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Usher’s Harry Belafonte Tattoo Is A Heartfelt Tribute To The Late Icon

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Earlier this week, sad news of Harry Belafonte’s passing took the entertainment industry by storm. Granted, the multi-talent did live to be 96, but seeing someone who contributed so much to music, film/television, and the civil rights movement pass away is never easy. Heartfelt tributes to the fallen star have been coming in all across social media since word broke on Tuesday (April 25), including a more recent one from Usher, who previously had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Belafonte.

The Texas-born R&B star shared a photo dump to his Instagram on Thursday (April 27), recalling some of the time he spent with the New York native. “A world-renowned entertainer. A barrier-breaking actor. A tireless activist. A one-of-a-kind friend. Inspired is the word that comes to mind when I think about you Harry,” Usher wrote in his caption. “A man of great strength, courage, and sense of purpose. All things that I view as admirable. When I spent time with you…I was in awe of how your presence was so powerful,” he added before praising Belafonte’s “amazing spirit and incomparable gifts.”

Usher Remembers His Fallen Friend, Harry Belafonte

The father of four’s powerful message came to an end with, “Your passion awakened our souls. The impression you made on my heart is why I wear you on my skin.” In the accompanying photos, we see Usher and Belafonte sharing a laugh while sitting on a couch together, as well as a video of the elderly man cheering his friend on from the audience in his wheelchair. In the final slide, the “Banana Boat” singer examines a portrait of him inked on Usher’s bicep, which beautifully captures his younger image.

Others who have been reflecting on HB’s impact include Diddy, who dubbed him “a true king and revolutionary,” as well as Chuck D. The latter labelled the icon as “the father figure of our community,” proving just how undeniably powerful his legacy is, even decades after the peak of his career. Read more beautiful tributes to the late Harry Belafonte from both friends and fans here. Make sure to check back later for more pop culture news updates. RIP.

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Diddy Mourns Harry Belafonte: “A True King & Revolutionary”

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Diddy reflected on the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte on Instagram, Tuesday, after the legendary singer, actor, and activist passed away. Belafonte’s publicist, Ken Sunshine, confirmed to CNN that he died of congestive heart failure on Tuesday morning at the age of 96.

“I’m so blessed that I had the chance to get to know Mr.B,” Diddy captioned a photo of himself with the late Belafonte. “He taught me so much. The number 1 thing he taught me was to always have a rebel heart. Be fearless and do what others aren’t willing to do for the advancement of your people. ALL HAIL A TRUE KING AND REVOLUTIONARY! Thank you! Thank you!!”

Harry Belafonte At A Civil Rights Rally

A crowd of over 10,000 civil rights marchers gathers in the Manhattan Garment Center as Harry Belafonte sings at spiritual at a civil rights rally.

In addition to his work in the arts, Belafonte was a key voice in the civil rights movement, contributing his efforts as a strategist, fundraiser, and mediator. Over time, he even became a close friend of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Bernice King shared a statement in the wake of Belafonte’s passing. “When I was a child, #HarryBelafonte showed up for my family in very compassionate ways,” she wrote. “In fact, he paid for the babysitter for me and my siblings. Here he is mourning with my mother at the funeral service for my father at Morehouse College. I won’t forget…Rest well, sir.”

Later, Belafonte also led a campaign against apartheid in South Africa, and befriended Nelson Mandela. Additionally, he worked in the fight against HIV/AIDS and became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. “I’ve often responded to queries that ask, ‘When as an artist did you decide to become an activist?’ ” Belafonte once said, as noted by CNN. “My response to the question is that I was an activist long before I became an artist. They both service each other, but the activism is first.” His efforts blended with his music when he came up with the 1985 hit song, “We Are the World.”

Diddy On Harry Belafonte

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Calvin Harris Pays Tribute To Takeoff At Coachella With New Version Of “Slide”

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Calvin Harris honored the late Migos rapper Takeoff during his set at Coachella on Sunday night by performing a new version of the track, “Slide.” Harris included the original song on his 2017 album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1. It featured Offset, Quavo, and Frank Ocean. During Sunday’s performance, Harris played a version adding the third Migos rapper.

At the end of the track, Harris added Takeoff’s verse from their collaboration on the Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 song, “Holiday.” It was the first time fans got to hear all three Migos artists featured on the single, which reached 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 when it released.

Calvin Harris On Stage At Coachella

INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 15: Calvin Harris performs at the Coachella Stage during the 2023 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 15, 2023 in Indio, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Coachella)

The tribute comes over five months after Takeoff was shot and killed outside of a bowling alley in Houston, Texas in November. He was just 28 years old. Harris wasn’t the only artist to honor Takeoff over the weekend. His Migos partner, Offset, also showed off a massive back tattoo he got to pay tribute to him. “Love you 4L & after,” Offset captioned a picture of the tattoo on Instagram. He added rocket, heart, and dove emojis. The tattoo is a massive portrait of Takeoff that spans nearly the entirety of Offset’s back.

Offset, who is also Takeoff’s first cousin, previously reflected on the passing of the rapper in a lengthy Instagram post from November. “The pain you have left me with is unbearable,” Offset wrote at the time. “My heart is shattered and I have so many things to say, but I can’t find the words. I’ve been going to sleep and waking up hoping that all of this is a dream, but it’s reality, and reality feels like a nightmare. I know someone with a soul like yours is in heaven now. I hope you can see how much we love you and miss you. You have left a hole in my heart that will never be filled.”

Takeoff’s Verse On “Slide”

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Offset Unveils Beautiful Takeoff Tribute Tattoo After Rolling Loud Thailand Set

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One of the most tragic deaths to strike the hip-hop community within the past year is undeniably Takeoff, who lost his life in late 2022. At the time, he and Quavo had just unleashed their Only Built For Infinity Links project and were certainly in celebration mode as the album received countless positive reviews from both friends and fans. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old fell victim to a shooting in Houston on the first day of November, leaving his uncle, and their Migos crew member, Offset, to mourn his untimely loss.

For his part, Quavo has been paying homage to Takeoff through music. At the end of March, the multi-talent shared his “Honey Bun” single, which not only interpolates sounds from Drake and 21 Savage’s Her Loss but also serves as a tribute to the late rhymer. Offset, on the other hand, offered up his entire back as a canvas for a beautiful portrait of his family member. “Love you 4L & after 🚀🤍🕊,” the father of five wrote in the caption, promising to carry on Takeoff’s legacy for the rest of his own life.

Offset Pays Homage to His Fallen Partner in Rhyme

The heartwarming image comes hours after Offset’s appearance at Rolling Loud Thailand today (April 15). Along with names like Destroy Loney, Central Cee, Ski Mask the Slump God, and Sheck West, he was one of the festival’s final acts, ahead of Travis Scott’s headling set (which Cardi B’s husband also made a surprise appearance during). The Atlanta native’s wife was in attendance to support him following her own show on Thursday (April 13).

Fans were eager to see what the Invasion of Privacy hitmaker would bring to the stage as they eagerly await her sophomore album. She opted to revisit some of her biggest collaborations and earlier releases, many of which had her twerking up a storm in her stunning golden outfit. Unfortunately for Cardi B, she suffered a wardrobe malfunction in the form of her bottoms ripping but continued to entertain audiences anyway. See the funny moment for yourself here, and share your thoughts on Offset’s new tattoo in the comments.

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DMX’s Daughter Visits Her Late Father’s Gravesite

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The daughter of DMX recently paid a visit to her late father’s gravesite. DMX, real name, Earl Simmons, achieved superstardom as a musician in the late 90s. The Ruff Ryder’s legend first hit the scene as a features artist. However, he would quickly go on to establish himself as a solo act. The New York native’s lyricism and aggressive demeanor earned him fans the world over. Subsequently, he became one of the biggest rappers of his era. Additionally, his popularity led him to starring in movies such as Cradle 2 The Grave and Romeo Must Die. However, for 10-year-old Sonovah Hamilton, he was simply her dad.

Hamilton was only eight-years-old when her father died. However, it’s obvious X made a life-long impact on his daughter. Hamilton recently took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to her father on the two-year anniversary of his death. In the photo, Hamilton can be seen smiling in front of her X’s headstone. Additionally, she’s wearing a shirt with her father’s image on it. Hamilton captioned the photo with “Couldn’t pull up to yo city and not see you. Hey daddy!”

DMX Leaves Behind An Enormous Legacy

Meanwhile, other tributes have been coming in for X as well. The Ruff Ryders paid tribute to their fallen comrade earlier this week. The crew is a loosely affiliated group of New York rappers that X was the de-fact leader of. The group and a small number of fans gathered at X’s gravesite on Sunday. During the tribute, speakers shared stories about the impact X had on their lives and careers. Additionally, attendees could be seen reciting lyrics and pouring out liquor for their friend.

No one will ever understand the pain that DMX’s death brought his friends and family. However, X’s death had an impact on fans all around the world. Several fans have taken to social media to pay their respects to the beloved rapper. “R.I.P. DMX can’t believe it’s been 2 years already!!!” said one Twitter user. “Pour one out for the Dog!” said another. X had been open about his struggles with mental health issues and substance abuse. However, his death still shocked fans and artists across the world of hip-hop. But the story isn’t over. Fans will continue being inspired by his work because although he may no longer be here, his music will live forever.

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The Ruff Ryders Honor DMX Two Years After His Death

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The Ruff Ryders gathered to pay tribute to DMX on the two year anniversary of his death. DMX, real name, Earl Simmons. died in 2021 at the age of 50. Authorities say X suffered a heart attack that was brought on by a drug overdose. The “Party Up” rapper became a beloved figure in the late 90s and early 2000s. His lyricism, aggressive style and gravelly tone resonated with millions of fans. Furthermore, he is recognized by many as one of the greatest icons of New York hip-hop history.

The Hip-Hop Wolf shared an Instagram video of the Ruff Ryders and a small group of fans gathered at X’s gravesite. One speaker at the memorial noted that X’s legacy lives on. “He never died to us, because he always lived to us,” he said. He also thanked X for the memories he left behind. “We love you as we know we do, and we appreciate what you left us with,” he said. Additionally, attendees performed the “X” hand sign in front of the grave. Meanwhile, fans could also be seen pouring out liquor in front the headstone.

Ruff Ryders Remember Fallen Leader

It speaks to the impact he made that X is revered by so many. He began his career as a feature artist. He appeared on Mase’s song “Take What’s Yours.” Additionally, he also featured on The Lox classic “Money Power and Respect.” These songs created significant buzz for the then unsigned rapper, Subsequently, the move from feature artist to headliner was seamless. Indeed, his debut effort, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, is widely regarded as one of the greatest debut albums of all time. The album debuted at number one on the Hot 200. Additionally, the project went four times platinum.

DMX was vocal throughout his career about his affiliation with the Ruff Ryders. The crew is a loosely connected group of New York rappers and producers. Moreover, X’s popularity and dynamic personality made him the de facto leader of the Ruff Ryders as time progressed. DMX’s death sent shockwaves around the world of hip-hop. The New York native had been open about his struggles with drugs and mental health issues. However, his death still caught everyone off guard. Fans and colleagues alike have been spent the past few days sharing their memories of one of the greatest rappers of all time.

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LL Cool J Honors Hip-Hop With Bars At iHeartRadio Awards

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One of hip-hop’s most revered and influential figures just honored the genre yet again on the year of its 50th anniversary. LL Cool J shared a tribute to the rap world during the iHeartRadio Music Awards with some impactful and impressive bars. Moreover, the New York MC honored the art form that made him at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday (March 28). Furthermore, his content revolved around the power of the art form and that of his own career in an engagingly braggadocious set of lines. While it’s not the same clarity with which people talk about the genre, his metaphors, evocative imagery, and powerful phrasing shows what hip-hop can achieve more fully than a simple anecdote can.

“I just want to keep it real simple, alright?” he expressed to the crowd. “I want you to imagine what I’m saying,” and then proceeded to let the mic talk. “A crowd gathered ’round, throwing punches and elbows. Then his mama arose, and recited a poem. That’s a Hip Hop God, not rock’n’roll. She put the baby in the whip- that’s a car. There was a solar eclipse, then a spirit came down, wrote his name in hieroglyphs.”

LL Cool J Drops Bars In The Name Of Hip-Hop

“Break beats played, he had a speaker for a crib,” the Rock The Bells mogul continued. “She screamed ‘Jack the Rip!’ and ignited his gifts. To the parents, he’s a legend, to the children a myth. Here’s ya firsthand experience with Mr. Smith, alias Mr. ‘Killing-Every-Rapper-In-His-Radius.’ Ciphers like a stadium, bars is vibranium.” After all that barrage, he even managed to throw a Black Panther reference in. As expected, the crowd erupted into excited and passionate cheers.

However, as he closed out his stage time, he told the audience, “A new record is coming!” Moreover, excitement for LL’s next album revolves not just around his legacy, but the people he brought into the fold. For example, he remarked his excitement surrounding his work with fellow rap legend Q-Tip on his next project. Given the perfect storm of the genre’s historical 50-year milestone, this will be emblematic of a lot of hip-hop greatness. Regardless, stick around on HNHH for the latest news and updates on LL Cool J and hip-hop history.

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Marlon Wayans Shares Tribute After Father Howell Wayans Passes Away

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Howell Wayans, the patriarch of the Wayans family, passed away at age 86, and the pop culture world is mourning his loss. Moreover, a touching tribute emerged on Instagram courtesy of his son, actor and comedian Marlon Wayans. Although these grapples with grief are always hard to work through, Marlon posted a beautiful message in honor of his father. Furthermore, many fans sent their love in the comments and expressed their heartbreak and reflective state after reading his words. With his post, the New York native gave a heartwarming and highly personal account of who his father is, and what he means in his life.

“Legend,” he began his caption simply, posting a picture of him beside Howell as his father kisses him on the forehead. “When i was a child I asked my Dad ‘what did you want to be when grew up?’ He simply said ‘I wanted to be a man.’ I said ‘not a lawyer? A doctor? An actor?’ He said ‘just a man.’ I said ‘but every boy becomes a man.’ Dad said ‘Not true.’ I asked ‘then what’s a man?’ My Dad said ‘A man takes care of himself and his responsibilities. His family is always FIRST.‘ From that day on I wanted to be a MAN.

Marlon Wayans Honors His Father Howell In Tribute Post After His Passing

“Thank you Pop for being an example of a Man to all your boys,” he continued. “I pray all young black boys can grow up to be a Man like you. Baby boy loves you. And if ever i need you i know exactly where to find you… in my Bible that now sits by bed. Rest well. Kiss Ma for me. Tell her her babies miss her. I got two angels. I feel y’all lifting me already. If there’s a heaven i know you sitting in VIP sippin’ the best wine jesus can make…

Meanwhile, the Wayans family will reflect on these themes of fatherhood and the bond with a son in other ways. For example, Damon Wayans Sr. and Jr. worked on a comedy pilot recently, centered around a father-son relationship. Given the pain such a loss brings about, surely they will honor the patriarch’s legacy and the lessons he left behind, in ways big and small. Stay logged into HNHH for more updates on Howell Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and the rest of the Wayans family.
Rest In Peace Howell Wayans.

Lauren London Posts Nipsey Hussle Tribute

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Unfortunately, it hasn’t gotten any easier for the hip-hop world or society at large to reckon with Nipsey Hussle’s loss. The Crenshaw rapper remains a symbol of inspiration and admiration for many, and with other tragic losses in the rap community, his murder is a somber but important part of that history. However, that’s not to say his death looms primarily over his impact and life, which are what fans, friends, and family treasure and champion to this day. On the fourth anniversary of his transition, his partner Lauren London shared some potent words of grief, but also love.

“I hold my breath all of March knowing I have to face the memory of the day you transitioned….” she captioned a picture of Nipsey. Holding on to ancient wisdom but the pain is the pain and nothing was ever the same… Eternal Being Ermias Asghedom [his real name] I Love You.” Not only that, but she also included a passage from texts from the Bahá’í faith. Said message reflects, in this case, on the “Racks In The Middle” star’s immeasurable impact and the continuance of his spirit.

Lauren London Reflects On Anniversary Of Nipsey Hussle’s Passing

“‘To consider that after the death of the body the spirit perishes is like imagining that a bird in a cage will be destroyed if the cage is broken, though the bird has nothing to fear from the destruction of the cage,” it reads. “Our body is like the cage, and the spirit is like the bird. We see that without the cage this bird flies in the world of sleep; therefore, if the cage becomes broken, the bird will continue and exist. Its feelings will be even more powerful, its perceptions greater, and its happiness increased. In truth, from hell it reaches a paradise of delights because for the thankful birds there is no paradise greater than freedom.’”

Meanwhile, developments in the murder case surrounding Hussle took hold of the media recently with the news of his murderer Eric Holder being a target in prison. Although many feel passionately and rightfully about the need for justice, many argued that to honor Nip is to continue positive cycles, not negative ones. Recently, his brother said that his children own the Marathon store he opened, creating the generational wealth he aspired to gift his family. With that in mind and other developments, we can remember his legacy for its greatness, not just its tragic end. Regardless, come back to HNHH for the latest news and updates on Lauren London and Nipsey Hussle.