GALLERY
Page: 9
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Lil Wayne became a trending topic on social media in the wake of Kendrick Lamar’s grand Super Bowl LIX halftime show performance in New Orleans. Lil Wayne saw his name trending on X just mere moments after Kendrick Lamar concluded his set, with fans wondering how he would’ve fared in his hometown.
Much has been made of Lil Wayne’s public expressions of disappointment for not being selected as the chief act for the Super Bowl LIX halftime set considering its location. Naturally, the expectation that a hometown act should grace the world’s biggest stage makes sense and, to the planning committee’s credit, the inclusion of Grammy Award-winning native son Jon Batiste and his rendition of the National Anthem satisfied some of those concerns.
Still, Weezy F. Baby believed that the halftime show should have been his moment, expressing hurt for being passed over. That said, Kendrick Lamar’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show set was full of dazzling imagery, choreography, and surprises such as Samuel L. Jackson playing a very tongue-in-cheek version of Uncle Sam with some veiled messages as the state of the nation. Also, Serena Williams showed up and hit her steps during Lamar’s “Not Like Us” performance, and SZA provided some support by way of “Luther” and the crowd-pleasing “All The Stars.”
In an alarming bit of backlash, some fans are criticizing Lamar’s performance, with one X user calling the performance “Black Panther Raps” and other digs. Some other fans thought that Wayne’s big hits would’ve played well at the Caesars Superdome while plenty of others didn’t believe he would’ve had what it took to deliver.
On X, folks are taking shots at Lil Wayne and dressing down the Young Money honcho by speculating that he may not have measured up to what Lamar delivered. Weezy’s homeboy Skip Bayless, however, defended his friend on X. With the show in the rearview, there is no way to know how well Wayne would’ve done but fans on X have their strong opinions out front and center.
Check out the reactions below.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Ye, largely known to most as Kanye West, made a bombastic return to social media recently and the barrage continues after giving a strong salute to the imprisoned Sean “Diddy” Combs. In his most recent rant, Kanye West asked President Donald Trump to free Diddy from jail and the pair also announced a merchandise line.
Kanye West has been on an hours-long rant that mentions his rifts with Jewish people, the styling choices of rappers, and any other thoughts he chooses to express. While we have no opinion to offer on his replies on X, plenty online are shocked at some of his word choices, including those seemingly favorable of Adolf Hitler, the infamous Nazi leader. At one point, Ye refers to Hitler as being “fresh.”
Over on Instagram, Ye shared a video of him FaceTiming Christian Combs, Diddy’s son with the caption of the post reading “A SON TO HIS DAD FOR EVERY SON WHO DAD IS LOCKED UP WRITE OR WRONG I WANT YALL TO LISTEN TO DAVE CHAPELLES JOKES VERY CLOSE THIS TIME LETS SEE HOW FUNNY IT GETS WHEN FAMILIES ARE SEPARATED ESPECIALLY BLACK FAMILIES.”
It appears that Ye FKA Kanye West has done a lot of posting and deleting so the train of thought was lost but he did announce a partnership with Sean John, even sharing some of the potential merch items on his Instagram page, writing in one caption, “YEEZY SEAN JOHN COLLAB AVAILABLE @ YEEZY.COM ME AND PUFF SPLITTING THIS 50/50 LIKE WE DISCUSSED BEFORE THEY LOCKED HIM UP.”
Combs, or someone manning his Instagram account, shared the same announcement and wrote in the caption, “Thank you to my brother @Ye” along with a link to Ye’s Yeezy website where fans can collect the fashion line. We weren’t able to locate the exact comment but many online say that he also asked President Trump to release his good friend, who is serving time in connection to an explosive sexual assault matter.
Ye continued to rail against broke people, defending his wife’s Grammy Awards nude pop-out, calling himself a Nazi, and much more. Ye is also addressing his critics on X, although he’s spent more time just shouting into the void and framing his words as channeling Andrew Tate. To capture the full scope of thoughts, swing by Ye’s X page.
On X, fans are reacting to Ye FKA Kanye West’s latest rant. We’ve got reactions from all sides below.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Elon Musk and his alignment with President Donald Trump was under scrutiny long before the inauguration, and now, the DOGE chieftain is wielding seemingly unchecked power within the federal government despite not being elected. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), an independent agency, has been ordered to shut down and possibly be moved under the direction of the U.S. Department of State under President Trump’s orders, and workers for the agency are speaking out.
To explain the function of USAID, the agency was established in 1961 under the guidance of President John F. Kennedy and provides funding for humanitarian efforts around the globe. Over 100 countries benefit from the agency’s billions and does not absorb a large portion of the federal budget. The agency employs over 10,000 people.
However, Trump has vehemently expressed that the agency is a tool of his political opponents and wants to stamp out what he feels is criminal activity and has employed Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to head the cleanup effort.
Trump ordered an end to foreign financial assistance with Musk taking a larger role in the handling of shutting down USAID despite not being an elected official and a foreign national. It has been an unprecedented takeover of the federal government that has largely been endorsed by the Republican Party, which has marched lockstep along party lines.
Surprisingly, some Democrats have warmly embraced the actions of Trump and Musk, and some Democratic Party senators have voted in favor of the president’s controversial cabinet. A coalition of Democratic Party has staged protests to halt the rapid nature of the Trump administration’s moves, which has run into a few legal snags yet not nearly enough to halt the carnage.
Of the damage left in the wake of Trump and Musk are USAID workers who have been cut off from their workstations and ripped away from assisting those in need. One worker shared details that Musk’s DOGE squad, a grouping of engineers largely new to the workforce and assumably not at the federal government level. One of the named DOGE engineers was a former software engineer for Twitter, now known as X.
In a small glimmer of hope for the agency, the AFL-CIO and other government unions have sued DOGE to protect the data of workers from Musk’s engineering team.
From the information and reactions we’ve gleaned on X and from government websites, we’re sharing thoughts from the public at the recent happenings between DOGE and USAID. Those responses can be viewed below.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Trayvon Martin would be 30 years old today if not for the meddling of volunteer night watchman George Zimmerman. While sobering thoughts hang over the heads of many regarding the loss of Trayvon Martin, many are choosing to use this time to hold up his lasting memory.
Instead of writing my usual report regarding Trayvon Martin, I’m electing to speak as myself and completely from the heart. Martin’s death hit me particularly hard because I, like many Black men who grew up in the inner city, know full well what being Black in America means and how potentially dangerous it has largely always been.
When I was writing for NewsOne, I traveled to Sanford, the Florida town where young Trayvon was gunned down by Zimmerman. I spoke with town leaders and with Martin’s parents, trying to make sense of the pain while also doing my duty as a reporter. I can say with measurable confidence that it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. And yet, I was struck by the resilience of Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, no longer romantically involved but unified in honor of their son.
Martin’s death was one of the many catalysts for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which launched in earnest a year after Martin’s 2012 passing. Of course, several observers have their thoughts about BLM, some favorable and others unsavory, but the significance of that period will never be forgotten.
I’m just a writer. I’m not an activist nor do I know what to do in times like this beyond sharing my undying devotion to the elevation of my people and that those who have been killed unjustly are never a footnote but instead an inspiration.
If we can honor Trayvon Martin in one unifying way, it would be to keep his name alive and never let those in power forget that Black bodies are not targets. Black people are not automatic threats. Black people deserve to live on the same terms and with the same grace as all people should.
And with that, I pledge to live out loud for Trayon. May he rest powerfully in peace.
Keep scrolling to see thoughts from X, formerly Twitter.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
It’s been a long time since we’ve updated our Baes & Baddies segment but we promise to ramp up our efforts here as the year rolls on. In today’s update, we’re introducing Marie Assi, a curvy model of Ghanaian and Spanish descent currently residing in Spain.
From what we gathered online regarding Marie Assi, we can share that she was born in 2002 in Marbella in the South of Spain, a town that boasts famous residents over the years from both the sports and entertainment worlds.
Considering Ms. Assi’s prominent physical attributes, she has worked as an ambassador for the Fashion Nova Curve brand and can be seen on Instagram in various lavish locales showing off her stunning looks and alluring figure. And yes, she has one of “those pages” too if you inquire deeper.
For now, check out our latest Baes & Baddies starlet, Marie Assi, in the gallery below.
—
Photo: Marie Assi / @missassi_
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Two of the so-called Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrectionists who received a blanket pardon from President Donald Trump recently found themselves in the news for unfortunate reasons. One of the Jan. 6 participants was shot and killed during a traffic stop, while another is on the run for soliciting a minor.
As reported by local outlet Fox 59, Indiana man Matthew Huttle was one of the 1,500 individuals involved in storming the Capitol on January 6, 2021, and was given freedom by the newly-inaugurated President Trump who felt those insurrectionists were serving their duty as Americans despite their seditious aims.
According to the outlet, Huttle, 42, was stopped by a Jasper County Sheriff’s Department deputy this past Sunday (Jan. 26) for an unnamed violation. As the deputy attempted to arrest Huttle, a struggle ensued leading to the deputy using his service weapon as Huttle resisted. Indiana state police say Huttle had a firearm in his possession and it is still being unsaid why the deputy pulled him over.
Huttle and his uncle Dale Huttle were arrested for participating in the Jan. 6 standoff, with the uncle stating publicly that he had no regrets for the actions he and his nephew took in 2021.
As seen on Houston Public Media, Andrew Taake of Houston was released from a Colorado prison on Jan. 20 after the sweeping pardons of President Trump. However, Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare shared with the outlet that Taake, 36, is wanted under a pending state warrant for online solicitation of a minor in 2016. The Harris County DA’s office attempted to have Taake held in prison by showing a warrant to the Federal Bureau of Prisons five days ahead of his pardon.
Harris County authorities are currently searching for Taake to bring him to justice for the alleged crime.
“Re-arresting individuals, like Taake, who were released with pending state warrants, will require significant resources,” Teare said in a statement. “Know that we are already in the process of tracking Taake down, as he must answer for [the] 2016 charge of soliciting a minor online.”
It seems like President Donald Trump feels like the Jan. 6 domestic terrorists are “very fine people” because they did his bidding with murderous and treasonous intent.
On X, folks are taking note of the pardoned insurrectionists and their checkered trails since being cleared of their crimes. Check out the reactions below.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
Snoop Dogg lost a bit of goodwill with some of his fanbase after appearing in Washington, D.C. to appear at an event connected to President Donald Trump’s inauguration weekend. After catching the wrath of Hip-Hop fans and opponents of Trump, Snoop Dogg defended his appearance at the event and faced the criticism with love instead of the vitriol he’s faced online.
Taking to his Instagram account for a livestream, Snoop Dogg is seen driving in a vehicle and addressing his fans about the matter with his usual affable coolness and decided to combat the negative comments with positive vibes instead.
“Ya’ll can’t hate enough for me, I love too much,” Snoop says during his morning wake-and-bake drive. “Get your life right, stop worrying about mine, I’m cool. I’m together.”
Snoop continued with, “Still a Black man, still 100% Black. All out, ’til you ball out. Or until you fall out. I ain’t going nowhere. I’m right here.”
Many have speculated that Snoop’s alignment with Donald Trump is personal as the president pardoned Michael Harris, one of the co-founders of Death Row Records, a company Snoop is now the owner of. Harris, also known as Harry-O, was behind bars serving time for drug charges.
Check out the livestream of Snoop Dogg in the clip below courtesy of Livebitez.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Source: Romain Maurice / Getty
Popeyes, the fried chicken fast food chain, and Don Julio, one of the top tequila brands in the world, aren’t exactly in the same wheelhouse on several fronts but it appears things are changing. Don Julio and Popeyes look to be hinting at an upcoming collaboration and those who make up Black Xitter on the X platform had some thoughts.
Last Thursday, Popeyes posted a video on its Instagram account that teases the Don Julio collaboration featuring a vibrant party scene and a woman DJ decked out in gear adorned with the chain’s namesake along with some fancy Black boxes featuring the tequila brand’s name as well.
The caption for the video read, “The kitchen is heating up for the big game. Party starts 1.31.25,” which we assume is meant to illustrate that the Super Bowl contest between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs is happening soon on Feb. 9.
While we’ll have to wait until the end of the month to find out what exactly Popeyes and Don Julio are up to, fans on X, formerly Twitter, are chiming in with a wild variety of theories. Naturally, with the drop happening on the eve of Black History Month, some eyebrows were raised.
Will it be a new tequila-based glaze? Will there be Mexican-themed spices in a new drop? Is it a fashion collaboration considering the DJ’s outfit in the clip? It’s all over the place.
Check out the teaser clip below.
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
Source: Earl Gibson III / Getty
DJ Akademiks is one of the most notable figures in the streaming space and his popularity has pushed him to an audience of younger viewers who engage with his content. However, DJ Akademiks is facing serious allegations of attempting to groom a teenage boy after asking him an inappropriate sexual question while later offering up an apology some feel came up short.
DJ Akademiks, 35, was in a livestream event with PlaqueBoyMax and the streamer’s moderator, NourGxd, who is 15. Ak, real name Livingston Allen, can be heard asking NourGxd if he would engage in sexual activities with Max. NourGxd shot down the advance by citing his age, causing Ak to double down and ask the teen if he would have sex with Max’s sister, who reportedly is over the age of 18.
Max seemed to join in on the fun and threatened to cut the teen from the streaming feed before Ak kept dreaming up odd scenarios including asking, quote, “You don’t know another 15-year-old you can bust down?” among other quips. NourGxd, seemingly uncomfortable at this point, expressed repeatedly that he’s not gay nor interested in doing what was suggested. Another streamer then asks NourGxd for his address to send strippers to his home.
The stream, which took place last Thursday (Jan. 23), went viral and has ignited a strong rallying cry accusing DJ Akademiks of grooming the teen and highlighting his defense of Drake, who has previously been slapped with similar allegations involving minors although those claims remain unfounded.
Ak has acknowledged his comments to NourGxd but most have taken note that the acknowledgment and the misplaced bravado attached to it nullifies any good intentions DJ Akademiks may have had. Reactions, including comments from rival Freddie Gibbs, Nitty Scott MC, and Meek Mill to the livestream going viral and Ak’s weak walk back can be viewed below.
We will share the video featuring Ak’s comments but do warn that the content might be triggering for some so proceed cautiously.
Dj Akademiks said really disturbing things to this minor pic.twitter.com/FvuwtNiWbA
— Rak (@vvsrak) January 24, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
—
Photo: Getty
HipHopWired Featured Video
CLOSE
President Donald Trump and Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro clashed over the handling of deportees from America to the South American nation via military planes, with Petro initially denying entry. After President Donald Trump threatened to impose stiff tariffs on Colombia, President Gustavo Petro agreed to the terms that allow immigrants to return who entered the United States illegally.
CNN was one of several outlets covering the brief yet intense exchange between the two leaders that began on Sunday (Jan. 27) when military planes from the United States carrying illegal immigrants attempted to land in Colombia. The outlet said it examined documents that showed the country approved the flights yet President Petro says that wasn’t the case with officials stateside saying that Colombia retracted the authorization. There have been reports on social media that the migrants were placed in shackles.
Petro initially denied access to the planes from landing stating that American officials handling the migrants as criminals and demanding a more humanitarian approach. In response, Trump threatened tariffs on imports against Colombia, which has been a longtime trade partner with America. Trump also said he would levy a travel ban on citizens of the country, revoking visas, and halting visa processing for both immigrant and non-immigrant visas.
The visa restrictions were particularly alarming as they typically only arise for countries or individuals that have committed human rights abuses. Petro fired back with tariff threats of his own and had choice words for Secretary of State Marco Rubio via social media.
By Sunday evening both sides stated that they reached an agreement, with some framing the actions of Colombia’s agreement with the United States and backing down from Trump. However, it appears that Petro was able to negotiate terms that were more in line with other deportation exchanges done under the Biden administration which ever escalated into a trade dispute.
“We will continue to receive Colombians and Colombian women who return as deportees, guaranteeing them decent conditions as citizens subject to rights,” Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo said in a statement. Murillo then shared that deportation flights are clear to go and that they will send the Colombian presidential plane to help with the efforts of bringing citizens back.
The White House issued a statement in connection to the brief standoff.
“Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again. President Trump will continue to fiercely protect our nation’s sovereignty, and he expects all other nations of the world to fully cooperate in accepting the deportation of their citizens illegally present in the United States,” read the statement.
On X, formerly Twitter, some are discussing the exchange between President Gustavo Petro and President Donald Trump while expressing disappointment that the country didn’t stand up further for itself. We’ve got those reactions below.
—
Photo: Getty