Pop Culture

Salt Bae Banned From 2023 L.A. Rolling Loud After World Cup

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Salt Bae’s faced extensive backlash since the World Cup. Now, one of hip-hop’s premium festivals is banning him from attending their upcoming L.A. event.

Rolling Loud issued a statement on Friday announcing the ban of the chef from their March festival in Los Angeles. Though it’s likely just a joke, Rolling Loud joins other establishments in barring the viral figure from attending their events.

“We have also banned Salt Bae from Rolling Loud LA 2023 in March,” a statement from their Instagram reads.

The statement comes after the U.S. Open Cup banned him from attending the finals in 2023. “Salt Bae is hereby banned from the 2023 U.S. Open Cup Final,” they wrote.

Soccer fans have expressed their frustration with him for storming the pitch after Argentina’s win. He held and kissed the World Cup while pestering a slew of the team’s players, like Messi, for pictures.

LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Nusret Goekce, nicknamed Salt Bae, kisses the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner's Trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Nusret Goekce, nicknamed Salt Bae, kisses the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Winner’s Trophy after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The World Cup finally responded to Salt Bae’s actions in a statement on Thursday where they denied allowing him onto the pitch. They explained that only World Cup winners and heads of state have the authority to touch the trophy during the closing ceremony.

“Following a review, FIFA has been establishing how individuals gained undue access to the pitch after the closing ceremony at Lusail Stadium on 18 December,” said a statement from the world soccer’s governing body. They said they will be taking “appropriate internal action.”

So far, Salt Bae hasn’t responded to any of the controversy surrounding his actions on Sunday. However, he continued to post a string of photos and videos on Instagram from his trip to the World Cup. World soccer’s governing body didn’t suggest that they’d ban Salt Bae, though it seems like he’s happy with getting as close as he did to the trophy.

We’ll keep you posted on any more updates surrounding Salt Bae at the World Cup.

Yung Miami & G Herbo Discuss Cheating And Sneaky Links On “Caresha Please”

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Just a few weeks ago, Yung Miami was hinting at the possibility of having to cancel her award-winning Caresha Please podcast. At the time, the reasoning she gave is that her fellow celebrities are afraid of the smoke. However, one rapper has since come forward and was feeling brave enough to be grilled by the City Girl in her hot seat – G Herbo.

The two recording artists had plenty to discuss, from their romantic lives (he shares two children with Taina Williams and one with Ari Fletcher while she’s been spending time with Diddy) to their careers. In the show’s typical fashion, the host didn’t hold back when asking questions. Particularly, she pressed her guest regarding the history of his fidelity within relationships.

G Herbo and Taina Williams backstage during G Herbo In Concert at Tabernacle on November 27, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

“I wouldn’t say I’m a cheater,” Herbo said of his present-day actions. “I’ve cheated though,” he went on to confirm. Without missing a beat, Miami asked him, “Did you cheat on Ari with Taina?”

The “Chi-Raq” hitmaker paused briefly before answering honestly. “Yeah,” he said. As Caresha asked him why he made that decision, the father of three further explained, “I was young. I was dumb. I ain’t know no better, man, I was just doin’ shit. Like, just cheating.”

“I ain’t gonna say I was just cheating,” he went on, taking back his last words. “But like, me and Ari was at a space – and I done talked to her about this already. I already said my piece and apologized. We was at a space where, like I said, I be going through shit mentally and I’ve gotta like separate myself from shit.”

“Me and her was having our differences, but that was no excuse to hear on her,” Herbo told Miami. The “Ex For A Reason” artist then pointed out that Fletcher was open about her struggles with post-partum depression after giving birth to the rapper’s baby.

Now, he realizes how serious the struggles can be. At the time, though, the 27-year-old says he had never been around a woman experiencing something like that. “At the same time, when she was going through that, I had just lost one of my best friends,” he recalled.

“I was super stressed, but that ain’t no excuse. I ain’t make no excuse, I had to make peace with myself early on, because I thought I was right back then.

Elsewhere in the interview, the two discussed the intimate details of Yung Miami’s bedroom life. Though she’s never shy about showing her love for Diddy, it turns out that she’s got an old faithful sneaky link of her own in the form of her baby daddy, Southside.

Check it out in the video below, and watch G Herbo’s full appearance on Caresha Please here.

Orlando Brown Arrested In Ohio, “That’s So Raven” Star Smiles In His Mug Shot

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Childhood stardom sure sounds like a dream come true. However, many past Disney Channel stars continue to prove that working for the Magic Kingdom doesn’t always result in a fairytale ending. Usually, names like Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato make headlines with their antics. Most recently, though, a former That’s So Raven cast member is giving them a run for their money.

Orlando Brown, best known for playing Eddie Thomas on the sitcom, was taken into custody on Thursday (December 22). According to reports from TMZ, the Lima Police Department got a call about “a fight in progress” yesterday. This led them to the actor’s house.

Orlando Brown attends the Disney Channel press conference for the new television series “That’s So Raven” at the Graciela Hotel on January 14, 2003 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Earlier today (December 23), further details reveal that the altercation took place between him and a family member or other resident of the home. Additionally, we now know that Brown has been living in Ohio for over a month.

As you may recall, this is far from his first run-in with the law. In 2018, he was behind bars almost every month of the year. His charges ranged from burglary and domestic battery to drug possession and resisting a public officer. That same year, he made waves with a new tattoo – a portrait of former co-star Raven Symoné’s face on his chest.

In September of that year, Brown spent some time behind bars after pleading no contest. The charges he was facing at the time include attempting to change the locks on a friend’s restaurant, as well as possession of narcotics.

As a result of his antics, the 35-year-old sat down with Dr. Phil McGraw for an intervention-style interview. He opted to wear snake-eye contacts during their chat, making claims that he was “locked [up] for no reason and set up.”

He additionally made it known that he had no desire to “dedicate another 90 days” to treatment for his addictions. Rather, his plans were to “jump back into that life [of fatherhood and] figure out who everybody is.”

However, viewers couldn’t help but notice that Brown gave McGraw incorrect names and ages of his family in the interview. Surprisingly, he also told the host he has a 2-year-old “on the way” with his wife, Danielle Brown.

Since then, the embattled actor has publicly reflected on his past comments, even offering an apology and thanking Dr. Phil for “opening the door to show people that actually think they don’t need help to go get help.”

In August of this year, Brown admitted that he’s been “on the hideout” ever since the footage aired. He also told Cam Capone, “I’m just waiting to die at this point. But realistically, I have goals.”

Check back in with HNHH later for any updates on Orlando Brown’s Ohio arrest.

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T.I. & Joseph Sikora Star In New Horror Film “Fear”

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Former “106 & Park” host Terrence J, rapper T.I., and Joseph Sikora of “Power” fame are all starring in a new psychological thriller. Fear, set to premiere in theaters next month, follows a group that finds their worst fears unfold after visiting a strange hotel.

Fear’s trailer shows the group gathering around a campfire at night while in the middle of the woods. Innocently admitting to fears like blood and drowning, they each are tasked with dealing with the very thing that causes them terror.

The film is directed by Deon Taylor, who previously worked on The Intruder and Black and Blue. He also worked with Sikora in the past, directing an episode of Starz’s Power Book IV: Force.

READ MORE: “Power Book II” Actor, Gianni Paolo, Speaks Out About Joseph Sikora Ignoring Him On Stage

Speaking with Complex about the horror movie, Sikora recently shared, “There is no other horror film that has ever existed that comments so deeply on the concept of not only the Carl Jung theory of the collective unconscious, but also the incorporation of a media society, and how ancient evils can permeate into the souls of men and women through connective emotion in our case, fear.”

Filming Fear in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Taylor previously revealed that “testing 65 people every other day was extremely hard to do, but we pulled it off.”

Discussing the film further, the director-writer added that Fear “has a very very powerful relevant message about how we deal with fear and the fact that fear can kill us.”

You can catch the upcoming film on January 27. Share your thoughts on the spooky trailer in the comments down below.

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1017 Rapper Big Scarr Dead At Age 22

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Rising rapper Big Scarr has reportedly died at 22 years old. Known for his hit 2021 project Big Grim Reaper, he was signed to Gucci Mane’s new 1017 lineup and also collaborated with label mates Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano on several tracks.

Born Alexander Woods, he was formerly set to accompany fellow Memphis native Key Glock on his upcoming “Glockoma” tour. Seemingly referencing the sad news of his passing, the “Russian Cream” rapper penned on Instagram Friday night following the news, “This s**t wicked wtf bruh!!!”

Also appearing to mourn Big Scarr’s loss, his label mate Enchanting took to her Twitter, writing, “Y’all don’t understand how much I love this boy why would he leave me like this.”

READ MORE: Gucci Mane Drops Baby Racks From 1017 A Day After Signing Him

An official cause of death has not yet been revealed. However, Gossip of the City reported that the “Frozone” rapper “overdosed on percs in front of his girlfriend.”

Known for his clever lyricism and trademark deep voice, Big Scarr had been growing his fanbase over the past couple of years while also pulling in millions of views on YouTube. Earlier this year, the “SolcyBoyz” star secured a spot on the 2022 XXL Freshman list.

Speaking on his South Memphis roots, he told audiomack last year, “Where I’m from, motherf**kers don’t make it to see 18.”

“You know how they say if you make it to 25 you an OG? I feel like if you make it to see 18 in Memphis you’re an OG,” he also shared. “And it’s most definitely changed: motherf**kers dying, motherf**kers going to jail. A lot of s**t changed.”

R.I.P. Big Scarr. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.

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Twitter Reacts To Rumor Of “Not Guilty” Tory Lanez Verdict

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With testimonies and closing statements bringing Tory Lanez’s trial to a close, many have been awaiting the jury’s verdict. On Thursday afternoon, word began circulating that the Toronto rapper was found not guilty with several outlets reporting it, though it has been found to be untrue.

According to legal reporter Meghann Cuniff, confusion likely stemmed from reporters handing out a verdict form, though the jury had two separate pages that read both guilty and not guilty.

“Reporters are passing around the verdict form in the hallway,” she said on Twitter. “I think there’s confusion online because people see the top of one page and think that’s it, but jury has two pages for each charge: One for not guilty and one for guilty. This is the assault charge. No verdict yet.”

READ MORE: Tory Lanez Will Not Testify, Verdict Could Arrive This Week: Report

Cuniff also revealed that the jury will continue their deliberations on Friday morning, making it likely that an actual verdict will be announced shortly after.

“The jury in Tory Lanez’s trial is coming back tomorrow at 9 a.m. for continued deliberations,” she also shared on Twitter, giving the public an update on the high-profile case.

Believing that the “Say It” rapper was found not guilty, many took to Twitter to share their thoughts following the rumor taking off. 

“Tory Lanez found not guilty. People are about to have a conniption,” one user wrote.

Another shared, “Tory lanez not guilty. Is the black man hate train up & running yet?”

“Tory Lanez found Not guilty,” someone else tweeted, adding “Let WW3 begin.”

Check back in with HotNewHipHop for updates on the upcoming verdict.

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Wiz Khalifa Says He Wants To Face Lil Wayne In A Verzuz Battle

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Wiz Khalifa has been a staple in the hip-hop game for over a decade now.

At this point, he’s stacked up quite the impressive discography sprawling across countless mixtapes, albums and collab projects.

Wiz Khalifa performs onstage during “Vinyl Verse Summer” tour at Cellairis Amphitheatre. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

During a recent interview with Superstar Jay, he discloses who he would want to face in a Verzuz battle. “Wayne. I think that would be fun, ’cause Wayne’s a really dope performer. So it’s like, me and him going back and forth performing bangers, that sh*t [would] be hard. And we both smoke hella weed. I think that would be more like a concert than a Verzuz,” he quickly replied to the question.

Both artists certainly have their own fair share of hits throughout their decorated discographies. Both Wiz and Weezy have yet to participate in a Verzuz battle as the main performer, so maybe this could become a reality.

The duo did, however, both make appearances in the legendary face-off between Three 6 Mafia and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony last year.

Earlier this year, the Pittsburgh native dropped off his seventh studio album, Multiverse. With features from Girl Talk and THEY., the 17-track project continues Wiz’s legacy as one of the game’s most consistent rappers.

In fact, this was his third full-length release of 2022. He started the year off by dropping another collab album with Juicy J, Stoner’s Night in February.

His second album of the year arrived just two months later in the form of a collab album with Big K.R.I.T. and Girl Talk, Full Court Press.

Earlier this month, he appeared on the official remix of Fetty Wap’s new hit, “Sweet Yamz.” Obviously, the 35-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down.

Who do you think would win if this battle were to actually go down? Sound off in the comments down below and make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for the latest hip-hop updates.

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New Pop-Up Museum Set To Honor Young Dolph

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It’s been just over a year since Memphis rapper Young Dolph’s tragic murder in his hometown.

Although the hip-hop community is continuing to mourn the loss of one of Southern rap’s most prolific stars, there’s some good news for Dolph fans.

Rapper Young Dolph backstage during day 1 of 2021 ONE Musicfest at Centennial Olympic Park. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

The late rapper is set to be honored in the form of a museum called the “Dolphland Pop-up Museum Tour.” The announcement was made by his estate, his record label (Paper Route Empire) and the Trap Music Museum on Wednesday (December 21).

The exhibition will reportedly include both personal items from the Memphis native, as well as curated art. Furthermore, the focus is to reflect Dolph’s “unforgettable lyricism, personality, entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropy and historic moments from his legendary career.”

“The goal of the pop-up museum is to showcase the character of a leader and businessman, and to highlight the journey of someone whose early beginnings may mirror that of many young kids and entrepreneurs starting, so that they may draw inspiration to keep pushing on their own endeavors,” says Paper Route Empire CEO, Daddy-O in a statement.

The exhibit will be coming to several U.S. cities. The first of which will be New York City from January 13-15. Other stops it will make include touching down in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Dallas.

The “100 Shots” rapper’s first posthumous album, Paper Route Frank, just arrived earlier this month. The 13-track project boasts features from the likes of Key Glock, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and more.

Finally, make sure to stream the posthumous release, as well as the rest of Dolph’s music on your preferred streaming platform. He owns all of his masters, meaning that his family will see the profit from these streams.

If the pop-up museum comes to your nearest city, will you be checking it out? Comment down below and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest industry updates.

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Ari Lennox Says Her “Age/Sex/Location” Tour Will Be Her Last

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After announcing her “Age/Sex/Location” North America tour last month, Ari Lennox has revealed that it will be her last. Shouting out her supporters, she told her European fans that they won’t get to witness her solo tour “due to reasons out of my control.”

“Age Sex Location will be my last tour,” she wrote on Twitter Thursday. “I love my genuine fans so much and can’t  wait to give you my all every night!!”

The “Up Late” singer then added, “Europe I love you but unfortunately there will not be a tour due to reasons out of my control. Happy holidays. See you soon Vegas!”

Following up the success of 2019’s Shea Butter Baby, Lennox released her second studio album Age/Sex/Location this past September, featuring Summer Walker and Lucky Daye. 

READ MORE: Ari Lennox Gets Fans In The Christmas Mood With “My Favorite Things” Cover

Her upcoming 2023 tour is set to begin in January and will run until late March. Starting in Las Vegas, stops will also include New York, Detroit, Atlanta, Chicago, Toronto, and Nashville.

The 31-year-old sat down with Billboard earlier this year and revealed that her hit song “Queen Space” was a collaborative effort with both Summer Walker and J. Cole, who founded her label Dreamville Records. 

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 16: Singer Ari Lennox performs onstage at El Rey Theatre on May 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)

“Summer is an IT Girl. She is modern R&B and phenomenal. [She’s] literally leading and phenomenal at it. I’m just honored that she always showed me love,” she told the outlet in October. “We reached out to her, and ‘Queen Space’ felt incomplete until Summer sent that verse in. [It] changed my life.”

“Cole came in and helped me add a beautiful pre-chorus that wasn’t there and made me fall in love with the record all over again,” Lennox added.

Following Age/Sex/Location’s debut, the album secured the 69th spot on the Billboard 200 chart.

What are your thoughts on Lennox announcing her last tour? Sound off in the comments below.

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Clive Davis Explains Whitney Houston’s Love Affair With Robyn Crawford

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As I Wanna Dance with Somebody receives mixed reviews, Clive Davis sheds light on Whitney Houston and her personal life. Davis is responsible for shaping the superstar careers of legendary artists, including Houston. For years, he has teased he would produce his own Houston biopic, and finally, the music executive delivered.

Davis recently sat down with Extra to speak about his close, decades-long friendship with the late star. During the conversation, Houston’s rumored, secret romance with Robyn Crawford was mentioned.

“They did have a teenage, one-year affair,” Davis confirmed.

Robyn Crawford, left, and American singer Whitney Houston (1963 – 2012), circa 1988. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images)
Read More: Whitney Houston’s Best Friend Robyn Crawford Details Romantic Relationship

He also mentioned those speculative reports about Houston’s personal struggles.

“There have been so many articles that have…attempted to trace her addiction to being a frustrated lesbian,” said Davis. “Or never [dating] a man before Bobby, all of which was totally inaccurate.”

“I know of several men that she dated before Bobby,” he added. “I mean, she did see Jermaine Jackson for two years.”

Read More: Rosie O’Donnell Says Whitney Houston Was “Conflicted” By “Gay Part Of Her Life”

February 2022 marked 10 years since Houston passed away. Davis recalls their final conversation as Houston was scheduled to perform at his coveted, annual pre-Grammy event.

“My real last conversation with her was 48 hours before she passed away. I was in L.A., we were getting ready… [for] my Grammy party,” he said. “I didn’t know she was going to surprise me and sing there. We spent the whole afternoon together. She wanted to assure me… and this is hard to express… that she had beaten her addiction. Not only to drugs, but to cigarette smoking. I had no clue that her passing was abruptly to come.”

I Wanna Dance with Somebody hits theaters tomorrow, December 23.

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