Music

A Rapper Is In Trouble After Attending The Capitol Riot And Taking A Photo For An Album Cover

by
Getty Image

People who were at the infamous Capitol riot earlier this year have been getting exposed, and now a rapper has found himself in trouble after showing up to the Capitol, taking photos, and using one of them on an album cover.

Newsweek reports that Virginia-based rapper Bugzie The Don (real name Antionne DeShaun Brodnax) was pictured sitting on top of a SWAT truck as rioters stormed the Capitol building behind him. The image was used as the cover art for his album The Capitol, which was released in March.

Bugzie told the FBI that he was in DC on the day of the riot to shoot a music video. He also said he followed protestors and entered the building, but did so peacefully. He walked around, took photos and videos inside, and said he did not enter any office or chambers, nor did he engage in any violence or theft. He also noted that while inside, he received messages from friends informing him that video of him walking around was broadcast live on CNN.

In March, the rapper was charged with entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a capitol building; and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.

Pooh Shiesty Explains When He Knew ‘Back In Blood’ Was A Hit For Uproxx’s ‘How I Blew Up’

by

Memphis native Pooh Shiesty is in the midst of a massive career breakout thanks to the viral success of his hit single “Back In Blood,” a star-making co-sign from trap rap godfather Gucci Mane, and his recently released debut mixtape Shiesty Season, which features appearances from big-name co-stars like 21 Savage, Lil Durk, and Memphis’s own Tay Keith.

Uproxx’s newest show, How I Blew Up narrated by Cherise Johnson, gives the Southern star the chance to tell the story of his rise to fame in his own words, from his upbringing in the Cane Creek Apartments to the moment he knew “Back In Blood” was smashing success. His breakout began with an attention-getting turn on “Breaking News,” which led to Gucci Mane reaching out to him in the dead of night. “Back In Blood,” though, was the catalyst for Pooh reaching his current level of renown after a snippet of Pooh and Lil Durk shooting the video circulated online. He just received his gold plaque for Shiesty Season, and details his plans for the future, which include his own label, Choppa Gang, supporting childhood friend and fellow rapper Big30.

Watch Pooh Shiesty break down how he blew up above.

Pooh Shiesty is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Mark Wahlberg Wrecks Joyner Lucas’ Car In The High-Speed ‘Zim Zimma’ Video. With Diddy And George Lopez

by

If you know anything about hip-hop at all, you’ll probably recognize the title of Joyner Lucas‘ new single “Zim Zimma” as the contorted, familiar catchphrase coined by Beenie Man on his 1998 hit “Who Am I” (repurposed from Missy Elliott’s 1997 debut single “The Rain [Supa Dupa Fly]“) in which Beenie wonders “Who’s got the keys to my Beema?” In Joyner’s case, it turns out to be none other than actor/rapper/fast-driving car enthusiast Mark Wahlberg. Like Lucas, Wahlberg hails from Massachusetts, so it’s no surprise that the two are acquainted.

Waving off Joyner’s initial concerns, Mark promises to teach him “how to drive this b*tch” before wrecking the car in a collision with a dirt pile. While Mark tries to downplay the damage, an exasperated Joyner leaves him to deal with the mess, strolling the streets of Beverly Hills to his “uncle George’s” house — who turns out to be comedian George Lopez. After some finagling, Joyner manages to borrow his Unc’s BMW — although he’s disappointed to discover it’s more “Beater” than “Beamer.” A final scene sees Joyner cruising in (or rather, on top of) a miniature version of the car for kids alongside yet another famous face: Diddy — aka “Love” — who mugs the camera as Lucas launches into a lightspeed display of multisyllabic lyricism.

“Zim Zimma” follows Lucas’ Lil Baby collaboration “Ramen & OJ” and similarly quirky, high-concept music video for “Will Smith.”

Watch Joyner Lucas’ “Zim Zimma” video above.

Kevin Abstract Explains Brockhampton’s ‘Final Album’ Decision: ‘We All Love Each Other’

by
Getty Image

Brockhampton fans took a blow this past March when the group’s founder and de facto frontman, Kevin Abstract, announced that their next two albums would be their last as a group. Since then, they’ve released the first of the pair, the expansive Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine, leaving them with one final project to put out as a group before they go their separate ways.

However, before that, Kevin addressed the impending shakeup on Twitter, perhaps hoping to impart a sense of closure to longtime fans and reassure them that the group wasn’t breaking up for the usual dramatic reasons music fans are used to hearing. “We all love each other and we wanna continue making the best music we can,” he wrote. “Everybody just getting a lil older and got a lot to say outside of group projects. We’ve dedicated the last ten years of our lives to making music together. This next project we’re just doing what’s rite.”

He did share some good news for Brockham fans sorry to see the group go, though. While their next album will be the final album completed as a group, Abstract did tease that the long-awaited Technical Difficulties project that appeared to be scrapped last year might still see a release sometime down the road — it just may take a while due to sample clearances. “Still wanna try to get technical difficulties out at some point,” he admitted. “Just hella samples to clear, so i wouldn’t even be surprised if that came after the last album. But we really want that out.”

The group hasn’t yet announced when the final album will come along or what it’ll be called, but there’s a Europe tour planned for 2022, so it’ll presumably be out by then, and then the future beckons.

Check out the tour dates for 2022 below.

YG & Mozzy Announce The Release Date Of Their Joint Album ‘Kommunity Service’

by
Mozzy

It’s official; Mozzy and YG’s full-length joint project, which features collaborations “Bompton To Oak Park” and “Perfect Timing” with Blxst, has a solid release date. The duo announced the title and release date of Kommunity Service today, sharing the cover and star-studded tracklist as well. The cover reproduces the poster of Hype Williams’ 1998 feature film debut Belly with Mozzy and YG standing in for the late DMX and Nas, while the tracklist includes a who’s-who of street-centric fellows; A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, G Herbo, Tyga, and Young M.A are all set to appear on the 10-song set.

The two California rappers will drop Kommunity Service this Friday, May 21. Both rappers are in the midst of career upswings; while Mozzy turned in a productive 2020 with two albums, Beyond Bulletproof and Occupational Hazard, YG successfully launched his own artists and imprint with the compilation EP 4hunnid Presents: Gang Affiliated. Some of both artists’ signees are included on Kommunity Service, including D3szn, E Mozzy, and Celly Ru.

Check out the tracklist for Kommunity Service, which drops 5/21, below and pre-order it here.

  1. Gangsta
  2. Dangerous ft. G Herbo
  3. Bompton to Oak Park
  4. MAD ft. Young M.A
  5. Vibe With You ft. Ty Dolla $ign
  6. Drop A Location ft. A Boogie wit da Hoodie
  7. Toot It Up ft. Tyga
  8. First 48 ft. D3szn, E Mozzy & Celly Ru
  9. Bite Down
  10. Perfect Timing ft. Blxst

Dave Grohl Joins The Chicago Mayor In Teasing The Full-Capacity Return Of Lollapalooza 2021

by
Getty Image

Following reports that Lollapalooza’s 2021 return was approved by the city, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot makes it official. Lightfoot tapped Dave Grohl to join her in a video to tease the return of massive festival, saying it can return to it’s full capacity of 100,000 people per day and will take place in Grant Park the weekend of July 29 through August 1.

The teaser video opens with Lightfoot and Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, who has been advising the city on COVID-19 safety measures, sitting together on lawn chairs and listening to music. Lightfoot asks Arwady if live music will be able to return soon, and she replies with, “You know, I think we can do it. We keep getting people vaccinated, we keep making good progress, I’m giving the green light.” Grohl then appears in the clip with his own video message. “What’s up Chicago. I’ll see you this summer with my good friends the Foo Fighters,” he says.

Sharing the video on social media, Lightfoot wrote that proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test will be require upon entry at Lollapalooza. “In alignment with our public health guidance, the world class festival returns to the city later this summer. However, full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test will be required to enjoy the festivities.”

Watch Mayor Lightfoot and Dave Grohl in the Lollapalooza 2021 teaser video above.

Lollapalooza’s 2021 lineup will be revealed 5/19 at 10 a.m. CDT, with tickets going on sale at noon.

Bryce Vine’s Fans Inspire His Creativity In ‘On Repeat’

by

Fans show love for their favorite artists in a number of ways, whether it’s an act as simple as streaming the performer’s songs or something as intense as getting an indelible tattoo of an album cover. The way Bryce Vine sees it, his relationship with his fans goes both directions, which he shows in the first episode of Uproxx’s new series On Repeat, made in partnership with Straight Talk.

In the video, Vine stands before a blank canvas of a jacket surrounded by patches, pins, and other DIY-ready materials, with the intent of making a custom jacket for himself. For Vine’s design, he took inspiration from the gifts his fans have given him over the years, saying, “One of my favorite things about shows is when fans bring me personalized things. Some of my favorite items of clothing I’ve ever had were things my fans sent to me by mail or given me at shows.”

Vine also speaks about how quality doesn’t have to cost much by explaining how that mindset works in terms of his creative process: “I don’t think quality really has to cost anything. It’s just like music: trying things out for hours and hours, moving things around, seeing what fits together right.”

Check out the video above for more from Bryce Vine and keep an eye out for more episodes of On Repeat.

Bryce Vine is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

T.I. And Tiny Respond To An LAPD Investigation Of Their Alleged Drugging And Sexual Assault

by
Getty Image

In recent months, two more women have come forward and accused T.I. and his wife Tiny of sexual misconduct. The alleged incidents took place in 2005 and 2010, with both women accusing the couple of drugging and sexually assaulting them. Now, LAPD has launched an investigation into the reports and T.I. and Tiny’s lawyers have responded.

The New York Times first reported allegations of sexual assault back in late February, claiming lawyer Tyrone A. Blackburn represented eleven women who claim they’ve been victimized by the couple. The two additional women are also being represented by Blackburn, and according to Billboard and The Daily Beast, the attorney has successfully pressured the LAPD to open an investigation into the incident that allegedly took place in 2005. The accuser claims T.I. drugged her drink before she was taken to a hotel room and sexually assaulted after repeatedly refusing the couple’s advances.

Responding to the reports of LAPD’s investigation, T.I. and Tiny’s lawyer Steve Sadow issued a statement on behalf of the couple:

“The Harrises have not spoken to or been contacted by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Las Vegas Police Department (LVPD) or, indeed, any member of law enforcement from any other jurisdiction in the country. Even assuming the story in the Daily Beast is close to accurate, it appears the LAPD ‘accuser’ has chosen once again to remain anonymous, thereby preventing us from being in a position to disprove or refute her allegations – or even examine them. Meanwhile, although we now appear for the first time to have the name of an ‘accuser’ who supposedly filed a police report with LVPD, we have absolutely zero details about her or her claim.”

Smino Begins His ‘New Journey’ With The Nourishing ‘Rice & Gravy’

by

St. Louis rapper Smino is back with a new song, “Rice & Gravy,” which he calls the beginning of a new journey. Releasing the single with a minimum of fanfare, Smino seemed to reveal a change in his label situation with a tweet just before the new song’s release. “dawg I went thru so much bullsht tryna release music over da past couple years,” he wrote. “I’m jus happy af to begin my new journey tonite… I feel like a brand new artist rn.”

He may feel like a new artist, but “Rice & Gravy” is vintage Smino, with a glitchy, synth-and-bass beat produced by Monte Booker and a rubberband flow that springs between melodic and staccato cadences delivered in Smi’s signature, grits-thick St. Louis accent. Longtime fans will surely be satisfied with this recipe, and anyone who has been awaited a follow-up to Smino’s 2018 album Noir may be excited to learn that he’s once again in the driver’s seat of his own release schedule.

Despite whatever troubles he’s had in getting new music out, Smino has tried to stay busy, featuring on tracks from Thundercat (“Dragonball Durag Remix” with Guapdad 4000), and his recently discovered cousin Denzel Curry (“So.Incredible.Pkg” with Kenny Beats and Robert Glasper), working with his Zoink Gang compatriots Buddy, Guapdad, and JID, and dropping the surprise quarantine tape She Already Decided.

Listen to Smino’s “Rice & Gravy” above.

Mulatto’s Long-Awaited Name Change Is Finally Official

by
Getty Image

It looks like Atlanta rapper Mulatto’s long-awaited name change is finally official, as first Apple Music and now Spotify, reflect her new, slightly less problematic moniker. While many fans expected her to start going by her nickname “Big Latto” — which also doubled as the title of her second EP — she went for a bigger chop, reducing that nickname down to simply “Latto.” It also appears she’s got new music coming soon to celebrate.

This marks the second time she shortened her nom de guerre after knocking her name down from “Miss Mulatto,” the title under which she appeared on Lifetime’s The Rap Game, where she won the show’s first season. Unfortunately, due to the historical implications of the term “Mulatto,” her increased profile over the past year also brought increased scrutiny and criticism, which she addressed at multiple points over the year, including in an exclusive profile with Uproxx, in which she explained:

“It’s not about me comparing my ‘struggles of being mixed’ to any other skin tone, any other race, anything like that. It’s just simply me explaining my story. I did experience a different type of upbringing having two completely different cultures. One side of my family cooked this way, talked this way, celebrate this way, traditions is this way, and then one of the sides is different, and as a kid, I was just confused and kind of had to find my way in my identity. It’s just about an experience, and flipping that negative into something positive.”

Some fans still couldn’t see it that way, especially after Latto made some public missteps in addressing the criticism. Now that her name change is official — at least on streaming services, if not social media, where the process can be a bit more complicated — we’ll see if she can dodge continued opprobrium as her star continues to rise. Check out some screenshots of the artist’s revamped title on Spotify and Apple Music

below.