News Exclusives

[WATCH] Cedric The Entertainer Talks Appearing On Jay-Z’s ‘Threat”

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JAY-Z’s 2003 The Black Album boasted a myriad of guest appearances. Still, one of the most memorable yet uncredited appearances was “King Of Comedy” Cedric The Entertainer in between Hov’s verses on “Threat.”

While a guest on  William “Fuzzy” West and Quincy Harris’ FAQ Podcast, the 58-year-old comedian explained how he talked his way into an appearance on the album after a chance meeting with Jay=Z in New York.

“It was random,” he said. “I was in there, watching him do his thing. The Black Album was his last album so I pitched him an idea. He was on his way out and I was like, ‘Yo man, I’ve been having this funny idea of doing the Beverly Hills Cop thing with you. He was like, ‘Oh, that’s funny. I like that. But I’m working on this song called ‘Threats’ that I need somebody just threatening people on.’ I was like, ‘Aiight!’ So then he left and it was me and [Young] Guru. I just went in there and freestyled that shit! Just was making it up, having a good time.”

Young Guru and the song’s producer, 9th Wonder, recall the recording session with Cederic The Entertainer, with Guru adding on social media, “@cedtheentertainer man we had a great time making that song,” he wrote. “First off I was super excited that @9thwonder had the possibility of making the album. @cedtheentertainer is really a ‘King of Comedy’ because he did at least 30 minutes of complete freestyle. That night was one for the books.”

The post [WATCH] Cedric The Entertainer Talks Appearing On Jay-Z’s ‘Threat” appeared first on The Source.

Madonna And Tory Lanez Seen Together Ringside At Davis vs. Romero Fight, Sparks Dating Rumors

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Tory Lanez had a rough 2021, with the allegations of shooting Megan Thee Stallion making headlines and making him one of the most hated men n the rap game. Now, it appears his issues with famous women have taken a back seat to new dating rumors between him and another well known celebrity.

Over the weekend, Lanez was spotted seated ringside with Madonna at the Barclays Center for the Gervonta Davis and Rolando Romero in Brooklyn, with the two playfully conversing and at times even blocking the media present from snapping pics.

Nothing has been confirmed, but the pics of the unlikely duo has undoubtedly sparked dating rumors Lanez and the “Material Girl”.

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Today in Hip-Hop History: Boogie Down Productions Released Their Second LP ‘By All Means Necessary’ 34 Years Ago

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On this day in 1988, Boogie Down Productions dropped one of the best and most influential albums of all time. It was widely seen as one of, if not the first, politically conscious efforts in Hip Hop

KRS-One was initially popular for fueling the Juice Crew vs. BDP beef on wax and expanding intellectual Hip Hop music through 1987, with the release of Criminal Minded. However, when BDP’s DJ Scott La Rock was shot and killed in the South Bronx, it had a profound effect on the Brooklyn native, which resulted in a drastic rethinking of his on-record persona. By All Means Necessary was one of the first albums the group made after Scott La Rock’s death that would have a lasting effect on generations to come. The “Blastmaster” began to talk about a lot of the issues that were plaguing the black community like police brutality, government corruption, institutionalized racism, and later on giving birth to his “Stop the Violence” Campaign.

As “The Teacher,” on perhaps one of the most influential tracks from the LP, “Stop the Violence”, he spits,

“I look, but it doesn’t coincide with my books/Social Studies will not speak upon hard hitting crooks/It’s just the Presidents, and all the money they spent/All the things they invent, and how their house is so immaculate/They create missiles, my family’s eating gristle/Then they get upset when the press blows the whistle”

As a plea to end violence in Hip Hop, which still hasn’t been heeded to this day, KRS-One took on the role as the spearhead of Hip Hop’s Stop The Violence Movement, choosing the single, “Self Destruction”, as the lead single.

With classic tracks like, “Nervous”, nearly every track on the album had a distinct narrative, and even the album cover art and the theme were Malcolm X (By Any Means Neccessary) inspired. On the track, “Jimmy”, the rapper became the first rapper to speak on the AIDS/HIV epidemic that plagued Black and Brown communities in America. On the song, “Illegal Business”, Kris gave the masses a startling perception into the drug trade and how it corrupts the police and the government.

Salute to KRS and the entire Boogie Down Productions crew for giving us this epic piece of Hip Hop history!

“It’s not about a salary, it’s all about reality..”

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Boogie Down Productions Released Their Second LP ‘By All Means Necessary’ 34 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

ICYMI: Pepsi Decides to “Pass the Mic” on the Super Bowl Halftime Show

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Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Artists

After ten years, Pepsi will no longer sponsor the Super Bowl Halftime show. This year Pepsi sponsored what is considered Hip-Hop’s first Super Bowl halftime show, which started Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. The NFL partners with JAY-Z’s Roc Nation to produce the halftime show.

“After 10 years of iconic Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show performances, we have decided it’s time to pass the mic,” Pepsi wrote on Twitter. “Thank you to the amazing artists and fans who helped us create some incredible moments along the way.”

Pepsi will continue its sponsorship rights with the NFL, despite dropping the halftime show. The renewed agreement will provide Pepsi pouring rights at top events and keep Gatorade on the sidelines. According to CNBC, the previous deal between Pepsi and the NFL was $2 billion over ten years. The terms of the new agreement were undisclosed.

The rights for the halftime show are believed to be net the NFL $50 million.

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DJ Quik’s Son Arrested for Murder, Bail Set at $2M

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According to a report from NBC LA, David Blake Jr., son of Hip Hop legend DJ Quik and City of Compton Council Liaison, has been arrested on Thursday(May 27) on suspicion of murder.

A press release stated that officers responded to a call Wednesday evening about a fight in progress before receiving a second call about shots being fired. When the cops arrive, they found Julio Cardoza, 33, suffering from a single gunshot wound. He died a short time later at the hospital.Blake was identified as a suspect and arrested the next morning.

According to City of Compton records, Quik’s son works as a “council liaison” to Councilman Isaac Galvan. Early reports speculate that the victim may have had ties to the mother of Galvan’s child, whose name is Michelle Cardoza.

Blake’s bail has been set at $2 million.

Neither Galvan nor DJ Quik has publicly commented on David Blake Jr.’s arrest. This is the second time a child of DJ Quik’s has faced similar charges as his daughter was charged with killing her son nearly ten years ago.

The post DJ Quik’s Son Arrested for Murder, Bail Set at $2M appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: N.W.A. Dropped Their Second LP ‘Efil4zaggin’ 31 Years Ago

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On this date in 1991, “the world’s most dangerous group dropped their second and final album as a group, ironically titled Efil4zaggin on the Ruthless/Priority imprint.

On the heels of Ice Cube departing from N.W.A. on a sour note to embark on a solo career, the now four-man group was slowly disbanding, but managed to churn out one last full length album. Dr. Dre and D.O.C. left the group to help form Death Row Records shortly after this project was released. The album offered up three singles; the memorable “Always Into Somethin”, “Appetite For Destruction”, which featured an Ice Cube sub and “The Days Of Wayback”. Because of the group’s success, the LP did eventually reach platinum status.

Salute to Dre, Yella, Ren and Eazy for giving us a piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: N.W.A. Dropped Their Second LP ‘Efil4zaggin’ 31 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

BX Drill Rapper DThang Gz And 33 Other Alleged Gang Members Charged In 65-Count Indictment

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According to a report from ABC NY, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell put out a 65-count indictment this week due to several haphazard shootings in the River Park Towers apartment complex in the Bronx, leading to the arrests and charging of 34 people including popular BX drill rapper DThang Gz.

The BX DA has charged 34 people, who are alleged members of the RPT(River Park Towers Bloods gang, who have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, attempted assault, animal cruelty and criminal possession of a weapon.

Seven of those charged were hit with attempted murder charges for an August 2020 shooting and a gang assault on NYC’s Riker’s Island on a Crips gang member in April of the previous year.

“These defendants allegedly engaged in gun violence, committing six shootings, one which injured a rival gang member,” Clark said. “They allegedly fired wildly on the streets without regard for the lives of anyone else. They allegedly possessed a gun used in shootings that they posed with on social media and rapped about the violence. I thank the NYPD for their partnership in this investigation.”

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He continued, “We are doing all we can to battle the gun scourge, but more must be done to deviate young people from a life of gangs and senseless violence. I am calling on rappers from the Bronx to stop using music to encourage shootings and use it to better the community. I am asking to have a summit with aspiring rappers and the rap stars who come from the Bronx, record companies, radio stations and social media so we can find solutions to prevent further violence.”

This indictment was handed down barely over a week after YSL front men Young Thug and Gunna were hit with RICO charges and still remain in custody without bond. Gunna’s trial hearing is set for January 2023.

Below are the names of all 34 people charged in the indictment:

  • Karim Grant, 23 AKA Kay Hound
  • Ibrahim Asare, 25 AKA Ace Hound (incarcerated)
  • Jessie Battice, 32 AKA Fly Jess (incarcerated)
  • Victor Rodriguez, 34 AKA Vic (house arrest in N.J.)
  • Shaheem Spencer, 28 AKA Shizzy Hound (incarcerated)
  • Lashar Williams, 20 AKA Tmac (incarcerated)
  • Brandon Long, 22 AKA Blane
  • Raheem Patterson, 24 AKA Rah (incarcerated)
  • Daniel Collins, 20 AKA DThang Gz (incarcerated)
  • Dewayne Wiggins, 18 AKA Lotti (incarcerated)
  • Kevin Anthony, 19 AKA Tdot
  • Omar Gaines, 19 AKA Bando
  • Daniel Agyemang, 18 AKA Stunna (incarcerated)
  • Joseph Agyemang, 18 AKA Gunna
  • Jerome Hughes, 18 AKA Rome (incarcerated)
  • Joshua Adams, 18 AKA Jelly (incarcerated)
  • Amnbo Darby, 22 AKA Stackz (incarcerated)
  • Kareem Felder, 19 AKA Reem
  • Sheriff Jarjou, 18 AKA Reefy (incarcerated)
  • Angel Rodriguez, 20 AKA Milly (incarcerated)
  • Ernest Taluy, 20 AKA Edai (incarcerated)
  • Jalias Perez, 17 AKA Baby Gz (incarcerated)
  • Jaylen Johnson, 19, AKA JB (incarcerated)
  • Jerome Hughes (incarcerated)
  • Amnbo Darby (incarcerated)
  • Sheriff Jarjou (incarcerated)
  • Kevin Anthony
  • Lashar Williams (incarcerated)
  • Joseph Agyemang
  • Angel Rodriguez (incarcerated)
  • Joshua Adams (incarcerated)
  • Lashar Williams (incarcerated)
  • Ernest Tahuy (incarcerated)
  • Jerome Hughes (incarcerated)

The post BX Drill Rapper DThang Gz And 33 Other Alleged Gang Members Charged In 65-Count Indictment appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: ‘Menace II Society’ Movie Soundtrack Released 29 Years Ago

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On this date in 1993, Jive Records released the soundtrack to the blockbuster hood classic Menace II Society featuring various artists. The sixteen-track Hip Hop assortment peaked at the pole position on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop albums. Along with singles, music videos were produced for the songs: “Straight Up Menace” by MC Eiht, and “Trigga Gots No Heart” by Spice 1. It has been certified Platinum by the RIAA since October 11, 1994.

Classic tracks include Spice 1’s “Trigga Gots No Heart”, Too Short’s “Only The Strong Survive” as well as some East Coast flavor from Brand Nubian(“Lick Dem Muthafuckas”), Boogie Down Productions(“The P Is Still Free”) and Pete Rock and CL Smooth’s “Death Becomes You”.

Just as timeless as the movie during the era when soundtracks were everything, the MIIS soundtrack is sure to bring back that bi-coastal Hip Hop nostalgia.

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President Biden Signs Executive Order for Police Reform on Second Anniversary of George Floyd’s Death

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On the second anniversary of George Floyd’s death, President Joe Biden signed an executive order aimed at changing policing procedures.

The directive establishes a national register of officers who have been dismissed for wrongdoing and urges state and local law enforcement to tighten chokehold and no-knock warrant limits. According to NBC News, it also prohibits military equipment from being transferred to law enforcement agencies and requires all federal agents to wear activated body cams.

The new executive order comes after Congress failed to provide bipartisan support to the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

“I know progress can be slow and frustrating, and there’s a concern that the reckoning on race inspired two years ago is beginning to fade,” Biden said. “Today, we’re acting. We’re showing that speaking out matters, being engaged matters, and that the work of our time, healing the soul of this nation, is ongoing and unfinished and requires all of us never to give up. Always to keep the faith.”

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Beto O’Rourke Confronts Texas Gov. Abbott at Texas Shooting Press Conference: “It’s On You”

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Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke heard enough and interrupted a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that was led by state governor Greg Abbott.

The press conference was providing more details on the events of the Robb Elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and what led gunman Salvador Ramos to commit the act. Abbott was flanked by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Uvalde’s Mayor Don McLaughlin.

O’Rourke could be seen approaching the men and speaking his mind. “You are doing nothing,” O’Rourke said. “This is on you until you choose to do something.”

O’Rourke was escorted out the building by security but McLaughlin would scream at O’Rourke that he was a “sick son of a bitch.” Following O’Rourke’s exit, Abbott, asked for personal agendas to be placed aside to provide “healing and hope” to those directly impacted by the shooting.

Abbott would also blame “mental health” for the shooting and deflected the attack to violence in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. He would also add, “It could have been worse.” You can see the moments from the explosive scene below.

The post Beto O’Rourke Confronts Texas Gov. Abbott at Texas Shooting Press Conference: “It’s On You” appeared first on The Source.