News Exclusives

Today in Hip-Hop History: Mos Def’s Solo Debut ‘Black On Both Sides’ Turns 25 Year Old!

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On this date in 1999, Rapper/actor/social activist Yasiin Bey, who was formally recognized by the Hip Hop world as Mos Def, released his first solo album, Black On Both Sides on the Rawkus/Columbia imprint.

On his debut album following the Black Star album with Talib Kweli, Mos Def kept it all the way Brooklyn, with his lyrical gymnastics laced with social commentary for the technology-addicted Internet generation. Songs like “Mathematics” and “Mr. N***a” reflect the cultural climate of 1999 while his borough anthem “Brooklyn” and love interest story “Ms. Fat Booty” keep the ear in the streets tuned in.

Salute to Mos, and producers Diamond D, ATCQ’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Psycho Les, and Ayatollah, This certified gold classic is forever etched in the annals of Hip-Hop history!

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Travis Scott and Cactus Jack To Curate COMPLEXCON, Bringing CACTUSCON To Las Vegas

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ComplexCon, the pioneering festival and exhibition of convergence culture that curates the very best in style, music, art, and food, announced today that Travis Scott will be the event’s 2024 Artistic Director and Sunday night headliner, bringing “CactusCon” to ComplexCon Las Vegas, a nod to his creative collective, Cactus Jack.

Under Scott’s creative direction, Cactus Jack will infuse its iconic style throughout ComplexCon. Scott will also design exclusive merchandise only available at the festival. The multi-platinum, diamond-certified recording artist, producer, and style icon’s role builds upon ComplexCon’s history of working with the most prominent and innovative artists such as Takashi Murakami, to push artistic and experiential boundaries. 

Scott, whose CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR is officially the highest-grossing rap tour of all time, will also headline Sunday evening for a highly anticipated performance that will mark a triumphant homecoming to the festival he helped inaugurate in 2016.

After a wildly successful run in its hometown of Long Beach, ComplexCon will head to Sin City for the first time ever on Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17, taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This year’s show will grow 4x in size, spanning over 1,000,000 sq ft, with an unprecedented number of brands, exclusive drops, activations and experiences. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to shop hundreds of exclusive releases from today’s most sought-after brands and cultural creatives, including 032C, Ambush, Asics, Awake NY, BYREDO, Cactus Plant Flea Market, Ecko Unltd., EDGLRD, Fox Racing, Fragment, Futura Laboratories, Glo Gang, HELLSTAR, Hidden NY, Holiday, Infinite Archives, Kids of Immigrants, Malbon Golf, Mastermind, Mitchell & Ness, Mowalola, New Era Cap, Nike, Oakley, Online Ceramics, PDF Channel, Psychworld, Rick Owens, Satoshi Nakamoto, Saucony, Sp5der, Stash, Thug Club, Undefeated, Vans, Vetements, WWE, Zippo and more.

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Museum of Graffiti Presents: Samuel Sumak’s Visions

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The Museum of Graffiti is proud to present “Samuel Sumak’s Visions,” a compelling exhibition that explores the story of Samuel Sumak, a graphic artist and muralist whose life and work have shaped the Chilean graffiti scene. The opening reception will take place on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 7 PM to 10 PM at the Museum of Graffiti, located 276 NW 26th Street in Miami’s dynamic Wynwood Arts District.

This exhibition, the result of the U.F.O. (Unión, Fuerza, Objetivo) collective’s workshop, includes a wide array of media such as paintings, drawings, installations, and graffiti. At its core, the exhibit tells the powerful story of Samuel Sumak, who was persecuted during the 1990s and forced to live underground as a vagabond, adopting the name Bultisam. This deeply personal narrative is depicted in a large triptych, which Sumak has been painting over the past three years, capturing his journey of resilience, transformation, and artistic expression.

In addition to the visual journey presented by Sumak, the evening will feature a live musical performance by Foex, a prominent Chilean music producer and founding member of the U.F.O. collective. Known for his genre-defying sound, Foex blends Hip-Hop, Soul, and Electronica, infusing his music with experimental creativity. As the founder of Potoco Discos, Chile’s pioneering urban music label, Foex has earned recognition for his cutting-edge approach to music production. His performance will provide a rich auditory backdrop to the exhibition, enhancing the evening’s immersive experience.

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Rotimi Releases “ILMSY (MOVES)”, Announces New Album

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Multifaceted Billboard charting and RIAA certified singer/songwriter Rotimi is making waves once again with his latest single “ILMSY (MOVES)” available now on all major streaming platforms. This infectious track not only showcases Rotimi’s signature blend of R&B and Afrobeats but also marks his directorial debut, as the multi-talented artist took full creative control of the visuals – from conceptualization to execution.

The in-house production sets the tone as Rotimi adds more exciting news, announcing his upcoming album, In My Heart, In My Veins, slated to release on November 1. This project marks Rotimi’s first full-length offering in two years promising fans a rich, genre-spanning experience that solidifies Rotimi’s position as a versatile and innovative force in the music industry.

“ILMSY (MOVES)” serves as a tantalizing preview of what fans can expect from the full album. The track embodies Rotimi’s signature sound, seamlessly fusing R&B and Afrobeats to create an irresistible, dance-worthy vibe. Lyrics like “I love me some you, all the little things you do, all the little words you chew, everything that makes you you” highlight the song’s theme of deep admiration and love for a partner.

The accompanying visuals for “ILMSY (MOVES)” capture the essence of this admiration, presenting a feel-good atmosphere that invites viewers to get up and dance. True to Rotimi’s style, the video complements the song’s infectious energy and showcases his charismatic on-screen presence.

The upcoming In My Heart, In My Veins album is set to be a unique presentation that flawlessly showcases the duality of Rotimi’s artistry. The project will be presented as a double feature, with the first half dedicated to R&B and the second half focusing on Afrobeats. This innovative approach aims to satisfy fans across multiple genres, highlighting Rotimi’s versatility and range as a musician.

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Quavo And Lana Del Rey Release “Tough” (Gravagerz Remix)

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Grammy-nominated artists Quavo and Lana Del Rey join forces with Luxembourg-based DJ and producer Gravagerz for the latest dance remix of their hit single “Tough.” After charting on the Billboard Hot 100 following its original release, Gravagerz reimagines the country-trap summer anthem into an ethereal club banger. His lush chord progressions, high-tempo drum groove, and deep-house synth melodies create a new backdrop for Quavo and Lana’s heart-string pulling vocals, making the track a must-play for DJs. This new rendition follows last week’s hypnotically funky Channel Tres remix, adding another layer of excitement to the song’s ongoing success. 

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Happy 54th Birthday To Hip Hop’s Female GOAT MC Lyte!

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Born on this day in 1970, Lana Michelle Moorer has been a pillar of feminism and respect for women in Hip Hop since her 1986 debut. After her first single, “I Cram to Understand U” sent shock waves through the growing New York Hip Hop scene, Lyte was awarded a record deal from First Priority Music and given the ability to take her message to the street.

MC Lyte was the first woman to tackle any issue of feminism in Hip Hop and was in no way quiet about it. Her debut album, Lyte as a Rock, was a middle finger to Hip Hop’s male standard, serving as the first full-length album from a female rapper. Here stood a young woman lyrically holding her own in a sea of some of the most hungry and prolific MC’s in the genre’s history while simultaneously checking the whole industry on their lack of respect for the fairer sex. Her ability commanded a positive response and made her a new force to be reckoned with.

Her follow up album only did more for her career, creating her image as Hip Hop’s female kingpin, demanding respecting and delivering nothing but fire. This album, titled Eyes on This, also housed Lyte’s first hit single “Cha Cha Cha” which spent 18 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart proving that MC Lyte was here to stay.

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The Weeknd Hits Record 120.5 Million Monthly Spotify Listeners, Breaks His Own Record

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The Weeknd has officially beat his own record of artist with highest monthly listeners on Spotify, with over 120.5 million monthly listeners.

The XO-superstar became the first artist to reach 100 million monthly listeners in February of 2023, and has held the number 1 spot since then, aside for a recent one month period. This feat comes following The Weeknd’s latest music video for “Timeless” with Playboi Carti Produced by Pharrell. Also recently released is the fan hit “Dancing In The Flames,” from his heavily anticipated album, Hurry Up Tomorrow available for vinyl and CD.

Last month, The Weeknd delivered a sold out stadium spectacular live performance from São Paulo, which was streamed exclusively on YouTube. Millions of fans worldwide tuned in to witness the unique concert that showcased his signature sound and electrifying stage presence along with surprise guests Playboi Carti and Anitta. It was the highest music performance trending in the US and trended in 24 other countries, further solidifying The Weeknd’s reign as a global music icon. 10% of net proceeds from all merchandise sales at the event and online to the Brazilian Soul Fund of BrazilFoundation, supporting communities affected by natural disasters and economic hardships in southern Brazil.

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50 Cent Sues NYC Jeweler For Using His Name To Sell Fake Jewels

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Reports have confirmed that 50 Cent has filed a lawsuit against a famous NYC jeweler for using his name and likeness on social media platforms to sell imitation replicas of his famous pendant.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the Hip Hop and movie mogul is suing Maksud Agadjani and his TraxNYC Corp. for trademark infringement and violating his right of publicity. Fif claims that the jeweler is using his images on social media to fool consumers into believing that he’s endorsing the fugazi bling.

Earlier this week, Trax posted a pic of Drake and 50 together and captioned the post, “Yo @50 Cent , you should be a jeweler. Hit traxnyc.com or call 212 traxnyc.” Also, on a TikTok post from this summer, Trax showed off a crucifix similar to the one worn by Fif, saying, “We just jocked your style, I know you watch my videos and now I’m watching your s**t and jocking your s**t just like you jocked my s**t.”

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50 warned Trax about his online shenanigans and now the court will be intervening, as 50 is suing the jeweler for $5 million in damages. A rep for 50 told TMZ, “Mr. Jackson takes the unauthorized use of his name and likeness for commercial purposes seriously.”

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Jodeci’s Devante Swing Accused Of “Aiding” Diddy In Teen Girl Rape

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The snowball effect has really been thematic in the Diddy federal racketeering/ sex trafficking saga and now more accusations are piling up with another Bad Boy artists attached to the drama.

Jodeci member/producer Devante Swing has been accused in the rape of a 16-year-old in which DIddy and Guy front man Aaron Hall have already been implicated earlier this year. The rape charge, which allegedly occurred in 1990, has has added Swing to the list of defendants for being in the same room.

The suit, which was obtained by Rolling Stone, states, “Unbeknownst to Ms. Gardner at the time, Defendant Swing was in the room when this assault took place and did not take any steps to prevent this abuse from occurring.” A sworn statement given by a witness also states that Swing was “leaning against the wall or furniture or something, watching whatever Puffy was doing to Liza.[Gardner].”

The R&B producer was reportedly Gardner’s co-guardian at the time of the alleged rape.

The lawsuit claims Swing “had a duty to protect [Gardner] as her parents entrusted him with her safety. He trafficked and or coerced the child [to] travel across state lines from North Carolina to New York and New Jersey with the hidden intention of providing the child with alcohol, and marijuana and prostituting the child to his A&R Combs [Diddy].”

Swing nor any of his representatives have responded to these allegations.

Liza Gardner was one of the first people to file rape charges against Diddy following the very public lawsuit filed by Cassie, which has spawned into the Bad Boy mogul’s current rape, racketeering and sex trafficking charges that he his faced with in federal court.

“At the time Combs assaulted Ms. Gardner, she recalls feeling the side effects of the alcohol. She recalls Combs mounting her, and forcing up her skirt, pulling her underwear to the side and forcefully penetrating her,” her lawsuit says.

Diddy’s attorneys have denied these claims and scoffed them off as a mere “money grab”. Diddy’s trial date has recently been forecasted to take place in April or May of 2025.

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Today In Hip Hop History: AZ Dropped His Debut LP ‘Doe Or Die’ 29 Years Ago

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On this date in 1995, Antonio Cruz aka AZ from Nas’ “Life’s A Bitch” fame, released his debut album Doe Or Die on EMI Records.

Produced by legendary producers Pete Rock, DITC’s Buckwild, LES, D.R. Period as well as AZ himself, AZ was able to land the deal for this album strictly off of the classic verse he spits on the third track on the iconic Illmatic album.

Tracks sucks as the Pete Rock propelled “Rather Unique”, the dreamy “Sugar Hill”, which features then-unknown songbird Miss Jones and the street fueled “Mo Money, Mo Murder, Mo Homocide” gave this album a verbal variety that was rarely heard, especially from an emcee who was only known at the time for a guest appearance.

A special salute to AZ for holding it down for dolo for an entire quarter of a century, even managing to orchestrate a 15 year anniversary of the album in 2010 on his own Quiet Money imprint, featuring production from the likes of Statik Selektah and Fame of M.O.P.

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