Lil Nas X Goes on Trial In Latest Video

 The viral country-rap hit "Old Town Road" made Lil Nas X a star in 2019, going from background music

Lil Nas X

in TikTok videos, to a diamond certified (10,000,000 copies sold) music industry phenomenon — spending 19 weeks atop the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It is the longest-reigning single to top the chart since its debut in 1958. 

Then with the spotlight on him and the industry waiting to see what he would do next he did the unthinkable, at the height of his popularity he came out as gay. The move could have ended his burgeoning career, driven largely by the country and rap markets, neither known to be bastions of tolerance for non-conforming artists. Instead, the social media savvy star turned his supposed weaknesses into a strength rallying new fans to his work and earning the support of celebrities like Niki Minaj. 

some of y’all already know, some of y’all don’t care, some of y’all not gone fwm no more. but before this month ends i want y’all to listen closely to c7osure. 🌈🤩✨ pic.twitter.com/O9krBLllqQ

— nope 👶🏾 (@LilNasX) June 30, 2019

While not everyone has embraced him, his talent and Internet acumen have continued to keep him wining in the music game, releasing platinum single after single to follow-up to his initial hit. Controversy has continued to follow his nascent career. In March of 2021 his collaboration with New York-based art collective MSCHF, a modified pair of Nike Air Max 97s called Satan Shoes with a drop of human blood featured in all 666 pairs put up for sale sparked outraged. Christian groups, politicians and others said he was promoting Satan. Nike eventually stepped into the storm to protect its image and sued the collective for trademark infringement. Lil Nas took the lawsuit in stride with a legendary Twitter response and the companies eventually settled the suit. 

The artist didn’t forget the fiasco and brilliantly used the scenario as the basis for his latest single “Industry Baby” a track co-produced by Kanye West and Take A Daytrip and featuring Jack Harlow that releases Friday. Watch as Lil Nas turns another potential misstep into a win: 

NFL plans to inspire change this season with "Left Every Voice and Sing" and More

 

The Black national anthem, "Left Every Voice and Sing," will play before every game this season, according to the NFL.  The anthem previously played before week 1 games in 2020.  

This will be a continuation of last years social justice messages with on field-signage and decals on players helmets. 

The NBA had a attempted to show solidarity with many of its' players by showing social justice messages during the 2020 season but after experiencing plummeting ratings, the showing was quickly sidelined. 

This reinforces the NFL's 10-year, $250 million commitment to fighting systemic racism in America.  Music mogul and rapper, Jay-Z and his Roc Nation Company have been advising the league on its "Inspire Change" initiative since last year.

Legendary Rapper Biz Markie Dead at 57

 The Biz is finally sleeping.

Biz Markie 

Legendary rapper, singer, DJ, actor, comedian, and writer Biz Markie died Friday in Baltimore at the age of 57 following what had been reported to be a long battle with complications from diabetes. No official cause of death was provided in the official statement sent out to several media outlets by his representative Jenni Izumi. “It is with profound sadness that we announce, this evening, with his wife Tara by his side, hip hop pioneer Biz Markie peacefully passed away,” Izumi said. 

“We are grateful for the many calls and prayers of support that we have received during this difficult time. Biz created a legacy of artistry that will forever be celebrated by his industry peers and his beloved fans whose lives he was able to touch through music, spanning over 35 years. He leaves behind a wife, many family members and close friends who will miss his vibrant personality, constant jokes and frequent banter. We respectfully request privacy for his family as they mourn their loved one.” 

Born Marcel Theo Hall, the Harlem native was perhaps best known for "Just a Friend" a single off his second album, "The Biz Never Sleeps" that reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1989, and earned a place in pop-culture history with its combination of narrative-rapping and outlandish singing propelling it to cult-favorite popularity that persists today.