New York City Considers Declaring JAY-Z's Birthday an Official Holiday
Legislation is underway to potentially establish Jay-Z's birthday as an annual holiday in New York City. We discuss it here!
Jay Z attends the "Men in Black 3" premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square, London. 16/05/2012
Credit: Steve Vas/Shutterstock
By: Adonis Armstrong
There's a possibility that JAY-Z's birthdate might be designated as an official holiday in New York City. As per ABC 7 New York, New York City Council members have proposed legislation to declare December 4, the rapper and mogul's birthdate, as "JAY-Z Day" in recognition of his significant cultural and societal contributions.
“The global phenomenon that is JAY-Z—born Shawn Carter—is widely known as an artist, mogul, husband and father, wealth builder, and supporter of economic development and community causes.”
Louis and several other Councilmembers have forwarded the proposal to the Committee on Cultural Affairs, Libraries, and International Intergroup Relations. This resolution is set for review during the 2024 session of the New York City Council, commencing on January 3.
“Dec. 4 as JAY-Z Day announces to the world how this Brooklyn son can be all things, including loved by his community. In the spirit of celebrating Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary, establishing an annual celebration to recognize a homegrown hero while proclaiming our municipal support is fitting.”
In the earlier part of this year, the Brooklyn Public Library unveiled the "Book of Hov" exhibit, showcasing a range of items and memorabilia linked to JAY-Z's remarkable career. Drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors, this exhibit will continue to be accessible to the public until December 2023.
NYC councilwoman seeks to declare each December 4 "Jay-Z Day"
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Rihanna Is The Face of Pharrell William’s Louis Vuitton Campaign
Pharrell Williams is making major moves with Louis Vuitton after being named the Men’s Creative Director. Pharrell even dropped a major billboard with Rihanna being the face, standing proud in front of it. We discuss it here!
By: Gentel Sharrie
Pharrell Williams is making major moves with Louis Vuitton after being named the Men’s Creative Director. Pharrell even dropped a major billboard with Rihanna being the face, standing proud in front of it. Pharrell’s post comes a week before Paris Fashion Week.
Pharrell gained recognition in the late 1990s as one-half of the production duo The Neptunes, alongside Chad Hugo. The Neptunes produced numerous hit songs for artists across various genres, including Britney Spears, Nelly, Jay-Z, and Justin Timberlake. They became one of the most successful production teams in the music industry.
Hip Hop Artist Pharrell
Photo: Johnny Nunez/Getty Images
In addition to his work as a producer, Pharrell also pursued a solo career as a recording artist. In 2003, he released his debut solo single, "Frontin'," which achieved commercial success. However, his breakthrough as a solo artist came in 2013 with the release of the worldwide hit song "Happy" from the soundtrack of the animated film "Despicable Me 2." The song topped charts around the world and earned Pharrell numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Virgil Abloh Photographed by Sebastian Kim, Vogue, October 2015
Pharrell has released several successful albums as a solo artist, including "G I R L" (2014), which featured the hit singles "Happy" and "Come Get It Bae." He also had a single with Rihanna called Lemon.
Before Pharrell was named the Men’s Creative Director the late Virgil Abloh, Pharrell was head of the department before he passed away.
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Shawn Carter Foundation's 20th Anniversary Gala Raises $20 Million
The Shawn Carter Foundation celebrates its 20th year anniversary with a star-studded gala, raising $20 million to support education for individuals facing socio-economic hardships. We discuss it here!
By: Joshua Martin
The Shawn Carter Foundation celebrated its 20th year anniversary with a black tie gala event at Pier Sixty in New York City that brought out some of the most influential names in sports, music, business and entertainment. The event raised $20 million dollars to help people facing socio economic hardships further their education at postsecondary institutions.
The fundraising included a $10 million legacy donation from Amazon founder and entrepreneur Jeff Bezos. Twitter co-founder and Square CEO Jack Dorsey also donated an additional $2 million as a part of his annual contributions. Those donations will help the organization kick start multiple initiatives, including an international exchange program, scholarships, and community goodwill and emergency assistance programs.
The Shawn Carter Foundation and Robert Kraft's Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism join forces in a $2 million partnership aimed at safeguarding educational freedom and combating nationwide book bans, providing crucial resources such as book donations, legal support, and assistance to protect both creatives and educational institutions affected by these bans, with additional support from Fanatics and Live Nation.
Jay-Z, Ms. Carter, and even the “Queen Bee” herself was in attendance. Beyonce even took to social media to share a series of photos and a video montage of the night's festivities.
Other guests included musical artists DJ Khaled, Lil Uzi Vert, Meek Mill, Babyface, Miguel, Tinashe, A$AP Ferg and Saint Jhn. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, and Fanatics founder Michael Rubin were also in attendance, as well as Regina Hall, Chazz Palminteri, Robinson Cano, Dez Bryant, Angie Martinez, Corey Gamble, Tamika Mallory, Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden and more.
The Shawn Carter Foundation was cofounded in 2003 by Jay-Z and his mother Gloria Carter and is committed to empowering underserved youth and families through college scholarships, educational tours and wealth-building programs.
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Jay-Z Bids for Caesars Palace in New York City
Jay-Z's Roc Nation has submitted a proposal to establish a casino in Times Square as part of their bid for a gaming license in New York City. We discuss it here!
Las Vegas, NV, USA: September 23, 2011 - Jay-Z performs at the inaugural iHeartRadio Music Festival at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Credit: Brian Friedman via Shutterstock
By: Adonis Armstrong
Billionaire JAY-Z, renowned for his numerous performances in New York City, is now seeking to present a fresh form of entertainment upon the city's most vibrant plaza.
A plan has been presented by the Grammy Award-winning artist through Roc Nation on May 11th, proposing the establishment of a casino at Times Square. This announcement coincides with Roc Nation's revelation that a gaming license would soon be granted to New York City, as confirmed by a letter from the company, which cites the passage of a bill in the state legislature.
JAY-Z's company provided a comprehensive statement to New York, outlining the reasons why it deserves to be granted the license in preference to other contenders. In a statement, “The winning licensee must always put the well-being of New Yorkers at the top of their agenda and do right by its residents. This is too important of a moment in our city illustrious history."
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) May 11, 2023
Caesars Palace, the resort that Jay-Z is seeking to bring to New York City, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike in Las Vegas. Known for its luxurious amenities and top-notch entertainment offerings, the resort has become a hallmark of the Las Vegas Strip.
Should they be granted the license, Roc Nation unveiled their proposal to attract more tourists to NYC, enhance public transportation, support local businesses, and provide opportunities for all. The company emphasized that their bid includes a commitment of $115 million towards diverse theater programs, such as offering childcare services for Broadway employees and their families.
While the bid is still pending approval and anticipated to be chosen by the state of New York by the end of the year, many New Yorkers should feel excited about the prospect of having a world-class casino resort in their city. However, as usual, there may be some who don't want the casino due to concerns about increased traffic in an already busy area. If Roc Nation is granted the license, it could signify a new chapter in the city's entertainment history, with Jay-Z leading the industry's expansion into the world of gambling.
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Jay-Z and Yo Gotti's Lawsuits End As Mississippi Prison Conditions Improve
Jay-Z and Yo Gotti's lawsuits against Mississippi state prisons have come to end with the state agreeing to improvements. We discuss it here!
LOS ANGELES - AUG 29: Jay-Z in the press room at the Mtv Video Music Awards on August 29, 2004 in Miami, FL.
Credit: DFree via Shutterstock
By: Adonis Armstrong
Lawyers hired by Jay-Z, Yo Gotti, and other entertainers have ended two claims they filed on behalf of Mississippi inmates in 2020, Billboard reports. The claim pinpointed inhumane conditions for the inmates which includes mildew covered showers, rats, roaches, and broken toilets at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman.
“This is a huge step forward in addressing the systemic issues that have plagued the Mississippi prison system for far too long. We’re glad that the state has recognized the need for change and is taking action to improve the lives of inmates.”
Attorneys hired by Jay-Z and Yo Gotti have dropped two lawsuits filed in Mississippi against prison officials for “inhumane” prison conditions. https://t.co/uh6RUZuOCs
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) January 24, 2023
The lawsuits, which were brought on behalf of 29 inmates, are seen as a significant victory for criminal justice reform activists and advocates for prisoners' rights. The changes that have been agreed to by the state are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of inmates in Mississippi. The state’s Department of Corrections said that improvements were made at the facilities, including adding air conditioning, updated electrical systems, and bathroom renovations.
“We’re pleased that Parchman has started to address the cruel and inhumane prison conditions after the Department of Justice’s investigation, but we aren’t satisfied with short-term improvements.”
Overall, the claims against the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman have shine a light on the critical conditions of the prison system and come about in much needed improvements of thousands of inmates. With the help of Jay Z and Yo Gotti have been instrumental in bringing some change and it is hoped that this will pave the way for advance criminal justice reform efforts over the nation.
“We have and will continue to make diligent efforts to improve the quality of life for all individuals in the custody of the MDOC and provide them with opportunities to successfully return to their communities”
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G Herbo Reflects On Mental Health And Childhood Trauma On "PTSD" Album
On his recent album, PTSD, we follow G-Herbo’s memoir reflecting on his past and present day traumas, including remembering and honoring all of his childhood friends who’ve passed away due to violence or other traumatic activities.
By: James Teague
For several years now, many people have become more open towards vulnerability and expressiveness in regards to the subject of mental health. As humans, we all have experienced different types of trauma that may have short term or long term effects on us. If you’re someone like rapper G-Herbo, whose lived a compelling lifestyle that has left long term effects of trauma growing up on the Eastside of Chicago, then your POV on viewing life can be real different.
On his new album, PTSD, we follow Herbo’s memoir detailing his life as a 24 year old rapper from Chicago, reflecting on his past and present day traumas, including remembering and honoring all of his childhood friends who’ve passed away due to violence or other traumatic activities. Herbo has been teetering in between the Hip-Hop & Mainstream world, whether it’s from his musical release or a continued storyline of his past relationship with his baby’s mother Ari Fletcher, who also is IG-Famous as well.
Despite many distractions and opinions, Herbo refuses to let the distractions get to him as he focuses on using the music that he’s grown up with to help spread awareness on neighborhood kids potentially having PTSD, which can be just as severe as someone who's served in the army. Herbo shows the maturity in his music as he raps effortlessly on his Intro track, which is produced by Don Cannon & happens to use a sample of Jay-Z’s classic Dynasty intro.
Throughout the album, such records as “Gangstas Cry” with BJ the Chicago Kid, “Party in Heaven” with Lil Durk, and the title track “PTSD” with Juice Wrld, Chance the Rapper, & Lil Uzi Vert are shown to be the high points on his album. On “Feelings”, which is led by a sampling of Jadakiss song, “Still Feel Me,” Herbo begins to rap and open up about his estranged relationship with Ari Fletcher. He raps his true feelings saying,
“Talked to my kid mom today, that was kinda hard
Sick of all the drama in my life, we ain't gotta start
How the fuck we still holding grudges, you ain't got a heart?
Either way a nigga life a movie and you got a part”
One of the things that I love about this album is Herbo showing love to the OG’s that helped pave the way for him to be in the current position that he’s in. His work is being noticed by such rap influences like Jadakiss. Some footage appeared on IG not too long ago of the two rappers linking up embracing and showing love for paying homage on Feelings.
Jadakiss - Still Feel Me
One of the most underrated records for me off PTSD was “High Speed”. On this record, we hear Herbo rapping about his last high speed chase he was involved in, detailing all of the thoughts that were going on through his head. One can debate that in the past, the drama between Ari and himself could have almost overshadowed his music career. But the release and impact of PTSD shows otherwise. No matter the situations that may have come up, G-Herbo shows that he can and will prevail amongst all distractions
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My Letter To Nipsey: "Your Music Helped Inspire Me And Keeps Me Going"
With the tragic death of one of Hip Hop’s icons, staff writer James Teague pens an open letter to Nipsey Hussle, discussing the impact the music has had on his life and millions around the world!
By: James Teague
Throughout my 28 years of living, I was never the type that cried over a celebrity’s death. It just wasn’t my style. I managed to handle such celeb deaths such as Bernie Mac, Michael Jackson, & most recently, Mac Miller. For the most part I’ve gained an idea of how I’m able to handle death simply because it is simply part of the life process. However, with your passing this past Sunday evening, things really hit different for me. I was in the middle of recording my Upcoming podcast when I had got the news. I was shocked and didn’t know how to feel about the incident and when a picture of your body popped up on my Twitter time line, I got sick. I could only pray and wish for the best for you. But then God called you home and that tore the entire team up.
For the first time ever, I found myself locked in a bathroom crying and shedding tears over your death. This incident came as a complete left turn that just ruined my entire productive Sunday. It was so crazy for me realizing and seeing myself crying over your death because it was as if I had lost a family member/mentor. Your music has helped shaped my way of thinking and has gotten me through the tough years in my life. I was introduced to your music back in 2009 when “Hussle in the House” dropped. I was intrigued by the energy you were spreading on that record and had me thinking you was the spawn of Snoop Dogg.
That following year I followed you on your new Mixtape “The Marathon” and that mixtape played a pivotal role during my sophomore year in College. Your music along with all of the other peers that was involved in the “Blog Era” helped play a huge role in me growing into becoming the Man that I am today. The one song that stood out the most to me from your mixtape was “Bigger than Life,” the final cut that played right after “I Don’t Give a Fuck.” At that time, I couldn’t completely comprehend all of the things you were saying on that record, however I knew and understood that everything you were speaking on came from a place of sincerity. That was the day I really had became a fan of your music.
Your whole entire catalog has played a tremendous role in my life as I was transitioning from college kid to college graduate to young adult making his way through life. Your coming out party to the world was the infamous “Crenshaw” mixtape hosted by DJ Drama, which is probably one of my top favorite projects from you ever right next to Victory Lap the album. I remember during this time period I was fresh out of college working in my moms office while just starting off my freelance writing career writing for Elite Daily. I remember when you were talking about the “Proud to Pay” campaign, we all were nuts for thinking what we thought because it was so out of the ordinary and out of the box. Me personally I was intrigued by this but wasn’t sure what to expect from charging your CD $100.
Nipsey Hussle - Crenshaw Blvd
But sure enough you stuck with your guns and when the music was officially released, it did the proper numbers it was supposed to. You even had Jay-Z show his support by buying 100 copies of your CD. It just goes to show that real recognizes real and he saw the potential in you from jump street. As a Black Creative that’s still working towards creating a plan that matches the vision of where I see my life trajectory, your music has helped inspire me and keeps me going through this Marathon we call life. Giving us free game, telling us to trust the process and trust our gut and to have the upmost faith in ourselves and what we do.
Throughout these years leading up to God calling you home, you’ve shaped yourself into becoming the example of what a strong powerful black man is supposed to be and for that I’m forever grateful for you giving all of us the gems we needed to hear. It sucks that you were taken away from us so soon because you were JUST starting to get into your prime. From being fresh off go a Grammy Nomination for your classic debut album Victory Lap to releasing your new single Racks in the Middle with Roddy Rich and also working on creating a collaborative effort with Meek Mill. You also were focusing a lot more on building your community up through new business ventures.
God bless your family, especially Lauren London and your kids because they really need to be surrounded by as much love as possible. Nipsey you may no longer be here with us in the physical form but through your music, interviews and wise words spoken, your spirit will forever live on in us. I think I can speak for all creatives and entrepreneurs affected by this death when I say we HAVE to continue keeping your legacy alive through our work and endeavors. More than ever now, it’s up to us to really focus and shape ourselves into discovering our potential and putting our best foot down in our endeavors. Either way it goes, The Marathon continues for us and we’re going to hold you down and celebrate your life by picking up where you left off. Long Live Neighborhood Nip !!!
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Reggae Sensation Etana Talks Grammy Nomination And Breaking Barriers For Women In Reggae
Female reggae sensation, Etana, was the first female in 21 years to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category. We talked with Etana about her Grammy awards experience and breaking barriers for women in Reggae!
By: Omar Cook
Female reggae sensation, Etana, was the first female in 21 years to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category. The last time a female artist was nominated in the category was in 1997 when Sister Carol received a nomination. Etana’s Reggae Forever album was nominated alongside Black Uhuru for As the World Turns, Ziggy Marley for Rebellion Rises, Protoje for A Matter of Time and Grammy Award winners for Best Reggae Album, Sting & Shaggy for 44/876.
Etana, whose real name is Shauna McKenzie, is a soulful singer and songwriter. She made international waves with her fifth album Reggae Forever which debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number one. Her fourth album I Rise also debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number one and her album Better Tomorrow debuted the Billboard Reggae Chart at number seven. Etana made history as the first female with back-to-back top albums on the Billboard Reggae Chart. Her unique sound blends Roots Reggae with flavors of Folk, Soul, and Jazz.
Etana is an artist that is breaking barriers for women in Reggae and her success is giving other women pursuing a music career inspiration to keep pushing. Etana speaks about her 2019 Grammy Awards experience and hitting the red carpet at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA!
Etana - Free Part 2
We talked with Etana in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING MUSIC AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
Etana: I've been singing since I was eight years old. I wanted to be a nurse or a doctor but music called me in and I knew music was it for me. I started professionally in music in 2000.
QUESTION: MUSICALLY, WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN HELPING YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY AND WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITE MUSICIANS?
Etana: Bob Marley, Jay-Z, Bruno Mars, Beyonce to Dolly Parton. They sing about their own life experiences. That speaks to me. When you listen to songs that explores life experiences especially to things that we can all relate to, you're sure to love it. I feel my music connects with people as they can relate to my songs either they have those same experiences or may be experiencing it right now.
Etana on the Red Carpet at the Grammy Awards 2019
QUESTION: YOUR ALBUM REGGAE FOREVER WAS NOMINATED FOR BEST REGGAE ALBUM THIS YEAR AT THE GRAMMYS! WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL FEELING WHEN YOU FOUND OUT YOU WERE NOMINATED AND WHAT WAS THE GRAMMY EXPERIENCE LIKE SHARING THE NOMINATION WITH OTHER GREAT REGGAE ARTISTS SUCH AS STING, SHAGGY, BLACK UHURU, AND ZIGGY MARLEY?
Etana: So excited! It's an honor that Reggae Forever has been recognized by the Recording Academy with a Best Reggae Album nomination and to be amongst these talented nominated artists and award-winning artists. I'm truly delighted to have made an album independently that was well received by so many people around the world.
QUESTION: YOU WERE THE FIRST FEMALE IN 21 YEARS TO BE NOMINATED FOR A GRAMMY AWARD IN THE BEST REGGAE ALBUM CATEGORY. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON REPRESENTING WOMEN IN REGGAE AND WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED TO BREAK BARRIERS?
Etana: Having five albums that have all rocketed to the Billboard Reggae Chart is impressive. Being the first female in 21 years to be nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category is monumental. The last time that a female was nominated in the category was in 1997 when Sister Carol received a nomination. I'm a reggae artist who wants to preserve and grow our music and to promote love and inspire, so that it makes way for endless opportunities for reggae artists to have. Women in reggae have come a long way but we still have a long way to go and I intend on breaking as many closed doors and barriers as much as possible.
Etana - I Rise | Official Music Video
QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS YOUR BEST SONG/PROJECT EVER RELEASED AND WHY?
Etana: All of them! I'm proud of all of them! My album Reggae Forever. I was extremely happy when I learned that my first independent project made it to number one and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Reggae album. The album is distributed by Tad's Records. I think audiences appreciate that Reggae Forever was independently produced, it's eclectic and the main message is love as well as it tells many stories and keeps the listener engaged.
QUESTION: WHAT PROJECTS CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE NEAR FUTURE?
Etana: I'm in the process with my sixth studio album and I’m looking forward to releasing a single from that album soon. I will be going on tour in the U.S. this year and will be touring the U.K and other countries.
For up-to-the-minute news and information on my music and shows, visit www.etantathestrongone.com and follow at Facebook @OneEtana and Instagram @EtanaStrongOne and Twitter @EtanaStrongOne.
QUESTION: HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC TO PEOPLE AND WHAT SEPARATES YOU FROM OTHER ARTISTS IN YOUR GENRE?
Etana: My sound blends Roots Reggae with flavors of Folk, Soul, and Jazz. My music has a bit of everything for everyone. It is wonderful to see many audiences deeply connected to my music.
QUESTION: WHAT SACRIFICES HAVE YOU HAD TO MAKE TO SEE YOUR DREAM BECOME A REALITY AND WHAT ARE SOME OBSTACLES THAT YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Etana: We all go through hardships and sacrifices especially experiences throughout our life that shape us. Everything that I have experienced up to now has shaped me into the person I am today. I'm still learning and growing and feel that through hard work, perseverance, determination, knowledge, and self love is important to have and to continue it through life.
QUESTION: WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND YOUR MUSIC IN 5 YEARS?
Etana: I want to continue to make hits and to continue to make great music that people want to listen to. Two levels up at a time or more.
Etana - Spread Love (Official Music Video)
QUESTION: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER UP AND COMING ARTISTS OR PEOPLE LOOKING TO BREAK INTO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
Etana: Always work hard, keep improving your music and sound and believe in yourself.
QUESTION: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE SOME KEYS TO BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL MUSIC ARTIST?
Etana: Keep learning and growing. Continue to make great music and for longevity. Knowing as much about the business of music is important as well.
QUESTION: WITH IT BEING BLACK HISTORY MONTH, MUSIC HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICANS! WHAT LEGACY ARE YOU LOOKING TO LEAVE BEHIND WITH YOUR MUSIC?
Etana: African American musicians and producers have made huge contributions to the history of music. As an African American female it is important to continue to enrich the culture of music. I want to make a lasting impression in the minds and hearts of little girls and boys of all races, religion, and lifestyles, all across the world.
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“There’s no rules in this.” - Just How Deep Is This Pusha T and Drake Beef Going?
The beef between Drake and Pusha T has everything from pillow talking to fake friends, but just how deep is it going? There’s lessons to be learned from this.
“Stay away from beef at all costs.”
By: Omar Cook
It’s the middle of October and this beef between Drake and Pusha T is STILL dragging out from the summer. I mean, it was pretty quiet for a minute, and all seemed well…until we heard the interview between Drake and Lebron on Lebron’s newest HBO show The Shop. In the interview, Drake discussed how he felt betrayed by Kanye West by blaming him for leaking the info on his child to Pusha T. He also discussed Pusha T’s role in the beef by saying he went too far by speaking on his friend, Noah "40" Shebib’s condition of multiple sclerosis.
“Rap purists and people who just love confrontation, they love to say, ‘Aye there’s no rules in this shit.’ But there are fucking rules in this shit. I knew something was gonna come up about my kid. They had to add the deadbeat thing to make it more appealing, which is fine. I understand that. Even that, I was like, OK. The mom and dad thing, whatever. You don’t even know my family. But I’mma tell you, wishing death on my friend that has MS… I study rap battles for a living. Now when you mention defenseless people who are sick in the hospital, that passed away, that really sent me to a place where I just believed then, and believe now, that there’s just a price that you have to pay for that.”
So of course upon hearing this interview, most of are thinking, damn Kanye, why you do Drake like that? And of course Kanye is the easy target because he’s a head case. So in hearing this interview, you would almost expect nothing less than a response from Pusha T himself. and that’s what we got. Pusha T revealed who the TRUE source of his information was in an interview on Joe Budden's podcast, and it wasn’t from who we expected.
"The information came from 40," the G.O.O.D. Music president said in reference to Drake implying that Kanye West was the source. "It didn’t come from Kanye, at all. 40 is sleeping with a woman, who begins to...he talks to her daily. Five, six hours a day...And ultimately speaks about how he's disgruntled about certain things, notoriety and things involving Drake and his career, and so on and so forth. With that also came the fact that Drake has a child. With that also came the trip that everybody took to go see the child, and bring him gifts, and all this information. She divulged this information. That's where it came from."
That’s right. Pusha T revealed that the information came from Drake’s friend,40, who was pillow talking about Drake’s situation to a woman he was sleeping with. This situation makes the lyrics to Drake’s song Light It Up even more relevant today, and just a little bit creepy as Drake and Jay-Z both spoke about a possible situation like this happening in that song. “And if you pillow talking with the women that are screwin' you/ Just know that she gon' tell another nigga when she through wit you” Drake said on the song. Drake, here is how they gon' come at you/ With silly raps for you tryin' to distract you/ In disguise, in the form of a favor/ The Barzini me, watch for the traitors” Jay Z said. That was 9 years ago and this shit really just played out. Crazy.
Pusha went on to also say "Only reason I'm here now, for real for real, is because [Drake] was so passionate about the MS thing," he said. "And they did the backlight and they put the spotlight on his face, 'When you said my friend,' but your friend is the reason why. That's how it came about. That narrative's gotta die. Listen, it needs to die. It's done. That narrative is done." I think it’s safe to say we solved the mystery of where the information came from.
In response to Drake talking about there being rules to rap beef, rapper Styles P chimed in on the issue in a recent interview with Hot 97 saying “You can’t expect in any type of warfare, any type, not just rap, ain’t no rules,” Styles P said. “You gotta go into it knowing anything could happen. That’s why your best bet is to not engage. Stay away from beef at all costs.”
Styles also said, “I don’t got nothing against Drake, but how does a guy say what’s the rules in a rap battle that had a ghostwriter before. That’s not fair dog. You gotta stay up there. You’re beautiful up there. We love you up there. But don’t come down here and change the rules. That’s wrong because it’s war.”
Truth is, when it comes to hip hop, Styles P is right, ain’t no rules to a rap beef and we’ve seen this throughout history with some of hip hop’s most notorious rap beefs. Pusha T baited Drake into a beef and Drake took the bait and didn’t have enough gas to finish the race. Bottomline. If he never wanted to worry about rap beef '“rules”, he should have never took the bait and responded. Not only that, but he engaged in the beef and threw in the white towel! Then claimed he had this career ending response that he cooked up but didn’t want to release it because it would “hurt too many people.”
I’m really not sure what else we’re going to hear from this situation but it’s starting to look like an old episode of Ricky Lake. The drama is finding it’s way to the light. We don’t expect Drake to be a battle rapper, we know that’s not your lane. But there’s lessons to be learned here. Lesson 1, is never engage in something that you know you can’t finish, especially if you have to stoop down to someone’s level to be involved in it. Lesson 2, is watch who your friends are and what you tell them because you never know what they’re saying behind your back.
Meet Adonis Armstrong, Co-Founder & President of 247 Live Culture!
Email: Adonis@247LiveCulture.com