News Exclusives

Today in Hip-Hop History: Outkast Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik’ 28 Years Ago

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On this day in Hip Hop history, OutKast, the duo that helped pioneer putting southern Hip Hop on the map, released their debut classic LP, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.

This Dungeon Family masterpiece recorded by Andre 3000 and Big Boi paved the way for Atlanta and the rest of the Dirty South to have their unique voice in Hip Hop. Before this album, there weren’t many hit records coming from anywhere south of the Mason-Dixon line. Peaking at #20 on the Billboard 200 and being certified platinum less than a year after its release, this album’s achievements speak for themselves.

Produced completely by OutKast and Organized Noize, this project was like none before it. Its sound is perfectly described as southern rap. From the dialect to the instruments used to the references, everything about this album screams Atlanta. The smooth blues and marching band influenced beats blend with Big Boi and Andre 3000’s flows, creating something new that rippled the tide of an industry saturated with G-Funk or New York Hip Hop.

Both commercially and critically this album was immensely successful. It peaked at #20 in the Billboard 200 and #3 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop charts. This album was also the reason OutKast received the Best Newcomer Award at the 1995 Source Awards, which as we all know was met with controversy to say the least. Regardless of the haters, this album came at the beginning of the career of two rappers who changed the game forever.

The post Today in Hip-Hop History: Outkast Dropped Their Debut Album ‘Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik’ 28 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: 50 Cent’s ‘Guess Who’s Back?’ Mixtape Turns 20 Years Old!

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Today in 2002, 50 Cent released Guess Who’s Back?, his first official mixtape following the Power of the Dollar LP on the Full Clip Records indie imprint.

It was this offering that would catapult Curtis Jackson into the public eye. Eventually, the project would gain the attention of Eminem via his attorney/manager Paul Rosenberg and Shady would ultimately sign 50 Cent to Shady Records/Interscope and a new Hip Hop icon would be born.

Guess Who’s Back features production from Trackmasters, Clark Kent, Sha Money Xl, and featured street anthems like, “Your Life’s On The Line”. It also had the controversial song, “Ghetto Qu’ran” which allegedly led to his almost deadly shooting in 2000.

The album charted on Billboard setting up the G-Unit era and a lengthy career that continues today. 50 Cent would go on to release his mega Interscope debut, “Get Rich Or Die Tryin’” and become a top charting and live show sellout artist.

Salute to Fif for this timeless and necessary piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: 50 Cent’s ‘Guess Who’s Back?’ Mixtape Turns 20 Years Old! appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] DaBaby Throws Punch At His Own Artist During SC Concert

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Over the weekend at a concert at South Carolina’s Colonial Life Arena, DaBaby has gotten himself into another scuffle and this time it was his own artist.

No reports have explained what transpired before blows were thrown, but a now viral video shows someone who appears to be DaBaby unsuspectingly swinging on a bigger man who is reportedly Wisdom Awute, an artist on DaBaby’s Billion Dollar Baby Entertainment. Only a few punches were thrown between the two men before security intervenes, but no police were called and no report was filed in the incident.

With all of the legal trouble the North Carolina is facing, that can only be good news because DaBaby has more than his share of cases to face. A man was recently shot on his property, but t he rapper claims self defense. Also, he is still facing legal ramifications because of the bowling alley scuffle, but that case seems to have stalled due to the details involved.

Some may not remember, but 21-year-old Awute was alleged to be the shooter in a June 2021 shooting in Miami Beach, where DaBaby was questioned and released. Awute, along with another assailant, was charged with attempted first-degree murder with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault.

The post [WATCH] DaBaby Throws Punch At His Own Artist During SC Concert appeared first on The Source.

Chopper Of MTV’s ‘Making The Band’ Arrested For Sex Trafficking

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According to a report from TMZ, Making The Band’s Chopper was arrested for sex trafficking earlier this month with authorities claiming that the former reality star was a pimp.

Chopper, whose real name is Kevin Barnes, was arrested in Maryland and will be extradited to Las Vegas for the sex trafficking charges.

Authorities claim that an undercover officer operating as a sex worker in Nevada was DMed by the former MTV star, who offered her a way to make money through prostitution. Authorities combed Chopper aka Young City’s IG, where they found several posts related to pimping including an image of him sitting on a plane with the caption, “Sending em.”

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AN investigation was then launched after authorities saw evidence of a potential sex trafficking operation on his social media.

The undercover says they had an “interview” with Chopper and after passing the test, Chopper told them he would make them part of his “team” and “stable.” The officer claims that Chopper began being aggressive with them and began ordering them to pack their belongings and meet him in Charlotte, N.C. to become a part of his “stable”.

With the social media posts, DMs and phone calls, authorities had enough evidence to arrest Chopper and charge him with felony sex trafficking.

No word has been given as to what Chopper faces in his current situation, but TheSourc.com will update this story as details develop.

The post Chopper Of MTV’s ‘Making The Band’ Arrested For Sex Trafficking appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Newly Released 2018 Surveillance Footage Shows DaBaby Shoot And Kill Man In Walmart

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Just weeks before signing his deal with Interscope Records, North Carolina slang spitter DaBaby was involved in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Jaylin Craig in a local Walmart. The charges were eventually dropped due to DaBaby, whose real name is Jonathan Kirk, claiming self defense in the fight.

Now four years after the shooting and DaBaby seeing his share of headlines for the past year, never-seen-before security footage shows the before and after of the fatal shooting of Craig.

The case was never investigated as an attempted robbery as DaBaby had claimed, but. gun was found on Craig. The charges were dropped after a key witness and a Walmart employee never showed up to testify in court.

The footage below was never shown in court during DaBaby’s trial.

The post [WATCH] Newly Released 2018 Surveillance Footage Shows DaBaby Shoot And Kill Man In Walmart appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Mobb Deep’s Classic ‘The Infamous’ LP Released 27 Years Ago

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Much more successful than their debut, The Infamous is hailed a New York classic. Its gritty underground style is a staple in the hardcore movement that was going on at this time in New York. This album helped New York Hip Hop to separate itself from the mediocre backpacker style that was popular a few years prior. Havoc and Prodigy‘s production shaped a new sound that could separate them from any NYC crime rhymer at the time.

Helping to pave a way for future artists like The Diplomats or A$AP Mob, The Infamous promoted a sound a lifestyle that appealed to a side of New York that wasn’t being spoken to or about by the politically charged artists that came in the late 80s and early 90s. Much like Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) Mobb Deep acted as street prophets, spitting the truths of the hood without trying to be outwardly righteous about it. Featuring artists like Ghostface Killah, Nas, and Q-Tip, this project is a titan among it’s peers.

The album was a commercial success debuting at #15 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the R&B/Hip Hop charts. The album was certified gold within the first month of its release and the three singles from the project all made appearances on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart with “Shook Ones Pt. II” and Survival of the Fittest” both making it on to the Billboard Hot 100.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Mobb Deep’s Classic ‘The Infamous’ LP Released 27 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: X-Clan Dropped Their Debut Album ‘To The East, Blackwards’ 32 Years Ago

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On this day in 1990, “The Verbalizer” Brother J, Professor X “The Overseer”, Paradise “The Architect” and DJ Sugar Shaft “The Rhythm Provider” collectively known as X-Clan, released their debut LP To The East, Blackwards on 4th And B’Way/Island Records.

Produced by the entire crew that was put together by Paradise, who at the time ran the NYC Hip Hop hotspot Latin Quarters nightclub, this album helped to pioneer a movement of Black empowerment in Hip Hop culture with an infusion of Parliament/Funkadelic that was attractive to the youth of that era. Their “Blackwatch” organization, which was led by Professor X’s father, Brooklyn activist Sonny “Abubadika” Carson, legitimized their involvement in raising the consciousness of the Hip Hop generation and their 11 track, debut project was one of the tools that they used to attract their cult-like followers.

Tracks such as “Funkin’ Lesson” and “Heed The Word Of The Brother” led to the album’s mainstream visibility, however, other songs like “A Day Of Outrage(Operation Snatchback)”, “Verbs Of Power” and “In The Ways Of The Scales” allow Brother J to instruct the listeners about the socio-political issues of people of African descent around the world, but primarily in the United States.

Salute to the original members of X-Clan as well as those who continue to carry the legacy of the Clan. Thanks for this timeless piece of Hip Hop history!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: X-Clan Dropped Their Debut Album ‘To The East, Blackwards’ 32 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Pretty Lou’s 4th Annual Cancer Research Charity Concert Feat. Fat Joe, Capella Grey, Dream Doll Brings New Life To Irving Plaza

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On Wednesday, April 20th, HOT 97’s Heavy Hitter, DJ Pretty Lou celebrated his 4th annual birthday and benefit concert for cancer research at Irving Plaza in New York City. 

Performances included a soulful set by Suzann Christine, energy-charged sets by CJ and King Bulova, B-Lovee gave a birthday shout-out to Kay Flock during his set. J.I. the Prince of NY performed some of his fans’ favorite hits. Dream Doll and Capella Grey performed “You Know My Body.” Additional performances included Nemz, Baby Boy Slimee, Soribel, Lito, Deon Young, Rowdy Rebel, and Black Goon.  

Fat Joe, who has been a close support system throughout Lou’s seven-year battle with Leukemia, returned to the plaza to close out the show, performing classics and newer hits. Joe stated, “Whatever was donated in the event, I’ll double it.” 

During an intermission, Lou stated that the night was dedicated to his mother as he revealed that she is battling lung cancer. He explained to the audience that he almost canceled the concert due to the news, but his mother said, “No amigo, the concert goes on.” Before the show, he told her, “If I fought and won, I need you to win too.” 

The concert was hosted by HOT 97’s Mia Belle and Power 105.1 FM‘s Len Boogz. Notable attendees included Hot 97’s DJ Enuff, Hot 97’s DJ Camilo, DJ E. Stylez, Sexxy Stace Face, Maserati Maine, Gorilla Nems, Iman Nunez, Prince Lawrence, Marty Fresh, 5ive Mics, and more. Sponsors included Color Works and Bell Mistubishi.

The proceeds of this year’s event went directly to the Hebert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, which treated Pretty Lou. Premium boutique and lifestyle brand, Extra Butter donated an additional four thousand dollars to the charity event. 

J.I. the Prince said, “Pretty Lou ’s a warrior, a champion.”

The post [WATCH] Pretty Lou’s 4th Annual Cancer Research Charity Concert Feat. Fat Joe, Capella Grey, Dream Doll Brings New Life To Irving Plaza appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Mike Tyson Smokes With Ric Flair And Rick Ross After Airplane Knockout

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After a stressful flight from San Francisco where he had to put hands on an annoying passenger, Mike Tyson decided that the best way to blow off steam was actually by sharing a joint with rapper Rick Ross and wrestling legend Ric Flair and just blowing smoke.

Tyson was seen with Slick Ric and Ricky Rozay at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference afterparty at LIV Miami smoking and joking, probably about the knockout incident on his JetBlue flight just 24 hours earlier. Tyson was reportedly scheduled to speak at the conference, but his appearance was apparently cancelled after the passenger beatdown video went viral.

As we previously reported, a viral video shows Tyson brutally putting the beats on a flight passenger who has now been identified as Melvin Townsend, II, with eyewitnesses saying Townsend was visibly intoxicated and continued to provoke the boxing legend. It was even reported that Townsend threw a water bottle at Tyson, but his lawyer denies that claim.

“When Mike Tyson boarded the plane, he became overly excited,” the lawyer told TMZ. “At first, their interaction was cordial. At a certain point, Mr. Tyson clearly became agitated by an overly excited fan and began to strike him in an excessive manner. This situation could have been avoided simply by contacting the flight attendant. Our client denies throwing a water bottle prior to being struck by Mr. Tyson.”

The post [WATCH] Mike Tyson Smokes With Ric Flair And Rick Ross After Airplane Knockout appeared first on The Source.

ASAP Bari Claims ASAP Relli Snitched On ASAP Rocky

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Not long after A$AP Rocky was released on $550K bail after being arrested at LAX on a assault with a deadly weapon charge, fellow ASAP Mob member ASAP Bari accuses ASAP Relli of dropping dime on Rocky because he was allegedly the victim in the crime.

In his IG story, ASAP Bari called out Relli, posting. a pic of him with the caption, “This rat ass n***a Told on rocky F**king rat.”

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TMZ reported that an unidentified victim went to police after he was allegedly shot by A$AP Rocky. The victim claimed the rapper pulled out a handgun and shot him in the hand. The victim was said to have a “minor injury” in the shooting and was later treated.

The post ASAP Bari Claims ASAP Relli Snitched On ASAP Rocky appeared first on The Source.