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.
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)
The Rock the Bells Festival announced its lineup for 2023 on Thursday, and it features some of the most iconic and trailblazing performers in the hip-hop industry.
Queen Latifah, Ludacris, De La Soul, Method Man & Redman, Swizz Beatz, Salt-n-Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and Fabolous are just a smattering of the rap icons that will be on hand to perform at the event, which also promises to offer an immersive experience for hip-hop enthusiasts, highlighting the genre's impact on fashion, art and food.
"We've made it a priority to honor hip-hop culture! This is a celebration for artists who paved the way and the legions of fans around the world throughout hip-hop's 50th-anniversary year," James Cuthbert, President of Rock The Bells, said. "The stage is set for the overdue acknowledgment and celebration of our culture and the fans who live and breathe it! This lineup represents icons and artists from various decades, cities, and styles, ensuring fans have the best hip-hop experience possible."
Along with the musical performances, the festival will also include a range of experiences, such as a tribute to the late Sean Price by Rock & Bernadette Price and a showcase of hip-hop pioneers' debut albums and hit singles, including the 35th anniversary of The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.
The festival takes place on August 11 at Forest Hills Stadium in New York City, marking the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop. Fans can purchase presale VIP packages and general and reserved tickets for the festival through the festival's website.
To announce the lineup, Rock the Bells released a promotional trailer on Thursday featuring LL COOL J, Mike Epps, Salt-N-Pepa, Slick Rick, and Yo-Yo. The trailer is based on the seminal hip-hop-heist movie Set It Off and provides a sneak peek of what fans can expect from the festival.
Call it a comeback: LL Cool J is headlining his first arena tour in 30 years, and he's bringing some of hip-hop's biggest and brightest stars with him.
The tour backed by Live Nation and dubbed The F.O.R.C.E Live (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy) will boast a rotating cast of some of hip-hop's most historic figures and groups.
Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Rakim, Common, Method Man & Redman, Big Boi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ice T, Juvenile, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Goodie Mob, Jadakiss and Rick Ross, are just some of the acts expected to take the stage where they will be backed by iconic hip-hop group The Roots and legendary DJs Z-Trip and Jazzy Jeff.
The tour kicks off on June 25 at TD Garden in Boston, MA and will roll through arenas across the continent before closing out on September 3 in Los Angeles, CA at Kia Forum.
This is not a moment, it’s a movement. For my first Arena tour in 30 years, I am bringing you THE F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy.) @theroots, @ztrip & @djjazzyjeff215 will join me in the ultimate Hip-Hop mash-up with a legendary non-stop continuous set! We hit… pic.twitter.com/j6OalpogG3
Fans can purchase tickets through the Live Nation presale, Ticketmaster presale, or local venue and radio presales on Thursday. General sales begin Friday. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.
The F.O.R.C.E Live tour dates are as follows: 6/25 - Boston, MA - TD Garden 6/27 - Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center 6/28 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center 6/29 - Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena 7/1 - Baltimore, MD - CFG Bank Arena 7/2 - Washington, DC - Capital One Arena 7/4 - Atlanta, GA - State Farm Arena 7/6 - Hollywood, FL - Hard Rock Live 7/8 - Raleigh, NC - PNC Arena 7/9 - Charlotte, NC - Spectrum Center 8/12 - Cleveland, OH - Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse 8/13 - Chicago, IL - United Center 8/18 - Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena 8/19 - St. Louis, MO - Enterprise Center 8/20 - Indianapolis, IN - Gainbridge Fieldhouse 8/22 - Memphis, TN - FedEx Forum 8/23 - New Orleans, LA - Smoothie King Center 8/24 - Ft. Worth, TX - Dickies Arena 8/25 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center 8/27 - Albuquerque, NM - Sandia Casino Amphitheater 8/29 - Denver, CO - Ball Arena 9/1 - San Francisco, CA - Chase Center 9/2 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena 9/3 - Los Angeles, CA - Kia Forum
Janet Jackson's self-titled documentary, released in 2022, garnered 21 million viewers and became the highest-rated documentary of the year on cable television. Now, Lifetime and A&E have approved a follow-up to the story called "Janet Jackson: Family First."
The upcoming documentary will follow Janet Jackson on her 2023 "Together Again" tour and her collaboration with brother Randy Jackson to reunite the family band 40 years after its last performance.
“I was touched by the love and support from the wonderful fans who enjoyed the documentary last year," Janet, who served as executive producer for the project along with Randy, said in a statement. "I am excited to continue to share my story and welcome fans into my life and the 'Together Again' tour. Thank you for your never-ending support, and I hope you enjoy the next chapter."
Randy added, "In this next chapter in the documentary, Janet and I are thrilled to welcome viewers on the road with us as we embark on the 'Together Again' tour, celebrating the milestone of 50 years of Janet's career with fans across the country. We look forward to the continued partnership with Lifetime and A&E and to sharing our family with viewers."
According to a press release from the networks, the project — directed by Ben Hirsch and produced by Workerbee — will provide an exclusive, intimate, and honest look into the life, family, and legendary artistry of the five-time Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, author, actor, philanthropist, and global icon, whose record sales have exceeded 180 million copies worldwide.
Apart from following the "Together Again" tour, "Janet Jackson: Family First" will also celebrate the 25th and 30th anniversaries of two of Jackson's critically acclaimed albums, "The Velvet Rope" and "Janet," respectively.
"Janet Jackson: Family First" is currently in production and will be broadcast simultaneously on Lifetime and A&E. The release date will be announced soon.
Chris Rock is going where no comedian has gone before — live on Netflix.
The streaming giant made the announcement Thursday on Twitter.
"Chris Rock is about to make history as the first artist to perform LIVE on Netflix!" the network posted on its official account, alongside a picture of Rock with a goat. "The legendary comedian, writer, director, and actor’s newest comedy special will premiere live — globally — in early 2023 on Netflix!"
Netflix’s vice president of stand-up and comedy formats, Robbie Praw, elaborated on why Rock — who is currently on the road for his Ego Death World Tour — was chosen for the honor in a statement released by the company.
Chris Rock is about to make history as the first artist to perform LIVE on Netflix!
The legendary comedian, writer, director, and actor’s newest comedy special will premiere live — globally — in early 2023 on Netflix! pic.twitter.com/U8ozz2BLV1
"Chris Rock is one of the most iconic and important comedic voices of our generation,” Praw said. “We’re thrilled the entire world will be able to experience a live Chris Rock comedy event and be a part of Netflix history. This will be an unforgettable moment and we’re so honored that Chris is carrying this torch.”
The appearance will mark the second time Rock has done a stand-up special for the network. In 2018, he made his Netflix debut with “Chris Rock: Tamborine."
Rapper Announces ‘Road to Utopia’ Residency at Las Vegas
The Travis Scott comeback tour gained significant momentum on Monday when the much-maligned rapper announced he had secured a Las Vegas residency.
"Road to Utopia" is touted as a "mind-bending, first-of-its-kind nightclub residency experience" by Resorts World Las Vegas. Housed at the resort's Zouk Nightclub, it kicks off on Sept. 17 and will span seven shows.
Resort World Las Vegas' chief marketing officer, Ronn Nicolli called Scott a "one-of-a-kind, multi-talented artist" in a statement and added, "His residency will bring a new level of energy to Resorts World Las Vegas and add to the property's diverse list of entertainment and nightlife offerings."
For the 31-year-old musician, the gig is a major milestone in his continued return to the limelight following the tragedy at the Astroworld Festival less than a year ago.
Scott's signature annual hometown concert ended in a crowd stampede that left ten people dead and hundreds more injured last November.
In the wake of the disaster, the multi-platinum artist was dropped as a headliner from several major music festivals. Ultimately, he took a six-month break from performing.
He returned to the stage at the Billboard Music Awards in May. Since then, he has done a guest set at Rolling Loud, a nightclub appearance, and performances at parties during Coachella and the Oscars.
The shows at Zouk will be all about Scott, featuring the "Sicko Mode" singer performing his hits in a state-of-the-art facility. A possibility of Scott previewing upcoming tracks during the residency was also teased in the announcement.
"His electric performances will pair perfectly with our immersive atmosphere, bringing our guests an unmatched show unlike anything else they can find in Las Vegas," Andrew Li, CEO of Zouk Group, said. "We can't wait to kick off his residency and continue to amplify our talent lineup."
Hip-hop belongs to the world now, but there is no denying that its ancestral home is New York.
On Tuesday, rap legends Wu-Tang Clan and Nas announced they’re co-headlining a tour guaranteed to remind those who may have forgotten the state’s importance to the art form.
RZA, GZA, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Raekwon, Masta Killa, and Cappadonna — who emerged from the slums of Shaolin (New York’s Staten Island) like the Voltron lions to form the rap supergroup Wu-Tang Clan — and Brooklyn-born, Queensbridge bred (raised in Queens, New York’s infamous Queensbridge Houses public housing development) Nas, NY State of Mind tour is slated to launch late in the summer.
The 25-city tour begins Aug. 30 in St. Louis, Missouri, before making stops across North America including Atlanta, Toronto and Houston before wrapping up Oct. 4 in Los Angeles.
The first official tour featuring the two icons, however, will not include any shows in their native New York.
Both acts began their careers with genre-defining albums in the 1990s. Wu-Tang Clan’s kung-fu crossed with hardcore hip-hop-inspired debut "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)" dropped in November 1993, and Nas’ “Illmatic” hit the airwaves six months later.
Courtesy Live Nation
"Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” ranks 27th on Rolling Stone's updated list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, while Billboard wrote in 2015 that “'Illmatic' is widely seen as the best hip-hop album ever.” It was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" in 2020, and last week it was announced that “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” would be receiving the same honor.
Nas, who earned his first-ever Grammy Award for best rap album in March for his twelfth solo studio album, King's Disease, has appeared as a featured artist on several tracks by members of Wu-Tang Clan as well as with the whole group on a song titled "Let My N—- Live" off Wu-Tang Clan's 2000 album The W. He also appeared as himself in the 2019 Showtime documentary series Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men to speak about his time working with the group.
NY STATE OF MIND TOUR DATES: Tue Aug 30 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre* Thu Sep 01 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center* Fri Sep 02 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre* Sat Sep 03 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre^ Sun Sep 04 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage^ Wed Sep 07 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center* Thu Sep 08 – Camden, NJ – Waterfront Music Pavilion* Fri Sep 09 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre* Sat Sep 10 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center* Tue Sep 13 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center^ Wed Sep 14 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach* Fri Sep 16 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live* Sat Sep 17 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek* Sun Sep 18 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion* Tue Sep 20 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre* Wed Sep 21 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre* Thu Sep 22 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre* Sat Sep 24 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center^ Sun Sep 25 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater^ Mon Sep 26 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion* Thu Sep 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion* Fri Sep 30 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre* Sat Oct 01 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena^ Sun Oct 02 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre* Tue Oct 04 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl* TICKETS: Tickets go on sale starting Tuesday, April 26th at 10am local at livenation.com
