages other artists to join celebrity boxing and settle their differences with their fists, instead of resorting to gun violence.

In a follow-up tweet, DDG tweets with money bag emojis: “This shit more than a boxing match, it’s a movement! Rappers put the GUNS down & put on the Gloves. Ni**as out here killing for free when u can just punch it out for a BAG.”

MORE: PnB Rock Shares ‘2 Get You Thru The Rain’ Ep Feat. Young Thug and More

PnB Rock has yet to comment on the upcoming bout at press time.

DDG is scheduled to perform headlining shows in Chicago, Atlanta and New York City leading up to the fight with more show announcements on the way.

In related news, DDG and popular recording artist Toosii agreed to a boxing match last summer after the two exchanged words over DDG’s ex-girlfriend Rubi Rose. More as the story develops.

Tickets for DDG vs. PnB Rock are available now at AXS.

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CONGRATULATIONS: Waka Flocka Adds Another Degree To His Resume

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waka flocka

Waka Flocka Flame, whose real name is Juaquin James Malphursis, has added a second degree to his resume. Waka received an honorary professor degree in Humanitarianism and Philanthropy from the Bible Institute of America. This means the Atlanta rapper and entrepreneur can accept a position as a professor and actually teach a classroom of students. From now on it’s Dr. Flocka Flame.

READ MORE: Waka Flocka Talks Split From Wife Tammy Rivera On Tricky Podcast

According to TMZ, the “O Let’s Do It” rapper was awarded his degree alongside legendary civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson. Waka earned a separate doctorate degree in the same field of study in 2020. Ever since his little brother died of suicide in 2013, Waka has pivoted his brand to focus on mental health initiatives.

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Casting Director E. Mills Challenges Diddy’s “Best Party Thrower” Claim

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E Mills Diddy

From his infamous all-white parties in the Hamptons to New Year’s Eve extravaganzas in Miami, it’s no secret that Diddy, 52, presented the culture with some of the most memorable parties throughout his 30-year-plus career. While promoting the upcoming Billboard Music Awards, Diddy titles himself the “Best Party Thrower” in a new commercial that instantly sparks a reaction from Award-winning Los Angeles Casting Director and Party Thrower Ed “E. MillsDidIt” Mills, followed by him suggesting a debate for the rightful owner of the moniker to the general public on social media in order to determine who is the real “best party thrower” between the two.

MORE: Diddy Announces CÎROC is Headed to Ready-to-Drink Market

In reaction to Diddy’s declaration, E. Mills — who’s not looking to self-proclaim the title like Diddy — shared a Tik Tok promo that uses a clip from Diddy’s 2022 Billboard Music Awards commercial where he states “Interrupting your regularly scheduled program, I have an announcement to make. I’m the best muthaf*ckin party thrower…”, a scene from the classic film Coming To America with Hakeem (Eddie Murphy) asking: “…You’re the prince, then who am I?”, a clip of E. Mills turning his head with a stunning look and a puzzled mannerism, and a few clips of him partying hard while surrounding around an army of models. The clip issues the vote-requesting statement “Let’s let the people decide…”, followed by taunting remarks and signature catchphrases from E. Mills, like “oh yeah. E. Mills Did It,” “Mill Ticket” and “Mr. Imma Out Work You Ni**as.”

The song in the clip is Wallet Green’s “F*ck It Up,” which name drops E. Mills and his entertainment company Mill Ticket Entertainment in a verse that raps: “… I got hoes like Mill Ticket / They gon think E. MillsDidIt.”

Diddy was announced as this year’s Billboard Music Awards’ host and executive producer last month. While the mogul made the statement in the commercial — it was neither confirmed nor denied that the mogul’s statement was an open invitation to all challengers. Now, E. Mills is well aware of the billionaire mogul’s high-profile party-throwing history but approaches the conversation for sheer acknowledgment of his rivaling partying-throwing resume across the U.S. throughout the 2000s.

“Let’s be clear,” said E. Mills in an issued statement when reached for comment by The Source’s Bryson “Boom” Paul. “It wasn’t necessarily a challenge set forth, but more so me putting the world on notice. I’m not a walk through the park, so to speak when it comes to this lifestyle. I’ve created a lot of vibes over the years and know I’ve planted my feet in these couches [laughing] but hey I’m not running from a challenge either — never have and never will. We can definitely do it for the culture. With that being said, I do give credit where credit it’s due. He’s earned his stripes, just give me mine too 🎟”

Mills is the Founder and CEO of Mill Ticket Entertainment, a popular Los Angeles-based entertainment brand for years now best-known for casting models in music videos for the majority of hip hop’s biggest superstars. The brand’s resume includes a wide variety of high-profile brands and the biggest superstars in today’s music such as 1800 Tequila, New Balance, and Adidas. Mill Ticket models have been seen starring in music videos for everyone, ranging from Drake to Chris Brown to YG to Tyga to 2 Chainz, and so many more. Interestingly, E.Mills has provided models for the Diddy-owned television network, Revolt TV, and its popular original talk show, Respectfully Justin hosted by Justin Laboy.

E.Mills cast the brand new Diddy-starring Ciroc commercial promoting the brand’s new ready-to-drink line in Miami.

MORE: T-Pain Taps Lil Jon, Hannibal Buress, O.T. Genasis For Inaugural “Wiscansin Fest”

Diddy has yet to rebuttal to Mills’ promo at this time but the streets is talking, and want the two to go head-to-head for the title, party-for-party. Mills shared a fan-made versus flyer featuring himself and Diddy with the caption “Somebody just sent me this lol who wants to see it?”

“We need this!,” wrote Lauren Banks under the Instagram post with fire emoji. “Come on now we all know you gonna win,” commented rapper Joey $ynth$ with side-eyed eyes and 100 emoji. “Let’s goooo!!” comments hyped photographer Jam-X.

The Source’s requests for comment(s) from Diddy and/or representatives have gone unresponded at press time. More as this story develops.

Billboard Music Awards hosted and executive produced by Diddy, aires live this Sunday (May 15) at 8PM ET/5PM PT on NBC-Peacock. Watch the trailer below.

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