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

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.

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.