Thursday, June 5, 2014

Suspect Charged in the Shooting Death of Twista's Bodyguard



According to police reports, a man named Matthew X. Jackson has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of armed robbery in the case involving the shooting death of Chicago rapper Twista's bodyguard, Davy Easterling, 31.


Police suspect 25-year-old Jackson of shooting Easterling several times in the throat and chest not far from his south side Chicago home. Esterling was pronounced dead at the scene according, to the Cook County Examiner's office.


Check out Jackson's mugshot in the gallery.


Source: CBS Chicago


Meek Mill Goes On Twitter Rant On His Philly Haters (@MeekMill)



Meek Mill didn't respond well to his native Philadelphians' views of him after his indirect ties to the Slowbucks' chain grabbing incident.


After exchanging words with his artist Louie V Gutta on Twitter about the incident, another associate shares his thoughts on the rapper.


"Meek really the clown in all this," Twitter user Demynu said.


Meek replied with, "I don't really know why y'all think y'all can mention my name in these ways...when we run into each other don't change!"


He also went into a full rant about the lack of support he receives from his hometown and an incident that resulted in a local Philly rapper taking him to court.


"Niggas b cold p**** talking on these joints ..... Just know meek mill and them gone b around.... Twitter different than real life!" he said.


The rapper is plans to make an appearance in his hometown Friday.


Check out the rest of his tweets above.


Funkmaster Flex Says Dame Dash Isn't Current in Hip Hop (@FunkFlex @DuskoPoppington)



Funkmaster Flex addressed Dame Dash's Instagram posts on his show with plenty to say about Dash, the real culture vultures, and why Dame Dash didn't adapt to the changes in Hip Hop.


Flex defended industry executives Joie Manda and Lyor Cohen for spreading Roc-A-Fella Records and its success and the artists and projects that thrived after. He also addressed Dash's use of the "culture vulture" term.


"What is that? People who are not of his color who care capitalizing on the culture?" he said. "If you're only four years in the game, or you've only been on your website about three years, sometimes you believe foolishness like this. People trying to pit people against each other because of their color. That's what's happening here. Yeah he happens to be my friend but now he's pitting people against each other for their color."


He also goes on to say that Dame is irrelevant to Hip Hop today because he never adapted when artists started to use social media as their platforms.


"Don't be mad because I'm on a bigger platform," he said. "Don't be mad because I'm still current and you're not. Don't be mad at me. Don't be mad because I took up for my friend because you were trying to box him in... You didn't adapt to the game. The game changed and you're mad at everyone else. Be mad at yourself."


Flex cites the artists that Dame never paid including Curren$y and Beanie Siegel.


"When you gonna give Beans his $11 million for State Property that you didn't give him yet?" he said.


Listen to his full rant in the videos above.


T.I. Goes Off on Instagram: Watch Ya Mouth or Get Hit! (@tip)



T.I. has had enough of the speculation surrounding his marriage to Tiny, and took to Instagram to let the public know that they need to mind their own business.


The caption under the Grand Hustle Capo's post states plainly that the public needs to leave Tip & family alone, or there may be consequences.


He also vented about being a "stand up guy" among "Sit-down a** ni**as"


Check out T.I. getting it all off his chest above.


Source: Bossip


Sean Kingston's Crew Accused of Robbing, Beating Promoter

Sean KingstonFrederick M. Brown, Getty Images

You better pay Sean Kingston, or else. Those are probably the exact words a California promoter is thinking after he was allegedly assaulted by the Jamaican-born singer’s entourage earlier this week.


According to TMZ, Kingston was booked to perform at the Avalon, a popular Hollywood venue, on June 4. The mutually agreed upon payment for the show was $11,000. Apparently, part of the deal was that Kingston would need to heavily promote the show through social media, but he failed to do so. The 24-year-old also showed up to the venue three hours late. In turn, the promoter refused to pay him the other half of the money, obviously leaving the ‘Back 2 Life’ creator fumed.


From there things took an ugly turn. Based on the promoter’s account, Kingston ordered his entourage to use physical force to retrieve his money, so they pinned the promoter against a wall and took $1,000, his cell phone and his watch.


So by now you would figure the burly artist would be in handcuffs, right? Wrong. Kingston hasn’t been arrested yet, and it’s unclear if he will be.


In addition, his bodyguards were only listed as witnesses in the police report — they weren’t arrested either. In the end, the promoter wasn’t seriously injured and he was able to get his watch and phone back — they were later found at the club. But the cash wasn’t recovered, and it likely won’t be.


Stay tuned to find out if Kingston and his crew will face charges.



Lil Durk Brings the Noise With His Loud Nike Retro Sneakers (@lildurk_ @nike)


Game to Release New Album 'Blood Money La Familia'

GameCharley Gallay, Getty Images

After years of being on a major label, rapper Game is now going the independent route. The Compton rhymer will release his first indie album, ‘Blood Money La Familia,’ in September via eOne Entertainment.


The project, due in stores Sept. 16, is being executive produced by Game’s longtime manger Cash “Wack” Jones and rapper Stat Quo. The set’s kick-off singles will be ‘Bigger Than Me’ and ‘Or Nah,’ which will drop later this month.


Alan Grunblatt, President of eOne Music, is ecstatic to work with such an esteemed rap artist.


“Game makes music people care about. I’m looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship between him, Cash Jones and eOne,” he said via a press release.


As for the LP, Game says, “‘Blood Money La Familia’ will be another No. 1 album.”


Game is a 10-year veteran in the rap game. The 34-year-old rhymer released five albums for Interscope Records beginning with his 2005 debut album, ‘The Documentary.’ His last album, ‘Jesus Piece’ (2012), boasts the hit singles, ‘Celebration,’ ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘All That (Lady).’


We wish Game much success in his new music venture with eOne Entertainment.



Lupe Fiasco Delivers Incredible Freestyle on 'Sway in the Morning' [VIDEO]


Lupe Fiasco is dope, plain and simple. We’ve known that for quite some time. But now folks may develop an even deeper appreciation for the rapper after seeing him come straight off the dome during a ‘Sway in the Morning’ freestyle session.


As many know, when many of today’s MCs say they’re about to freestyle, it usually means they’re going to kick one of their favorite verses — one they’ve probably rehearsed a dozen times and spit even more than that. There’s even some rappers who will spit a verse straight from their album and call it a freestyle — not a freestyle by any means.


Lupe understands the difference and the art of the craft. Everything he rhymes in this freestyle is off-the-cuff plus he lands some very impressive punchlines and maintains a smooth, nearly flawless delivery.


“Introduce the young boy Westside, Chi-Town, my town / Come through you got to bow down… / I enter you like integers that’s a negative and ones / And guns I got plenty of them / But I’m cool I’m calm I’m positive / But I’ll knock a n—- head off with the llama kid,” spits the intelligent MC.


After the freestyle, Sway, his partner Heather B and others in the studio seemed thoroughly impressed with Lupe’s ability to rely on rhymes that weren’t pre-written. In fact, Sway puts the dreadlocked rapper in the same class as Eminem, Craig G and Juice when it comes to having the best freestyles on his show.


The Chicago lyricist also reminded people to check out his new cancer-inspired song, ‘Mission,’ which will be featured on his forthcoming LP, ‘Tetsuo & Youth.’ You can view the promotional clip below. He also said there will be a full video for the song in the very near future.


Watch the Promotional Video for Lupe Fiasco’s New Single ‘Mission’



Pharrell Apologizes for Wearing Native American Headdress on Elle UK Cover

PharrellElle UK

Pharrell may be a music industry darling at the moment, but that’s not keeping people from criticizing him after he sported a Native American headdress on the cover of Elle UK magazine.


After the backlash began, it didn’t take long for the singer-producer to apologize, according to the site Buzzfeed. Pharrell received a number of chastising tweets (see below) and there was even a Twitter campaign created called #NotHappy.


“Another celebrity thinking it’s okay to wear a Native Headdress for fashion,” one person tweeted. “Our regalia is not fashion. It’s an honor,” tweeted another. Which is true, because one is supposed to earn the right to wear the sacred bonnet through acts of bravery.


In addition, there’s a spiritual component to the Native American headdress, as it symbolizes honor and accomplishment so wearing one just for aesthetics will always be offensive to a large number of people. It didn’t take Pharrell too long to figure that out.


“I respect and honor every kind of race, background and culture,” wrote the newly hired ‘Voice’ coach in a statement.


However, Pharrell was happy with the overall Elle UK photo shoot, and said the photographers of the publication did a stellar job — but that was before the controversy arose. He also explained the kinds of photographers he usually likes to work with.


“I think good photo shoots are ones where the photographer is capturing the air in the room, and the subject is sort of like the reaction,” explained the veteran producer.


Check out some of the other tweets bashing Pharrell’s style choice below.



Rihanna Partners With Hard Rock Cafe to Release Charity T-Shirt

Rihanna T-ShirtHard Rock

We all know Rihanna likes to take it to fearless levels when it comes to fashion but she also likes to give back as well. The Bajan native has partnered with the Hard Rock Cafe to launch a limited-edition charity T-shirt.


The black tee, designed by Kiyondra Talley and G&L Studios, features RiRi superimposed on a skull with the American flag. The back of the shirt bears her signature and the “R” emblem along with the Hard Rock Cafe logo. The item is patriotic yet it still has a cool rock-n-roll vibe to it.


The Rihanna x Hard Rock T-shirt is available at Hard Rock Cafe’s online store in ladies sizes small to extra large for $26.00. In addition, proceeds from the sales of the tees will go to Rihanna’s charity The Clara Lionel Foundation, which provides healthcare in Barbados and other global countries.


Along with the T-shirt, Hard Rock Cafe donated an additional $200,000 to the Clara Lionel Foundation in support of the ‘Stay’ singer’s ongoing commitment to her country.


In return, Rihanna gave Hard Rock Cafe some personal memorabilia for them to showcase in their properties. Among the items include a pink Swarovski crystal bodysuit, a denim shirt and black shorts she wore for her 2011 V Festival performance, the red gown she wore during the Diamonds World Tour in 2013 and more.


Rihanna T-Shirt (Back)Hard Rock

Nike Air Max 1 Lunar 'OG'

Sneaker Freaker

Remaking a classic can often times lead to a lot of upset die hards but Nike has done the unthinkable and succeeding, as usual.


Meet the Nike Air Max 1 Lunar is a retooled version of the iconic running shoe and at first glance is slightly jarring just based off of the fact that the curves are a bit sharper than usual. The sneakers upper doesn’t bend the lines too far however sticking to the same colorblocking while employing hyperfuse mesh instead of the typical suede or leather.


As far as release dates go nothing is set in stone but its looking like July will be when you can get your hands on this updated classic. The better news is that they will be released to Nike retailers globally.


Source SneakerFreaker



Fredo Santana Switches Up the Swag With Fresh Nike Sneakers (@FREDOSANTANA300 @nike)


Cam'ron Reveals Attempted London Beatdown in Funny Instagram Videos


They tried, but it was an epic fail. That’s how Cam’ron explained it when he described nearly getting jumped in London during a recent show. The Dipset rapper took to his Instagram account to share the experience and not only mocked those who tried to assault him, but also revealed that they need to step their game up.


“So n—-s brought 50 n—-s to da show to jump me in London? And Rush da stage?” “But me and Juju was doing this,” wrote Cam’ron along with a video of people rushing the stage edited with another of him and his girlfriend dancing salsa. “Lol. Sucka ass n—-s. 50 n—-s tho? For lil ol me? I’m glad y’all know dats da minimum yall better come with.”


Although the intended beatdown didn’t happen, it did prevent the Harlem spitter from performing, so for that he apologized. “Sorry to all my fans dat came to da show, but as you can see they tried to line me up. And only da barber lines me up. They had 15 n—-s in front of da stage and 35 n—-s outside, and I was with two n—-s.”


Cam’ron hasn’t given an official reason for the altercation, but it may have something to do with Dipset’s past problems with some U.K. promoters. If you remember back in 2008, there were reports of Juelz Santana nearly getting jumped by a large group of London men as they waited for him outside his hotel. Luckily, that attempt wasn’t successful either.



T.I. Ranks in Supreme With His Limited Edition Nike Sneakers


Mack Maine Supports Justin Bieber After Second Racist Video Emerges

Mack Maine Justin BieberJason Merritt / Vittorio Zunino Celotto, Getty Images

You know the old saying: when it rains it pours. Well, Justin Bieber‘s life is being rained on heavily with bad publicity as a second video has leaked online showing the singer in an unfavorable light.


After apologizing for making a racist joke in a prior old video, another vintage clip pops up with a 14-year-old Bieber singing a crude song on camera. The pop singer flipped the lyrics of his song, ‘One Less Lonely Girl,’ but replaces the word “girl” with the n-word. Then he begins to sing that if he did kill an African-American, he would join the Klu Klux Klan.


The video, whether done in jest or not, is extremely hateful and completely tarnishes Biebs’ wholesome image.


Bieber did issue an apologetic statement regarding the second video. On Instagram, he posted a photo of Bible passages from John 1:7, John 8:12 and Isaiah 61:10, which deal with forgiveness, repentance and having faith in the Lord.


This might not sit well with most people, as Bieber needs to be transparent and publicly apologize for these awful videos.


Meanwhile, Scooter Braun, Bieber’s manager, came to his defense by posting an image on Instagram with the caption: “Some mistakes have no excuses. They are just wrong. But how a man reacts to those mistakes… How he owns it and learns from it…That defines him more than the mistake itself.”


One person who has accepted Bieber’s apology is Young Money president Mack Maine. The rap executive has worked closely with the Biebs on various projects and believes that the embattled singer is not racist at all.


“Bieber does not have a slave mentality. He treats his people with respect,” he told TMZ.


Maine added that Bieber has “legitimately adopted the culture of the hip-hop, African American culture.”


What do you think? Is Justin Bieber a closeted racist? Or is all the brouhaha much to do about nothing? Tell us in the comments below.


Watch Justin Bieber’s Racist Song Caught on Video



#TBT Michael Jordan Soars into the Records In These Air Jordans (@jumpman23)


Sneaker Watch's Top 20 Glow in the Dark Kicks (@nike @)


#TBT Exclusive! Tony Yayo on 50 Cent's Skills As a Hustler (@50cent, @tonyyayo)



In today's #TBT exclusive, Tony Yayo breaks down exactly how 50 Cent is able to do so many things at once and keep the cash rolling in.


When asked about 50 putting music on the back burner to do films, Yayo admits that was the case for a while, but it was because 50 knew he had the talent to do it and that movie industry money is on a whole other level than rap money, so why not take advantage? They were always taught to have more than one hustle and that's what he's doing with films, business deals, music, etc.


When asked if he sees 50 ever giving up music if it didn't make him money, Yayo says yes, and in that situation he'd probably go back to hustling on his old block.


Peep the throwback clip above.


#TBT Exclusive! Clark Kent Explains Designing a LeBron Colorway (@djclarkkent @kingjames)


Exclusive! Ky-Mani Marley on Which Brother Is Most Talented (@MaestroMarley)



Ky-Mani Marley chopped it up with VladTV about new music, getting back in the studio after seven years, and which of the Marley brothers is the most musically gifted of the bunch.


The Jamaican reggae artist first spoke on his love of music and his excitement at dropping a new album after 7 years, which he's leading off with the first single, "Get High." He has also hit the studio with brothers Stephen and Damian Marley, and while he enjoys making music with them, it's important that he maintain a sense of individuality to create his own legacy.


When asked to name which brother is the most talented of the group, Ky-Mani laughs, remarking that they never really compared each other in that way. However, older brother Stephen laid a lot of the groundwork for all of them, and ultimately they just want to make their father Bob Marley proud.


Check out the Q&A above.


#TBT: DJ Clark Kent Explains How He Designed a LeBron Colorway (@djclarkkent @kingjames)


Exclusive! Brand Nubian: Adrien Broner Needs to Humble Himself (@lordjamar, @sadatx)



The members of legendary Hip-Hop group Brand Nubian sat down with VladTV and shared their opinion on boxer Adrien Broner, with Lord Jamar saying his ego outweighs his talent and that he needs to humble himself.


"I don't mind a cocky motherfu**er if you really back it up, but I don't think he's as good as his cockiness warrants...I thought after he got his a** whooped he'd come back a little more humble...if he would've did that I would be more on his side."


Sadat X agreed, and added that Broner really needs a public relations rep and some media training because his persona can come off a bit "coonish." The point was solidified when the group was asked about Broner's racist comments about Mexicans.


Check out the interview above.


DJ Scratch Pays Tribute to James Brown With 'The Big Payback'



James Brown may be the Godfather of Soul, but he’s also one of the backbones of hip-hop. Just think of all of the countless records featuring a sample of Brown’s work and you’ll realize how important the legendary singer was to the foundation of hip-hop.


In honor of the great James Brown, DJ Scratch, along with the help of J. Period, has put together a new mix highlighting his influence. ‘The Big Payback Volume 1′ provides just a glimpse at how deeply Brown is engrained in the music and culture.


“James Brown’s music is literally the soundtrack of my life. My grandmother exposed me to James Brown 45 years ago (1 Years Old),” says DJ Scratch. “Who would have ever thought that James Brown’s music would later be the pillar of a new genre of music called hip hop; who would have ever thought I would be a part of history of this new genre of music. It’s all because of my love and passion for James Brown’s music.”


Take a trip through James Brown’s discography with DJ Scratch’s mix below.


Listen to DJ Scratch’s ‘The Big Payback’



T.I. Goes Off on Instagram: Watch Ya Mouth or Get Hit! (@tip)



T.I. has had enough of the speculation surrounding his marriage to Tiny, and took to Instagram to let the public know that they need to mind their own business.


The caption under the Grand Hustle Capo's post states plainly that the public needs to leave Tip & family alone, or there may be consequences.


He also vented about being a "stand up guy" among "Sit-down a** ni**as"


Check out T.I. getting it all off his chest above.


Source: Bossip


George Jung Reveals First Meal After Serving 20 Years in Prison



Former drug kingpin George Jung was seen heading to his halfway house in San Francisco recently after regaining his freedom.


After serving 20 years in prison for his role in trafficking drugs in and out of the country, Jung shared with TMZ his first post-prison meal.


Check out what Jung had to say above.


Erica Jean Shows Tiny Waist and Massive Cake in Cut-Out Dress (@ericajean4real)



The beautiful Erica Jean recently had a super sexy photo shoot where she showcased some serious cleavage, her tiny wais,t and monster cake for all to admire, and was kind enough to share some behind-the-scenes flicks with her Instagram fam.


Check out the super steamy pics above.