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Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash 2025 has begun, and we kick it off with the Athlete of the Mic 2025 winner, Bishop Bee. Moran the Man caught up with the charismatic artist backstage to celebrate his achievement and discuss his path to success.
RELATED: Everything You Missed During #BirthdayBashATL Weekend 2025!RELATED: Birthday Bash Playlist: “Forever I Love Atlanta” Essentials
“It feels amazing. I’m blessed and highly favored,” Bishop Bee shared, exuding gratitude and confidence. Winning the title meant beating hundreds of competitors, but as Bishop explained, “I won it before I thought I won it. I’m bringing something different to the table—stuff people don’t really hear out here.”
Bishop Bee’s sound is as unique as his persona. “I’m a whole new vibe, a whole other energy,” he said, embodying Atlanta’s signature style while carving out his own lane. Reflecting on his win, he revealed a personal triumph, recalling tough times and saying, “Two years ago, I was in heavy hell. This brought me back to heaven.”
Now opening for Glorilla, Bishop encouraged budding artists to stay resilient. “Keep going. Don’t listen to what anyone says. Just keep going.” With unstoppable determination and undeniable talent, Bishop Bee proves that he’s just getting started. Fans of Hot 107.9 and beyond can’t wait for what’s next.
Bishop Bee Takes the Crown as Athlete of the Mic 2025 | #BirthdayBashATL
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Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash Weekend is an exciting four-day celebration packed with events for music and entertainment enthusiasts. Kicking off on Thursday, the festivities include the “Effect Fitness / Cause of E.F.F.E.C.T Metro 5K” and a “Boost Mobile Ticket Raid” for a last chance to win tickets to the main event. The day wraps up with the “Who’s Hot Artist Showcase” at Believe Music Hall. Friday brings the “Welcome to ATL: Birthday Bash Weekend Kickoff Party” at Reverb by Hardrock Rooftop, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
The highlight of the weekend, “Birthday Bash ATL 2025,” takes place on Saturday at the State Farm Arena, followed by two official afterparties at The Dome and Palm Beach Atlanta on Edgewood. The celebration concludes on Sunday with the exclusive “Bash N Brunch: Birthday Bash Finale Brunch” at the Moxy Hotel Rooftop. Sponsored by brands like Boost Mobile, Hennessy, and Amerigroup, this weekend promises a vibrant mix of fitness, music, and nightlife, all powered by Hot 107.9. Tickets and more details are available at BirthdayBashATL.com.
Everything You Missed During #BirthdayBashATL Weekend 2025!
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1. Blasian B3 Performs
2. Baby Kia Is In the building
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In the heart of the South, where culture, music, and history collide, the acronym “F.I.L.A.” has become a beloved mantra for many. Standing for “Forever I Love Atlanta,” F.I.L.A. is more than just a phrase—it’s a declaration of pride, loyalty, and love for the city of Atlanta.
Popularized in the early 2000s, the term gained widespread recognition through Atlanta’s vibrant hip-hop scene, with artists like Young Dro and others incorporating it into their lyrics. It quickly became a cultural emblem, representing the city’s unique blend of Southern charm, resilience, and creativity.
For locals, F.I.L.A. is a badge of honor, symbolizing their deep connection to Atlanta’s rich history, diverse communities, and iconic landmarks. From the bustling streets of downtown to the soulful beats of its music scene, the phrase captures the essence of what makes Atlanta special.
Whether it’s shouted at a Falcons game, worn proudly on a t-shirt, or hashtagged on social media, F.I.L.A. continues to unite Atlantans and fans of the city worldwide. It’s not just a slogan—it’s a way of life.
This year, #BirthdayBashATL is proud to present the Forever I Love Atlanta set, with performances by Young Dro, Yung LA, J Money, Trinidad James, and Rich Kidz…a nostalgic reminder of what makes the city so special. Check out some of our favorites in our playlist below!
Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash has cemented its place as a highlight of the hip-hop calendar, consistently delivering unforgettable performances and electrifying surprises. Known for drawing some of the biggest names in the industry, the event has built a reputation for jaw-dropping moments, often featuring surprise appearances by A-list artists that leave the crowd roaring. Celebrating the vibrant heart of hip-hop culture, the show captures the energy and essence of the genre, uniting music lovers for an experience full of excitement, chart-topping hits, and unmatched community vibes.
Take a look at some of the amazing surprise guests that have graced the Birthday Bash stage over the years!
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We are sad to report that former TV personality Ananda Lewis has passed away at the age of 52, following a brave six-year battle with breast cancer.
Her sister Lakshmi confirmed her passing on Facebook in a post shared on Wednesday, June 11.
“She’s free, and in His heavenly arms,” she wrote, alongside a series of broken heart emojis and a black and white portrait of Lewis. “Lord, rest her soul 🙏🏽”
Ananda Lewis spent decades in the public eye, carving her place as a respected media personality. Known for her intelligence, charisma, and authenticity, Lewis rose to fame in the late ’90s and early 2000s as a host on BET’s Teen Summit and later as a prominent VJ on MTV, hosting Total Request Live and Hot Zone.
Her work resonated particularly with young audiences, as she tackled social issues, music, and culture with depth and relatability. Lewis eventually hosted her own nationally syndicated talk show, The Ananda Lewis Show, solidifying her reputation as a skilled interviewer and advocate for meaningful dialogue.
Though her career in media flourished, Lewis stepped back from the spotlight to focus on personal interests, including carpentry and parenting. However, her most impactful role may have come in recent years as she opened up about her battle with breast cancer, a fight she revealed publicly in 2020.
Diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, Lewis shared that she had delayed regular mammograms, a decision she now warns against. Initially diagnosed in 2019, Lewis was advised to get a double mastectomy. She chose not to undergo the surgery, opting to take a more holistic approach.
Her candor about her diagnosis and treatment aimed to inspire others, particularly women of color, to take proactive steps for their health. “If I can help one woman avoid what I’m going through, it’ll be worth it,” she said in a heartfelt video posted on social media.
Unfortunately, in 2024, Lewis revealed in a CNN roundtable discussion that the cancer progressed to Stage 4.
“That scan showed that I had this kind of up my spine, through my hip, almost everywhere but my brain,” Lewis said during the roundtable discussion. “I’ve never been in pain like that in my life.”
“I don’t get afraid of things,” Lewis continued. “I was just like, ‘Fudge, man, I really thought I had this.’ I was frustrated. I was a little angry at myself.”
Ananda Lewis’ legacy extends far beyond her television career. Her openness about her health struggles and her unwavering commitment to educating others have made her a powerful voice in the fight against breast cancer. Through her honesty and resilience, Lewis inspired and empowered countless individuals, proving that her influence is as impactful as it is enduring.
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Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis Passes Away At 52
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2024 will be remembered as the year of the diss track. In addition to Kendrick and Drake going back and forth, we saw battles between Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion, Ice Spice & Latto, Quavo & Chris Brown. Even Marlon Wayans wrote a country diss track against Soulja Boy. As we celebrate Black Music Month, it’s only right that we credit the first diss track to become a viral sensation.
At just 10, Roxanne Shanté was making noise in the underground rap scene. By 14, she was an undefeated battle rapper and a member of the Juice Crew. That opportunity came when she ran into neighbors Marley Marl, Mr. Magic, and Tyrone Williams, who were frustrated after U.T.F.O. backed out of a show. Though hesitant at first, Shanté was convinced to record a freestyle that became a seven-minute track disrupting U.T.F.O’s plans. The diss track played on U.T.F.O’s unreleased song “Roxanne Roxanne”, Which Shanté used as fuel freestyled from the woman in the song’s perspective, to mock the group’s manhood. “Roxanne’s Revenge” was released in 1984, reached #22 on Billboard, sold over 250,000 copies in New York, and sparked what’s known as the “Roxanne Wars”, a battle resulting in over 30 response tracks.
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Laying The Foundation
This catapulted Shanté from local battle rapper to Juice Crew member, earning her recognition as one of hip-hop’s best battle rappers. Roxanne was a rising star credited by Nas as an inspiration. But with fame came challenges, especially for a dark-skinned girl under 18. Beyond battling rappers, she faced physical and sexual abuse, foster care, colorism, and sexism. Decades later, women like Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, and GloRilla face similar backlash. Yet, like Shanté, they respond with bars that prove they can outrap men in the genre while facing systemic challenges.
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READ: GloRilla Sheds Light On The Challenges Black Women Face In The Music Industry
Today, Roxanne Shanté’s legacy lives on as a blueprint for authenticity in hip-hop. From lighting the Empire State Building during hip-hop’s 50th anniversary to hosting on LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells Radio, and receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Grammy Ceremony, Shanté continues to champion the culture she helped define. Her journey from teenage battle rapper to respected pioneer has inspired generations of female MCs to speak their truth without apology.
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Roxannes Revenge – How A Teenage Battle Rapper Changed Hip-Hop Forever
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In its early stages Rap was largely populated by African-Americans. Over the years the game has seen many biracial rappers, all shades of races share the spotlight in Hip Hop. Some of our favorite MC’s have been the product of parents of differing races.
Source: Ernesto Ruscio / Getty / Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington had to let one Cannes Film Festival photographer know he’s not the one or two.
A video of Denzel Washington checking a photographer during the world premiere of Spike Lee’s newest film, Highest 2 Lowest, which stars Washington, along with Jeffrey Wright, A$AP Rocky, Wendell Pierce, and more, went viral on social media.
The incident occurred on the red carpet when a photographer grabbed Washington’s arm, trying to get his attention, while the 70-year-old actor was breaking bread with Lee.
Washington, who is known to press people when he feels his space is being violated, turned to the photographer, telling him to stop. The photographer smiled and nodded in agreement, only to grab Washington again, leading to the actor warning him again to “stop.”
According to People, an insider revealed that despite the tense moment on the red carpet, Washington didn’t let it ruin the moment and had. a “great evening.”
Social Media Got Denzel Washington’s Back
But that didn’t stop fans from chiming in and standing up for Uncle Denzel who channel his inner Alonzo Harris for hot minute to let that photographer know that he crossed the line.
“See now if he had slapped him, the focus would be on him slapping him instead of the fact that the weirdo was antagonising him,” one user on X, formerly Twitter, wrote.
Another user on X wrote, “They instigate, provoke us into acting out of character, then smile in our faces immediately after. But if Denzel justifiably slapped the dogshit outta dude for deliberately provoking him, the media would be quick to call him all types of slick ass slurs and try to end his career.”
Where’s the lie?
We’re just glad that that overzealous photog didn’t ruin Denzel’s moment.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Lyrical powerhouse Wale sat down for an in-depth conversation with MiAsia Symone, offering fans a rare glimpse into his life beyond the music. Known for his introspective style, the artist didn’t hold back about his personal growth, challenges, and optimism for the future.
Touching on mental health, Wale shared his current mindset, explaining, “I’m mentally aware. It’s more about empathy than anything.” Mental health has been a recurring theme in his work, and his empathy continues to fuel his creativity and personal connections.
Fatherhood has also played a pivotal role in shaping the rapper’s perspective. Speaking about parenting his 8-year-old daughter, Wale admitted, “It’s an emotional ride, for better or worse.” His love and respect for her individuality were evident as he added, “She’s so aware and smart. She’s learned how to talk her way through things without really lying. She gives me a run for my money.” Despite the challenges, he affirmed his co-parenting partnership, saying, “Her mom is a great mother, and they’re besties.”
With a new album on the horizon and his latest single, “Blanco,” hitting the airwaves, Wale reflected on his career highlights and struggles. Songs like “Lotus Flower Bomb” and mainstream hits like “No Hands” transformed his trajectory. “I don’t think a lot of people knew I could make records like that,” he noted, describing how “No Hands” became a pivotal moment for his career. Yet, he acknowledged the difficulties of navigating industry politics and recognition. “I’ve had so much success, but only one Grammy nomination. Something doesn’t add up,” he stated candidly.
Looking forward, his upcoming album promises depth and raw emotion. Wale revealed it explores themes like love, paranoia, and legacy. “I’ve put a lot of my heart into this, all the weight that’s been on me,” he said. Despite stepping away from trends, his fans remain his compass, trusting his authenticity and unique voice.
When asked about his ultimate goal, Wale kept it simple yet profound. “When it’s all said and done, I just want to be known for making great music.” That’s a legacy his loyal audience can stand behind.
Wale On Music Industry Challenges, Fatherhood, Upcoming Album and More
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