Raygun is a viral breakdancer from Australia whose real name is actually Rachel Gunn. Overall, she went viral at the Olympics for some truly horrendous dance moves. Many felt like her moves made a complete mockery of the art of breakdancing. Interestingly enough, Gunn is someone who has studied the art form extensively on an academic level. However, this schooling did not prevent her from embarrassing herself on the world stage.
There has since been a change.org petition leveled against her as some believe she cheated her way to the Olympics. Allegedly, there were more talented women breakdancers in Australia, although they got passed up for someone who should have never been there. Well, Raygun finally broke her silence with a video message, which you can check out down below. As you can see, she thanked her fans for their support, while also addressing some of the hate she has received.
Australian breakdancer Rachel “Raygun” Gunn speaks on the backlash she’s received following her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.pic.twitter.com/IA0g8WKy5q
Her loudest message in the video was addressed to the press, whom she claims has been harassing her and her family throughout this process. She just wants to be left alone, and will even be going to Europe soon so that she can have some downtime. Needless to say, it has been a rough few weeks for the Australian dancer. Only time will tell whether or not this is a scandal that she will be able to come back from.
Let us know what you think of the controversy surrounding Raygun, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that the controversy surrounding the breakdancer is justified? Were you outraged by her inclusion at the Olympics? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
LL Cool J recently chatted with SiriusXM host D-Stroy on SiriusXM’s “CTRL, ALT, D-Stroy” on Shade 45. During the interview, LL Cool J talks about hip hop culture at the Paris Olympics and hopes they bring back breaking for the 2028 games.
When asked about this year’s Olympics in Paris and its inclusion of breaking(breakdancing) as an Olympic sport, Ladies Love responded, “The boombox. I saw judges with Kangols which I felt, I did feel like I was part of it. Whenever I see the boombox radio obviously. Yeah that kind of and my first album radio right? Boombox. So it personifies that. So it’s like when I see that I always think about you know my music and my contribution to hip hop, so it was amazing man.“
He added,” Like look I’m so happy about hip hop culture. I hope that they reconsider bringing back breaking for the 2028 games. I do know that the breakers will be even better in the 2028 games. There were a lot of great ones out there, don’t get me wrong, but I think that it will only get better and stronger. You just have to give it some time and I feel good about it man. I love this culture. I love hip hop, man. I love it.”
Even though L was excited over the breaking/Hip Hop inclusion in this year’s Olympics, fans and critics alike were perplexed after the performance of a b-girl from Brazil named “Raygun”, whose “dance” moves were ridiculed and made into some of the funniest memes to date.
The Olympic Committee decided to eliminate breakdancing from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
On the heels of the monumental moment for breaking in Paris, Red Bull BC One announces its highly anticipated 2024 USA season, culminating at Los Angeles’ famed Venice Beach. A hub to some of the most transfixing street performers, the sunny backdrop of Venice Beach will welcome the nation’s best breakers to battle it out with one goal in mind – winning the illustrious National USA Cypher (aka the national championship) crown and advancing to the global stage to represent the U.S at the Red Bull BC One World Final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in December.
“Before Paris, the biggest international breaking competition you wanted to win was Red Bull BC One, which has been around since 2004,” says two-time Red Bull BC One World Champion and Olympic medalist, Victor Montalvo, better known as B-Boy Victor. “Paris was the first look at competitive breaking for many people around the world, but the breaking scene has grown significantly since the 80’s. Red Bull BC One has not only played a pivotal role in my success and breaking journey, but it’s also the best event to tune into if you want a real look into the true spirit of the dance. I hope breaking’s new revival attracts even more fans to the competition.”
The official 2024 season will consist of two “Regional Cyphers” (regional qualifiers) to determine who will compete at the National Final in Los Angeles. The Regional Cyphers – Cypher East and Cypher West, will take place in Philadelphia on September 7th and Denver on September 20th, respectively. The breakers participating will comprise of “wildcards” (special invitees) and winners of the Red Bull BC One City Cypher series – local competitions in Detroit, Boston, Minneapolis, Miami and New York City that were open to breakers of all levels.
Sixteen b-boys and eight b-girls will take center stage at Cypher East and Cypher West, putting their best moves and creativity to the test, across a series of bracket-style rounds, where a panel of prominent figures in the breaking scene will vote on the regional champions to advance to the National Final.
With a new global audience having watched the best breakers battle it out in Paris, the 2024 Red Bull BC One season doubles down on its commitment to foster the continued growth of breaking, championing trailblazing figures and communities that have played an integral part in the dance sport’s rise to prominence and global acknowledgement.
RED BULL BC ONE U.S. SCHEDULE ● East Cypher [Philadelphia, PA]: Saturday, September 7, Dilworth Park ● West Cypher [Denver, CO]: Friday, September 20, Temple Nightclub Denver ● Red Bull BC One Camp [Los Angeles, CA]: September 26 – 27 ● Red Bull BC One US National Final [Los Angeles, CA]: Saturday, September 28, Venice Beach Boardwalk ● World Final [Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]: December 7, Farmasi Arena
Rachel Gunn, the breakdancer for Australia who goes by the name, RayGun, is facing accusations of “unethical conduct” after her viral performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Thousands of upset fans have signed a Change.org petition that claims she manipulated the selection process to her “own advantage” by setting up her “own governing body for breakdancing.” The statement is addressed to the Prime Minister of Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee.
“We, the undersigned, call for immediate accountability and transparency in the recent actions of Rachel Gunn and Anna Mears in the selection process for Australia’s female breakdancer representative at the upcoming Olympics,” the petition says. “Rachel Gunn, who set up her own governing body for breakdancing, has manipulated the selection process to her own advantage. Despite the clear talent and qualification of other outstanding female breakdancers like G Clef and Holy Molly, they were unfairly overlooked. The NT Youlong Boys, a group of incredibly talented and underprivileged youth from the Northern Territory, were denied crucial funding by Dr. Gunn to attend the qualifiers—a decision that directly impacted their chance to showcase their skills on a national stage.”
RAYGUN of Australia during the Breaking, B-Girls Round Robin at La. Concorde on the fourteenth day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France. Picture date: Friday August 9, 2024. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
It doesn’t appear that Gunn has addressed the petition; however, she has spoken on the backlash she’s received over the quality of her performance. “I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best—their power moves. What I bring is creativity,” she said during a press conference. “All of my moves are original. Creativity is really important to me. I go out there, and I show my artistry. Sometimes it speaks to the judges, and sometimes it doesn’t. I do my thing, and it represents art. That is what it is about.”
The 2024 Paris Olympics are officially over. Still, the worldwide celebration is far from done. But there’s one last minute decision that has dampened those Olympic parties—Jordan Chiles’ bronze medal stripping.
But thanks to Flavor Flav, Chiles has something special to add to her jewelry collection. Yesterday (August 12), the hip-hop legend made good on his promise to replace the medal she was stripped of with a bronze necklace in hopes to cheer her up. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Flavor Flav confirmed that Chiles’ iced out bronze clock necklace was now a permanent fixture for Chiles’ possession only.
“USA gonna Fight the Powers that be,” he wrote. “In the meantime between time, imma always a man of my word, Jordan Chiles.”
X (Twitter)
Users online quickly began to praise Flavor Flav over his swift actions. Others pointed out that this wasn’t the first time Flavor Flav stepped in to show his support for a Team USA Olympian.
Back on August 1, thrower Veronica Fraley expressed how her financial strain was impacting her mental health ahead of the games. After Flavor Flav caught wind of it, he offered and then paid for Fraley’s rent.
Flavor Flav will go down in hip-hop history as one of the greatest hype man ever. But is a cheerleader for many other causes.
As the 2024 Summer Olympics come to a close, one of the most disappointed athletes has to be JordanChiles, who, in a decision reversal, lost her bronze medal for women’s gymnastics following a scoring discrepancy. While Team USA continues to challenge the decision, women’s sports most unlikely champion, Flavor Flav, has offered to step in and at least offer Chiles a consolation piece of jewelry- a bronze clock he vowed to have made specially customized for her.
Taking to X, Flav posted the following with a short gif of him cheering on Team USA.
“Ayyy YOOOO @ChilesJordan ,,, imma make you a BRONZE CLOCK NECKLACE,,, and that’s something NO ONE else has,!!! Hit me up my girl,,, I gotchu,!!!”
Flava made a splash (almost literally) at the Paris Olympics after emerging as a major sponsor for Team USA women’s water polo after finding out that many of the players were working multiple jobs just to be able to afford to participate. Flav has been seen in the stands celebrating with players, families, other athletes, and even First Lady Jill Biden.
The Chiles controversy stems from an incident in which Chiles was allegedly scored fifth in her competition, but an appeal from her coach raised her score by .1 point, which cinched her the bronze, placing her above Romanians Bǎrbosu and Maneca-Voinea. However, the Romanian team filed an official appeal on behalf of the gymnasts surrounding the decision to revise Chiles’ score, claiming that the challenge by the Americans was made four seconds after the one-minute challenge deadline. The Olympic committee has asked Chiles to return her bronze medal, despite the fact that Chiles and the Romanian gymnasts have all agreed to calling it a three-way tie (in which they all would receive a bronze medal).
As of Monday, the committee’s decision remained in tact as they handle the appeal.
Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre capped off the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday night with a performance of “The Next Episode” on Venice Beach to prepare for the 2028 Olympic games, which will take place in Los Angeles. Sharing a clip of the show on Instagram, Snoop wrote in the caption: “Closing ceremony vibes!! tune in to primetime @nbc !! Did a lil some w/ @drdre c yall in 2028 .”
They weren’t the only celebrities involved in Sunday’s festivities. Snoop and Dre also posed for a picture with Billie Eilish as well as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who both were at the event. Overseas, Tom Cruise repelled down from atop Stade de France in Paris to take the Olympic flag from L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and Simone Biles. From there, he rode off on a motorcycle as a video played of him turning the “O”s from the Hollywood sign into Olympic rings.
UNSPECIFIED: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) In this image released on August 11, (L-R) Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg perform at the LA28 Olympic Games Handover Celebration. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for LA28)
Snoop Dogg has been involved in NBC’s coverage of the Paris Olympics throughout the event. He even served as a torchbearer for the opening ceremony, last month. “It was emotional for all of us to see the champ holding that torch and walking up there,” he said afterward, referencing Muhammad Ali. “This is my own version of it. I don’t want to get too emotional, but I know that this is special. This says a lot about America as far as where we’re at in this world […] I would have never dreamed of nothing like this.”
Check out the clip of Sunday’s performance that Snoop shared on Instagram above. Be on the lookout for further updates on Snoop Dogg as well as the Olympic Games on HotNewHipHop.
If privacy was a person, it would undoubtably be Ella Mai. Since 2023, the “Not Another Love Song” singer quietly slipped out of the public eye. Following the deluxe edition release of her album, Heart On My Sleeve and wrapping up its supporting tour, Ella Mai even took a hiatus from social media.
Although Ella Mai nor Jayson Tatum have shared any family photos online, fans immediately began to congratulate the couple once behind-the-scenes clips of the Team USA family photoshoot were posted to X (formerly Twitter).
In the video (seen here), Tatum and his family gather to commemorate the men’s Olympic basketball team’s gold medal victory. As the visual progresses, Tatum is joined by Ella Mai and an infant child, all seemingly dressed in matching Team USA gear. This marks Ella Mai’s first child. For Jayson Tatum, this is his second. Tatum has a son, Jayson Jr, more affectionately known as Deuce, from a previous relationship.
Unfortunately, for Scott, yesterday (August 9) he found himself in a Parisian jail following an supposed altercation with hotel security. But today (August 10), Scott has been released from jail, according to TMZ.
The outlet reported that Scott was allegedly involved in a fight. At that time hotel security attempted to deescalate the situation but in the process a vase was shattered. At that time, police detained Scott, then transported him to jail. He was later transferred to a hospital for treatment. A representative, close to the matter, seemingly confirmed Scott’s injuries with a statement. “There were no injuries to any other party, including his security,” said the rep.
However, it appears no assault charges were filed. So, today, the Paris prosecutors contacted TMZ to confirm Scott’s case had been dismissed. The reason for the dismissal was supposedly because “the crime was insufficiently characterized.” The agency reportedly doesn’t intend to pursue charges at a later time.
All eyes have been on Paris as the 2024 Olympics have stolen the world’s attention—with Snoop Dogg at the center of it all. The greatest athletes globally have descended on France for a series of games that have fans glued to screens and wearing their best patriotic fits. Over the years, Snoop Dogg has made commentary regarding the Olympics and professional sports, and his love for the competition has landed him front row at some of the most coveted events. He did the same during the 2021 Tokyo Games, and Snoop has returned to cover the event for NBC as an official correspondent (reportedly making a pretty penny). Representing and supporting Team USA, Snoop was spotted checking out the judo matches and fencing bouts. He even helped open the Games by carrying the Olympic torch.
“It’s too hard to put in words, baby,” he told NBC of the special moment. “I mean, the D.O. Double was holding the torch, walking through the city, man. I felt like [boxer] Muhammad Ali. It was extraordinary. It was excellent. And I found out that when you hold the torch, you a peace messenger. So, I really felt good about that.” Of course, a Snoop Dogg extravaganza wouldn’t be complete without his billionaire bestie Martha Stewart, who celebrated her 83rd birthday on August 3. She also accompanied the Long Beach legend to the equestrian events, where they watched the best of the best go for the Gold.
Admittedly, Snoop confessed that he feared horses; however, Stewart was determined to get him to conquer his anxieties. Naturally, they had to do it in dressage. “I have to keep him away from the horses,” Stewart said. “No feeding, no sugar, nothing. But we’re gonna have so much fun.” Meanwhile, Snoop joked, “I am interested in the horses that dance and I want to give them some carrots and apples … make sure they’re fed before they do their thang.”
Things that were not on our Olympic bingo card: Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart watching a dressage horse named Gin & Juice. #ParisOlympicspic.twitter.com/wfvT4uLA2z
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 5, 2024
The Rap icon has also reportedly helped boost viewership for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with fans eager to see his hilarious hot takes. “This opportunity was nothing but a chance for me to show the world what it’s supposed to look like when you put the right person in the right environment,” Snoop told The Associated Press. “When the lights are on, that’s when I shine the best.” Mr. Broadus has certainly been glowing as a prime-time correspondent, and fans have taken notice. NBC has been applauded for adding Snoop to their list of anchors with his feel-good moments permeating through social media.
Aside from giving on-site updates to the events, Snoop has even danced with Simone Biles and taken a swim with Michael Phelps—two incredible Gold Medalists with long reputations for dominating at the Olympics. When gymnasts Biles and Jordan Chiles saw the rapper in the crowd dancing, they had to join in on the festivities.
Further, social media users have been tapped into NBC online as they share behind-the-scenes footage. Not only was the dancing moment caught by cameras, but Snoop’s casual dip with the famed Phelps was also captured. In a video, the “Gin and Juice” hitmaker joked, “Me and MP, we go back like the backstroke.” Then, he added more about his skills and physique. “You just described me. You said wingspan, lung power. I definitely have great lung power, and I do have a swimmer’s body. Look, our bodies are similar. Mike, we could be twins.”
Yet, Snoop seemed a bit winded when trying out some of Phelps’s best moves. “Mike, you make this look too easy, oh God. As you see, I’m in gold medal condition and he’s still in gold medal condition.” The rapper added, “As we speak, shout out to the Phelps family and to the team that’s going to give me some oxygen right now.”
Keeping up with all of the Games has proven to be difficult, but Snoop has mastered the art of…a lack of sleep? He told AP, “It’s more about relaxing rather than sleeping because I’m having so much fun.” The constant schedule of competitive sports has the Hip Hop icon running around the Olympic Village. “This ain’t the town to sleep in. This ain’t the time to sleep. This is time to be on it like you want it. It’s different events happening day and night. I want to be active with everything, because I love the American athletes and competition. This is what I’m here for.”
Moreover, there was concern from Snoop that NBC wanted him to water down his personality. Thankfully, he says he’s been able to be his authentic self, endearing fans to him even more. “That’s why it’s not hard for me,” he stated of his interviews. Snoop has been able to catch up with the likes of A’ja Wilson (women’s basketball), Noah Lyles (track and field), and more. “It’s not like an act. The bits that we do. They’re comfortable. They’re not stretched or forced. It’s me being me.”
PARIS, FRANCE July 28, 2024-Rapper Snoop Dogg cheers the USA team during qualifying for women’s team gymnastics at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France Sunday(Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
While the Paris 2024 Olympics has athletes vying for medals, it’s Snoop Dogg’s commemorative pin that has people on edge. The limited edition pin features the rapper blowing out smoke into the Olympics rings logo. Notably, behind him stands the Eiffel Tower. People have taken to social media begging for an original, but even Snoop doesn’t know where the pins can be found. “I don’t have an answer for that. I’m going to be honest with you, I have zero answer for that,” he said. “I’ll have to get y’all a sidebar on that.”
Here are more photos and videos of Snoop Dogg and his Paris 2024 Olympics activities—from hilarious moments to those warm-hearted feels. Have you been tuned in to the Games? Which event is your favorite?
Snoop Dogg of United States of America during the Judo Women -78 kg kg Repechage contest also on Day 6 of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Champ-de-Mars Arena on August 1, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Henk Jan Dijks/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 21: Snoop Dogg also attends the Team USA Welcome Experience ahead of Paris 2024 Summer Olympics on July 21, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC)PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 21: Maia Weintraub, Jacqueline Debruvich, Anne Cebula, Margherita Guzzi Vincenti, Snoop Dogg, Katherine Holmes and Lauren Scruggs attend the Team USA Welcome Experience ahead of Paris 2024 Summer Olympics on July 20, 2024 also in Paris, France. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC)Snoop Dogg watching the Dressage Team Grand Prix Special at the Chateau de Versailles, also on the eighth day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France. Picture date: Saturday August 3, 2024. (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 21: Snoop Dogg tries on clothes during Team USA Welcome Experience ahead of Paris 2024 Summer Olympics at Polo Ralph Lauren on July 21, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC)PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 21: Jacqueline Debruvich, Snoop Dogg, Lauren Scruggs and also Maia Weintraub attend the Team USA Welcome Experience ahead of Paris 2024 Summer Olympics on July 20, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC)
US rapper Snoop Dogg holds the torch as part of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Torch Relay, on the day of the opening ceremony, in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, on July 26, 2024. (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN / POOL / AFP) (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 31: Snoop Dogg attends the Women’s Preliminary Phase Pool C match between Team United States and Team France on day five of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at on July 31, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 21: Snoop Dogg and Lauren Scruggs attend the Team USA Welcome Experience ahead of Paris 2024 Summer Olympics on July 20, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC)
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Jordan Chiles, Simone Biles, and Snoop Dogg were. 
Michael Phelps gives Snoop Dogg a swimming lesson. 
(@marielle922) 
wit 
