Guardian Media Releases Statement About Nicki Minaj, Defends Journalist

by

The ongoing Nicki Minaj social media saga involving discussions about swollen testicles and the COVID-19 vaccine took another turn earlier today (September 17) when the rapper shared that journalist Sharlene Rampersad was targeting her family member. Minaj uploaded screenshots to her social media accounts showing someone from Guardian Media threatened to expose her relative’s address and seemingly harassed them, and soon, the Barbz fell in line and targeted the journalist.

Now, Guardian Media has issued a statement about the controversy in which they claimed that Rampersad received death threats.

Nicki Minaj
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

“Today, in the legitimate pursuit of a story that has both local and international interest, one of our journalists has been subjected to a range of attacks via social media including death threats,” they reportedly stated. “This is unacceptable and we have taken all measures within our control to ensure her safety and security.”

The statement continues:

At Guardian Media Ltd. we denounce intimidation of journalists in any form. Balanced reporting which presents all perspectives is fundamental to the democratic process and we will continue to champion vigorously the freedom of the press.

The use of aggression on social media to intimidate can have adverse physical and psychological effects on people. As a responsible media house, we encourage others to stand up against this type of behaviour as we can all make a difference in addressing this global challenge posed by the pervasive nature of social media.

Minaj has not yet commented on this statement, but she previously shared that she is ready for this controversy to end. While the company stood against cyberbullying, they did not address the validity of the messages and did not say that the journalist was not responsible for them.

Nike Air Max 90 Receives Grey & Blue Offering For The Fall

by

Throughout the 90s, Nike came through with some truly impressive Air Maxes, including the Nike Air Max 90 which recently turned 30 years old. The shoe is still cranking out dope colorways and fans are eager to cop every time something interesting hits the market. Earlier today, we reported on the NRG “Ridgerock” colorway which seems like a guaranteed hit as we make our way into the Fall season.

Now, we are bringing you yet another Air Max 90 colorway, although this time, it is completely devoid of a unique name. Instead, this shoe is known simply by the colors that hit you directly in the face. Based on the official images below, you can tell that those colors are mostly grey as the neutral tone makes its way throughout the upper. From there, we have just a few hints of blue, all while there is a black swoosh to add that contrast that is so important.

This sneaker is set to drop soon for a price of $120 USD, so keep it locked to your local sneaker store for more details. As always, give us your thoughts on this new model, in the comments section below.

feature image
Image via Nike
Image via Nike
Image via Nike
Image via Nike
Image via Nike

Quando Rondo Approached By Man Who Wanted To Fight Him At A Mall

by

Artists, particularly rappers, as vigilant when it comes to their safety. From crazed fans to their personal foes, artists have often found themselves in harm’s way if they are out and about unprotected, and we have reported on unfortunate cases that have proven to be fatal. Quando Rondo has been on the receiving end of threats following the death of King Von nearly one year ago, and ass we approach the anniversary of the Chicago rapper’s death, Rondo was reportedly accosted while shopping.

The Georgia rapper has defended himself against accusations that he was responsible for Von’s death and although his friend Lul Tim was hit with murder charges in connection to the incident, Rondo has maintained that he does not have any issues with Von or his associates.

Rondo has reportedly been shot at and has faced off against internet trolls, and in a new video that has circulated online, he is seen engaging in a verbal altercation with someone who wanted to fight him.

In the video, Rondo was in a mall at a register finalizing a purchase when a man walks up to the rapper while recording the altercation. He seemed to be trying to get Rondo to go to the restroom with him to fight, but Rondo decides to brush off the comments. Check out the exchange below.

G-Eazy Reflects On Fame And Shame In His Searing ‘Breakdown’ Video Featuring Demi Lovato

by

G-Eazy is gearing up to release his fourth studio album, These Things Happen Too, which will be out next Friday, September 24. Ahead of the album’s release he’s shared several tracks, including “A Little More” with Kiana Lede and “Down” with Latto.

Today, he dropped a brand new single and video featuring another collaborator, Demi Lovato, an artist who has faced similar scrutiny as the Oakland rapper. As his debut album from 2014 was called These Things Happen, this new installment serves as a follow-up to his breakout, and if this new single “Breakdown” is an indication, the rapper is going to get brutally honest about what he’s been through. Most notably, the rapper’s break up with Halsey was well-documented as the pair had the hit single “Him & I” together prior to the relationship’s end, and were supposedly working on music right up until the end of their time together. He also faced further scrutiny for a 2018 drug possession incident in Sweden.

Headlines about their relationship flit by in the video, which frequently features a split screen of Demi and G-Eazy, both trying to handle what they’re going through. Demi’s struggles with addiction and recovery have also been well-documented, and they even released a tell-all documentary getting into the details of what happened. Directed by Daniel CZ, the video offers a searing reflection on fame, shame, and celebrity culture. Check it out above.

Armand Hammer Aren’t Just Ahead Of Their Time — They’re Making Bold Music For Now

by

Hip-hop duo Armand Hammer have been making bold and thought-provoking music for just shy of a decade — but don’t call them ahead of their time. Rather, rappers Billy Woods and Elucid are making music for now. After putting out several records, including the 2021 LP Haram with Eminem’s current DJ, The Alchemist, Armand Hammer are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Charting their success in a recent Magnum Scenes video presented by Uproxx, Armand Hammer explain why they live up to their label as the “best lyricists on the planet.”

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Elucid never second-guesses himself when it comes to his music. That’s why when he first discovered Billy Woods, he knew they were destined to be musical partners. Known for his quick-witted lyrics, Woods’ love of the written word was inherited from his Shakespearean scholar mother. “For me, the trust was almost immediate because I’ve seen what he could do by himself,” Elucid said of the duo’s creative connection.

Armand Hammer didn’t pop off overnight. Instead, they made a name for themselves organically by booking their own shows with their favorite creatives. At the time, Elucid says a certain type of rap was “pushed to the side” in favor of commercially successful music. But Armand Hammer have always stayed true to their sound. “I still have a little bit of a chip on my shoulder about that because I never stopped doing the thing they said stop doing,” Elucid said.

Elsewhere in the video, Armand Hammer talk about their indie record label Backwoodz Studioz, so check out the above and explore the other musicians covered in the Magnum Scenes series here.

Additional footage by Alexander Richter

Tameka Foster Recalls Catching Usher With Another Woman

by

They seem to be happily co-parenting now, but the relationship between Usher and ex-wife Tameka Raymond was once riddled with scandal. The pair met while she was working as his stylist and were married in 2007. In 2009, they decided to divorce, and by that time they had welcomed two sons. Later, a bitter custody battle played out in front of a global audience waiting for the next bite of gossip.

Back in July, Foster shared her memoir, Here I Stand… in a Beautiful State, and inside, she revisits some moments during her relationship with the music icon.

Tameka Foster, Usher
Brad Barket / Stringer / Getty Images

Foster recently sat down with Jason Lee of Hollywood Unlocked and was asked about a certain mention in her book where she detailed catching Usher with another woman. According to her, they were dating at the time and were exclusive, so she stopped by to see what he was up to and found him in a compromising position.

Lee was sharing the story and mentioned that Foster snatched the woman up, but she laughed and denied the accusation. “I have the potential to snatch some wigs, however, I did not on that day…well, maybe I did,” she admitted. “I didn’t touch a girl. I was mad at him. My anger was directed in the right direction.”

“You gotta read the book,” Foster added. “I want your viewers to actually order and read the book because I think they will be pleasantly surprised about how things really went and my position on things. There’s some funny stories in there and that’s one of the funniest ones.”

Watch the clip below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FOX SOUL (@foxsoul)

Michael Irvin Hits Aaron Rodgers With A Harsh Reality

by

Aaron Rodgers was absolutely abysmal in the first game of the season last weekend as the Green Bay Packers fell to the New Orleans Saints by a score of 38-3. Rodgers could not find any consistency throughout the match and it had many NFL fans roasting him for his effort. After a summer of drama, Rodgers had nothing to show for it, and for a brief moment, he was a laughing stock on social media.

Throughout the entire week, Rodgers has been ripped into by various media personalities, including Stephen A. Smith who is usually Aaron’s biggest fan. Now, Michael Irvin is getting at Rodgers, telling TMZ that the Packers player should have never threatened to retire.

Aaron Rodgers

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

“This game is too hard,” Irvin said. “That’s why you hear people say, if you’re talking about or thinking about retiring, you’re already retired. So. Aaron was was thinking about not playing. And it showed up, man.”

Irvin’s analysis is an interesting one given the fact that he has won three NFL titles. The former Dallas Cowboys great knows what it takes to perform at a high level, and clearly, Rodgers isn’t up to snuff right now.

It’s not all doom and gloom for Rodgers as Irvin noted that the star QB is likely to bounce back. However, it’s clear that his summer of antics were a key contributor to his Week 1 downfall.

[Via]

Benny The Butcher Explains Not Being Featured On “Certified Lover Boy” Or “Donda”

by

Fans have been awaiting news about Benny The Butcher and Drake’s collaboration since February 2020, and while the Griselda icon has insisted that it’s in the clip, we have yet to see the song materialize. Benny has been teasing what is expected to be the two massive talents blending their bars on wax, but each New Music Friday arrives without the anticipated track.

Prior to the releases of Certified Lover Boy and Donda, Benny connected with both Drake and Kanye West, but the New York rapper didn’t make an appearance on either record. He recently sat down with Wayno and was asked about his exclusion.

“Drake is Drake. He’s the biggest artist in the world so ain’t no tellin’ where that song gon’ land,” said Benny. “We got the song, I played it for all the homies. It’s a vibe and he gotta place that where he sees fit to it. I feel like it definitely would have fit in and definitely would have mixed things up, but I also see why he didn’t put it on [Certified Lover Boy].”

“He just gotta trust himself and trust his team and what he’s doing,” he added before speaking about not being featured on Donda. Westside Gunn and Conway The Machine appeared on “Keep My Spirit Alive,” and Benny stated that he was present for one of the sessions but he wasn’t under the impression that West wanted him on the album. Benny isn’t pressed about it and knows that every artist has their own creative process.

Watch Benny The Butcher below.

LeBron James Laughs At Kawhi & Paul George’s Pain

by

Today was a big day for the Los Angeles Clippers franchise as they announced the name of their brand new stadium in Inglewood. For 23 years, the new arena will be called the Intuit Dome, and owner Steve Ballmer is extremely excited about the future. During the media event today, Ballmer also announced that the arena will be ready for the 2024-2025 season, which is an exciting prospect for basketball fans in Inglewood.

As for the team’s two superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the media event wasn’t all that great. In a video posted to Twitter by Clutch Points, Kawhi and George seemed comatose while watching the music performances that were going down, and it made for a hilarious visual.

As the video went viral, LeBron James noticed the clip and decided to react to it all with a bevy of laughing emojis. Clearly, the Lakers superstar found it humorous, especially given what we know about Kawhi’s deadpan personality.

Just a few years ago, LeBron was trying to recruit Kawhi to come to the Lakers although the superstar decided to go to the Clips instead. Based on their off-court interactions, it seems as though there are no hard feelings, which is good to see.

Hopefully, for Kawhi, the Clippers’ new stadium is a lot more exciting than the press conference that announced it.

LeBron & Kawhi

Harry How/Getty Images