Today, diamond-certified three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning hip-hop luminary Future formally details his highly anticipated new project MIXTAPE PLUTO. Continuing Future’s prolific game-changing 2024, the mixtape event of the year is set to be released on September 20, 2024. Pre-save/pre-add the mixtape here.
Today Future also details an exclusive run of merchandise and physical product available for MIXTAPE PLUTO at freebandz.com, now available for pre-order. Items include bundles with limited edition t-shirts, a CD, and two vinyl variants in both black and green.
Additionally, Future continues to give fans a glimpse into the world of MIXTAPE PLUTO with the release of a new teaser for the song “TOO FAST.” Future has been igniting a frenzy across social media over the past few weeks in the run-up to the project’s release, previously sharing clips for various tracks across the mixtape, including hints of collaboration with Travis Scott.
Earlier this week, Future wrapped up a sold-out arena run with Metro Boomin, the critically acclaimed WE TRUST YOU TOUR. The run saw the two superstars traverse across North America – including historic nights at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, and Los Angeles’ brand-new Intuit Dome. Billboard called the show “a testament to how deep Future’s catalog and bag of hits really is” whileGQcelebrated the fact that “two great albums and a rejuvenated live show confirm Future’s powers are as strong as they’ve ever been.”
Appropriately titled, the tour was in support of Future and Metro Boomin’s explosive, chart-topping collaborative albums released earlier this year: WE DON’T TRUST YOU and its follow-up, WE STILL DON’T TRUST YOU. The albums highlight the duo’s magnetic chemistry–which Rolling Stone calls “seamless”–and went on to capture the entire music industry’s attention, piquing competitive interests in ways not seen in years. The albums officially landed Future his ninths and tenth number 1 albums on the Billboard 200, while the single “Like That” featuring Kendrick Lamar spent a blistering 3 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This run became, as Billboard stated, “the biggest story in rap.”
And now, with MIXTAPE PLUTO,Future continues to shape the sound of hip hop as a new chapter is written in the career of one of rap’s most inventive and influential wordsmiths. A body of work stripped down to pure unadulterated Future, it’s simply Pluto at his core essence. It’s MIXTAPE PLUTO.
The newest drop from PUMA Hoops and WNBA star Breanna “Stewie” Stewart. Inspired by Tokyo’s iconic late-night neon signs, the Stewie 3 Tokyo Nights arrives in stores on September 27th.
he Stewie 3 Tokyo Nights is the latest colorway of Stewart’s signature Stewie 3 basketball shoe. The vibrant, high-performance sneaker made its in-game debut as Stewie led the Liberty to a win in Sunday night’s game against the Las Vegas Aces.
More than an attention-grabbing colorway, the Stewie 3 Tokyo Nights is engineered for performance – featuring a high-abrasion outsole for added grip and a dual-density Profoam+ midsole for targeted cushioning. That means enhanced energy return and stability when driving the lane, pulling up from deep, or crashing the backboard.
See below for a breakdown of the sneaker’s tech specs:
CUSHIONING: Dual-density Profoam+ midsole for lightweight energy return and improved movement control. Targeted cushioning provides increased forefoot lockdown and stability.
GRIP: High-abrasion outsole features composite materials and an innovative treat pattern for added traction when you need it most.
SUPPORT: Engineered mesh upper provides targeted lightweight support while seamless multi-zone construction allows for breathability and comfort.
STABILITY: Floral-themed TPU cage for improved lateral and heel stability.
The Stewie 3 Tokyo Nights drops on Friday, September 27. They’ll be available to purchase at PUMA.com, the PUMA mobile app, the PUMA NYC Flagship store and at Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, and Champs in a full size run for $120.
Rumors have been circulating since Showtime’s release of The Supreme Team series last year, which was narrated by Nas, that Gerald “Prince” Miller, one of the leaders of 80s Queens drug ring known as the Supreme Team(not to be confused with the pioneer rap group The World Famous Supreme Team), would be released sometime in the near future. Now, according to several reliable sources, that day has come.
According to Instagrm page @meccapolis, the lieutenant and nephew to notorious drug kingpin Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff is scheduled to be released today(September 11) from USP Big Sandy in Kentucky. TheSource.com has also obtained a text message between Miller’s wife and brother confirming his release this week.
For those who don’t know, Prince was one of the people name dropped in 50 Cent’s infamous 2002 hit “Ghetto Qur’an(Forgive Me)” in the first bars of the first verse where he rapped, “Yo, when you hear talk of the Southside, you hear talk of the Team/ See niggas feared Prince and respected ‘Preme/ For all you slow motherfuckers, I’ma break it down iller/ See Preme was the business man and Prince was the killer..”
It is also well known that the auto-bio story told by Fif in the silver screen classic Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ was based on the conflict between him and Prince’s uncle Supreme, who is a known associate of Irv Gotti and the Murder Inc. organization.
Miller has served 32 years in a federal prison for his role in the drug organization that was rumored to have netted up to $200,000 a day. Miller was originally sentenced to life without parole in 1992, but word on the street is that a new bill was passed into law in recent weeks that allows any federal inmate over 55 years of age that has been convicted of a non-violent crime is now eligible for parole.
Funkmaster Flex is facing an FCC complaint. Stands With Survivors, an advocacy group, filed a complaint against comments made by Funkmaster Flex during a recent show featuring Afrika Bambaataa. The Hip-Hop pioneer, who has largely stayed out of the public eye since being accused of child molestation by former Zulu Nation members Roland Savage and Hassan Campbell in 2016, made a rare appearance on Flex’s show on August 17th.
Bambaataa, also known as Lance Taylor, performed a DJ set on the show. According to Hip-Hop Wired, Flex later referenced Savage’s alleged recanting of his allegations against Bambaataa, stating: “It seems there’s a discrepancy that has been cleared up with Afrika Bambaataa and the young man Bee Stinger. It seems that the pedophile word that was being used, Bee Stinger is now saying that Afrika Bambaataa is not a pedophile.”
Flex added, “I don’t care whether or not Afrika Bambaataa prefers men or women or both. Yes, we do care if the word pedophile is used but obviously, according to AllHipHop that spoke to Bee Stinger, he’s saying that’s not the case.”
Ronald “Bee-Stinger” Savage walked back accusations against Afrika Bambaataa, who he accused of sexual abuse when he was 15 years old.
AllHipHop notes the two were pictured together at an event for the Zulu Nation, which Savage provided context to the moment. “Never underestimate the power of God when he intervenes in an affair he sets everything straight,” Savage said.
Savage stated Bambaataa sexually abused him when he was a teen. The 2016 statement was part of a series of bombshell statements against Bambaataa. Speaking with Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmurk, Savage stated he doesn’t see the legend as a pedophile.
“Bambaataa is not a pedophile and, in my eyes, he was doing something that was consensual with someone that he thought was of age,” he said. “I wish, back in 2016, I remembered about the fake ID. I wasn’t thinking about that I had forgot about that I was in deep depression and still dealing with the trauma as an adult. I want to apologize for the little kid that didn’t know anybody and just wanted to be down with this thing called Hip-Hop so I pretended to be older.
“This is something that took place 35 to over 40 years ago. This man has never been convicted of anything. Let it go. I needed to set the record straight [and get] my closure.”
You can hear the full interview below and read more here.
Last year, Afrika Bambaataa and his role as the co-founder of the Universal Hip Hop Museum sparked some controversy, with an advocacy group demanding the defunding of the recently built museum because of the Hip Hop pioneer’s sexual abuse allegations.
This week, a group called Hip Hop Stands With Survivors released a letter calling NYC Mayor Eric Adams to halt all taxpayer funding funneled into the UHHM and fire the organization’s Executive Director, Rocky Bucano. The letter also calls for all companies, such as Microsoft, to end their financial relationship with the UHHM.
The letter says, “We expect his resignation or for the board to vote him out of the museum’s leadership and for the museum to sever all ties with Bucano, Bambaataa, and the Zulu Nation.”
In 2019, the State of New York donated a $3.5million grant to the museum. It’s scheduled to open sometime in 2023 or 2024 to celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary.
The protest has been taken to the streets, with an immediate response coming from Mayor Adams.
“The Universal Hip Hop Museum assured the administration that they cut ties with the Universal Zulu Nation and that Afrika Bambaataa has not had a role at the Universal Hip Hop Museum since 2016,” Adams said in a statement.
Executive Director Bucano also released a statement, denying that Bambaataa was ever a board member of the museum and that he was never a member of the Zulu Nation.
His statement says, “The Universal Hip Hop Museum and Mr. Bucano condemn all acts of acts of violence and abuse. I would like to make it clear that Afrika Bambaataa has not had a role at the Universal Hip Hop Museum since 2016. I and the Universal Hip Hop Museum are not party to any activities affiliated with the Universal Zulu Nation I affirm that the Universal Hip Hop Museum is committed to its mission to empower, educate, and uplift communities.” It goes on saying, “While it is true that Afrika Bambaataa was a founding member of the museum, he was removed from any involvement with the museum as soon as the allegations surfaced. He has never been a board member, advisory board member or volunteer. I have never been a member of the Universal Zulu Nation nor am I an agent of the organization or Afrika Bambaataa. The assertion that UHHM is a financial front for the Universal Zulu Nation, Afrika Bambaataa, or other Universal Zulu Nation members, is irresponsible, false, and misdirected.”
Bambaataa was hit with several sexual abuse allegations going back to the 1970s but has maintained his innocence.
His attorney, Vivian K. Tozaki, issued a statement in 2016 saying, “Recently, defamatory statements were published seeking to harm my client’s reputation so as to lower him in the estimation of the community while deterring others from associating or dealing with him. The statements show a reckless disregard for the truth, were published with knowledge of their falsity, and are being made by a lesser-known person seeking publicity. Valuable cultural resources, such as Afrika Bambaataa’s good name and time, should never be used to assist a mediocre person’s asinine quest for social media popularity and superficial gain.”
ICYMI, Apple’s “It’s Glowtime” event included a behind-the-scenes look at theupcoming music video for The Weeknd’s latest single, “Dancing in the Flames,”shot entirely on the just announced iPhone 16 Pro. The music video, from director Anton Tammi and director of photography Erik Henrikkson, will premiere on Friday, September 13.
The all-new iPhone 16 Pro, the most advanced iPhone ever, features a larger display and the thinnest borders ever on any Apple product. The pro camera system brings all new creative features including the ability to record in 4K 120fps in Dolby Vision for smooth slo-motion video capture — on perfect display in the forthcoming music video for “Dancing in the Flames.” Four new studio-quality mics preserve true-to-life recorded sounds, Audio Mix uses machine learning to identify and separate background elements from speech, giving users three voice options: In-Frame Mix, Studio Mix, and Cinematic Mix, and so much more. iPhone 16 Pro also features the powerful A18 Pro chip, a huge leap in battery life, and comes in four stunning titanium finishes: black titanium, white titanium, natural titanium, and desert titanium.
Last week, The Weeknd revealed the title of his forthcoming album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” which marks the culmination of his acclaimed trilogy. Following “Dawn FM” and “After Hours,” this album is set to elevate his artistic narrative, encapsulating existential and self-referential themes that have captured the imagination of fans. The anticipation surrounding this final chapter is palpable, as it promises to be a powerful testament to The Weeknd’s evolution as an artist.
Launching September 12th (under embargo), BARCODE, a leader in performance hydration, is thrilled to announce their new limited-edition flavor, BLUEKISS, in collaboration with the Grammy-nominated rapper.
This exclusive release is the perfect union of flavor meets function, combining the refreshing and nostalgic flavors of blue raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry creating a beverage that not only fuels your body but also takes you on a flavorful trip down memory lane.
The release of BLUEKISS is celebrated by a series of immersive events, including the “Beat the Heat” Ice Installation at key locations in New York City. These installations feature ice sculptures encasing the BARCODE BLUEKISS bottles slowly melting offering passersby the chance to try. In addition, fans have had the opportunity to sample BLUEKISS at select Jadakiss concerts, providing concertgoers a firsthand experience of this unique drink.
Retailing for $28.99 per pack, BARCODE is available to shop online and in select retailers including Erewhon, Wegmans, Amazon, ShopRite, HEB, Central Market, and more.
Today, from the late, legendary Juice WRLD comes The Pre-Party, a two-pack of highly anticipated songs fans have been trading notes about for years. The surprise set pairs luxe emo-rap cut “World Tour (Aquafina)” with “Lightyears” featuring Young Thug, which has a slight country sway to it. Listen HERE via Grade A and Interscope Records. The 9AM global timing of the 9.9 release is significant to Juice WRLD and his fandom as a cherished number (999) that symbolizes the concept of flipping a bad situation into a positive one.
Juice previewed “World Tour (Aquafina)” on Instagram Live back in 2018, leaving listeners wondering if they’d ever hear the official release. Now, they can listen closely as the Chicago star inhales at the top of the track, then swan-dives through DJ Relentt’s jewel-tone synths into a blissed-out fever dream that rolls drugs, sex, and threats into a technicolor blur: “I can’t feel my tongue, shorty, I’m off the moll’, yeah / I still see the snakes, n****, run inside, yeah.”
“Lightyears” takes a different tack, mixing downcast guitar with booming bass while the two rap visionaries paint a modern picture of class and excess. “Taking trips off the Percs, I be sky high / In the sky sippin’ on red lean like it’s red wine,”Juice coos, while Young Thug flexes, “Ride big Bentleys everywhere that I go / Keep the Lamborghini parked at the bank though.” The beat comes courtesy of longtime Juice friend and collaborator Nick Mira.
The latter song has also been the subject of much speculation. Before Juice’s passing, Thug confirmed the two had more songs in the works, and their chemistry has been affirmed time and again, from Future’s “Red Bentley” (2018), to Juice’s “On God” (2019), to their collab track “Bad Boy” (2021), on through Thug’s “Money” featuring Nicki Minaj (2023) – to name a few. Mira’s involvement with “Lightyears” upped the anticipation — he’s had multiple songs on every Juice album to date, including Top 10 hits “Lucid Dreams,” “Bandit,” and “Smile.”
Last week, the Hip Hop world was shaken after the death of ATL rap mainstay Rich Homie Quan was confirmed, with him passing away in his sleep in his Atlanta home. Now, the “Flex” rapper’s dad has went public to state that his son had at least 2000 unreleased songs and was working on a 25-track album when he died.
Corey Lamar, Quan’s father, sat down for an interview with AintYouMalcom and revealed that his son was working on videos with 2 Chainz and Plies to compliment the album he was preparing that boated several big name collabos. “He has a catalog… He has a ton of music that the fans deserve to hear,” his father added.
Lamar took to IG last week to express the pain of losing his son. “Lord please please please help me to understand this. To lose my son… my 1st born, my best friend. Lord let this be a dream…. Yall pray for me and my family. I feel like I’m crushed into a million pieces.”
The cause of Quan’s death has yet to be confirmed.
At the time of writing, it remains unclear whether or not there are any plans to release the project or any of the other music Quan had in the stash.
It was announced yesterday that Kendrick Lamar would be taking the stage for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, but there are some fans and other celebrities who believe that there’s one star from NOLA that should’ve been the top pick for the NFL’s biggest gig of the year.
Even though K Dot took the stage for Super Bowl LVi alongside rap stars such as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and 50 Cent, many believe that Weezy should’ve been offered the headlining spot for the biggest sport event of the year.
Culture critic DJ Akademiks argued that Kendrick is without a doubt a great artist, but Super Bowl 61 is supposed to be in Lamar’s hometown and the NFL could’ve waited two years to put him on centerstage. Another New Orleans legend, Master P, saluted Kendrick as an artist, but also questioned who the Hot Boys superstar wasn’t chosen to perform in his hometown.
No one os saying that Kendrick doesn’t deserve to make it on the Suer Bow halftime stage, but many people on social media are echoing the same sentiments. There is still a possibility that Wayne might take the stage with Kendrick, being that they have “Mona Lisa” on “Tha Carter V” together, but it doesn’t seem satisfactory to Wayne fans or NOLA natives.
Do YOU think Wayne should perform at the Super Bowl instead of Kendrick?
On this date in 2000, M.O.P.’s Billy Danze and Fame joined forces with Terror Squad’s First Lady Remy Ma, The Conglomerate general Busta Rhymes nad crew member to polish off the remix of their classic stick-em-up hit “Ante Up” on the Loud/Relativity imprint.
Pulled from their fourth full length studio album entitled Warriorz, Billy and Fame recruited producer DR Period for the production as well as famed NYC DJ Funk Flex to give an energetic intro to the song. The infectious horns incite the track’s hype level, making it a club banger as well as a pep song for any situation where that “brooklyn” energy is demanded.
The video was shot by director extraordinaire Little X in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn and features several artists and Hip Hop personalities including Gang Starr, Lord Have Mercy, Easy Mo Bee, Ralph McDaniels, DJ Green Lantern, Buckshot of Black Moon, Steele of Smif-N-Wessun, Method Man, Afu-Ra, and Tony Touch.
Ante Up was also featured in several silver screen classics such as Brown Sugar, You Got Served and even made it on an episode of Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Salute to Billy, Fame, Teflon, DR, Buss-A-Bus, Remy and everyone else who was a part of making this a piece of Hip Hop history!