New Hip Hop News

The Bay Area music scene is mourning the tragic loss of one of its own. There has been a string of gun-related deaths in the Hip Hop community for decades, but the increasing number of losses in recent years has given artists and leaders within the scene pause. This latest news regarding rapper Mike Darole, reported father of three, comes directly from his loved ones who set up a GoFundMe to help his young children.

“On May 15th, 2021 we tragically lost Michael’s life due to gun violence as he was walking his dog outside of his family home,” the description in the GoFundMe reads.

Darole has reportedly been with his girlfriend for 12 years and has been working at his Rap career for nearly two decades. “Michael had a contagious laugh and smile and always wanted to see the people around him happy,” GoFundMe continued. “His passion for his music and lyrics made him loved and adored by his many thousands of fans across the world. Michael was a loving father who always made sure that his children were provided for and taken care of, they were the light of his world and what kept him motivated to succeed in every career venture that he took; from music to his own clothing line, he did it all for his family.”

“Michael will be deeply missed and his memory will live forever.” According to reports, Darole was walking his dog when someone attempted to rob him in the street. He fought his assailant before gunfire rang out. Darole was reportedly shot six times and although rescue efforts were attempted, his injuries were too severe.

Back in 2015, Darole was shot several times and shared an image of himself on social media as he recovered in the hospital. “I thank the man above for this second chance,” Darole wrote at the time.

We send our sincerest condolences to Mike Darole’s loved ones. Check out a few posts below.

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After being hunkered down in her artist boot camp, Saweetie has reemerged and is now hot on the press circuit. The rapper recently revealed that she’d been under a lockdown to improve her overall skills, but once she released her latest single “Fast (Motion),” the Bay Area artist is back in full effect. Aside from her music moves, Saweetie has made headlines over her acrimonious split from Migos rapper Quavo, but in an interview with E!’s Nightly Pop, she made it clear that the last thing she’s worried about at the moment is sparking up a new romance.

“What is my love life like? It’s the pillows, the studio, and putting more money into my bank account,” said Saweetie.

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After having a laugh with the hosts, she said, “That’s my love language right now.” Adding, “This is for all my women out there. I just feel like after a relationship, relationships take up a lot of time. So, right now, I’m just getting back to self because perfecting my craft is my number one priority and if, you know, if Cupid find me and shoot me then, shoot me, baby.”

“But, until then, I’m working.” Check out more from the interview below to hear Saweetie talk about the public thirsting over her father, how she practices self-care, and how the rapper is preparing for the Billboard Music Awards.

TV One sat down with DMX for what is said to have been his final interview, and it’s reportedly a moving television event. The network poised DMX for a feature on Uncensored not long before his untimely passing, and his loved ones have also sat down with publications to speak about their final moments with the rapper, including DMX’s ex-wife, Tashera Simmons. DMX and Tashera were just kids when they first met and were married for 11 years, sharing four children together. Tashera recently spoke with PEOPLE Every Day about the late rapper and how she’s been coping since his passing.

“I am torn. Our children are suffering and trying to get to over that ‘not enough time with their dad’ thing; it’s a tough time,” she said.

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“At the same time … I used to think that this was insensitive to say, but I do believe he is in a better place, just because of the words he left me with. He was never afraid of passing on. And I used to be aggravated with that, but now I understand.” She also claimed that she was unaware that DMX filmed his final interview.

“I didn’t know that it was filmed,” said Tashera. “When they called me, I didn’t realize that this was the last interview that he’d done. And the things that he talked about in it were so powerful to them, stories that he spoke about of myself and him that I didn’t even remember, really, until… They literally had to replay it.”

She also recalled how she first met a young DMX when they were just 11-years-old. “Good girl loved bad boy,” said Tashera, who first saw Earl Simmons as he was allegedly using his dog to steal a woman’s purse. “The way they jogged past me and caught my vision, our eyes … and I was just like, ‘My hero.’ I’m trying to find the words to explain what I’m trying to say. But it just felt right in a crazy moment. It felt right.”

Check out the episode of PEOPLE Every Day below.

Over the weekend, the friends and loved ones of Kobe Bryant joined together to honor the fallen sports legend. Over a year after Bryant lost his life in the tragic helicopter crash along with his teen daughter Gianna and seven of their friends, the Los Angeles Lakers icon was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It was an emotional event that included a moving speech by widow Vanessa Bryant, and while it was unfortunate that eldest daughter Natalia couldn’t attend, it was later revealed that the 18-year-old was off to her senior prom.

There were thousands of responses to Vanessa’s speech as the public flooded timelines with photos, memories, and hot takes, but it was a social media post from former First Lady Michelle Obama that “touched” Vanessa. “As a wife and mother, I have thought a lot about what Vanessa Bryant has been going through this past year,” wrote Michelle.

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“I was touched hearing her speak with such courage and strength this past weekend at the Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony honoring Kobe, and I am proud to join so many others in building upon Gianna’s legacy by supporting the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation,” she continued. “@VanessaBryant, all my love to you and the girls and the next generation of athletes you are working to empower. #PlayGigisWay.”

In the comments, Vanessa replied, “This is so beautiful. I am truly touched. Thank you so much @michelleobama My love to you always. [praying hands emoji][purple heart emoji].”

Check out the post, as well a Vanessa Bryant’s speech, below.

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