DJ Khaled Welcomes 2nd Child
Asad became a big brother as DJ Khaled and wife Nicole Tuck welcomed a second son into the world on Tuesday (January 21).
Khaled made the announcement the birth on Instagram as he posted a celebration picture with Tuck’s gynecologist.
He wrote, “Thank you Allah! Thank you my queen Nicole! Bless up Dr. Jin! Another one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
The producer posted other images celebrating the momentous occasion.
Khaled posted an image the newborn’s footprints on his arm. He wrote, “I”m inspired! Another one! Grateful thankful! God is the greatest!”
The couple announced the pregnancy in September through Khaled’s Instagram.
His son’s birth kicked f a hectic week for the DJ producer as he prepares to pay tribute to Nipsey Hussle alongside Hussle’s friends Meek Mill and YG as well as Kirk Franklin, John Legend and Roddy Ricch at the Grammy Awards on Sunday (January 26). His Father Asahd collaboration with Hussle and Legend “Higher” was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Performance.
Khaled recently executive produced the soundtrack for Bad Boys for Life.
Jon Brion Talks Mac Miller Album Trilogy That Never Materialized
According to the late Mac Miller’s Circles producer Jon Brion, the posthumously released project was actually album No. 2 a trilogy.
During a recent chat with The New York Times, the storied musician explained their creation process and the deflating feeling never finishing their studio work.
“Mac] had this whole aquatic theme that came out something we’d talked about when he was working on Swimming,” Brion explained. “I’d noticed he mentioned water a few times in the lyrics, and then that grew into all these discussions about water and what it sounds like that became kind a running joke. There were supposed to be three albums: the first, Swimming, was sort the hybridization going between hip-hop and song form.”
“The second, which he’d already decided would be called Circles would be song-based. And I believe the third one would have been just a pure hip-hop record. I think he wanted to tell people, “I still love this, I still do this.”
Circles was released on January 17 and marked Miller’s first posthumous release since his accidental drug overdose in September 2018.
His estate called the making the album “a complicated process” but despite the obstacles and an unannounced album from Eminem, the project is expected to stream upwards 175,000-200,000 units, according to HITS Daily Double.
Regardless, Brion says he still feels a deep emotional connection to the music and probably always will.
“When I heard ‘Once a Day’ on that plane, it was like a knife in the heart,” he admits, referencing a flight he was on when Miller’s family called requesting he complete the album.
“I cried even when I was in the room with him recording it. And then, later when I was back in the room adding a guitar part or something to finish it, I would have to listen very closely to the vocal and it would just pulverize me. He was clearly trying to sort through his demons and was just being very, very honest, not trying to hide any it. I feel like the album is a clear picture somebody with those troubles who is funny and intelligent and was trying to look at them critically.”
Stream Mac Miller’s Circles below.
Tekashi 6ix9ine's Girlfriend Posts New Photo Of His Prison Life
New York, NY – Although Tekashi 6ix9ine’s signature rainbow-colored hair has faded to a dull brown with dirty blonde tips, the incarcerated rapper is still unmistakably Teakshi 6ix9ine.
On Tuesday (January 21), his alleged girlfriend shared a photo 6ix9ine behind bars rocking an all-white prison jumpsuit and several braids, his prominent “69” tattoo standing out among the rest his facial ink.
In the caption, 6ix9ine’s apparent ride-or-die made several references to the kind activity that got him locked up and claims the internet just “hasn’t been the same” since he left.
“They kidnapped you, they had sex with the mother your child, they get caught on the phone trying to kill you & their stealing millions dollars from you,” she wrote. “If you snitch, for the rest your life people are gonna try to kill you for being a rat but if you don’t snitch , you’re doing 47 years in prison where they’re gonna kill you anyway because they were already talking about it. Sammy the Bull kills 19 people and gets 5 years.
“You kill no one and gets 2 years . This shit is so fucked up …. LMFAOOO they can’t break you , no one understands why people still love you and support you . 13X PLATINUM. 8X GOLD. AND YOU HAD NO FRIENDS IN THIS INDUSTRY TO START OFF YOUR CAREER YOU TOLD EVERYONE SUCK YOUR DICK !!! THEY KNOW THE INTERNET HASN’T BEEN THE SAME SINCE YOU LEFT I LOVE YOU BABY.”
6ix9ine was sentenced in his racketeering case last month. In addition to the 14 months he’s already served, Judge Paul A. Engelmayer sentenced the controversial artist to 24 months in prison with five years supervised release, 300 hours community service and a $35,000 fine.
This week, Engelmayer denied 6ix9ine’s petition to finish his sentence at home, explaining staying in prison is “necessary in this case … to] reflect the seriousness his crimes.”
While it’s possible he won’t be out until November 2020, the 85 Percent rule could lead to a July 2020 release.
'Bad Boys 4' Is Reportedly Already In The Works
Bad Boys For Life hit theaters nationwide on Friday (January 17) and now, Sony has reportedly confirmed another installment is underway.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Chris Bremner will return to write the script and Will Smith and Martin Lawrence will reprise their original roles as detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, respectively.
This time, however, fans film franchise won’t have to wait as long between movies as they did with Bad Boys II and Bad Boys For Life. The time lag, which was caused by “spiraling budgetary costs” and “finding the right story” isn’t expected to happen again.
One last time. 🤜🤛 #BadBoysForLife – watch the new trailer now. In theaters January 17. pic.twitter.com/Rcu50Crel1
— Bad Boys (@BadBoys) November 5, 2019
In an interview with TIDAL CRWN, Smith explained why it initially took over two decades to make Bad Boys For Life.
“I just didn’t want to wreck the franchise,” he said. “I felt like I had other sequels in my career where I felt] like I didn’t land it. But with this one I just wanted to protect this franchise,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that the story was right, that it had something to say, that it was funny, and that it deserved to be made again. Not just, ‘People like sequels, so let’s just do a sequel.’”
He added, “What we tried to do that was really critical and important to me was not try to do the old movies again,” he said, noting that it was necessary for his and Lawrence’s characters to age and change. The reason it took so long is that I didn’t want to make it just as a cash grab.”
Bad Boys For Life has grossed over $112 million worldwide and is currently in theaters.
Diddy Officially Changes His Government Name To Sean Love Combs
Los Angeles, CA – Diddy has undergone another name change, but this time it’s much more than a new moniker. The Hip Hop mogul has legally changed his government name from Sean John Combs to Sean Love Combs, according to The Blast.
The Bad Boy Records founder filed a petition to change his name to Sean Love Combs in Los Angeles County last year. In documents obtained by The Blast, a judge signed f on the switch on Tuesday (January 21) despite Diddy not being present in the courtroom.
Diddy previously flirted with the “Love” moniker in 2017 when he briefly declared his new name was “Brother Love.” Soon after his announcement, he revealed he wasn’t being serious and played it f as a joke. But a few years later, his jesting has become reality as Love is now his middle name.
The newly dubbed Sean Love Combs has more excitement in store for the week too. On Saturday (January 25), he’ll be receiving the Salute To Industry Icons Award at the 2020 Pre-Grammys Gala. The invite-only event is co-hosted by his mentor Clive Davis as part the Grammy Awards weekend.
“Clive Davis and Arista Records gave me a chance when I was starting Bad Boy Records, he was one the first industry executives to really believe in me,” Diddy said in a press release. “I’m forever grateful for him. To be honored at this year’s Pre-Grammy Gala and receive the Industry Icons Award is truly a blessing.”
Aesop Rock Reveals Legendary Videographer Kurt Hayashi Has Suffered A Stroke
The ten elusive Aesop Rock has resurfaced on Instagram for a good cause. On Monday (January 20), the verbose Rhymesayers MC posted a photo famed skateboarding videographer Kurt Hayashi — who shot Aesop’s 2017 video for “Hot Dogs” — and revealed he’d suffered a stroke the night before.
“A very close friend mine, Kurt Hayashi, suffered a stroke last night,” he captioned the post. “Please check the gundme link in my bio to read about the situation and assist with medical bills. All love.”
Aesop followed up with a second post on Tuesday (January 21) with an update on Hayashi’s condition and again encouraged people to donate to Hayashi’s GoFundMe campaign to help with mounting medical bills.
“Every day he’s getting a little stronger, moving more, and speaking more clearly and coherently,” he wrote. “Today we finally showed him some the support he’s been receiving online, and he was absolutely floored – just could not believe it. The positive comments and love are helping immensely – so please keep it coming.
“I also want to remind everyone there is a gundme link in my bio. The medical bills will be astronomical for all this – so every bit helps. He’s doing well, but he has a long road ahead him, and we want to keep the momentum going. Please repost to help get the word out if you can.
Aes added, “I realize most my friends in the skateboard world know Kurt, but many my music fans may not. This man is a legendary skate filmer, husband, father, and all around positive force in this world. For a little context – he shot and edited my ‘Hot Dogs’ music video.
“I see this guy literally everyday, and he’s been there for me in ways I can’t even describe. If you met him you’d love him.”
Hayahi has been the creative visionary behind numerous video campaigns for companies such as Nike, Brooks, Stumptown Cfee and Converse. He’s also contributed to several campaigns for the Portland Trailblazers.
Check out Hayahi’s GoFundMe campaign here.
Missy Elliott & H.E.R. To Co-Star In Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl Commercial
Ahead the anticipated Super Bowl LIV match-up that will pit the San Francisco 49ers against the Kansas City Chiefs, Pepsi is unveiling that at least one their big surprises will feature some Hip Hop/R&B royalty.
Grammy Award-winners Missy Elliott and H.E.R. will co-star in a :30 Pepsi Zero Sugar ad that will introduce the new matte black can for consumers.
“At Pepsi, we are always looking for new ways to meet the evolving preferences our consumers, and we know that people increasingly are looking for sugar-free options,” Todd Kaplan, Vice President, Marketing, Pepsi said in a statement.
“We’ve learned that once people discover the great taste Pepsi Zero Sugar, they can’t get enough it and keep going back for more. So we are going “all in” on Pepsi Zero Sugar this year and have created a bold, unapologetic new look to match its great taste, with a new matte black can and a black tab that will stand out anywhere.”
Both acclaimed superstars took to Instagram to pump up their collaboration and promise flames.
Missy is no stranger to the Super Bowl frenzy, having performed alongside Katy Perry in 2015 during the Super Bowl XLIX halftime show, breaking viewing records.
Super Bowl LIV airs on February 2 on FOX.
Run The Jewels Provide (Yet Another) Update On "RTJ4" Album
Run The Jewels have provided yet another update on Run The Jewels 4. On Monday (January 20), El-P hit up his Twitter account and claimed the upcoming project will outdo all others.
“what if I told you me and @KillerMike just made our best RTJ album yet?” he wrote. “would you believe me? trick question it doesn’t matter if you believe me.”
Killer Mike retweeted the post with three devil face emojis.
Run The Jewels originally teased a 2019 release date in December 2018, but the project failed to come to fruition before the start the new year.
“A month ago i quit smoking,” El Producto wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post. “a few months before that i got married. a few months before that i scored a film. a few months before that i got f tour. now i am in full RTJ4 mode and it felt like a decent time to start fresh on this app. don’t panic.
“before you even realize it there will be hundreds brand new photos me that i think i look cool in and when the time comes there will be snippets and goodies relating to the creation our next record (dropping in 2019).”
The veteran Hip Hop artists were holed up with Rick Rubin at his Shangri La compound working on the project last May. They promised they would “be back soon,” suggesting a 2020 release.
Then in November 2019, El-P shared another since-deleted tweet insisting “not a second” is wasted on the roughly 40-minute project.
“I can say at this point RTJ4 is about 11 jams, it’s under 40 minutes and not a second is wasted,” he wrote. “hopefully that helps tide the curious over for a minute while we finish up. big thanks to everyone waiting.”
The third installment Killer Mike and El-P’s collaborative effort, the aptly titled Run The Jewels 3, arrived in 2016.
Kendrick Lamar To Headline London’s BST Hyde Park Festival In July
London – Rap superstar Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the BST Hyde Park Festival this summer on July 5, according to Billboard. Fans are anticipating the return the Top Dawg Entertainment artist who hasn’t released a project since 2017’s DAMN. It’s been rumored that Lamar will release a rock-influenced album this year and possibly debut it at the festival.
James Blake and Alabama Shakes singer Brittany Howard will also be on the Sunday (July 5) show with the 13-time Grammy Award winner. The BST concert series launched in 2013 and now spans across two weekends with six concerts in total. Taylor Swift, Pearl Jam and Rita Ora, among others will also take the stage for the festival.
Tickets for general sale will be available Friday (January 24) at 10 a.m. AmexUK cardholders can purchase tickets presale now. Other performing artists will be announced at a later date. The festival from 2018 featured Stevie Wonder, Black Eyed Peas, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Lionel Richie and more.
Lamar has been pretty quiet on the music front for most 2019 though he did appear on Beyoncé’s Lion King album. Also, last July he welcomed his first child with fiancée Whitney Alford. The couple met and began dating at Compton’s Centennial High School over 13 years ago.
#DXCLUSIVE: Denver's HunidRack6 Rolls Through With "Mopsticks Chopsticks" Video
HipHopDX Premiere – Denver-based rapper HunidRack6 has unveiled a new video for “Mopsticks Chopsticks.” The bass-heavy single comes from his forthcoming Bag Fase 2 project, which serves as the aptly titled follow-up to 2019’s Bag Fase.
“I’m excited for the release Bag Fase 2 because I’m ready to show a broader audience what I can do with my music and how diverse I get with my sound,” the self-proclaimed “King Of Colorado” tells HipHopDX. “I’m creating a new lane for myself and for artists like me while still telling my story and making good music.”
Known for promoting a healthy lifestyle, the burgeoning artist is just getting started. According to a press release, he’s planning to launch a smoothie show soon in an attempt to learn how to control and manage his anxiety based on the food he puts in his body rather than the more traditional ways managing (i.e. prescription pills).
As part HunidRack6’s journey, he ten juices and makes smoothies on Facebook Live ten while providing tips on how to implement healthier foods into one’s diet.
Watch the “Mopsticks Chopsticks” video up top.
Calvin Harris reveals new project and announces two new singles!
Calvin Harris just gave us some amazing news. The music producer recently took to his socials to announce that he will be launching a brand new project this Friday, on January 24th, when he will also be releasing two brand new singles, called “Hypnagogic (I Can’t Wait)” and “CP-1.”
You can check out his announcement below and stay tuned for this Friday!
Oprah Winfrey Denies Siding With Russell Simmons After Leaving Documentary
Oprah Winfrey stepped down from her role as executive producer on a forthcoming documentary about Russell Simmons earlier this month. The doc, titled On The Record, reportedly centers around Simmons’ sexual assault accuser Drew Dixon.
On Tuesday’s (January 21) episode CBS This Morning, the talk show host mogul clarified her separation from the project has nothing to do with Simmons, despite receiving both “public and private” pressure to abandon her role.
“This is not a victory for Russell,” she said. “I unequivocally say that I did not pull out because Russell. This is not a victory lap for him. I cannot be silenced by a Russell Simmons after all I’ve been through.”
Simmons was vocal about his disdain surrounding Winfrey’s initial involvement. In a lengthy Instagram post, the Def Jam Recordings co-founder explained he was blindsided due to their longstanding friendship.
“Dearest OPRAH, you have been a shining light to my family and my community,” he began. “Contributing so much to my life that I couldn’t list a fraction it in this blog. I have given you the gift meditation and the groundbreaking book ‘THE POWER OF NOW’ we bonded to say the least. This is why it’s so troubling that you choose me to single out in your recent documentary.”
Shortly after Simmons’ post, Winfrey announced she parted ways with the documentary’s directors over creative differences. According to TMZ, she believed more work was needed to “illuminate the full scope what the victims endured.”
She added, “It has become clear that the filmmakers and I are not aligned in that creative vision.”
Despite Winfrey’s exit, filmmakers Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering are pressing forward.
“Revealing hard truths is never easy, and the women in our documentary are all showing extraordinary strength and courage by raising their voices to address sexual abuse in the music industry,” Dick and Ziering told Deadline last week. “While we are disappointed that Oprah Winfrey is no longer an Executive Producer on the project, we are gratified that Winfrey has unequivocally said she believes and supports the survivors in the film.”
On The Record is expected to debut at the Sundance Film Festival on Saturday (January 25) in Park City, Utah.