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.

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

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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.

Birdman picks up BG from prison after serving 11 years 🔓 pic.twitter.com/l8BPMJeHBI

— HIPHOP CROWN NATION (@hiphopcnation) September 5, 2023

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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.

Angry 50 Cent throws mic into crowd, smacking fan in the head. 😯‼️ pic.twitter.com/6LEy8M3E4F

— DramaAlert (@DramaAlert) August 31, 2023

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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.

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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)

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Reportedly Welcome Second Child: A Baby Boy

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Global music sensation Rihanna and her partner A$AP Rocky have welcomed their second child, a baby boy, into the world.

According to TMZ, the couple's new addition was born on August 3rd in Los Angeles. While the baby's name remains undisclosed, sources with direct knowledge shared that it begins with the letter "R."

The 35-year-old singer and A$AP Rocky previously became parents in May 2022 with the birth of their first child, a boy named RZA Athelston Mayers, paying homage to music producer and Wu-Tang Clan member, RZA.

TMZ reported the news of the birth, stating, "Sources with direct knowledge tell us the baby arrived August 3rd in Los Angeles. We don't yet know the kiddo's name, but we do know it starts with 'R' and it's a boy."

The Grammy-winning artist, known for her creative approach to sharing personal news, had earlier announced her second pregnancy in a captivating manner. During her performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in February, Rihanna unveiled her growing baby bump by opening her fire red jumpsuit. The announcement created waves of excitement among fans worldwide, who eagerly awaited the arrival of the new member of the family.

Throughout her pregnancy journey, Rihanna continued to captivate audiences with her dynamic presence. Attending prominent events such as the Met Gala and the Academy Awards, the artist effortlessly embraced her maternity style, demonstrating her unique fashion choices. Rihanna shared her approach to maternity fashion in an interview with People, emphasizing that feeling good is closely tied to looking good. "You put some clothes on, and it's like, when you look good, you feel good," she expressed.