Ice Cube Explains Dr. Dre Absence From N.W.A. Grammy Acceptance

Dr. Dre was a notable omission from the group of N.W.A. members who were present in LA on Saturday to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys. However Ice Cube explained the icon’s absence. “My man, Dr. Dre, is not here. He wanted to make sure I let you know he’s not hating. He a billionaire. He got sh-t to do,” Cube told the assembled audience. Cube went on to praise Dre for his “brilliance, talent, and leadership”.

Elsewhere, Cube also spoke on the surreal nature of receiving a Grammy for his musical work. “We knew when we started to do music in 1985, ’86, ’87 that a Grammy was not in the cards for us, with the type of music we was doing. We actually didn’t think we would ever even get on the radio. We was cool with that,” Cube said.

Read More: Ice Cube Trolls Elon Musk With Meme About Ruining Twitter

Ice Cube Speaks On Receiving Hall Of Fame Impact Award

However, a lifetime achievement Grammy is just the latest award that Ice Cube has earned in recent weeks. In January, Cube received the inaugural Community Impact Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame. “This is big time! I’ve had passion for music, and in movies and sports. I’ve ended up in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — not reaching for that, but just having the passion at the right time. I got a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood just [from] having passion to do good work. And then in sports this is another milestone that’s just off the chart. Because no way, shape or form did I ever think I would be in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame — for any reason,” Cube told HipHopDX.

Furthermore, Cube revealed that he in no way expected the award when it was revealed in November 2023. “It was a total surprise. Of course, we felt like our position when it comes to the NBA has been publicized, and so we didn’t think we had the shot to ever be involved with the Basketball Hall of Fame. But what they explained to us was that they’re not the NBA Hall of Fame, they’re Basketball Hall of Fame. They honor high school, college, pros, and they see the BIG3 as a great asset to the game. And so you just never think about it, and here we are,” the rapper added.

Read More: Ice Cube Says “No Vaseline” Is A Better Diss Track Than “Hit Em Up”

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N.W.A, Donna Summer, And Other Icons Will Receive 2024 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Awards

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In November, the Recording Academy unfurled its nominees for the 2024 Grammys, but it saved the best for last. This morning, January 5, the Recording Academy announced this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipients as Laurie Anderson, the Clark Sisters, Donna Summer, Gladys Knight, N.W.A., and Tammy Wynette. Summer, Wynette, and Eazy E of N.W.A. are posthumous honorees.

“The Academy is honored to pay tribute to this year’s Special Merit Award recipients — a remarkable group of creators and industry professionals whose impact resonates with generations worldwide,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said in a statement. “Their contributions to music span genres, backgrounds, and crafts, reflecting the rich diversity that fuels our creative community. We look forward to honoring these music industry trailblazers next month as part of our week-long celebration leading up to Music’s Biggest Night.”

The 2024 Grammys are scheduled for Sunday, February 4, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, with Trevor Noah returning as the host for the fourth consecutive year. The ceremony will broadcast live on CBS, stream live on Paramount+, and be available on-demand on Paramount+.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is under the umbrella of the 2024 Special Merit Awards, and The Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony will take place on Saturday, February 3, at LA’s Wilshire Ebell Theatre.

N.O.R.E. Admits He Broke Down Into Tears Over Busta Rhymes’ BET Awards Speech

N.O.R.E. says that he got emotional while listening to Busta Rhymes’ BET Awards Speech from earlier this year. While speaking with Trick Daddy for an episode of his, YouTube cooking show, Bitch I Got My Pots, the two discussed Busta winning the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony.

“That was hard,” N.O.R.E. told Trick Daddy on the show. “I teared up, I teared up. I wasn’t gonna say nothing till you said something, but I teared up, I still haven’t gotten on the phone with him to tell him that I didn’t appreciate him making me cry like a girl.” Trick Daddy agreed while added: “He’s one of those dudes where if you’re a hater, you’re never supposed to like him.”

Read More: Busta Rhymes Breaks Down Into Tears Accepting Lifetime Achievement Award At 2023 BET Awards

Busta Rhymes At The BET Awards

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 25: Honoree Busta Rhymes (2nd R) accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award from (from L) Spliff Star. DJ Scratchator, and Marlon Wayans onstage during the B.E.T. Awards 2023 at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

During the celebrated speech, Busta reflected on trials and tribulations from throughout his career. In doing so, he also broke down into tears. “All right. So, I’m going to wear it on my sleeve. I do want to cry,” Rhymes began at the time before taking a long moment to let his emotions get the better of him. He continued: “I’m going to say I am grateful that the blessing that has been bestowed upon me and this gift that I have been given and this fire that continues to burn as a passion in my soul, that allows me to get into any situation — from the stage to collabing with whoever — and making sure that I am far from the weak link. Because I enjoy walking away from a situation saying, ‘I bust ass!’” Check out N.O.R.E.’s comments on the speech below.

N.O.R.E. Praises Busta Rhymes’ Speech

Elsewhere in the speech, Busta recalled sneaking into New York City recording studios to watch his favorite artists work. He would bring a slow-burning weed to pass around that would buy him enough time to get off his own raps.

Read More: Busta Rhymes To Be Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award At 2023 BET Awards

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Coi Leray Honors Women In Hip-Hop With BET Awards Outfit

Coi Leray paid tribute to many of the women in hip-hop at the 2023 BET Awards on Sunday with her outfit. While taking the stage to celebrate Busta Rhymes’ Lifetime Achievement Award, Leray rocked a white and black outfit featuring the names of several female artists.

The names plastered across Leray’s outfit included Bia, Cardi B, Dej Loaf, Doechii, Doja Cat, Gangsta Boo, GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Lola Brooke, Missy Elliott, Saweetie, and more. Check out the outfit below.

Read More: Busta Rhymes Breaks Down Into Tears Accepting Lifetime Achievement Award At 2023 BET Awards

Coi Leray At The BET Awards

Coi Leray performs at the BET Awards 2023 held at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)

For the performance, Leray rapped her hit song, “Players,” which she remixed with Busta, earlier this year. Busta also hopped on stage to perform several of his most popular songs and verses from over the years. They included MOP’s “Ante Up” and A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario” remixes as well as Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now,” and more.

When Busta Rhymes accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award, he broke down into tears. “All right. So, I’m going to wear it on my sleeve. I do want to cry,” Rhymes began before taking a long moment to let his emotions loose. He continued: “I’m going to say I am grateful that the blessing that has been bestowed upon me and this gift that I have been given and this fire that continues to burn as a passion in my soul, that allows me to get into any situation — from the stage to collabing with whoever — and making sure that I am far from the weak link. Because I enjoy walking away from a situation saying, ‘I bust ass!’”

Coi Leray Celebrates Busta Rhymes

Elsewhere in the night, Latto performed her hit song, “Put It On Da Floor,” while Quavo and Offset reunited to honor Takeoff. For the full list of winners and nominees from the event, check here.

Read More: Quavo & Offset Reunite At 2023 BET Awards

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Busta Rhymes Breaks Down Into Tears Accepting Lifetime Achievement Award At 2023 BET Awards

Busta Rhymes broke down into tears while accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 BET Awards on Sunday night. While speaking on stage at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, he reflected on his career and life as a whole.

“All right. So, I’m going to wear it on my sleeve. I do want to cry,” Rhymes began before taking a long moment to let his emotions loose. He continued: “I’m going to say I am grateful that the blessing that has been bestowed upon me and this gift that I have been given and this fire that continues to burn as a passion in my soul, that allows me to get into any situation — from the stage to collabing with whoever — and making sure that I am far from the weak link. Because I enjoy walking away from a situation saying, ‘I bust ass!’”

Read More: Busta Rhymes To Be Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award At 2023 BET Awards

Busta Rhymes Accepts The Lifetime Achievement Award

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 25: Honoree Busta Rhymes (C) accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award onstage during the BET Awards 2023 at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

Busta continued: “It’s just me trying to do my duty to continue to advance the culture and continue to contribute in a significant way. I see so many people in here that I have known and grown with for a long time, you’re watching me grow and I love y’all and I know y’all love me.”

Busta Rhymes Breaks Down Into Tears

In addition to the speech, a short video honoring Busta’s legacy also played. It featured Diddy, Pharrell Williams, Janet Jackson, Dave Chappelle, and more discussing his impact. Scott Mills, CEO of BET, announced in a statement, earlier this week, that Busta would accept the award. “Busta Rhymes is a multifaceted, award-winning artist who has mesmerized audiences for decades with his original hip-hop sound and one-of-a-kind visuals,” Mills said at the time. “He continues to leave an indelible mark on the culture that we hold dear, and it is with great pride that we present this year’s lifetime achievement award to a visionary, a master of rhyme and a true pioneer.”

Read More: 2023 BET Awards: Full List Of Winners

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Busta Rhymes To Be Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award At 2023 BET Awards

Busta Rhymes will be presented with a huge honor this weekend. The iconic rapper will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s BET Awards. The award acknowledges his significant contributions to the music industry and his lengthy career. According to Billboard, his peers will honor him during the event. Artists such as Coi LeRay and Rah Digga, among others, will be paying tribute to his impressive thirty-year career.

Busta Rhymes isn’t the only icon that the award has been presented to. The Lifetime Achievement Award has previously been granted to many notable hip-hop figures. Among those that have received it are artists like Queen Latifah and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. Scott Mills, the CEO of BET, praised Busta Rhymes for his exceptional talent and impact on the culture. He emphasized Busta’s unique hip-hop sound and captivating visuals. Additionally, Mills expressed pride in presenting the award to a visionary and pioneer in the field of rhyme. However, just because Busta is receiving a Lifetime Achievement award doesn’t mean he’s finished.

Busta Is Nowhere Near Finished

Busta Rhymes has had an extremely extensive career. Many artists at this point would no longer be part of the culture. However, despite all of that, Busta Rhymes remains a relevant artist in the 21st century. He recently collaborated with BIA on a summer jam titled “Beach Ball.” The track will be featured on his upcoming album. The song showcases energetic beats, catchy rhymes, and BIA’s always-captivating performance. It is, of course, complemented by Busta Rhymes’ distinct dark and deep delivery.

The official music video for “Beach Ball” was released on June 23. The release followed an intriguing and mysterious move by Busta Rhymes’ on social media. The icon cleared out his entire Instagram page. Once he had done that, he left only a cryptic photograph as a teaser for his next move. The hip-hop veteran deleted all his photos, replacing them with an image of a beach ball. That same picture also became his new profile picture. The caption “6.23.23” hinted at a potential album release date. However, it was later clarified as the drop date for the “Beach Ball” single. What do you think about Busta Rhymes being presented with the award? Who else do you think deserves one? Let us know in the comments below!

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Nirvana, The Supremes, And Other Music Icons Will Be The Latest Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients

The 2023 Grammys continue to take shape. All nominees were revealed in mid-November, including a record-breaking nod for Bad Bunny, with Beyoncé leading the field. Last month, Trevor Noah confirmed to Billboard that he will host the ceremony.

This morning, January 5, the Recording Academy announced which musical icons will be honored with this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, as relayed by The Hollywood Reporter: Nirvana, Ma Rainey, Slick Rick, The Supremes, Nile Rodgers, Bobby McFerrin, and Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson of Heart.

The publication additionally pointed out that the awards will be given posthumously to Rainey, Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, and The Supremes’ Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard. Diana Ross was previously given the Lifetime Achievement Award as a solo artist in 2012. Ross is also nominated for the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category for Thank You, released in November 2021 as her first solo release since I Love You in 2006 and first original material since 1999’s Every Day Is A New Day.

The Special Merit Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, February 4 at Los Angeles’ Wilshire Ebell Theatre.

The 2023 Grammys will air live on CBS (and stream live on Paramount+) from LA’s Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 5.

“A lot of what I would suggest is what I’ve heard [Recording Academy CEO] Harvey [Mason Jr.] talk about: trying to create a Grammys where the music reflects the awards show and the awards show reflects the music,” Noah told Billboard of what he would change about the Grammys. “Oftentimes [with] award shows, there may be a disconnect between the general public who are consuming music and the people who are voting on the music. It’s important for every award show [that] wishes to maintain its relevance to understand that difference. The audience isn’t wrong in having different tastes or a preference on whom they wish to see. I think in music as a whole, you have to acknowledge that, and the Grammys has, albeit slowly.”

Waka Flocka Was Just Given A Lifetime Achievement Award By Donald Trump

As of this week, Waka Flocka is not only a rapper, but he’s an officially-recognized upstanding citizen. He’s now a proud recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, which he was given by former blue check Republican Donald Trump.

Flocka was officially awarded a certificate and medal as part of his Lifetime Achievement Award. Per a report from TMZ, the rapper received the honors thanks to his work with the Chicago-based charity Daughter of Destiny Outreach, which is a non-profit that aims to support “women who need help in facing challenges such as unemployment, lack of food, housing, community, and inner healing.” The certificate is dated 2020 but Flocka officially received the award on Friday, though TMZ states the Trump Administration had signed off on everything before he left office.

In a video after being issued the award, Flocka thanked his supporters and his mentor, Dr. Bridget C. Outlaw: “I just want to thank President Trump for recognizing me. Thank Bridget, just thank everybody that love me enough to love you back and do everything that I want to do that’s genuine.”

Flocka also showed off his framed certificate in a beaming Instagram photo. “I gotta thank my pastor/big sister Apostle Dr. Bridget C. Outlaw for teaching and guiding me on this journey God got us on I’m just honored,” he wrote.

While Flocka thanked Trump for giving him the award, the two were briefly rivals in 2016 when Flocka decided to run for president. A year later, the rapper made it clear he wasn’t a fan of the 2016 winner as he grabbed a fan’s Trump jersey at a show and wiped his butt with it on stage.