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SOURCE SPORTS: ‘It Is What It Is’ Co-Host Cam’ron Graces Latest Cover Of Black Enterprise Magazine

December 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Iconic entrepreneur and sports personality Cam’ron, is the face of the latest edition of Black Enterprise. In a captivating cover story, the Harlem native shares how his decision to bet on himself has paid off as his most lucrative investment yet.

The feature arrives amidst the widespread success of Cam’ron’s groundbreaking sports show, It Is What It Is, where he joins forces with co-hosts Ma$e and Treasure “Stat Baby” Wilson to deliver unfiltered commentary and analysis. The show’s acclaim adds to an impressive résumé of entrepreneurial ventures that cement Cam’ron as a trailblazing force in entertainment and business.

In the Black Enterprise interview, Cam’ron reflects on his journey from music and media to diversifying into real estate, liquor, trademarks, and even innovative products like cereal and cologne. He offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of his Come And Talk 2 Me network and shares invaluable lessons from his storied career.

“Harlem taught me my work ethic,” Cam’ron states in the interview. “It’s about hustle, confidence, and making your own lane.” His commitment to self-investment and innovation resonates throughout the article, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to take risks and prioritize authenticity in their pursuits.

To explore the full interview and uncover insights from one of the most dynamic figures in modern entrepreneurship, visit the feature on Black Enterprise HERE

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J. Cole Announces One-Night-Only Show In NYC’s Madison Square Garden

December 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

J. Cole has announced a one-night-only 10 year anniversary show for his third studio album, Forest Hills Drive, which first released on December 9, 2014. The show, presented by Chase and produced by Live Nation, will take place at New York’s iconic arena, Madison Square Garden, on Monday, December 16.

In celebration of the 10 year milestone, J. Cole also announced anniversary edition vinyls and CDs of Forrest Hill Drive that are available for pre-order now. This includes an anniversary edition of the vinyl and CD (which features four new bonus tracks) as well as an alternate cover vinyl and CD (with four separate bonus tracks).

Earlier this week J. Cole, in partnership with Ibrahim Hamad and Scott Lazer, released the newest episode of “Inevitable” (Season One) — a new limited audio series that launched last week with each episode diving into, and titled after, J. Cole’s vast discography. The latest episode is named after the 2010 project Friday Night Lights and dropped on Wednesday alongside the mixtape’s release across DSPs.

The announcement of the Madison Square Garden show comes on the heels of J. Cole and Dreamville revealing earlier this week that the Dreamville Festival will return to Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday, April 5, and Sunday, April 6, 2025 for its fifth anniversary.

The post J. Cole Announces One-Night-Only Show In NYC’s Madison Square Garden appeared first on The Source Magazine.

Walmart Scales Back DEI Initiatives Amid Conservative Pressure

November 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Walmart, the nation’s largest private employer, has announced significant adjustments to its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, drawing attention amid criticism from conservative activists.

The retail giant revealed it will not renew its racial equity center, an initiative launched in response to the 2020 murder of George Floyd, and will no longer participate in the Human Rights Campaign’s annual LGBTQ+ benchmark index.

Conservative commentator Robby Starbuck claimed he had discussions with Walmart executives after informing the company of a forthcoming report on “wokeness” within its policies. Starbuck said the retailer responded positively, making commitments to modify several practices.

“Removing wokeness from Walmart has both downstream effects on suppliers and sets the tone for corporate America,” Starbuck told the media. “Changing the operating policies of a company nearing $1 trillion in value is a monumental achievement.”

As part of the changes, Walmart agreed to monitor third-party marketplace items for “inappropriate sexual and/or transgender products marketed to children,” review its Pride-related funding, and discontinue the use of the term “Latinx” in official communications, according to Starbuck.

However, Walmart emphasized that many of these changes had been planned for years and were not solely influenced by recent conversations. For instance, the company noted it had already begun shifting its terminology from DEI to “belonging” and restructured its supplier diversity program.

In a statement, Walmart affirmed its commitment to fostering inclusivity. “We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers, and suppliers, and to be a Walmart for everyone,” the company said.

The retailer’s actions come amid growing scrutiny of corporate DEI initiatives, reflecting a broader cultural and political debate about the role of business in social justice.

The post Walmart Scales Back DEI Initiatives Amid Conservative Pressure appeared first on The Source Magazine.

Peter Rosenberg Explores Beyoncé’s Grammy Legacy And The Making of ‘Cowboy Carter’ On New “This Ain’t Texas” Podcast

November 26, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Since Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album garnered 11 Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year, Peter Rosenberg is launching a podcast series exploring the significance of Cowboy Carter with “This Ain’t Texas.”

Check out the trailer and first episode HERE

In the trailer, Rosenberg cited Beyoncé as the most important artist of her generation. He also cited Cowboy Carter as “a genre-defining, captivating, and, to some, polarizing masterpiece.” “This Ain’t Texas” will have Rosenberg discuss with producers from the album and music critics about the album’s making, Beyonce’s long history with the Grammys, and the controversies surrounding the album.

“I am so excited about this. It is just going to run from the end of November until the first week of February. I am calling it a “pop-up” podcast. I decided to make time for this because I think Beyoncé’s career arc and this specific Cowboy Carter album are worth exploring in depth — particularly because I believe she has, hands down, the album of the year. So, I am going to talk to writers, critics, musicians, producers, and Beyoncé collaborators about her career and why this album should be the first to get her album of the year,” said Rosenberg

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Lil Durk Faces Backlash Over Pricey “Free Durk” Merchandise Amid Murder-for-Hire Charges

November 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Rapper Lil Durk charged with murder for hire 10 25 2024 06 25 AM

Lil Durk is under fire for the high prices of his “Free Durk” merchandise as he remains jailed on murder-for-hire charges. His team recently launched a collection of apparel, including T-shirts and hoodies, to show support for the rapper, who is being held without bail.

The clothing line features the slogan “Free Durk,” with T-shirts priced at $45 and hoodies retailing for $95. Fans were quick to criticize the pricing, accusing Durk’s team of exploiting supporters during his legal troubles.

One frustrated fan commented, “$95 for a made-in-China hoodie is crazy work.” Another quipped, “They should add an extra 10 years for these damn prices.” A harsher critique came from someone who remarked, “Nobody wants that. Keep him locked up.”

Lil Durk is currently detained in Los Angeles after pleading not guilty to murder-for-hire charges. While a bond hearing is scheduled for December 12, prosecutors strongly oppose his release, citing claims that the rapper attempted to flee the country before his arrest.

The charges against Durk initially included conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, stemming from an alleged plot that resulted in the death of Quando Rondo’s cousin. However, a superseding indictment filed on November 7 brought additional charges. These include the use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death and using, carrying, and discharging firearms, including a machine gun, in furtherance of a violent crime.

As Durk’s legal battle intensifies, the controversy over his merchandise adds another layer of scrutiny to the embattled rapper’s situation.

The post Lil Durk Faces Backlash Over Pricey “Free Durk” Merchandise Amid Murder-for-Hire Charges appeared first on .

Diddy’s Legal Team To Call Escorts As Witnesses In Third Bail Hearing

November 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Sean “Diddy” Combs is assembling a defense for his upcoming federal trial with plans to call six escorts as witnesses. The trial, set for May 2025, centers on serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. AllHipHop first reported the news on Sunday (November 24), revealing that Diddy’s legal strategy includes testimony from escorts who attended his infamous “freak-off parties.”

Currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, the 51-year-old music mogul and father of seven awaits a judge’s decision on his third bail proposal. If approved, Diddy would be required to reside in Manhattan, where he was originally arrested in September.

Diddy’s legal team intends to use the escorts’ testimonies to counter the prosecution’s allegations. According to the defense, these witnesses could challenge claims about systemic abuse facilitated through Diddy’s businesses and employees. Prosecutors, however, assert that these six individuals represent only a fraction of the witnesses involved. “Six escorts are only the beginning,” one prosecutor said, hinting at the scale of the alleged activities.

The charges against Diddy are extensive, including kidnapping, arson, bribery, drug-related offenses, and obstruction of justice. If convicted, he could face life in prison for racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. The latter charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, while a separate charge of transportation for purposes of prostitution could add up to 10 years to his sentence.

Adding to his legal troubles, the court is examining allegations that Diddy violated jail protocols by attempting to contact witnesses. These claims could affect his chances of securing bail before the trial.

Despite his legal battles, Diddy has reportedly remained in good spirits. He recently celebrated his birthday with his children, expressing pride in their achievements during a call. However, prosecutors have accused him of using this same call to orchestrate intimidation tactics.

As the trial approaches in the Spring of next year, Diddy’s defense team is preparing for a high-stakes battle to counter the serious accusations against the music mogul.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Run-D.M.C. Dropped Their Classic ‘Christmas In Hollis’ Single 37 Years Ago

November 25, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this day 37 years ago, Run-D.M.C. released their holiday-themed single “Christmas in Hollis”. The song was originally featured on the star-studded charity compilation album, A Very Special Christmas, alongside the likes of Whitney Houston, Madonna, and Stevie Nicks to name a few. Produced by Run-D.M.C. and Rick Rubin, this track has become a Christmas favorite among Hip Hop fans everywhere in that it is one of Hip Hop’s first mainstream holiday singles.

In Hip Hop music, it is hard to find an artist who would be down with recording a Christmas-themed single for a commercial cause. Even Run-D.M.C. was opposed to the idea. D.M.C. spoke out saying, “Nope. We’re not doing it. That’s what they try to do to Hip Hop. They commercialize you and try to make you corny.”

When asked to record “Christmas in Hollis”. Eventually, they warmed up to the idea and paved the way for a whole new seasonal branch of Hip Hop that fans across the world have come to enjoy. In honor of this day, we have compiled a list of the top five holiday songs in rap music.

Salute to the greatest hip Hop duo of all time and a special Rest In Peace to Raymond “Lil Lep” Lopez, the b-boy pioneer who played Santa’s elf” passed away earlier this month.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Snoop Dogg Dropped His Debut Album ‘Doggystyle’ 31 Years Ago

November 23, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 1993, Calvin Broadus Jr. aka Snoop Doggy Dogg released his highly anticipated first album Doggystyle on Death Row Records. This was the label’s first full-length project by a solo artist, which was piggybacking on the success of Death Row’s last release, The Chronic, the Dr. Dre album where many had just heard Snoop for the first time.

Doggystyle, which was produced exclusively by Snoop’s mentor, Dr. Dre, huddled around the concept of the “dogg”, with the animated cover and cartoon insert of a street-wise hound that wanted by the opps and the “bitches” for his “doggystyle”, which of course, is a famous sex position.

Some of the album’s leading tracks include the x-rated “It Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None)” featuring childhood friend Nate Dogg and then recently formed Dogg Pound, Daz and Kurupt, the Slick Rick ode “Lodi Dodi” and the world-famous alcoholic anthem “Gin And Juice”.

Even with a four mic rating, Source staff writer Reginald Dennis said that the album escaped the coveted Five Mic rating because he felt like it was “rushed”, but nonetheless, with the introduction of such a monumental artist coupled with the authenticity of the gang-ridden West Coast streets, this album is by far one of the most pivotal albums of the 90s, even before the East Coast/West Coast rivalry, which came at least two years later. Salute to Snoop, Dre, the Dogg Pound, The Lady Of Rage, RBX, Suge, and the rest of the legendary Death Row for putting together this classic album!

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Chance the Rapper Graces the Cover of Ocean Drive Magazine’s Annual Art Issue Ahead of Miami Art Week

November 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Grammy-winning artist and cultural innovator Chance the Rapper is the cover star of Ocean Drive magazine’s highly anticipated Annual Art Issue. The feature dives into Chance’s trailblazing career, his interdisciplinary approach to art and music, and his plans for this year’s Miami Art Week, including his immersive Writings On The Wall: A Star Line Listening Experience.

The Annual Art Issue is available now, ahead of Chance’s Writings On The Wall activations at Wynwood Studios during Miami Art Week, running December 3-6.

As part of his Miami Art Week lineup, Chance the Rapper will host Writings On The Wall: A Star Line Listening Experience, an immersive multi-sensory activation previewing his forthcoming project, Star Line. The event combines music, art, and technology, creating a transformative experience for fans. Sessions include surround sound listening, projected visuals, and exclusive cinematography, with attendees encouraged to fully engage with the art and music through note-taking and reflection.

Sessions

Tuesday, December 3: 3 PM, 6 PM, 9 PM ET

Wednesday, December 4: 3 PM, 6 PM, 9 PM ET

Thursday, December 5: 1 PM ET

Friday, December 6: 3 PM, 6 PM, 9 PM ET

Chance’s Ocean Drive cover marks a celebration of his ongoing efforts to push boundaries in art and music. His Writings On The Wall sessions expand on his history of innovation, from becoming the first artist to rise through SoundCloud to his game-changing, forthcoming project Star Line. At Miami Art Week, he continues his mission to blend music, art, and storytelling with technology to reimagine fan engagement.

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Today In Hip Hop History: Kanye West Dropped His ‘My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy’ LP 14 Years Ago

November 22, 2024 by newhiphopnews

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On this day in 2010, famed producer Kanye West released his fifth full length studio album entitled My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy on the Def Jam Recordings/Roc-A-Fella imprint.

West delivered the album of the decade in 2010. From its composition, multiple album covers, a short film, ballerinas, the infamous red suit, and more, Ye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy would set an almost unreachable precedent for artists of all genres that would succeed the first decade of the new millennium.

Album Conception

He distanced himself from the world and returned to what made us all fall in love with his genius. Ye hid away in Hawaii, working on MBDTF, inviting artists to the island to join his reemergence into the culture’s good graces. Ye would go on record saying My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is the first album he decided to write down all of his raps because his mission was perfection. His career depended on it.

According to Rory Farrell, who interned at Def Jam during this time, West entered the label’s office, fully dressed in a black suit, with the intention of playing the album, but was unimpressed with what they were wearing. West gave Def Jam an ultimatum: dress better or no album. It was ultimately a privilege. He returned the next day with the album. At this time, “Runaway” was 16 minutes long, but would be condensed to 9:08.

West released a number of covers for the album. The most thought-provoking was deemed controversial and rejected by a number of retail stores. Can’t a man sit on a couch with his phoenix? Oh, the days of physical album copies.

BET AWARDS & VMAS Return

Kanye West opened the 2010 BET Awards atop of a mountain to perform, “Power.” This was his first public performance since the infamous VMA mic grab. Decked out in an all-red suit with an oversized sphinx chain, West was back.

Two months later he would close the 2010 VMAs and debut “Runaway,” a tribute to douchbags, that would see the return of The Clipse’ Pusha T.

GOOD Fridays & Runaway Film

West launched a weekly free music series to support the album, leading up to the album’s release. 3 of the songs from the series would appear on MBDTF, including “Monster” with an incomparable verse from Nicki Minaj.

West would turn “Runaway” into a 35-minute short film featuring supermodel, Selita Ebanks. The film explored the beauty of a phoenix, attempting to live in society. The album would serve as the soundtrack to the film and part of the film would serve as “Runaway’s” music video.

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