Ice Spice, the rising star in the R&B/Hip-Hop world, has won the Rookie of the Year award at Billboard’s 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication Ice Spice has put in since the beginning of her career. This win is a historic moment for Ice Spice and the entire R&B/Hip-Hop community, as she is the first female artist to win this award since 2016. In this blog post, we will dive into Ice Spice’s journey so far and how she has transformed the R&B/Hip-Hop world with her unique style and captivating music.
It’s no surprise that Larry Jackson is still making headlines in the music industry. The former Global Creative Director of Apple Music has recently unveiled his new venture, Gamma, which aims to acquire music catalogs and sign new artists while also exploring other ventures such as films, fashion, merchandise, and even web3 technologies. His contributions to the music industry are being celebrated this year as he is named BillBoard’s R&B Hip-Hop Power Players and Live 2023 Executive of the Year. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at his achievements and what to expect from his new venture, Gamma.
Jackson’s new venture, Gamma, is an ambitious enterprise that aims to create a multi-faceted entertainment company. Gamma’s primary goal is to buy music catalogs and sign new artists to create a new kind of music label that will provide them with all the resources they need to succeed. Jackson also plans to expand the company’s scope beyond music to include other ventures such as producing films, launching fashion and merchandise lines, and exploring web3 technologies that are currently revolutionizing the entertainment industry.
Gamma will operate in a unique way, focusing on the artist’s vision and providing them with the resources they need. They will work closely with their signed artists to create bespoke campaigns, merchandise lines, and more. This approach is a refreshing change from industry standards that favor corporate structures, making Gamma an innovative and exciting addition to the music industry.
Larry Jackson’s contribution to the music industry is undeniable, and his new venture, Gamma, is set to revolutionize the way we view music labels. He has been named BillBoard’s R&B Hip-Hop Power Players and Live 2023 Executive of the Year, a testament to his years of hard work and dedication. With Gamma, we can expect nothing but innovation as his approach to music and entertainment takes center stage. We can’t wait to see what else Gamma has in store and the impact it will have on the industry.
Nas and Lil Wayne have recently achieved remarkable milestones by being inducted into Billboard’s newly established Hip Hop Hall of Fame. This noteworthy event occurred during Billboard’s 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players event in Los Angeles on Tuesday (August 8) as part of the grand celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary.
Following an introduction from Billboard’s Executive Director of R&B/Hip Hop, Gail Mitchell, Lil Wayne took the stage to graciously accept this prestigious award. During his acceptance speech, Lil Wayne expressed his gratitude to the divine powers above, as well as acknowledging those we have lost and those we wish could have been present for this momentous occasion. He also expressed his deep appreciation to his fans, emphasizing that their unwavering support has played an invaluable role in his success and growth as an artist.
During an electrifying event, Nas took the stage after an equally impressive introduction by Billboard’s Deputy Director of R&B/Hip Hop, Carl Lamarre. Nas shared the motivation behind his rap career, emphasizing that it stemmed from a profound passion for the music rather than the desire for awards.
Ice Spice was crowned Rookie of the Year at the event, lauded as Hip Hop’s new rising star.
Nas and Lil Wayne became the first inductees into Billboard’s Hip Hop Hall of Fame, a long-awaited institution urged by numerous rappers. RZA, in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, highlighted the significance of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s recognition of Hip Hop, and expressed the excitement for the establishment of the Hip Hop Hall of Fame.
Tory Lanez has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion, as reported by Law & Crime reporter Meghann Cuniff on Tuesday (August 8). Tory Lanez spoke during the court proceedings, expressing his ongoing care for Megan despite any negative opinions she may have of him. He referred to her as “someone I still care for dearly to this day” and emphasized their friendship, revealing that they bonded over the loss of their mothers. Tory Lanez admitted to making immature statements and disclosing secrets during the incident, expressing regret for his actions. The prosecution sought a 13-year sentence, while Tory’s lawyers requested a lower term of three years if their request for probation and enrollment in a residential substance abuse program were denied.
During the two-day court hearing in Los Angeles, Megan Thee Stallion’s written statement was read by District Attorney Kathy Ta. In her statement, Megan vehemently criticized Tory for spreading false narratives about the shooting incident, which resulted in bullet fragments in her feet. She also expressed her distress over Tory’s disregard for her “trauma” in subsequent music releases. Megan further stated that she has been unable to find any peace since the incident occurred.
According to Cuniff, Megan wrote, “Not only did he shoot me, but he also mocked my trauma. He portrayed himself as a victim and launched an offensive campaign to destroy my reputation and well-being. He even fabricated information and paid bloggers to spread false details about the case on social media. Moreover, he released music videos and songs with the aim of tarnishing my character and continuing his personal vendetta.”
On August 8, 2023, the 28-year-old criticized him for attributing the incident to his childhood trauma and alcoholism. This defense strategy was employed by his legal team in an attempt to obtain probation and entry into a drug treatment program, thereby avoiding imprisonment. The speaker further claimed that he initially denied the occurrence of the shooting, later shifting blame onto her former best friend. In a series of dishonest statements, he also held the system and the press responsible, with his recent actions aiming to employ his childhood trauma as a shield and evade accountability.
Megan stated that Lanez’s lack of remorse is concerning and expressed her desire for his sentence to send a message to all women who have experienced violence. She emphasized the importance of holding him fully accountable for his heinous actions and ensuring that justice is served. Herriford, on the other hand, believes that Lanez’s post-shooting behavior, including social media posts and harassment of Megan, is a significant aggravating factor in determining his sentence.
Recently, Chakabars visited Sway In The Morning to share a book that he believes everyone in the African diaspora should read. That book is Precolonial Black Africa by Cheikh Anta Diop. In this work, Diop sets out to reconstruct African history and highlight the black contribution to the foundations of Western civilization. He compares the political and social systems of Europe and black Africa from antiquity to the formation of modern states.
Understanding African history Cheikh Anta Diop’s Precolonial Black Africa offers an in-depth understanding of the political and social systems of Africa before the arrival of colonialists. Diop argues that Africa’s rich history was often overlooked or suppressed by Western scholars and historians. His work is a reconstruction of African history based on research that seeks to provide a scientific understanding of precolonial societies in Africa, the Mediterranean, and Europe. With this information, readers can gain insight into the complex and nuanced history of Africa.
Reclaiming African history Diop’s work is a reclamation of African history that was suppressed by the colonialist powers that sought to erase the African contribution to the foundations of Western civilization. His work considers the similarities and differences between black Africa and the West. This information is crucial in regaining the lost African history, culture, and identity. It is essential to understand Africa’s history and celebrate its contributions to the world.
Challenging the narratives Diop’s work challenges the prevailing narratives about African history. He rebukes the depiction of Africa as a continent without history. The work highlights the African contributions to world history, including the foundations of Western civilization. His work has transformed the basic thrust of African studies in the United States and other parts of the world. Reading Precolonial Black Africa will challenge the existing narratives about African history and highlight the need to rediscover the African contribution to civilization.
Connecting with African heritage Today, many people of African descent yearn to reconnect with their African heritage and reclaim their identity. Precolonial Black Africa offers readers a historical context to understand the African continent’s complex and diverse cultures. The book encourages readers to embrace their African roots, celebrate their heritage, and take pride in their ancestry. Reading Precolonial Black Africa is not just about understanding African history; it is also about identity and connection.
Learning from history History often repeats itself, and studying history provides invaluable insights into society, culture, and civilization. Cheikh Anta Diop’s work is a reminder that the knowledge and wisdom of our ancestors are essential in shaping the present and the future. His work highlights the importance of understanding the consequences of colonialism and imperialism, not just for Africa, but the rest of the world. The knowledge gained from reading this book is not limited to African history; it explores human history.
In conclusion, reading Precolonial Black Africa is essential for anyone interested in African history and the African contribution to the foundations of Western civilization. The work is a reconstruction of African history based on scientific research that provides an in-depth understanding of pre-colonial African societies’ political and social systems. Diop’s work is a reclamation of African history that rebukes the depiction of Africa as a continent without history. The book provides readers with a historical context to understand the African continent’s diverse cultures and encourages readers to embrace their African roots. Finally, studying history provides insights into society, culture, and civilization, and Precolonial Black Africa is an invaluable resource for understanding African history and human history as a whole.
Chakabars, an activist and philanthropist, is committed to empowering oppressed communities around the world. He has made remarkable contributions in Africa, Jamaica, and other regions by establishing schools, homes, and medical centers for the African diaspora. In a recent conversation on Sway In The Morning, he raised awareness about the alarming exploitation of cobalt in the Congo by foreign nations, leading to the loss of lives of local miners. Watch the full interview below.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is home to over half of the world’s cobalt, an essential component in batteries for electronic devices. Unfortunately, the mining of this mineral is fraught with danger and exploitation. International companies that exploit cobalt resources in the DRC often ignore environmental regulations and labor laws. This exploitation of cobalt comes at a cost as local miners lose their lives due to unsafe work conditions. Chakabars has been at the forefront of raising awareness of this issue. Through his social media platforms, he has highlighted the dire situation and eagerly sought solutions to address the exploitation of the Congo.
Chakabars is also known for his collective efforts to provide education, health, and humanitarian aid to the African diaspora. He has leveraged his position to encourage donations and collaborations that support interventions in resource-poor settings. He has initiated programs that seek to improve health outcomes, provide education, and pioneer community development. His work highlights the importance of providing sustainable development projects that empower people in these resource-poor settings.
Image by Ty Davis PVA Entertainment
In the context of cobalt exploitation in the Congo, Chakabars has been advocating for international companies to do better. Recognizing that cobalt is significant for the global economy, Chakabars acknowledges the importance of tracking the mineral supply chain, ensuring that local workers’ rights are upheld, creating safer working conditions, and promoting sustainable resource use. To keep the conversation on track, Chakabars has leveraged his social media platforms and collaborations to promote the conversation, initiating a crucial movement towards addressing cobalt exploitation in the DRC.
Chakabars’ efforts to address the exploitation of Africa are as inspiring as they are necessary. His commitment to empowering oppressed communities worldwide remains unwavering, and his work continues to impact many lives positively. As a leader, he keeps the conversation going, empowering local communities in the Congo and around the world, advocating for their rights, and pushing for action towards sustainable development. His work shows that one person can make a significant impact by taking a stand. Consequently, it is upon us to follow in his footsteps and make a change.
Marlon Craft’s new album, Homecourt Advantage Vol. 2, is a work of art that seamlessly blends the worlds of music and sports. The album is a tribute to the mixtape era, and listeners can expect to hear an array of sounds that pay homage to the legends of the basketball court. Marlon Craft is known for his ability to capture the essence of Hip Hop with his powerful lyrics, and he takes things to the next level with this new release. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of Homecourt Advantage Vol. 2 and discuss what makes this album a must-listen for Hip Hop fans.
The album Homecourt Advantage Vol. 2 takes fans on a journey through the world of sports, and it starts with the album cover. The cover pays homage to the iconic NBA STREET series, and it sets the tone for what is to come. As soon as you press play, you are transported to a world where basketball is the center of attention. The album is full of references to sports and mixes them with Marlon Craft’s signature flow, which makes for a unique listening experience.
The marketing materials for Homecourt Advantage Vol. 2 are just as impressive as the album itself. The promo videos feature a spoof “30 for 30” documentary on the legend of “Mixtape Craft.” The videos showcase Marlon’s love for basketball and his ability to create a project that merges the worlds of sports and music. The wardrobe of authentic throwbacks and vintage leather is also a sight to behold. It adds a layer of authenticity to the overall concept of the album.
The musical content of Homecourt Advantage Vol. 2 is what sets it apart from other Hip Hop albums. Marlon Craft blends various genres seamlessly, and the result is an album that is both refreshing and captivating. The tracks flow smoothly, and you can hear the amount of thought and effort that went into each one. The album features collaborations with various artists, including Katori Walker and Bobby Sessions, which elevate the overall project. Marlon Craft’s ability to merge his unique style with that of his collaborators is remarkable.
TRACKLIST
THE ANSWER
PENSION
UPSNDOWNS
DISTANCE
TOO YOUNG
ALL THAT (Feat. Flee Lord)
SODA CLUB (Feat. Skyzoo)
LESSONS
NEED!
BASMATI (Feat. lojii)
MARATHON
Homecourt Advantage Vol. 2 is an exceptional project that showcases Marlon Craft’s talent as a rapper and his love for basketball. The album is a testament to the multilayered impact that sports and music can have on people’s lives. Marlon Craft has created an album that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it is a must-listen for any Hip Hop fan. Homecourt Advantage Vol. 2 is a significant accomplishment for Marlon Craft, and it is exciting to see how he will continue to elevate his craft in the future.
Marlon Craft proves he is staying with his lyrics and impeccable flow! He recently stopped by Sway In The Morning and took on the 5 Fingers Freestyle to showcase his skills. The New York-based rapper has been making waves with his new album, Homecourt Advantage Vol. 2, which features collaborations with renowned producers Statik Selektah and Roper Williams.
Ya’ll have to stop sleeping on MC. His freestyle on 5 Fingers proved that he’s not only a talented rapper but also an artist that is tapped into the fabric of society. His ability to combine substance and style in his music is what sets him apart from his peers. It’s inspiring to see a young artist take on the challenge of a live freestyle and come out on top. If you’re not already a fan of Marlon Craft, now is the time to check out his music. Homecourt Advantage Vol. 2 is out now, and it’s sure to be one of the best hip-hop albums of the year.
Jeezy is a renowned rapper, musician, and entrepreneur, known for his hustle, perseverance, and authenticity. His journey from the streets of Atlanta to becoming a global icon is an inspiring story that has resonated with fans of all ages and backgrounds. Now, he has taken on a new challenge – writing his first book, Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe.
The book, Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe, is not your regular celebrity memoir. It goes beyond the glitz and glamour of stardom to share the real struggles and obstacles that Jeezy had to face in his life. He opens up about his early life experiences, including growing up in a broken home, dropping out of high school, and getting caught up in the street life as a drug dealer. However, he doesn’t dwell on the negativity – instead, he talks about how these experiences shaped his mindset, taught him the value of hard work, and made him who he is today.
One of the key themes of the book is resilience. Jeezy faced numerous setbacks and obstacles in his life – from being arrested and spending time in jail to being dropped from a major record label. However, he never gave up or lost faith in himself. He explains that every time something challenging happened, he saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Jeezy’s mindset of seeing adversity as a chance for personal development is a lesson that can benefit all of us, as we face our own tough times.
Another powerful message in the book is the importance of building a support system. While Jeezy was pursuing his dreams, he found himself surrounded by people who were only looking out for their own interests. He realized that he needed to surround himself with like-minded individuals who shared his vision and values. He talks about how having a strong team, including family, friends, and mentors, helped him stay focused on his goals and stay grounded amid the success and fame.
Jeezy’s book is also a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. He recounts numerous instances where he had to put in the work, whether it was spending long hours in the studio recording music or going above and beyond to cement his position in the industry. Jeezy’s story shows that success doesn’t come overnight – it takes time, effort, and a lot of perseverance. However, if you stay true to yourself, keep pushing, and never give up, you can achieve your dreams.
In conclusion, Jeezy’s Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe is an inspiring and motivating read, not just for fans of Jeezy’s music but for anyone who is going through a difficult time. His story shows that no matter where you come from, what your background is, or what obstacles you face, you can overcome them with determination, grit, and belief in yourself. Jeezy’s book is a reminder that success is not a destination – it’s a journey, and we can all learn something from his experience. We highly recommend giving it a read!
The documentary, curated and told by Geekset, an organization that merges hip-hop culture with geek culture, will feature interviews with prominent black geek icons, such as actor Michael Jai White, writer and producer Eric Haywood, and comic book artist Afua Richardson. Through these interviews and archival footage, viewers will learn about the origins of black nerd culture and how it has evolved over the decades.
One of the key topics that The Black Geek will explore is how black artists and creators have often been sidelined in the mainstream geek culture. Despite their contributions, their work has sometimes been ignored, appropriated, or dismissed by white gatekeepers. The documentary will examine how black geeks have navigated this landscape and found ways to break through the barriers, creating their own comics, games, and movies.
Another important aspect that The Black Geek will touch on is the role that black geek culture has played in shaping pop culture. From the Afrofuturistic world-building of Sun Ra to the groundbreaking music of Parliament-Funkadelic to the rise of Black Panther in the Marvel Universe, black geeks have made an indelible imprint on our cultural imagination.
But The Black Geek is not just a celebration of history; it’s a call to action for the future. The documentary will challenge viewers to think beyond stereotypes and cliches and to recognize the value and diversity of black nerd culture. It will also inspire young black geeks to pursue their passions and create their own stories, knowing that they are part of a vibrant and growing community.
The Black Geek is a documentary that celebrates the underrepresented and often overlooked black nerd culture. It showcases the rich history and contributions of black geeks and aims to change the negative stereotypes that Hollywood and the media have perpetuated. The documentary is an exciting opportunity for viewers to learn about the pioneers and innovators in this community and to appreciate the diversity and creativity that define it. We can’t wait to see The Black Geek and hope that it will inspire a new generation of black geeks to embrace their passions and share their stories with the world.
