Yo Gotti has made an unexpected announcement. The CMG music mogul will return to school to study business at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). This surprising move marks a new chapter for the rapper as he seeks to expand his knowledge and skills in business.
Business Casual Gotti
Yo Gotti is officially set to pursue business studies at the esteemed University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
UCLA Anderson School of Management, where the Untrapped artist will be studying, ranks among the top 20 business schools in the country, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Gottil’s chosen “Corporate Valuation” course will equip him with analytical tools relevant to valuing projects, corporations, mergers and acquisitions, and more.
Back 2 School
Professor Lori Santikian will be leading the course, which explores the impact of real options on investment decisions and how to identify and value them.
Upon completing the course, Gotti and his classmates will gain the expertise to conduct comprehensive equity valuations using both qualitative strategic analysis and quantitative financial analysis. This new knowledge will undoubtedly benefit Gotti as he continues to navigate the music industry and his various business ventures.
While the start date for Gotti’s classes has not been disclosed, this decision showcases his commitment to personal growth and education. By enrolling at UCLA, Gotti demonstrates that he is not only focused on his successful music career but also expanding his horizons and acquiring valuable knowledge in a different field.
The duo will release I Showed U So, a follow-up to their 2006 Gangsta Grillz branded mixtape, I Told U So. This upcoming release further solidifies Gotti’s influence in the music industry.
Yak Attack For Higher Education
This move to pursue further education mirrors the decision made by fellow rapper Kodak Black earlier this year. During the Super Bowl weekend, Kodak revealed his plans to enroll at Alabama State University (ASU) to work on his major after completing the necessary prerequisites.
Yo Gotti is expanding his horizons with a business course at UCLA Anderson School of Management. Gotti has enrolled in the “Corporate Valuation” course, which focuses on analytical tools for valuing various entities, including corporations, IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, private firms, and debt.
Taught by Professor Lori Santikian, the weekly course equips students, including Gotti, with methodological tools to explore the impact of real options on investment decisions and how to identify and value them. By the course’s end, participants will be adept at producing comprehensive equity valuations based on qualitative strategic and quantitative financial analyses.
UCLA Anderson School of Management, recognized in the Top 20 of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Business Schools for 2023-2024, provides a robust academic environment for Gotti’s educational pursuit.
This academic endeavor reflects Gotti’s commitment to entrepreneurial excellence, complementing his role in building CMG into a leading record label and entertainment organization. As the co-owner of D.C. United in Major League Soccer, Gotti is part of an esteemed ownership group, showcasing his diverse investments in real estate, esports, upscale dining, and more. Gotti’s foray into business studies aligns seamlessly with his dynamic and multifaceted career.
Angela Simmons and Yo Gotti have known one another long before they united as the power couple standing before us today, but that doesn’t mean the CMG boss’ feelings for his other half have diminished. If anything, they’ve only grown stronger as he continues to incorporate her in virtually everything he does. Even before they were dating, Gotti made his love for the footwear designer known on his famous “Down In The DM” single, which remains a fan favourite to this day. As they move into the next year of their relationship, the Southern star felt it was about time to have his other half join him on stage for a performance.
Earlier this week, the “Pose” hitmaker was entertaining the crowd on his Gangsta Art tour, looking more confident than ever in a bright red ensemble. While spitting the catchy lyrics to his 2016 track, Simmons slowly rose from underground on a platform, everyone watching on erupting in applause. “I got a crush on Angela Simmons,” Gotti raps, his partner in crime looking as fiery as him in a cherry-coloured skin-tight dress.
“Still ,” the 42-year-old wrote in his caption when sharing the moment with social media. He hasn’t dropped any hints at proposing to Simmons just yet, though we’d be more than happy to see the lovers take their relationship to the next step in 2024. As the fashion icon continues to grow into herself amid a health and fitness journey, Gotti is proudly supporting her while letting his light shine too.
Yo Gotti and Angela Simmons first crossed paths long before becoming the superstar duo we know today. Since finally confirming their relationship with fans, we’ve only seen them fall further in love with each other – a trend we hope to see continue in the new year. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
As 2023 dawned, the hip-hop world was taken by surprise as Yo Gotti and his new girlfriend, Angela Simmons, declared their relationship on Instagram. This announcement was a revelation of a new celebrity couple and the culmination of a love story that had been years in the making. According to XXL, the pair “made their relationship official on Instagram,” a significant step for two public figures in the limelight for so long. Here, we’re exploring their journey from a lyrical crush to a public romance, all while navigating personal challenges and media speculation. It paints a picture of a love story full of surprises, set against the backdrop of the hip-hop world.
October 2015: The Lyric That Sparked A Flame
It all began in 2015 when Yo Gotti released his track “Down in the DM,” where he publicly expressed his admiration for Angela Simmons, the daughter of Reverend Run of the legendary rap group Run DMC. This wasn’t just a typical shout-out in a rap song but a candid confession of a crush. Gotti’s words, “And I just followed Angela (Simmons)/Boy, I got a crush on Angela Simmons,” as reported by XXL, were bold and unfiltered, setting the stage for what was to come.
Yo Gotti and Angela Simmons’ relationship is a notable example of how public declarations of affection can evolve into a real connection. By him first expressing affection towards Simmons through his music, this showed early signs of a spark that could form between the two, even if nothing would transpire and Simmons wouldn’t become Yo Gotti’s girlfriend until years later.
Amid this unfolding love story, Angela faced personal tragedy when her ex-fiancé, Sutton Tennyson, was fatally shot. This played an important part in Angela’s life, as she struggled with loss and the responsibilities of being a single mother. The tragic shooting of her ex-fiancé in November 2018 deeply impacted her. Tennyson was shot and killed in his driveway in Atlanta, and the suspect, Michael Williams, was charged with murder, among other charges.
Tennyson and Simmons shared a son named Sutton Joseph. Following Tennyson’s death, Simmons expressed her grief and shock on social media, vowing to support their son. She described her son as her “greatest gift” and shared tributes to Tennyson, emphasizing her commitment to raising their son with strength and love. The tragedy hit Simmons hard, but she admits in an interview on Tamron Hall’s show that going through therapy helped her cope with the situation and move on.
In another track, “Save It For Me,” released when Simmons got engaged to Tennyson, Gotti rapped about his feelings for her. Although some time passed, Yo Gotti would eventually get to shoot his shot with Angela. Fast forward to 2023, and the once one-sided affection turned romantic. The couple chose the dawn of the new year to announce their relationship, a moment that XXL described as a transition from Gotti’s crush to his ladylove. Their Instagram posts were not just mere photos; they were a declaration of love and mutual admiration, marking the beginning of a new chapter. It was official now. Angela Simmons was Yo Gotti’s girlfriend!
Since the two have become official, he has made several romantic gestures to express his affection for Angela Simmons. One of the most notable was for her 36th birthday, where he arranged an extravagant display of pink rose bouquets, black Chanel boxes, white candles, and a saxophone player serenading Simmons against a backdrop of clear blue water and palm trees.
This grand gesture also included tribal dancers and a beautifully decorated dinner table on the beach. Gotti’s surprise visibly moved Simmons, as she shared her emotional response on her Instagram Stories, noting that the saxophone player played SWV’s hit “Weak” in the background and expressing how touched she was by the romantic setup.
August 2023: Love Affair In Music
In a romantic gesture, Yo Gotti released “The One,” accompanied by a music video starring Angela Simmons. PEOPLEMagazine exclusively premiered this video, showcasing the couple’s intimate moments in luxurious locales like Greece and Dubai. The video was a visual diary of their love, with Gotti rapping heartfelt lyrics about his feelings for Simmons.
The music video included scenes of them riding in a Rolls-Royce, going on shopping sprees, swimming, and sharing intimate moments. Simmons also appeared in Gotti’s “No Fake Love” music video, further emphasizing their romantic connection and her support for his career. Additionally, Simmons has shown her affection by gifting Gotti a Tesla for his birthday, highlighting the reciprocal nature of their relationship.
Despite the fairy-tale romance, the couple faced their share of challenges. Rumors of a breakup and Gotti’s alleged infidelity surfaced, but these remained unaddressed by the couple. In its coverage, Distractify delved into these swirling rumors, introducing further intrigue into their relationship. The publication cited an October 20 report from a gossip site, Gossip of the City, which claimed on a platform known as X (previously Twitter), that Yo Gotti might be involved with another woman, referred to as his “nurse boo.”
The report alleged that Gotti had spent time with this woman in Las Vegas at the Aria Hotel, conspicuously without Angela’s presence. The source speculated that this could indicate either a breakup between Gotti and Angela or potential infidelity, given Gotti’s time spent with someone else. Despite such rumors, the couple appeared unfazed, showcasing their bond through public appearances and social media.
February 2023 – Present: Solidifying Their Bond In The Public Eye
The couple’s relationship was further solidified through their public appearances. They made their attendance at a Memphis Grizzlies game and at the Grammys, where they made their red carpet debut as a couple. These appearances were not just about showing up; they were affirmations of their commitment to each other, observed and celebrated by their fans.
The relationship between Yo Gotti and Angela Simmons is more than a celebrity romance. It shows the power of persistence, resilience in the face of personal tragedy, and the unexpected twists that life can bring. As they navigate the ups and downs of their public and private lives, their story continues to evolve, reminding us that sometimes, the most unlikely pairings can lead to the most beautiful stories.
Under the record label information for 42 Dugg’s last album, Free Dem Boyz, which dropped in 2021, it seems he inked a deal as part of a joint venture between Lil Baby’s 4PF (Four Pockets Full) and Yo Gotti’sCMG (Collective Music Group).
When asked about the decision to ink a deal with 42 Dugg in May 2019, 42 Dugg told Billboard, “I’m really proud of Dugg’s growth and development over the years. His hard work is starting to pay off, and he’s only gonna get better as an artist. Baby and I know Dugg has the potential to be a superstar, and we’re both gonna do everything we can to keep putting him in the best positions to succeed.”
That makes 42 Dugg labelmates with artists such as Rylo Rodriguez, GloRilla, and Uproxx cover artist Moneybagg Yo, to name but a few.
Earlier this week, 42 Dugg was released from prison after serving a one-year sentence. He was sent to jail for failing to surrender himself and serve a 6-month sentence spawning from a gun charge in 2020. Video of the rapper’s release from prison made the rounds online. Reportedly Yo Gotti and Dugg’s family were there to pick him up. It didn’t take long for Dugg to get back into the swing of things as he reportedly hit the studio soon after his release.
Now, he’s also taking to flexing some new jewelry online. In two clips shared online, he shows off his new bling. The first video shows an impressive-looking gold watch. The other shows a pair of weighty-looking chains both of which are absolutely glistening. Despite the impressive-looking pieces, fans in the comments were still pretty critical. “Rap n*ggas still doing this corny roll out?….happy dudes home tho fr,” and “go buy him an apartment building, then let the rental income buy him the lifestyle,” two of the top comments read. Check out the pair of videos and various fan reactions below.
Despite his incarceration, Dugg was still able to drop new music. Back in July, he came through with an energetic banger called “One Time.” The track shouted out the real one who stuck with him despite his time in prison. Even earlier this year he teamed up with Babyface Ray for the track “Ron Artest” which paid tribute to the former-Laker.
Around the time he was releasing that track, things looked pretty shaky for Dugg. After pleading guilty in March he faced up to five years in prison and thankfully had his sentence lightened. Getting it dropped down to just a year and being released when he was is seen by many as a major win for Dugg. What do you think of 42 Dugg hitting the jeweler right after getting out of prison? Let us know in the comment section below.
In May, Yo Gotti’s birthday wish was for 42 Dugg, his fellow Collective Music Group (CMG) artist, to be released from prison. That wish was granted on Wednesday, October 18. Outlets such as Complexand The Fader reported that 42 Dugg was released from the United States Penitentiary Atlanta. XXLconfirmed the news with the Federal Bureau Of Prisons, and Yo Gotti posted an Instagram video showing him joyfully embracing the Detroit rapper. He served six months.
In March, 42 Dugg pled guilty to “failing to report to prison camp in West Virginia for illegally possessing a firearm,” and he reportedly received a one-year sentence in April (as per Detroit Newsat the time). Dugg was previously arrested because he’d recently been “convicted of illegally possessing a firearm (a crime for a convicted felon) and was supposed to report for a six-month sentence last month,” as Uproxx’s Aaron Williams relayed in May 2022.
Upon Dugg being arrested in a federal gun probe in March 2020, XXL provided context for his converging legal troubles, as excerpted below:
“According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court, investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reviewed video surveillance and documents from the gun range and discovered that Dugg, born Dion Marquise Hayes, and two others visited the gun range on Nov. 8, 2019. Investigators claim that surveillance video shows the ‘Whole City’ rapper allegedly possessing, loading and firing a 9 mm Glock pistol. Authorities learned of Hayes firing the weapon from an anonymous tip.
Dugg is not allowed to possess a firearm due to convictions for carjacking and felony firearms possession in 2010, reports the The Detroit News.”
An unnamed source told Complex that 42 Dugg “was picked up by Yo Gotti” as well as his family and friends, and, “At Dugg’s request, he went straight to the studio after being picked up.”
42 Dugg is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
CMG The Label has unveiled the highly-anticipated Gangsta Art 2, the sequel to their star-studded compilation album. This project is now available for streaming on all major platforms through CMG Records/Interscope.
The album features an eclectic mix of dynamic collaborations and solo tracks from the label’s CEO, Yo Gotti, and an All-Star roster including Moneybagg Yo, GloRilla, Blac Youngsta, EST Gee, 42 Dugg, Mozzy, Lil Poppa, Big Boogie, and Lehla Samia. It also includes special guest appearances from Sexyy Red, Fivio Foreign, Gloss Up, BIG30, and more.
With 18 songs in total, Gangsta Art 2 highlights the label’s versatility. Listeners can expect fiery bars from Yo Gotti on tracks like “Fire Us,” “Soldier,” and “Foundation,” while Lehla Samia showcases her sultry voice on “You Want It.” Notable tracks also include GloRilla’s collaboration with Fivio Foreign on “Cha Cha Cha,” which merges their distinctive styles.
Leading up to the album’s release, GloRilla set the tone with “Wrong One,” featuring Gloss Up, Slimeroni, K Carbon, Aleza, and Tay Keith. Moneybagg Yo followed with “Big Dawg,” a memorable track with Sexyy Red featuring a mesmerizing hook.
Gangsta Art 2 follows the success of the label’s first compilation album, Gangsta Art, which dropped in July 2022. It featured collaborations with artists like Kodak Black, Coi Leray, BIG30, and more, earning praise and accolades. Additionally, GloRilla’s “Tomorrow” gained over 13 million views and 7 million streams on Spotify alone, and the collaborative effort “Big League” by Gotti, Moneybagg, Mozzy, and Lil Poppa became the official song of the 2022 NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics.
pic.twitter.com/QSAnbo6B6d
,” the 42-year-old wrote in his caption when sharing the moment with social media. He hasn’t dropped any hints at proposing to Simmons just yet, though we’d be more than happy to see the lovers take 
(@thewavecheckk) 
