It didn’t take long after President Biden announced that he was dropping out of the 2024 Presidential race that comparisons were made by Hip Hop fans to J. Cole and his dropping out of the “Big 3” battle between him, Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
Biden declined the Presidential nomination for the Democratic party in a statement on Sunday afternoon. X users shared an edited photo of Biden and Cole’s face next to one another across the platform, with one fan writing, “Biden watched what backing out of a battle did for J. Cole and said y’all go have fun.” Another tweeted, “I hate the internet, Joe Biden folded, now J Cole trending.”
Biden’s decision comes amid reports that many politicians within the Democratic party have been losing faith in his ability to properly govern in recent weeks. “While it has been my intention to seek reelection, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term,” Biden wrote in his statement on X (formerly Twitter). “I will speak to the Nation later this week in more detail about my decision.”
8x GRAMMY Award-winning producer, songwriter, artist & director, Anderson .Paakannounces the return of his .Paak House in the Park, in partnership with his non-profit Brandon Anderson Foundation, on October 26th.
The 6th annual iteration of the event, .Paak House Festival returns to Ventura County this year bringing together the region’s finest artists, performers, bands, chefs, corporate partners, and community organizations. Last year’s sold-out event brought in an audience of over 10K attendees, with performances by Mario, Smokey Robinson, Ron Isley, and of course Anderson .Paak.
The Brandon Anderson Foundation is a unique 501c3 non-profit organization that believes any person has the ability to tap into their greatest potential with the right exposure. We aim to support and create initiatives that uplift, engage and support the community through access to the arts, supplemental education and unique experiences to expand the imagination.
With the first initiative, .Paak House, the foundation seeks to create a “safe-haven” for the next generation, while cultivating alliances with like-minded non-profit organizations to generate a greater impact — TOGETHER. This safe-haven is generated through community outreach, sponsored events, summer programs, & after-school programs, all leading to establishing an actual .Paak House building, in an impacted community.
More info to come regarding tickets and performances – stay up to date by visiting https://paakhouse.org/.
Hip-hop icon Missy Elliott, 52, recently started her highly anticipated tour, Out of This World – The Missy Elliott Experience. This decision came after postponing previous tours, most recently to care for her beloved dog, Hoodie, who passed away in November.
“I stayed home a lot because I didn’t want to go out on the road, and something happened,” Elliott shared exclusively with PEOPLE. “He was 17 and lived a long, happy life.” The senior dog, described by Elliott as “so pretty,” lived a fulfilling life, bringing joy to the artist for many years.
The loss of Hoodie was profound, but it also marked a turning point for Elliott. Encouragement from her close friend Ciara played a crucial role in her decision to hit the road again. “So I said, ‘Okay, now I can leave the house without having to worry about anything,’” Elliott recalled. “So Ciara and my dog played a big influence in me making the decision to go out.”
Elliott will not be touring alone. Her six-year-old dog, Miss Fendi Dior, will accompany her on the road. “She’s got her clothes ready to go out on the road with us. [It’ll] be fun, fun,” said the Grammy-winning artist. Known for her love of dressing up, Miss Fendi Dior is “excited” to wear matching outfits with Elliott during the tour.
“I know people sometimes be like, ‘Why y’all dressing those dogs?’… But she likes clothes. She really [does] like clothes. She [sees] me pulling out the outfit [and] she’s running. She knows what that means,” Elliott explained. This penchant for style has been a hallmark for Elliott’s pets, with Hoodie previously showcased in sleek outfits like a winter fur coat on social media.
Miss Fendi Dior will continue this trend as she joins Elliott on tour, along with the artist’s close friends and longtime collaborators, Ciara and Busta Rhymes.
Elliott is in full rehearsal mode, preparing for the tour’s start. “It’s full days, then I go home, and the work continues. But I feel good. I’m super excited,” she said. The tour promises to be a unique and exhilarating experience, celebrating Elliott’s indomitable spirit and dedication to her fans.
Rapper Lil Mama has once again sparked controversy with her sharp criticism of Nicki Minaj and the current state of female rap. Her comments have ignited a heated debate about the oversexualization of female artists in the genre and Minaj’s influence on this trend.
Criticism of Oversexualization
The debate intensified when New Orleans rapper Dee-1 shared a montage on social media, juxtaposing performances by Sexyy Red, GloRilla, Latto, Ice Spice, and Megan Thee Stallion at the BET Awards with his song “Purify My Eyes.” Dee-1’s lyrics lament the oversexualization of female rappers, criticizing the portrayal of women in the music industry.
“I turned on the awards show and the things I’ve seen on the screen/ Will make me cause a scene ’cause it’s so obscene/ We call women queens but we celebrate the prostitution of their bodies,” Dee-1 rapped, reflecting a sentiment that Lil Mama echoed in her own criticism.
Lil Mama’s Rant
On July 1, Lil Mama took to social media to join the conversation, unleashing a scathing critique of Nicki Minaj and her influence on female rap. She labeled Minaj a “musical prostitute” and accused her of setting a negative example for younger female rappers.
“What major musical prostitutes do you remember from the last 15 years?” Lil Mama wrote. “Who do you think they watched corporate give a platform and flowers for sitting out. Be forreal.” She suggested that the current wave of female rappers, influenced by Minaj, were not being true to themselves and were instead pandering to corporate interests.
Lil Mama’s comments were part of a larger critique of the industry, where she accused executives, fans, and artists of lacking the courage to do better. “We can do better as a ‘culture’ @bet + @betawards I mean this sincerely,” she wrote. “Deep down, most executives, fans, and artists know we can do better. We just gotta have the courage to do it.”
The response to Lil Mama’s comments was swift and divided. Many fans came to Nicki Minaj’s defense, arguing that Lil Mama’s criticism was unfounded and that she was simply seeking attention. Some suggested that Lil Mama was bitter because she was not invited to perform at the BET Awards.
“Are you saying that I would have been performing be selling p**sy too or just performing,” Lil Mama retorted, defending her stance and drawing a clear line between herself and Minaj. Despite the backlash, she attempted to soften her message, stating, “It’s all love. God is the greatest and these women are gonna wake up and realize that they are worth more than any price tag.”
A Longstanding Feud
This is not the first time Lil Mama has publicly criticized Nicki Minaj. In 2011, she accused Minaj of copying her style, telling MTV, “My cut is blunt and futuristic and Nicki Minaj started wearing that bob on her head after she came to my show.” Over the past decade, Lil Mama’s perspective has shifted from viewing herself as an inspiration to positioning herself as a critic of Minaj’s influence.
Lil Mama’s latest comments have reignited discussions about the portrayal of women in rap and the impact of influential artists like Nicki Minaj. As the debate continues, it highlights the ongoing tensions within the music industry regarding authenticity, representation, and the commercialization of female artists.
Sunday marked the 30th anniversary of the hottest music event of the summer – HOT 97’s Summer Jam hip-hop festival. To celebrate this milestone, HOT 97 brought together legendary acts and today’s most viral sensations, creating an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages. Whether you were a long-time listener or a new fan, there was something for everyone to dance, bop, and recite rhymes to.
Held at the state-of-the-art UBS Arena, the festival drew a crowd of 19,000 fans eager to party with their favorite acts. The energy was electric from the Pre-Summer Jam festival all the way to the main show. Chart-topping artists who lit up the stage included Doja Cat, Sexyy Red, French Montana, Davido, Gunna, and some of hip hop’s fresh faces Connie Diamond, Lola Brooke, and Cash Cobain.
Hip hop legends Method Man and Redman rocked the stage with a powerful rendition of “Da Rockwilder,” igniting the crowd. Lola Brooke captivated the audience with her sizzling summer hits “Don’t Play With It” and “You.” Viral rising star Cash Cobain kept the energy soaring with his show-stopping performance of “Fisherrr” and other crowd favorites.
Big Daddy Kane shared a heartfelt moment with the crowd, bringing out the late Mister Cee’s brother and sister to commemorate the Hot 97 DJ Mister Cee tribute with a moment of silence, instructing the crowd to throw up C’s. Headliner Doja Cat didn’t come to play, giving a trancing performance and bringing out surprise guests ASAP Ferg, Busta Rhymes, and crowd favorite Gunna before closing out her set with fan-favorite “Paint The Town Red.”
The exclusive media lounge was buzzing with artists such as Offset, ASAP Ferg, YG Marley, Bay Swag, Davido, and more. Celebrities enjoyed exclusive Ellesse apparel gifts from The Now PR and engaged in epic interviews with Fox 5’s Lisa Evers as well as HOT 97 personalities DJ Mike Medium and DJ Wallah. Ending the red carpet, Sexxy Red turned heads and made jaws drop with her unique teddy bear.
The excitement was palpable as they mingled with the press and greeted fans, setting the tone for an extraordinary evening. HOT 97 Summer Jam’s 30th anniversary was more than a concert; it was a historic celebration of hip hop, showcasing the genre’s enduring legacy and vibrant future.
From the dazzling performances to the heartfelt tributes, Summer Jam 2024 proved once again why it remains the premier hip-hop festival, bringing together the best of the past, present, and future in a celebration of music and culture.
The trailer for Pharrell Williams’ upcoming biopic and it’s exactly what we expected—immense unadulterated and epic creativity. The iconic producer will be voicing himself in animated LEGO form, accompanied by some A-list collaborators from his chart-topping career.
Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg are among the guest stars from Williams’ 30-year career that will feature in “Piece by Piece.” The trailer depicts a LEGO-ized version of Williams, Hugo, and Snoop Dogg devising the hit “Drop it Like it’s Hot.” It also revealed that the film would include new music from Williams, adding another layer of excitement for fans.
Announced in January by Focus Features, the film is directed by Morgan Neville. Neville shared that Williams approached him five years ago with the unique concept for the biopic.
“When I had this crazy vision to tell this story through LEGO bricks, I couldn’t have imagined a better partner than Morgan. He is a legend,” Williams said in a statement. “Who would’ve thought that playing with these toys as a kid would evolve into a movie about my life? It’s proof that anyone else can do it too.”
Morgan Neville, primarily known as a documentary filmmaker, won an Oscar for his 2014 feature “20 Feet From Stardom,” which explores the careers and lives of backup singers. Neville’s expertise in bringing real-life stories to the screen in an engaging manner makes him a fitting choice for this innovative project.
As half of the foundational production duo The Neptunes, Williams has set the backdrop for some of music’s greatest hits. Formed in Virginia Beach in 1992 by childhood friends Williams and Chad Hugo, The Neptunes quickly rose to prominence, writing and producing for artists such as Teddy Riley, The Clipse, Usher, Nelly, and Britney Spears. Pharrell’s iconic four-count instrumental opening tags chart-toppers from Kelis’ “Milkshake” to Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” to Williams’ own “Happy.”
“Piece by Piece” will be released in theaters on October 11. The anticipation is high for this unique blend of animation, music history, and the inspiring story of Pharrell Williams. You can watch the trailer below:
Be sure to mark your calendars for this groundbreaking film that promises to be as innovative and influential as Williams’ career itself.
As anticipation builds for the next episode of “Royal Rules of Ohio,” viewers are in for a thrilling ride. Episode 104, titled “Rule #4: Royals Don’t Go Rogue,” promises drama, surprises, and pivotal moments for the royal sisters. Thelma faces GS at the Black Alumni Reunion, Auntie Sheilah’s kickback becomes the stage for Abigail’s unexpected appearance, and the sisters make a permanent decision that will leave Akili and Delali stunned.
In an exclusive interview with The Source, the chocolate beauties shared their experiences growing up as descendants of Ghanaian royalty, their journey to Columbus, Ohio, and the challenges and triumphs they face balancing their noble heritage with everyday modern life.
1. Can you each tell us what it was like growing up as daughters of royal descendants in Ghana and how that shaped your experiences living in Columbus, Ohio?
Nana: We were not privy to our royal lineage until we were teenagers. We realized that we must hold ourselves to a different standard than we once had. Learning that we are royal descendants was a pivotal moment that shaped our understanding of who we are and the responsibilities that came with it.
2. “Royal Rules of Ohio” offers a glimpse into the double lives you lead. How do you balance the expectations of your noble heritage with your personal ambitions and modern lifestyles?
Brenda: We do a good job of balancing our noble heritage and our personal ambitions by remembering that it’s okay to be selfish and put yourself first. Yes, we are royal, however, we still want to create a legacy for ourselves.
3. The series shows a lot of opulence and luxury but also touches on the responsibilities that come with your background. How do you manage the pressures of upholding your family’s reputation while pursuing your individual goals?
Thelma: For me, as the oldest, I have to make sure I am a leader and also be a role model to my sisters and the young girls here in Columbus. When it comes to my family’s reputation, we try to never make mistakes in the public eye. One mistake we make and the whole community will come at our necks.
4. What has been the most challenging aspect of allowing cameras to capture your daily lives and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of your family?
Nana: The most challenging aspect of filming was adjusting to the cameras. In the beginning, we were all camera aware – worried that we may say something wrong. But we began to feel comfortable with the crew and at some points, we forgot the cameras were there.
5. Your show highlights the cultural richness and traditions of Ghanaian royalty. How important is it for you to share and preserve these traditions while living in the United States?
Brenda: It’s really important to showcase our culture in America because it ties us back to the motherland. We display our culture through our clothing, the food, and even the language we speak. Although we are Ghanaian we still wear our American clothing as well to highlight that duality.
6. Each of you brings a unique personality and perspective to the show. How do you think these differences contribute to the dynamic and appeal of “Royal Rules of Ohio”?
Nana: More often than not, people cling to what is familiar to them. What they fail to see is the beauty that can come from being different. Because we are unique in our own way there is always someone that the viewers can connect to. Our individual personalities make us unique in a way that the world hasn’t seen before.
7. The show touches on themes of identity, heritage, and responsibility. What do you hope viewers, especially young women of African descent, take away from your stories?
Thelma: We hope for viewers, especially young women of African descent, to feel empowered by seeing my sisters and I navigate complex themes of identity, heritage, and responsibility. We hope viewers find strength in embracing their unique identities, understanding their heritage, and feeling empowered.
8. Looking forward, what are your aspirations for the future, both individually and collectively as a family, and how could you see “Royal Rules of Ohio” evolving in future seasons?
Nana: Personally, I hope the viewers will get a chance to see how passionate I am about the arts. I am an aspiring actress who really enjoys sharing stories that are authentic and truthful. As a family, I want the viewers to continue to see the love we all share for each other. We may have our individual disagreements and arguments, but the love will never fade.
Don’t miss the next episode of “Royal Rules of Ohio” to witness the unfolding drama and the powerful dynamics of this unique royal family. Tune in to see how Thelma, Brenda, and Nana navigate their dual lives and the shocking decision that will leave everyone talking.
Invest Fest returns with a bang! This year, brace yourselves for the inaugural Nipsey Hussle Business Grant: $100,000 Invest Fest Pitch Competition. Along the journey, they have encountered remarkable entrepreneurs charting their course with unwavering purpose and commitment to excellence. Now, through their partnership with Microsoft and The Marathon were primed to award $100,000 to one outstanding entrepreneur to fuel their business ambitions. The top four finalists will grace the Invest Fest 2024 main stage to compete for the grand prize.
The Neighborhood Nip Foundation was created in 2019 with a mission to extend Nipsey Hussle’s legacy and mission to inspire the community through initiatives that will benefit underprivileged youth. Most recently the foundation was an official charity partner for the 2024 LA Marathon with over 65 participants finishing the 26.2 miles marathon. All funds raised went towards the rebirth of the Nipsey Hussle Plaza, home to the headquarters of The Neighborhood Nip Foundation, located at 3420 W. Slauson Ave., the original location of The Marathon Store in Los Angeles, CA.
Following Hussle’s passion for creating a program that aids and encourages youth to reach their highest potential, the renovated site will serve as a massive community center for elementary through high school level students. Led by staff members of the foundation and additional volunteers from the community, programming will range from academic studies to music and studio-specific access. Additionally, the plaza will offer exclusive access to The Marathon Store, which will not be open to the public, as well as free haircuts at Steve’s Barbershop named after Hussle’s childhood friend & business partner, Stephen “Fatts” Donaldson. Hussle’s estate plans to open the doors of The Neighborhood Nip Foundation in 2024.
All applications will be reviewed after the posted deadline. Successful applicants will be notified via email by August 16th, 2024.
Notification is subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with all the terms and conditions set forth herein. Link to the rules of the competition here
In a recent interview with the Big Facts Podcast, Chicago rap star Lil Durk said he supports ending gun violence in his hometown.
Big Facts co-host Big Bank asked him what he would do if he could “clean the streets of Chicago up” and Durk responded, “That’s the number one goal, to stop it,” he said. “But, the number one priority for us in the streets and politician-wise, is to stop the violence and slow it down as much as possible. It starts with everybody just coming together.”
The “All My Life” rapper admits that the task is easier said than done.,
“But, like I said, it’s hard because you probably got him other here thinking he that, but his young n****s don’t even respect him,” Durk said. “So, even if he be like, ‘Come on. Let’s come together.’ They’d look at him like, ‘Get the fuck on.’”
Earlier this year, Durk announced on social media that he would be organizing his Smurkchella concert, which would be aimed at combating gun violence.
“I’ma do a Smurkchella next year at the bears stadium in Chicago,” he wrote. “it’s gone be a stop the violence event and we gone split half the money with different non profits from big to small. I need help I need every artist who locked in with me to help save these kids.”
He then tagged his own non-profit organization and added, “@neighborhoodheroesfoundation will help put it together let’s go this my way of giving back without saying it to look cool.”
Lil Durk launched his Neighborhood Heroes non-profit organization in 2020 and has been steadily giving back to his community in the years that followed.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJi4hdQVBCA
With so many high school and college graduates walking across the stage this May/June, however, one graduate that Hip Hop cannot overlook is Fat Joe, who was recently awarded a honorary doctorate degree from Lehman College in the Bronx.
Yesterday(May 30), Dr. Joseph “Fat Joe” Cartagena was awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters, which is the standard certification for celebs with outstanding philanthropic contributions to society.
Joe took to the podium to share the secrets of success with the graduates, magnifying the fact that age should not be a deterrent.
Congrats to Fat Joe on his scholarly accomplishment, proving that anyone can improve their life through education.
