News Exclusives Archives - Page 197 of 242

U.S. Athletes To Represent In World’s Largest Breakdancing Competition

September 21, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Last week at the Red Bull BC One Cypher USA in Los Angeles, the most prestigious, global break dancing competition, crowned Olympic hopeful, Grace “Sunny” Choi, and Francisco “Ali” Acuna Flores as the U.S. National Finalists.

Both Sunny and Ali will be repping for the U.S. in the BC One World Finals, which for the first time in 13 years will be hosted in New York City, the birthplace of hip-hop and break. This year marks the 19th edition of the Red Bull BC One World Final, as athletes all over the world train for this moment and breaking’s Olympic debut. Red Bull BC One All Stars Logan “Logistx” Edra, who won the Red Bull BC One World Championship title in 2021, and Victor Montalvo will join the elite line-up of World Final competitors this November.

Spanning two months of electrifying battles and community events, Red Bull BC One Regional Qualifiers kicked off in Philadelphia before touring the country with battles hosted in Austin, Orlando, Boston, and Seattle.

Following an exhilarating 16-bracket bgirl tournament, the judges crowned bgirl Sunny as the 2022 Red Bull BC One U.S. Bgirl National Champion. Grace Choi began breaking in 2008 and has collected many international wins including the 2015 Outbreak Europe B-Girl solo battle, FISE Hiroshima in Japan, and made it to the finals of the 2019 WDSF World Breaking Championships in Nanjing, China. She is currently training for the Paris 2024 Games, where breaking will make its athletic debut.

“I’m super grateful to be here, super grateful to have won this event because it means that I get to represent New York in New York. It has been a really amazing experience – I got to let loose and just be me tonight on the dancefloor and I proved to myself that that works, ” said bgirl Sunny.

In the bboy category, Salt Lake City bboy Ali reigned supreme, dominating his way through the 16-bracket tournament. Francisco Acuna Flores represents the Body Roc crew and has been breaking for 20 years.

Bboy Ali shared, “I feel really excited about winning the Red Bull BC One USA cypher so I can go to the World Finals. I’ve never been to the Red Bull BC One World Finals so this is going to be a first for me and I want to dedicate this to my dad who passed away recently.”

The evening paid tribute to west coast hip-hop and break with a performance by legendary Los Angeles hip-hop collective, The Far Side, as well as a special exhibition battle led by Red Bull BC One All Stars RoxRite and Ronnie–both lauded breaking stars, whose journeys have deep roots in California.

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[WATCH] Mike Tyson Says He Offered Remy Ma A Car To Spend The Night With Him

September 21, 2022 by newhiphopnews

In one of the most interesting story sessions on Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson, Fat Joe speaks on his friendship with the boxing legend and includes an untold story that will forever go down in Hip Hop history. With famed radio personality Angie Martinez on the side observing the validity of these stories firsthand, Tyson lets Fat Joe tell the story of Tyson inviting him and Remy Ma to his home…and answers the door totally naked.

Joe adds to the comedy of the story, “I’m only worried about him. He takes me a tour of the house, I’m not lying to you. Every room I walked in there was a chick in every room, in every f***ing room. I’m like what the f***, I’m like this guy lives a f***ing life. He offered us some f***ing 500 bands.”

Tyson admits to trying to lure the Terror Squad’s newest signee with one of his luxury cars, but the “Lean Back” rapstress clearly declined the champ’s offer.

The post [WATCH] Mike Tyson Says He Offered Remy Ma A Car To Spend The Night With Him appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: De La Soul Released Their ‘Buhloone Mindstate’ LP 29 Years Ago

September 21, 2022 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 1993, De La Soul dropped their third full-length studio album, Buhloone Mindstate.

The legendary Long Island Hip Hop trio known as De La Soul showed and proved that the third time was the charm when they released their Buhloone Mindstate album two years after their oxymoronic De La Soul Is Dead LP. Marketed and promoted by Tommy Boy Records for DSL’s third time around, Buhloone Mindstate flew pretty much under the radar but still managed to make 10th on comedian Chris Rock’s Top 25 hip-hop albums of all time as published by Rolling Stone magazine.

The most familiar single would be “Breakadawn,” which features the unforgettable samples from Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It” and Smokey Robinson’s “Quiet Storm.” Even the late great Guru from Gangstarr appeared on “Patti Dooke,” making this project one of the most well-rounded LPs from the three Plugs.

Salute to Trugoy, Mace, and Posdnous for this classic project!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: De La Soul Released Their ‘Buhloone Mindstate’ LP 29 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Marley Marl Dropped The Juice Crew Debut Album ‘In Control Vol. 1’ 34 Years Ago

September 20, 2022 by newhiphopnews

The title of “super producer” is not one to be taken lightly. For every era of Hip-Hop, there is a man behind the keys set the tone. Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, RZA, Swizz Beatz, Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland, The Neptunes, Mike Will Made-It, and Metro Boomin are among the few who have dictated what Hip Hop has sounded like over the years. Super producers have even spanned genres to influenced music as a whole, bringing the Hip Hop style to the masses.

On this day in Hip Hop history the culture’s first super producer, Marley Marl, released his debut compilation, In Control, Vol. 1, and forever changed the sound of Hip Hop. Before this album, Marley Marl’s true importance to Hip Hop had yet to be openly stated. It was known that he had a hand in some of the biggest records to have out at the time but this album put them all in the same place, proving what Marley Marl was doing to help Hip Hop evolve.

Before Marley Marl, Hip Hop production was quite primitive: the drums were sounded synthetic, the loops were monotonous, and as a whole production was more of a skeleton waiting to be filled by an MC. Marley Marl gave the instrumental life. His signature drum loops and soulful samples brought a new tone to Hip Hop. A Marley Mal beat served less as a compliment to the artist’s ability and more as fuel to jumpstart the intensity of the rapper, bringing out the best in him or her.

Commercially, this album was the success it was bound to be. Featuring Juice Crew members Biz Markie, Craig G., Roxanne Shante, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Heavy D, and more from Marley Marl’s private army. Pushed by the infamous Cold Chillin’ Records, the album peaked at #163 on the Billboard 200 and brought great publicity to Cold Chillin’ as a top label in Hip Hop. Following this album, the label rose to become a household name in Hip-Hop and Marl Marley grew to become an immortal icon of Hip Hop culture.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Marley Marl Dropped The Juice Crew Debut Album ‘In Control Vol. 1’ 34 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Big Daddy Kane Dropped ‘It’s A Big Daddy Thing’ LP 33 Years Ago

September 19, 2022 by newhiphopnews

On this day in 1989, Big Daddy Kane released his sophomore album It’s a Big Daddy Thing on the Warner Bros./Cold Chillin label. Along with being a successful follow up to Kane’s classic debut, this album was the first to suggest Big Daddy Kane be Hip Hop’s sex symbol.

With a wider appeal than Long Live the Kane and a new and improved sound coming from an all-star production team (featuring Marley Marl, Prince Paul, Easy Mo Bee, Teddy Riley,

To date, It’s a Big Daddy Thing is Kane’s most successful project with over 500,000 copies in the United States. The album has been regarded by many major publications as a Golden Era classic. Album single “Warm It Up, Kane” even appeared on Playback FM in the 2004 cult classic video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Big Daddy Kane Dropped ‘It’s A Big Daddy Thing’ LP 33 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Rae Sremmurd Holds Water Drive For The Residents Of Jackson, Mississippi

September 19, 2022 by newhiphopnews

On September 14, Rae Sremmurd linked with Making Wishes Matter to organize a water drive for their fellow Mississippians, who are currently without potable drinking water. The rap superstars donated more than 2 trucks full with over 100 cases of water, 100 water filters to the elderly and called on fans to pitch in too. Slim Jxmmi and Swae Lee then personally delivered the bounty to communities in need.

The hip-hop duo were greeted by friends and fans, who turned out in droves to help the cause. Jxmmi shared a video from the event on Instagram to spread the news. “We are at the truck,” he said. “We got plenty of water, man! Shoutout to everybody [who] came out, got down. Lots of water. We comin’ to Jackson. Let’s get it.” This crisis is the result of the Pearl River flooding in August — an event that left more than 150,000 residents scrambling for drinking water.

Rae Sremmurd’s community outreach comes after the pair dropped the singles “Community D***” and “Denial” their first song together in more than four years, earlier this year. Prior to that, the brothers made a name for themselves as the preeminent harmonizers of hip-hop, racking up numerous hits beginning with 2014’s “No Flex Zone.” Their first two albums, 2015’s SremmLife and the following year’s SremmLife 2, were each certified Platinum, and the latter spawned the group’s first No. 1 hit, the Gucci Mane-assisted “Black Beatles.”

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Ludacris’ Manager Chaka Zulu Charged With Murder For June Shooting

September 18, 2022 by newhiphopnews

According to report from CNN, music exec and manager to rapper/actor Ludacris, Chaka Zulu, has been charged with murder in connection to a shooting in June at an Atlanta restaurant in which one person lost their life. Even though the co-founder of Luda’s Disturbing Tha Peace imprint is claiming self-defense, Atlanta Police have charged Zulu with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and simple battery.

On Tuesday, Zulu surrendered and was booked into the Fulton County Jail. He was released the same day on $200,000 bond, according to jail records. He has been the only one charged in the crime since the shooting.

Zulu, whose given name is Ahmed Obafemi, was one of three people found by police with gunshot wounds in the parking lot of a Buckhead shopping center on Peachtree Road. One of the other men, 23-year-old Artez Jamil Benton, died from his injuries. Benton is described as a hard working young man, graduating with honors from Druid Hills High School then attended Young Harris College, recruited as a baseball player, and also received a partial academic scholarship. Benton graduated last year with his business degree. Obafemi’s attorney, Gabe Banks, claims that Zulu only fired his weapon in self defense and if he did not defend himself, he may have been the one who lost his life that night.

Banks offered a full statement this morning (September 18) about the incident and charges brought against his client:

“Mr. Chaka Zulu, a beloved son of the City of Atlanta, is disappointed in the Atlanta Police Department’s decision to bring charges against him surrounding the shooting that occurred in June 2022. A close review of all the evidence, including the surveillance footage and eyewitness interviews, reveals that Mr. Zulu was attacked and jumped from behind by a gang of at least four individuals (sadly including the decedent) and was forced to defend himself after this gang repeatedly stomped, punched and kicked him while he was on the ground in a defenseless posture. 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 might and had every reason to defend himself. In an attempt to save his life, Mr. Zulu lawfully discharged his weapon in self-defense, a weapon that he is licensed to carry. Mr. Zulu fully cooperated with law enforcement officials and their investigation, and voluntarily turned himself in once he teared of the arrest warrants. Mr. Zulu remains confident that his name will be cleared of all charges through the judicial process. It is not lost on Mr. Zulu that someone lost his life, but had Mr. Zulu not lawfully defended himself, Mr. Zulu would have been killed that night.”

Former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed served as a spokesman for the family after the shooting, while Zulu remained hospitalized.

“We are fortunate to report that Chaka Zulu is in stable condition and recovering,” Reed said. “The family thanks everyone for their well wishes and prayers, and asks for their privacy at this time.”

The post Ludacris’ Manager Chaka Zulu Charged With Murder For June Shooting appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Cam’ron Dropped His Sophomore ‘S.D.E.’ Album 22 Years Ago

September 18, 2022 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 2000, Dipset general Cam’ron released his second album Sports, Drugs And Entertainment on Untertainment Records, which was owned by his former manager Lance “Un” Rivera.

Originally titled The Rough, Rough, Rough Album, S.D.E. features appearances Destiny’s Child, Noreaga, Dutch & Spade, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Prodigy, Freekey Zeekey, Juelz Santana, and Jim Jones, which is the infantile stages of the Dipset movement.

Tracks like “What Means The World To You” and the title track produced by world famous Harlem DJ Ron G led the album to a great reception from Cam fans, but the commercial success was on hold until the Dipset revolution.

Salute to Harlem World vet Cam’ron, Untertainment and the rest of the crew that helped make this project a Hip-Hop classic!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Cam’ron Dropped His Sophomore ‘S.D.E.’ Album 22 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Jim Jones, Aisha Hall, Shawana King “GIVE BACK” Phones And Tablets To Their Harlem Hood

September 16, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Next week, September 21st, Aisha Hall and Shawana King of PTM Consulting alongside Harlem megastar Jim Jones are giving away phones and tablets that have free internet access to low income families. The giveaway will take place at Momma Zee’s Food & Deli at 2061 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, New York, NY 10027 from 12 pm-4 pm.

The goal of this event is to provide people who received state or federal benefits or people from low-income areas receive free internet access. In order to qualify for the phone or tablet, you must be currently receiving:

Food stamps
Social Security Income
Medicaid
WIC
Free School Lunch
Come from a low-income background such as public housing

The names are run through a national verification system and if approved, the person will receive their tablet or phone device. There will only be 250-300 phones and tablets at the location, so the devices are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please bring a valid ID or your benefits card to apply. There is a twenty-dollar activation fee for the phone and tablets. PTM Consulting, are also open to hiring people who would want to provide phone and tablet service to the community.

Jim Jones + Aisha Hall + Shawana King GIVE BACK

WED September 21st

12 pm-4 pm.

Giving phones and tablets that have free internet access.

Momma Zee’s Food & Deli
2061 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd
New York, NY 10027

The post Jim Jones, Aisha Hall, Shawana King “GIVE BACK” Phones And Tablets To Their Harlem Hood appeared first on The Source.