Usher Wins “Entertainer Of The Year” At NAACP Image Awards, Reunites With Keke Palmer

Usher had a lot to celebrate last night (Saturday, March 16) at the NAACP Image Awards, taking home Entertainer of the Year and the President’s Award. The 55th annual ceremony saw him take the stage at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and accept the latter accolade from the organization’s president and CEO, Derrick Johnson. The R&B superstar’s acceptance speech was largely a tribute to his mother Jonnetta Patton for her support, inspiration, and hard work. Specifically, he mentioned how she inspired him to reach the world through art and fought against a male-dominated space to become a successful businesswoman who got her son the best deal possible.

Not only that, but Usher extended this praise to women in the industry at large, whom he rightfully declared receive insufficient recognition for their contributions. The one and only Oprah Winfrey gave him the Entertainer of the Year award, for which Coleman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey, and Keke Palmer were also nominated. Speaking of Keke, she actually reunited with the Dallas native at this ceremony. For those unaware, their interaction at one of his Vegas residency shows resulted in a high-profile split between her and her partner Darius Jackson, plus a lot of pop culture discussion and drama.

Read More: Keke Palmer Wishes Baby Leodis A Happy Birthday With Heartfelt Post

Usher’s Big Wins & Speeches At The NAACP Image Awards

But ironically enough, it was this residency -– plus a new album, a Super Bowl halftime show, and much more -– which nabbed Usher this Entertainer of the Year award. In terms of other awards, the Queen Latifah-hosted event also honored Fantasia Barrino for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, The Color Purple for Best Motion Picture, and more. Also, this celebration follows some more partying for the Oscars last weekend, so the Confessions star is having a great time these days. Hopefully it’s an energy that he can keep rolling throughout 2024.

Keke Palmer Meets The R&B Star Again After Residency Drama

Meanwhile, the rumor mill will tell you that Keke’s already moved on from Jackson, although this is largely unconfirmed. Regardless, it was curious to see them meet again, and even more heartening to see the NAACP celebrate them both. Congrats to all the winners and nominees; this year will be even better, and so on and so on. For more news and the latest updates on Usher and Keke Palmer, check back in with HNHH.

Read More: Usher & Russell Simmons Comments Bring Backlash For Latter’s Ex, Kimora Lee

[via]

The post Usher Wins “Entertainer Of The Year” At NAACP Image Awards, Reunites With Keke Palmer appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Plies Reacts To Donald Trump Saying Black People Like Him For His Crimes

Plies is once again voicing his distaste for Donald Trump online… although this time, he seems a little bit more forgiving. By now, you’ve probably already heard of the ridiculous statement that the indicted former president gave the crowd at the Black Conservative Foundation Gala in South Carolina on Friday (February 23). Basically, he suggested that voters in the Black community like him because authorities indicted him on various charges involving hush money, classified documents, election interference, and more. This, in the 77-year-old’s mind, means that Black people can relate to his struggles in the justice system because of the legitimate injustices they face -– which don’t compare to his crimes.

“Then I got indicted a second time, and a third time, and a fourth time!” Donald Trump expressed. “And a lot of people said that that’s why the Black people like me. Because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against. And they actually viewed me as I’m being discriminated against,” he concluded with a laugh, as if to suggest he knows how ridiculous and untrue this statement is for the most part. Amid many laughing, clown, and clapping emojis, this is what Plies had to say: “(They Criminals Just Like Me). I’m Not Even Gone Lie I’m Starting To Like The Casual Racism He Gives U. Keep Treating Them Like ‘Tim Scott’ Trump!!! They’ll Jump Even Higher For U!!! I Know I Know Trump 2024 #Plies.”

Read More: Kanye West Endorses Donald Trump Despite Past Beef

Plies Reacts To Trump’s Insulting Black Voter Comments

Meanwhile, this is a similar argument to what Fox News anchor Raymond Arroyo had to say about Trump’s new shoes recently. “This is connecting with Black America, because they love sneakers,” he posited. “This a big deal, certainly in the inner city. So when you have Trump roll out his sneaker line, they’re like, ‘wait a minute, this is cool.’ He’s reaching them on a level that defies and is above politics. The culture always trumps politics. And Trump understands culture like no politician I’ve ever seen.”

Still, there are also some rappers like Peezy who actually like No. 45 -– and his sneakers, too. As such, there’s a lot of debate here, but it’s easy to see what the real intentions are behind this grifting. Here’s to another chaotic election year… For more news on Trump and the latest on Plies, stay posted on HNHH.

Read More: Rick Ross Questions Donald Trump Supporters: “I Just Don’t Want Nobody To Be Delusional”

The post Plies Reacts To Donald Trump Saying Black People Like Him For His Crimes appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kelly Rowland Labels JAY-Z “One Of The Greatest Men I Know” After Beyonce Speech

Kelly Rowland heaped praise on JAY-Z at the premiere of Bob Marley: One Love in Los Angeles on Tuesday, following the rapper’s speech at the Grammy Awards. On stage, JAY used his speech accepting the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award to praise his wife, Beyonce, and question why she hasn’t won Album of the Year.

“Shawn Carter is one of the greatest men I know and his words ring so loud to me,” she told Entertainment Tonight. “I couldn’t be more proud of him. I’m just really happy for a lot of things that he said. I think that he made a lot of artists feel very seen and very heard in those minutes that he took on stage.”

Read More: Kelly Rowland Was Confused After Her Interaction With Jay-Z Went Viral

JAY-Z Speaks About Beyonce During Grammys Speech

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 04: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Jay-Z speaks during the 66th GRAMMY. Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Timothy Norris/FilmMagic)

“I feel like she is an icon… and that’s for a reason – it’s because she starts trends,” Rowland said. “She is innovative, her thoughts are big and bright and she just jumps for them and does it. I think that her albums are a reflection of that, and it should be really celebrated in that way. I’m not saying that because it’s my sister, I’m saying it because it’s the truth. I’ve seen the blood, sweat and tears that she puts into these projects, and her thoughts and her heart and her passion and her soul.” Check out her full comments on JAY-Z below.

Kelly Rowland Speaks On JAY-Z

With his speech, JAY-Z brought up the fact that Beyonce is the most decorated artist in Grammy history. She’s won a total of 32 awards, despite missing the highly-coveted Album of the Year honor. Be on the lookout for further updates on Kelly Rowland on HotNewHipHop.

Read More: Jay-Z Was Happily Surprised To Run Into Kelly Rowland & Fans Think It’s Heartwarming

[Via]

The post Kelly Rowland Labels JAY-Z “One Of The Greatest Men I Know” After Beyonce Speech appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Eazy-E’s Mother Delivers Heartfelt Speech At Compton Street Naming Ceremony

Earlier this week, Eazy-E was recognized by his hometown of Compton, CA with a street named in his honor. Auto Drive South’s 100 block is now officially known as Eazy Street. They held a ceremony to celebrate the occasion, which was attended by several of Eazy-E’s peers, friends, and family members. The late N.W.A. icon’s mother Kathie Wright even delivered a moving speech at the event, growing misty-eyed as she thanked the crowd for attending.

“I’m so proud of everybody that’s here today,” she explained. “And say I love you all and thanks so much for showing up at this presentation. Thank you very much, the city of Compton… I would like to thank everybody that had a part in this and I love you and God bless, and he is watching from a distance. Thank you very much. Everybody have a nice day and have a Happy Thanksgiving.”

Read More: Eazy-E Honored With His Own Compton Street

Kathie Wright Says Eazy-E Is “Watching From A Distance”

Eazy-E’s mother wasn’t the only one of his family members to speak at the event, however. The performer’s son, Eric Darnell Wright, also shared some heartfelt words about his father’s posthumous accomplishment. “My father finally got what he deserves,” he began. “A monumental street in the city he put on the map … It’s a long time coming, but again, I always say it’s God’s timing.”

Alonzo Williams, the president of Compton’s Entertainment Chamber of Commerce, chatted with KABC about the distinction. “Compton has a lot of history, but nobody knows about it. I figured the most recent history is hip-hop history,” he told the outlet. “Being this is the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, I thought it’d be a great idea to approach the City Council, talk about possibly doing this and they loved the idea.” How do you feel about Eazy-E having a street named after him in Compton? What do you think of Eazy-E’s mother’s speech? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Suge Knight Says Eazy-E’s Widow Fumbled Millions Of Dollars In Poor Dr. Dre Deal

[Via]

The post Eazy-E’s Mother Delivers Heartfelt Speech At Compton Street Naming Ceremony appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

SZA Shows Gratitude Toward Her Black Female Fan Base: Watch

Seeing an artist you have been following for years reaching superstardom is one of the best feelings for a music fan. It is even better when the journey is arduous. Enjoying the little wins along the way makes the final goal feel sweeter in the end. Be sure to let us know an artist you saw have the potential to go from unknown to star, in the comments section all the way at the bottom of the page. All of them have to start from somewhere, including SZA.

The R&B phenom recognized this at a recent event she was a part of a couple of days ago. Femme It Forward, according to their website, is a “Female-led music and entertainment company that centers its mission in celebrating, educating, and empowering women through multi-format, multi-market consumer experiences. The special occasion SZA was at is called, GiveHerFlowHERS Awards Gala. It “Celebrates and recognizes outstanding women who have made A significant impact in entertainment and mentorship.” She has certainly been a part of that moment and during it, she got on the podium and shouted her day ones.

Read More: Keke Palmer’s Mom Threatens Darius Jackson With A Bullet In New Explicit Audio: Report

SZA Shows Love To Her Supporters

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

The Grammy-nominated artist took a few moments to show her appreciation to her black female fanbase for believing in her. “I just wanted to thank black women, specifically. But, before anyone who had bought my albums or thought I was cute and I had anything on Billboard, black women came to my shows.” She continues, “They stood up for me from the jump, they connected with me and I’m so, so grateful to be black and amongst family.” Interestingly, some fans loved her speech while others thought it was a bit strange. One person goes, “If a white woman said this all hell would break loose 💀” Regardless of all the debate, it is great to see SZA continue to flourish and our continued support goes out to her!

What are your initial thoughts on SZA’s speech at the Femme It Forward Award Show? Do you think anything was wrong with what she said? Is she the best female artist in the world right now? We would like to know what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around SZA, as well as everything else going on around the music world.

Read More: Billie Eilish Reacts To Lil Yachty’s Bar About Her “Big Tits” From Drake’s “For All The Dogs”

[Via]

The post SZA Shows Gratitude Toward Her Black Female Fan Base: Watch appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Ice-T Inducts Rage Against The Machine Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

Rage Against the Machine was recently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, and Ice-T came through with quite the introduction. He recalled first meeting the band back in the 90s when they opened for his metal group Body Count. Ice-T was impressed by them right away, and also knew immediately that they weren’t messing around.

“So I was minding my business right?” Ice-T began. “And I get a phone call, and my manager said they wanted me to induct somebody into some kind of awards. I’m like, ‘Nah, I’m busy, I’m doing something. I’m playing Call of Duty right now, I ain’t got no time.’” He then revealed that upon learning that RATM was involved, he was in. “They said it’s Rage Against the Machine into the Hall of Fame. I was like, ‘Are you serious? Yo, I’m there.’ Zach, Tom, Tim and Brad—make some noise for them.”

Read More: Ice-T’s Son Cuts Streamer’s Hair Without Consent During TwitchCon Party

Ice-T Recalls Being Introduced To Rage Against The Machine

Ice-T Inducts Rage Against The Machine Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
Studio portrait of Rage Against The Machine, Zack De La Rocha, Tim Commerford, Brad Wilk, Tom Morello, Vaartkapoen (VK), Brussel, Belgium, 6 February 1993. (Photo by Gie Knaeps/Getty Images)

He then went on to detail his first introduction to the group by Body Count guitarist Ernie C. “Let me tell you a true story,” he began. “I ain’t got no teleprompter. We were playing… oh yeah, for some of you youngsters out there, I’ve made a few records in my day. I’m far from a muthaf*ckin’ cop. Don’t get it twisted—my little band was playing this gig at this place called Madame Wong’s in L.A. with Danzig. And my guitarist Ernie runs into this guy named Tom Morello.” Ice-T then described how Ernie went to one of RATM’s rehearsals, which ultimately led him to invite the band to open for Body Count.

“I go to soundcheck. Zack jumps five-feet in the air,” he also recalled. “I’m like, ‘That ain’t no opening band! What are you talking about?’ Right out of the gate, Rage Against the Machine wasn’t a game.” Ice-T continued, citing some of the band’s overall accomplishments. “In their career, they did things that impressed cats like me. You can’t impress me with normal stuff. You gotta do stuff like suing the U.S. State Department for using their music. Who does that!? Rage Against the Machine does that. How about 1993, pulling up butt naked at Lollapalooza, protesting against the PMRC [Parents Music Resource Center]. Who does that? Rage Against the Machine does. I respect the hell out of this band,” he also added. Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Ice-T Reacts To Keefe D’s Arrest Over 2Pac Murder: “People Talk Too Much”

[Via]

The post Ice-T Inducts Rage Against The Machine Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Plies Calls Out Donald Trump’s Hypocrisy Over Shooting Looters

Plies is one of Donald Trump’s biggest fans; not because he likes him (far from it), but because he loves to talk about him online. First, it was him clowning the former president for his various criminal indictments, going so far as to make his mugshot his profile picture on Twitter. Now, though, the rapper took to the social media platform to speak a little more seriously on 45’s policy hypocrisy. Furthermore, it concerns Trump’s views on looters, which are pretty radically unforgiving when it comes to what punishment they deserve. However, as the Florida native pointed out, this goes contrary to what many of his followers did at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

“When they’re there, they’ll knock the hell out of you, and kill you in some cases,” Donald Trump said of “looters” during a recent speech in Anaheim, California. “We will immediately stop all of the pillaging and theft. Very simply: if you rob a store, you can fully expect to be shot as you are leaving that store. Shot!” When Plies saw this, he couldn’t help but ask the million-dollar question. “I Wonder Why He Wants To Shoot & Kill The Looters?????” he tweeted. “Why Didn’t He Think Someone Should Shoot The People Who Stormed The Capital (Jan. 6th)???”

Read More: Plies Roasts Donald Trump Over Latest Indictment: “Pw*ssy Azz Trump!!!!”

Plies’ Latest Twitter Takedown Of Donald Trump

Back in August, Plies explained why he thinks people like Trump- and why they’re wrong. “It Finally Donned On Me!!!!” the 47-year-old wrote on Instagram. “I’ve Figured Out Why People Who Claim To Like Trump Like Him! They Like Him Because He Represents NON ACCOUNTABILITY. He Lives In A World That He Wants To Do & Say Whatever He Likes W/o Any Consequences. Everything Bad In His Life Is Someone Else’s Fault! Most People Feel Dis Way.”

Meanwhile, obviously the Fort Meyers MC is not Trump’s biggest critic; there are way too many people in that race. Still, it will continue to be hilarious to see this viral artist speak on one of the most divisive and prominent political figures of our time. If nothing else, he can come to conclusions too hilarious or bizarre for our feeble little minds. For more news and updates on Plies and Trump, check back in with HNHH.

Read More: Plies Reacts To Britney Spears’ Dance Video: “This My Beyonce”

The post Plies Calls Out Donald Trump’s Hypocrisy Over Shooting Looters appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Dwyane Wade Calls Lil Wayne Meet Up A “Childhood Dream” Following Hall Of Fame Enshrinement

Dwyane Wade shared a video of himself meeting up with Lil Wayne and labeled it a “childhood dream” come true. In the clip, Wade joins Wayne as he raps the verse from his 2 Chainz collaboration, “Duffle Bag Boy.” 2 Chainz commented on the post: “I would of knocked that verse out for ya for a signed jersey and. Gab hug.”

Rocking a white undershirt and white pants, Wade rapped along with Wayne for the performance. Wayne thanked him for the opportunity after finishing the song.

Read More: Dwayne Wade’s Wild Bahamas Story About LeBron James

Dwyane Wade On Stage With His Father

SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 12: 2023 inductee Dwyane Wade speaks on stage with his father Dwyane Wade Sr. during the 2023 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Induction at Symphony Hall on August 12, 2023 in Springfield, Massachusetts. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)

As for his Hall of Fame enshrinement speech, Wade reflected on his relationship with his father. In the emotional tribute, he thanked him for always pushing him to new limits and asked him to join him on stage in “basketball heaven.” “I started this off thanking you, and I want to end it the same way,” Wade told his father. “I owe you a debt of gratitude that I’ll never be able to repay. When I would cry and say, ‘I can’t,’ you made me go harder. You pushed me to the limits I didn’t know were inside of me [and] the hard work I put in was because I didn’t want to let you down.”

Dwyane Wade On Stage With Lil Wayne

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by dwyanewade (@dwyanewade)

He continued: “We had the same exact dream and we carry the exact name, Dwyane Tyrone Wade. To know we hustled all the way to the Basketball Hall of Fame is God’s will. So Pops, I know your knees are a little sore, but will you join me on stage as we take our rightful step into basketball heaven?” After the two each said, “I love you,” to one another, Wade exclaimed, “We in the Hall of Fame, dog!” Other inductees included Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and more.

Read More: Pau Gasol Shares Heartfelt Tribute For Kobe Bryant During Hall Of Fame Enshrinement

[Via]

The post Dwyane Wade Calls Lil Wayne Meet Up A “Childhood Dream” Following Hall Of Fame Enshrinement appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

N.O.R.E. Admits He Broke Down Into Tears Over Busta Rhymes’ BET Awards Speech

N.O.R.E. says that he got emotional while listening to Busta Rhymes’ BET Awards Speech from earlier this year. While speaking with Trick Daddy for an episode of his, YouTube cooking show, Bitch I Got My Pots, the two discussed Busta winning the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award at the ceremony.

“That was hard,” N.O.R.E. told Trick Daddy on the show. “I teared up, I teared up. I wasn’t gonna say nothing till you said something, but I teared up, I still haven’t gotten on the phone with him to tell him that I didn’t appreciate him making me cry like a girl.” Trick Daddy agreed while added: “He’s one of those dudes where if you’re a hater, you’re never supposed to like him.”

Read More: Busta Rhymes Breaks Down Into Tears Accepting Lifetime Achievement Award At 2023 BET Awards

Busta Rhymes At The BET Awards

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 25: Honoree Busta Rhymes (2nd R) accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award from (from L) Spliff Star. DJ Scratchator, and Marlon Wayans onstage during the B.E.T. Awards 2023 at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

During the celebrated speech, Busta reflected on trials and tribulations from throughout his career. In doing so, he also broke down into tears. “All right. So, I’m going to wear it on my sleeve. I do want to cry,” Rhymes began at the time before taking a long moment to let his emotions get the better of him. He continued: “I’m going to say I am grateful that the blessing that has been bestowed upon me and this gift that I have been given and this fire that continues to burn as a passion in my soul, that allows me to get into any situation — from the stage to collabing with whoever — and making sure that I am far from the weak link. Because I enjoy walking away from a situation saying, ‘I bust ass!’” Check out N.O.R.E.’s comments on the speech below.

N.O.R.E. Praises Busta Rhymes’ Speech

Elsewhere in the speech, Busta recalled sneaking into New York City recording studios to watch his favorite artists work. He would bring a slow-burning weed to pass around that would buy him enough time to get off his own raps.

Read More: Busta Rhymes To Be Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award At 2023 BET Awards

[Via]

The post N.O.R.E. Admits He Broke Down Into Tears Over Busta Rhymes’ BET Awards Speech appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Busta Rhymes Breaks Down Into Tears Accepting Lifetime Achievement Award At 2023 BET Awards

Busta Rhymes broke down into tears while accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 BET Awards on Sunday night. While speaking on stage at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, he reflected on his career and life as a whole.

“All right. So, I’m going to wear it on my sleeve. I do want to cry,” Rhymes began before taking a long moment to let his emotions loose. He continued: “I’m going to say I am grateful that the blessing that has been bestowed upon me and this gift that I have been given and this fire that continues to burn as a passion in my soul, that allows me to get into any situation — from the stage to collabing with whoever — and making sure that I am far from the weak link. Because I enjoy walking away from a situation saying, ‘I bust ass!’”

Read More: Busta Rhymes To Be Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award At 2023 BET Awards

Busta Rhymes Accepts The Lifetime Achievement Award

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 25: Honoree Busta Rhymes (C) accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award onstage during the BET Awards 2023 at Microsoft Theater on June 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)

Busta continued: “It’s just me trying to do my duty to continue to advance the culture and continue to contribute in a significant way. I see so many people in here that I have known and grown with for a long time, you’re watching me grow and I love y’all and I know y’all love me.”

Busta Rhymes Breaks Down Into Tears

In addition to the speech, a short video honoring Busta’s legacy also played. It featured Diddy, Pharrell Williams, Janet Jackson, Dave Chappelle, and more discussing his impact. Scott Mills, CEO of BET, announced in a statement, earlier this week, that Busta would accept the award. “Busta Rhymes is a multifaceted, award-winning artist who has mesmerized audiences for decades with his original hip-hop sound and one-of-a-kind visuals,” Mills said at the time. “He continues to leave an indelible mark on the culture that we hold dear, and it is with great pride that we present this year’s lifetime achievement award to a visionary, a master of rhyme and a true pioneer.”

Read More: 2023 BET Awards: Full List Of Winners

[Via]

The post Busta Rhymes Breaks Down Into Tears Accepting Lifetime Achievement Award At 2023 BET Awards appeared first on HotNewHipHop.