LUDACRIS

Netflix Announces Season 2 of ‘Rhythm + Flow’ w/ Ludacris, DJ Khaled & Latto

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Netflix has exciting news for music enthusiasts as they announce the star-studded judging panel for the upcoming season of the hit music competition series Rhythm + Flow. The newest additions to the judge’s table include the prolific DJ Khaled, renowned rapper Ludacris, and rising hip-hop star Latto.

Eminem has been revealed as the first special guest judge, set to join the competition from a surprise location during the intense ‘battles’ round. Netflix promises additional surprises, twists, and challenges as the season progresses, with other music moguls and industry icons to be announced in the coming weeks.

“We are taking things up a notch with a new cast of global hitmakers in our judges and a new pool of undiscovered artists,” said Brandon Riegg, Vice President of Nonfiction Series, Netflix. “Hip-hop continues to evolve so it’ll be thrilling to see Ludacris, Latto and DJ Khaled mentoring contestants during their journeys, along with legendary guest judges like Eminem providing their own brand of insight and advice. We saw this type of life-changing mentorship play out with past contestants whose musical geniuses reached massive audiences across our global platform.”

“We are so excited to partner with Netflix for the second season of Rhythm + Flow.  This season features a powerhouse panel of judges, each with a distinct and influential role in hip-hop culture. In this significant moment for the genre, the focus extends beyond the music alone,” said Jesse Collins & Dionne Harmon, Executive Producers, Rhythm + Flow. “We’re seeking unconventional voices and authentic stories that peel back layers and invite fans to immerse themselves in the contestants’ world as we spotlight the continually evolving spirit of hip-hop.”

Season 1’s winner, D Smoke, has seen significant success, earning Grammy and NAACP nominations and showcasing the series’ impact on emerging talent in the music industry.

The highly anticipated season is currently in production and will premiere later this year. Rhythm + Flow’s global popularity is evident as the show has been adapted in various countries, including France and Italy, showcasing its universal appeal.

Produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, Gaspin Media, and Get Lifted Film Co., the series boasts an impressive lineup of executive producers, including John Legend, Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, Jeff Gaspin, Jeff Pollack, Mike Jackson, Ty Stiklorius, and David Friedman. With this powerhouse team and the exciting new additions, Rhythm + Flow is gearing up for another season of musical discovery and fierce competition.

The post Netflix Announces Season 2 of ‘Rhythm + Flow’ w/ Ludacris, DJ Khaled & Latto first appeared on The Source.

The post Netflix Announces Season 2 of ‘Rhythm + Flow’ w/ Ludacris, DJ Khaled & Latto appeared first on The Source.

When Does ‘Rhythm + Flow’ Season 2 Come Out?

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After nearly five years, Netflix has announced the return of Rhythm + Flow for season 2. The first season, which aired in 2019, featured judges Cardi B, Chance The Rapper, and T.I. critiquing a crew of unsigned rappers as they competed for a $250,000 grand prize.

Guest judges on the show included Anderson .Paak, Big Boi, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Killer Mike, Lupe Fiasco, Nipsey Hussle, Quavo, and Snoop Dogg, among others, and the winner, D Smoke, was eventually nominated for three Grammy Awards.

When Does Rhythm + Flow Season 2 Come Out?

Netflix hasn’t revealed when the second season — which was originally scheduled to air in 2021 — will begin streaming on the platform, it has shared a few details, including the new lineup of judges.

The new judges on Rhythm + Flow will include DJ Khaled, moving up from his guest judging duties in season one; Latto, who started her career as the winner of Lifetime’s The Rap Game, making her uniquely suited to the role; and Ludacris, whose rap success has led to an equally successful film career.

One guest judge that has been teased is Eminem, who will oversee the rap battle challenge, playing on his own career as a battle rapper.

More details will be revealed closer to the release date. You can watch season 1 of Rhythm + Flow on Netflix.

Katt Williams Previewed A Diss Track About Ludacris During An Interview With Suge Knight

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Maybe Katt Williams-Ludacris rap beef was on your 2024 Bingo card after the comedian went full scorched-earth on the entertainment industry earlier this month. If it was, I congratulate you and also recommend you play the lottery immediately, because your foresight is superhuman.

Of course, it’s only natural that some of the celebrities Williams name-checked during his viral appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast would want to respond — in this case, Luda. The Fast & Furious star responded to Williams’ outlandish accusations with a lighthearted verse on his socials, both denying Katt’s claims and sneaking in a jab of his own.

Ironically, Ludacris and Katt were collaborators and friends at one point. In fact, on “Pimpin’ All Over The World,” another song from The Red Light District, the album which contains “Number One Spot,” Katt appears as a guest. But he apparently felt a way about being passed over for a role in the Fast franchise (allegedly), which he attributed to his refusal to participate in Illuminati rituals.

On Club Shay Shay, he claimed that Ludacris cut his hair in 2006 as part of this ritual — never mind the fact that the haircut came three years after his appearance in 2 Fast 2 Furious and his next appearance in the series was five years later, in 2011’s Fast Five. Luda’s response was to suggest that Katt was feeling some sour grapes — and possibly on drugs.

However, it looks like Katt isn’t quite done yet. During another podcast appearance — this time, Suge Knight’s Collect Call, which… yeah, there are too many podcasts — Williams played a bit of a new track, which borrows part of the chorus from Luda’s 2004 hit “Number One Spot” to lash out at the rapper-turned-Christmas-movie-star.

“I’m coming for your number one spot,” he rhymes on the chorus. “One of us a killer, and the other one is not.” In the verse, he goes after Luda directly, rapping, “Oh Chris, I wish it never came to this / And you pissed, rapped for free for the first time but you dissin’ this / The wrong side of history in a time like this / It’s so Ludacris.” It’s uhhhhh…. something.

There’s a little more, but it’s… not great. Katt’s a funny guy and I get why his Club Shay Shay interview was so entertaining for the peanut gallery, but this is one arena in which he’s better off not competing, lest he become the butt of the joke. You can check out the track below.

Ludacris Denied Katt Williams’ Illuminati Claims In A Freestyle Suggesting The Comedian May Be On Drugs

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Despite the internet being my primary source of income, I’m rapidly coming to the conclusion that the whole endeavor was a mistake and we should shut it all down for a while. The latest straw on the camel’s extremely stressed back is the fact that we are once again discussing the Illuminati, the supposed secret society allegedly running the world from behind the scenes. That this is thanks to comedian Katt Wiliams, whose last truly notable stand-up special was in 2008 (yeah, I said it) makes the whole thing doubly maddening.

Yet, here we are, with Ludacris rapping his response to Katt Williams’ recent viral interview claims. During an appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast (which, should we just start calling them “talk shows” again?), Williams leveled accusations at entertainment industry peers ranging from plausible (that Cedric The Entertainer stole his jokes) to outright laughable. One of the latter claims was that Katt and Ludacris were both up for roles in the 2001 Fast & Furious sequel — the one with the “ejecto seato, cuz” — but that Luda got the role because he was “in the Illuminati” and cut his then-signature sideburns. Here’s the clip:

Completely aside from the fact that this flies in the face of established history — Luda didn’t cut his hair until 2006, five years AFTER 2 Fast 2 Furious hit the box office — you’d think if Katt wanted to disassociate himself from the supposed Illuminati member, he wouldn’t have appeared on Luda’s 2004 album The Red Light District You can fool the Zoomers, Katt. I was there. I remember. Also, not for nothing, the Fast franchise basically died after that, with only a surprise Vin Diesel cameo in Tokyo Drift saving future installments from the bargain DVD bin, and even then, Luda didn’t come back until the fifth installment, a decade later. I don’t know, just seems like “the Illuminati” could manage a better turnaround. (P.S. Luda’s got an afro again.)

Anyway, Ludacris himself decided to address the nonsense (sigh) with a freestyle. While he doesn’t mention Katt by name, it’s pretty obvious who he’s talking about when he says, “Addiction’s on the rise, comedians check your temperature.” Yikes. I guess we’ll pray for you, Katt.

Katt Williams Tells Wild Alleged Story About How Ludacris Ended Up In “Fast And Furious” Series

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Katt Williams’ new interview with Shannon Sharpe has been the talk of hundreds of thousands of fans online in the past few days. Since the full video dropped on YouTube it’s amassed more than 5 million views and many of his claims are making the rounds online. But it’s one of the wildest and least believable stories he tells that has grabbed plenty of attention online. The story centers around an alleged choice between him and Ludacris.

He claims that some kind of decision-making jurisdiction made the choice to put the rapper in some major film releases instead of Williams. He framed it as a $200 million deal to appear in 20 movies before asking how many of the Fast In The Furious movies have been made so far. Williams also makes the claim that Ludacris’ wife was somehow given to him in this deal as well. In the comments of a clip from the story, fans discuss how unbelievable the story feels. “The way he looking directly in all cameras tells a lot about this convo,” one of the top comments reads. “Lol I wonder what Ludacris said to this man for him to go in on his wife,” another comment reads. Check out the full clip of the story below.

Read More: Katt Williams Likens Kanye West To Someone With A Learning Disability

Katt Williams Gets Conspiratorial About Ludacris

Katt also brought up numerous beefs he has with various other comedians during the interview. One of those was Rickey Smiley, who was surprisingly cordial in his response to the callout. Williams also took aim at Cedric The Entertainer and Steve Harvey for an alleged scandal involving stolen jokes that happened more than 20 years ago.

Williams also discussed the Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez case. His take on the high-profile affair wasn’t particularly controversial though. He simply claimed that one of the two was lying, which seems true given that they told conflicting stories. What do you think about Katt Williams wild claims about how Ludacris ended up with his wife and cast in the Fast And Furious movies? Let us know in the comment section below.

Read More: Katt Williams’ 7 Most Hilarious Movies

[Via]

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What Is The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Miami Lineup?

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Saturday, December 16, marks the end of iHeartRadio’s annual Jingle Ball concert series. The show has made stops in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, and Detroit. Later this evening, the final performance will take place in Fort Lauderdale at the Amerant Bank Arena. So, who’s on the closing lineup?

What Is The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Miami Lineup?

According to iHeartRadio’s official website, the acts slated to take the stage include Marshmello, AJR, Flo Rida, Ludacris, LANY, David Kushner, Uproxx cover star Kaliii, and Paul Russell. Still, there is one special musician not listed on the landing page.

Due to professional obligations, Nicki Minaj had to bow out of her headlining appearance at iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Chicago. However, she replaced her set with her longtime friend and collaborator, Lil Wayne. She then made up for her absence at Jingle Ball Atlanta. But she’s not finished with Jingle Ball just yet.

When Nicki revealed she was pulling out of Jingle Ball Chicago, she let fans know she would double back with more than one set. “I am still performing at the Atlanta Jingle Ball on the 14th,” she wrote. “And now I’ll also be performing at the Miami Jingle Ball on the 16th.”

Later this month, ABC will air a televised special of the 2023 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball series on Thursday, December 21, at 8 p.m. ET. Find more information here.

Janelle Monáe, Coco Jones  Ludacris, & More Set To Rock New Year’s Eve 

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Janelle Monae, Ludacris, Coco Jones

Ryan Seacrest is gearing up to host another spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration as he presents New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on ABC. This year, fans can get ready for an unforgettable night with performances by artists such as Janelle Monáe, Coco Jones, Ludacris, and more.

‘New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’

The anticipated event will kick off with Ryan Seacrest’s hosting duties on New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Times Square, a tradition he took over from the legendary Dick Clark in 2006. In 2022, the show successfully reached 13.8 million viewers. 

The 2024 countdown is set to air on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern on Dec. 31. In addition to the main celebration in New York, there will be satellite locations in Los Angeles and San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

A Star-Studded Lineup

New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in Los Angeles will have an incredible lineup of performers, including R&B singer Coco Jones, Ellie Goulding, and legendary group Green Day. 

Janelle Monáe, who received a Grammy nomination for “Album of the Year,” will also grace the stage with her mesmerizing talent. Other notable acts, such as Loud Luxury x Two Friends featuring Bebe Rexha, Ludacris, Doechii, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Paul Russell, Reneé Rapp, and Thirty Seconds to Mars, will join the star-studded lineup to bid farewell to 2023.

The event has generated a buzz on social media, with fans expressing their enthusiasm. One Twitter user exclaimed, “Omg I need to be there,” while another declared, “This is going to be amazing!” 

Ludacris Ringing In The Holidays 

Speaking of Ludacris and holiday cheer, the rapper/actor alongside Lil Rel Howrey also brings holiday joy in Disney+’s Christmas film Dashing Through The Snow. 

In the recently released trailer, with rapper Lil Jon’s distinctive voice, the film unfolds the heartwarming journey of Ludacris as “Eddie Garrick,” a divorced social worker, and his daughter Charlotte, portrayed by Madison Skye Validum, as they embark on a magical Christmas Eve adventure.

Saweetie’s Past NYE Celebration Performance

In 2020, West Coast rapper Saweetie didn’t stay inside during New Year’s Eve. The hip-hop star revealed she’s landing on TV sets worldwide.

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Ludacris’ “Word Of Mouf” Turns 22

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With the release of Word of Mouf in November 2001, Ludacris not only solidified his place in the hip hop world but also redefined its contours. Following his acclaimed major-label debut, this album captured a unique moment in hip hop’s evolution. As the genre was burgeoning globally, Ludacris’s sophomore effort stood out with its inventive blend of humor, sharp lyricism, and vibrant production. At a time when hip hop was diversifying and experimenting with new sounds, Word of Mouf emerged as a testament to Ludacris’s distinct artistic flair, offering a fresh perspective in a rapidly evolving musical landscape.

Vibrant Lyricism & Eclectic Beats: The Essence Of Word Of Mouf

Word of Mouf stands as a showcase of Ludacris’s dynamic range as an artist. The album features a mix of playful anthems and introspective tracks, highlighting his versatility. Songs like “Move B****” and “Saturday (Oooh Ooooh)” became instant hits. They’re known for their catchy hooks and Ludacris’s distinctive, animated flow. The album also ventured into deeper themes. This included tracks like “Growing Pains,” which revealed a more reflective side, delving into the complexities of childhood and upbringing.

The production, featuring contributions from top producers like Organized Noize and Kanye West, added diverse sonic layers to the album. This blend of eclectic beats and compelling storytelling marked Word of Mouf as a significant release, pushing the boundaries of what mainstream hip hop could sound like. Ludacris’s skill at fusing humor with sharp social commentary, all while maintaining a solid musicality, set the album apart as a pivotal work in early 2000s hip hop.

The Enduring Legacy Of Word Of Mouf

Word of Mouf enjoyed immediate success upon its release and cemented Ludacris’s reputation as a pivotal figure in hip hop. The album achieved multi-platinum status, a testament to its widespread appeal. Its singles charted impressively. Tracks like “Rollout (My Business)” and “Area Codes” becoming staples on the airwaves and in clubs. Beyond its commercial success, the album’s influence on hip hop culture was profound. Ludacris’s unique blend of humor, storytelling, and versatility in Word of Mouf inspired a generation of artists, broadening the scope of what hip hop could encompass.

Even years after its release, the album remains a reference point for artists who combine lyrical wit with compelling narratives. Its impact on the genre is evident in how contemporary artists approach storytelling, humor, and social commentary in their music. Word of Mouf significantly contributes to the hip hop canon, its legacy enduring as a blueprint for artistic creativity and diversity.

Ludacris’s Journey Beyond Word Of Mouf

Following the success of Word of Mouf, Ludacris’s career trajectory continued to ascend, showcasing his versatility as a musician and a multifaceted entertainer. He ventured into acting, appearing in notable films and TV shows, which broadened his appeal beyond hip hop. Musically, Ludacris continued to release successful albums. They each reflected his growth as an artist and his ability to adapt to the changing music and culture.

Today, Word of Mouf remains a vital chapter in Ludacris’s career, exemplifying his unique position in hip hop history. Its blend of humor, lyrical dexterity, and diverse themes continues to resonate with fans and artists alike. The album highlights Ludacris’s signature style and shows his influential role in shaping the direction of early 2000s hip hop.

The post Ludacris’ “Word Of Mouf” Turns 22 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Ludacris’ Manager Chaka Zulu Cleared In 2022 Shooting Case 

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Chaka Zulu, the longstanding manager of Atlanta rap icon Ludacris, has been acquitted of murder and related charges in a shooting case. Prosecutors have dropped the charges, determining that Zulu acted in self-defense during an incident.

Murder Charges Dropped

Chaka Zulu, the longtime manager of Atlanta rap legend Ludacris, has been cleared of charges in a shooting case where he was accused of murder and other offenses. 

Prosecutors in Fulton County, Georgia, dropped murder and additional charges against Zulu, on Nov. 22, after concluding that he had acted in self-defense during a shooting incident. The incident occurred in the parking lot of Zulu’s Buckhead restaurant in 2022, where a fight broke out, resulting in the death of a 23-year-old college graduate. 

Zulu, whose real name is Ahmed Obafemi, surrendered to authorities on Sept. 13 and was released on bond the same day.

Surveillance Footage Prove Self-Defense 

Zulu’s attorney, Gabe Banks, presented evidence and argued that his client had acted in self-defense. Surveillance video from outside the restaurant, APT 4B, was released, showing Zulu being assaulted by a group of men before he fired his gun. 

The video supported Zulu’s claim that he was defending himself against the attackers. Following the decision to drop the charges, Banks released a statement on behalf of Chaka Zulu. 

On November 23, Banks shared a statement on Zulu being cleared:

“Mr. Chaka Zulu, a beloved son of Atlanta, is pleased with the outcome of the thorough investigation conducted by District Attorney Fani Willis and her team of lawyers and investigators.  From the beginning of this case, Mr. Zulu was committed to a fair process.  He fully believes that after a thoughtful examination of all the facts and evidence related to this matter, District Attorney Willis reached an appropriate and just decision.  It is not lost on Mr. Zulu that there was a loss of life under extraordinary circumstances.  However, it is now time for Mr. Zulu to put this difficult process behind him, and to focus on the support and nurturing of his family. Accordingly, we respectfully request privacy at this time, and that any inquiries be directed to the office of Gabe Banks, Esq.”

The shooting incident, which took place on June 26, 2022, in the parking lot of Zulu’s Buckhead restaurant, resulted in three people being shot. Artez Benton tragically lost his life, and another person was hospitalized.

Atlanta investigators determined that the shooting occurred during a fight between Zulu and other individuals.

Updated By: Chris Samuel (11/27/23 at 5:14 pm)

Ludacris’ Longtime Manager, Chaka Zulu, Turns Himself In To Police + Gets Officially Charged With Murder

Atlanta rapper Ludacris’ longtime manager Chaka Zulu was officially charged with murder after the Atlanta shooting in June. He had turned himself in last Tuesday.

Charged With Murder

Manager and Co-founder of record label Disturbing The Peace, Chaka Zulu, real name Ahmed Obafemi, has been officially charged with murder. 

The murder charge follows a shooting at an Atlanta restaurant this past June and where Artez Jamil Benton was fatally shot during the incident. 

PEOPLE magazine obtained public records and discovered Zulu had turned himself into the Fulton County Jail last Tuesday. 

The music executive had been charged with murder, aggravated assault, simple battery, and possession of a firearm or knife to commit a felony. That same day, he was put on a $200,000 bond.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Gabe Banks, working as Zulu’s attorney, said his client “was forced to defend himself” after being attacked “by a gang of at least four individuals.” 

Banks added that Zulu was “disappointed” about the decision to charge him.

“Mr. Zulu was shot in the back during the shooting and nearly lost his life, and is still recovering from the nearly fatal injuries he sustained that evening. Mr. Zulu was at his place of business that night and had every right to defend himself.”

He pointed out that Zulu “lawfully discharged his weapon in self-defense; a weapon that he is licensed to carry.”

Despite the charge, he “remains confident that [Obafemi’s] name will be cleared of all charges through the judicial process.”

Chaka Zulu Reportedly Fired Back During The Shooting

Rapper/Actor Ludacris’ longtime manager and co-CEO of Disturbing Tha Peace Records, Chaka Zulu, was one of the three victims in an Atlanta shooting.

According to WSBTV, Zulu fought back in self-defense during the shooting. The attack, captured on nearby surveillance cameras, gave a bird’s eye view of the scene of the crime.

The post Ludacris’ Manager Chaka Zulu Cleared In 2022 Shooting Case  appeared first on SOHH.com.

Today in Hip-Hop History: Ludacris Dropped His Sophomore Album ‘Word Of Mouf’ 22 Years Ago

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On this day in 2001, Ludacris released his second full-length album, Word of Mouf. This LP was ridiculously successful, debuting at #3 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling 281,000 copies in the first week. It also received critical acclaim, being nominated for a Grammy for Best Hip Hop album (he lost to The Eminem Show). The album today is Ludacris’ top-selling album and is certified triple platinum-selling 3,674,000 copies in the United States.

His debut album, Back for the First Time, peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200 and served as a launching pad for the new sound that was refined on his Word of Mouth album. Containing hits like “Roll Out”, “Area Codes”, and “Move B****”, it is easy to see why Word Of Mouf got the attention it did. The production on this project, coming from the likes of Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and Jazzy Pha helped to set the tone of the early 2000s rap music.

Word Of Mouf as a whole embodied a lot of what southern rap was in the 2000s. There were club hits like “Move B****”, that could appropriately get any function jumping and there were introspective, soulful story-rich tracks such as “Growing Pains”. The spectrum of styles that this album provided suited a plethora of listeners. After this project, Ludacris finally reached a #1 album with Chicken and Beer and continued to grow into a household name in Hip Hop. Even today, Ludacris is a highly respected figure in rap and can still be heard every now and again on someone’s radio single as a strong feature. Take some time today to reminisce and listen to this project that helped shape a legend.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Ludacris Dropped His Sophomore Album ‘Word Of Mouf’ 22 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Ludacris Dropped His Sophomore Album ‘Word Of Mouf’ 22 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.