Talib Kweli

Talib Kweli Accused Of Harassing Woman For 3 Years: Shocking Allegations Surface 

by

Talib Kweli

A woman named @moneyymaya on social media recently posted a concerning tweet hinting at potential harm and seemingly pointing towards Talib Kweli as responsible. Following this, there was an outpouring of support from users, expressing solidarity with Maya. The situation escalated as the Black Star member, a well-known figure, responded on Instagram, referencing a legal matter and accusing Maya of making false statements about him, which intensified the online dispute.

‘If I Am Murdered, You Know Who Is Responsible’

Talib Kweli is one-half of the Black Star duo who recently collaborated after 24 years, with the release of their new album in 2022. Kweli has been accused by a woman named Maya Angelique, also known as @moneyymaya on social media, of allegedly harassing her for three years on social media.

Maya Angelique, also known as Maya Moody, took to Twitter, creating a thread on Saturday, Nov. 18, where she posted a disturbing message that read:

“If I am murdered, you know who is responsible.” 

The tweet caught the attention of many, including social media influencer @keyon, who expressed support for Angelique, writing:

“The way he’s been at it for years now I’m so sorry Maya. Praying for your safety.”

Talib Kweli Responds

Responding to Angelique’s tweets, Talib Kweli reposted her messages on Instagram, alongside a caption writing:

“When you lie about me I tell the truth about you. Recently judge David A. Oblson in a VA court entered a default judgment against Maya Moody AKA Money Maya on my defamation claim related to her lies about me. Case No. CL-2023-115500. So naturally, today Money Maya is suggesting that I rape children and saying that I’m coming to murder her. Again. All of you who said ‘So if she lying sue her,’ got your wish. The court of public opinion doesn’t count in actual court. All of ya’ll who said I was lying about this case swipe left. Feel free to leave your apologies in the comment section below.”

According to Angelique’s tweets, the alleged harassment began on July 10, 2020. In a series of tweets in April 2021, she detailed:

“Since I was told by my lawyer this week I legally cannot do much of anything to defend or protect myself against this harassment, Talib Kweli is still lying on, slandering, and harassing me for talking about colorism. He has been since July 10, 2020. He HAS NOT STOPPED.” She continued, “He went on SIRIUSXM Radio on the Roxanne Shante show on March 1, 2021 lying saying I had people threatening his family and that I was attacking him, self victimizing himself and saying he was kicked off twitter for defending him. In reality, it is the COMPLETE OPPOSITE.” 

What Happened?

The alleged harassment reportedly started when Angelique commented on a tweet listing hip-hop icons married to Black women, including Talib Kweli. She remarked:

“Literally almost all of them are married to light-skinned women, but that’s a conversation for another day.” 

In response, Kweli warned her:

“I can go for 13 years if you come for my family. I’m just getting started.” He then replied to a sequence of users, asserting, “Or what? I can persist in this for 2 years. If ya’ll grow weary after 2 days, maybe ya’ll should have selected a weaker target.” “And I will persist for 12 years unless she either apologizes for the disrespect toward me and my family or deletes her account. What the hell are you gonna do about it? Pick a weaker target next time.”

Angelique Thanks Noname

Angelique expressed her gratitude to R&B artist Noname for being the only celebrity to denounce Kweli’s actions:

“Thank you NoName, who is literally the ONLY celebrity that has denounced Talib Kweli’s continuous stalking and harassment of me. Thank you for not enabling him like all of his other peers. I love you and I am grateful for you.” The rapper Noname had criticized Kweli during his frequent messages to Moody, saying on Twitter: “The silence from male rappers while talib kweli harassed black women for weeks, disgusting.”

Talib Kweli Talks To The Grio

Kweli himself addressed the situation in an interview with media outlet The Grio in 2020. He explained: 

“The reason why it caught my eyes was because it mentioned my name. [The original poster] was responding to someone who said the only rapper who married a Black woman is Snoop. His response was to make a list of rappers who are married to Black women, to sort of combat the idea that rappers don’t marry Black women. When I saw his tweet, including my name as a rapper who married a Black woman, even though I’m not with my wife any longer, I was proud to be included in the group. Right under his tweet, I saw a comment from Maya Moody.” 

He also stated:

“I don’t know her at all. I believe her name is Maya Moody. She’s somebody who followed me on Twitter. And then I followed back as recently as 2016. I remember that I did unfollow her. I don’t recall the reason. But I suspect that unfollowing her is part of the story. I sent you a tweet from 2016 when I stopped following her to which she said “Talib, love you forever.” And then I retweeted it and added to it [with] prayer hands [emoji].”

Cassie Vs. Diddy

The music industry has been rocked by various disturbing revelations recently. R&B singer Cassie made serious allegations against Diddy, accusing him of sexual and physical abuse during their long-term relationship.

The post Talib Kweli Accused Of Harassing Woman For 3 Years: Shocking Allegations Surface  appeared first on SOHH.com.

5 Hip-Hop Songs That Mentions The Memory of 9/11

by
911towers

September 11th (9/11) changed United States history forever. The memory of the many lives that were lost is cemented. From the World Trade Center employees to the first responders, the country pauses each year in its memory. Take a look at five tracks that memorialize September 11.

Jay-Z “Empire State of Mind”

Jay-Z’s strong connection to 9/11 remains forever. He released his classic album, The Blueprint, on the same day as the attack. 8 years later, he teamed up with Alicia Keys to give a legendary ode to their beloved home of New York City.

Long Live The World Trade

The memory of the World Trade continues to live on to Brooklyn’s finest.

Jay-Z 9/11 Freestyle

Live from DJ Clue’s Stadium series

Jadakiss “Why”

Jadakiss’ track took a more conscious approach than many of his previous records. In the Anthony Hamilton assisted song, the Yonkers natives question several issues or daily occurrences he has experienced firsthand or witnessed from afar.

One of those witnesses was September 11th. Kiss questioned,

Why did Bush knock down the Towers?

In 2001, former President George Bush was 9 months into his first presidential term.

50 Cent & Eminem “Patiently Waiting”

The track comes from 50’s legendary debut album that was certified 9x platinum. Both Fif and Em mention 9/11.

50 Cent’s 9/11 lyrics

I’m innocent in my head
Like a baby born dead
Destination heaven
Sit and politic with passengers from 9/11

Eminem 9/11 lyrics

Them cowards f**k with the wrong building
they mean to hit ours

Talib Kweli- “Around My Way”

The conscious Kweli delivers on this record with the help of EGOT winner John Legend. The country’s pride was at stake at the hands of 9/11.

It really gets me mad
The way we saluting the flags
Wrapping them around our heads
When ni**as ain’t become American
’till after 9/11

As Talib Kweli’s words echoed for many, the country banded together as one to keep spirits high in such a trying time.

Two decades, we continue to send our hearts and prayers to the family and friends of the 9/11 victims. Long live the World Trade Center.

The post 5 Hip-Hop Songs That Mentions The Memory of 9/11 first appeared on The Source.

The post 5 Hip-Hop Songs That Mentions The Memory of 9/11 appeared first on The Source.

De La Soul Addressed Their Fight To Gain Control Of Their Catalog After Years Of Legal Issues With Tommy Boy Records

by

Just months before Hip-hop’s 50th commemoration, De La Soul shared that their entire catalog would finally be available on streaming platforms for the first time. As one of rap music’s most impactful trios, fans jump for joy knowing that their years-long battle with former label Tommy Boy Records had finally ended. Unfortunately, beloved member Trugoy died before it could happen.

Now that their critically acclaimed bodies of work are available for all to enjoy, Maseo and Posdnuos addressed their fight to gain control of their catalog. The group discussed their lengthy legal pursuit in the teaser clip for their upcoming appearance on People’s Party with Talib Kweli.

“I’m going to be very candid and very real; it was like freeing the slaves but adding vagrancy laws,” said Maseo. Vagrancy laws were enacted to essentially make it a crime for an individual to loiter. For decades, vagrancy laws have been criticized as an attack on unhoused people.

With his statement, Maseo seemingly touches on the rumors that the group almost were given their rights to the past works but were told they wouldn’t be allowed to monetize it any further. This was at the root of online speculation after negotiations between parties were shut down in 2019.

Maseo continued, “[The deal] was almost like giving me a house that I couldn’t do nothing with… the wordplay in the contracts. I have a house I can live in, but I can’t sell it. I can’t control nothing [in it], but I can live inside of it. That just wasn’t going to work for me or my crew. It was another form of slavery, in my opinion.”

Maseo’s wife, Tina, played a critical role in his desire to push forward. “The more we continued to talk about it [I realized] we were talking about a new deal over old music and [look at] the age we’re at, at the same time… What future opportunity are we really talking about?.. The more I assessed this thing, we’re in a business where we are worth more dead than alive. So, it was really about negotiating that deal based on death and life. Knowing the realities of the business that we are in,” proclaimed Maseo.

He closed by saying, “It was a tough decision to make, but God was on our side. My wife was on my side, and it worked out for the best. It wasn’t even Tommy Boy that made it right. It was the new owners of the catalog that did. Tommy Boy… Tom Silverman would’ve never made it right.”

Watch the full clip above.

Talib Kweli’s “Eardrum” Turns 16

by

This month marks the 16th anniversary of Talib Kweli’s third studio album, Eardrum. It was released on August 21, 2007, via the rapper’s Blacksmith Music and Warner Bros Records, and was Kweli’s first album to be released on a major label. His only other major release was 2010’s Revolutions Per Minute with Reflection Eternal.

Eardrum arrived just five months after Liberation, the first collaborative album between Talib Kweli and Madlib. Both Eardrum and Liberation marked the first releases on Blacksmith Records. Eardrum is currently Talib Kweli’s highest charting album to date, peaking at No. 2 on both the Billboard 200 and the U.S. R&B/Hip Hop charts. The 20-track project features a long list of notable guest features and a host of talented beatmakers and producers. Today, we look back at Talib Kweli’s Eardrum for its 16th anniversary.

A Host Of Guest Appearances

Known for his conscious subject matter and skillful rhymes, one of Talib Kweli’s artistic strengths is his ability to collaborate with others. Eardrum puts Kweli’s collaborative chemistry with his peers on full display as the album has a plentiful amount of guest features. Further, it showcased the roster of Blacksmith Records features from Strong Arm Steady and Jean Grae. Roy Ayers, Musiq Soulchild, Norah Jones, Sizzla, Marsha Ambrosius, and Little Brother also contributed standout features to the album, as did KRS-One on the Bob Marley-sampling “The Perfect Beat.”

The song “Country Cousins” saw Talib Kweli bridge New York and the South with features from UGK and Raheem DeVaughn, who he had worked with on “Real Women” the same year. Eardrum also hosted notable names such as Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, and will.i.am. The latter sang and produced “Hot Thing,” the most commercially successful single on the album. 

Eardrum’s eclectic guest list brought the best out of Talib Kweli, as did the equally impressive range of producers. Madlib contributed multiple beats to Kweli’s third album, adding to their extensive musical history. Reflection Eternal partner Hi-Tek produced “More or Less.” Kweli and Kanye West had previously worked together on “Get Em High” and the hit single “Get By.” The two came back together for “In the Mood,” on which Ye also raps. Additionally, Pete Rock, DJ Khalil, and will.i.am produced multiple tracks on Eardrum. The features on the album displayed Kweli’s chemistry with a wide range of musicians that brought the best out of him. The collaborations made for a varied tracklist of songs that expanded Talib Kweli’s sound.

Eardrum Is Talib Kweli’s Favorite Album In His Catalog

Eardrum is a significant album in Talib Kweli’s extensive catalog. It may be one of his highest-charting albums with many features, but Kweli considers it his best work. In a 2020 Instagram post, the rapper ranked his discography, with Eardrum securing the No. 1 spot. His first album with Yasiin Bey as Black Star, Reflection Eternal’s Train of Thought, 2002’s Quality, and 2017’s Radio Silence rounded out the top five. Additionally, in his 2020 autobiography, Vibrate Higher, Kweli explained the thought process behind the recording of Eardrum. He wrote that he intended to “marry the lessons” learned from recording The Beautiful Struggle with those learned from making Liberation, combining “musical authenticity” with “inclusiveness.” 

Eardrum clearly marked a moment of self-realization for Talib Kweli with the way he wrote about the album in his book. He wrote, “Eardrum was twenty tracks long and featured many of the artists I considered to be the best at this craft because I was recording it as if it were my last statement to the world.” The album helped him solidify his place in hip hop, responding to criticisms of being too radio-friendly or conscious. Kweli aimed to craft an album with mainstream appeal and “real hip hop” authenticity. He drew from big names and close collaborators to help him accomplish his objective. Looking back at the album, he writes, “My hardcore fans loved it, and I felt vindicated in my vision.” After 16 years since Eardrum’s release, these sentiments still hold true.

[via]

The post Talib Kweli’s “Eardrum” Turns 16 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Mike Amiri: The Mastermind Behind The Fusion Of Rockstar & Hip-Hop Fashion 

by

Amiri

Mike Amiri, an American fashion designer known for his iconic hand-crafted designer clothing pieces, including the trendy Amiri Jeans, has taken the fashion world by storm. From dressing rock and hip-hop stars to creating a luxury brand that resonates with the Gen Z generation, Amiri’s unique style and influence have garnered attention from celebrities and […]

The post Mike Amiri: The Mastermind Behind The Fusion Of Rockstar & Hip-Hop Fashion  appeared first on SOHH.com.

Black Star’s Yasiin Bey & Talib Kweli Become The Faces Of AMIRI In High-Fashion Campaign

by

Black Star Yasiin Bey, Talib Kweli

Luxury fashion brand AMIRI recently announced the new faces of their new campaign. Their selection includes iconic hip-hop duo Black Star, consisting of Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) and Talib Kweli, as their brand ambassadors for the upcoming Fall/Winter 2023 campaign.  AMIRI Autumn-Winter 2023 The California-based brand made the exciting revelation on August […]

The post Black Star’s Yasiin Bey & Talib Kweli Become The Faces Of AMIRI In High-Fashion Campaign appeared first on SOHH.com.

Best 11 Hip Hop Podcasts

by

Podcasting has existed since the early 2000s but is now bigger than ever. Hip hop podcasts have rapidly grown in popularity as many rappers and musicians have transitioned into broadcasting. Some were ahead of the curve, diving into podcasting before it became more lucrative, while others started fairly recently. 

This is a list of the top 11 best hip hop podcasts. The shows, listed in no particular order, focus primarily on hip hop or are centered around music. Many explore other topics, but what makes them hip hop podcasts is that they are centered around music. There are a variety of different styles of podcasts on this list: talk, commentary, history, and interview-based podcasts. Take a look at the list below. 

The Joe Budden Podcast

Perhaps the most popular hip hop podcast, Joe Budden has arguably been more successful as a podcaster than a rapper. His broadcasting history goes far back into the 2000s, landing a regular radio gig at Hot 97 in New York. Budden started his podcast, originally called I’ll Name This Podcast Later, in 2015. The podcast has rebranded a few times, changing names and co-hosts. It is a talk show that is centered around hip hop music and culture, but also discusses pop culture, sports, politics, relationships, and an array of other topics. The show is not guest-based but will have the occasional guest interview or phone call.

The prime era of The Joe Budden Podcast saw Budden making podcast history alongside Rory and Mal, landing a historic deal with Spotify in 2018. The relationship between Joe Budden, Rory, and Mal soured over time in a highly-publicized breakup, leading to The JBP rebranding again. Joe currently hosts his podcast alongside Parks, Ice, Ish, QueenzFlip, and Melyssa Ford. 

New Rory & Mal

Following their departure from The Joe Budden Podcast, Rory and Mal quickly pivoted into their own independent venture. The New Rory & Mal podcast debuted in 2021 following their response video to Joe Budden. The podcast is a talk show centered around music, pop culture, and current events. Though not a guest-based podcast, they have interviewed musicians, comedians, and other public figures. They have also occasionally created short skits to go along with their content. Last year, New Rory & Mal toured North America, as well as a sold-out show in London.

Drink Champs

Drink Champs is one of the earliest and most prolific guest-based podcasts. Hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN interview their guests, drinking and taking shots throughout the lengthy show to loosen them up. Their guests are often high-profile figures within hip hop culture, including Kanye West and Pharrell Williams. The show often consists of funny banter and legendary stories from the guest’s past. Since the show began in 2016, Drink Champs has had its fair share of viral and controversial moments, such as their unhinged Kanye West interview. 

People’s Party With Talib Kweli

Talib Kweli is among many rappers who have stepped into the podcast space. Unlike his contemporaries who have focused on talk shows, he has developed his skills as a journalist to create one of hip hop’s most fascinating interview shows. Alongside co-host Jasmine Leigh, Talib Kweli interviews actors, activists, comedians, and rappers, many of whom are his contemporaries. He often interviews people he has a relationship with, which allows the chemistry between him and his guest to shine. Kweli provides wisdom in his stories and experiences, while Leigh shines through her personable interview skills.

Rap Radar

The Rap Radar podcast is a masterclass in hip hop journalism. Elliott Wilson and Brian “B.Dot” Miller manage to provide thought-provoking questions no matter who they interview. Most of their interviews happen during press runs, usually in the promotion of a new album. Wilson and Miller tend to combine questions about the artist’s new work along with a look at the general scope of their career. Rap Radar usually consists of questions about the artist’s work and some friendly jokes between the hosts and the guests. Some of their most well-known interviews include JAY-Z, Drake, and Will Smith.

Juan Ep Is Life

Peter Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds were way ahead of today’s influx of hip hop podcasts when they started Juan Epstein in 2007. The two used to work together at Hot 97, and Juan Epstein was their way to nerd out about hip hop authentically, separate from their work in the music industry. Rosenberg and Cipha Sounds conducted many interviews, including Kanye West, JAY-Z, and Eminem. The podcast continued to grow and survived through many eras, proving that podcasting in hip hop was the future. The podcast took a brief hiatus in 2018, restarted in 2019, and rebranded as Juan Ep Is Life in 2020.

Questlove Supreme

Questlove of The Roots is known for his depth of knowledge in music, which makes Questlove Supreme so compelling. Alongside a multitude of co-hosts, including Phonte, Questlove expresses his love and knowledge of music as he conducts genuine interviews. The guests often have stories to tell, and Questlove often appears just as fascinated as the listener. The Questlove Supreme podcast is a crash course in the music lineage, often including hip hop. Some guests include Jill Scott and Solange.

The Combat Jack Show

Combat Jack was a seasoned hip hop journalist, attorney, executive, and broadcaster. These skills resonated in The Combat Jack Show, which launched in 2010. He was well-educated and tried his hand in many different career fields, enhancing his podcaster skills. He often provided his thoughts and opinions, and featured plenty of interviews, including J. Cole and Black Thought. Before Jack’s passing in 2017, The Combat Jack Show was highly influential for hip hop podcasts. Joe Budden had once cited Combat Jack as one of his inspirations for getting into podcasting. 

The Travelers Podcast With Brother Ali

Brother Ali is one of the latest rappers to tap into podcasting, starting The Travelers Podcast in 2021. Much like his rap voice, Ali’s podcasting voice is soothing. The conversation-based interviews that he conducts do not need to be overproduced. Ali provides wisdom as a seasoned veteran in hip hop, as well as a religious and politicized person. He has interviewed many rappers, some of whom include his labelmates, along with politicians, activists, and authors. 

The Blog Era

The Blog Era is a brand new podcast that takes a deep dive into the history of hip hop’s “blog era” of the late 2000s and early 2010s. Eric and Jeff Rosenthal, writers and sketch comedians, among other things, look into the impact of the blog era on hip hop and the stories behind it. They explore the importance of specific blogs and rappers that sparked a renaissance in hip hop in the early days of the internet. The first season of the podcast began last month.

The Midnight Miracle

Talib Kweli had already proven his ability as a podcaster with People’s Party, but he expanded his repertoire with The Midnight Miracle. Kweli, alongside Dave Chappelle and his Black Star group member Yasiin Bey, explores a variety of concrete and abstract topics that make for a unique listening experience. The commentary podcast is produced in a way that weaves in conversations, audio excerpts they reference, and a wide range of guests contributing to each episode. The Midnight Miracle can be found on Luminary, the same platform on which Kweli and Bey released their long-awaited second album as Black Star.

[Via]

7 Rappers Who Have Received Honorary Degrees

by

Various universities and colleges have recognized rappers for their contributions to music and culture, as well as their activism, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship. Each has significantly impacted hip-hop, paving the way for future generations of artists. Cultural influencers like Diddy, KRS-One, LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, and Queen Latifah would go on to be recognized by higher education officials.

An honorary degree is also a significant achievement recognizing their dedication and contributions to society. It also inspires young people interested in pursuing a music or art career, showing them that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. While this list is not exhaustive, we’ve pulled together seven names in hip-hop who have been bestowed with honorary degrees. The acknowledgment speaks to just how powerful music’s movement can be and how many doors it can open.

Diddy: Howard University

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 10:
Sean Combs, who received an honorary degree, processes out after Howard University’s commencement ceremonies have conclude on May, 10, 2014 in Washington, DC.
(Photo by Bill O’Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Sean “Diddy” Combs received an honorary doctorate from Howard University in 2014 for his ongoing contributions to entertainment. The media mogul has also employed thousands through various companies and branding, but his philanthropic work stole attention. The New York native is known to give back to the communities that helped raise him. Those efforts did not go unrecognized.

Further, Diddy has strongly advocated education, establishing a scholarship fund to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to attend college. In 2016, Diddy announced that he would donate $1 million to Howard University, his alma mater, to establish the Sean Combs Scholarship Fund. The donation is reportedly the largest in the university’s history. It has helped to provide greater access to higher education for students from underprivileged communities.

LL Cool J: Harvard University

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 15: Host LL Cool J speaks onstage during The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 15, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

LL Cool J, a hip-hop pioneer, received an honorary degree from Harvard University in 2018. He started his career in the 1980s and later branched out into acting and entrepreneurship. His trophy room may be pouring over with awards, including several Grammys, but his social justice and philanthropy efforts are what warmed hearts. He is a strong supporter of the American Cancer Society, especially as his wife endured her battle with breast cancer. LL Cool J has also worked to raise awareness about the importance of early cancer detection. Additionally, the rap icon has been involved in various initiatives to promote education and fight poverty in disadvantaged communities.

Kendrick Lamar: University of Hartford

HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 02: Recording artist Kendrick Lamar performs on stage during the Coca-Cola Music Mix at the NCAA March Madness Music Festival Day 2 at Discovery Green on April 2, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images for Turner)

Kendrick Lamar is considered a leading voice in contemporary hip-hop spaces. The Los Angeles native shines a light on the lives of the marginalized and disadvantaged, even earning himself a Pulitzer. His innovative production, fusion of genres, socially conscious lyrics, and unique style set him apart from his contemporaries. It’s no wonder that in 2018, the University of Hartford in Connecticut awarded him an honorary degree.

In addition to his music, Lamar has been involved in various social justice initiatives. He has used his platform to raise awareness about police brutality, systemic racism, and inequality. His music has also been celebrated for its ability to address these issues meaningfully and powerfully. He’s hailed as a role model for young people passionate about social justice.

Missy Elliott: Berklee College Of Music

Missy Elliott is arguably one of the most beloved talents in the industry. She received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music in Boston in 2019, and it didn’t come as a surprise. Missy has a longstanding influence in entertainment. When she isn’t topping the charts, she’s helping a new generation of creatives find their footing. She’s been hailed as a GOAT in music, but her socially conscious efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

Queen Latifah: Rutgers University

From the onset of her career, Queen Latifah has dominated. Her music videos stunned young girls around the globe as the rapper was a commanding force, often surrounded by street bikes and crew primarily made of men. She is a hip-hop pioneer unlike any other, demanding that the world refers to her as “queen.” Outside of winning Grammys and storming hip hop, Dana Owens developed a lucrative acting career that has continued until now.

Queen Latifah has always used her platform to advocate for the disadvantaged, especially about issues involving Black women. She has also been involved with the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation, which provides financial assistance to students who want to pursue higher education.

Chuck D: Adelphi University

NEW YORK – August 25: Public Enemy front man Chuck D poses for a portrait in his hometown of Roosevelt on August 25, 1999 in Long Island, New York. (Photo by Karjean Levine/Getty Images)

Chuck D, one of the frontmen for the legendary hip-hop collective Public Enemy, received an honorary doctorate from Adelphi University in New York in 2014. His work on the fronts of activism, education, and sharing the lesser-taught facts of Black history has made him an admirable figure. He has been involved in various initiatives to promote equality and fight systemic racism, including the Black Lives Matter movement.

Ice Cube: University Of Southern California

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 27: Rapper Ice Cube performs onstage during the Ice Cube, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock concert at Staples Center on June 27, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson/BET/Getty Images for BET)

Los Angeles icon Ice Cube has been actively involved in entertainment since his NWA days in the 1980s. He has gone from being perceived as a rapper with a chip on his shoulder to an actor who has starred in family-friendly films. Additionally, Cube has long spoken out about the plight of his community. This was made evident in his fight against systemic racism with his proposed Contract with Black America initiative.

[via][via]

Madlib Confirms That His And Mac Miller’s Collab Album ‘Maclib’ Is Being Finished And Released With The Estate’s Approval

by

For a time, it appeared that we’d gotten all the Mac Miller music we were ever going to after the rapper died in 2018. However, there was one project left that many fans still held out hope for: Maclib, a collaborative album with legendary Los Angeles producer Madlib, who has previously released well-received joint albums with the likes of J Dilla, Freddie Gibbs, and Talib Kweli.

Unfortunately, the likelihood of Maclib‘s release has been in doubt ever since shortly after producer Thelonious Martin revealed its existence. Although Madlib has occasionally played bits and pieces of the project in his live sets, he also noted that only about an EP’s worth of material was recorded and it wasn’t likely to see release.

However, Madlib restored hope this week when he and Kweli appeared on Sway In The Morning to talk about their latest album Liberation 2. In an aside during the interview, Madlib began listing some of the projects he has in the works including albums with Planet Asia and Erykah Badu. But it was the mention of Mac Miller that perked up Sway’s ears.

“Is that the same project that was mentioned years ago after he passed that was never released?” he asked. “Yessir,” Madlib confirmed. Sway, like the rest of us, couldn’t contain his excitement: “We ’bout to some new Mac Miller!” he exclaimed. Let’s all hope it’s sooner rather than later.

You can watch Madlib’s full interview with Talib Kweli and Sway above.