Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Hip-Hop's New Year Revolution: 50 Cent and GloRilla Embrace Celibacy


In a striking departure from the typical "dry January" resolutions, an increasing number of hip-hop heavyweights are opting for a more radical form of self-improvement: celibacy.

This unexpected wave of abstinence, emerging amidst a recent string of industry sex scandals involving everyone from billionaire Bad Boy Diddy to Atlanta power couple T. I. and Tiny and a spate of other examples to numerous to cite here, has sent shockwaves through the music world and sparked conversations about self-mastery, spiritual exploration, and redefining masculinity within the often hyper-sexualized genre.

Leading the charge is rap mogul 50 Cent, whose Instagram post declaring his newfound commitment went viral. "My new idea is so big, I don't have time to be distracted," he wrote, citing meditation and celibacy as tools for laser focus on his goals. "I hope this New Year helps you excel to the next level."

This pledge carries particular weight for 50 Cent, a figure whose own past is deeply intertwined with themes of hyper-masculinity and sexual exploits. Notably, his rise to fame came after surviving nine bullet wounds in a 2000 shooting, an experience that later inspired his hit album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'."

His music and public persona often portrayed a toughened image, with lyrics celebrating materialism and sexual conquest. Yet, this recent embrace of celibacy suggests a potential shift in his priorities and a willingness to challenge the expectations traditionally associated with hip-hop masculinity.

Following suit is rising star GloRilla, who updated her followers with a relatable struggle: "Started my 90-day celibacy little thing for New Year's or whatever; I'm on the 9th day & my vision blurry af !!!!! Send help." In an exclusive interview with Billboard, GloRilla opened up about the challenges, stating, "It's not easy, but I'm committed to it. I think it's important to take a break from intimacy and focus on other aspects of life. It's a way to reset and refocus."

GloRilla's journey is particularly intriguing. Gearing up for her highly anticipated album release in early 2024, she's building on the success of a remarkable 2023. A Grammy nomination, a memorable Coachella performance, and a third Billboard Hot 100 entry with Moneybagg Yo's "On Wat U On" paint a picture of an artist on the rise. Now, she navigates the uncharted territory of celibacy, potentially redefining her narrative within the hip-hop landscape.

Beyond 50 Cent and GloRilla, whispers of similar commitments are spreading through the industry. Some artists cite the desire for spiritual growth, while others seek personal transformation or a refuge from the pressures of fame and tabloid scrutiny.

This trend's potential impact remains unclear. Could it be a temporary blip or a lasting shift in hip-hop culture's hypersexualized image? Will it inspire fans to follow suit or ignite debates about masculinity, relationships, and mental health within the industry? One thing is certain: hip-hop's New Year's resolutions are no longer limited to ditching the booze. As these stars trade the hustle for holiness, they raise intriguing questions about the future of sex, relationships, and self-discovery in the world of hip-hop.
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Friday, December 29, 2023

Megan Thee Stallion and Planet Fitness Unleash 'Mother Fitness' Campaign for a Healthy New Year

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Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion has joined forces with Planet Fitness, one of the largest fitness centers, to launch the "Mother Fitness" initiative. This collaboration not only aims to enhance physical well-being but also seeks to empower communities, eliminate fitness barriers, and raise funds for a meaningful cause.

"Working out is such an integral part of my routine, so this partnership with Planet Fitness genuinely embodies my personal values," expressed Megan Thee Stallion in a statement announcing the collaboration. "We want to encourage everyone to prioritize their physical and mental health heading into the New Year, enabling them to reach new heights in 2024 and continue growing into the best version of themselves."

The "Mother Fitness" campaign spotlights Megan as a fervent advocate for both physical and mental well-being. It encourages individuals to embrace their "Big Fitness Energy" within a supportive and judgment-free environment — a cornerstone value of Planet Fitness.

True to Megan's commitment to philanthropy, the collaboration goes beyond slogans and workouts. An exclusive merchandise line, featuring "Real Hot Girl Fit" bucket hats and "Big Fitness Energy" crewnecks, will be available online. All proceeds will benefit the Pete & Thomas Foundation, Megan's non-profit dedicated to uplifting underserved communities in Houston, Texas, and beyond.

"Music plays a significant role in any fitness routine, so Planet Fitness is thrilled to partner with Megan Thee Stallion to break down the barriers of fitness, encourage everyone to focus on their fitness journeys the 'Judgement Free' way, and channel their Big Fitness Energy," stated Jamie Medeiros, Chief Brand Officer at Planet Fitness. "Megan Thee Stallion embodies all the values of Planet Fitness through her dedication to physical and mental wellness and her powerful message of body positivity, making her an incredible partner for our brand."

The collaboration extends beyond the gym walls, with Megan headlining as the first performer on the Planet Fitness stage at the iconic Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest. Additionally, Planet Fitness is committed to making fitness accessible to everyone, offering a special $0.24 down, no-commitment membership deal from December 30th to January 12th.
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Monday, December 11, 2023

Ciara and Wilson Celebrate Birth of Daughter Amora Princess

Photo Credit: Instagram/Ciara
Singer Ciara and her husband, NFL quarterback Russell Wilson, announced the arrival of their third child together, a daughter named Amora Princess Wilson, on Monday.


The couple shared the news on Instagram, posting a heartwarming photo of their newborn daughter snuggled in their hands. "Amora Princess Wilson, 9lbs 1oz. We Love You so much!" the caption read.

Amora joins Ciara and Russell's growing family, which already includes two other children: daughter Sienna Princess (6 years old) and son Win Harrison (3 years old). This brings Ciara's total number of children to four, as she also has a son, Future Zahir Wilburn (9 years old), from a previous relationship with rapper Future.


Ciara's pregnancy announcement in June 2023 was met with excitement from fans and friends. Throughout her pregnancy, she shared glimpses of her journey on social media, documenting her growing baby bump and expressing her joy at becoming a mother again.

Just hours before welcoming their daughter, Ciara and her older children cheered on Russell and the Denver Broncos as they secured a 24-7 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
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Monday, November 27, 2023

Iconic 'Mr. Big Stuff' Singer Jean Knight Passes at 80

Jean Knight, the iconic voice behind the 1971 chart-topping hit "Mr. Big Stuff," passed away at the age of 80 in Tampa, Florida. The news was confirmed by her family in a statement shared via New Orleans broadcaster LBJ on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday.

In their heartfelt statement, the family expressed the collective sorrow of New Orleans and the music world at the loss of one of their "most treasured musical daughters." Knight, a native of New Orleans, played a vital role in the city's musical legacy.
Her musical journey began with "Doggin' Me Around" on JetStream Records and reached its zenith with the groundbreaking "Mr. Big Stuff" on Stax Records. The song not only showcased her phenomenal talent but also highlighted her dynamic connection with legendary New Orleans producer Wardell Quezerque.
"Mr. Big Stuff," famous for its infectious refrain, "Who do you think you are?," wasn't just a chart-topping anthem; it was a product of soulful, syncopated melodies echoing through the Crescent City. Knight's powerhouse performances at the Essence Music Festival and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival were legendary, reflecting her sassiness and joyous spirit.
Beyond the stage, Knight's love extended to cooking delicious Creole dishes, celebrating Mardi Gras, and serving on the Louisiana Music Commission. Her resilience and determination led to the formation of her label, Comstar, granting her creative freedom while staying true to her musical traditions.

Over the years "Mr. Big Stuff" has been sampled by numerous artist, including John Legend, TLC, Heavy D & the Boyz, Everclear and Eazy E. It was also used in various advertising campaign, most notably one extolling the virtues of Oreo cookied.

In the 1990s, the resurgence of "Mr. Big Stuff" attested not only to the timeless quality of her music but also to the enduring love of her fans. Over one million additional copies were sold, solidifying the song as a staple in the hearts of fans worldwide.

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Thursday, November 16, 2023

Snooze Button for Snoop: A New Dawn as the Doggfather Puts Down the Blunt

Photo Credit: Instagram/snoopdogg
It's been a rough day for fans of the sticky-icky.

In a twist that would make Willie Nelson's pigtails curl, Snoop Dogg, the iconic hip-hop maestro and marijuana connoisseur, declared on Thursday that he's bidding farewell to the art of smoking.

The announcement, made via the rapper's Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, left fans and skeptics alike wondering if the Doggfather himself is truly parting ways with the herb that has been synonymous with his persona for decades.

The unexpected revelation comes on the heels of Snoop Dogg's previous statements earlier this year, where he expressed his intention to cut down on smoking after embracing the role of grandfatherhood. The 50-year-old, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, confessed to the Daily Mail in March that becoming a grandfather prompted a profound shift in his perspective.

"Being a grandfather has changed me in multiple ways," he revealed. "The main way is being concerned with how I live, how I move, the kind of people I'm associated with because I want to see my grandkids grow old. The only way I can do that is to take precautionary steps as far as how I move, who I hang out with, where I go out, my intake, what am I intaking. Am I doing extra-curricular or am I just doing what I'm supposed to be doing?"

This surprising pivot from the marijuana advocate, whose name has practically become synonymous with weed, raises eyebrows and sparks curiosity about what led to this change of heart.

Snoop Dogg's relationship with marijuana has been as iconic as his music career. The rapper has unabashedly celebrated his affinity for cannabis, even famously lighting up a joint while strutting down the red carpet at the MTV Movie Awards in 2021. 

His devotion to the green extends beyond recreational use; in 2015, he launched his own line of marijuana products, Leafs by Snoop. Additionally, in 2019, an Israeli start-up promoting home-grown marijuana enlisted the rapper as a brand ambassador.

As fans grapple with this unexpected twist in the Doggfather's journey, one can't help but wonder if this decision is a temporary pause or a definitive farewell to a lifestyle that has defined Snoop Dogg as much as his music has. Only time will tell if the hip-hop legend's next chapter will be written in smoke or fresh mountain air.
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Thursday, October 26, 2023

B-Rock and The Bizz Rapper Paul Costict Passes Away at 57

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Paul Costict, a hip-hop pioneer and member of the '90s rap collective B-Rock and The Bizz, has passed away suddenly at the age of 57, leaving the music community in mourning.

The news of Costict's unexpected demise was confirmed by an unidentified family member who spoke to TMZ. According to reports, he died at his residence in Norfolk, Virginia, on Saturday. As of now, the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed.



Costict rose to prominence as a member of B-Rock and The Bizz, a group known for their 1997 hit single "My Baby Daddy." The song achieved remarkable success, securing a place in the top ten on the Billboard charts and earning gold certification. While the group is often labeled as a one-hit wonder, their musical legacy endures in the hip-hop community.

In 2022, their influence reached a new generation when global superstar Rihanna was seen wearing a t-shirt with the phrase "dat's just my baby daddy" during her pregnancy, paying tribute to B-Rock and The Bizz.

Thaddeus T-Bird Maye, a former bandmate of Costict, paid an emotional tribute to the late musician. "This one really hit home. I got tears in my eyes as I post this. PAUL COSTICT was a very funny and Kool brother. We go way back to Blount High School," said Maye. "He was so funny. Love you, brother. Rest in peace. Please keep me and his family in your PRAYERS."

B-Rock and The Bizz, consisting of Costict, Baron "B-Rock" Agee, Leevirt Agee, and Maye, emerged from Mobile, Alabama, in 1986, making history as the first rap group from the city. Their signature hit, "My Baby Daddy," propelled them into the national spotlight, earning gold certification and securing a place in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100.

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Tuesday, October 24, 2023

'Shaft' Icon Richard Roundtree, Who Showcased Musical Talents, Passes at 81 After Cancer Battle

Richard Roundtree, the legendary actor celebrated for his groundbreaking portrayal of private detective John Shaft in the iconic 1971 film "Shaft," passed away Tuesday at the age of 81 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

The confirmation of Roundtree's passing was provided by his manager, Patrick McMinn, who had been managing his career since 1987. McMinn, in a statement, reflected on Roundtree's profound impact on the film industry. He stated, "Richard's work and career served as a turning point for African American leading men in film. The impact he had on the industry cannot be overstated."

Roundtree's remarkable journey began with a modeling career, but at the age of 28, he secured the role of John Shaft in the iconic "Shaft" film. The action-packed movie, released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, achieved tremendous success, grossing $12 million against a meager budget of $500,000 and helping rescue the studio from financial woes. It set the stage for an era of prolific Blaxploitation filmmaking and underlined the historical oversight of Black talent by Hollywood.

However, Roundtree's influence extended far beyond the silver screen. In 1972, he ventured into the world of music with the release of his debut album, "The Man from Shaft." This musical project marked a distinct departure from his tough-guy image as a private investigator and showcased his versatility as an artist.

"The Man from Shaft" was a unique creation, with Roundtree's singing debut produced by the accomplished musician Gene McDaniels. McDaniels, known as a singer, songwriter, and producer, played a pivotal role in shaping the album's sound. Roundtree's vocals were complemented by a talented ensemble of musicians, including jazz luminaries such as Hubert Laws, Pepper Adams, Jerry Dodgion, Sonny Fortune and Billy Harper. This collaboration resulted in a musical fusion that combined elements of jazz and funk, creating a distinctive and memorable sound.



The lead track of the album, "Gets Hard Sometimes," exemplified the fusion of genres, incorporating a funky groove that bore the hallmark of McDaniels's musical style. While "The Man from Shaft" did not achieve widespread commercial success, it represented a significant and memorable project in Roundtree's artistic journey, highlighting his willingness to explore different creative avenues beyond acting.

Roundtree's groundbreaking role in "Shaft" led to two rapid sequels, "Shaft's Big Score" and "Shaft in Africa," as well as a short-lived 1973 "Shaft" television series on CBS, which he viewed as a less favorable chapter in his illustrious career.

As the years went by, Roundtree's career continued to flourish, extending beyond his initial stardom. He featured in films such as "Earthquake," "Man Friday" alongside Peter O'Toole and Larry Cohen's monster comedy "Q — The Winged Serpent." In addition to his film work, he made notable guest appearances on television, including roles in "Roots," "Magnum P.I." and "The Love Boat."

In 2000, Roundtree revisited the world of "Shaft" in John Singleton's revival of the franchise, co-starring with Samuel L. Jackson, who played a character related to Roundtree's original private eye. This collaboration continued in 2019 with Tim Story's comedic take on the series.

Born on July 9, 1942, in Rochester, New York, Roundtree briefly attended Southern Illinois University before embarking on his modeling career. In the late '60s, he joined the Negro Ensemble Company, which initiated his involvement in New York stage productions.

Roundtree's remarkable career spanned over five decades, and his portrayal of Shaft, his contributions to genre filmmaking, and his captivating screen presence added vibrancy to films like "Se7en," "Brick" and "Speed Racer." His recent work included a role in "Moving On," a comedy featuring Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and was later released in theaters.

He was married twice, first to Mary Jane Grant from 1963 to 1973, and later to Karen M. Cierna from 1980 to 1998. He is survived by his four daughters, Nicole, Tayler, Morgan and Kelli Roundtree, as well as his son, James.
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Thursday, October 19, 2023

"Legendary DJ and Producer DJ Mark The 45 King Passes at 62

45 King Boiler Room DJ set (Screengrab: YouTube)
DJ Mark The 45 King, an icon in the world of hip-hop renowned for his groundbreaking work as a producer and DJ, has passed away at the age of 62. His death was confirmed by DJ Premier, who described him as an "ICON."

While the specific cause of his passing remains undisclosed, the news comes shortly after DJ Mark The 45 King celebrated his 62nd birthday on October 16, marking a somber moment in the realm of music.

Known as Mark Howard James in private life, DJ Mark The 45 King hailed from the Bronx, New York, and commenced his illustrious DJ career in the mid-1980s. He adopted the moniker "45 King" due to his unique ability to craft beats from old 45 RPM records, setting the stage for his distinctive approach to music production.

His career trajectory saw a meteoric rise with the release of the breakbeat track "The 900 Number" in 1987, a composition that has inspired countless artists through its samples. Inextricably tied to the Flavor Unit, a renowned collective of artists, DJ Mark The 45 King lent his production talents to a lineup that included luminaries like Queen Latifah, Chill Rob G, Lakim Shabazz and Apache.

One of his most significant career milestones came in 1989 when he made pivotal contributions to Queen Latifah's album "All Hail the Queen." His production on this record is lauded by critics as some of his most exceptional work.

In 1996, DJ Kool, a go-go artist from Washington, D.C., catapulted to success with the hit song "Let Me Clear My Throat," which was set to the backdrop of DJ Mark The 45 King's "900 Number" beat. DJ Kool graciously acknowledged the 45 King as the originator of the song's iconic sound.

The pinnacle of his career arrived in 1998 when he produced "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" for Jay-Z, featuring the memorable chorus from the original cast album of the Broadway musical "Annie." Jay-Z himself hailed DJ Mark The 45 King as a trailblazer in hip-hop during an interview, recognizing his pivotal contributions to the genre.

DJ Premier, a close collaborator and friend of DJ Mark The 45 King, shared his thoughts on the iconic producer's passing, stating, "R.I.P. DJ Mark The 45 King who passed this morning. An ICON. His 62nd Birthday was Monday. I never heard of Gang Starr until I heard DJ Red Alert play their 2nd single Produced by Mark on 98.7 Kiss in NYC while shopping my demos looking to get a record deal."

DJ Premier added, "Mark is responsible for so many classics and was a member of the Iconic Crew FLAVOR UNIT, including Queen Latifah, Latee, Chill Rob G., Lakim Shabazz, Double J, Lord Alibaski, DJ Cee Justice, Apache, Naughty By Nature, Freddie Foxxx, Markey Fresh, Rowdy Rahz, Storm P, Shakim, and many more members. His sound was unlike any other, from his heavy drums to his distinct horns on every production."

Further acknowledging DJ Mark The 45 King's impact, DJ Premier noted, "He got a huge Warner Bros. deal and remixed the Classic Madonna single 'Keep It Together' and the raw remix of Eric B. & Rakim 'I Know You Got Soul.' The '900 Number' is a Super Classic, Queen Latifah's 'Wrath Of My Madness,' 'Ladies First' with Monie Love, Chill Rob G's 'Court Is In Session,' Latee's 'Cuts Got Flavor,' the Historical Jay-Z hit 'Hard Knock Life,' and Eminem's 'Stan,' to name a few of his catalog that will forever ring bells."

Throughout his distinguished career, DJ Mark The 45 King provided beats for a multitude of celebrated artists, including Eric B. & Rakim, Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Madonna and Eminem.

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