News Exclusives

Megan Thee Stallion To Executive Produce Hulu Reality Series ‘Playground’

by
Screenshot 2024 07 17 at 1.29.16 PM

Houston rapstress Megan Thee Stallion has set her new sights on television production after she has landed the executive producer spot on a new reality series title Playground, that is slated to debut on Hulu on July 26.

Playground LA is the premier studio for pro dancers to be discovered and book their big break. Classes taught by highly sought choreographers and auditions held by top music artists – including three-time Grammy award-winning musician Megan Thee Stallion – attract the most ambitious dancers in the world – and all the drama they bring with them. Romance, friendships, and tenacity are tested at every turn, as the next hot dancer is always around the corner, trying to beat the established pros for their shot at the spotlight.

Screenshot 2024 07 17 at 1.30.07 PM

This comes on the heels of the report that MEGAN, her third studio album, debuted at Number 3 on the Billboard 200, the highest for any female rapper in 2024.

The post Megan Thee Stallion To Executive Produce Hulu Reality Series ‘Playground’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Megan Thee Stallion To Executive Produce Hulu Reality Series ‘Playground’ appeared first on The Source.

[WATCH] Death Row’s The Lady Of Rage To Play Psychic Miss Cleo In Upcoming Lifetime Special

by
Screenshot 2024 07 17 at 9.51.50 AM

The Lady of Rage is back on the silver screen, and this time, she’s set to play the famous TV psychic, the late Miss Cleo.

Yesterday(July 16), Lifetime released the trailer for Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall. The Virginia native plays the infamous infomercial queen who capitalized on the public’s belief in astrology.

Miss Cleo was once known for amassing over $24 million a month for the Psychic Readers Network that employed her services before the Feds came in with allegations of fraud.

Miss Cleo died in 2016 after a battle with cancer, and her likeness was subjected to lawsuits. Still, her popularity never wavered, even though many people don’t know what happened to their favorite tarot card reader.

The post [WATCH] Death Row’s The Lady Of Rage To Play Psychic Miss Cleo In Upcoming Lifetime Special first appeared on The Source.

The post [WATCH] Death Row’s The Lady Of Rage To Play Psychic Miss Cleo In Upcoming Lifetime Special appeared first on The Source.

New York’s AdonYS Emerges Red Bull Batalla New York 2024 Champion

by
Screenshot 2024 07 16 at 12.28.50 PM

Red Bull Batalla, the world’s largest Spanish-language freestyle rap competition, returned to New York City for a Regional Qualifier on July 13th , 2024. 16 of the best Latino freestyle rappers in the country put their wit, creativity, and stage presence on the line for a chance to win the competition. After three fierce knockout rounds, it was New York’s very own AdonYS who stepped away with the Red Bull Batalla New York 2024 crown.

Taking place at Brooklyn’s OneThirtyOne, the event marked the final USA regional qualifying event taking place during the 2024 Batalla season. Of the16 aspiring MCs who competed in the event, AdonYS, Freites, Raiiden, and Metricoh Flowster punched their tickets to compete at the USA National Final in Miami this October.

Screenshot 2024 07 16 at 12.35.22 PM

“The experience was awesome. I didn’t expect anything less. This is probably my sixth or seventh edition now…and I’m just happy and excited to go to Nationals,” AdonYS shared about his experience competing at Red Bull Batalla New York 2024. After emigrating to the United States at the age of ten, AdonYS fell in love with freestyle and has continued to pursue his passion ever since.

The top 4 MCs advancing to Miami were determined by a panel of esteemed judges including New York’s El Dilema, freestyle creator Snow Qlq, and special guest judge J Noa, the fast-rising global sensation from the Dominican Republic. Following the battles, J Noa and 3x Red Bull Batalla champion, Éxodo Lirical, surprised guests with exciting musical performances. The event was hosted by Racso White Lion with DJ Cesar on the beats.

Visit Red Bull Batalla on YouTube and tune into the event livestream on July 16 th at 7pm EST to see the best moments from the competition. For more information about the Red Bull Batalla, visit www.redbullbatalla.com.

The post New York’s AdonYS Emerges Red Bull Batalla New York 2024 Champion first appeared on The Source.

The post New York’s AdonYS Emerges Red Bull Batalla New York 2024 Champion appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: The Source Magazine Remembers Hip Hop Legend Biz Markie Three Years Later

by
Biz Markies DJ Reveals They Never Made Money From Just A Friend Record

Marcel Theo Hall  known as Biz Markie was born on April 8, 1964, in Harlem, NY. Biz Markie adopted his stage name when he began his career in New York City as a teenage beatboxer and freestyle rapper. His 1989 hit “Just a Friend” ranked Top 40 in multiple countries and went platinum. Three years ago, the Hip Hop world lost this trailblazer when he passed away from complications of diabetes in 2021.

Biz Markie had been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in his late 40s and said that he lost 140 pounds in the years that followed. “I wanted to live,” he told ABC News in 2014. The cause of death remains unknown, but he was hospitalized in 2020 due to complications from diabetes.  

The Harlem born rapper had a 35-year career that touched many and his rep left a statement during the time of his death that sums up how Biz’s death affected the entire Hip Hop community.

“We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time. Biz created a legacy of artistry that will forever be celebrated by his industry peers and his beloved fans whose lives he was able to touch through music, spanning over 35 years. He leaves behind a wife, many family members and close friends who will miss his vibrant personality, constant jokes and frequent banter. We respectfully request privacy for his family as they mourn their loved one.”

The post Today In Hip Hop History: The Source Magazine Remembers Hip Hop Legend Biz Markie Three Years Later first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: The Source Magazine Remembers Hip Hop Legend Biz Markie Three Years Later appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: BDP’s ‘Edutainment’ LP Dropped 34 Years Ago

by
edutainment

Produced primarily by the Blastmaster KRS himself along with the Human 808 D-Nice, Edutainment is arguably one of BDP’s best albums before KRS began to venture into solo projects. The title was definitive of its contents; education through the entertainment of Hip-Hop music. This album was also the most populated in terms of members of Boogie Down Productions, with appearances from Ms. Melodie, her sister Harmony, Jamal Ski, D-Nice, Willie Dee, Mc Boo, and Kris’ brother Kenny Parker. Prior to this, BDP only consisted of D-Nice, KRS, and the late DJ Scott La Rock.

The 21 song track listing included songs and skits, which were called “Exhibits”, where The Teacha and Black Power icon Kwame Ture spoke to cheering crowds about various subjects pertaining to Black people. Joints like the premier single “Love Is Gonna Getcha”, “Breath Control II”, and “Blackman In Effect” not only showed Kris’ cultural and political knowledge, but magnified his lyrical ability to adapt to any subject. “100 Guns”, which was remade by Ja Rule and Fat Joe during their beef with 50 Cent, further solidified the album’s street cred. From “Beef”(healthy eating) to “30 Cops Or More”(police brutality), Edutainment carried the appropriate title for what was in store for its listeners.

Supreme salute to KRS, the whole BDP crew from that era, and the entire BX. Peace!

The post Today In Hip Hop History: BDP’s ‘Edutainment’ LP Dropped 34 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: BDP’s ‘Edutainment’ LP Dropped 34 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Lil Reese Arrested On Rape Charges For Allegedly Forcing Himself On Woman In L.A. Hotel

by
Screenshot 2024 07 15 at 8.27.48 PM

News reports have confirmed that Chicago drill rapper Lil Reese was arrested on rape charges for allegedly forcing himself on an unidentified woman in a Los Angeles hotel.

Boosie Badazz first reported the arrest on social media, claiming that he witnessed the police put Reese in handcuffs. Reports from TMZ say that Reese went on a date with a woman on Sunday and the couple went to a hotel after their outing. According to the reports, Reese “insisted” that the two have sex, but the woman declined. She alleged that Reese forced himself on her shortly after refusing his advances.

The woman allegedly ran to the front desk immediately after and called the authorities.

He was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and rape, but has since been released on $100K bond.

There are few details currently available about the case, but TheSource.com will update the story as more details develops.

The post Lil Reese Arrested On Rape Charges For Allegedly Forcing Himself On Woman In L.A. Hotel first appeared on The Source.

The post Lil Reese Arrested On Rape Charges For Allegedly Forcing Himself On Woman In L.A. Hotel appeared first on The Source.

Oakland Rapper Tan DaGod Shot And Killed During The Grand Opening Of Her Beauty Supply Store

by
Screenshot 2024 07 15 at 8.09.31 PM

Several locla reports have confirmed that an Oakland rapper was shot and killed over the weekend at the meet and greet of the grand opening of her beauty supply store in her hometown.

Tan DaGod was promoting the grand opening of her own beauty supply store, Glamor Beauty Supply on Telegraph Avenue in the popular downtown district of Oakland on Saturday when at about 5pm, shots rang out in the strip mall where Tan was prepping for the opening of her new venture. Tan and another individual were hit by a barrage of bullets. The other person is expected to recover from their injuries, but Tan succumbed to her injuries at the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

She was 27 years old.

The owner of a nearby restaurant told local reporters that he witnessed the shooting, and just saw a “guy in a hoodie” come by and start shooting. Oakland Police reported that Tan Da God was “getting into a dispute” with another person when the shooting occurred.

Oakland favorite Mistah FAB posted on Instagram Sunday about the death, writing that he had been booked to appear at the same event.

“The violence is beyond understanding the hurt the pain the trauma has made a forever lasting impact @tan.dagod I will always remember you as a hustling ass go getter, with a world of ambition,drive and courage and a heart big as TEXAS!!!!” he writes.

Appearing on Lil Blood’s podcast two years ago, Tan Da God talked about giving herself the name after going by “The GOAT” for a time. She said it was about exuding confidence in herself and her creativity.

“I believe that everybody in here is a god,” she said.

The post Oakland Rapper Tan DaGod Shot And Killed During The Grand Opening Of Her Beauty Supply Store first appeared on The Source.

The post Oakland Rapper Tan DaGod Shot And Killed During The Grand Opening Of Her Beauty Supply Store appeared first on The Source.

Travis Scott Debuts New Colorway of Jordan Jumpman Jack Sneaker on Stage

by
Travis Scott Debuts New Colorway of Jordan Jumpman Jack Sneaker on Stage

Travis Scott got the sneakerheads on watch as he premiered a Travis Scott and Nike Jordan Jumpman Jack in a red colorway. The sneaker was premiered on the European leg of the Circus Maximus Tour.

Internationally acclaimed global superstar Travis Scott is currently halfway through the Europe + UK leg of his critically acclaimed CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR, grossing over $23.6 million with nearly 200,000 attendees across the first 7 dates. The tour kicked off on Friday, June 28th in Arnhem, Netherlands at GelreDome and has since played shows in Krakow, Zurich, Nice, Antwerp, and London. Scott’s July 11 performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium drew over 48,500 attendees and grossed more than $6.6 million, marking his largest headline show to date. He also broke the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium merchandise sales record for any event to date at the stadium including the NFL. 

The sold-out 44-date North American leg of Travis Scott’s CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR grossed an impressive $95.7 million with an attendance of 686,000, breaking multiple merchandise sale records across states. Scott also made history as the first rapper to headline a sold-out show at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

The tour continues tomorrow, July 16th, with a performance in Hamburg, Germany at Barclays Arena, followed by stops in Prague, Cologne, Milan, Frankfurt, and Madrid, before concluding on Friday, August 2nd in Lisbon, Portugal at MEO Arena.

One Euro/Pound from every ticket sold will go to the Cactus Jack Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to uplifting Houston youth through toy drives, scholarship programs for HBCU college students, and supporting educational and creative endeavors. So far, $250,000 has been donated to the Cactus Jack Foundation from the Europe/UK leg of the tour.

TRAVIS SCOTT CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR EUROPE/UK 2024 DATES
Friday, 28th June – Arnhem, Netherlands – GelreDome
Sunday, 30th June – Arnhem, Netherlands – GelreDome
Tuesday, 2nd July – Krakow, Poland – TAURON Arena
Thursday, 5th July – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
Saturday, 6th July – Nice, France – Allianz Riviera
Monday, 8th July – Antwerp, Belgium – Sportpaleis
Thursday, 11th July – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Saturday, 13th July – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Tuesday, 16th July – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena
Thursday, 18th July – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena
Saturday, 20th July – Cologne, Germany – RheinEnergieSTADION
Tuesday, 23rd July – Milan, Italy – Ippodromo SNAI La Maura
Friday, 26th July – Frankfurt, Germany – Deutsche Bank Park
Saturday, 27th July – Frankfurt, Germany – Deutsche Bank Park
Tuesday, 30th July – Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center
Friday, 2nd August – Lisbon, Portugal – MEO Arena

The post Travis Scott Debuts New Colorway of Jordan Jumpman Jack Sneaker on Stage first appeared on The Source.

The post Travis Scott Debuts New Colorway of Jordan Jumpman Jack Sneaker on Stage appeared first on The Source.

Travis Scott’s Sold Out CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR In Europe, UK Grosses $23M

by
unnamed 64

Internationally acclaimed global superstar Travis Scott is currently halfway through the Europe + UK leg of his critically acclaimed CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR, grossing over $23.6 million with nearly 200,000 attendees across the first 7 dates. The tour kicked off on Friday, June 28th in Arnhem, Netherlands at GelreDome and has since played shows in Krakow, Zurich, Nice, Antwerp, and London. Scott’s July 11 performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium drew over 48,500 attendees and grossed more than $6.6 million, marking his largest headline show to date. He also broke the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium merchandise sales record for any event to date at the stadium including the NFL. 

The sold-out 44-date North American leg of Travis Scott’s CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR grossed an impressive $95.7 million with an attendance of 686,000, breaking multiple merchandise sale records across states. Scott also made history as the first rapper to headline a sold-out show at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

The tour continues tomorrow, July 16th, with a performance in Hamburg, Germany at Barclays Arena, followed by stops in Prague, Cologne, Milan, Frankfurt, and Madrid, before concluding on Friday, August 2nd in Lisbon, Portugal at MEO Arena.

One Euro/Pound from every ticket sold will go to the Cactus Jack Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to uplifting Houston youth through toy drives, scholarship programs for HBCU college students, and supporting educational and creative endeavors. So far, $250,000 has been donated to the Cactus Jack Foundation from the Europe/UK leg of the tour.

TRAVIS SCOTT CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR EUROPE/UK 2024 DATES
Friday, 28th June – Arnhem, Netherlands – GelreDome
Sunday, 30th June – Arnhem, Netherlands – GelreDome
Tuesday, 2nd July – Krakow, Poland – TAURON Arena
Thursday, 5th July – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
Saturday, 6th July – Nice, France – Allianz Riviera
Monday, 8th July – Antwerp, Belgium – Sportpaleis
Thursday, 11th July – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Saturday, 13th July – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Tuesday, 16th July – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena
Thursday, 18th July – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena
Saturday, 20th July – Cologne, Germany – RheinEnergieSTADION
Tuesday, 23rd July – Milan, Italy – Ippodromo SNAI La Maura
Friday, 26th July – Frankfurt, Germany – Deutsche Bank Park
Saturday, 27th July – Frankfurt, Germany – Deutsche Bank Park
Tuesday, 30th July – Madrid, Spain – WiZink Center
Friday, 2nd August – Lisbon, Portugal – MEO Arena

The post Travis Scott’s Sold Out CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR In Europe, UK Grosses $23M first appeared on The Source.

The post Travis Scott’s Sold Out CIRCUS MAXIMUS TOUR In Europe, UK Grosses $23M appeared first on The Source.

Anderson .Paak Announces 6th Annual “.Paak House In The Park”

by
Screenshot 2024 07 15 at 9.10.01 AM

8x GRAMMY Award-winning producer, songwriter, artist & director, Anderson .Paak announces the return of his .Paak House in the Park, in partnership with his non-profit Brandon Anderson Foundation, on October 26th.

The 6th annual iteration of the event, .Paak House Festival returns to Ventura County this year bringing together the region’s finest artists, performers, bands, chefs, corporate partners, and community organizations. Last year’s sold-out event brought in an audience of over 10K attendees, with performances by Mario, Smokey Robinson, Ron Isley, and of course Anderson .Paak.

The Brandon Anderson Foundation is a unique 501c3 non-profit organization that believes any person has the ability to tap into their greatest potential with the right exposure. We aim to support and create initiatives that uplift, engage and support the community through access to the arts, supplemental education and unique experiences to expand the imagination.

With the first initiative, .Paak House, the foundation seeks to create a “safe-haven” for the next generation, while cultivating alliances with like-minded non-profit organizations to generate a greater impact — TOGETHER. This safe-haven is generated through community outreach, sponsored events, summer programs, & after-school programs, all leading to establishing an actual .Paak House building, in an impacted community.

More info to come regarding tickets and performances – stay up to date by visiting https://paakhouse.org/.

The post Anderson .Paak Announces 6th Annual “.Paak House In The Park” first appeared on The Source.

The post Anderson .Paak Announces 6th Annual “.Paak House In The Park” appeared first on The Source.