In short, Universal Music Group (UMG) wasn’t bluffing. On Tuesday, January 30, UMG posted an open letter to address its expiring contract with TikTok.
“In our contract renewal discussions, we have been pressing them on three critical issues — appropriate compensation for our artists and songwriters, protecting human artists from the harmful effects of AI, and online safety for TikTok’s users,” it reads, in part. UMG additionally relayed that “TikTok attempted to bully us into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal” during negotiations, leading to UMG no longer licensing UMG artists’ catalogs to TikTok.
TikTok released its own (much shorter) statement on Tuesday, as seen below:
“It is sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters.
Despite Universal’s false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent.
TikTok has been able to reach ‘artist-first’ agreements with every other label and publisher. Clearly, Universal’s self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters and fans.”
It’s been a minute since a new Schoolboy Q project, as his latest album, Crash Talk, was released in April 2019. That was nearly five years ago now, but Schoolboy is ready to end the drought soon: Today (February 1), he shared the tracklist for Blue Lips, his upcoming sixth album that’s set for release on March 1.
He made the reveal with a simple video that shows the tracklist written out on a giant tarp. The clip also highlights multiple dictionary definitions of the term “blue lips”: “speechless, especially as the temporary result of shock or some strong emotion,” “(of a person or mood) shocked, speechless, or embarrassed,” “a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something,” and, “become fully aware of (something) as a fact; understand clearly.”
Fans have been looking forward to the album (in a concrete way, anyway) since this past summer, when the Back On Figg podcast hosts declared, “We been in the mixing process of Schoolboy Q’s album. That sh*t is coming very, very soon.’
Check out the video above and find the Blue Lips tracklist below.
This week marked a pivotal moment in the long-awaited trial of the murder of hip-hop pioneer Jam Master Jay, as opening arguments shed light on the harrowing events that transpired nearly 20 years ago. The RUN-DMC DJ was tragically gunned down inside his recording studio in Jamaica, Queens, sending shockwaves through the music industry and the community at large.
According to chilling testimony reported by The Daily Mail, an eyewitness to the murder, Uriel ‘Tony’ Rincon, recounted the moment when Jay’s godson, Karl Jordan Jr., allegedly walked up to the superstar and gave a half handshake before fatally shooting him. Rincon tearfully described how he witnessed the shooter nonchalantly shrug off Jay’s limp body after the fatal shots were fired, leaving a haunting image etched in his memory.
The accused killer, Karl Jordan Jr., along with Ronald Washington, is now on trial in federal court for the October 2002 killing of the beloved Run-DMC star. The case remained unsolved for years, with witnesses unwilling to come forward, leaving the investigation at a standstill. Rincon, who was himself shot during the encounter, admitted to feeling scared to name names, despite seeing the killer’s tattoo as he fled the scene.
Rincon’s testimony revealed the fear and intimidation he faced in the aftermath of the murder, including an unsettling encounter with Jordan at Jay’s funeral. Despite the risks, Rincon ultimately came forward in 2017, driven by a sense of responsibility to provide closure to Jay’s family and ensure that justice was served.
Throughout his emotional testimony, Rincon painted a vivid picture of the tragic events that unfolded on that fateful night, providing crucial insight into the circumstances surrounding Jay’s murder. Prosecutors have alleged that the killing was the result of a drug deal gone wrong, further underscoring the complexities of the case.
As Rincon took the stand as the prosecution’s star witness, his courageous decision to testify serves as a testament to the enduring quest for justice in Jay’s case. With the trial now underway, the proceedings offer hope for closure and accountability, not only for Jay’s family but for the entire hip-hop community.
ScHoolboy Q has officially announced his new album ‘Blue Lips,’ which will be released on March 1. He’s also shared the tracklist via a trailer for the project.
In the high-octane realm of Formula 1, Mario Andretti stands as a colossus, with a net worth soaring at $130 million in 2024, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. This article unravels the intricate tapestry of Andretti’s life, from his humble beginnings to the zenith of racing glory, spotlighting not just his achievements on the track but also the ventures that contribute to his impressive net worth.
Early Years
Mario Andretti, Lotus-Ford 79, Grand Prix of Austria, Osterreichring, 13 August 1978. (Photo by Bernard Cahier/Getty Images)
Born on February 28, 1940, in Montona, Italy, Andretti’s early years laid the foundation for an extraordinary journey. At the age of 15, he and his family emigrated to the United States, finding a new home in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. It was here that Andretti’s fascination with speed ignited, a passion that would shape his destiny.
Career As A Race Car Driver
Mario Andretti, Lotus-Ford 79, Grand Prix of Austria, Osterreichring, 13 August 1978. (Photo by Bernard Cahier/Getty Images)
Andretti’s trajectory to racing stardom was nothing short of meteoric. The 1960s and 1970s witnessed his dominance across diverse racing circuits, showcasing his versatility in IndyCar, NASCAR, and Formula 1. The crowning achievement came in 1978 when Andretti clinched the Formula 1 World Championship while racing for the Lotus team. Moreover, this victory etched his name in motorsport history, solidifying his status as a racing legend.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 4: (L-R) Mario Andretti speaks with Big Machine Label Group Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta during the release of the 2023 Borchetta Bourbon at Big Machine Distillery & Tavern on August 4, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
Andretti’s career is peppered with achievements that have left an indelible mark on the racing world. Notably, he is the only driver to have won the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500, and the Formula 1 World Championship. This unprecedented triple crown attests to Andretti’s unparalleled skill and adaptability across diverse racing disciplines. His 52 IndyCar victories, four Champ Car National Championships, and a win at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb further underscore his prowess on the track.
Beyond accolades, Andretti’s enduring impact is highlighted by his longevity in the sport. His career spanned five decades, with his last IndyCar race at the age of 54, showcasing not just skill but an unparalleled love for the sport.
Diverse Ventures & Contributions To Net Worth
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 20: Mario Andretti looks on in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of United States at Circuit of The Americas on October 20, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
While Andretti’s racing exploits form the core of his legacy, his net worth is also enriched by ventures beyond the track. Post-retirement, he transitioned seamlessly into roles such as a team owner, television commentator, and mentor to budding racers. Additionally, the Andretti Autosport team, founded by Mario and his son Michael, has become a powerhouse in IndyCar, adding a significant financial dimension to his wealth.
Additionally, Mario Andretti’s endorsement deals with prominent brands, appearances in commercials, and partnerships contribute substantially to his net worth. His name, synonymous with excellence in racing, serves as a lucrative brand in itself.
In the realm of business, Andretti’s ventures extend to winemaking, with the Andretti Winery in Napa Valley. This entrepreneurial foray not only adds to his financial portfolio but also reflects his passion for the finer things in life beyond the race track.
Mario Andretti’s net worth of $130 million in 2024 is a testament to a life lived in the fast lane, marked by triumphs, accolades, and a diversified approach to wealth accumulation. As the racing legend continues to be an influential figure in the motorsport landscape, his legacy transcends the finish line, echoing in boardrooms, wineries, and the hearts of racing enthusiasts worldwide.
Latto is an artist who has exploded in terms of popularity over the last few years, and for very good reason. Overall, she has come through with some very exciting projects, singles, and features. Her fans absolutely love her, and they continue to support everything she does. However, she has not been shy about engaging in rap beef from time to time. Some records and some bars have been speculated on over the last year or so. For instance, it seems like she has a back-and-forth going with Ice Spice.
Moreover, she has had a feud with Nicki Minaj. Nicki has her hands full right now as she is going toe-to-toe with none other than Megan Thee Stallion. Meg dropped “Hiss” last Monday and on Monday morning, Nicki hit back with “Big Foot.” Now, “Hiss” is on its way to becoming the biggest song in the entire country. It is on track for #1 on Billboard, which would be massive as Meg has never achieved a solo number-one hit. With that said, Latto is now seemingly taking a side in all of this.
Thanks to The Shade Room, we got to spot a comment from Latto that was left under a recent Megan Thee Stallion post. In this comment, she writes “U making us proud Meg.” This comment may not be an exact declaration, although when you take all of the context into consideration, the message seems pretty clear. Overall, fellow artists have been taking sides, albeit in subtle ways. For now, it seems like the court of public opinion remains on Meg’s side. Whether or not that changes at all, still remains to be seen.
Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion are still at odds, and while things have died down a tad, that could change very soon. Let us know what you think of this feud, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming releases.
Nicki Minaj’s “Big Foot,” the infamous Megan Thee Stallion diss, is doing pretty well commercially… but not as well as the Queen demands. Moreover, she recently hosted a Twitter Spaces conversation with Joe Budden on Wednesday (January 31), during which she made some very wide-ranging claims. One of these was the Trinidadian superstar’s belief that the Houston MC wanted “a Rihanna moment” with her testimony about the Tory Lanez trial. In other words, Megan wanted undue sympathy for abuse, she posited, which stirred up a lot of controversy from fans and detractors alike. Regardless, Nicki thinks much of this negative reception is false.
Furthermore, among many other industry big-shots, she took aim at Lyor Cohen, a music executive who has been YouTube’s Global Head of Music since 2016. Specifically, Nicki Minaj accused him of allowing or implementing bots on her content to sabotage the success of “Big Foot” or paint it in a bad light, perhaps through negative comments or other metrics. “We have screenshots of the YouTube bots, it’s cr*zy,” she remarked during the Spaces conversation. “Lyor, you better not… Lyor, don’t play with me, n***a. I hope you ain’t around that company no more right now.”
Nicki Minaj’s Full Twitter Spaces Convo With Joe Budden: Listen
The First Lady of Young Money didn’t stop there, as she also made similar claims against Twitter and TikTok about how fake backlash and criticism is being amplified as a sabotaging method. While she didn’t provide any direct evidence of this, it’s become a common narrative across her recent rants, particularly directed against Megan Thee Stallion. This is nothing new for Nicki Minaj or her Barbz to reckon with, and part of why it’s a prevailing sentiment is because she finds so much overwhelming support from her fanbase that everything else seems moot. But don’t get it twisted: she’s still the biggest female rapper right now, and one of the biggest of all time.
As such, perhaps these complaints will quickly meet folks’ disapproval or ridicule. Still, as “HISS” builds up momentum for a No. 1 debut on Billboard, its response track “Big Foot” reportedly falls behind. But is that due to “bots” or people’s own reaction to the track’s quality and impact? Unfortunately for us, perhaps we’ll never really know… With that in mind, check back in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Nicki Minaj.
Rick Ross’ relationships aren’t exactly known for lasting long. Still, whatever woman is by his side at any given time can certainly feel his love. The Richer Than I Ever Been artist has no problem spoiling her with lavish gifts and top-tier experiences. It was previously Pretty Vee who was in Rozay’s good graces, but when that fling came to an end, he quickly began showing off Cristina Mackey.
Internet users theorized that Ross’ latest romance would take a turn for the worse after his girlfriend began talking about him online. Nevertheless, the drama seems to have only brought them closer, as they’ve been spotted outside together non-stop all 2024. The former correctional officer’s co-parent, Tia Kemp, has been saying plenty about her ex and Mackey in recent weeks, but he continues to treat her like a Queen while finding new ways to embarrass his co-parent.
Earlier this week, a video of the “switch sides” artist showing off her new smile began making rounds on blogs. The enhancement to her mouth has Mackey feeling herself, as she couldn’t stop smiling in the clip above. “Oh my God!” she yelled out before doing a little dance in the mirror. “Look at my teeth,” she continued, opening wide for the camera. “They look girly, they’re small, they’re thin,” the socialite continued as Ross watched on.
While Rozay keeps himself busy taking care of Cristina Mackey and his family, one of his co-parents, Tia Kemp, has been blasting them non-stop on social media. When the rapper’s daughter, Toie Roberts, responded to the grown woman’s shady comments, she certainly didn’t hold back. Afterward, Rick Ross chimed in with some words of his own for Kemp, including a photo of her grinning from ear to ear after allegedly giving him a pedicure. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more music/pop culture news updates.
