North Carolina

J Cole Honored With North Carolina Mural Amidst Kendrick Lamar Beef

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J Cole is hip-hop royalty in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Overall, the rapper has always shown love to his hometown through his music and his actions. North Carolina, in return, has shown him love with a brand new mural. The mural in question was unveiled on April 2, and features a sprawling portrait of the rapper next to the phrase: “Welcome to Fayetteville.” Furthermore, it’s located on the side of a record store in downtown Fayetteville (naturally).

New York-based graffiti artist Andulaz The Artist created the mural. Andulaz posted images of the mural on his Instagram account with the caption: “I had lots of fun working on this piece. The community was really loving and embracing.” Additionally, the post received widespread praise from fans, who felt that it was a very fitting tribute to everything J. Cole has achieved in his career up to this point. The mural could not have been more perfectly timed, as the rapper’s annual Dreamville Fest is set to begin on April 6th. The fest will run throughout the weekend and feature performances from Cole and other rap stars like Nicki Minaj, 50 Cent and ScHoolboy Q.

Read More: J. Cole’s Best Productions

J. Cole’s Mural Was Created By Andulaz The Artist

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Andaluz (On Da Loose) (@andaluztheartist)

Overall, Dreamville Fest has generated millions of dollars each year for the local economy, according to the label’s official website. According to HipHopDX, the festival generated a whopping $145 million in 2023 alone. This is not the first time that J. Cole’s charitable efforts have been recognized. North Carolina declared March 1 “J. Cole Day” back in 2012, which prompted him to release the documentary J. Cole Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming on HBO in 2016.

The mural and festival serve as a respite of sorts for J. Cole, who is currently in the midst of a beef with Kendrick Lamar. Overall, the Compton rapper took shots at Cole and Drake on the recent track “Like That,” which has some fans anticipating a response from the other 2/3 of the so-called Big 3. However, Cole has not publicly acknowledged the diss. Although he has thrown subliminal shots at Lamar in the past, so many are many who believe there’s more to come from Fayetteville’s favorite son.

Read More: What Is J. Cole’s Best-Selling Album?

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UNC Basketball Player Tries To Play Up Kylie Jenner Rumor

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Kylie Jenner is one of the most successful and popular pop culture stars of this era. So, if you’re just a college kid looking to build your own brand, it couldn’t be a bad thing when your name is linked to such a mega star. North Carolina men’s basketball player Paxson Wojcik has heard the rumors that he and Jenner have been secretly dating. However, Wojcik has been clear that those rumors are just smoke and mirrors.

Of course the rumors aren’t true, just a joke that Wojcik’s teammates started after the Tar Heels star started a NIL deal with the skims brand. A spokesman with the basketball program told TMZ that Wojcik has never attempted to contact Jenner. The spokesman went even further by saying Wojcik is sorry if those rumors have caused in drama to Jenner and her team. The Tar Heels advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament after a dominating victory over Michigan State.

Read More: Kylie Jenner Trolls Kendall Jenner With Birthday Tribute

Kylie Jenner Joke Goes Too Far With UNC Basketball Team

Jenner is probably less than thrilled with her name being linked to someone she doesn’t even know. Recently, Gisele Bundchen discussed how easy it is for the media to target women in such personal affairs as relationships. Unfortunately, this is part of the price of being a celebrity. Everyone wants to know the business of their lives, professional and personally.

Wojcik can continue with the joke relationship to push his name further outside of the sports realm, but the coaching staff at UNC have bigger things to think about. The Tar Heels will meet the Alabama Crimson Tide later this week, with a spot in the Elite 8 on the line. As for Jenner showing up to see her not actual boyfriend play, the magic 8 ball says that is highly unlikely. For more news on the latest in sports and pop culture, keep it right here with HNHH.

Read More: Tyga & Kylie Jenner Relationship Timeline

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Air Jordan 23 “North Carolina” PE Photos

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The Air Jordan 23 “North Carolina” PE pays homage to Michael Jordan’s alma mater, the University of North Carolina. This player’s edition sneaker features iconic UNC colors, with a vibrant blue upper and white accents. Crafted with premium materials, the Air Jordan 23 “North Carolina” PE exudes quality and style. Its luxurious suede and leather construction ensures durability and comfort on and off the court. Emblazoned with UNC branding, including the iconic Tar Heel logo on the tongue and heel, this PE edition celebrates Jordan’s legendary college career.

The incorporation of university-specific details adds a unique touch to the classic Air Jordan silhouette. Designed for performance, the Air Jordan 23 “North Carolina” PE boasts advanced cushioning and support technologies. Whether you’re hitting the hardwood or strolling the streets, this sneaker delivers both style and functionality. Sought after by collectors and fans alike, the Air Jordan 23 “North Carolina” PE embodies the rich basketball legacy of UNC and Michael Jordan. Its release is highly anticipated among sneaker enthusiasts, offering a piece of history and a connection to one of the greatest players of all time.

Read More: Air Jordan 3 x A Ma Maniere “Black” Gets Exclusive Look

“North Carolina” Air Jordan 23 PE

These shoes feature a white rubber sole and a white and black midsole. The uppers of this shoe is comprised of a blue suede with the UNC logo embedded. Also, black and white make their way into the uppers. The sneakers also feature the UNC logo on the tongues.

Unfortunately for sneaker fans, this Air Jordan 23 “North Carolina” PE will not be available for purchase. This is strictly a “Player’s Edition” and there are no plans for the public to wear this pair on the court. Further, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.

Read More: Air Jordan 1 Low x Travis Scott “Olive” Gets A First Look

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Duke’s Mayo Bowl Inspires College Football Fan To Chug Condiment: Watch

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A college football fan has gone viral after he was seen chugging mayonnaise outside Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The stunt occurred during tailgating ahead of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, the annual bowl game sponsored by the South Carolina-based condiment company. The company has sponsored the Charlotte-hosted bowl since 2020, when they also began sponsoring a game during college football’s kickoff week. Additionally, the game also features a sentiment jar of mayo as its mascot.

The footage of the fan chugging mayo was met with a wave of reactions. Many people, especially those outside the realm of college football fandom, were disgusted. However, many others celebrated the video, including Duke’s Mayo themselves. The video arguably went viral after being reshared by the game’s official X account. The Duke’s Mayo Bowl has garnered a reputation for shenanigans over the years. The winning coach has the honor of having a cooler full of the condiment dumped over them.

Read More: Aaron Rodgers Says He Didn’t Ask To Be Taken Off Injured Reserve

North Carolina Faces West Virginia In Duke’s Mayo Bowl

The 2023 Duke’s Mayo Bowl matchup sees two 8-4 teams in North Carolina and West Virginia facing off in Charlotte. The Tar Heels will be without starting quarterback Drake Maye, who opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft. Instead, they will turn to freshman Conner Harrell, who has six pass attempts on the season. However, the Tar Heels has an excellent run game with Omarion Hampton, who finished the season with 1442 on the ground, best for fifth in the nation.

Meanwhile, West Virginia rode a tough Big 12 schedule to their own 8-4 record. Junior Garrett Greene will lead the Mountaineers in their first bowl game since 2021. Greene had a little under 3000 passing yards this season as the Mountaineers displayed a fairly balanced offense. However, they will need to their defense, ranked 69th in the country, to step up to put pressure on North Carolina’s inexperienced signal caller. With Maye sitting out, the Mountaineers are favored by five coming into the game.

Read More: Antonio Brown Reveals He Doesn’t Let His Kids Believe In Santa

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Tez Walker Ruled Ineligible For 2023 NCAA Season

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North Carolina wide receiver Tez Walker will not see the field in the 2023 season. It was reported earlier today that the NCAA denied his appeal for a transfer waiver. Walker, who played for Kent State in 2021 and 2022, sought a transfer waiver as the move to North Carolina was technically his second transfer. Walker began his career at NC Central but transferred to Kent State after NC Central canceled their 2020 season.

Walker’s request was rejected earlier this year as part of a crackdown on two-time transfers. However, the decision was appealed by North Carolina. The school cited Walker’s mental health challenges and the fact he never played a snap at NC Central. However, the NCAA stood firm and rejected the waiver request at an appeal hearing on September 7. Both NC Central and Kent State filed documents supporting Walker’s case.

Read More: Paige Bueckers signs a multi-year deal with Nike

UNC Coach Blasts NCAA Over Tez Walker Ruling

North Carolina coach Mark Brown posted a lengthy statement through UNC in response. His statement expressed his dismay at the decision to bar Walker from playing in 2023. “We’re absolutely crushed to learn that Tez Walker’s eligibility has been denied for this season and he won’t be able to play. I don’t know that I’ve ever been more disappointed in a person, a group of people, or an institution than I am with the NCAA right now. It’s clear that the NCAA is about process and it couldn’t care less about the young people it’s supposed to be supporting. Plain and simple, the NCAA has failed Tez and his family. I’ve lost all faith in its ability to lead and govern our sport.”

“As has been clearly documented, Tez should be eligible for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the mental health issues he’s faced during his time in college. And with this decision, the NCAA has placed an unnecessary burden on him. He’s had a rough go of it and this will surely only make it worse. How dare they ever speak about mental health and student-athlete welfare again. We’ve got complete rosters overhauled through the transfer portal, players playing in their 8th year of college, players playing at their fourth school, and the list goes on. Yet, Tez Walker, who has only played football at one school, isn’t eligible. It makes no sense and it never will. Shame on you, NCAA. SHAME ON YOU!” Brown continued.

Read More: Serbian player has kidney removed after FIBA World Cup injury

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Drake’s Setlist At Dreamville Fest 2023

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Dreamville Fest 2023 had a lot of notable moments, which of course took advantage of the festival landing on April Fool’s Day. However, one person who clearly didn’t play around with their set was Drake, who held a headlining spot with J. Cole on Sunday (April 2). Moreover, the “Middle of the Ocean” MC gave fans a setlist full of hits, surprises, and a run-through of his acclaimed catalog. Not only that, but he also brought out many guests: GloRilla, Lil Uzi Vert, 21 Savage, Lil Wayne, and co-headliner and label boss J. Cole.

Furthermore, this live performance left fans very satisfied, which at least partially makes up for Drake’s recent festival woes. Following a few controversial performances for Lollapalooza Argentina and Brazil, the Dreamville set brought his quality standards back up. Still, the 6 God probably shouldn’t receive as much blame for those mishaps, as they were probably due to planning and logistics not lining up perfectly. Regardless, it will be interesting to see how the rap star addresses or makes up for those criticisms- and if he’s even the right person to reprimand for them.

Drake Enlists A Stacked Crew For His Performance & Hints At More New Music

In other Drake news, recently released and teased tracks have fans ready for even more from the OVO mogul. Of course, it’s not like he needs the extra push, given his incredibly successful 2022. First, he shook fans expectations, albeit to mixed critical results, on the house-inspired Honestly, Nevermind. Then, he brought fans a hefty helping of 21 Savage collaborations on Her Loss, which many felt was much more in line with his skillset.

Despite what many might say about his recent artistic moves, you can’t deny that Drake finds new ways to both surprise fans and stick to his guns. Although not everyone got to see his Dreamville Fest set, it certainly got fans excited to see him on the road again. With that in mind, check out the tracklist below and some performance highlights. Also, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Drake.

Dreamville Fest Setlist & Highlights

1. “Sicko Mode”
2. “Over”
3. “Headlines”
4. “HYFR (Hell Ya F*cking Right)”
5. “Started From The Bottom”
6. “Energy”
7. “Know Yourself”
8. “Nonstop”
9. “God’s Plan”
10. “FNF (Let’s Go)” with GloRilla
11. “XO Tour Llif3” with Lil Uzi Vert
12. “Just Wanna Rock” with Lil Uzi Vert
13. “Marvins Room”
14. “Wu-Tang Forever”
15. “Practice”
16. “The Motto” with Lil Wayne
17. “Uproar” with Lil Wayne
18. “A Milli” with Lil Wayne
19. “Knife Talk” with 21 Savage
20. “Rich Flex” with 21 Savage
21. “I Will Always Love You”

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Dreamville Festival Generates More Than $6.7 Million in Direct Economic Impact to Wake County

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One of the largest artist-run music festivals in the country expands attendance and economic impact with two-day festival in Raleigh.

Curated by North Carolina-raised, Grammy Award-winning, and multi-platinum hip-hop artist J. Cole and his Dreamville team, the 2022 Dreamville Festival saw a combined attendance of 80,000 at the two-day, multi-stage festival in downtown Raleigh’s Dorothea Dix Park. This year’s festivities generated $6.7 million in direct economic impact within Wake County, according to figures released today by the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau.

MORE: J. Cole’s Dreamville Festival Brings 80,000 Attendees to North Carolina

Local and global fans alike flocked to Raleigh for the return of the April 2-3 festival with tickets being sold in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 20 countries. Wake County occupancy also swelled to 92% on the Saturday night of the festival.

It is important to note that the $6.7 million is a conservative estimate that does not include locals’ spending, nor does it include a multiplier of indirect or induced impacts. It represents tourism economic impact only, which is new money coming into the local economy.

“My team and I continue to be awed by the overwhelming support we’ve received since closing out the second Dreamville Festival this April. But to now fully realize the festival’s positive impact on the local economy and tourism, it truly is unbelievable,” said Dreamville Partner and Festival President Adam Roy. “We are grateful for our fans who traveled across the U.S. and internationally to attend the fest, as well as for those from the City of Raleigh and Wake County who helped bring this event together. Our Dreamville team looks forward to furthering its investments in the community for years to come, especially as we plan for the festival’s return in spring 2023.”

MORE: Dreamville Set to Drop Mixtape with DJ Drama Before Dreamville Festival

After a sold-out inaugural event in 2019, the Dreamville Festival was rescheduled the following years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Returning strong, the second annual Dreamville Festival once again provided a thoughtfully curated, multi-stage music event from J. Cole, who was raised in nearby Fayetteville, N.C. The festival provided an opportunity for J. Cole to give back to his home state that shaped the artist he has become with a one-of-a-kind celebration of local culture, food and art featuring a curated selection of music performers blending some of today’s biggest national acts with exciting up-and-comers including WizKid, Lil Baby, Kehlani, Wiz Khalifa, Wale and T-Pain, as well as the entire Dreamville Records roster, among many other talented acts. North Carolina natives Morray and Lute also performed at this year’s festival.

“The increase in economic impact and attendance over this year’s two-day festival is gratifying to see after the pandemic hindered the previously sold-out event from taking place the last couple of years,” said Dennis Edwards, President and CEO of Visit Raleigh. “The successful turnout for Dreamville Festival reiterates that events and travel are back in our area and the demand is still prevalent.”

A portion of proceeds from this year’s festival will be donated to official Dreamville Festival charity partners, the Dreamville Foundation and Dorothea Dix Park Conservancy.

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