Louisville

EST Gee’s Artist, EST Lu Mike, Dies After Louisville Shooting

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EST Gee is dealing with yet another difficult loss, as recently, it was revealed that one of his artists passed away in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Police were called to the 900 block of Baxter Avenue early Sunday (August 11), over reports of gunfire. Reportedly, they discovered three victims suffering from gunshot wounds, one of which had already died. The other two victims were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Sadly, another one of them passed away shortly after. The final victim is still recovering from their injuries and is expected to survive.

One of the men who passed away was identified as EST Lu Mike, a close friend of the rapper’s. At the time of writing, the circumstances that led up to the shooting remain unclear. Police have also yet to identify a suspect. News of the tragedy arrives just after another member of EST Gee’s circle, his manager EST Beach, died last month.

Read More: EST Gee’s Manager EST Big Beach Allegedly Killed After Kentucky Show

EST Lu Mike Dies Of Gunshot Wounds In Louisville

According to WDRB, EST Beach was found deceased in a vehicle in downtown Louisville in late July. He was only 31 years old when he was fatally shot. Beach had been in town for EST Gee’s homecoming show, EST Gee + Friends Summer Jam, which took place on July 20 and featured artists like Future, Lil Baby, 42 Dugg, and more. EST Gee has yet to address EST Lu Mike’s passing.

News of Lu Mike’s passing also comes shortly after he previewed an upcoming track on Instagram. “Every time these n***as slip then we gon’ do ’em dirty / I’m into purgin’, ain’t nothing little about this 30,” he rapped. What do you think of EST Lu Mike being shot and killed in Louisville this week? What about the tragedy taking place just shortly after EST Gee’s manager died of gunshot wounds? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: EST Gee Insists He Tried To Help Homeless Sister, Sent Her $30K

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Louisville Lie About Player Transferring, Blown Out At Home As He Watches From The Stands

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Louisville has been caught in a lie after announcing that a player was entering the transfer portal. The lie was exposed after the player in question to say he had done no such thing. The Cardinals put out an official statement announcing that JUCO transfer Koron Davis had declared for the transfer portal. However, Davis then took to social media to dispute the claim, saying he enjoyed “being a Cardinal”. A day later, Louisville released a second statement, this time saying that Davis had been formally dismissed from the team.

However, things only got worse for the Cardinals as they were soundly beaten 75-63 by a 3-7 Arkansas State team later that day. As the Cardinals fell to 4-6, social media users were quick to spot that Davis was in the sparse crowd, cheering on his now-former teammates. After the game, second-year head coach Kenny Payne declined to address the situation. “It’s emotional for me because he’s a good kid. It’s one of those circumstances where we’ve already addressed it,” Payne said. Some believe that the transfer announcement was a poor-conceived attempt to protect Davis. The team made the original announcement instead of outright announcing he had been cut from the team.

Read More: Pistons Losing Streak Has Fans Clowning Wingstop Promotion

Flau’jae Johnson Opens For Rod Wave

In more positive college basketball news, LSU sophomore Flau’jae Johnson took some time away from Baton Rouge to perform at a Rod Wave concert in Atlanta. Johnson performed a few of the tracks she has released in recent years, including her best-known hit, “Big 4”. Previously, Johnson has performed at a LeBron James party as well as LSU’s national championship celebration back in April.

However, her music has also proven controversial at times. On May 9, LSU guard and rapper Flau’jae Johnson dropped a remix of Latto’s “Put It On Da Floor”. In putting her own style on the track, Johnson included the lyric “In this 911, blowing smoke like them towers.” The song quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons, with right-wing outlets such as Fox and Outkick very angry at Johnson for “mocking” 9/11. However, Johnson later issued an apology. “I just want to come on here and let ya’ll know by no means would I ever intentionally try to disrespect or offend anyone. My whole goal in music is to push positivity and spread love. So, in no way shape or form would I ever intentionally try to disrespect or offend anyone,” Johnson wrote on Instagram.

Read More: Boosie Badazz Discusses Bond With Flau’jae Johnson

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EST Gee Continues To Level Up On New Project “El Toro 2”

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For those who feel like rap music is stale these days, look no further than the latest album from EST Gee. The Louisville native’s proven there’s no ceiling to his creativity with each of his releases and his latest album, El Toro 2 is no exception. The rapper’s latest body of work consists of 20 songs in total with an array of incredible collaborators. Gee calls on the CMG boss Yo Gotti and his labelmate, the incarcerated 42 Dugg, for the tracklist, along with artists like Rylo Rodriguez and Lil Baby. The most surprising feature comes from the late Static Major who appears on “NOBODY ELSE.”

EST Gee’s ear for production, specifically, shines across the project. Frequent collaborator, FOREVEROLLING, leaves his imprint across the tracklist while producers like Tay Keith, Johngotit, Einer Bankz, and Fridayy also contribute to the tracklist. El Toro 2 serves as the sequel to EST Gee’s 2021 project and his second offering of the year following MAD. It’s another impressive opus from one of Louisville’s finest.

Read More: EST Gee Walks Out On Bootleg Kev, Tells Him He “Plays Crazy”

EST Gee Delivers On New Album El Toro 2

In the weeks leading up to the release of El Toro 2, EST Gee gave fans promising glimpses of what to expect. First, he provided fans with “TURN THE STREETS UP” in late May, less than three months after releasing MAD. Then, he dropped off the single, “XXL” followed by “A MOMENT WITH GOTTI” ft. Yo Gotti, who also appears on the outro of the project. Overall, EST Gee proves that he’s not slowing down in any capacity.

In addition to his solo efforts, EST Gee has been putting his best foot forward to shine a light on his label, Young Shiners. Between the release of MAD and El Toro 2, he released, Shiners Are Forever, a compilation project highlighting the artists on the Young Shiners roster. At this point, Gee has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with while proving that his ear for talent is just as strong as his ear for top-tier production. Check out El Toro 2 above. 

Read More: Who Is EST Gee?

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Jack Harlow Faces Backlash After Wearing A Bonnet

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Jack Harlow is coming under fire on social media after rocking a bonnet to a recent Louisville City FC match. Several photos of him doing so have surfaced on social media, as he posed for pictures with fans throughout the game.

“If i see a bunch of white kids walking around with bonnets on jack harlow will have to answer for his crimes,” one user on Twitter wrote in response to the outfit. Another remarked, “Jack Harlow fans will not see heaven for what they’ve done.”

Read More: Jack Harlow Releases New Album, “Jackman”

Jack Harlow At A Screening Of “White Men Can’t Jump”

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 18: Jack Harlow attends the Louisville Special Screening of “White Men Can’t Jump” at Baxter Avenue Theatres Filmworks on May 18, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Stephen Cohen/Getty Images for 20th Century Studios )

One more user on Twitter compared Harlow to Eminem and Justin Timberlake. “Jack Harlow is a experiment to see how easily it would be to for white people to infiltrate, manipulate, and even be praised by the black community,” they wrote in their tweet. “We let them slide with Justin Timberlake and Eminem and now we are being punished for our ignorance…”

The recent photos come just months after the release of Harlow’s latest project. The Louisville native dropped his third studio album, Jackman, to mixed reviews back in April. In doing so, he worked with several producers including FnZ, DJ Dahi, Coop the Troop, Boi-1da, and more. The project included no features and released with minimal prior promotion.

Fans Scold Jack Harlow

It’s not the first time that Harlow has faced backlash on social media. His recent performance in the White Men Can’t Jump remake also resulted in negative responses online. The film, which also stars Sinqua Walls, Teyana Taylor, Laura Harrier, Vince Staples, Myles Bullock, and Lance Reddick, currently boasts just a 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Check out the responses on Twitter to Harlow’s recent appearance at the Louisville City FC game below.

Read More: Jack Harlow’s “White Men Can’t Jump” Remake Earns Mixed Reviews On Twitter

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Who Is EST Gee?

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EST Gee lets the music do the talking, such as on the new single “Turn The Streets Up.” The Louisville, KY rapper was born to humble beginnings in the Clarksdale projects — a notoriously crime-ridden neighborhood of the city. In high school, rap wasn’t exactly on the radar of EST Gee. In fact, he felt as though his best chance at making a successful career out of himself was in football.

“All everyone cares about in Louisville is making it to college sports. I had to try to make it for my people, especially ’cause I never been bad at nothin’,” he told Pitchfork. His 6″1′ figure and athletic talents earned him a football scholarship at Indiana State University. Although he became a promising prospect, his football career would be derailed after he dropped out of college. Eventually, he was put on house arrest for drug trafficking charges and forced to evaluate a new potential career path.

His many failures throughout his formative years have molded him into a composed and dedicated figure. That temperament has translated into his raps, which contain wise words that one might hear from a life-long mentor. EST Gee’s verses cover unsettling street tales, cynical and overbearing in nature. Named George Stone III, he’s certainly been through the wringer throughout his short 29-year life. From a failed football career to a house arrest, EST Gee found himself motivated to pursue rap by 2017. However, this would only be a prelude to his struggles. At a music video shoot in 2019, he was shot four times in the stomach and one time in the left eye. In addition, EST Gee’s mother and brother would tragically pass away within a week of each other in 2020. This is someone who’s seen the world’s lowest, which is directly reflected in his enraged yet composed sound.

EST Gee Blew Up In 2020

EST Gee at BET Awards
(Photo by Prince Williams/Filmmagic)

His 2020 mixtape, I Still Don’t Feel Nun, put EST Gee on the map. Aided by the star power of artists like Kevin Gates, Moneybagg Yo, and Jack Harlow, among others, his narrative approach is far different from many of his contemporaries. He’s not glorifying street life, bragging about lavish jewelry, or one-upping another man through violence. Instead, EST Gee is sullen about the streets, doing the opposite of glorifying that lifestyle. “I know you heard about G/Last n***as that played with me had two, three surgeries/The young n***as can learn from me/The opps dream about burnin’ me,” he raps on “Get Money.” A quick interview with EST Gee explains this perspective. Equipped with a stoic perspective, little of his demeanor seems to blend in with the unpredictability of his upbringing. Instead, EST Gee seeks stability after already living out the emotional baggage of multiple lives within one.

EST Gee’s sound blends the sonic influences surrounding Louisville, Kentucky. The area isn’t exactly a breeding ground for worldwide creatives, meaning that he was forced to pull from what was around him. As a result, his sonic palette stands out amongst his peers of trap rappers. He contains both the rage of Chicago’s drill scene and the lyrical covers of areas such as Baton Rouge. Utilizing music as a vessel for his suffering, EST Gee began his mission of becoming a household name hip-hop scene by 2020. His unique sound was quickly caught on by Yo Gotti, who signed him to Collective Music Group. While already gaining significant praise from established figures, his fifth mixtape, Bigger Than Life Or Death, released via CMG, boasted appearances from Future and Lil Baby.

He’s One Of The Most Consistent MCs Out

EST Performs in Atlanta
(photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

It’s already been a big 2023 for rapper EST Gee. Back in March, he released a 14-track album in the form of MAD. The album received mixed reviews for its commercial sound compared to the cold-blooded nature of his breakout mixtapes Ion Feel Nun and I Still Dont Feel Nun. However, the project still has plenty of stand-out moments such as the drum-fueled “Blow Up” or the melodic success of “Us.” EST Gee is more retrospective on the project, looking back on how his mainstream success has impacted his local Louisville community. On “Undefeated,” he reflects on how his mother’s passing has left a hole in his personal life. In essence, MAD solidified EST Gee as one of the most consistent MCs out.

Only two months later, EST Gee is back with his single “Turn The Streets Up.” The song is direct and hard-hitting, with EST Gee playing the villain role amidst lyrical creative bars. He also expresses growth with his hook game, employing a unique vocal cadence. In essence, this is someone who’s displaying immense hunger after finally making it through a variety of tragedies and trials throughout his life. Armed with support from contemporaries such as 42 Dugg or Future, EST Gee has an illustrious and influential career ahead.

Jack Harlow’s “They Don’t Love It” Music Video Takes Us On A Tour Of Louisville: Watch

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Jack Harlow fans had high hopes for his sophomore project, Come Home The Kids Miss You. While some of them were pleased with the mostly featureless 15-track effort, just as many expressed a desire to hear more hard-hitting rap bars from the “WHAT’S POPPIN” hitmaker, who’s previously been accused of being too predictable lyrically. It seems he’s hearing the world’s cries loud and clear, as Harlow came back this past New Music Friday (April 28) with something to prove just how strong his pen game is.

It came in the form of Jackman, a 10-track LP that finds him operating without any assistance from other rhymers. Thus far, the second title, “They Don’t Love It” has emerged as the most-streamed on Spotify, likely due to some particularly confident bars comparing him to Eminem. “Ya boy’s strivin’ to be the most dominant ever / The hardest white boy since the one who rapped about vomit and sweaters,” his rhymes begin. “And hold the comments ’cause I promise you I’m honestly better than whoever came to your head right then.”

Jack Harlow Impresses Fans with Jackman

Jack Harlow attends Variety’s 2022 Hitmakers Brunch at City Market Social House on December 03, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Regardless of his instructions for listeners to keep their argumentative comments to themselves, thousands began pouring out on Twitter over the weekend. Many of them shamed Harlow for seemingly forgetting about Mac Miller‘s existence, while others suggested names like Paul Wall and Action Bronson as more deserving of the “hardest white boy” title. As debates and discourse continue to unfold, the 25-year-old seems unbothered as he shared the music video for “Don’t Love It” on Monday (May 1).

In the two-minute-long clip, Jack Harlow gives us a quick tour of his hometown, Louisville. From his former middle and high schools to a local bookstore where he likely picked out some of his childhood favourites years ago, it’s obvious that the White Men Can’t Jump actor has become nothing short of a hometown hero. Check out the Kentucky native’s full Jackman album here if you haven’t already, and tap back in with HNHH later for more hip-hop news updates.

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Shooter In Deadly Louisville Attack Has Been Identified

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New details have emerged about the alleged shooter in yesterday’s mass shooting in Louisville. Police responded to a the Old National Bank Monday morning. Officers were told that someone had walked into the bank and started shooting people. The gunman was eventually shot and killed by a Louisville Police officer. Initially, it was reported that four people had been murdered in the bank. However, the death toll has now risen to five deaths along with the gunman.

Additionally, 8 more people suffered serious injuries, including the police officer who fired the fatal shot. Authorities say Officer Nick Wilt is still fighting for his life in a Louisville hospital. Wilt was reportedly shot while exchanging fire with the gunman. Now, Daily Beast is shedding new light on the man who carried out Monday’s atrocity. The shooter has been identified as 25-year-old Connor Sturgeon. Sturgeon was reportedly a star athlete in multiple sports. However, serious injuries incurred while playing football may have impacted his mental health.

Shooter Suffered Head Injuries In School

Police cars and cordon tape block Main Street near the Old National Bank after a mass shooting in Louisville, Kentucky. A gunman opened fire inside the bank, killing four people and wounding nine. (Photo by Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

A source tells Daily Beast that Sturgeon missed an entire season in eight grade following a concussion. Moreover, Sturgeon was forced to played basketball with protective headgear as a result of the injuries. Additionally, an essay written by Sturgeon has been unearthed. In the paper, Sturgeon indicates that he struggled socially throughout his life. “Making friends has never been especially easy,” he said. ” I have more experience than most in operating alone.

The shooting has been traumatizing for the Louisville community. However, the impact has gone well beyond the city limits. Indeed. the massacre has even impacted the state’s Governor. During an emotional press conference, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear revealed that he was friends with two of the victims killed. The tragedy is the latest event in another bloody start to a year in the United States. The shooting ranks as the 135th mass shooting already this year.

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Mass Shooting Claims Multiple Casualties in Louisville

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Four bank executives are dead following a mass shooting in Louisville, Kentucky. The Louisville Metro Police Department says the shooting happened at the Old National Bank in the downtown area of the city. Authorities first received calls about a shooting at the bank around 8:30 a.m. local time. Initially, police simply reported that a shooting with multiple incidents had taken place. and that multiple people were dead. Later, the department stated that five people had been dead. Initially, this caused confusion as to whether the shooter was among those killed. However, the department has confirmed that the shooter was fatally shot along with four victims.

In addition to the fatalities, 9 more people were injured in Monday’s mass shooting. Initially, the department withheld the names of those killed while their families could be notified. Subsequently, the department has released the names of the victims on Facebook. The victims include Joshua Barrick, 40, Thomas Elliot, 63, Juliana Farmer, 45, and James Tutt, 64. The person who committed Monday’s mass shooting has not been identified. However, officers can confirm that the shooter was killed by a police officer.

Mass Shooting Hits Close To Home For Kentucky Governor

Law enforcement officers respond to an active shooter at the Old National Bank building According to reports, there are multiple fatalities and injuries. The shooter died at the scene. (Photo by Luke Sharrett/Getty Images)

The department announced that the officer was Nikolas Wilt. Authorities also revealed that Wilt is suffering from critical injuries after being shot in the exchange. The department says Wilt is a new officer who was just recently sworn in. Subsequently, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear held an emotional press conference to address the tragedy. “What these families are experiencing is unimaginable,” he said. Additionally, Beshear revealed that he was directly impacted by the shooting. “I have a very close friend that didn’t make it today,” Beshear said, fighting back tears.

This is just the latest mass shooting to happen in the United States. Incredibly, this is the second mass shooting in two weeks to directly impact a sitting governor. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee says he lost a close friend during last week’s school shooting in Nashville. Monday’s tragedy marks the 135th mass shooting in America so far this year.

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2KBaby Shares New Album, “Scared 2 Love”

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Louisville rapper and singer 2KBaby just released his latest project, the heart-ached but mellow Scared 2 Love. Following previous singles like “Don’t Love Me Now” featuring charlieonnafriday, this tape expands on that sentimental relationship narrative. Despite the focused theme and similar stories running through each tracks, this album boasts effective emotional and sonic variety. Moreover, the 22-year-old plays with upbeat tempos, melancholy verses, aggressive delivery, and melodic passages. Furthermore, Scared 2 Love explores love through a lot of different mindsets, and there’s something to listen to at every phase of a relationship.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 30: (L-R) Christian Michael Todd, aka 2KBaby attends the 2022 Parlor Games Celebrity Basketball Classic at the Cox Pavilion on April 30, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images)

Furthermore, anyone can relate to 2K’s perspectives, and he takes advantage of that with a dynamic tracklist. Moreover, its first half is peppered with piano-led trap ballads like “IDKY” and “Rain.” However, the opener “Angel” and “Mood Swings” amp the energy up with rage-inspired and drill cuts, respectively. Even if this tape is thematically focused, he still injects tracks with similar energy to his previous mixtapes. For example, the last track “Overdue” contains more energetic flows like on last year’s Sorry 4 The Hate. Still, the rapper’s eccentric personality and hardened perspectives shine bright through his vocal performances. While his lyricism may be straightforward, he relies on melodies and atmospheres over words to get his emotions across.

While this project might focus mostly on connection and 2K’s own struggles with them, it’s not all such a downer. Still, what did you think of 2KBaby’s latest offering, Scared 2 Love? However you feel, let us know in the comments and check out the album’s versatile tracklist down below. Also, if you haven’t heard the project yet, you can find the tape on your preferred streaming service. Finally, as always, come back to HNHH for the best new hip-hop and other genre releases every week.

Tracklist
1. Angel
2. Don’t Love Me Now (feat. charlieonnafriday)
3. Rain
4. Mood Swings
5. IDKY
6. I Left
7. Fireworks
8. 40’s and 9’s
9. You Don’t Know The Half
10. Gone
11. Stand Love
12. Overdue

EST Gee Unveils Two New Singles, “Blow Up” & “If I Stop Now”

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After keeping his foot on the gas all year long in 2022, EST Gee isn’t letting up just yet. The rapper emerged this morning with not one but two new singles to keep the streets rumbling.

The Louisville native came through with “BLOW UP” and “IF I STOP NOW” on Friday morning. The new records not only mark his first releases of the new year but also, his first solo offerings since the release of I Never Felt Nun.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 28: EST Gee performs during the CMG Takeover Tour at Little Caesars Arena on August 28, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott Legato/Getty Images)

Both singles find EST Gee reuniting with his frequent collaborator, FOREVER ROLLING. However, “IF I STOP NOW” also boasts contributions from Haze and Zuus. Though he’s yet to reveal whether an album will follow the two singles, “IF I STOP NOW” and “BLOW UP” are undoubtedly building excitement for his next offering.

2022 was a rather big year for EST Gee. After inking a deal with Yo Gotti the year prior, he became a valuable asset to CMG. He joined forces with 42 Dugg for their joint project, Last Ones Left, which simultaneously highlighted several artists and associates outside of CMG.

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 22: Rapper EST Gee attends Concert afterparty at SAX Restaurant and Lounge on January 22, 2023 in Washington, DC.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Then, he dropped off I Never Felt Nun, which included a star-studded tracklist. The project included appearances from Jeezy, Future, MGK, Bryson Tiller, and Jack Harlow.

Quotable Lyrics
Seen so much, it’s normal, I ain’t develop no disorder
I’m spinnin’ over and ovеr, nothin’ come out, opps out of order
I heard I’m likе Jordan, ain’t nobody stoppin’ me from scorin’
Beats gon’ play the block and run the floor for me, my pal afford