R&B/Hip-Hop
Page: 70
Meek Mill let off a series of tweets last night offering up $100K for an investigative team to figure out why fans and media outlets keep mentioning his name with Diddy. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news “I wanna hire an investigative team 100k cash to find out […]
Travis Scott is Missouri City until he dies. La Flame released a love letter to his hometown with the “Mo City Flexologist” video on Tuesday (Sept. 24). “In Mo City we just go up. That’s how we do,” the screen reads to open the clip. The Honorable C.N.O.T.E.-produced track was recorded in 2014, but released […]
Singer Al B. Sure! has waded into the Sean “Diddy” Combs legal morass by calling for official action to be taken against the team that created what he referred to as a new “fake” memoir credited to his ex-wife — and Combs’ longtime girlfriend — Kim Porter. Kim’s Lost Words: A Journey for Justice From the Other Side… was released on Amazon on Sept. 6, a week before Combs was arrested and indicted on sex trafficking and racketeering charges, and it allegedly contains information Porter saved on a flash drive and gave to friends before her sudden death in 2018 at age 47 from lobar pneumonia.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
“For over a decade and a half, I’ve been posting about, and tagging random law enforcement agencies in hopes to protect loved ones, avoid deaths & tragedies that could have all been avoided,” wrote Sure, 56, born Albert Joseph Brown, in an Instagram post on Monday (Sept. 23) that featured hashtags for a raft of law enforcement agencies. The singer-songwriter added that he had been “ignored” and ridiculed.”
Sure claimed that an alleged effort to silence him was meant to prevent the singer from sharing “facts and insights” he said Porter told him during “frequent and intimate conversations.” Sure and Porter were married from 1989 to 1990 and had a son, Quincy Brown, 33, whom Combs later adopted when the child was 3-years-old.
Sure’s posts also included what he said were allegedly stolen notes that he claimed were intended to be included in Porter’s memoir, as well as claims that his late ex’s devices have gone missing as further proof of what he deemed an alleged cover-up about the facts surrounding her death, which he called a “tragic murder.”
“Ms. Porter’s missing devices, allegedly already in evidence, unquestionably contain the critical evidence that have been concealed,” he claimed. “I’m convinced that evidence corroborates closely with details outlined in the recently released public indictment document.”
Sure alleged that that “Kimberly was allegedly taken from us because she was set on course to accomplish what Mrs. Cassie Ventura did by igniting the Bon Fire [sic] which brings us here today,” appearing to make a connection between Porter’s death and a settlement last year between Combs and former girlfriend singer Cassie Ventura. A day after Ventura sued Combs for what she alleged were years of physical and emotional abuse and rape, the pair reached an undisclosed settlement.
The series of posts from Sure also included excerpts from the 59-page book published by Los Angeles producer Chris Todd under the pen name Jamal T. Millwood.
In a statement to Billboard on Tuesday (Sept. 24), Combs’ attorney Erica Wolf wrote, “The Kim Porter ‘memoir’ is fake. It is also offensive – a shameless attempt to profit from tragedy. Chris Todd has no respect for Ms. Porter or her family, who deserve better. … It is an established fact that Ms. Porter died of natural causes. May she rest in peace.”
Porter was found dead at her Toluca Lake, Calif., home in 2018 after suffering from what was described as days of “flu-like” symptoms. The coroner initially listing her cause of death as “deferred,” then later changing it to to lobar pneumonia, a type of pneumonia characterized by infection and/or inflammation of one or more lobes of a patient’s lungs.
Ventura is one of at least eight people who have sued Combs, alleging sexual abuse. The Bad Boy Records founder was arrested on Sept. 16 in New York on an indictment charging him with a racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation for purposes of prostitution, charges Combs has pleaded not guilty to. The disgraced music mogul, who has denied the allegations against him, has been denied bail twice and will remain behind bars awaiting his trial date.
Rolling Stone reported that author Todd (aka Millwood, born Todd Christopher Guzze), told the publication that he cannot guarantee that the claims in the No. 1 bestselling book are authentic, saying he received the flash drive allegedly containing the notes from two unnamed “music industry” sources. The magazine notes that the book contains “numerous typos, factual inaccuracies and incredulous claims involving high-profile names,” adding that two of Porter’s friends, Kimora Lee Simmons and Lawanda Lane, told the magazine that they “don’t know [the author] at all.”
“If somebody put my feet to the fire and they said, ‘Life or death, is that book real?’ I have to say I don’t know. But it’s real enough to me,” Todd told RS. “Maybe not 100% of the book is true, but maybe 80% is.”
Sure ended his posts by noting that he was on good terms with Porter near the end of her life and that they had friendly conversations until just a few days before her death. “We must continue to advocate for justice and ensure that everyone of the individuals who conspired against her are held accountable and prosecuted to the highest extent of the law,” he wrote.
Combs and Porter dated on-and-off for 13 years until 2017, and they had three children together: son Christian Combs and twins Jessie and D’Lila Combs.
Tyla’s mom had “premonitions” that her daughter was pregnant, and the “Water” singer duped her with a prank call. As part of Elle‘s Phoning It In segment on Monday (Sept. 23), Tyla made a few prank calls to her mother, Central Cee, her manager and more. She attempted to scare her mom, Sharleen Seethal, with a pregnancy prank, but things took a turn when her mom had a feeling the singer was pregnant.
“Mom, I think I’m pregnant,” begins Tyla, who recently accepted Billboard‘s Global Force award at the R&B No. 1s party.
Her mom replied: “Yeah, I’m happy. I had a feeling for a long time. That’s what I’m seriously shocked about. Oh my God. I swear to God. I had premonitions. I swear to God.”
Trending on Billboard
“I don’t know who the father is,” Tyla continued. She couldn’t lead her mother on any longer and fessed up to the prank.
“Tyla, but I had a premonition,” Seethal countered. “I spoke to Auntie Mila and I told her I need grandchildren. Oh my God, Tyla. Am I supposed to scream?”
While Tyla isn’t actually pregnant, her mother clearly wants her 22-year-old daughter to give her some grandchildren in the future.
As for Central Cee, Tyla went with the prank that she was flying to London, but her Airbnb wasn’t ready and her team needed a place to stay in the U.K. in the meantime.
“I’m supposed to go to London tomorrow and I just have a problem,” she told him. “Literally, like, my whole family is meeting me there and I booked an Airbnb and everything … They said the wait is going to be, like, a few hours before they can actually get in so I was just wondering if they could, like, maybe wait at your place.”
Cench said: “This is the maddest question I think anyone’s ever asked me.”
She eventually gave up on the prank, but Central Cee was happy that he showed he was willing to step up and house Tyla and her party of five.
Watch the full clip below.
On Thursday, September 5, the heart of New York City’s music scene came alive as Tres Generaciones Tequila hosted an intimate dinner, bringing together the industry’s movers and shakers. Held ahead of the much-anticipated 2024 Hip Hop and R&B Power Players Award Celebration, this exclusive evening served as both a prelude to the prestigious awards and a celebration of the profound connection between music, culture, and community.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
The dinner, held in a stunning green oasis in the heart of Times Square, was graced by key decision-makers, trendsetters, and notable artists, including NLE Choppa, Toosie, Serayah, and Saint Jhn, adding to the evening’s sense of prominence. A curated guest list ensured an air of exclusivity, where conversations flowed between the stars shaping the soundtracks of today and tomorrow. The dinner also marked a toast to those shaping the future of music, showcasing the powerful partnership between Tres Generaciones and Billboard.
Rashida Zagon
As the evening began, Rocsi Diaz, celebrated host of the Get Up Anthems series, took to the stage to share heartfelt words on the enduring power of music in the community. Her speech set the tone for the night, sharing how music, much like tequila, has the power to move, inspire, and unite us, reminding everyone in the room of the shared mission of Tres Generaciones: to bring people together in celebration.
Trending on Billboard
Diaz then introduced the evening’s guest of honor, Joey Bada$$, a fellow New Yorker and Get Up Anthem participant, whose impact on the hip-hop scene has been undeniable.
Guests savored a perfectly paired, elevated culinary experience featuring signature cocktails crafted by Tres Generaciones Tequila, adding a luxurious flair to the evening. The “Trespresso Martini” and the “Tres 75,” both custom creations, perfectly complemented the sophisticated palette dinner. These drinks, like the artists in the room, were crafted with complexity and innovation, reflecting the essence of Tres Generaciones’ 50-year history of excellence. Born in 1973 to celebrate three legendary generations of distillers, Tres remains a symbol of Mexican pride, made with only three simple ingredients—agave, yeast, and water—and triple-distilled for a smoother finish.
Following the dinner, attendees were invited to descend two floors into the iconic Paradise Room, where the 2024 Hip Hop and R&B Power Players Award presentation awaited. The energy was electric as the room filled with industry titans ready to celebrate the night’s honorees. Joey Bada$$, having already captivated the dinner audience with his humility and wisdom, was honored with the prestigious Impact Award, presented by Tres Generaciones Tequila. The award recognized his enduring influence, innovative artistry, and his role in shaping the next generation of musicians and creatives.
This night, defined by intimacy, elegance, and a shared passion for the art form, set the stage for what promises to be a defining year for Hip Hop and R&B, reminding all in attendance of the cultural and creative power music holds. The Impact Dinner, like the music it celebrated, was more than just an event—it was a moment, a memory, and an ode to the voices that continue to move the world.
Continue the vibes at home and relive the night by watching Joey Bada$$’s acceptance speech HERE and check out the recap sizzle of this unforgettable evening.
Tres Generaciones’ partnership with Billboard is built on a shared mission of inspiring and uplifting communities through music and celebration. Together, they spotlight the pivotal role that both music and tequila play in bringing people together—whether through the Get Up Anthems content series, which travels city to city celebrating iconic tracks, or the Get Up Sessions concert tour, showcasing the next great generation of artists.
To keep the evening’s magic alive, try recreating the signature cocktails served at the event.
Cheers to music, culture, and continuing the celebration at home!
Izzy Nuzzo
Metro Boomin has addressed the Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud. While speaking at the Forbes Under 30 Summit on Monday (Sept. 23), Young Metro talked about his role being in the middle of rap beefs as a producer.
Metro believes the competition is ultimately a positive for the art form, but thinks the internet culture can take things out of hand when two sides are at odds.
“I feel like the competition is great for the game. Hip-hop has always been a competitive genre. Even if just keeping it on music it’s not serious how everybody tries to make it,” he said. “Also with hip-hop, there’s a lot of ego involved. You’re supposed to feel like you’re the best.”
Trending on Billboard
Metro continued: “When two of the top dogs in the game and you both feel like you’re the best, it’s like, ‘OK, now we gotta have a showdown.’ We saw it with Jay-Z and Nas before. I feel like more today it’s more stan culture makes it kind of weird. Back in the day, Jay-Z and Nas went at it, I was a fan of both of them. Most people were. It was like, ‘OK, it’s OK.’ It’s not like, ‘I had this side. I hate this side.’ The internet makes it a little too wild now.”
At the end of the day, Metro Boomin looks at the feuds as purely “entertainment” and believes with hip-hop’s innate competitive nature, it’s on artists and producers to “help push” the genre forward.
“As far as me being diplomatic, it’s just entertainment,” he added. “I have love and respect for all my collaborators. I just want to see everyone do the best and help push this forward. We’re all here to deposit in and uplift this genre.”
Metro Boomin played an integral role in the Drake-Kendrick Lamar feud. He produced We Don’t Trust You‘s “Like That” featuring a nuclear assist from Kendrick, which lit the fuse for the battle after the hit topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Drake returned fire weeks later when he dissed Metro on “Push Ups,” and continued to take shots by calling out his government name later on “Family Matters.”
Watch the discussion below:
Questlove, Common, RAYE, Andra Day and Little Brother are among the talent comprising the lineup for Robert Glasper’s upcoming residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City. Kicking off Oct. 2 and running through Nov. 3 with two shows each night (8 p.m., 10:30 p.m.), the Grammy winner’s popular Robtober residency will be marking its sixth year.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
In a statement given to Billboard, Blue Note director of programming/talent buyer Alex Kurland said, “Robert Glasper is a significant and influential force at Blue Note and his annual residency is highly anticipated. Robert’s presence and impact at Blue Note have deeply inspired the culture, vibe and tone of the venue overall in a profound way. Robert’s influence and the impact of the residency is strongly felt year-round, and he has opened the door to many artists performing at Blue Note. The power of Robert’s residency is what inspired the concept of the annual Napa Festival we present, now in its third year. With this year’s Blue Note residency, Robert’s curation of special guest collaborations includes powerhouse artists RAYE, Common, Andra Day, Questlove and more, along with impromptu surprise guest moments. Robert and his residency continue to shine and inspire.”
Aside from the aforementioned Robtober acts, a special performance will pay tribute to late Glasper collaborator and saxophonist Casey Benjamin. Among the performers on the Oct. 30 date at Sony Hall are Glasper, Chris Dave, Derrick Hodge and Stefon Harris. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Casey Benjamin Memorial Fund. See HERE for tickets and more details about the tribute.
Trending on Billboard
Robtober/Season 6 ticket information and updates are available HERE.
See the current lineup below:
October 2: Robert Glasper — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 3-4: Robert Glasper x RAYE — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 5: Robert Glasper — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 6: Robert Glasper — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 9-10: Robert Glasper x Questlove with special guest Common — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 11: Robert Glasper x Questlove — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 12-13: Robert Glasper x Andra Day — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 23: Robert Glasper — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 24: Robert Glasper — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 27: Robert Glasper — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 16-18: Robert Glasper x TBD — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 19-20: Robert Glasper x Doobie Powell — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 25-26: Robert Glasper x Little Brother — Blue Note Jazz Club
October 30: Casey Benjamin Tribute — Sony Hall
October 31: Robert Glasper x Halloween — Blue Note Jazz Club
November 1-3: Robert Glasper x Stokley — Blue Note Jazz Club
A Los Angeles man who was convicted of sending his then-17-year-old son to shoot and murder PnB Rock in 2022 has been sentenced to 31 years to life in prison, per ABC7.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Freddie Lee Trone, 42, was found guilty of one count of murder, two counts of robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery in August before he was sentenced in court on Monday (Sept. 23).
PnB Rock — born Rakim Allen — was dining with his girlfriend in Sept. 2022 at a South Central Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles in L.A. when he was approached by Trone’s son in an armed robbery attempt of his jewelry, which turned fatal after he struck Rock with gunfire. The rapper was transported to a local hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.
Trending on Billboard
The prosecution ruled that Trone’s son wasn’t fit to stand trial and believe he was fulfilling his father’s orders, which led to him being charged in the case. Video footage caught Trone inside the parking lot 30 minutes before the murder.
A second defendant, Tremont Jones, was also sentenced to 12 years behind bars for his role in the murder on multiple robbery charges.
PnB Rock’s mother, Deannea Allen, made the trip to the hearing where she delivered a poignant victim impact statement addressing Trone, per Rolling Stone.
“I want to address you Mr. Trone, even though you’re talking [to your lawyer]. As a parent, I do not understand – and I’ve been trying these two whole years – I do not understand how a parent could directly put their child in danger,” she said. “I just can’t comprehend it. That one action had a ripple effect, and it has ruined many lives.”
Allen continued: “I hope that you can feel my pain, as a parent. I’ve watched your son’s life unfold. He has had a horrible life. I shouldn’t feel sorry for this young man, but I do. He has two parents, but he was in foster care. He had a rough go of it. And I shouldn’t feel bad for him, but I do. Just as a parent. I just want you to put yourself in my shoes and our family’s shoes.”
Rock’s mom also added that his 10-year-old daughter wanted to be in attendance, but couldn’t get on the plane to make the trip due to suffering an anxiety attack.
PnB Rock was just 30 years old. The Philly native meshed his melodic raps with a star-studded cast of collaborators including Nicki Minaj, the late Pop Smoke and XXXTENTACION, Lil Durk Quavo, Trippie Redd, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and more.
Rock broke through with his “Selfish” hit in 2017, which peaked at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100. He made other top 40 Hot 100 appearances the rest of the decade on YFN Lucci’s “Everyday We Lit” (No. 33), Ed Sheeran’s “Cross Me” (No. 25 and Meek Mill’s “Dangerous” (No. 31).
Over the weekend, Dame Dash addressed Diddy‘s arrest and old pictures of himself out partying with the fallen mogul that have gone viral.
Late last week, Drake fan X account @keep6ixsolid, resurfaced photos of a bunch of celebs hanging out — which included the likes of Diddy, Jennifer Lopez, Dame, Jay-Z, and Aaliyah — with a caption that read: “Bro, this is getting DARK! Dame Dash, Aaliyah, Jennifer Lopez, Jay-Z and Diddy all sharing a giant bed.”
The pictures in question are from an annual Fourth of July party Diddy used to throw in the Hamptons. According to one of the photos on Getty Images, the date of the party was July 2, 2000.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Dame Dash seemed to confirm the location when he was asked about partying with Diddy on Instagram Live on Saturday (Sept. 21.) “Nah, I didn’t go to those parties…I went to one about 20 years ago in the Hamptons with Aaliyah but that’s about it,” he said. “A lot of people were at those, you know what I mean?”
Later in the video he was asked again about the photos and revealed that specific party was one of the first times he and the late singer hung out. “Ain’t sh—t happen in the Hamptons. That’s the day I met…that me and Aaliyah…we hung out there and then we left and that’s what happened,” he said. “That was 20 years ago, that was not in LA or Miami. I know they gonna play games with those pictures. It’s all good, I don’t really care.”
He was then later asked about Diddy getting arrested and said the situation is “sad,” “crazy,” and “shocking.”
Diddy was taken into custody after a grand jury indicted him on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. He has been denied bail as he awaits trial.
Pusha T is a big fan of Kendrick Lamar. During a panel at Revolt World in Atlanta, the Virginia MC spoke highly of his fellow rapper after being asked what he thought about Lamar’s impact on rap music. “It’s amazing,” he said. “I’m sure people have said and have told him his whole career, ‘Oh, […]