Fans Can Now Use Bitcoin To Pay For Entry At Exit Music Festival 2021

by
Getty Image

With the recent rise of NFTs in the music industry and interest in cryptocurrency, an international festival looking to join the trend. Serbia’s Exit Music Festival is returning this summer, and fans now have the option to buy their passes with Bitcoin.

The process of purchasing a ticket with Bitcoin is fairly similar to paying with a credit card. Once festivalgoers select the items they want to purchase on Exit’s website, they will see an option to “Pay with Bitcoin.” They’ll get a QR code to scan their Bitcoin App and will receive their tickets once the payment has been transferred and confirmed on the Bitcoin network.

Exit is currently slated to be one of the first large-scale international music festivals to return this year. It takes place from July 8-11 at the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia and it’s lineup includes artists and DJs like David Guetta, DJ Snake, Tyga, Nina Kraviz, Sheck Wes, and more.

In a statement about the decision to begin accepting Bitcoin, Exit festival CEO and founder Dusan Kovacevic said they want to be at the cutting-edge of technology. “The potential of blockchain, digital exchange and currency is exciting and we wanted to make sure we are at the forefront and are utilizing new technologies and able to engage with our tech savvy audience as technology evolves and changes.”

Tickets to Exit Festival are on sale now. Get them here.

Swizz Beatz Remembers His Last Song With DMX

by

DMX’s death continues to weigh heavy on the hearts of many of his fans and collaborators, including Swizz Beatz, who was heavily involved in the creation of X’s posthumous Exodus album. With the anticipated project due for release on May 28th, complete with guest appearances from Lil Wayne, Conway The Machine, Westside Gunn, Benny The Butcher, Snoop Dogg, and Bono, Swizz Beatz took a moment to reflect on one of the final songs he worked on with his longtime creative partner. 

Speaking with Rap-Up, Swizzy opened up about the creation of “Been To War,” the French Montana-assisted anthem from the Godfather Of Harlem season 2 soundtrack. “I actually made that record for X, and wanted that record for X, but then we was coming with the show,” he explains. “And so it was like, ‘you know what, it’s perfect. Yeah, that might’ve been the last one.”

Swizz Beatz DMX

Johnny Nunez/Getty Images

“He sent it to me and he was just so excited to be included in Godfather of Harlem again, beyond the theme song,” continues Swizz, alluding to DMX’s . “And he just was like, I’m going to get it. Cause he was taking a little long to finish the verse because he was traveling. And then he called me and he was just like, ‘I’m on it. I’m going to the studio and I’ll have it to you by tomorrow.'”

“He had it to me the next day,” says Swizz. “And I thought it was super fresh and he just was super appreciative, ’cause he was a big fan of Forest [Whitaker]. Big fan of Godfather and it’s something he actually had fun doing.” 

Though it’s likely that Swizz will have contributed to Exodus, it would appear that “Been To War” was, at least chronologically speaking, their final collaboration. Should you be interested in hearing that one, you can check it out right here. For more from Swizz Beatz, check out his conversation with Rap-Up right here. Are you excited to hear the album that X was working on prior to his death?

Elon Musk Tanks Bitcoin Price After Voicing Environmental Concerns

by

Elon Musk made huge waves just a few months ago as he announced that Tesla would be buying over $1 billion worth of Bitcoin. Around the same time, he announced that Tesla would start accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment for its cars. Since that time, Elon has championed cryptocurrencies although now, he seems to be changing his tune.

Last night, Musk tweeted that he is worried about the harm Bitcoin is doing to the environment and that effective immediately, Tesla would no longer take Bitcoin as a payment. This led to a huge panic sell from investors, bringing the price of Bitcoin from $55K USD to $50K USD.

“We are concerned about rapidly increasing use of fossil fuels for Bitcoin mining and transactions, especially coal, which has the worst emissions of any fuel,” Musk said. “Cryptocurrency is a good idea on many levels and we believe it has a promising future, but this cannot come at a great cost to the environment.”

The environmental concerns related to cryptocurrency have been well-documented over the last few weeks. Crypto enthusiasts are adamant that most of the energy used is renewable, while others argue that it is doing irreparable harm to the planet. Either way, Bitcoin investors are furious with Musk right now, and they are starting to ponder whether or not it’s normal that one man can sway the market in such a significant way.

Tesla

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Coi Leray Is Motivated By Nicki Minaj’s Rare Pink Richard Mille

by

Only three days have passed since Nicki Minaj shocked the Hip-Hop community with a steamy Instagram post that doubled as a cryptic announcement that something was coming this Friday, but fans and artists alike haven’t stopped watching the “Yikes” rapper’s ever move. The hype behind Nicki Minaj’s return has already caused a spike in the sale of pink Crocs, and mere Instagram posts have led her fans down rabbit holes about a potential Rihanna collaboration. 

Now, following Nicki’s most recent teaser in which she showed off a rare iced-out pink Richard Millie, it turns out that even Coi Leray has been tuned into the Queen rapper‘s moves leading up to her mysterious release this Friday. 

“Nicki Minaj so bad,” Coi Leray says in one tweet. After her initial statement garnered mixed reception and confusion from Twitter users, the “No More Parties” artist followed it up with a statement that directly praised the Pink Friday rapper and her flashy new wrist piece. “Nicki Pink Richard Millie is my new motivation for today,” Coi clarifies. “I can’t stop thinking about that damn watch.”

Are you impressed with Nicki Minaj’s custom pink Richard Millie? Or are you more excited that she may finally be dropping new music this week?

Dana White Shuts Down Any Chance Of Working With Jake & Logan Paul

by

Dana White is one of the most outspoken presidents in professional sports and when it comes to protecting the integrity of MMA, he seems to have a chip on his shoulder. He has been especially protective over the last few months as the likes of Logan and Jake Paul have been inserting themselves into the boxing world. Jake recently fought MMA fighter Ben Askren and he wants a shot at other UFC fighters like Conor McGregor.

White has been adamant that this will never happen and during an interview with ESPN, White made sure to note that he will never work with the Paul brothers. However, White did give Jake a bit of respect, noting that he has become a legitimate fighter in some respects.

Jake & Logan Paul

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

“First of all, I would never do business with those guys, just no, “White said. “No, this is not what we do. I’m not gonna f*****g loan them a guy for f****g what? There’s no way. […] Listen, you cannot deny the fact that [Jake] has inserted himself into the conversation with real guys. This guy has got three fights, and I gotta tell you that I don’t know if I truly believe the Ben Askren thing. I have a hard time wrapping by brain around that.”

Regardless, White is protecting the UFC from the Paul’s and his stance won’t be changing anytime soon. Needless to say, that Jake vs. Conor fight probably won’t be happening in the near future.

Dennis Rodman Celebrated By Fans On His 60th Birthday

by

When fans look back at the history of the NBA and think of some of the greatest defenders of all time, Dennis Rodman is always near the top of the list. He was a guy who could pretty well grab every single rebound no matter where it landed and he was always roughing up opposing players in the most legal ways possible. Players like him are extremely rare these days and when it comes to his personality, Rodman is even more of a rare gem.

He has always been an eccentric guy who doesn’t feel about speaking his mind or showing emotion. His personal expression is what has made him such a fan favorite and “The Last Dance” made even more casual fans fall in love with him. Today, Rodman is celebrating his 60th birthday and fans are making sure he feels the love.

Dennis Rodman

Rich Fury/Getty Images

If you go on Twitter, Rodman is actually a trending topic and the trend is filled with fans and big media companies celebrating everything Rodman has done over the years. From his hilarious interviews to the times in which he dazzled fans on the court, Rodman has blessed fans with a lot over the years and it is clearly appreciated.

Let us know your favorite Dennis Rodman moment, in the comments below.

Lil Uzi Vert Purchases $4.4 Million Dollar Mansion In California: Report

by

It appears Lil Uzi Vert has a new place to call home. According to reports, the Philly rapper has just copped himself a $4.4 million dollar mansion in California’s Bell Canyon, which is on the outskirts of the San Fernando Valley.

According to TheDirt.com, the a “one of a kind architectural masterpiece” is on 1.5 acres of land and two stories tall, with five and a half bathrooms, and panoramic views of the valley via the glass-walled construction. It’s also got a massive, open-floor plan, a convenient and picturesque patio, an outdoor kitchen/bar area for entertaining, and of course, an outdoor pool tucked under one of its balconies. Other amenities in the Bell Canyon community include a private park, hiking trails, tennis courts, and an equestrian center. 

Bennett Raglin/ Getty Images 

The $4.4 million price tag is nothing to Uzi, who currently has a $24 million diamond implanted in his forehead and drives around in million dollar custom Bugatti’s. Check out some of the pictures of the home right here and let us know what you think. You already know JT about to be livin’ it up over there.

Uzi is currently recording and working on his next project which he’s been teasing for weeks. He recently said it’s going to be “legendary”. We’ll keep you posted moving forward.

[Via]

Bang Bang & EST Gee Are Unstoppable In “Catch A Body”

by

Over the past several months, rising rapper Bang Bang has been a name for himself in the streets of Philadelphia for his relatable and authentic brand of lyricism. At the top of the New Year, he dropped of the six-track project Public Enemy #1, which contained impressive tracks such as “Dead N*ggaz,” “Drakos,” and “1am In Atlanta.” Now, the Phiiladelphia artist has linked up with another exciting up-and-comer: EST Gee, the CMG signee known for his standout verse on Lil Baby’s recent Billboard hit “Real As It Gets.”

Together, Bang Bang and EST Gee have unleashed “Catchy A Body,” a hard-hitting collaboration between two of Philly and Memphis’ brightest newcomers.

Clocking in at just under three minutes, “Catch A Body” is a spirited new single that finds both Bang Bang and EST in their element over cinematic production courtesy of ForeverRolling. Bang Bang kicks things off with a slick, confident verse, and EST Gee quickly follows his collaborator’s lead with a fiery 16 of his own. Check out the flashy music video for Bang Bang and EST Gee’s new single “Catch A Body” below.

Quotable Lyrics

Ain’t no pretty picture, but I’m shinnin’ n*gga f*ck it
In my hood I’m Puffy, I been in my duffy, N*ggas never punked me
They know G gon’ bust it, in a scuffle And he getting money
I remember She ain’t wanna f*ck me Swore that I was ugly

Post Malone Is The New Global Ambassador For Monster Energy Drink

by
Monster Energy Drink

For the Post Malone fans who were already delighted by the rapper’s collaboration with Crocs, today’s news will probably be just as welcome. Turns out the artist born Austin Richard Post is now the global ambassador for Monster energy drink, a standby for gamers, sleepless nights and late night hangs everywhere, while also simultaneously being a staple at high-energy sporting events. Now that’s range.

“I am pumped to team up with Monster Energy and look forward to continuing to kick ass and having fun together.” said Post Malone in a press release detailing the collaboration. For their part, the brand was equally pumped. “Monster Energy is excited to welcome Post Malone to our team,” said Monster Energy’s CMO Dan McHugh. “Post Malone is the perfect addition to our team of award-winning talent. We look forward to growing together through our partnership.”

That partnership, so far, includes gifting ten grand prize winners an “exclusive virtual fan experience” with Posty himself, and an additional fifteen first prize winners with their own Xbox Series X console. Not to rain on anyone’s parade, but the latter sounds like the better prize here, right? Either way, you can enter for a chance to Post Up With Post Malone right here.

The Woman Whose Tuition Drake Paid In His ‘God’s Plan’ Video Posts Her Graduation Pics

by

One of my favorite meme formats on social media these days is the “how it started/how it’s going” post because it’s a reminder that life goes on and positive things are happening amidst the seemingly endless deluge of bad news with which we’re inundated on a daily basis. Case in point: While some cynics looked at the charity Drake committed to in his 2018 “God’s Plan” video as nothing more or less than a publicity stunt, it turns out that his donations had a last positive effect on at least one of their recipients.

Destiny James, the University of Miami student to whom Drake gave a $50,000 check, recently posted her graduation announcement on Instagram, captioning her post: “Mama, I mastered it. Daddy, I did it. 4 days until I am officially UNC Alum.” Naturally, the post found its way over to Twitter, where delighted fans flipped it into the aforementioned meme format, contrasting the two moments that have both undoubtedly changed Ms. James’s life for the better.

Drake, who will be honored with an Artist of the Decade Award at the upcoming Billboard Music Awards, also congratulated the graduate, commenting on the post, “LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DES!” Meanwhile, the artist himself is preparing an announcement of his own: The release date of his next album, Certified Lover Boy, which was delayed from its original release date in January. And his habit of giving back continues; earlier this year, he helped pay off another fan’s student debt.

You can watch the “God’s Plan” video above.