On the first day of March, Schoolboy Q will release his first new album in five years since 2019’s critically panned Crash Talk. The album is called Blue Lips and he announced it earlier this month. It’s the first release in what many are expecting to be a big year for his label Top Dawg Entertainment. Earlier this year a document leaked from the label claiming that nearly every single artist currently on their label and even a few new ones have music coming this year.
Schoolboy Q has taken primarily to YouTube to promote the album so far. It began earlier this week when he dropped two new tracks from the project each with their own videos. The songs are called “Blueslides” and “Back In Love” and present two very different sounds from Q. In addition to those tracks he’s also shared part one in a Vlog series. The series is called wHy not? and the first episode takes fans behind the scenes of some of the recording and promotion for Blue Lips. Check out the first episode of his new Vlog series below.
Schoolboy Q hasn’t just been working on his own music though. Late last year he popped up on Hell & Nash 2. The album was a long awaited second collaboration between The Alchemist, Conway The Machine, and Westside Gunn. He contributed a guest verse to the track “Fork In The Pot.” The track instantly became a fan favorite and currently sits as the most streamed song on the album on Spotify with nearly 900k plays.
That came a few days after Schoolboy Q found himself in hot water for standing by Kanye West. Despite West’s controversial antisemitic comments in the past two years much of the rap world has continued to have his back. What do you think of Schoolboy Q’s newest vlog? Are you looking forward to Blue Lips? Let us know in the comment section below.
Aurora James, the visionary designer behind the renowned fashion label Brother Vellies, has captivated the industry with her distinctive style and commitment to social justice. As of 2024, her net worth stands at an impressive $3 million, according to CAKnowledge, reflecting both her entrepreneurial success and dedication to philanthropy.
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 06: Aurora James speaks during Le Salon Suisse At Miami Art Week / Art Basel Miami 2023 – An Artful Retreat By Switzerland Tourism at Esmé Hotel on December 06, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Romain Maurice/Getty Images for Switzerland Tourism)
Hailing from Canada, Aurora James’ journey into the world of fashion began at a young age. After studying journalism, she immersed herself in the vibrant fashion scenes of cities like New York and Los Angeles. Inspired by the traditional craftsmanship she encountered during travels across Africa, James founded Brother Vellies in 2013, aiming to celebrate and preserve indigenous artistry while promoting sustainability in fashion.
Her brand quickly gained recognition for its luxurious yet ethically sourced footwear and accessories, earning accolades from Vogue, Forbes, and beyond. Furthermore, James’ innovative designs, characterized by their intricate detailing and cultural influences, have graced the feet of celebrities and fashion icons worldwide, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the industry.
Philanthropy & Social Impact
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 03: Aurora James attends the 2024 Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala at Paramount Studios on February 03, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)
Beyond her creative pursuits, Aurora James is renowned for her commitment to social justice and philanthropy. In 2020, she launched the “15 Percent Pledge,” a groundbreaking initiative urging retailers to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses, reflecting the proportion of the U.S. population that is Black. The campaign garnered widespread support, propelling discussions about equity and representation within the retail sector.
James’ advocacy extends beyond the confines of the fashion world, with her efforts encompassing initiatives to empower marginalized communities and amplify underrepresented voices. Through her work, she continues to champion causes related to racial justice, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability, leveraging her platform to effect meaningful change.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: Aurora James attends The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Aurora James’ net worth of $3 million in 2024 is a testament to her multifaceted talents and entrepreneurial acumen. While her fashion empire serves as a primary source of income, her ventures extend beyond the realm of design. From lucrative brand collaborations to speaking engagements and endorsement deals, James has diversified her portfolio while remaining true to her values and creative vision.
Moreover, her status as a cultural icon and advocate for social change has elevated her profile, opening doors to partnerships and opportunities that extend beyond traditional fashion boundaries. Whether launching philanthropic initiatives or leveraging her platform to drive meaningful conversations, James continues to expand her influence while staying true to her roots.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aurora James’ net worth in 2024 reflects not only her financial success but also her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the world. As she continues to push boundaries and defy expectations, her legacy as a trailblazing designer and champion of social justice is sure to endure for years to come.
Kirk Franklin has finally responded after being name-checked by Katt Williams in his Club Shay Shay interview last month. “You just shake your head. It’s like, ‘Lord, have mercy!’ because I don’t know where it’s going. But shout out to Katt Williams. I just think that there are so many voices right now that are having the opportunity to speak their journey, their experiences. And I just think that it’s important for everyone to have a platform to tell the truth and their story. I don’t think anybody should be silenced, anybody should be censored. I think that every human being has the right to tell their voice and their story,” Franklin told HipHopDX at the Grammys.
Franklin got off lighter than most of the people mentioned by Williams during the now-viral interview. The more prevalent course of action was that if Williams was mentioning you, you were about to get skewered by the veteran actor and comedian. This has led to a wave of backlash ever since the interview came out. Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish both offered differing responses to Williams. Meanwhile, Ludacris felt strongly enough to hit Williams with a freestyle diss.
Katt Williams Club Shay Shay Interview Spoofed On Saturday Night Live
Meanwhile, SNL dedicated a skit during their January 21 show to spoofing Williams’ much talked-about interview. Ego Nwodim played Williams while Devin Walker played Shannon Sharpe. The skit was billed as the “eight-hour extended version” of the interview. “Three things are true about me. I am 5’3, I have never told a lie, and I am 6’3,” Nwodim’s Williams says. Furthermore, the skit featured several jokes about Williams’ comments about Kevin Hart. “Look, Hollywood made Kevin Hart. Everyone knows Kevin Hart was made in the same factory where they make Teddy Grahams. Why the hell he smell like cinnamon?” ranted Williams. Other targets of Nwodim’s Williams included Barak Obama and included Williams claiming he invented fruit.
Meanwhile, Renee Rapp brought out Megan Thee Stallion as part of her Saturday Night Live musical spot. The pair performed their collab “Not My Fault”, which they recorded for the newly released Mean Girls remake. The film is not directly a remake of the 2004 film, but a blend of the original film and the wildly popular Broadway musical. Furthermore, Rapp also performed her track “Snow Angel”, from her album of the same name released last year.
In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop and rap, new talents emerge, leaving their mark on the industry. One such talent that has garnered attention in recent years is Rella Gz. As of 2024, Rella Gz’s net worth is estimated to be around $750,000 US Dollars, according to Popular Net Worth. But how did she achieve this impressive figure? Let’s delve deeper into her journey.
Rella Gz’s journey in the music industry is nothing short of inspiring. Starting from humble beginnings, she showcased her passion and dedication to her craft, which was pivotal in her rise to fame. She brought a unique style and voice with each track, resonating with fans and critics alike.
Factors Contributing To Her Net Worth
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 14: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Rapper and TikTok content creator Rella Gz visits SiriusXM Studios on March 14, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
Several factors have contributed to Rella Gz’s impressive net worth:
Music Sales: As a rapper, the primary source of her income comes from her music sales. With the digital age, platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have become significant revenue streams for artists.
Concerts and Tours: Live performances are a lucrative avenue for artists. Rella Gz, with her captivating stage presence, has managed to draw large crowds, adding to her earnings.
Endorsements and Collaborations: Being a public figure, Rella Gz has had opportunities to collaborate with brands and other artists, further boosting her income.
The Influence Of Social Media
ELMONT, NEW YORK – JUNE 04: NLE Choppa and Rella Gz attend Hot 97 Summer Jam. At UBS Arena on June 04, 2023 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
In today’s digital age, social media plays a crucial role in an artist’s success. Rella, understanding this, has effectively used platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to engage with her fans. This not only helps in promoting her music but also in building a loyal fanbase, which indirectly contributes to her net worth.
While Rella’s net worth is commendable, it’s essential to note that the rap industry has artists with a wide range of net worth figures. Some seasoned artists have amassed fortunes running into millions, while newcomers still find their footing. However, considering Rella Gz’s talent and potential, seeing her net worth climb even higher in the coming years wouldn’t be surprising.
Conclusion
Rella Gz’s net worth in 2024 is a testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication. While the figure is impressive, it’s just the beginning for this budding rapper. As fans and critics eagerly await her next move, one thing is clear: Rella Gz’s star is rising, and her net worth is set to soar even higher.
Chrisean Rock found herself in the midst of a controversy this morning thanks to some viral comments on the Israel and Palestine situation. Overall, she did not come across well in these comments at all. In fact, she was downright insulting throughout her livestream. At times, she said that the people of Palestine were being persecuted because they don’t praise Jesus Christ. Moreover, she had some not-so-tasteful remarks about how Muslims pray. “They don’t believe in Jesus,” Chrisean Rock said. “So that’s why it’s happening right there.”
“I seen videos where they pray at. It’s cockroaches and infested with … so, what is God trying to tell us?” she continued. “What is the message being the chaos. Yeah, we know war, the war. But things always happen for a reason and it’s happening […] That’s where Jesus was born at but it’s like a lot of people over there, they don’t pray to Jesus. They praying to Allah and they saying Jesus just was a prophet. So, I thought it had something to do with that.” Just a few hours ago, she decided to comment on the controversy.
Unfortunately, if you are someone who wanted to see an apology, you are not going to get one. On her Instagram story, Chrisean essentially said that she has nothing to apologize for. Instead, everyone was just talking about their beliefs, and that is it. However, her fans certainly beg to differ as the reality star has been called out all day for her remarks. “See the full live nobody saying anything out of pocket this just my preference on things I respect what ppl believe I just know what the word says,” Chrisean Rock said.
Let us know what you think of this response from Chrisean, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will always be sure to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Mo’Nique’s recent interview with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay was jam-packed with revelations. She opened up about being blackballed from the entertainment industry, speaking out against Black icons, being shunned by her peers, and more. At one point in the interview, she reflected on Oprah’s 2010 interview with several of her family members. The interview, which took place only days after she won a Grammy for her role in Precious, revolved around her older brother Gerald, who sexually assaulted her as a child.
According to Mo’Nique, Oprah had called her before having her brother on the show, which she felt grateful for. She recalls telling Oprah that she was okay with Gerald being interviewed, despite not wanting to be involved. She also says that she was never asked about other family members, including her parents and grandparents, appearing on the show. Mo’Nique admits that she was shocked to see them all in commercials later discussing such a traumatic experience for her.
“I start seeing commercials with my mother and my father, and my other brother who used to be my manager who knew the fear that I had with the brother that was up onstage,” she described. “We never talked about my mother being there. You know how you feel about your grandparents? You know the honor, and how you speak about them? Imagine you then seeing your granddaddy and your grandmamma on a show and they’re talking about somebody that violated you. And that woman didn’t tell you that they were going to be there.”
Now, clips from the interview are also making their rounds online, showing Gerald admitting to his crimes. What do you think of Oprah’s interview with Mo’Nique’s brother resurfacing after the actress admitted she felt betrayed by it on Club Shay Shay? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Watching romantic comedy movies for Valentine’s Day is something people have been doing for years. Commonly called “rom-coms,” these movies typically have a predictable plot and outcome, which is comforting for people who just want to see love win in the end. Over the years, people have taken different approaches to this genre to make their movies stand out from the rest. They bring unique elements to the plot, characters, soundtrack, and more that offer something refreshing but still remain accessible.
In our list, we‘ve gathered some romantic comedies that did just that. In fact, calling a few of these romantic comedies may not seem accurate to some. Yet, the premise of a couple falling in love through a series of interconnected events is still present in all of them. Plus – the music in all of our movie choices is curated excellently.
Love Don’t Cost A Thing (2003)
Valentine’s Day is on a Wednesday this year, but if you want to watch this movie for your Throwback Thursday, go for it. This movie came out in 2003 and stars a young Nick Cannon, Kenan Thompson, Christina Milian, Steve Harvey, and more. In it, Cannon’s character Alvin lets Millan’s character Dru “pay” him for working on her mother’s car by posing as his girlfriend for two weeks. Alvin isn’t “cool,” so to maintain her image, she changes up his style completely.
His transformation into someone “cool” is drenched in early 2000s hip-hop fashion. With the combination of his color-coordinated tops and bottoms, headbands, long chain, and toothpick, the entire look is a great snapshot of the timeframe the movie released. While not original in its lesson, this is still a fun one that you probably remember or randomly saw on BET one day while flipping channels.
Rye Lane (2023)
This is the newest movie on our list. It was released just over a month after Valentine’s Day in 2023. Rye Lane follows a couple who meet under unique circumstances and end up spending an entire day together. The movie has many modern elements reflected in the soundtrack, costumes, and script. UK slang runs throughout the movie, too. The hip-hop component stems from all of these elements but even extends into the plot itself.
Amongst other situations, characters Yas, played by David Jonsson, and Dom, played by Vivian Oparah, must retrieve a vinyl of A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low-End Theory album from the home of Dom’s ex-boyfriend. A creatively depicted scene also explains why this album was such a key aspect of the relationship. This is one that puts stylization over tropes and still provides an engaging watch.
Poetic Justice (1993)
We know we officially said this was a list of romantic comedy movies for Valentine’s Day. While this movie certainly is not a “rom-com” in the traditional sense, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include it on this list, regardless. John Singleton is a legendary director known for his 90s classics which all have a strong hip-hop element within them. Whether it’s the soundtrack, the costumes or the film’s general tone, everything is on 10. Janet Jackson and Tupac star in the lead roles in this one. Audiences still use GIFs and repost clips from it, and the term “Poetic Justice braids” is commonly used today. This certified classic can be enjoyed all year but might hit a little harder this month.
Let It Shine (2012)
You may have made a face when you saw this entry on the list, but hear us out! This is a great Valentine’s Day movie and is honestly the most hip-hop-centered one on our list. The plot follows Cyrus, played by Tyler James Williams, who secretly writes raps. Because of a simple mistake, people begin to believe his best friend Kris, played by Trevor Jackson, is the one writing the raps – including Cyrus’ crush Roxie, played by Coco Jones. The movie’s story reflects the characters’ ages and teaches lessons in confidence, identity, and more. Plus, there are several musical performances, including a rap battle scene that – amongst the nostalgia – still hits all these years later. This movie is another one that was big, depending on your generation, but still a fun one if you want something more lighthearted than our other entries.
Brown Sugar (2002)
This is a universally celebrated classic Valentine’s Day-related movie from 2002. The movie’s hip hop centric approach sets it apart from many rom-coms. Taye Digg’s character Dre is an A&R Executive for hip-hop, and Sanaa Lathan’s character Sid is an Editor-In-Chief for a magazine. Hip-hop is a running theme in their interactions and is the basis of their initial meeting. The hip-hop influence also extends to the cast of the movie. Rappers Queen Latifah and Mos Def play characters who have direct interactions with Sid and Dre. Additionally, there were cameos from hip-hop legends like Big Daddy Kane, Method Man, Slick Rick, and more. The movie’s soundtrack continued the theme, with the album not only achieving Billboard Chart success but Erykah Badu and Common’s track on it, “Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop),” won a Grammy.
Have you seen any of these movies? What movies will you be watching to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments section.
Colman Domingo and Nia Long have been spotted on the set of Micheal, the Michael Jackson biopic in which the pair are due to play the King of Pop’s parents. The film began shooting this week, with a number of child actors also spotted on set to play the young versions of the Jackson 5. Jackson’s real-life nephew Jafaar is set to play the King of Pop himself during his adult years.
The film is being directed by Antonio Fuqua, best known for Training Day and the Equalizer trilogy. Fuqua has said the film will try to encapsulate Jackson’s legacy as a “brilliant yet complicated man”. However, there have been some concerns about the film’s objectivity as it has been given the approval of Jackson’s estate. The film is due to be released in April 2025 and is already being considered as a frontrunner for the 2026 Oscars.
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – MARCH 20: Parents Joseph And Katherine Jackson on March 20, 1993 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Alain BENAINOUS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
As mentioned, Domingo and Long are playing Jackson’s parents, Joe and Katherine. Domingo came up through Broadway to begin with, his breakout role was in The Scottsboro Boy, which earned him a Tony. He would later reprise his role in the West End revival. Later, he would go on to write the book for a Broadway production based on the life of Donna Summer. His mainstream film roles would come later, often finding himself cast as civil rights icons. However, his career would take a very different turn as he played X, a ruthless pimp in Zola, the film adaptation of a viral 2015 Twitter thread. He took on another terrifying role in The Color Purple, portraying “Mister”, the protagonist’s abusive husband. Also in 2023, he appeared as the lead in the civil rights biopic Rustin, for which he earned an Oscar nomination.
Meanwhile, best known for her comedy work, Long has been acting since the early 90s. She received acclaim for her dramatic role in Boyz n the Hood before becoming better known for comedic work. This includes the Big Momma’s House and Are We There Yet? franchises in the early 2000s. However, she has the gravitas for drama. In 2023, she appeared in the uniquely-shot Missing as the kidnapped mother of the protagonist.
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Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay has become the podcast to go get your gripes off. After the viral Katt Wiliams interview, Shay Shay welcomes another comedian, Mo’Nique, who aired her issues. The targets include Tiffany Haddish, Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, and Kevin Hart.
Mo’Nique addressed comments by Haddish directed toward her husband and business partner in discussing the failed Netflix deal. “My business run different than her business,” Haddish said. “I don’t live her life. I don’t have that husband of hers.”
During the episode, Mo’Nique said: “When I saw that, it’s like, Tiffany, if you had a husband like mine, you may not have two DUIs. If you had a husband like mine, you may not be caught up in what looks like you could have been grooming a child.”
Shots fired.
The commentary on Kevin Hart was a bit softer, stating the comedian ghosted her after appearing on his podcast. Hart stated he would executive produce any project she wanted to work on, but his manager gave the impression the comedian didn’t want “anything to do with” her. Hart called it all miscommunication, but there hasn’t been any conversation since.
Mo’Nique also stated when her family was in a bad spot, Kevin Hart extended his hand with a check, whichs he later repaid.
Moving on to Oprah, Mo’Nique states she was “betrayed” by the woman she once idolized. “Family is sacred, and we don’t cross the line with family.” The lengthy discourse on Oprah is available below.
In the same statement, she addressed Taraji P. Henson’s crying in the media, suggesting it was more well-received than standing firm with her husband by her side. “It’s a sad day when we’re questioning why a Black man would stand with his Black woman.” Mo’Nique stated Henson was a “better messenger” for the matters impacting Black women in Hollywood.
Mo’Nique stated she had a recording of Tyler Perry admitting to lying about Mo’Nique being hard to work, leading to her being blackballed.
“That’s cost my family tens of millions of dollars, yeah, over a lie and a rumor,” Mo’Nique said, speaking on a loss of an opportunity for generational wealth. “We want to ensure that when we leave here, our babies are in good hands. Their well-being is paramount. If Tyler Perry hadn’t spread that falsehood, we’d be on our way already.”
During the episode, Mo’Nique revealed Sharpe heard the recording.
