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Uncle Luke Celebrated for 63rd Birthday and Contributions to Florida Rap Scene

January 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

On Dec. 28th, the legendary Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, known for his roles as a rapper, author, philanthropist, and fighter against censorship, was honored on his 63rd birthday. The celebration marked a significant moment, likely the last during hip hop’s 50th-anniversary year, recognizing Uncle Luke’s substantial contributions to Florida’s rap culture.

Surrounded by friends, family, politicians, and local icons, including DJ Khaled, Trick Daddy, and Pitbull, Uncle Luke received accolades for his trailblazing artistry and advocacy for free expression. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joined the chorus of praise for his community contributions. Notable contributions came from Pitbull, who donated $100,000, and DJ Khaled’s We The Best Foundation, which contributed $50,000 to Uncle Luke’s foundation, the Liberty City Optimist Club, now in its 31st year.

During the celebration, heartfelt speeches were delivered by influential figures such as Big Teach, DJ Khaled, and Pitbull, who acknowledged Uncle Luke’s impact on their careers and emphasized his influence on giving back to the community. Pitbull expressed gratitude, stating, “Thank you for everything you’ve done; you are the person who inspired me to give back to schools.” The event showcased the immense respect and admiration for Uncle Luke, highlighting his lasting legacy in the South Florida and global hip-hop scene.

The post Uncle Luke Celebrated for 63rd Birthday and Contributions to Florida Rap Scene first appeared on The Source.

The post Uncle Luke Celebrated for 63rd Birthday and Contributions to Florida Rap Scene appeared first on The Source.

Happy Birthday To Miami Hip Hop Pioneer Uncle Luke!

December 21, 2023 by newhiphopnews

On this date in 1960, record exec, rapper, producer and pioneer Luther Campbell aka Uncle Luke was born in Miami, Florida. Luke has morphed into one of the trailblazers of today’s strip club-based Hip Hop that is seen from southern artists such as Future, Kodak Black and even Megan Thee Stallion.

As the one time leader of the legendary 2 Live Crew, Campbell launched Luke Skyywalker Records, becoming the first Hip Hop mogul in the Dirty South boasting a gold album(The 2 Live Crew Is What We Are). After five group albums and eight solo albums, Campbell ventured into adult films, starred in his own reality show and even made a run for Mayor of Miami in 2011.

Happy born day to the Liberty City native who became a family man and a definitive part of Hip Hop history!

The post Happy Birthday To Miami Hip Hop Pioneer Uncle Luke! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy Birthday To Miami Hip Hop Pioneer Uncle Luke! appeared first on The Source.

Uncle Luke Thanks CBS & The Grammys For Hip-Hop 50th Celebration Invite

December 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Uncle Luke recently expressed gratitude towards CBS and The Grammys for finally including him in their recent celebration, A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years of Hip-Hop. The music mogul has further proven that closed mouths aren’t fed.

Showing Gratitude

On Sunday, Dec. 10, Uncle Luke thrilled thousands with a stellar performance at A GRAMMY Salute To 50 Years of Hip-Hop, celebration, marking a significant moment in his career.

Miami is finally getting shown the love it deserves! Uncle Luke took to social media to thank the Grammys & CBS for including him in their 50 years of Hip-Hop celebration pic.twitter.com/y4FknKTr2n

— SOHH.com (@sohhdotcom) December 13, 2023

This recognition comes after Luke’s previous frustrations with being left out of the recognition for Florida artists. Taking to Twitter(X), Uncle Luke thanked The Grammys and CBS, stating:

“I want to thank the #Grammys and @CBS Jesse Collins for allowing me to be a part of this historic moment in history, celebrating 50 years of hip-hop. Miamians normally get left out but not this time. We appreciate it and thank you much love.”

Not Appreciated

In August 2023, Uncle Luke voiced his disappointment at the lack of recognition for Florida artists in the music industry during hip hop’s 50th anniversary.

The Miami rapper highlighted the industry’s longstanding disregard for Florida hip-hop. However, this time, the tables turned in Uncle Luke’s favor as he was given the chance to shine on the Grammy stage.

Following Uncle Luke’s shoutout on Twitter(X), fans flooded social media with excitement and support for the legendary artist. One user, @whoistrip, described the moment as “phenomenal,” while another user, @canefan4life, stated: “ You are a legend my man !!!”

Luke Speaks Up

Referencing Luke’s previous gripe for lack thereof, the musical artist expressed frustration with the lack of recognition for Florida artists in the music industry on hip hop’s 50th anniversary. The Miami rapper addressed the industry’s long-standing disregard for Florida hip-hop.

Juvenile At The 2023 ESSENCE Fest

Speaking of initially being counted out, Juvenile took center stage at the 2023 ESSENCE Festival, delivering an electrifying performance that captivated his hometown audience. After expressing his disappointment with being initially left out of the lineup, the New Orleans rapper seized the opportunity to showcase his iconic hits and express his gratitude for the experience.

The post Uncle Luke Thanks CBS & The Grammys For Hip-Hop 50th Celebration Invite appeared first on SOHH.com.

Uncle Luke Accused Of Alleged Grooming Tactics By Former Video Vixen

November 27, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Former video vixen, Gloria Velez, has taken a bold step by calling out men in the hip-hop industry, including legendary figure Uncle Luke. In a recent Instagram story, Velez voiced her concerns about grooming practices, claiming they began in 1994 with the Miami icon and others.

Gloria Calls Out Uncle Luke

Gloria Velez was one of the first Latina video vixens to gain widespread recognition. She appeared in videos for some of the biggest names in hip-hop, such as Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, and Sisqo.

Velez’s accusations against Uncle Luke have brought attention to the issue of grooming within the hip-hop community. Velez, a prominent video vixen from the late 90s and early 2000s, shared her experience with her Instagram story. She revealed:

“If you don’t think Grooming is happening in this business your sadly mistaken, it’s started 1994 with Luke and a few others in this business. I was in high school.” She then wrote, “South Florida 1993/1994, teen clubs, where the pedophilia men scouted & groomed (it was their playground)”

Uncle Luke Responds

Uncle Luke responded to Velez’s accusations in a video. Initially unaware of the term “grooming,” Luke expressed:

“I just learned what the f*ck grooming means. I didn’t even know what the f*ck grooming means. They had to explain that shit to me. Ya’ll got the right one.I don’t have no problem going to court. I’m not Russell Simmons. I’m not them other people. I don’t do that. I know my brand. My brand is Luke. Hey we want some p*ssy, face down, a** up. That’s what n*ggas like. Me so horny. The proble, is when you know your brand and you know what you’re singing about. You subject yourself to be in that kind of trap.”

In a comment under one of Velez’s posts, Luke wrote:

“No no no Luke don’t get down like that baby. Keep your convention on your baby daddy before you get a defamation lawsuit.”

The exchange between Gloria Velez and Uncle Luke has resonated with users one social media. @_KayRie wrote, “It’s sad bc so many men are putting heat on a woman who was a CHILD when this happened, but not the men who literally r*ped her.

One of em even ADMITTED to it. A child is a child. It don’t matter what she did, the adult is responsible & shouldn’t even be attracted to a child.”

‘It Wasn’t About Me’

Velez herself shared a photo of her high school ID card, writing, “I look like a baby.”

It is important to note that a resurfaced Instagram post from Velez revealed a disturbing aspect of her past. In the post, she shared a photo of her and her son, writing:

“I’ve experience a lot in this industry and never spoke out. Because I didn’t want to hurt anyone;s career even tho they hurt me. The only reason why I spoke out about my sons father was because I had to protect my son from him. It wasn’t about me. Your body. Your beautiful. So our society blames the woman always. Look how your dressed, why did u go with him etc. a young girl native looking up to an older man doesn’t give him the right to take advantage of her. I believe those women who made claims about r. Kelly. I felt there pain. I couldn’t stop the tears coming down my face while I watched. I’m happy women are finally speaking out. It’s time.”

The father of her child is Aaron Hall, where it was claimed Hall was 31 years old while Velez was 16 during their relationship.

Cassie Vs. Diddy

Gloria Velez’s revelations about grooming in the hip-hop industry align with the ongoing movement of individuals sharing their stories in Hollywood and the music scene. Just recently, R&B singer Cassie brought attention to her own experiences of alleged abuse by filing a lawsuit against Diddy, which was later settled 24 hours later.

The post Uncle Luke Accused Of Alleged Grooming Tactics By Former Video Vixen appeared first on SOHH.com.

Big Daddy Kane, Chief Keef, Fat Joe, Master P, Uncle Luke, E-40 & More Announced for ‘Non-Stop Hip Hop Party’ at BET Awards 2023

June 16, 2023 by newhiphopnews

BET has announced the first run of performers for the 2023 BET Awards. The show will air on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 8 pm ET/T. The show is billed as a “Non-stop Hip Hop Party” celebrating 50 years of the genre.

Announces for the show are 69 Boyz, Big Daddy Kane, Chief Keef, DJ Unk, E-40, Fast Life Yungstaz & Easton (F.L.Y.), Fat Joe, Ja Rule, Kid ‘N Play, MC Lyte, Percy “Master P” Miller, Remy Ma, Soulja Boy, The Sugarhill Gang, Trick Daddy, Trina, Tyga, Uncle Luke, Warren G, Ying Yang Twins, and Yo-Yo. BET aims to cover all areas of HIp-Hop throughout history.

Additional performers include Coco Jones, GloRilla, Doechii, Lil Uzi Vert, and more.

“We have an incredible lineup of performers who will take us on a musical journey, covering Hip Hop spanning every decade, style, and region. From music to dance and fashion, we are digging through every crate as we celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop and its diversity, evolution, and global impact,” said Connie Orlando, BET EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. “This wall-to-wall party will reverberate with the amazing energy and passion these artists bring to the stage and the culture. Prepare for an unforgettable night of reunions and surprises as we celebrate Hip Hop’s rich history, enduring legacy, and promising future.”

The post Big Daddy Kane, Chief Keef, Fat Joe, Master P, Uncle Luke, E-40 & More Announced for ‘Non-Stop Hip Hop Party’ at BET Awards 2023 appeared first on The Source.

5 Rappers Who Have Run For Political Office

May 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Music and politics have always been intertwined, especially in the world of hip-hop. But not all rappers relegate their political viewpoints to the confines of their art. Sometimes, they bring political candor to an actual campaign trail.

Plenty of rappers have flirted with the idea of running for political office. However, there have been a few who have thrown their hat in the ring, earnestly. From Belizean rapper-turned-congressman, Shyne to Kanye West, here are five rappers who have legitimately run for political office.

5. Shyne

Before his career in politics, Belizean rapper Shyne was probably best known for his hit song “Bad Boyz.” The track reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart. Shyne’s musical career was hit with some turbulence after he was convicted and imprisoned for assault and reckless endangerment.

While incarcerated, Shyne signed a multi-million-dollar contract with Def Jam Records and released his second album Godfather Buried Alive. The album was a hit. After Shyne’s release from prison in 2009, he was deported to Belize. A year later, he was appointed the Belize Music and Goodwill Ambassador. In 2020, he was elected to the Belize House of Representatives. Shyne’s political career shows no signs of waning as he is currently looking to run for prime minister of Belize in 2025.

4. Esham

Detroit-based rapper Esham has had a long career in the world of underground rap. His breakout album Bruce Wayne: Gothom City 1987 reached number 57 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart the year of its release. In 2002, Esham signed to Psychopathic Records and released a string of experimental “acid rap” albums including fan-favorite release Repentance.

In 2008, Esham told Metro Times he was in the process of petitioning to run for Mayor of Detroit. His petition was ultimately denied. However, his potential bid for candidacy did give fans a mayoral campaign EP. And to be honest, it was kind of ill. Seriously.

3. Uncle Luke

Luther Campbell (aka Luke, Uncle Luke, or Luke Skyywalker) was the leader of one of rap’s foremost group of provocateurs, 2 Live Crew. With that in mind, it’s hard to believe Miami native would ever run for office. After all, this was the guy who co-wrote “Throw the D.” So, make of that what you will.

However, in 2011, Campbell ran for mayor of Miami-Dade County. He ran on a somewhat(?) progressive platform that looked to bring transparency to local government (and tax strippers). Uncle Luke came in fourth among a group of eleven candidates. Regardless, he still managed to get 11% of the vote, which seemed like an impressive percentage, all things considered.

2. Kanye West

Kanye West has been the subject of countless controversies over the course of his career. From interrupted awards shows to several public feuds, West was no stranger to combative behavior. However, one of the strangest moments in his career was his bid for the presidency of The United States. On July 4^th, 2020, Kanye West announced his campaign for President of the United States. In what seemed like another media stunt by the controversial rapper, West managed to qualify for ballot access in 12 states. His bid for the highest office in the US garnered over 66 thousand votes, receiving an average of 0.32% of voter support

1. Wyclef Jean

Wyclef Jean has never been stranger to politics in his art. He helped galvanize the socially conscious rap group The Fugees in the early ’90 and has been politically active ever since. Jean has tackled several political topics in his art, but in 2010 he went a step further.

In a CNN interview, Jean confirmed that he was running in the 2010 Haitian presidential election. He intended to run for the Viv Ansanm (Live Together) party. However, shortly after his announcement, Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council rejected his bid. The reason was that Jean had not lived in Haiti for five years prior to the election. This did not meet the council’s constitutional residency requirements. Jean gracefully accepted the terms and bowed out.

Uncle Luke Speaks After “Estranged Son” Is Arrested For Aggravated Assault

April 3, 2023 by newhiphopnews

He’s a prominent figure in Hip Hop who isn’t a stranger to controversy, but this time, Uncle Luke‘s son Luther Campbell Jr. is in the hot seat. Luke is an icon in the Rap scene as a member of 2 Live Crew, the group that took the industry by storm decades ago. Their explicit lyrics and music videos rubbed conservatives the wrong way, and soon, they found themselves banned worldwide. Uncle Luke continues to enjoy his reputation as one of Hip Hop’s earliest bad boys; however, he’s keeping his nose clean these days. He’s hailed as an activist and voice for his community, and now, he’s defending his son.

According to CBS News, Luther Campbell Jr. was arrested in South Beach, Florida, last week. An incident occurred near the Big Pink restaurant where witnesses claimed Campbell Jr. approached them “aggressively” while holding a knife. He repeatedly asked them, “What did you say?!” as the purported victims backed away. They would later identify Campbell Jr. to the police. Officers also were said to have found a knife on Campbell upon arrest.

Luther Campbell Jr. Appears In Court

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

Campbell Jr. was later charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and resisting without violence. Campbell was also told to stay away from the victims in this case. It was further stated that he informed the court that he couldn’t afford a private attorney at his hearing. Campbell is on probation, so a judge decided on a $6,000 bond for both charges. CBS News also reported that in November 2018, Campbell was hit with charges including grand theft auto, possession of a controlled substance, and knowingly driving with a suspended license.

Meanwhile, following the news of his son’s arrest, Uncle Luke took to social media. In a video, he called out certain media outlets over coverage of Cambell Jr.’s case. “Let me just say this to the Miami media: is that the best y’all could do?” he questioned. “You go find the estranged son who goes to jail every other week. And you plaster that on the news because I went off on your white boy Dan Gilbert on Miami Beach for what he’s doing to African American kids. Oh, you went and found the estranged son.” Not everyone agreed with Uncle Luke’s reaction, but he’s standing ten toes down. Check out his message above.

[via]

Happy Birthday To Miami Bass Pioneer Uncle Luke!

December 22, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Happy 62nd born day to the Liberty City native who became a father, husband and a definitive part of Hip Hop history!

The post Happy Birthday To Miami Bass Pioneer Uncle Luke! appeared first on The Source.

2 Live Crew’s Uncle Luke Responds to Fat Joe Saying He Put On Trick Daddy and Pitbull

December 10, 2022 by newhiphopnews

[WATCH] Uncle Luke Comments On Fat Joe Claiming He Discovered Pitbull And Trick Daddy

December 9, 2022 by newhiphopnews

On a recent episode of Math Hoffa’s podcast My Expert Opinion, Fat Joe claimed that he discovered Slip N’ Slide’s Trick Daddy as well as reggaeton iconoclast Pitbull, both of whom respectively have elevated their careers in their own right. Now, Miami Hip Hop pioneer Uncle Luke has responded to Joey Crack’s claims and says that he doesn’t remeber things going anything like that.

The Luke Skyywalker Records founder posted the clip of Joe on the podcast on IG, captioning the video, saying, “I love Joe but I find this very interesting because i discovered @trickdaddydollars he did his first song with me as soon as he got off the lock up and by he stayed with me.”

As for Pitbull, Uncle Luke said, “I also discovered signed @pitbull to the platinum-selling Luke records label did his first songs with me. Because I’m from [Miami], I felt the importance of signing a Cuban rapper, so I discovered him off of battle rap tapes. Maybe I’m missing something here I do have the receipts.”

The 2 Live Crew front man even threw DJ Khaled on his “put me on” roster, adding, “By the way because you don’t see me all in the videos at the [parties] @djkhaled I found him on underground radio mix 96 brought him to mainstream radio @99jamzmiami The Luke Show.”

The post [WATCH] Uncle Luke Comments On Fat Joe Claiming He Discovered Pitbull And Trick Daddy appeared first on The Source.