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Khalid to Headline El Paso Benefit Concert

Gabrielle Taite
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Khalid to Headline El Paso Benefit Concert

Khalid has announced a benefit concert following the El Paso mass shooting which left 20 people dead on Aug. 3.

The 21-year-old grew up in a military family and finished high school in El Paso. He even acknowledges the city on the title track to his 2017 album American Teen and in 2018 with his Suncity EP. Additionally, he donated backpacks full of school supplies to El Paso students through his Great Khalid Foundation earlier this summer, according to Pitchfork.

The concert will take place on Sunday, Sept. 1 at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Don Haskins Center. Proceeds from the show will support the El Paso Shooting Victim’s Fund and the El Paso Community Foundation.

Khalid said that he aims to give back to the El Paso community during this tragic time.

“I have been rocked to the core by the horrific act of gun violence that came to El Paso, and by the continued acts of senseless violence that our country faces daily,” he said in a statement. “I want to give back to my community of El Paso, the city of the 915, who has given so much to me. Please come out and let’s heal together through music while raising money to help those who need it.”

He said that the city will always hold a special place in his heart.

“I didn’t feel like I had a home until I moved to El Paso,” he  said in a USA Today interview back in 2017. “The love and the friendships I made were influential. El Paso is where I started. I don’t feel like I’d be making the music I’m making now if I hadn’t gone there.”

Tickets for the concert will go on sale Wednesday, Aug. 14 at LiveNation.com.

 

A$AP Rocky Will Not Serve Time In Sweden Assault Case

Gabrielle Taite
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A$AP Rocky Will Not Serve Time In Sweden Assault Case

A$AP Rocky was found guilty in the Sweden assault case which landed him behind bars for a month before he was even charged, however he will not have to go to prison.

The case outraged many, as the “victim” and another male can clearly be seen in a video harassing Rocky and his crew beforehand. Some even argued that his arrest was racially motivated, including Rocky’s mother and rapper G-Eazy. The inhumane jail conditions in which Rocky was left in also upset many. President Donald Trump even got involved after reportedly hearing about the case through Kanye West and Kim Kardashian.

After a three-day trial, Swedish judges allowed Rocky to come back to America while they decided the verdict.

The four judges came to the conclusion today that Rocky is guilty of assaulting the man during the street fight, according to TMZ. They stated that the rapper and his two friends “were not in a situation where they were entitled to self-defense.”

Rocky is now left with a suspended sentence, which means that he’ll have to pay various fines and fees. The judges apparently felt Rocky and his co-defendants got enough punishment with the one month time period served in a Swedish jail.

The assault charges mainly come from Rocky and his crew hitting and kicking the victim while he was on the ground, because they were not in danger of imminent harm. Prosecutors failed to prove the biggest issue in the case however, which was whether or not Rocky hit the victim with a glass bottle. This is why he will not serve anymore jail time.

Rocky and the two other defendants are set to pay restitution to the victim, and also cover Sweden’s court expenses.

R. Kelly Meets With Lawyer Who Won Michael Jackson’s Molestation Case

Gabrielle Taite
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R. Kelly Meets With Lawyer Who Won Michael Jackson’s Molestation Case

R. Kelly is seemingly switching up his legal team, as he has now brought on one of the most successful criminal defense lawyers in America, Tom Mesereau.

Mesereau previously worked on Michael Jackson’s notorious child molestation case in 2005, and was able to get him acquitted. In that same year, he got actor Robert Blake acquitted of murdering his wife.

According to sources from TMZ, Mesereau is in Chicago right now meeting with Kelly, who is being charged with multiple crimes in four different jurisdictions, which include Illinois State, Illinois Federal, New York Federal and Minnesota State. Mesereau has reportedly not officially signed on, but is expected to. Should he chose to join Kelly’s legal team, he will be the lead attorney and possibly the only attorney representing Kelly.

The Minnesota charges are the most recent, with the victim coming forward just three days after Cook County State Attorney, Kim Foxx, held a news conference encouraging any potential victims of Kelly to come forward, according to TMZ. The victim claims she had an inappropriate interaction with Kelly in a hotel room before one of his concerts, when she was younger than 18-years-old. If convicted for this charge, Kelly faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

However, it is unclear how Kelly intends to pay the legal bills for Mesereau, given he has struggled to pay child support in the past and was even jailed for some time before he reportedly scraped the $161,633 together with the help of a “benefactor”.

While Kelly awaits Mesereau’s decision, he is currently sitting in jail without bail. He is awaiting trial on several dozen sex abuse charges.

Lonzo Ball Debuts “Black Excellence” Tattoo Sleeve

Gabrielle Taite
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Lonzo Ball Debuts “Black Excellence” Tattoo Sleeve

Lonzo Ball showed off his new tattoo sleeve which is seemingly a tribute to legendary African-American figures.

The Pelicans player went to artist Steve Butcher who is known for his realistic, photo like tattoos. The sleeve consists of some of America’s greatest heroes such as Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Harriet Tubman, Barack Obama, and Jackie Robinson. To top it off, Nipsey Hussle’s famous motto, “The Marathon Continues,” can be seen at the top of his shoulder.

Butcher said it was an honor to work on Ball’s arm sleeve.

“Completed this sleeve this week on @zo !” Butcher said in an Instagram post. “Was an honor to put these influential people on your arm brother.”

This tattoo follows Ball’s cover up of his BBB tattoo which represents his father’s famous Big Baller Brand launched in 2016. Co-founder Alan Foster allegedly stole more than $1.5 million of Lonzo’s money, which is most likely why he got the tattoo covered up.

Ball has previously talked about his father’s disapproval when he first decided to get a tattoo, according to the Los Angeles Times.

“My brother got a bunch of them, so I didn’t want him to be the only one in the family,” Ball said back in March of last year. “My dad was pretty mad the first time. I used to have wristbands, but they all snapped off, so I figured I’d put them there permanently.”

See a video of Ball’s intricate sleeve below.

 

Nicki Minaj and Joe Budden Argue on “Queen Radio” Show

Gabrielle Taite
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Nicki Minaj and Joe Budden Argue on “Queen Radio” Show

On the newest installment of her “Queen Radio” series, Nicki Minaj invited Joe Budden, ultimately resulting in yet another argument between the two.

With the recent drop of Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion’s Hot Girl Summer, many were expecting Megan to be a guest on the show. However, Minaj surprised fans by inviting Budden, despite the two’s troubled relationship in the past.

Minaj and Budden began arguing early on in the episode, but the trouble really began when Budden implied that Minaj hopping on Hot Girl Summer at the last minute was really a marketing ploy. However, Minaj insisted that the decision to collaborate was made after and Instagram Live session with Megan.

Tensions reached an all time high when Budden insinuated that Minaj had a drug problem. “Your entire last album did that. Your past is littered with it. Who gives a f*ck what she pop? But don’t sit here and act like you’ve never popped a pill,” he said. Minaj responded by saying, “You like tearing down women when they can’t defend themselves. You like tearing down women when you can try to end their career because you’re lowkey jealous of their success.”

Minaj later asked her producers to turn off Budden’s mic, cutting the show short. She ended the show by stating, “It’s been malicious and specific to me because he and I were under the same people when we were coming up,” she said. “I used to think to myself, this man is so bitter… I didn’t think his ego was that out of control that he couldn’t admit when he was wrong.”

Despite the altercation between the two, it appears as though Minaj will make an appearance on Budden’s podcast shortly, as she tweeted about it on Monday.

Wendy Williams Denies Rumors She’s Quitting Her Talk Show

Gabrielle Taite
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Wendy Williams Denies Rumors She’s Quitting Her Talk Show

Wendy Williams shut down rumors of her show ending in its upcoming season, putting fans’ speculations to rest.

The rumors come amid Williams notorious divorce from husband Kevin Hunter. The two are calling it quits after nearly 22 years of marriage, and Hunter’s alleged mistress having a baby. The two have also recently put their New Jersey mansion up for sale, which they have shared together for many years.

Talk of the show’s cancelation stems from a recent NY Post report, which stated that some of Williams’ staff were looking for jobs on the down low because their futures after season 11, which kicks off next month, were not secure.

On Monday, Williams was hanging out with another host, Andy Cohen, on his SiriusXM show in New York City, according to TMZ. She was asked shortly after to address whether or not the show would be ending. Her response was that rumors of the shows demise have been greatly exaggerated. Additionally, she said that speculation of the show’s cancellation was news to her, and that she has no plans to go anywhere.

During her time with Cohen, Williams also revealed that she knew about her soon-to-be ex-husband’s double life for quite some time, even before the paparazzi. Williams alluded to the fact that she had proof her husband was having an affair, and even went on to explain why she didn’t leave Hunter when she knew back then.

For now, fans can rest and know that the Wendy Williams Show, which is currently in its 11th season, will continue on.

New Music Alert: Ju$$ Wave – “Stayin Down”

Nancy Byron
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New Music Alert: Ju$$ Wave – “Stayin Down”

Ju$$ Wave has released his first project titled “Stayin Down” hosted by DJ Bandz. The project comes after releasing his singles “Pour A Pint” and “No Lease”. Born and raised in the Carolinas, rapper Ju$$ Wave says he is going to “bring you authenticity and a whole new vibe.” Each track on the project shows his lyrical flow and strength as an artist creating his own wave/lane.

Ju$$ Wave teamed up with Atlanta’s own Waka Flocka for his hot new single, “Stains” off the “Staying Down” project as well. As you can see, the Carolinas aren’t without talent. Ju$$ Wave is an unsigned artist blazing a hot trail through the music industry. Ju$$ Wave holds it down for the Carolina’s on the track while Waka Flocka adds that Atlanta feel to it. Ju$$ Wave is making his presence known and letting everyone know he’s a force to be reckoned with and he’s here to stay!

Check out his latest project “Stayin Down” and his new single “Stains” below. You can keep up with Ju$$ Wave by following him on Instagram @_WaveGod_ and on Twitter @__WaveGod__.

STREAM/DOWNLOAD: LiveMixtapes | Spinrilla | Audiomack | DatPiff

New Music Alert: Merk Ft. UTP Skip – “So Loud”

Nancy Byron
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New Music Alert: Merk Ft. UTP Skip – “So Loud”

New Orlafornia recording artist Merk teams up with UTP Skip on a new single and engaging visual “So Loud.” The video is captivating and fun while illustrating the recreational and medicinal uses of cannabis. The New Orleans rhyme spitters are known for their collaborations with the late Mr. Magic of No Limit and Juvenile of Cash Money and UTP Records. “So Loud” is a single from the album International Ghetto Pass dropping this fall.

DJ JMK Files Lawsuit Against Cardi B, French Montana and City Girls

Gabrielle Taite
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DJ JMK Files Lawsuit Against Cardi B, French Montana and City Girls

DJ JMK is suing Cardi B, City Girls, French Montana, and Yo Gotti, as he said he was never paid for his beat which they all sampled in some of their most famous songs.

The DJ, whose real name is Kirk Edwards, said that the instrumental was made in November 2000 and played in clubs where he DJ’d, according to TMZ. Master P famously rapped over it in 2002. JMK says his track, Choppa Style, has over 9 million streams on YouTube, and a small portion of the song has been sampled on multiple popular tracks in recent years.

Cardi B and City Girls sampled a snippet of the song last year for their famous single, Twerk, according to documents obtained by TMZ. JMK is also claiming that French Montana and Yo Gotti did it on their song, Oh Yeah back in 2017. He stated that she should have been paid for the samples, but never received any money.

Twerk peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hop Rap Songs chart in February of this year, according to Billboard. It is also known for its notorious music video in which Cardi B and Yung Miami can be seen in full body paint as they twerk on the beach. Oh Yeah appears on Yo Gotti’s I Still Am album.

The artists are now being sued for copyright infringement, as JMK says the rappers have all “misappropriated many of the recognizable and key protected elements” of his work.

Cardi B, City Girls, Master P, French Montana, and Yo Gotti all have yet to respond.

 

North West Takes Japan by Storm With Her Fashion Sense

Gabrielle Taite
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North West Takes Japan by Storm With Her Fashion Sense

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West recently traveled to Japan with their kids, including oldest, North West, who had some pretty show-stopping looks, which she reportedly put together herself.

The couple brought North, 6, and Saint, 3, along for a family summer trip, according to US. The youngest members of their crew include Chicago, 18 months, and Psalm, two months, who were absent from all social media posts. Back in May, Kim announced the arrival of their fourth child by tweeting, “He’s here and he’s perfect. He’s also Chicago’s twin lol. I’m sure that will change a lot but now he looks just like her.”

On the trip, North West reportedly styled all her own outfits. As the daughter of both Yeezy’s and KKW Beauty’s creative directors, it is no surprise that North is interested in the fashion world. Kim posted multiple pictures of her daughter on Sunday on Instagram captioning it, “My Northie girl is the ultimate fashionista! She comes with me to fabric stores and picks out what she likes and for our Japan trip I let her style herself. I should have let her style me too lol. She loves it. She’s having fun and I am so happy she’s so expressive. ????????????????????????????”

In the post, North can be seen wearing fury heels, a tie-dye top, neon hoodies, and rocking two high buns on her head. This is just one of many occasions in which the six-year-old has taken the fashion world by storm. She has previously walked in the L.O.L. Surprise! Fashion Show, and even graced the cover of WWD.

See pictures of North’s most notable outfits from the family’s Japan trip below.

 

Drake’s “Care Package” Helps Him to Achieve Ninth No. 1 Album

Gabrielle Taite
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Drake’s “Care Package” Helps Him to Achieve Ninth No. 1 Album

Drake achieved his ninth No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart with his new compilation album, Care Package. 

The album consists of 17 popular tracks such as How Bout Now, Trust Issues, Draft Day, and Paris Morton Music, which were never officially released on an album. All songs were available on platforms such as Soundcloud or YouTube. Care Package was released on Aug. 2 through OVO Sound/Republic Records, and launched with 109,000 equivalent album units in the United States for the week ending in Aug. 8, according to Nielsen Music. Of that, about 16,000 were in album sales.

Drake has now extended his own record for the most No. 1 albums this decade, as all nine of his top spots have arrived since 2010. Additionally, Care Package is the first No. 1 album that Drake has released through OVO Sound, which is the label co-founded by Drake. All of his other album’s were released through Young Money/Cash Money/Republic.

The Money In The Grave rapper has charted 11 entries on the Billboard 200 chart, with just two of them missing the top slot. His So Far Gone mixtape was originally released for free, but never officially released through a streaming service. Drake later dropped the So Far Gone EP back in 2009, which was a distillation of the original So Far Gone mixtape. It marked Drake’s first commercial album release and peaked at No. 6.

Many other popular artists are tied with Drake for the most No. 1s on the Billboard 200. Garth Brooks, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Eminem, all have nine each, according to Billboard.

None of the songs released on Care Package were singles, as the album dropped suddenly. However, by the looks of it, they are well on their way to climbing the charts.

Cashmerely, The History Of Hip Hop

Jay
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Cashmerely, The History Of Hip Hop

Cashmerely, born in NC and raised in Detroit,MI receives influence from all the different environments he’s lived in. Former On-Air personality, developed the CareFree Trapboys, Inc. brand after taking a break from radio and videography. On his latest promotion tour run he appeared on DJ ESudd’s media tour. His latest project Killjoy (prod. by Ricky Ruckus) was released in late July. Below I quizzed him on his history of hip hop.

What is your favorite era of hip hop?

My favorite era of hip hop is early 2000s. That’s when hip hop starting becoming more mainstream and the opportunities for hip hop artists grew.

How has each era influenced your writing and lyrics?

It means you have to keep up with the times. You have to remain sustainable. You can appeal to the people and still remain true to your content. People have done it like Diddy, Jay-Z.

Who is your favorite artist from each decade and why?

I don’t currently have a favorite artist from the current age of hip hop. The 2000s, my favorite artist would be DMX and Juvenile. MC Hammer would be my favorite artist from the 90s.

What is your opinion of the evolution of hip hop?

I believe it is moving in a positive direction. It went from being known as a trend or fab to being the number one genre around the globe.

What is your plan to add to the legacy of hip hop?

I want to be remembered as someone who pushed music forward. Coming up with innovative marketing strategies and always looking for a way to reach a new crowd are things I want to inspire others. To show that there are many ways to promote your music.

Where do you see it in 5 years?

You can’t scale that yet because you would have to factor in technology. In five years there could be a new streaming platform or a distinctive feature on some headphones, these and more could influence the state of hip hop. How we produce our music is based on the things out there now, when that changes, the music will change.

Cashmerely – Killjoy

Nipsey Hussle’s Family Declines Public Birthday Celebrations

Gabrielle Taite
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Nipsey Hussle’s Family Declines Public Birthday Celebrations

Nipsey Hussle’s birthday is quickly approaching on Thursday, Aug. 15, and many fans are wanting to celebrate with a public birthday bash to honor the late rapper. However, his family is turning down many proposals, as they say his death is just too fresh in their minds.

The Racks In The Middle rapper was shot and killed in front of his Marathon Clothing store back in March, leaving many devastated. He is survived by his mother, children, long-time girlfriend, Lauren London, and many more.

There has been a lot of talk on how to celebrate what would be Hussle’s 34th birthday, and his family has been overwhelmed with suggestions on how to publicly celebrate, according to TMZ. The Los Angeles Police Department is even expecting mass amounts of people to gather in front of his Marathon Clothing store. They are said to have a heavy presence in front of the store that day. Additionally, fans will not be able to get close to the storefront because it is said that an extra set of barricades will be added to an existing fence.

However, a source from TMZ said that there will be no city-wide celebrations in LA despite fans’ pleas for one, as Hussle’s family is still devastated. Rather than a public event, his family will reportedly gather to remember their loved one privately. The family understandably feels that it is too soon for a big birthday bash, since it has only been a few months since his death.

While many would like to remember Hussle on his heavenly birthday, the family is still in mourning.

Kimora Lee Simmons’ Ex Files for Joint Custody

Gabrielle Taite
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Kimora Lee Simmons’ Ex Files for Joint Custody

Kimora Lee Simmons and ex Djimon Hounsou are now in a custody battle, as Hounsou has filed for joint custody and is threatening to move their 10-year-old child to Africa.

The two got together shortly after her separation from Russell Simons. They later separated in 2012. Hounsou previously complained on Father’s Day that Kimora wouldn’t let him see their son, Kenzo Lee. He strongly implied that she was keeping the child from him, however Kimora responded by saying that he is an absent father who rarely wants to see his son.

According to a source from TMZ, Hounsou has threatened to take Kenzo to Africa for good. Russell Simmons, CEO of Rush Communications and Kimora’s former husband, said he told Hounsou that he could take Kenzo for a visit only if he signed a document promising he wouldn’t take the child to Africa, but Hounsou refused to sign.

On Friday, Kimora got served with a joint custody petition from Hounsou as she was walking down the street in Beverly Hills on Friday.

Russell told TMZ Hounsou is not asking for joint custody, but for child support. However, Russell claims Hounsou hasn’t paid her support. It is unclear whether or not the court has ordered him to do so.

Hounsou has yet to comment on the matter.

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