Showing posts with label Trending. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trending. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Hip-Hop Icon Juicy J Releases Raw Memoir 'Chronicles of the Juice Man'

Juicy J, a pioneering member of the legendary rap ensemble Three 6 Mafia, has unveiled his life's raw and unfiltered journey in his recently published memoir, "Chronicles of the Juice Man." In exclusive interviews with Good Morning America and the Allison Interviews podcast, Juicy J offered a glimpse into the trials and triumphs that propelled him from a humble beginning to hip-hop superstardom.

Born and raised in Memphis, Juicy J reflected on his upbringing as a young, underprivileged African American. "My roots instilled in me the values of hustle, resilience, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Today, I stand here because I never gave up," he shared.

As a pioneering member of Three 6 Mafia, Juicy J and the group boldly ventured into subjects considered taboo in the music industry at the time. "Our lyrics explored uncharted territories — from gritty narratives of drug culture to the mean streets of Memphis, covering the highs and lows. We held nothing back," he reminisced.


When discussing their audacious lyrics, Juicy J explained, "We didn't overthink it. We entered the studio, poured our hearts out, and let the music flow organically. No filters, no inhibitions. We were unapologetically ourselves."

In a poignant revelation during the Allison Interviews podcast, Juicy J candidly discussed his ongoing battle with Xanax addiction and the mental health challenges he's confronted. He underscored the power of resilience and faith, urging others never to give up. "My journey has been marked by trials, guided by a higher purpose. I stand as a testament that, even in the darkest hours, one can emerge victorious," he passionately asserted.

Juicy J also fondly recalled Three 6 Mafia's historic Oscar win for Best Original Song with "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp," featured in the film "Hustle and Flow."



In an unexpected twist from the Allison Interviews podcast, Juicy J shared a chance encounter with Hollywood luminary Will Smith on that very night. According to Juicy J, Smith humorously quipped, "Man, I’m just mad ‘cause y’all got one before me." While the exchange carried a playful undertone, Juicy J found it noteworthy, given his profound respect for Smith's musical legacy.

With no signs of slowing down, Juicy J currently serves as the executive producer for Tyler Dollar Sign's upcoming album and produces records for Megan Thee Stallion. Anticipation builds for his upcoming album, "Memphis Zoo," a collaborative venture with Xavier Wolf. Additionally, a significant partnership with the record label 10K Projects, including executive producer roles, lies on the horizon.

"Chronicles of the Juice Man" is now available at major book retailers.

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Birdman Welcomes B.G. Back: Influential Rapper Freed After Extended Prison Stay

Screengrab Instagram Live

New Orleans rapper B.G., known for his role in the iconic 1990s rap group Hot Boys alongside Lil Wayne and Juvenile, has been released from prison after serving more than a decade behind bars.

B.G., whose real name is Christopher Dorsey, was greeted upon his release by rapper and hip-hop mogul Birdman, who had mentored him and Lil Wayne in the early 1990s at Cash Money Records. Video footage from Birdman's Instagram Live shows the two chatting and embracing, surrounded by supporters.

Dorsey was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison in 2012 after pleading guilty to gun possession as a felon and obstruction of justice. He had spent the last 11 years incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Herlong, California.In a recent Instagram post, the 43-year-old rapper hinted at his impending release, writing, "It’s my last #Birthday being buried alive." He expressed determination to focus on productivity, positivity, and peace of mind, signaling a change from his previous path.

Dorsey's early release, ahead of his original July 2024 release date, raises questions about the circumstances, which remain unclear.


He had actively sought to have his sentence commuted in 2022 with support from notable figures like Birdman and NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, among others. However, a federal judge denied his request for compassionate release, stating that he had not demonstrated "extraordinary and compelling reasons" for a reduced sentence.

The news of B.G.'s release has ignited celebration within the hip-hop community. Houston rapper Bun B even shared a FaceTime call with B.G. and Birdman, hinting at a potential Hot Boys reunion.

Photo Credit Instagram/BunB
Hot Boys, consisting of B.G., Lil Wayne, Juvenile, and Turk, gained fame in the 1990s with their platinum album, "Guerrilla Warfare." After the group disbanded, its members pursued solo careers. Notably, Lil Wayne filed a $51-million lawsuit against Birdman in 2015, alleging withheld payments and exploitation of artists. The lawsuit was settled in 2018.

B.G. is celebrated for his contributions to New Orleans' rap scene, with hits like "Bling Bling" and "Neighborhood Superstars." His unexpected release after more than a decade in prison marks a new chapter in his career.

Diddy Rewrites the Rules: Returns Bad Boy Publishing to Original Creators

Photo Courtesy Combs Global
In a remarkable Labor Day gesture, Sean "Diddy" Combs, the iconic founder of Bad Boy Records, has sent shockwaves through the music industry by deciding to transfer the cherished Bad Boy publishing rights back to the very artists and songwriters who played pivotal roles in the label's meteoric rise. A source intimately familiar with the situation confirmed this unprecedented move to Variety.

This historic decision encompasses a constellation of talents, including the estate of the late, great Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Ma$e, the Lox, 112, and many other creators. The combined value of these assets is conservatively estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars.


Recent years have witnessed a substantial surge in the valuation of music catalogs. Esteemed artists and estates, such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Genesis and Luther Vandross, have inked nine-figure deals, selling or partially selling the rights to their musical treasures. Despite receiving multiple multimillion-dollar offers for Bad Boy's publishing catalog, Diddy has taken an extraordinary step by redirecting these rights back to the original songwriters.

Mase, a multiplatinum Bad Boy rapper, is one of the beneficiaries of this benevolent act. In a candid Instagram post by Cam'ron, a close friend and frequent collaborator of Mase, he congratulated Mase on regaining his publishing rights, stating, "My n***a [Mase] had to sit this one out. He just got his publishing back from Puff. Just finished the paperwork for that yesterday."

Notably, during the 1990s, it was customary for record labels or label owners to retain a portion of an artist's publishing rights as part of recording contracts. However, with artists and songwriters increasingly recognizing the inherent value of these rights, the industry has been evolving towards more equitable arrangements.

Diddy sees this groundbreaking move as part of his broader mission to promote economic empowerment for Black artists and culture. Simultaneously, he is gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated album, "The L.O.V.E. Album: Off the Grid," featuring a star-studded lineup including Justin Bieber, the Weeknd, Swae Lee, Mary J. Blige, and others. The album is scheduled to drop on September 15.

Thursday, August 31, 2023

50 Cent's Aggressive Microphone Toss Sparks Legal Concerns at LA Concert

Rapper 50 Cent's actions at a recent concert might lead to legal repercussions, as he aggressively threw a microphone into the crowd during his "Final Lap" tour performance at Cryto.com Arena on Wednesday.

Videos capturing the incident swiftly circulated after the concert, revealing an irate 50 Cent tossing his microphone not once, but twice, into the audience. Reports indicate that the rapper's frustration stemmed from microphone malfunctions. The situation escalated when the second microphone also malfunctioned, prompting him to launch it into the crowd with heightened force.

The altercation unfolded while 50 Cent was sharing the stage with special guest YG. Pictures of the apparent victim, identified as Power 106 host Bryhana Monegain, emerged online, showing her with a bleeding forehead wound.

Although initial reports didn't indicate any police involvement, TMZ later reported that 50 Cent is now a subject of a criminal battery report following Monegain's complaint. Law enforcement sources suggest that 50 Cent aimed the microphone at his crew in the production area, inadvertently hitting the victim. In contrast, the victim asserts that 50 Cent made direct eye contact with her before hurling the microphone.

As of now, representatives for 50 Cent, Power 106, and Crypto.com Arena have yet to provide any official statements regarding the incident.

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Travis Scott Announces 2023 North American Tour: Utopia Circus Maximus

Travis Scott has unveiled his plans for a 2023 North American tour, dubbed the Travis Scott Presents Utopia - Circus Maximus Tour. The tour is set to take place this fall, commencing in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 11 and concluding on December 29 in Toronto, Ontario.

The tour dates provided by Scott differ from the ones previously leaked by Live Nation earlier this month. Tickets for the tour are scheduled to go on sale tomorrow at 10 AM local time. Here's a rundown of the major details:

Travis Scott's announcement comes on the heels of his recent performance at Rome’s Circus Maximus concert in August, where he performed several songs from his Utopia album and was joined by Kanye West. The concert generated such intense energy that locals mistook it for an earthquake, sparking discussions about potential concert bans at the historic venue.

Travis Scott Presents Utopia - Circus Maximus Tour marks the rapper's return to headlining tours since the tragic events at the 2021 Astroworld Festival, which led to ten fatalities and numerous injuries. In late July, the Houston Police Department released a comprehensive report on the incident, revealing Scott's understanding of the escalating situation during his performance. He mentioned being told through his earpiece to wrap up the show due to the chaos. However, he fully comprehended the gravity of the circumstances only later.

Before the police report's release, a Harris County grand jury concluded that Scott wouldn't face criminal charges tied to the festival's events. Nevertheless, Scott and Live Nation are currently facing multiple civil lawsuits related to the Astroworld tragedy, some of which have already been settled.


Curiously, Scott's tour schedule doesn't include his hometown, Houston, despite Mayor Sylvester Turner's earlier statements. Turner had suggested Scott's return to the city, though it appears Houston will not host a show on this tour. If Scott eventually performs in Houston, it would mark his first show there since the November 2021 Astroworld Festival incident, which resulted in ten deaths and hundreds of injuries.

The Utopia - Circus Maximus Tour also carries a charitable dimension. Live Nation has stated that $2 from each ticket sold will be donated to Scott's Cactus Jack Foundation. This non-profit organization supports Houston's youth through toy drives, scholarships for HBCU college students and funding for education and creative endeavors.

Scott's latest album, Utopia, has held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart for four consecutive weeks. This achievement marks his third chart-topping album and his first solo release since Astroworld in 2018. Furthermore, Utopia is the first rap album in five years to maintain its No. 1 Billboard 200 position for the initial four weeks, a feat last achieved by Drake's Scorpion.

Travis Scott's Utopia - Circus Maximus Tour Dates:
10-11 Charlotte, NC - Spectrum Center
10-13 Raleigh, NC - PNC Arena
10-17 Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center
10-20 Kansas City, MO - T-Mobile Center
10-22 Denver, CO - Ball Arena
10-25 Phoenix, AZ - Footprint Center
10-29 Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena
10-31 Oakland, CA - Oakland Arena
11-05 Inglewood, CA - SoFi Stadium
11-08 Seattle, WA - Climate Pledge Arena
11-10 Vancouver, British Columbia - Rogers Arena
11-12 Portland, OR - Moda Center
11-15 Salt Lake City, UT - Delta Center
11-18 Tulsa, OK - Bok Center
11-21 Austin, TX - Moody Center
11-25 Atlanta, GA - State Farm Arena
11-27 Miami, FL - Kaseya Center
12-04 Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena
12-06 Baltimore, MD - CFG Bank Arena
12-08 Pittsburgh, PA - PPG Paints Arena
12-10 Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center
12-12 Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena
12-15 Chicago, IL - United Center
12-18 Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center
12-21 New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden
12-23 Boston, MA - TD Garden
12-26 Newark, NJ - Prudential Center
12-29 Toronto, Ontario - Scotiabank Arena

Rising Star AUGUST 08's Untimely Death at 31 Shakes Music Community

Photo Courtesy Def Jam Records
AUGUST 08, a signer-songwriter known for his work on hits like DJ Khaled’s “I’m The One” and Justin Bieber’s “Sorry,” has died at 31, leaving the music world in shock. The cause of death is undisclosed.

88rising, his label, confirmed the tragic news in a statement on Tuesday (August 29), expressing deep sorrow for the loss of Ray Jacobs, aka AUGUST 08.

His sister also paid tribute, reflecting on his purposeful life. “He was able to travel the world, and touch millions of people while fulfilling his soul purpose as a musician,” she wrote.


Born Ray Davon Jacobs on January 2, 1991, in South Los Angeles, his name, AUGUST 08, held personal significance as a nod to his father’s birthday in that month. Despite a challenging upbringing marked by familial struggles, he found solace in music.

Signed to Jhené Aiko’s Allel Sound and Def Jam Recordings, AUGUST 08’s collaborations with prominent artists showcased his unique sound and songwriting.

Def Jam Recordings conveyed their grief: “The entire Def Jam family mourns the tragic loss of Ray ‘August 08’ Jacobs. A brilliant songwriter, an accomplished musician, and a singular artist, August will remain in our memory as a beloved colleague and friend.”


AUGUST 08’s journey in music was characterized by achievements. His debut EP, "FATHER," released in 2018, marked the beginning of his artistry.

Followed by "Happy Endings with an Asterisk" in 2019, featuring collaborations with Goldlink, Duckwrth, Smino, and Wynne, he showcased his versatile musicality.

In August 2022, his debut album, "Seasick," was released under Aiko’s Allel Sound and Def Jam.

Sunday, August 27, 2023

Simone Biles Makes History: Clinches Eighth National All-Around Title at US Gymnastics Championships

Simone Biles, widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time, secured her eighth national all-around title with a commanding performance on Sunday at the US Gymnastics Championships.

Biles, 26, also became the oldest woman to claim the championship, outscoring Shilese Jones by a significant 3.9 points. Jones, the 2022 US and world championships all-around silver medalist, finished as the runner-up.

With her eighth victory, Biles surpasses Alfred Jochim's previous record of seven all-around gold medals, which had stood for 90 years since 1933.

"I think it feels really special," Biles shared with NBC, the broadcaster of the championships. "I’ve been doing it for so long, I feel like I don’t think about numbers, I think about my performance. And I think, overall, I hit eight for eight (routines)… I guess it’s a lucky number this year."After an extended hiatus from major competitions, Biles displayed exceptional poise and skill in her routines, emerging as the dominant force throughout the championships. Her performance on Friday and Sunday was nothing short of impressive, culminating in a remarkable floor exercise routine that garnered a score of 15.400.

As she concluded her floor routine to an enthusiastic ovation from the crowd, Biles was embraced by her teammates and coaches. Teammate Jordan Chiles also took the opportunity to acknowledge Biles' extraordinary achievement, waving her arms to the crowd to sustain the applause.

Amidst the celebration, Biles remained coy about her participation in the upcoming Olympics. "I like to keep (my goals) personal just so that I know what I am aiming for," she explained to NBC. "I’m trying to move a little bit differently this year than I have in the past. So I think it’s working so far, so I’m gonna keep it a little bit secretive."

Biles' triumphant return follows a two-year hiatus after the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where she withdrew from several events due to the mental block known as the "twisties." Remarkably, she executed elements in her routines that no other female gymnast has successfully landed in competition.The victory propels Biles, who has earned 27 U.S. titles and 35 national championship medals overall since her senior debut in 2013, into the World Championships/Pan American Games Selection Camp, scheduled for September 18-21 in Katy, Texas, where rosters for the 2023 FIG Artistic World Championships and 2023 Pan American Games will be finalized.

Friday, August 25, 2023

Lauryn Hill Marks Album Milestone with Global Tour, Joined by The Fugees

Global music sensation Lauryn Hill is set to embark on a highly anticipated international tour alongside The Fugees, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of her groundbreaking solo album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."

In a press release issued on Tuesday, it was announced that Hill will take the stage, treating audiences to performances of her seminal album that encapsulate the musical brilliance and nostalgic magic of an era.

Starting on September 8 in Minneapolis, the tour will include a notable highlight at the Global Citizen Festival in New York City later in the month. Hill's musical journey will span continents, encompassing Australia, Canada, and several cities across the United States, culminating with a finale in Seattle in November.

The Fugees, the iconic hip-hop group, will reunite with Lauryn Hill for the US leg in October and November, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans who hold a special place for the trio.

Reflecting on the profound impact of her album, Hill shared, "‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ is and was a love song to my parents, my family, my people, my musical and cultural forebears, my teachers, my loves, my Creator." She emphasized that the album provided a platform to share wisdom and perspectives through music, challenging stereotypes, and championing the idea that diverse expressions and people have a rightful place anywhere, driven by imagination, creativity and love.

Released on August 25, 1998, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" remains a cornerstone of hip-hop and R&B history, featuring enduring tracks like "Doo Wop (That Thing)," "To Zion," and "Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You." The album secured Hill five Grammy Awards, including the coveted Album of the Year and Best New Artist. Importantly, Hill made history as the first woman to clinch five or more Grammys in a single night, and the album marked the first hip-hop record to earn the Album of the Year honor.


The Fugees, comprising Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel, recently reunited in June, gracing the stage at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia. The trio had initially announced a reunion tour in 2021 to honor the 25th anniversary of their iconic album "The Score." However, the tour faced cancellation due to challenges stemming from the ongoing pandemic.

Notably, member Pras Michel was recently found guilty of 10 criminal counts in federal court for his involvement in a plot to assist China in influencing U.S. government officials. These counts encompass conspiracy to defraud the US, witness tampering, and acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. He faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.

Tickets for Lauryn Hill's highly anticipated tour will go on sale to the general public on Friday at 10 a.m. local time. A pivotal moment on the tour is the performance at Newark's Prudential Center on October 17, underscoring the celebratory journey of both Hill and The Fugees.

Lauryn Hill Tour Dates:
September 8 – Minneapolis, MN – Mystic Lake
September 23 – New York, NY – Global Citizen Festival
October 1 – Gold Coast, AUS – Promiseland Festival
October 3 – Melbourne, AUS – Rod Laver Arena (with Koffee)
October 5 – Sydney, AUS – Kudos Banks Arena (with Koffee)
October 7 – Auckland, NZ – Eden Festival
October 17 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center (with Fugees)
October 19 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays (with Fugees)
October 21 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena (with Fugees)
October 23 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Arena (with Fugees)
October 26 – Toronto, ON – Scotia (with Fugees)
October 28 – Chicago, IL – United Center (with Fugees)
October 30 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena (with Fugees)
November 2 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena (with Fugees)
November 5 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum (with Fugees)
November 7 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena (with Fugees)
November 9 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena (with Fugees)

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Tennis Icon Serena Williams Welcomes Daughter Adira with Partner Alexis Ohanian

Photo Credit: Serena Williams/Instagram 

The world of Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian expanded today with the joyful arrival of their second child, a baby girl named Adira.

Alexis Ohanian proudly confirmed the heartwarming news through an Instagram post that showcased a poignant family portrait. He expressed his gratitude and happiness in the caption, writing, "Welcome, Adira River Ohanian. I’m grateful to report our house is brimming with love: a contented and healthy newborn girl and a happy and healthy mama. Feeling profoundly grateful. @serenawilliams, you’ve once again bestowed upon me an unparalleled gift – you’re the GMOAT. A heartfelt thank you to all the exceptional medical staff who cared for my wife and our daughter 🙏. The moment when I introduced @olympiaohanian to her baby sister will forever remain etched in my memory."

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian, both accomplished in their respective fields, already share the joy of parenthood with their five-year-old daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., who was born in September 2017.


The revelation of Williams' second pregnancy took center stage at the 2023 Met Gala, where the tennis icon elegantly displayed her growing baby bump while adorned in a form-fitting black Gucci gown. Confirming the exciting news later on Instagram, Williams shared her enthusiasm about the forthcoming addition to their family.


In a poignant essay for Vogue last year, Williams shared her introspections and aspirations beyond the tennis court. Addressing her journey, she wrote, "I have never embraced the word retirement. It doesn’t resonate as a contemporary term for me. I see this phase as a transition, yet I'm conscious of the significance this term holds within a certain community. Perhaps the word that best captures my current path is 'evolution'." She continued, "I'm here to convey that my path is shifting from tennis towards other meaningful pursuits. A few years ago, I discreetly initiated Serena Ventures, a venture capital enterprise. Shortly after that, I embarked on the journey of motherhood. My intention is to nurture and expand my family."

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