Last month, a series of events took place that rocked Diddy’s foundation. After months of facing lawsuits accusing him of decades of bad behavior, the stakes were raised substantially. That came after the federal government executed two raids on the rap mogul’s properties in both Miami and Los Angeles. On the same day, his plane was grounded at the airport in Miami. That led to one of his alleged associates, Brendan Paul, being arrested after cocaine and marijuana candy was found on the plane.
Many have alleged that Paul had been serving as Diddy’s main assistant, which makes his arrest a particular issue for the rap mogul. That got worse when he was hit with a felony count of drug possession. The raid executed last month is reportedly part of an investigation into some pretty serious allegations against the rapper. Those accusations include sex trafficking, illegal weapon possession, and more. TMZ speculates that the government could be in position to offer Brendan Paul a deal for information relevant to their investigation.
Since the raids last month, Diddy has been extremely quiet. But that hasn’t stopped tons of people online from bringing up his name. Celebrities from across numerous mediums have shared their takes on his current situation leading to a wide variety of conclusions. During a particularly bizarre crossover earlier this month, DJ Akademiks spoke to Donald Trump Jr. about the allegations against the rap mogul. 50 Cent also hasn’t slowed down his near-constant assault against Diddy on Instagram. He was one of the first to start taking aim at the legendary rap figure when allegations first began rolling in last year. Since then he’s posted near constantly about the case and the numerous other high-profile figures involved in it.
What do you think of Diddy’s alleged associate Brendan Paul being charged with felony drug possession? Do you think he may potentially be in line to share information with the government relevant to their investigation into the rap mogul? Let us know in the comment section below.
Every corner of the rap community continues to be captivated by the civil war going on right now. One prominent figure that has been enjoying the war of words has been Joe Budden. The rapper turned podcaster has been reacting and giving his two cents on the situation as of late. His most recent discussion was around “Push Ups” and his favorite bar. But a new clip from the Joe Budden podcast has now surfaced for the “Taylor Made Freestyle.” At the start of the snippet, the New Yorker was clearly hyped to be back in the podcast studio.
Before him and the crew got into the recent diss though, the panel wanted to address some chatter that Drake was trying to “box them out” of the beef talk. Because “Taylor Made” came out on April 19 (a Friday), they were not able to react to it right away. However, Joe Budden made sure to be clear that if the diss was essentially good enough, he would react to it ASAP. But the podcast crew decided to wait until they were scheduled to come back to give their thoughts. They also did not come in early because “Drake listens to [Joe Budden] more than Kendrick does.”
With that out of the way, what about their thoughts on the freestyle? Well, Joe and the crew thoroughly enjoyed it. They appreciated the aspect of incorporating AI verses from Snoop Dogg and Tupac. Additionally, they thought the beat was excellent and Budden even went as far as to say that Drake was a “genius” for this. They believe that Drake is just taunting K-Dot right now, but he that does have some serious “venom” ready to go when Lamar eventually responds.
What are your thoughts on Joe Budden and his response to Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle?” Are you surprised that he has so much praise for the track? What freestyle have you been enjoying more and why? How do you feel about Drake using AI for second diss? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Joe Budden and Drake. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.
Rico Wade’s family has confirmed the funeral service arrangements for the late rapper following his tragic passing at the age of 52, earlier this month. He will be eulogized in a private funeral for family and close friends on Friday at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. While the event itself is private, the family has invited the media to attend to cover the arrivals of attendees. They are still planning a larger celebration of life event in the coming weeks.
While a cause of death has yet to be made official, prior to his passing, Wade had been dealing with health issues, including getting a heart valve repair. He discussed the situation during an interview with AllHipHop back in March. “My heart had ruptured a valve and it was dripping, and they just rerouted it,” he told the outlet. “I have heart conditions on my father’s side.”
Rico Wade performs at the Dungeon Family show at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia on April 20, 2019. (Photo by Julia Beverly/Getty Images)
Wade’s Organized Noize collaborators, Sleepy Brown and Ray Murray, addressed his death in a statement, earlier this month. “We are devastated by the news of the passing of our dear brother Rico Wade. The world has lost one of the most innovative architects in music, and we have lost an invaluable friend,” they wrote. “Rico was the cornerstone of Organized Noize and the Dungeon Family, and we will forever treasure his memory and the moments we shared, creating music as a united team. Our hearts weigh heavy with sorrow, and we kindly request privacy and empathy during this challenging period. Rico’s presence will always have a special spot in our hearts, and in the music we presented to the world.”
The relationship between Hip Hop and sports has long been documented. Naturally, Hip Hop culture is felt across various sports, but the history with basketball is by far the longest and richest. Rucker Park, (or simply The Rucker) sits at the epicenter of these two worlds. Or at least it used to be. Nestled in the heart of Harlem, New York, The Rucker is a cherished spot in the annals of these two cultural influences.
The name of Rucker Park honors local teacher and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation playground director Holcombe Rucker. Born in 1926, Rucker grew up on 141st Street with his grandmother. Standing at 6 feet and 3 inches, he found his calling playing guard at Benjamin Franklin High School until World War II, when he dropped out of school to enlist in the war. After the war was over, Holcombe Rucker returned with one last mission: to give back to his community through the education and the game he loved so much.
In 1950, Rucker’s vision came to fruition through a basketball league that would keep kids off the streets and encourage them in both studies and hoops. This was how the Rucker Tournament was born. It was originally held on various Harlem courts until 1954 when it found its home at the corner of 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. However, it wasn’t until 1974 that the park was officially named after Holcombe Rucker. This felt especially special because his legacy had extended far beyond the court. Rucker’s tournament wasn’t just about basketball though. It was also about education, dignity, and meaning. Over 700 individuals secured college basketball scholarships thanks to his initiative’s efforts.
Rucker Park soon emerged as a mecca for street basketball in the 1950s. It offered a platform for local athletes to showcase their skills on its gritty asphalt courts. Situated amidst the bustling streets of Harlem, the park embodied the raw, unfiltered essence of playground basketball. Therefore, players from across New York City flocked to Rucker, drawn by the prospect of testing their skills against the city’s best. Wilt Chamberlain was the first household name to grace Rucker Park, and the names after him could fill a book. With its chain-link fences and raucous crowds, Rucker Park became synonymous with the vibrant subculture of streetball. There, flashy moves and playground legends reigned supreme.
As Rucker Park gained prominence in the basketball world, it also became a cultural epicenter for Harlem’s burgeoning rap scene. The park’s vibrant atmosphere attracted not only athletes but also Hip Hop artists, DJs, and fans who shared a common love for the game and the music. Spontaneous rap battles and freestyle sessions became as integral to the Rucker experience as the basketball games themselves. As a result, Rucker Park helped blur the lines between sport and art. The symbiotic relationship between basketball and hip-hop flourished with players drawing inspiration from the rhythm and energy of the music while rappers paid homage to the park’s iconic status in their lyrics and music videos.
Importantly, Rucker Park has witnessed the rise of numerous streetball legends whose electrifying performances have become the stuff of urban folklore. In 1982, Greg Marius founded the Entertainers Basketball Classic (EBC) at Rucker Park, transforming the park into an urban amphitheater. The EBC attracted top players from across the country, including NBA stars like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, who relished the opportunity to showcase their skills in the hallowed grounds of Rucker. The tournament’s unique blend of competitive basketball and entertainment drew crowds of spectators and media attention. This solidified Rucker Park’s reputation as a premier destination for streetball enthusiasts worldwide.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Rucker Park gained further notoriety through its association with the And1 Mixtape Tour, a traveling showcase of streetball talent. Featuring players known for their flashy moves and playground flair, the And1 tour brought the excitement of Rucker Park to cities across the globe, popularizing the park’s unique brand of basketball culture. The tour’s mixtapes, which showcased the players’ jaw-dropping highlights set to Hip Hop beats, became must-watch videos among basketball fans. This also helped elevate the profile of streetball worldwide. To this day, even rappers like Machine Gun Kelly have Rucker to thank for giving them a platform.
By the 20th season of the tournament, the Rucker’s visitors began to include the likes of Former President Bill Clinton and NBA Commissioners David Stern, Adam Silver and Stephon Marbury. But no matter who came around, the palpable excitement of Rucker marked a typical day on the court. However, one notable incident that would have shut down both the ballin’ and rappin’ worlds was the game that was never held in 2003. Jay-Z and Fat Joe were battling to be the King of New York, not just on the charts but also in business and basketball.
Their EBC teams were stacked with top talent like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Jermaine O’Neal, LeBron James, and more. As the competition heated up, both men kept adding to their rosters, even making last-minute changes. Jay-Z even left his tour to appear at The Rucker with Beyoncé and Steve Stoute. The anticipation was high, with rumors of surprise appearances and last-minute shake-ups. Joe also revealed that he had a surprise waiting at 57th Street with Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson, planning to bring them to the game for halftime. Jay-Z also arranged for Shaquille O’Neal to join in at the last minute. With both teams ready, and thousands in attendance, the power went out.
An Enduring Legacy
Rucker Park’s cultural influence extends far beyond the confines of the basketball court, permeating various aspects of urban life and popular culture. The park’s iconic blacktop has served as a canvas for graffiti artists and a backdrop for music videos, immortalizing its place in the annals of rap history. From the iconic Above The Rim film, which featured acting credits from 2Pac and Bernie Mac, to lyrical tributes by pioneers like Nas and Jay-Z, Rucker Park has left an indelible mark on the worlds of sports and music. It embodies the spirit of resilience, creativity, and community that defines Harlem’s rich heritage.
Unfortunately, the park is no longer what it used to be. However, its legacy remains intact. In 2022, Rucker Park famously made history again. It became the first outdoor venue for The Basketball Tournament, a single-elimination winner-take-all event with a $1 million prize. The echoes of legends past reverberated as new stars stepped onto the hallowed ground. So the next time you pass by the corner of 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, remember Holcombe Rucker- the visionary who turned a playground into a symphony of basketball, Hip Hop, and most of all, community.
It didn’t reach Brendan Fraser-in-The Whale“the only frame from the movie” status, but it feels like we’ve been seeing that image of Zendaya sitting on a bed with Mike Faist on one side of her and Josh O’Connor on the other for years. That’s only a slight hyperbole: Challengers was originally scheduled for August 2023, but it was pushed back to 2024 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Thankfully, Luca Guadagnino’s sexy (and sex scene-free) tennis movie finally comes out this week, so we’ll be able to see the bed scene in context.
Speaking of that scene, Zendaya told Variety what was on her mind while taking such good care of her little white boys. “The only reason I really remember is because Beyoncé came out with ‘Break My Soul’ that day,” she said. “I was having a great day, like, ‘Y’all. Beyoncé’s single just dropped.’ That’s what I was focused on, to be honest.”
O’Connor joked, “We lost Zendaya for like a week. She was on set, normal, chatting with us. Then one day Beyoncé released something. They called ‘cut,’ and she immediately had headphones in. She was completely lost to the world.” Beyoncé: the only person who can make literally Zendaya lose her cool.
Here’s more on Challengers:
From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, Challengers stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor) – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win.
Challengers opens in theaters on April 26. See it.
Early this month, Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign canceled several listening events for their upcoming album Vultures 2 without warning or explanation. The canceled listening sessions were just part of an uneven rollout for the project, which they announced in January. After several setbacks, though, it appears that the album has a new tentative release date: May 3. Kanye revealed the release date during an appearance on influencer Justin LaBoy’s podcast.
Some skepticism about the release date is probably warranted. When Kanye and Ty first announced that Vultures would be released in three parts, they initially gave the second installment a March 8 release, with the third part billed for April 5. They’ve now blown past not only the second release date, but the release date for the third part as well. After missing the date for the first Vultures, they released the album in mid-February, only to run into problems with the distributor — namely, that FUGA, the company listed as distributor, had previously refused to work with Kanye over his antisemitic comments. The album was pulled from Apple Music, but still debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 because we crossed through the looking glass sometime in 2015.
Meanwhile, on March 8, Kanye delayedVultures 2, attributing the delay to an internal debate about adopting a direct-to-consumer distribution method.
The MTV Video Music Awards have built quite a legacy: This year’s show will mark the event’s 40th anniversary. Speaking of the 2024 VMAs, when is that going down?
When Will The 2024 MTV VMAs Be Held?
MTV announced today (April 24) that this year’s ceremony will take place on September 10 at New York’s UBS Arena.
Mark your calendars The #VMAs are returning to New York!
In a statement (as Deadline reports), Bruce Gillmer — President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+ — said, “We’re excited to bring this year’s VMAs to UBS Arena, one of the country’s newest and most cutting-edge venues. Celebrating one of music’s biggest nights with the incredible, robust New York area fans is something we’ve been looking forward to since the moment last year’s show ended.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also said, “We are excited to welcome back the MTV Video Music Awards to New York State. From its origins at Radio City Music Hall in 1984 to this September’s event at the UBS Arena, the VMAs continue to captivate millions, showcasing the very best in music video artistry. As we prepare to host this 40th anniversary event, let’s embrace the spirit of creativity and innovation that defines our state’s cultural landscape.”
A specific time for the broadcast has not yet been announced. As Deadline notes, though, the ceremony will air “across MTV’s linear and digital platforms in more than 150 countries and territories.”
Kanye West has made some interesting comments in the past. Overall, being provocative has always kind of been his thing. Although some find it to be a bit annoying and concerning, he continues to do his own thing. From anti-semitism to delusions of grandeur, Ye has done and said it all. However, there are some statements that fans simply cannot help but roll their eyes at. During a recent interview with Justin LaBoy, Ye ended up giving us plenty of those moments.
This interview made waves for a few reasons. Of course, there were plenty of disses sent towards J. Cole and Drake. Moreover, Ye spoke about the recent sexual assault that involved his wife, Bianca Censori. That said, there is one instance in the interview where Kanye made some bizarre comments about being like God. In fact, Ye stated that he is God and that he is the head of the Kingdom. This got a laugh and a hearty “wow” from Justin LaBoy who pretty well sat back and agreed with every single thing Ye had to say. Fans even commented on how the media personality is coming across like a “yes man.”
On Akademiks’ Twitter page, some were upset with Ye and his new way of thinking about things. “As a day 1 Kanye fan, I’m very disappointed. This is the result of being surrounded by Yes men like JustinLaBoy,” one fan wrote. “This the same man who was having a mental breakdown because he got some purple emojis sent his way,” said another. Needless to say, calling yourself God is not a good way to get into the good graces of your fans.
Let us know what you think of these comments from Kanye West, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that he is doing too much by making these kinds of proclamations? What do you think of Justin LaBoy and his interview style? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
A tweet comparing the legal drama of Megan Thee Stallion and Diddy is causing viral backlash for The Root on social media. The post featured the caption: “Is Megan Thee Stallion the Female Diddy? Crazy Sexual Harassment Allegations Show We Never Know Celebs.” It arrives after a former cameraman for the rapper filed a lawsuit against her on Tuesday. The Root has since taken down the post.
“The two situations are NOTHING ALIKE AT ALL,” one user wrote in response, as caught by AllHipHop. “To make these kinds of incorrect and unequal comparisons in a situation like this is absolutely gross and journalistic malpractice. Stop trying to be like Bossip and have some [damn] decorum.” Another added: “The Root wrote an inflammatory headline about Megan Thee Stallion [because] they knew [people] would quote tweet it with disgust. They’ve been going downhill for a few years now. Desperation breeds depravity.”
Megan Thee Stallion Performs During Amazon Music Live Concert
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 03: Megan Thee Stallion performs during the Amazon Music Live Concert Series on November 03, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Amazon Music)
Emilio Garcia filed the lawsuit against Megan in Los Angeles County Superior Court, claiming that he was stuck inside a moving vehicle with her when she began having sex with another woman. He further accuses her of treating him differently after the alleged incident. He says the “harassment was so severe or pervasive” that it created a “hostile, abusive work environment” and made “working conditions intolerable.” In a statement from his attorney, Ron Zambrano, to NBC News, his legal team argued “‘Inappropriate’ is putting it lightly” and that “exposing this behavior to employees is definitely illegal.”
“The Root” Faces Backlash For Megan Thee Stallion Tweet
To make these kinds of incorrect and unequal comparisons in a situation like this is absolutely gross and journalistic malpractice. Stop trying to be like Bossip and have some damb decorum. https://t.co/VwNdqjjUrQ
— Carolyn Hinds #FreePalestine #CongoInCrisis (@CarrieCnh12) April 23, 2024
Diddy, on the other hand, is dealing with accusations of sex trafficking and is facing numerous lawsuits with other misconduct allegations. Homeland Security agents raided his properties in Los Angeles and Miami, last month. He has not been charged with any crimes and continues to maintain his innocence. Be on the lookout for further updates on Megan and Diddy on HotNewHipHop.
Kanye West is someone who has been known to engage in numerous different ventures. However, not every single venture has worked out for him. One could look at something like Donda Academy to understand exactly what we mean by that. Overall, one thing that Ye likes to do is add “Yeezy” to various different copyright filings. That way, he can use the name on a myriad of trademarks and products. According to a recent report from TMZ, Ye has even been working on some sort of Yeezy Porn venture, in which he would create a studio that makes adult films.
As you can imagine, this came as a bit of a shock to his fans. After all, Ye has become a reformed Christian of sorts over the last few years. Furthermore, he has been adamant about his porn addiction and how ungodly it is. With that in mind, the latest update from Kanye comes across as hypocritical. So much so that his fans were out in droves on Twitter yeserday, where they revealed just how upset they were over this new venture.
As you can see below, the consensus amongst Ye fans is that this is absolutely horrible. In fact, it feels like more Ye fans are upset about this than they were his anti-semitic ramblings. Perhaps this has to do with the fact that his actions in 2022 ushered in a new fanbase, that doesn’t even really know about Ye’s past beyond The Life Of Pablo. It’s a sad fact to consider given all Ye accomplished over the last few decades. Regardless, it would appear as though the Yeezy Porn venture is alienating his newer fans, which could be bad for business as Vultures 2 drops on May 3rd.
Fans React
Let us know what you think of this rumored new venture from Kanye West, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that this is actually a big deal? Are you mad at him for allegedly wanting to get involved in this kind of stuff? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Kanye West reportedly plans to launch a porn studio and brand under the name “Yeezy Porn.”
https://t.co/zbBNkNiBgD
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#FreePalestine #CongoInCrisis (@CarrieCnh12) 
(@theheatgoes_on)