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Ice-T Says He Almost Turned Down Grammys Appearance

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Ice-T says that he nearly turned down Questlove’s request to have him perform at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Ice-T was among the dozens of artists to take the stage during the hip-hop 50 tribute performance. He reflected on the show during an interview with ET beforehand. He says that it’s good “to see all these legends together and you’re not here for a funeral.”

“Questlove calls me up and he says, ‘All right, you gotta come to L.A. this weekend… It’s a big performance, I got you in the lineup,’” he recalled. “And I was still hesitant ’cause it’s a long travel, But then he says, ‘You don’t want to be sitting at home watching this show, saying you should’ve been there.”

Ice-T at the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards held at Crypto.com Arena on February 5, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)

“Real talk, unfortunately, that’s usually the only time we all get together and see each other,” Ice-T shared. “So the Grammys brought us together.” He then reflected on days when there was no representation for hip-hop at the Grammys. “I got one of the early GRAMMYs with Quincy Jones, you know, but I felt Quincy kinda snuck us in the backdoor.”

From there, he compared the experience to that of last year’s Super Bowl. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar all performed at the event. Ice-T continued: “They got everybody, they got all the hoodlums in here. We don’t get invited to this type of party! The people that were raised by us are now the people making the decisions, and so what a difference a day makes. You see Dr. Dre doing the Super Bowl with 50 Cent, Eminem, all the outlaws. That means that the culture has really broadened to where the people in power are our children.”

In addition to Ice-T, Run-D.M.C., Rakim, Public Enemy, and many more legends made appearances on Sunday night. Younger artists such as Lil Baby and Lil Uzi Vert also took the stage. LL Cool J hosted the tribute while Questlove directed and co-produced it.

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Tristan Thompson Breaks Silence On His Mother’s Death, Apologizes For Causing Her “Embarrassment”

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One month after tragically losing his mother to a heart attack, Tristan Thompson has broken his silence. The Canadian athlete shared a touching tribute to Andrea via his Instagram page on Sunday (February 6), thanking her for raising him right while also apologizing for any embarrassment he might have caused. At the same time, he promised his family matriarch that he would do everything possible to take care of what she left behind.

“Dearest mommy in heaven, It has been one month since you’ve been gone,” he emotionally began. “I’m in disbelief. I’m in the deepest part of sorrow & grief
My soul is empty as I come to terms that my biggest supporter/superhero is gone. I cannot thank you enough for always being a woman of faith, being one of God’s warriors, fighting back with whatever the world threw our way.”

Andrea Thompson and NBA Player Tristan Thompson attend The Amari Thompson Soiree in support of Epilepsy Toronto at The Globe and Mail Centre on August 9, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by George Pimentel/Getty Images)

Thompson then vented about his newfound desire to hear Andrea’s voice one last time. He promised her that her sacrifices over the years on behalf of her family didn’t go unnoticed and that she was the strongest woman he’s encountered in his life. “I know you’re here as I write this letter,” he penned in his caption.

“All I can say is, I’m sorry mommy for the wrong decisions I’ve made in my life. I’m sorry for the embarrassment and pain. You raised me better than what I was able to show you,” Tristan went on to say, potentially referencing his past infidelities, among other scandals. “But I have also learned sorry is not enough. Actions speak louder than words. So I won’t just say sorry.”

According to his post, Thompson plans to take great strides to show Andrea and the world what an amazing son she raised. “I will show you that even when we fall and make mistakes, we get back up. You are my motivation. Stand beside me as I become the man I know you always believed in. I’m going to make you proud, I promise.”

In conclusion, the father of four also promised that his younger brother, Amari, is going to be taken care of. “I know they say time heals all but I don’t think this pain will ever go away,” he wrote in reflection. “We had so many memories and more I wanted to share with you. We will still share them but now from heaven. As the tears roll down my face, all I can ask is please continue to be my light.”

Tristan’s tribute to his late mother is undeniably touching, and it’s certainly not the only one we’ve seen dedicated to Andrea lately. The Brampton native’s ex, Khloé Kardashian, filled a photo dump with her sweetest memories of her children’s grandmother. “I know you never wanted to leave your boys. They are your entire world,” her lengthy caption reads.

“I have so many emotions and still I feel numb. Life can be brutally unfair at times. This has been one of the toughest times in so many of our lives. But at the same time, I feel blessed that I am lucky to have had someone that makes saying goodbye so incredibly difficult,” she also wrote. Read the reality star’s full post here, and check back later for more pop culture news updates. RIP.

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LL Cool J Hosts Star-Studded Hip-Hop Tribute At Grammys

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The 2023 Grammy Awards honored the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with a massive tribute on Sunday night. Over 30 of the most iconic artists from the genre took the stage to perform hits from throughout hip-hop history. LL Cool J served as a host for the tribute while Questlove directed and co-produced it.

Other artists to appear on stage included Big Boi, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star, De La Soul, DJ Drama, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Future, GloRilla, Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Mele Mel and Scorpio/Ethiopian King, Ice-T, Lil Baby, The Lox, Method Man, Missy Elliott, Nelly, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, Questlove, Rahiem, Rakim, The Roots, Run-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella, Scarface, Swizz Beatz, and Too $hort.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 05: Performers such as LL Cool J, Flavor Flav, Busta Rhymes, Lil Uzi Vert, Nelly, Spliff Star, Queen Latifah, Ice-T, Chuck D, Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, Grandmaster Flash, and Black Thought perform onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

As for which songs the group performed, they went with “The Message,” “The King Of Rock,” “Radio,” “Rock The Bells,” “My Mic Sounds Nice,” “My Melody,” “BUDDY,” “Mind Playing Tricks On Me,” “UNITY,” “ATLiens,” “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Where My Eyes Could See,” “Outta Control,” as well as “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” and several more.

“For five decades, hip-hop has not only been a defining force in music, but a major influence on our culture,” Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, said in a statement. “Its contributions to art, fashion, sport, politics, and society cannot be overstated. I’m so proud that we are honoring it in such a spectacular way on the Grammy stage. It is just the beginning of our yearlong celebration of this essential genre of music.”

Additionally, the rest of the night featured numerous other artists performing outside of the hip-hop tribute as well. Bad Bunny, DJ Khaled, Harry Styles, Jay-Z, John Legend, Kim Petras, Lil Wayne, Lizzo, and many more also made appearances. When it came to awards, Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and more were some of the night’s biggest winners.

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Quavo Spotted Ahead Of Takeoff Tribute Performance

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Quavo recently went through Beverly Hills on Friday afternoon, reportedly spotted publicly for the first time since Takeoff’s funeral. Moreover, paparazzi caught him just days before his upcoming tribute performance to his late nephew at the Grammys. Furthermore, the Atlanta rapper left a Prada store in a light blue sweater, black pants, and light yellow shoes. He’ll perform a rendition of his track “Without You,” which he penned in honor of his fallen Migos member. Also, he released a simple music video, contemplating and seemingly listening back to the track as lyrics pop up.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 11: *EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE* Quavo speaks onstage during Takeoff’s Celebration of Life at State Farm Arena on November 11, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for TVG)

In addition, the Maverick City Music choir will assist the 31-year-old with his performance. After his memorial service, Quavo penned a tender and reflective message for his loved one. “This whole time I’ve been trying to figure what you really are to me because nephew wasn’t it,” he wrote on Instagram. “We hated that word ‘nephew’ or when they said ‘Unc and Phew’ cuz we always knew we were way closer than that and it made me feel old too. But I knew you weren’t my brother cuz you are my sister’s so, so I couldn’t say brother. Now I finally get it… you are OUR angel watching me and watching us this whole time in living form making sure EVERYONE FELT UR LOVE AND HUGS while u here and u made our dreams come true.”

Takeoff’s immediate circle continue to honor and speak of his loss and legacy. Cardi B recalled when she learned of his passing. “We was in bed… going to go to La La’s party in New York, and my daughter threw up all over my costume… We just fell asleep, and out of nowhere, Offset’s phone kept ringing, mine kept ringing.” Furthermore, she detailed how they felt disbelief, but also angry at the tragedy.

Meanwhile, other rappers and figures like 21 Savage spoke on the late Migo’s presence and the void he left behind. Even though things seem more dire than ever for the city of Atlanta, these artists’ impact and voice continue to uplift the city. As always, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest on Quavo, Takeoff, and keeping his spirit alive.

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Rich The Kid Gets Tattoo In Honor Of Takeoff

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Rich The Kid has gotten Takeoff’s name tattooed on his hand in honor of the late Migos rapper. Takeoff was shot and killed in Houston back in November.

The tattoo spreads across the top of his hand and is written in purple ink.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 02: Rich the Kid performs onstage during the 2018 Made In America Festival – Day 2 at Benjamin Franklin Parkway on September 2, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)

Rich The Kid and Takeoff were close prior to his death. Following his passing, Rich penned an emotional message on social media. He also shared a text message exchange between the two of them.

“Today I lost more than a brother. My twin, my best friend, everything. I don’t wanna believe it, I can’t,” he began his post. “The most humble person I know. We used to share shoes [and] clothes before we made it with no problem! I miss you already. You didn’t deserve that! I can’t stop crying. I love you so much bro, forever.”

As for the texts exchanged, Rich wrote, “Buzzin, I miss you,” while Takeoff responded, “Miss [you] too, Buzzin.” He also included numerous pictures of the two of them.

In early 2022, Takeoff and Rich The Kid teamed up to release the collaborative single, “Crypto.” Later in July, both Offset and Takeoff attended Rich’s 30th birthday party in New York City.

At the time of Takeoff’s death, Houston police chief Troy Finner stated that the department didn’t believe him to be the intended target. Two other people suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the attack as well.

Takeoff’s Migos partner, Quavo, recently dropped a tribute track for the late rapper titled “Without You.”

Check out Rich The Kid’s tattoo in honor of Takeoff below.

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Yvngxchris Explains XXXTentacion Tribute Track “Serenity (Letter To X)”

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Yvngxchris has shared a new track in honor of XXXTentacion on the late rapper’s birthday. In conjunction with releasing the song, Yvngxchris spoke with Rolling Stone about the impact X had on his own career.

“[XXXTentacion’s greatness] was his versatility and not just his music, it was the message he was trying to put out along with the music,” Yvngxchris told the outlet on a Zoom call. “Being positive, being all one people, all loving each other. It was the message that went along with the music that resonated with me and millions of other people.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 07: Yvngxchris attends the NBA 2K23 Launch Event at Rolling Greens on September 07, 2022 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images for 2K)

Yvngxchris says he’s been a fan of X since his breakthrough single, “Look At Me.” However, he only recently decided to put his emotions into a song.

“Back then, I would listen to the music, listen to his messages, and not really get it and be able to articulate what he’s saying,” he said. “But now as I get older, I understand it more and more.”

As for X’s controversial personal life, Yvngxchris says that it’s something he’s not equipped to speak on.

“That’s his life. I can’t really speak on what he’s been through,” Yvngxchris explained, before adding, “I don’t know him as a person at all. I don’t know how to speak on anything he’s been accused of.

He concluded: “I just listen as a fan and I listen for the greatness, honestly, and for his message.”

In addition to X, Yvngxchris also gives a shoutout on the song to Juice WRLD, Nipsey Hussle, and Pop Smoke for inspiring “kids to try to make some shit.”

Check out Yvngxchris’s “Serenity (Letter To X)” below.

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Juicy J’s Tribute To Gangsta Boo Cut From Funeral Due To Technical Difficulties

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Juicy J reportedly made a tribute video for Gangsta Boo’s funeral, but the clip didn’t play due to technical difficulties. More tributes from DJ EFN and Yelawolf were also cut short.

“Rest in peace to the Queen of Memphis Lola Mitchell aka Gangsta Boo,” Juicy said in his tribute. “Prayers go out to the family, friends, the fans. We lost a great one, man, I’m kinda short for words. It was hard for me to make this video. I miss Gangsta Boo’s smile. Gangsta Boo and I had a conversation two months ago.”

ANAHEIM, CA – MAY 17: Rapper Juicy J performs onstage at the Power 106 Powerhouse at Honda Center on May 17, 2014 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Paul R. Giunta/FilmMagic)

He further said: “We did a show together and we had a great conversation. We talked about old times. We talked about family, friends, music. Rest in peace, man, we lost the Queen of Memphis. She won’t be forgotten. Gonna keep her name out here, gonna keep the music alive. Prayers up.”

As for Yelawolf, he reflected on his longtime friendship with Gangsta Boo.

“We’re gonna miss her so much,” the Tennessee-raised rapper said, before adding, “We had a relationship that only her and I could speak on. A friendship, a bond, we talked often. Not often enough.”

While recalling his relationship with Gangsta Boo, EFN recalled her appearance on Drink Champs. During the episode, the two discussed Three 6 Mafia, Memphis, and more.

In addition to the missed video tributes, DJ Paul was also absent from the ceremony. He later called out fans for criticizing him for the move.

The full service for Gangsta Boo went down in Southaven, Mississippi on Saturday. The Three 6 Mafia rapper passed away on January 1, 2023, at the age of 43. While authorities didn’t confirm an official cause of death, TMZ reports that she used cocaine that was laced with fentanyl the night before.

Check out Juicy J, Yelawolf, as well as DJ EFN’s tributes for Gangsta Boo here.

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