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Rick Ross Acquires $35 Million Home In Miami

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Rick Ross is no stranger to putting his luxurious lifestyle on display. But now he’s gotten something else to show off: a new multi-million dollar home. According to TMZ, the Maybach Music founder has been eyeing the Miami home since July. And what would a luxurious piece of real estate like this complete? Perhaps some celebrity neighbors like Jennifer Lopez, Shaquille O’Neal, and Diddy.

Spanning nearly 40,000 square feet, Ross’ new pad comes with its own heated pool, entertainment room, summer kitchen, and plaza deck. It also features a beautiful waterfront, plus a 40-foot dock. The rapper’s latest investment only adds to his already impressive real estate portfolio. Ross also owns homes in Texas, two in Georgia, and another in Florida.

Ross’ New Neighbors Include Celebs like Shaquille O’Neal and Diddy.

 
 
 
 
 
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Per TMZ, Jill Eber, Jill Hertzberg, Felise Eber, and Fabio Lopes of the Jills Zeder Group represented the seller. Ross was represented by Kimberly Knausz of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty and Tawanda Roberts, a real estate agent with Florida Realty of Miami. As anticipated, the rapper is still making impressive strides. In other news, while his real estate portfolio grows, others struggle. Recently, Breakfast Club host DJ Envy became the target of two lawsuits alleging real estate fraud.

Apparently, DJ Envy kept over $1.5 million in investments in a planned apartment project, reports of which first emerged in 2018. Even though the property never came to be, the suits claim that Envy scammed investors into giving up the money with no follow-up. While COVID-19 came up as the reason for the delay, plaintiffs still rallied against him and his alleged accomplices for stealing money on a false promise. One investor demanded his investment of over $300K back, much to Rick Ross’s delight.“ Time to tattoo that hairline too,” the rapper wrote under an Instagram post covering the lawsuits. Ross’ response isn’t surprising since there is a longstanding feud between Rick Ross and DJ Envy due to their car show competition earlier this year.

Read More: Rick Ross Doubles Down On Trolling DJ Envy Amid Fraud Lawsuits

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Shakira Jams Out To 21 Savage Track: Watch

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Shakira recently revealed a surprising fact about herself: she’s a rap fan. A clip of the “She Wolf” singer has recently surfaced online enjoying a track from 21 Savage. In the video, Shakira sings along to the rapper’s song “Ball w/o You” from his 2018 album, I Am > I Was. The album worked as a follow-up to 2017’s Issa Album.

Upon its release, I Am > I Was debuted at No.1 on the US Billboard 200 with 131,000 album-equivalent units. It would even earn a nomination for Best Rap Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards. The album featured appearances by several heavy hitters, including J. Cole, City Girls, Offset, Post Malone, Gunna, Lil Baby, and more. Its lead single, “Alot,” which features Cole, earned the pair a Grammy for Best Rap Song.

The Track Appeared On His Grammy-nominated album, “I Am > I Was”

 
 
 
 
 
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The project was also met with widespread critical acclaim. According to Variety music critic A.D. Amorosi, “Despite all the high-profile guests, it’s actually on the soulfully inventive “Ball w/o You,” “Gun Smoke” and the sensual “Out for the Night”—which all feature 21 Savage on his own—that “i am > i was” is at its best.” In other related news, the rapper has hinted he working on new music. In a recent tweet, the Atlanta star tweeted out a cryptic message to his followers.

The post read, “It’s time,” with tons of double-eyeball and single-eyeball emojis. Obviously, with a tweet like that, it could mean literally anything. However, his fans are hopeful that he can deliver some new material. Some continue to criticize the rapper for being one note on his latest run of guest appearances. What some preach online, especially under the rapper’s recent tweet, is that he is becoming a little repetitive with his style and approach. One account says, “Different style this time, bro getting kinda bored hearing you rap the same thing over and over.” Others are saying “twenty mid” or “To switch your flow up?” Either way, 21 remains a hot commodity in the rap game, with artists like Metro Boomin, Travis Scott, Drake, and others still eager to work alongside him.

Read more: Summer Walker Rocks Futuristic Hat At Beyonce’s “Renaissance” Tour, 21 Savage Sings Along

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Master P “Checks In” On Snoop Cereal, Encounters Cops

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Master P’s marketing tactics have made him a successful entrepreneur, but there can be drawbacks. Like his recent encounter with the police while visiting Walmart. On Sunday (August 13), the No Limit founder took to Instagram to share his recent experience. In the clip, the rapper explains to the police that he was there to “check in” on his latest business venture — Snoop Cereal. In July 2022, the pair teamed up to create a cereal brand inspired by the West Coast rapper.

“12 pulled up @walmart ask’n what’s going on! #legittrapping @snoopcereal @snoopdogg they can have the streets we’re taking over the grocery stores.#godisgood,” he wrote in the post’s caption. It’s still unclear what exactly warranted the call, but the police seemed more than willing to listen to Master P’s schpeel. He noted that he was trying to teach his “Black brothers out there how to get their hustle on, how to do it right … Snoop Dogg’s my partner. We changing the game.”

Master P And Snoop Dogg Launched The Cereal Brand In 2022

 
 
 
 
 
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Snoop Cereal has seen some major growth since launching last July. Nearly six months later, the brand would secure a national distribution deal. Prior to its recent success, the fledging company struggled to get off the ground. Initially, the brand was coined “Snoop Loopz,” but the business partners would later be forced to change the product’s name. Neither musician has revealed which brand caused the duo to change the brand’s name.

“So they don’t want us to use Snoop Loopz on our cereal box even though that’s that’s my name,” Snoop wrote in an Instagram post around the time. “We’ve built a national brand and disrupted the cereal industry, we did it with hard work and integrity. I know they’re uncomfortable and scared.” Snoop Dogg and Master P emphasized that Snoop Loopz was launched to bring diversity to the cereal industry while providing economic opportunity and, of course, a fun and nutritious breakfast option to their communities. “Our mission is to build diversity and economic empowerment,” the caption continued.

Read More: Master P Discusses His Relationship With Birdman: “We Never Tried To Destroy Each Other”

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Lil Durk Offers Chicago Youth Financial Literacy Classes

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Lil Durk may be well known for his brash and aggressive music, but he also has another side. The rapper, along with his Neighborhood Heroes foundation, has helped to provide Chicago youth with financial literacy classes. It’s also been reported other services will provide, like access to therapy resources. A clip recently surfaced online of the rapper hanging out with the kids and taking photos.

Another one of Lil Durk’s charitable endeavors included the creation and development of the Durk Banks Endowment Fund as part of a collaboration with Amazon Music. The Almost Healed rapper donated nearly $350,000 to Howard University in the form of scholarships and grants. Additionally, he awarded two Chicago students $50,000 each to attend the HBCU, as well as $250,000 that will contribute to the university’s GRACE Grant. He and his team also offered select students the opportunity to join his Neighborhood Heroes HBCU College & Career Readiness Cohort Program.

Lil Durk Founded His Neighborhood Heroes Foundation In 2020

 
 
 
 
 
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For nearly three years, the Neighborhood Heroes Foundation has worked to “empower and collaborate with everyday Heroes who are taking the lead to make positive change in the lives of those within under-resourced neighborhoods across the nation,” according to its website. Lil Durk founded the nonprofit organization back in 2020. It was created during a key time of civil unrest in the country and George Floyd’s death.

But not everything in the rapper’s life is worth celebrating. Chicago police have opened an investigation into reports of an active shooter at the United Center, where Lil Durk was supposed to perform. Details about the incident are scarce but reportedly, law enforcement responded to multiple calls about a gunman at the venue. Videos posted to social media showed fans fleeing the scene. According to the sources, the gunman opened fire while Durk’s concert was in progress, causing the show to be stopped. As mentioned, very little information about this incident is currently available. The only sources are videos reposted by the likes of No Jumper. Additionally, there are reports that the active shooter designation was false.

Read More: Lil Durk Addresses Active Shooter And Merch Theft At Chicago Concert

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Clarence Avant, “Black Godfather” Of Music Industry, Dies At 92

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Clarence Avant, a music industry titan and tastemaker, has tragically passed away at 92 years old. His success as a music industry insider earned him the title of the “Black Godfather.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, Avant passed away at his Los Angeles home on Sunday (August 13). Following the news, his family released a statement.

“Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come,” the Avant/Sarandos family said in a statement to THR. “The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.” The shocking news comes only 20 months after his wife, philanthropist Jacqueline Avant, was shot and killed at their Beverly Hills home in December 2021. He is survived by his daughter Nicole Avant, and son, Alexander.

Avant Was Recently The Subject Of A Netflix Documentary

Netflix’s The Black Godfather explores Avant’s decades-long career as a record executive, a manager, a promoter, and more. Avant was a key figure in the development of the modern music industry. Additionally, his accomplishments include discovering Bill Withers, managing Sarah Vaughn, and working secretly with LA Reid, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, etc. He was also the promoter of Michael Jackson’s Bad tour and was Motown’s chairman for four years in the ’90s.

Besides that, Avant received the Ahmet Ertegun Award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Lionel Richie, who delivered the induction speech, said: “There’s no way possible you can talk about Clarence Avant in four minutes…He’s a teacher. He’s a master communicator. He’s the perfect marriage between street sense and common sense. And what he did for us, and what I mean by us is the sons and daughters of the Afro-American community, he was the one that brought us to some understanding of what the music business was all about.” However, his influence extends far beyond music. Former President Barack Obama credited Avant with helping him land his appearance at the 2004 Democratic convention. As a result, it booted him politically for his successful run in 2008.

Read More: Jacqueline Avant’s Murderer, Aariel Maynor, Sentenced To 190 Years

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Da Brat Unveils First Photos Of Her Newborn Baby

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After welcoming their bundle of joy in July, Da Brat and her partner, Jesseca Harris-Dupart, have finally unveiled photos of their baby, True Legend Harris-Dupart. The pair shared the photos of their baby boy in an exclusive spread with PEOPLE. Throughout the heartwarming photoshoot, Da Brat and Dupart seem to be overjoyed and beaming with excitement. Their son was dressed to match his parents with a gray hat, white shirt, gray joggers, and white socks.

Da Brat opened up to PEOPLE about her journey with motherhood and dealing with a high-risk pregnancy. “I’m 49, I’m high-risk, I have high blood pressure,” she said. “So many women so much younger than me want kids and can’t have them, and I had a successful pregnancy. It’s just an honor. He’s such a blessing.”

Da Brat Considers Pregnancy A “Blessing”

 
 
 
 
 
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The So So Def rapper also spoke about the process of vitro fertility IVF treatments. Da Brat used her wife’s eggs and sperm from an anonymous donor to become pregnant, which took place after she had a miscarriage. “I think God plans out our journey,” she said. “I’m very happy He saw fit for me to have him.” Following the birth of their son, the Chicago rapper told the aforementioned outlet upon giving birth: “I can’t BELIEVE he came out of me! Feels like a dream. He’s PERFECT in every way.”

In other related news, Da Brat has much to celebrate these days. She recently celebrated the 29th anniversary of her debut album, Funkdafied. The nine-track album was released in the summer of 1994, establishing her as a pioneering female MC. In those days, selling one million copies of one’s own music was an arduous task for a solo woman rapper. Da Brat, however, came out swinging, becoming the first female solo act to achieve a Platinum certification. The rest, as they say, is history. Besides the title track, two other singles were released from Brat’s debut album. “Fa All Y’all” and “Give It 2 You” also succeeded, becoming her second and third consecutive songs to hit the Top 40.

Read More: Da Brat’s Biggest Hits, Ranked

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Gillie Da Kid Stunned After Wallo267 Gifts Him A New Bike

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Gillie Da Kid has received a flurry of support following the recent death of his son. However, his cousin and co-host, Wallo267, decided to show his support in a unique way. The former rapper-turned-podcaster was gifted a luxury bike. While you can never measure love with gifts, Gillie seems to understand the thought behind it. A shocked expression appeared on Gillie’s face as Wallo handed him the paperwork and keys. It wasn’t until he pulled up to Wallo’s place that he realized the bike was for him.

As Gillie hilariously runs around and beams with excitement, Wallo chats with Meek Mill via phone, giving him a play-by-play of the touching moment. The former “Major Figgas” rapper shared the clip to his Instagram in a recent post. “Love u cuz @wallo267 I’m officially Bike Life @meekmill inducted me in. Watch Gillie n Wallo Adventures 2Nite 730,” he wrote in the post’s caption.

Gillie’s Son, YNG Cheese, Was Shot And Killed In July

 
 
 
 
 
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In July, YNG Cheese, real name Devin Spady, was involved in a triple shooting that occurred near Mascher Street and Nedro Avenue, per CBS News. Police reported there were three victims, including Cheese, although the other two only suffered injuries. Despite medical efforts, YNG Cheese succumbed to his gunshot injuries at the hospital. Police continue to investigate his murder, although they have yet to make any arrests. 

The bereaved father shared a tribute to his son on social media following his passing: “I Miss u like $hit Dev,” he wrote. “My heart will forever have a Black hole in it but u know ur father gotta be strong to hold the family up. Thanks 4 all the support from family, friends, and all of my followers. Y’all really helping me get thru these ruff times. Me and my family appreciate and love y’all. Rest Well dev and watch over us u know I got chase. Love u Cheese.” Wallo267 also shared his own tribute to YNG Cheese via social media when the news broke. “Tonight the pain in my heart & tears spoke to you. I love you beyond life cheese.”

Read More: Gillie Thanks Freeway & Meek Mill For Being There At Gillie Fest After Son’s Passing

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DDG Says He’s Halle Bailey’s “Biggest Supporter”

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DDG, despite rumors, has no problem embracing or supporting his girlfriend, Halle Bailey, and vice versa. Especially when it comes to new music. Fresh off the success of The Little Mermaid, Bailey released her debut solo single, “Angel.” While chatting with a reporter at Billboard’s 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event, DDG revealed that he allegedly had given the track a million streams before it came out. “I listen to it a lot. I’m a big supporter of her, obviously, of course,” he said.

The reporter asked the rapper about what it’s like dating a powerful woman, citing Keke Palmer’s recent drama with her ex-boyfriend and child’s father. DDG noted that women were on top, and more powerful than ever. “It’s a woman’s time right now.. [and]I feel like women are more powerful than ever. As a man that’s a part of a woman of that stature, you just gotta be a supporter.”

“It’s A Woman’s Time Right Now,” He Says

Throughout the rest of the brief conversation, the rapper discussed his third studio album, Maybe It’s Me. He stated his intention to address rumors and negative opinions about him. “I just wanted to get all the opinions and stuff that people had about me out of the way, play that villain role for a little bit,” he said, “but now I’m back to making good, relatable music.”

In other related news, the YouTuber-turned-MC recently responded to the backlash he received regarding a track of his latest album titled, “Famous.” The song seemed to rub people the wrong way, as it saw the 25-year-old say that he doesn’t like seeing his girlfriend Halle Bailey be in relationships in the movies she acts in. While a lot of people clowned or criticized him for this, he clarified that it’s just a song and that it’s entertainment at the end of the day. Said comments came from a vlog posted to his YouTube channel back in July, where he also addressed detractors calling him a “failed rapper.” Let us know what you think of all this, in the comments below.

Read More: DDG Announces YouTube Retirement To Focus On Music Career

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LL Cool J Explains Why Album With 50 Cent Never Came Out

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LL Cool J recently opened up about the reasoning behind him shelving his collaborative album with 50 Cent. During a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, the rap legend sat down with the crew and explained that while he enjoyed the experience, it didn’t quite feel like him. LL Cool J mentioned that they had all the necessary components, but they were lacking that special something. “I just wanted to try something different..maybe we collaborate [or] write together, [but] it didn’t work,” he said.

On the other hand, while the album didn’t work out, the G-Unit founder still lent a hand on the rapper’s 2002 hit “Paradise” featuring Amerie. He also addressed that while 50 Cent wrote the chorus for Amerie, he had no involvement in creating his rhymes. During the remainder of the interview, the rapper mentioned potential collaborations with Ice Cube and others. The West Coast rapper was rumored to have written for him in the past, but he quickly dispelled those claims.

LL Cool J Said The Music “Didn’t Feel Like Him”

 
 
 
 
 
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LL Cool J has been a significant figure in Hip Hop for almost 40 years and deserves recognition for his contributions. And he recently got just that — in partnership with Universal Music, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) released 80,000 new metro cards inspired by the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. Metro cards will feature the images of LL Cool J, Rakim, Cam’ron, and the late Pop Smoke. The initiative is part of the company’s “Hip Hop At 50 – Honoring 50 Years of Hip Hop: A Legacy of Rhythm, Revolution, and Soul” campaign.

In other related news, the rapper recently addressed rumors of a reported beef between him and the late Biggie. While appearing on Sway in the Morning, LL Cool J cleared up some ongoing speculation regarding journalist Bonsu Thompson’s theory that The Notorious B.I.G. dissed him on his 1994 Ready to Die track, “Who Shot Ya?” The rapper, however, denies this. According to him, he even tagged along with Biggie when he wrote the iconic track. “I need him to stick to his day job, and if that is his day job, he might wanna reassess that sh*t,” he jokingly said of Thompon.

Read More: LL Cool J Tells Miranda Lambert To Let Fans Be Free Amid Concert Selfie Debate

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Steve Lacy “Didn’t Care To Announce” His Sexuality, He Says

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Steve Lacy’s enigmatic persona continues to draw fans in, with them patiently awaiting any detail that falls in their lap. However, as expected, especially when it comes to his personal life, he has kept it mum. The singer-songwriter recently opened up in a new interview with Variety about why he refrained from addressing his sexuality publically. Lacy claims that he found the process “unnecessary” and that it can cause an onslaught of unwanted attention.

Rumors began swirling about Lacy’s sexual preferences back in 2017. When he was asked by fans via Tumblr if he was interested in dating men, to which Lacy replied, “Sure, why not.” And yet, the internet subsequently ran with that narrative, labeling Steve Lacy as bisexual, despite him never specifying that. On the other hand, as the singer explains to Variety, he never actually came out. “I didn’t try to — it just kinda happened. I don’t care to announce who I’m into sexually. I think it’s silly. I never felt like I needed to come out.”

The Singer Also Opened Up About His Near-Fatal Car Crash

In 2020, while driving his luxury sports car — a Tesla Model 3 — through the streets of West L.A., the singer nearly came face to face with death. Reports show that a drunk driver had crashed into him at full speed. Luckily, Steve Lacy was able to escape unharmed. However, after a brush with death caused him to reflect on his fate. “Being that close to death, I had the realization that you could be doing everything right, and then some fucking dumbass can crash into your car head-on,” he recalled.

On the music front, Steve Lacy has made quite the name for himself since departing from The Internet. His meteoric rise has been something to witness. In 2022, his album, Gemini Rights, debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 with 34,000 equivalent units in its first week, and his single “Bad Habit” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this year. In a 2022 interview with The Guardian, he noted that his genre-bending sound was inspired by “various rock and pop punk artists.”

Read More: Steve Lacy Draws Andre 3000 Comparisons For New Hair Cut

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