Cliff Dixon was shot and killed outside of an Atlanta club while his close friends were gathering to celebrate his 32nd birthday.
The shooting occurred outside of SL Lounge within the borders of the Chamblee strip mall in Atlanta. By the time paramedics arrived he was already in critical condition from gun shot wounds to the head. The former NBA player was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead moments later.
Authorities claim the gunman fled on foot and they were unable to catch him. There’s no telling if the situation stems from an altercation that started inside the venue.
If Cliff Dixon looks familiar to you, you may know him as Kevin Durant’s best friend or Erica Mena’s ex-boyfriend.
Our deepest condolences go out to the entire Dixon family.
Meek Mill continues raking in W’s while he’s on The Championships Tour.
Before gracing the stage at XFINITY Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut the Philly rapper was honored with the key to the city and March 19th was declared Meek Mill Day. Meek received the honors for his work as a criminal justice reform advocate.
He was also acknowledged for his criminal justice reform work by Houston and his hometown.
Meek Mill performed in Connecticut just one day after the CEO of the REFORM Alliance co-founded by the rapper, JAY-Z, Michael Rubin, and more, Van Jones, spoke about the passing of a bill that will restore felons’ voting privilege.
“When people are trying to turn their lives around, we should throw them a lifeline and not an anvil,” said Jones, the CEO of REFORM Alliance. “To often when people come home from prison, if they’ve done well on the inside, they’ve taken classes, they’ve gotten certificates, they think they’re going to come home and do well, and they find doors closed in their faces. And the only door that opens is the door back to prison, and that’s wrong. And we can do something about that. This is supposed to be a country that loves the underdog, loves the second chance, loves a comeback story.”
Meek was unable to attend Monday’s meeting but showed love by gifting the governor and parolees a pairs of his PUMA Clyde Court #REFORM sneakers.
The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) have collectively filed a lawsuit against fitness startup Peloton. According to court records, the National Publishers Association is seeking over $150 million in damages. The complaint, filed by Downtown Music Publishing, Ultra Music, and eight other publishing groups, alleges that Peloton has been playing their musical works for several years in its workout videos without the proper utilization of licensing. Because of this process, the results were the loss of potential income for many artists.
TMZ reports that some of the songs listed in the suit include “Umbrella” and “Diamonds” by Rihanna, “Don’t Wake Me Up” by Chris Brown, along with older hits like “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar. Rihanna’s hit track, “Umbrella,” has been used in at least 55 workout vids since 2017.
“Music is a core part of the Peloton business model and is responsible for much of the brand’s swift success,” said NMPA president and CEO David Israelite said in a statement. “Thousands of exclusive videos and playlists are a major reason hundreds of thousands of people have purchased Peloton products.”
As The Verge reports, “We just received the complaint this morning, and we are evaluating it,” a representative from Peloton told The Verge. “Peloton has great respect for songwriters and artists. In fact, we have partnered with each of the major music publishers, record labels and performing rights organizations, and many leading independents. We have also invested heavily to build a best-in-breed reporting and licensing system to support our partners and provide our members with a world-class fitness experience.”
The NMPA alleges that these violations by Peloton have been taken place since 2014 when it first launched their at-home streaming on its machines.
A woman who accused Nelly of raping her says the police have destroyed her case.
The anonymous British woman’s lawyer blames Essex police for treating her like a suspect instead of a victim, as per TMZ.
The accuser’s attorney blames the police for being threatened by Nelly and his legal team and screwing up their investigation concerning her case that the rapper allegedly jerked off in front of her and tried to get her to perform oral sex following a performance at the Cliffs Pavilion scene in December 2017. The “Hot In Here” rapper has denied the claims.
The lawyer claims law enforcement have tried to acquire the accuser’s cell phone records, showed up to her house unannounced, requested that she completed a follow-up interview, and come to the police station. Additionally, the lawyer alleges that it took authorities a year to interview the rapper.
The lawyer announced that her client will no longer be cooperating with the investigation.
Accordingly, Essex police told TMZ, “We can confirm we have received communication from a solicitor regarding the case and will be reviewing this investigation and engaging with both parties in due course.”
Earlier this year, Nelly requested to get another woman’s lawsuit against him thrown out in US court.
If anyone can straighten this Gucci thing out, it’s Dapper Dan. Or can he?
Quintessential urban designer Dapper Dan is really trying to help the iconic brand remain in the game after their overtly racist clothing design, which was a blackface sweater.
Today, the Harlem fashion renaissance figure announced his launch of Gucci Changemakers, aimed at aiding up and coming urban clothiers break into mainstream fashion.
The $5 million funds from Gucci is supposed to partner with other not-for-profit organizations around the country in cities like Miami, Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C., Houston, and L.A. to ensure its impact.
Others in the Hip-Hop community are not so sure about Gucci’s commitment to social change. Notables such as Mysonne, T.I. and Dame Dash has been unwavering in their Anti-Gucci” campaign.
Compton-bred rapper YG — “Keenon Daequan Ray muthafuckin’ Jackson” as his mom eloquently refers to him on the intro to the album we’re about to talk about — is one of the leaders in today’s roster of young Hip-Hop kings, right there along with the likes of Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Meek Mill and the immensely-missed Mac Miller. While Cole is a representative of the south by way of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Meek a proud representation of Philly through and through, Mac giving Pittsburgh its well-deserved props and K. Dot telling the story of living in Compton from a deeply introspective and oftentimes poetic point of view, YG found a way to rep the West Coast from its original G-funk gangsta rap roots from the very beginning of his career.
His platinum-selling debut album, My Krazy Life, turns five years old today (March 18), and is officially available as a 2LP black vinyl by way of Urban Legends. It’s one of those records that will look good plastered on your wall of other preserved rap records, or for a few good spins if you actually own a player to scratch it on. Either way, there’s no arguing that My Krazy Life is a modern day classic. Let us break down why real quick.
Before you go cop the record and add it to your collection, read on to see why YG’s My Krazy Life was so important to the climate of Hip-Hop in 2014 and how it’s shaped the rap game up to this day:
The Album Topped Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Albums & Rap Albums Charts, While Also Debuting at #2 on the Billboard 200
The week of April 5, 2014, My Krazy Life was held out from the top spot by one astronomical album: the soundtrack for Disney’s Frozen. Granted, nobody was stopping the Frozen train, so we definitely give YG cred where it’s due. However, he was able to top the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and the Top Rap Albums, the latter where it finished at #9 on the year-end list. Overall, it was one of the most successful rap releases of 2014.
The Guest Features Were Phenomenal
Not only was he able to get rap vet Jeezy on the hit lead single, as well as Lil Wayne on the remix, YG also found a way to use My Krazy Life as an opportunity to prove that there was definitely a unity within his rap class. ScHoolboy Q and Jay Rock on “I Just Wanna Party,” Tory Lanez on “Me & My Bitch,” Nicki Minaj on the aforementioned lead single remix as well, Drake on “Who Do You Love?” and Kendrick Lamar on the classic deep cut “Really Be (Smokin N Drinkin)” were all examples of that. While friendly competition is always in the atmosphere, these MCs supported and rocked with each other heavy.
The Album Helped Put DJ Mustard on the Map
Granted, DJ Mustard had been producing hits as far back as 2011 with Tyga’s top 10 banger “Rack City,” but his working relationship with YG can’t be compared to any rap/producer duo in the game. While they went through a brief beef that has thankfully been squashed, there’s no denying the classic songs they were able to create as a unit on My Krazy Life. We saw them recreate the magic recently on “Big Bank” off last year’s Stay Dangerous, proving that the YG/Mustard union is a much-needed force in Hip-Hop for the majority of us that love a good G-Funk-laced club banger.
My Krazy Life Proved YG Could Represent the West Coast As a Solo Force
Having a tight rap crew to fall back on definitely helps elevate you up the ranks in Hip-Hop, which is why we give YG even more cred for being able to navigate up the charts dolo. While his contemporaries had groups that range from TDE and A$AP Mo to Dreamville and even Young Money, YG held things down on his own under his 4Hunnid imprint, which operates as a record label and fashion brand alike. The leader of his own pack, for sure.
The Universal Praise of “My Nigga”
As controversial as the title is, nobody can deny the takeover of the rap game that “My Nigga” had on Hip-Hop and music in general. A certified quadruple platinum hit, the song also referred to as “My Hitta” made it to the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 (#19 peak position) and garnered YG two BET Hip Hop Awards, including “Best Collabo, Duo or Group” alongside Jeezy and Rich Homie Quan plus recognition for the coveted “Track of the Year” that was awarded to DJ Mustard for production. Even today, drop that track and watch the room go crazy.
Happy five years to My Krazy Life by YG! Shop the new 2LP vinyl release right now over on Urban Legends, and let us know your favorite tracks off the project over on our Facebook and Twitter.
A prank by Rich The Kid went awry, now the joke seems to be on him. It now is being reported that he’s being hit with a lawsuit because of the prank. Maro Burunsuzyan, the attorney for Rich’s former landlord, is suing the “New Freezer” rapper for allegedly posting her number on social media, according to reports from TMZ.
According to the lawsuit, Rich is being accused of sharing Burunsuzyan’s number on Twitter on February 14. This action by Rich led to harassment from his followers. He posted “Valentines calls me” with her number attached, which allegedly prompted at least 500 text messages and numerous phone calls according to TMZ.
Burunsuzyan is representing Haikuhe Chichyan, the landlord suing Rich for more than $30,000 overdue rent. She believes he put her number on blast because she’s been after him in court, attempting to get damages and back rent for her client.
The lawyer claims she had a conversation with Rich back on Valentine’s Day and she had alerted him that would no longer be talking to him since he refused to pay her the money allegedly owed to her client. She went on to claim that he reacted by saying, “Oh, really?” and posted the tweet soon after their conversation.
Burunsuzyan is asking for an unspecified amount of damages. Rich hasn’t commented on the lawsuit as of Wednesday night.
We will have more information as the story develops.
The Williamsburg section of Brooklyn has quickly become the new Mecca of Culture and on April 20th, 2019 Williamsburg will host its first Major Cultural Event—CultureFest 2019.
Culture Fest is the brainchild of Rebirth Multimedia Group (RMG) an events company that has taken the responsibility of promoting the culture seriously. It’s a celebration of the Art, Music, fashion, and lifestyle of urban culture in New York City and especially in Brooklyn. You’re guaranteed to have some of the most relevant up and coming street artist.
Music performers, including a performance by Afro B, and fashion apparel brands as well as something for the Gamers and even the foodies. Most impressive is that in addition to a really fun interactive experience Culturefest is looking to spread some knowledge to the unenlightened and remove any stigma about the urban lifestyle. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this historic event.
It is an adult event, must be 18 years or older.
ID will be required as alcoholic beverages will be sold.
Tickets can be bought online. Visit Culturefestnyc.com or rmg-events.com
Kim Kardashian’s recent efforts in criminal reform includes her providing a roof for five year for a man released from jail.
TMZ reports that Matthew Charles served 20 years out of his 35 year sentence for a non-violent drug crime and weapon offense. Charles was one of the inmates released under new prison reform laws, however he was denied housing due to his background.
Once the beauty mogul caught wind of his situation, she swooped in with her cape and ‘S’ on her chest. She generously offered to help him find a place to stay and cover the rent for five years.
Charles shared Kim Kardashian’s good deed on Instagram over the weekend. “I just received the most wonderful news tonight that I just had to share with everyone. Kim Kardashian-West heard about my situation. Was moved and has decided to help me.”
US Weekly reports that Charles plans to save up to purchase his own home while the reality star covers the bills.
The son of the late The Notorious B.I.G., CJ Wallace, has launched Think BIG, a new cannabis brand and movement. The brand is inspired by Biggie Smalls and is aiming to use cannabis as a method to ignite ingenuity.
The new venture will launch products and brands that are developed from the three core pillars of Think BIG: creativity, curiosity and collaboration. The brand will also push the belief of safe cannabis use that promotes personal expression, health, and wellness, while also pushing forward criminal justice reform and the de-stigmatization of those who use cannabis.
For CJ, cannabis is a way of connecting with his late father who he lost at five months old. The venture is assisted by Todd Russaw, music executive and stepfather to CJ, and entrepreneur Willie Mack.
Think BIG will make its first launch Frank White. Frank White, named after a moniker adopted by Biggie that originated from King of New York, will be support for anxiety and creativity.
