In an exclusive interview with Amara La Negra, star of VH1’s hit series “Love & Hip Hop: Miami, journalist Courtney Brown delves into the multifaceted life of the viral Afro-Latina artist. During a candid discussions about her music career, motherhood, activism, and upcoming projects, Amara shares her journey of resilience and evolution. As they delve into Amara’s music career, she reflects on the ups and downs she has faced–as well as those pesky rumors about cast member Safaree. She shares insights into her creative process and hints at exciting new projects on the horizon.
Amara La Negra
Reflecting on her journey in Love and Hip Hop Miami, Amara acknowledges the changes she has experienced since joining the show. “A lot of things have changed,” she notes. She speaks candidly about the challenges of sharing personal struggles on television while maintaining authenticity.
Amara’s dedication to activism and advocacy is evident as she discusses her efforts within the Afro-Latino community and her ongoing support for black and brown women. “I continue to work the Afro Latino community,” she states. “I continue to be an activist for black and brown women and minorities.”
Check out the interview below.
Interviewer (Courtney Brown): Hello, Amara! How are you today?
Amara La Negra: Hello, mi amor! Hello, you’re mute. Hi, Amada. How are you? Getting yourself come through with the bangs. Okay. It’s a Bang Tuesday. You see it.
Courtney: You look stunning, Amara. Thank you for chatting with me today. Can you tell us about what’s been happening with your music career?
Amara: Things didn’t work out the way that I planned… I kind of stopped doing music for a little bit… But then I did start doing some music. And one thing led to the other.
Courtney: It’s amazing to see you back in action. How do you manage to juggle motherhood and your career?
Amara: I’m still young… Breastfeeding, too, at the same time will do something for you… But I’m in a space where I do want to start going to the gym. I want to live as long as possible for my girls.
Courtney: Absolutely, self-care is crucial. Now, reflecting on your journey in Love and Hip Hop Miami, how have things changed since you first started?
Amara: A lot of things have changed… It’s very difficult to be open about a lot of personal things that you don’t want to share… It becomes very difficult.
Courtney: You’ve been a powerful voice for the Afro-Latino community and an advocate for black and brown women. Can you speak about your activism?
Amara: I continue to work the Afro Latino community… I continue to be an activist for black and brown women and minorities… I am grateful for the platform.
Courtney: That’s incredibly important work you’re doing. Lastly, can you give us a hint about what to expect in the upcoming season of Love and Hip Hop Miami?
Amara: Something very, very big… Almost like the biggest thing that has happened… It’s about to happen.
Courtney: We can’t wait to see! Thank you so much for your time, Amara. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.
Amara: Thank you so much, my love. Bye. Thank you so much, Courtney. All right.
Last month, a woman who called herself “Lagena Gold” went viral after she made allegations that she was the long-lost daughter of condemned singer R. Kelly and the late Aaliyah Haughton. Gold was dragged across the blogosphere because of her claims, with many critics saying that she looked nothing like Kelly or Aalyah. Now, in an interview with Real Lyfe Street Starz, the Detroit native calls Aaliyah her and delves into the difficulties she’s had trying to prve her identity to the world.
Gold discussed the possibility of taking a DNA test, her siblings on her alleged father’s side, his criminal case as well as her plans to release original music.
Ray J has just entered the fast-food industry, ladies and gentlemen.
Along with enlisting Grammy award-winning recording artist 2Chainz as the new Head of Creative Marketing, Krystal — a long-standing Atlanta-based fast food chain — has increased its star power with the announcement of the chart-topping entertainer and serial entrepreneur as the company’s new Brand Strategist.
In the last decade, Ray J transformed from an established entertainer to a high-profile businessman with instinctive business moves, numerous company launches, and smart tech investments that have amassed millions. After promoting everything from electronics to eyewear to 100% electric-powered bike/scooters, for the first time, the 41-year-old mogul will help guide the southern food chain into a new era and compete against rival food chains in popular chicken sandwich race.
In late September, Ray J stepped away from the drive-thru to take a video call with us during a pop-up event in Atlanta to discuss his new position with Krystal, working with 2Chainz, venturing into the food industry, new music and more. Check out the complete interview below.
[Bryson “Boom” Paul]: Venturing into new territory is not a bad way to transition following the latest news that your tech company, Raycon, is being valued at $31 million dollars…?
[Ray J]: Ha. Listen, I never talk money. I always just talk customers satisfaction, you know what I mean? Customer satisfaction. Now, at my tech company, we’re over 3 million customers now. Over 3 million people have purchased some Raycon earbuds, but now I’ve shifted into another focus because my company is on autopilot. Now, with Krystal bringing me on to strategize about some things, I think we hit the ground running with our late night campaign. I’m excited about all the things that we plan to do now with Krystal. Super stoked about it for real.
Now, congratulations on becoming a brand strategist for Krystal.
Thank you.
Now, I have to ask, if you have one wish for Krystal’s success, what would it be?
[Smirks] Well, I think my wishes are coming true from the jump.
They’re letting me create the way I want to and put together my own campaigns that have us up late night, 20%, right? I’ve been focusing mainly on the late night campaigns and we’re already up a significant number in my opinion, and I think we got a really long way to go because I want to drive this thing through the moon.
And for them to just let me have the freedom to create the way I want to create, it’s definitely not only just helping our energy moving forward, but it’s also bringing better numbers to the company, so it’s all flowing the right way. I think wishes are definitely already in play.
Krystal is your introduction to the food industry. How were you approached to become the company’s brand strategist?
Well, I approached Krystal myself online. It was a pure manifestation, go online, pitch my idea. I had this idea called snacks and sides and shakes and fries. Snacks and sides and shakes and fries. Snacks and sides, shakes and fries. Snacks and sides, shakes and fries. Snacks, sides, shakes, and fries.”
You know what I’m saying? Like the mask. And I pitched that online and as corny as that might be to certain people, it worked, and I was just in a very manifestation mindset. Got to 2Chainz, and then from Chainz, it got to the owner and then from the owner, shout out to JC, and it went from JC to giving me a shot.
We shot about a hundred different drops. I did a few hours of radio promo I felt would be strong. And then we shot about five commercials right there in two days. And so after they saw my drive, they understood how hungry I am, not just for food and for the side chick, but also just hungry to create success for brands that I like and that I feel are strong and that are long term. Krystal’s are over 90 years. 90 year business. Even before I was born. And so to give us a shot at just revamping it to 2022 is a major blessing and I won’t let the team down.
You’ve joined Krystal with 2Chainz as the newly appointed head of creative marketing. Tell us some of the conversations you two have had about renovating Krystal’s relevancy?
I think it’s just about freedom to create, freedom to let your creative skills flow through the company.
And so I pitch my ideas, but then they give me a open canvas to just do what I need to do. They’ve seen what we’ve done with my scooter company, with my tech company and how we know how to target audiences that work for the brand. It’s just all about who’s supporting, finding those people and scaling it, but at the same time, trying to find the supporters that haven’t tapped in yet and get them involved without risking the budget going over.
For me, they’ve been letting me have freedom to create my late-night campaign. Again, we’re up 20% late night, and that’s the most important thing is just continuing to build the numbers. And I’m happy that they let me do what I want to do in the beginning because it’s working. It allows me to do more of what I want to do as we continue to grow together.
Well-known for your late nights in the studio. What were some late-night experiences that you were able to adapt to the new campaign?
Well, right now, I’ve been working inside. You see [pointing at Krystal visor], welcome to Krystal’s, how may I help you?
I’ve been working inside the store and so, in LA we don’t have Krystal, so I’m not able to benefit like I would when I’m always in Atlanta. But what you can get now is the prices are real good for late night. $3.99, $4.99, that’s solid when you just want to come grab something to eat and get a nice good hot Side Chik, you know what I mean? That Side Chik, I mean, you know what I mean. Not the side chick, side chick, but the Side Chik, Side Chik from Krystal. But just to grab that value pack at that number is solid.
And I think people are now starting to have fun with it, seeing our campaigns. I mean, we’re flooding it online, we’re flooding it on TV, we’re flooding it on radio. I think we waking people back up. But again, I met a lady that said she used to go to the Krystal drive through in the seventies and that used to be the hangout spot, even besides the club. It was just Krystal outside, all the cars just having a good time. We want to recreate that in a safe environment and see what happens in that world too.
As the new brand strategist, Krystal brings you a new idea, “All right, we pushing the Side Chik with Brittany Renner as the face of the campaign.” What was your initial reaction when you saw it?
I liked it. I like it a lot. I think we’re trying to create this Geico experience in some of the commercials where we’re just playing off of a lot of stuff that people are familiar with and we’re just keeping it like we’re not that serious.
It’s one of those make you laugh, make you think, and then you go and get you some side chicks at Krystal. I think it’s dope. I think it’s dope. I got a few ideas for myself and Brittany, too, that I’m about to put in next week in the email, so hopefully, my ideas stick because I got some funny stuff. But I like it, though. I really like it.
If you could customize your own Krystal combo meal, what would it be?
Well, I mean, you got to have the snacks, sides, shakes and fries, but you got to have a Side Chik too. They say you can’t have your side chick and french fries and shake and eat it too? At Krystal, you could have it all, you know what I mean? Give me the snacks, but then give me the Side Chik, give it to me plain so I can dress it up myself, you know what I mean? I want to mix it in with all my little sauces that I got and then give me the fries and then give me a strawberry and vanilla shake mixed together. You feel me?
Okay. Okay. Now, while enjoying the combo. I have to ask you, what 2Chainz song would you like to play while you’re enjoying your combo?
Well, since it’s the Side Chik campaign, all I want for my birthday is a Side Chik.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Source interview, without asking you about music. What can we expect from you and when can we expect it?
Yeah, I’m doing a “One Wish” anniversary album; it’s called Radiation X. Just all the songs that tapped in on that album. We redid new vocals, melody, “One Wish.” I got Jacquees, I got Tamar Braxton. We did a crazy movie too that’s star-studded with all actors that’s been on all of the big shows. It’s a short film tied into the “One Wish” anniversary project.
And then on another note, we got the big group coming, RSVP, Ray J, Sammie, Bobby Valentino, Pleasure P. Album’s done. We just did our album photo shoot, album cover shoot. Now we going to do the video and we launch it. And this album is a very RnB sexy driven album that’s uncut that I think is definitely missing in the industry right now. I think it has its own lane. And what’s dope about the RSVP thing is that we all just came together and did it. We don’t have a deal. We all put up our money and just spent two months together from the Dominican Republic to L.A. to New York and we did a dope album in Atlanta. That’s the big play coming along with the “One Wish” anniversary project from me.
And lastly, you’ve grown into one of the most successful black entertainers of our generation. How does it feel to become a role model?
Yeah, it’s tough putting myself in a role model position. I feel like I got a lot more work to do as far as to be titled that. But I do want to eventually show people how we do it because it’s totally different from even my mentors or the people that’s at the top spot. The way we’ve climbed through these systems and been able to survive and move the needle forward, it’s a whole different ride. And so, hopefully I can show people how it looks on this side, but I got a lot more work to do. Once I get somewhere past where I’m at now, I would love to run it down.
But again, I’m not a celebrity. I’m an entertainer for sure because in just day to day, I just entertain for fun. But I’m more just a worker, man. I like to just title myself a worker. I’ll never sit in a CEO position or a COO position, even if I founded the company, because I feel like you have to hire the right people to do justice for the company. And so, having experts in these different areas matter. And for me, I’m a just stay strategy, stay finding these companies and if I’m buying it or if I’m coming on board with Krystal, just making sure I do my part and make sure we win…
Because people don’t understand you can be lit. I don’t hide behind my litness, it’s just you can be lit and still get work done all day. You just be lit in the office, be lit in the creative room, instead of wasting your litness out doing nothing. I want people to see how I balance the two and see how it works because then all this stuff that they might think is boring starts to become fun if they could tap into them and just be themselves through the whole process, you get me?
This weekend, the 2022 Made in America Festival will take over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Amongst a stacked roster of performers will be Roc Nation’s Kalan.FrFr recently dropped off his new project, 222, which is sure to have a few cuts performed on stage.
Ahead of going to Philadelphia for his show-stopping performance, Kalan.FrFr spoke with The Source and revealed what fans will experience once he hits the stage and more.
What does it mean for you to take the Made in America stage?
Kalan.FrFr: Me taking the stage at Made in America is going to be great! I really can’t wait, it’s been something I wanted to do for a very long time, and the fact that I’m going to be able to do it is mind-blowing, I can’t wait to get out there.
How will you approach this show? Either the same or different from than other stages you touched this year?
I’m gonna go out there and have a good time, you know what I mean, have fun! Ima make sure I’m going crazy, and we’re gonna keep the same tactics we got going now; make sure we prepare for it, make sure the songs are good, and we go over the set, then go out there and do what we do.
Looking back on this year, you have accomplished a lot. What have you been most proud of, and what are you looking forward to giving fans as the year rolls on?
This year, I would have to say I’m most proud to still be here, still making music, still getting love, still elevating. It’s crazy to me how every day, my life is still changing, and I appreciate it all. I’m most proud of that, and I can’t really just pick one thing, it’s everything. We came from nothing so just being able to still be here is great.
And for the time yet to come, I just hope that we can keep it going. The sky’s the limit, and we’re shooting for the stars! My hope is that we’ll get there, that we keep it going, and we keep working.
You released 222 this year. What did you learn about yourself in creating that project?
Personally, I learned a whole lot. I learned you gotta go with your gut. Go with what you feel. Musically, I learned the same thing. Don’t be scared to experience sounds, try new stuff, stuff that people haven’t heard before. Believe in your gut and believe in what you got going on
You have received the support of much of the California Hip-Hop community. How does it feel to have that backing?
It feels dope to have LA behind me. As a kid growing up, when guys started rapping, having your whole city behind you that was like the biggest part of it. If your city ain’t behind you, ain’t nobody gonna mess with you. You know what I mean? So the fact that I got the city behind me, I’m extremely appreciative.
As someone who has a background in football – the NFL and college seasons are kicking off around the same weekend as Made in America. What teams are must-see for you this year?
I’m definitely gonna catch some Rams games and Seahawks games. Also, Giants and Green Bay and Steelers games. All the teams my homies are playing on so I can see what they doing this year. It’s gonna be a lot of good football. Of course, San Diego State games – my alma mater. I’ll definitely be watching a lot of sports.
Following the announcement of hisAtlanta Hawks partnership, Scotty ATL unveils a brand-new album, Candler Road to Melrose. Last week the 37-year-old shared he will create through partnership custom grillz for the Hawks schedule release representing different NBA teams.
On Friday, Candler Road to Melrose released via Cool Club/ Cinq Music Group, which finds the southern emcee exploring the journey and path that led him to his highly successful grillz business on Melrose Ave.
Scotty ATL, known for his distinct drawl and vernacular, keeps it fresh while switching flows over 13 tracks with production from super producer Zaytoven, DJ Burn One, DJ Tune and more.
Candler Road to Melrose arrives as the follow up to Scotty’s trio of singles released earlier this year. “Go Twin,” “LA Care,” and “Nomo Heaux,” featuring Young Dro, all appear on the album.
For collaborations the East Atlanta native taps Curren$y and G Perico on “Spike Lee,” Sleepy Brown on “Remember Chad,” and Iamsu! on “Night Vision.” While Big K.R.I,T. joins on “Chosen & Frozen,” and Ace Hoodflexes on “Congratulations.”
The successful entrepreneur and artist continues to build his craft and financial freedom with a new project and expanding his company, Grillz By Scotty.
In recognition of #BlackBusinessMonth this August, Scotty ATL spoke with the Source’s Kim SoMajor about business after COVID-19, new ventures with PUMA, The Atlanta Hawks, and much more.
When and what sparked you to start a grillz business?
I’ve always worn grillz since I was in high school. I made a name for myself in Atlanta as a rapper. One of my old friends lost his job as a dental assistant. He wanted to do grillz. At first I was just helping him and then it got more serious.
How did it serve as another option outside of your rap career?
It has allowed me to make extra income to support my dreams and provide for my family. It has also given me a bigger platform to share with the world.
How did your business adjust during the stay-at-home orders and how is it now?
I adjusted by decreasing staff and increasing my knowledge of online businesses. Now we do both in store and online. I have a store in Atlanta on Candler Rd. and another store on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles.
With your business, you are providing an opportunity for other people too. What has been a definitive moment for you that reaffirmed that you made the right move in starting it?
Everyday I think about that. Helping my dad move out of the projects and give him a job is the biggest.
Atlanta native and lifelong Hawks fan @ScottyATL created custom grillz for our schedule release
I knew it because I started making money everyday and that was my goal from the beginning.
Talk about your new grillz design and how you’re elevating your business?
I have newly designed colored grillz are out now. They’re limited edition and very unique. I’m more than a grill maker, I’m a grill designer. You haven’t seen these before.
Congratulations on your partnerships, to watch your dedication and growth in rap and business is very inspiring. What do these success-building opportunities mean to you?
My role as an influencer in this project was to capture ATL culture through my eyes. I had an amazing time and I’m so proud of myself and our company.
Business mogul and producer Irv Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. has been in a number of headlines recently revealing details of his past relationship with Ashanti, the early days of his career in the music industry, and the creation of Murder, Inc. just ahead of The Murder Inc Story five-part documentary series premiere.
The Murder Inc Story premieres on Tuesday, August 9 at 9PM ET on BET.
The five-part documentary will examine Irv Gotti’s initial success as a music executive at Def Jam and how he masterminded a new label that would forever shift and influence the music industry for generations to come.
Murder, Inc. Records played a pivotal role in launching careers of some of the most influential voices in Hip Hop, Soul, and R&B, including Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lloyd, Charli Baltimore, Vita, Black Child, Caddillac Tah, and many more.
The documentary will not only cover the music of Murder, Inc, but also the drama surrounding the label. From feuds with Aftermath, Shady and G-Unit Records, along with the federal charges he faced, Gotti, 52 is finally ready to reveal his authorized untold story of the rise, sudden fall, and redemption of his iconic record label..
The Source’s KimSoMajor caught up with Irv Gotti via zoom from his home in New York for a passionate and transparent discussion on the future of his company, Visionary Ideas Entertainment, learning what his purpose is, the upcoming Murder Inc. docu-series, why he would not do a reunion tour without Ashanti and much more.
What’s the biggest reason that you wanted the Murder, Inc. documentary to come out and why now?
The biggest reason is I felt it was a great time for me. I felt the ups and downs. The story needed to be told. Because people have been wanting me to do a doc — Been because they just like how I run my mouth. I’m a pretty good interview piece cuz I just keep it real. Right. But I felt this cuz, I knew I was on my way back up Kim. And I’m on my way back up. Even bigger than the legendary sh*t that I’ve done. Because now I’m doing it, not only in music, but movies and films and I’m owning it, you know?
When people say, ‘the universe is aligning,’ you know, when you hear that kind of bullsh*t —it is aligning for me. Yeah. [Laughs] That bullsh*t is, it’s kind of real for me and things just started falling into place and they’re continuing to fall into place with this doc and Tales following the doc, the one, two punch, I love Tuesday 9 and 10 PM on BET. So I just felt like it felt right. It felt right to tell my story because I have the come up part. I have the success. I have the Def Jam. Then the feds, Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, the downfall. What should have been my downfall of 50 [Cent] bombing on me. If the feds wasn’t enough, it’s 50 bombing on me. I’m supposed to be buried and done. And then low and behold I’m coming back like a hundred times stronger.
Also, I wanted to tell my story as an inspiration and I know this is gonna sound corny, but it’s real. I wanted kids and my ni**as to see and hear my story because when I was filming it, one of the execs at BET —I almost moved to tears cuz she was like, I want my son to see this. My son has to see this. And I was like, why? “Cuz” she said, “Yo, you’re saying everything that he’s going through.” And what I was saying was until my dad got laid off, I was f**king off life.
I wasn’t applying myself. I wasn’t taking it serious. So what I said to the viewers and everyone that watches, it’s like, I take myself out of being Irv Gotti, and I basically compare myself to them and I’m like, Yo, I was just like you, I’m 22 years old. I’m playing f**king John Madden 93 for money at a barber shop. And that’s my day. I’m f**king off life. I’m not taking it serious. I had the same talent that I have now, but I wasn’t applying myself. I wasn’t going for it.
Yeah, my dad was gonna get a pension and his job fired him and I’m at home. And I don’t know why God put me to see this, but he put me to see this. And you know, my dad is talking to my mom and he’s like, “I got no education like that.” He says, “Like, I don’t know what’s gonna happen to us or me,” and that sh*t just put a fire in me, Kim, that still burns right now.
I’m glad that you mentioned that because I wanted to ask you what you felt your meaning and the purpose is. But just taking it back to those earlier moments, I seen a clip where you gave your dad the keys and just the emotion over it. I wanted to tear up. What was that feeling like?
I’m gonna talk about my dad. If I start crying, I start crying, but you know, my dad, —I just, love the f*ck out of him, Kim, him and Nene. ….So that moment is an immortal moment for me because it was the first time I seen my dad cry. He’s crying and he was hugging me and he was like, “My boy, my boy,” he was so f**king happy. And it wasn’t about the car. It was about, my boy is a man. He was like, my boy is a man.
It meant the world to me. He means the world to me. And I give him and Nene all of the credit and all of the props for me because I could honestly say if my dad didn’t get fired, I probably would’ve still been in that stupid ass barber shop playing Sega. And it wouldn’t no Irv Gotti.
Check out the full interview where we get into Irv’s $300M deal and his plans for his company, Visionary Ideas Entertainment and more.
Be sure to catch Tales , following the The Murder Inc Story Tuesdays at 9PM ET on BET.
Business mogul and producer Irv Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. has been in a number of headlines recently revealing details of his past relationship with Ashanti, the early days of his career in the music industry, and the creation of Murder, Inc. just ahead of The Murder Inc Story five-part documentary series premiere.
The Murder Inc Story premieres on Tuesday, August 9 at 9PM ET on BET.
The five-part documentary will examine Irv Gotti’s initial success as a music executive at Def Jam and how he masterminded a new label that would forever shift and influence the music industry for generations to come.
Murder, Inc. Records played a pivotal role in launching careers of some of the most influential voices in Hip Hop, Soul, and R&B, including Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lloyd, Charli Baltimore, Vita, Black Child, Caddillac Tah, and many more.
The documentary will not only cover the music of Murder, Inc, but also the drama surrounding the label. From feuds with Aftermath, Shady and G-Unit Records, along with the federal charges he faced, Gotti, 52 is finally ready to reveal his authorized untold story of the rise, sudden fall, and redemption of his iconic record label..
The Source’s KimSoMajor caught up with Irv Gotti via zoom from his home in New York for a passionate and transparent discussion on the future of his company, Visionary Ideas Entertainment, learning what his purpose is, the upcoming Murder Inc. docu-series, why he would not do a reunion tour without Ashanti and much more.
What’s the biggest reason that you wanted the Murder, Inc. documentary to come out and why now?
The biggest reason is I felt it was a great time for me. I felt the ups and downs. The story needed to be told. Because people have been wanting me to do a doc — Been because they just like how I run my mouth. I’m a pretty good interview piece cuz I just keep it real. Right. But I felt this cuz, I knew I was on my way back up Kim. And I’m on my way back up. Even bigger than the legendary sh*t that I’ve done. Because now I’m doing it, not only in music, but movies and films and I’m owning it, you know?
When people say, ‘the universe is aligning,’ you know, when you hear that kind of bullsh*t —it is aligning for me. Yeah. [Laughs] That bullsh*t is, it’s kind of real for me and things just started falling into place and they’re continuing to fall into place with this doc and Tales following the doc, the one, two punch, I love Tuesday 9 and 10 PM on BET. So I just felt like it felt right. It felt right to tell my story because I have the come up part. I have the success. I have the Def Jam. Then the feds, Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, the downfall. What should have been my downfall of 50 [Cent] bombing on me. If the feds wasn’t enough, it’s 50 bombing on me. I’m supposed to be buried and done. And then low and behold I’m coming back like a hundred times stronger.
Also, I wanted to tell my story as an inspiration and I know this is gonna sound corny, but it’s real. I wanted kids and my ni**as to see and hear my story because when I was filming it, one of the execs at BET —I almost moved to tears cuz she was like, I want my son to see this. My son has to see this. And I was like, why? “Cuz” she said, “Yo, you’re saying everything that he’s going through.” And what I was saying was until my dad got laid off, I was f**king off life.
I wasn’t applying myself. I wasn’t taking it serious. So what I said to the viewers and everyone that watches, it’s like, I take myself out of being Irv Gotti, and I basically compare myself to them and I’m like, Yo, I was just like you, I’m 22 years old. I’m playing f**king John Madden 93 for money at a barber shop. And that’s my day. I’m f**king off life. I’m not taking it serious. I had the same talent that I have now, but I wasn’t applying myself. I wasn’t going for it.
Yeah, my dad was gonna get a pension and his job fired him and I’m at home. And I don’t know why God put me to see this, but he put me to see this. And you know, my dad is talking to my mom and he’s like, “I got no education like that.” He says, “Like, I don’t know what’s gonna happen to us or me,” and that sh*t just put a fire in me, Kim, that still burns right now.
I’m glad that you mentioned that because I wanted to ask you what you felt your meaning and the purpose is. But just taking it back to those earlier moments, I seen a clip where you gave your dad the keys and just the emotion over it. I wanted to tear up. What was that feeling like?
I’m gonna talk about my dad. If I start crying, I start crying, but you know, my dad, —I just, love the f*ck out of him, Kim, him and Nene. ….So that moment is an immortal moment for me because it was the first time I seen my dad cry. He’s crying and he was hugging me and he was like, “My boy, my boy,” he was so f**king happy. And it wasn’t about the car. It was about, my boy is a man. He was like, my boy is a man.
It meant the world to me. He means the world to me. And I give him and Nene all of the credit and all of the props for me because I could honestly say if my dad didn’t get fired, I probably would’ve still been in that stupid ass barber shop playing Sega. And it wouldn’t no Irv Gotti.
Check out the full interview where we get into Irv’s $300M deal and his plans for his company, Visionary Ideas Entertainment and more.
Be sure to catch Tales , following the The Murder Inc Story Tuesdays at 9PM ET on BET.
A video has gone viral that shows Love And Hip Hop star Stevie J receiving fellatio during a FaceTime interview. At the same time, the journalist conducting the sit-down tries to ignore what is happening.
Leah Henry was interviewing the former Bad Boy producer for her show “Leah’s Lemonade” when not long into the interview, a female’s hand comes into the frame, revealing that the philandering producer was not alone nor was he fully attentive to Ms. Henry. Leah eventually asks Stevie about his unidentified company, but he never tells what’s going on during the interview.
Henry had had to defend herself against fans and critics alike who had criticized her for not promptly ending the interview when she realized what was going on. Some even questioned her professionalism for continuing to interview Stevie while he was receiving oral sex.
All these journalism majors (sarcasm) telling me how to conduct interviews…I went to one of the top journalism schools in the country. I know how to conduct a professional interview. I’ll address this #stevieJ interview on my podcast because some y’all make me sick
The marriage and divorce of music/fashion mogul Kanye West and reality star/prison advocate Kim Kardashian has been a media circus, with the care and custody of their four children playing a close second to the public’s interest in their eccentric relationship.With Yeezy being the eye of the storm, which is mostly being viewed through the media and his social media, very little of Kim K’s perspective has been seen or heard until now.
In an exclusive interview with Vogue Magazine, the former Mrs. West spoke about the divorce and what made her decide to end things for good with Kanye. Kardashian told the interviewer that she only speaks positive about Ye in front of their children, but admits the difficulty in that in the midst of the turmoil between her and her ex-husband.
When addressing why she went forward and finalized the divorce, Kim contends, “For so long, I did what made other people happy,” she said. “And I think in the last two years I decided, I’m going to make myself happy. And that feels really good. And even if that created changes and caused my divorce, I think it’s important to be honest with yourself about what really makes you happy. I’ve chosen myself. I think it’s okay to choose you.”
In an exclusive interview with The Art of Dialogue, Junior Mafia member Lil Cease talked about rumors that the late Notorious B.I.G. intended to drop a diss track aimed at his friend-turned-nemesis Tupac Shakur during the East Coast/West Coast beef in the mid-90s. Cease says that Biggie never wanted to give much energy to the verbal sparring between hi m and ‘Pac, but he contends that he did want his fans to know he was aware of the shots being thrown at him.
“Big wasn’t gon put forth a full effort into a whole full song dissing 2Pac…Big was kinda more like just sprinkling on it,” Lil Cease said. “On the Jay-Z Record: ‘Faith had twins, she probably had two Pacs. Get it?’ He was kinda like, ‘Yeah I’m letting you know I’m aware of it, but I’ma have fun with it and I’m not gonna say too much,’ ’cause Big didn’t really want to make it that. He didn’t want to add to much fuel to it…That wasn’t Big’s energy but he would definitely tap into some lines sometimes just to let him know, I hear you. And if it comes down to just a rap battle and things like that, Big was all up for that.”
Cease-A-Leo contends that Big never made a diss track towards Tupac, but admits that he did mention ‘Pac in the song “The Ugliest” when the host of The Art Of Dialogue mentioned it as a diss record aimed at the famed Black Panther Party heir. Big tried to recruit Nas for the song, who never laid a verse. Busta Rhymes did appear on the track but left the song off his album because of Biggie’s subliminal shots at 2Pac.
