href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 14, 2023Bennett Raglin/Getty Images

Ja Rule is weighing in on the second Fyre Festival happening after the inaugural event was an utter disaster that resulted in the imprisonment of the showcase's cofounder, Billy McFarland.

On Friday (April 14), People shared exclusive remarks from Ja Rule following the recent announcement from McFarland that he would be proceeding with putting together a follow-up festival. Ja, who cofounded the first Fyre Festival, made it clear he wants no association with the event this time around.

"I don't know nothing about it," Ja Rule said when asked about the second coming of the event. "I don't know nothing about it. I ain't in it," he reiterated.

Last week, Billy McFarland raised eyebrows when he announced he would be putting on another Fyre Festival.

"Fyre Festival II is finally happening," he tweeted. "Tell me why you should be invited."

The infamous Fyre Festival was supposed to go down in April and May of 2017 on the Bahamian island of Exuma. Concertgoers were promised a lavish multi-day concert on an exotic island headlined by G.O.O.D. Music, with many people paying exorbitant amounts to attend due to the promise of posh villa staying arraignments and a stellar lineup. However, the festival was plagued with problems from the start.

Food, security and accommodations were a major issues, with many people who attended the first day of the festival complaining on social media and leaving. Several musical acts who were set to perform pulled out and the event was eventually cancelled.

In March of 2018, McFarland pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection to the festival for tricking investors and was sentenced to six years in prison. He was released last March after serving four years.

While he escaped lawsuits and legal repercussions in connection to the event, Ja Rule has had to push back against the perception that fiasco was partially his fault. In December of 2019, Ja addressed the event on a track titled "F.Y.R.E."

 

The event has spawned multiple documentaries. In January of 2019, Netflix released a documentary on the failed festival titled Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Never Happened. The same year, Hulu released Fyre Fraud.

See the Definitive List of Bizarre Tweets From RappersFiled Under: Ja RuleCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/joeyech/” rel=”author”>Joey EchPublished: April 14, 2023bluefasebabyy/Instagram

Two rappers known for their boxing skills, Blueface and DDG, throw some hands at each other on the beach while Swae Lee serves as the referee.

On Friday (April 14), Blueface hit up Instagram to show off a video of what he, DDG and Swae Lee got up to on their downtime outside of the festival grounds at this weekend's Rolling Loud Thailand in Pattaya City.

Apparently, now that DDG's Thursday night (April 13) performance at the festival is a wrap, he decided to relax on the beach by engaging in a little hand-to-hand combat with Blueface. Swae Lee, who also took the stage on Rolling Loud Thailand's opening night as part of Rae Sremmurd with his brother Slim Jxmmi, took it upon himself to ensure the friendly fisticuffs didn't get out of hand.

As the video clip posted below starts rolling, Swae Lee can be seen in the sand standing in between Blueface and DDG with his arms extended in their respective directions. As the two "Moonwalking in Calabasas" partners in rhyme are poised to square up, Swae lays down the rules of warfare.

"You ready?" Swae Lee asks Blueface before turning to DDG. "You ready? I want a good, clean fight. Go!"

From there, the action starts with both rhymers displaying fancy footwork despite being on the beach with DDG wearing slides and Blueface being barefoot. After a few seconds of sizing each other up, the two begin to playfully swipe at one another in a combination of open hands and reserved fists.

As the brief sparring session on the beach starts to come to a close, Blueface pretends to catch DDG with an uppercut/cross combo before wrapping his sparring partner up in a clinch.

In response to Blueface and DDG's slap boxing match, many Instagram users slid into the comments section of the video clip to debate who would actually win in a real, sanctioned fight in the squared circle.

"If DDG wanted to, he'd be up there with Jake Paul and KSI and the rest," one DDG fan commented. "He really knows boxing and it's impressive."

Blueface and DDG Slap Box on the Beach While Swae Lee Referees – Watchbluefasebabyy/Instagramloading…

In contrast, another IG user came to Blueface's defense by replying: "Nah, you can tell Blue woulda cracked DDG."

Blueface and DDG Slap Box on the Beach While Swae Lee Referees – Watchbluefasebabyy/Instagramloading…

"DDG because he has more experience and Blue for the reach and timing," one proponent of both rappers wrote.

bluefasebabyy/Instagrambluefasebabyy/Instagramloading…

Another user chimed in with: "Blue got reach and he can box DDG kinda slow to me IDK."

Blueface and DDG Slap Box on the Beach While Swae Lee Referees – Watchbluefasebabyy/Instagramloading…

Both DDG and Blueface are actually no strangers to throwing hands in the ring as they both have found success over the past few years in the semi-professional boxing realm. In fact, it was just announced last week that Blueface is set to box TikTok influencer Ed Matthews on April 22 in London.

Watch Blueface and DDG Slap Box on the Beach While Swae Lee Referees BelowRead 10 Wild Stories That Took Place During Hip-Hop ToursFiled Under: Blueface, DDG, swae leeCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/trentfitzgerald/” rel=”author”>Trent FitzgeraldPublished: April 14, 2023Asian Doll/YouTube/Prince Williams/WireImage

Asian Doll has slammed the King Von YouTube documentary which labeled the late Chicago rapper "Rap's First Serial Killer."

On Friday (April 14), Asian Doll jumped on her Twitter account and slammed a fan who made a joke about the three-hour-long King Von documentary, which details the Chicago rapper's alleged murders of over 10 people.

"That King Von Documentary So Long, I Went To Sleep & Woke Back Up & He Was Still Killing People [loudly crying face]," the person tweeted.

Asian Doll caught wind of the user's jokey tweet and responded, "B***h shut yo police a*s up."

Asian Doll responds to a fan’s jokey comment.AsianDaBrattt/Twitterloading…

About 15 minutes later, the 26-year-old rapper addressed the King Von documentary directly in a series of tweets that have since been deleted.

"That documentary about von is not true," she continued. "Everybody kno this already? B***h y'all know lies a WHITE MAN TELLING YALL WTF That wack a*s documentary is NOT TRUE."

"How They Tell A Story About Somebody That DIED before he could tell his own," Asian Doll added.

The documentary, King Von: Rap's First Serial Killer, was produced by Trap Lore Ross, a U.K. filmmaker who covers the drill rap scene in Chicago and London. The controversial King Von video initially debuted on Ross' YouTube channel on April 7, but was taken down by the video-sharing platform for violating content policies.

Ross told TMZ that he had to edit out all the firearms and drug paraphernalia as well as change some of his conspiracy theories to satisfy the YouTube censors. The video was reinstated on Tuesday (April 11) and has garnered over 1.5 million views on YouTube so far.

King Von was shot and killed in November of 2020 during an altercation at the Monaco Hookah Lounge in downtown Atlanta following a fight between Von's crew and another group of individuals that included the alleged shooter Timothy Leeks (aka Lul Tim) and rapper Quando Rondo.

As for Asian Doll, who dated Von for a time before his death, it's abundantly clear she's not in the mood for the King Von jokes about him allegedly killing people.

Watch the Documentary King Von: Rap's First Serial Killer BelowWatch Asian Doll's "Problem" Music Video BelowSee the Current Status of Every Murdered Rapper’s CaseXXL takes a look at the current status of the cases of hip-hop murders that have occurred over the past 35 years.Filed Under: Asian Doll, King VonCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/robbyseabrookiii/” rel=”author”>Robby Seabrook IIIPublished: April 14, 2023Lisa Lake/Shareif Ziyadat/Scott Dudelson/Getty Images (3)

Week in and week out, there are plenty of brand-new rap songs, no matter the time of year. It can be really difficult to stay aware of what's out and also what's hot, so XXL decided to make things much easier for you. Instead of sorting out nearly everything that released this week, we've narrowed it down to strictly the best of the week, saving you plenty of time.

Expect to see selections from the established stars, the next wave of new talent, the up-and-comers and everyone else in between. If your song is fire enough to beat the competition, it'll take one of the weekly spots. You can trust us on this one; follow our lead and you'll never get laughed off the aux cord again. Your friends will finally trust you with playlists; it'll be wonderful. In addition to that, you can check back every week for the latest and greatest tracks. You'll always have somewhere to turn to each week, being sure to find some songs you'll dig.

Enjoy this week's list, featuring new songs from B-Lovee ("Act Bad" featuring 2Rare), Ice Spice ("Diamond Princess (Remix)"  featuring Nicki Minaj), NLE Choppa ("Round & Round") and more. See you next week.

  • “Princess Diana (Remix)”Ice Spice
  • “Act Bad”B-Lovee featuring 2Rare
  • “Round & Round”NLE Choppa
  • “Love Reeks”Pi’erre Bourne
  • “The Way You Rock”Yung Bleu
  • “Thug Life”Shordie Shordie
  • “RearView”YoungBoy Never Broke Again featuring Mariah The Scientist
  • “Back In Office”Saba and No I.D.
  • “Hot Sauce”Fivio Foreign
  • “Roll The Dice”Doe Boy featuring Dej Loaf
  • “Dropped The Lo”Tee Grizzley and Skilla Baby
  • “Wicked!”Jeleel!
  • “Chrome Heart”Lil Poppa

See 50 of the Most Clever Hip-Hop LyricsFiled Under: 2Rare, B-Lovee, Dej Loaf, Doe Boy, Fivio Foreign, Ice Spice, Jeleel!, Lil Poppa, mariah the scientist, Nicki Minaj, NLE Choppa, Pierre Bourne, Shordie Shordie, Skilla Baby, Tee Grizzley, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Yung BleuCategories: New Music, News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 14, 2023Rebecca Sapp/Scott Dudelson/Getty Images (2)

NLE Choppa believes he might be the reason Ice Spice changed her phone number.

On Wednesday (April 12), NLE Choppa was a guest on The Breakfast Club to promote his new album Cottonwood 2, which dropped today (April 14). During the discussion, cohost Charlamagne Tha God asked the Memphis rapper to address Choppa's previous statements that Ice Spice changed her number when Choppa started texting her.

"I was just trying to get her on a song, on the real," Choppa admitted at the 42-minute mark of the interview (below). "People change their number…Was I probably the reason? I don't know. Probably."

NLE Choppa said his texts were initially music-related.

"I was business-oriented, and when I hollered she ain’t have no [issues] about it," Choppa added.

He later admitted to shooting his shot.

"Slicky," he said of his three-point attempt. "I slid in. I asked her, do she like vegan food? That’s probably why she changed her number."

NLE Choppa has not been shy about his admiration for the Bronx, N.Y. rapper. Last November, he released a song titled "Ice Spice." The announcement of the song by Choppa even got a response from Ice Spice.

Last month, NLE Choppa told Jason Lee during an interview he stopped texting Ice Spice when she apparently got a new number without notifying him.

"I don’t text her no more," the former XXL Freshman said. "She changed her number. So, I watch from a distance. I see she’s doing a lot of big things."

NLE Choppa recently made headlines for walking rapper Sukihana by her hair in a music video. He also addressed the backlash with TBC.

See NLE Choppa on The Breakfast Club Revealing He Might Be the Reason Ice Spice Changed Her Phone Number BelowSee Rappers’ Confusing LyricsFiled Under: Ice Spice, NLE ChoppaCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/trentfitzgerald/” rel=”author”>Trent FitzgeraldPublished: April 14, 2023Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images/(inset)Library of Congress

Queen Latifah made history this week by becoming the first-ever female rapper to be inducted into the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry with her classic 1989 debut album, All Hail the Queen.

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced on Wednesday (April 12) that Queen Latifah is among several music icons, including Madonna ("Like a Virgin"), Mariah Carey ("All I Want for Christmas") and others whose musical recordings will be preserved in the Library of Congress for 2023.

"The National Recording Registry preserves our history through recorded sound and reflects our nation’s diverse culture," Hayden said in a press release. "The national library is proud to help ensure these recordings are preserved for generations to come, and we welcome the public’s input on what songs, speeches, podcasts or recorded sounds we should preserve next. We received more than 1,100 public nominations this year for recordings to add to the registry."

The 25 recordings selected for the National Recording Registry bring the number of titles on the registry to 625, which represents a small fraction of the national library's nearly four million recordings.

Released on Nov. 28, 1989, on Tommy Boy Records, Queen Latifah's All Hail the Queen was a groundbreaking album that featured the New Jersey rhymer delivering forceful lyrics of female empowerment. Although she was only 19 years old at the time, Latifah rapped about issues Black women face in their communities, including poverty, domestic violence, sexism and street harassment.

The classic song "Ladies First" was a rallying call for women to assert their independence and confidence. On the braggadocious head-nodder "Wrath of My Madness," Latifah announces her reign on the throne of hip-hop. The album also shows Latifah's musical diversity with hybrid songs like "Come Into My House," in which she raps over a house groove (arguably, a precursor to the Jersey club sound) and "Dance for Me," which shows Latifah can rock the clubs as well.

An all-around entertainer, Queen Latifah won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for her girl-power anthem "U.N.I.T.Y." in 1995. The 53-year-old rhymer also starred in several films, including 1996's Set It Off and 2017's Girls Trip. Currently, Latifah stars and executive produces CBS' hit series, The Equalizer.

Congratulations Queen Latifah!

Watch Queen Latifah's "Ladies First" Video BelowWatch Queen Latifah's "Come In My House" Video BelowWatch Queen Latifah's "Dance For Me" Video BelowSee 20 of the Best-Selling Hip-Hop Albums of All TimeFiled Under: Queen LatifahCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 14, 2023Michael Reaves/Getty Images

G Herbo is in negotiations to make a plea deal in his $1.5 million fraud case.

G Herbo has been out on bond since December of 2020, when he was charged in a million-dollar fraud scheme. Now, Herb and his codefendants are negotiating with the government to make plea deals instead of taking their chances at trial. According to court documents filed on Tuesday (April 11), "the Government is actively engaging in plea negotiations with defense counsel for all defendants, and has already requested a Rule 11 hearing for defendant [G Herbo] Herbert Wright III."

A Rule 11 hearing occurs when a person who has been charged with federal crimes pleads guilty in court. Both sides are asking for more time to negotiate, with a date of June 1 being given as the extension period.

In December of 2020, G Herbo and five other men were arrested and charged in a federal fraud scheme that accused them of using stolen IDs to purchase designer dogs, private jet flights, limousine rides and vacations.

G Herbo surrendered to authorities and was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft and one count of forfeiture. He was later released on bail. In May of 2021, G Herbo was allegedly caught lying to a federal agent in connection to the 2020 case. He was hit with an additional charge of lying to federal agents and pleaded not guilty.

If G Herbo had been found guilty of aggravated identity theft charges in trial, he would have faced a mandatory two years in prison consecutive to any other sentence imposed.

XXL has reached out to G Herbo's attorney for comment.

See 22 Hip-Hop-Related Police RaidsThese rappers had some serious run-ins with the police.Filed Under: G HerboCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 14, 2023Prince Williams/Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images (2)

Once seen as science fiction, A.I.-generated lyrics are becoming a trend. And Drake has seen enough after hearing his own voice in A.I. rapping Ice Spice's "Munch (Feelin U)."

On Friday (April 14), Drake shared audio that someone created using Drizzy deep fake lyrics on his Instagram Story. The clip finds Champagne Papi's "voice" spitting Ice Spice rhymes.

"You thought I was feelin' you? That n*gga a munch," A.I. Drake raps in the clip below. "N*gga a eater, he ate it for lunch/B*tch I'm a baddie, I get what I want."

Well, it looks like Drake isn't feelin' you, A.I. The Canadian rap star jokingly commented on the audio clip, "This the final straw A.I."

Songs and voice-overs produced with the use of A.I. are becoming common occurrences. Last week, Hit-Boy was wowed by a version of his song "2 Certified" that featured A.I. raps from Kanye West. David Guetta debuted a song using deep fake lyrics of Eminem back in January. Earlier this month, Jay-Z's personal engineer Young Guru voiced concern upon catching wind of A.I.-generated Jay-Z vocals. Juice Wrld and Pop Smoke A.I. generated songs recently surfaced.

This isn't even the first time an A.I. Ice Spice clip has gone viral. In February, video clips of President Joe Biden rapping Ice Spice lyrics, and hitting on the "Princess Diana" rapper spread online.

The technology has gotten to the point where at least one major record label is pushing back. Universal Music Group has reportedly asked streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify to block A.I. companies from streaming their songs.

See Drake Reacting to Hearing His Own Voice in A.I. Rapping Ice Spice’s "Munch (Feelin’ U)" BelowDrake comments on A.I. voice.champagnepapi/instagramloading…See Rappers’ Confusing LyricsFiled Under: Drake, Ice SpiceCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 14, 2023Ice Spice/YouTube

UPDATE (April 14):

Ice Spice has released the video for her new single "Princess Diana (Remix)" featuring Nicki Minaj.

Check out the visual below

ORIGINAL POST (April 14: 

Ice Spice and Nicki Minaj have joined forces on Ice's "Princess Diana (Remix)."

On Friday (April 14), Ice Spice surprised fans by releasing her latest track, a remix of her single "Princess Diana" featuring Nicki Minaj. Ice Spice keeps the same RIOTUSA beat and original verses from the EP cut but adds a beastly verse from the Queen MC.

"I, I, I be eatin' my spinach (Spinach), they tried to clone my image (Image)," Nicki Minaj raps. "They burned, they London Bridges (Bridges), none of them b*tches British (No)/I know they know the difference (Grr)/And I just fell in love with a gangsta (Grrah)/So I hold him down like an anchor (Grrah)/He said if I keep it a hundred (Grrah)/That he'll keep me safe like a banker (Grrah)/Nowadays, I be makin' 'em famous (Grrah)/She the princess, so f*ck who you lames is? (Grrah)/Of course, I be pushin' they buttons (Grrah)/I hold the control like the gamers (Woo)."

Fans probably should have seen this coming. The new track arrives almost exactly a month after Nicki Minaj supported Ice Spice by quoting lyrics from "Princess Diana" on social media and giving the "Munch (Feelin U)" rapper words of encouragement. Some fans even predicted the collab was inevitable when the shoutout happened.

This is the first release on Nicki's recently announced new record label Heavy on It. The video for the new track is set to debut at noon today.

Listen to Ice Spice's "Princess Diana (Remix)" Featuring Nicki Minaj BelowHere Are the Many Times Nicki Minaj Gave Flowers to Other Women in Hip-HopFiled Under: Bangers, Ice Spice, Nicki MinajCategories: Music, New Music, News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/joeyech/” rel=”author”>Joey EchPublished: April 14, 2023Moon Boy University/Empire/NLE Choppa/Entertainment/Warner Records/SossHouse/Interscope Records

At April's halfway point, new music is springing up left and right from multiple facets of the rap game. This week, a Memphis spitter on a current tear drops an album full of hot singles, an Alabama-bred rap-crooner delivers a sequel to a popular project, an incredibly talented multihyphenate comes through with a new EP and more.

NLE Choppa puts out his first project of the year in the form of Cottonwood 2. Considered his sophomore studio album, the 22-track LP serves as the sequel to 2019's gold-certified EP, Cottonwood, and includes a bevy of previously released singles that have found success throughout the first part of 2023.

Cottonwood 2's lead single, "Do It Again" featuring 2Rare, a Jersey Club-style turn-up anthem that landed on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, has been tearing up dance floors since its December release. On the heels of that, NLE Choppa tapped Lil Wayne for an homage to the classic New Orleans bounce sound with the single "Ain't Gunna Answer," which has seen over 6 million streams on Spotify and a ton of radio spins throughout the country since it dropped last month.

Other singles on Cottonwood 2 include "Mo Up Front," "Champions" and "Sl*t Me Out," which despite some controversy for walking Sukihana by her hair in the official music video for the remix, soared to the very top of TikTok's music chart upon its release.

In promotion of his new album, NLE Choppa hit up Instagram earlier this week to shout out various high schools across the country and offer a chance for one group of students to experience a live performance in the flesh. Choppa announced that he would visit one of the high schools he listed to put on a show for the students who rack up the most pre-saves for Cottonwood 2.

Not even six months after the release of his latest album, Tantra, Yung Bleu returns with Love Scars 2, a new project billed as the follow-up to his 2020 EP, Love Scars: The 5 Stages of Emotions. Previewed by two singles in 2023, "Games Women Play" and "Kissing On Your Tattoos," the Mobile, Ala. rapper-singer's 15-track offering sees guest appearances from two other hip-hop adjacent crooners, Chris Brown and Ty Dolla $ign.

In unveiling the track listing and cover art for Love Scars 2 via Instagram, Yung Bleu encapsulated the project's emotion-filled theme with one profound quote.

"What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose," Yung Bleu wrote. "All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. Love Scars."

After a year in 2022 that found Pi'erre Bourne not only being named one of the best producers of the year but also having his most recent full-length album, Good Movie, mentioned among the year's best hip-hop projects, the globally renowned artist comes through this time with his new EP, Grails.

With Pi'erre Bourne's new 8-song project, the remarkable multi-hyphenate repping both Queens and South Carolina delivers on his promise to fans by finally releasing tracks he's been teasing for months such as, "IG," "Chicken and Waffles" and "Honeyberry 2," the sequel to his popular 2018 hit, "Honeyberry."

Check out other new projects this week from Logic and C Dot Castro, Black Thought, Prof and more below.

  • Cottonwood 2NLE ChoppaNLE Choppa Entertainment/Warner RecordsNLE Choppa Entertainment/Warner Recordsloading…
  • Love Scars 2Yung BleuMoon Boy University / Empire Moon Boy University / Empire loading…
  • GrailsPi’erre BourneSossHouse/InterscopeSossHouse/Interscopeloading…
  • Glorious GameBlack Thought & El Michels AffairBig Crown Records Big Crown Records loading…
  • A Town Full of NowhereB.o.BB.o.B Music B.o.B Music loading…
  • HorseProfStophouse Music GroupStophouse Music Grouploading…
  • President Obandman EPBandmanrillDefiant Records LLC/Warner Records Inc.Defiant Records LLC/Warner Records Inc.loading…
  • Art of WordsGrafh and 38 SpeshTCF Music GroupTCF Music Grouploading…
  • Colors (Deluxe)BigBabyGucciBigBabyGucciBigBabyGucciloading…

See 50 of the Greatest Hip-Hop Album CoversFiled Under: 38 Spesh, B.o.B, Bandmanrill, BigBabyGucci, black thought, c dot castro, Destroy Lonely, Grafh, Logic, NLE Choppa, Pierre Bourne, Prof, Yung BleuCategories: Music, New Music, News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 13, 2023The Howard Stern Show/YouTube

Nick Cannon recently forgot one of his kid's names while listing out his children during an interview and the internet has erupted with jokes.

On Monday (April 10), Nick Cannon appeared on The Howard Stern Show where he was inevitably questioned about his growing family of kids. When Stern challenged Nick to name all dozen of his children, the "Gigolo" rapper accepted the challenge only to fall short by one name, which he completely omitted, his 7-month-old daughter Onyx.

"You know what, I did. You got me," Nick Cannon responded when he was called out by Stern.

Of course, social media has had a field day with comments about Nick Cannon being unable to name all dozen of his babies.

"Nick Cannon forgot one of his kids names in an interview and i want to hear you losers tell me again how he can be a good dad to 12 kids from different women, I’m off work and have time," one Twitter user wrote.

"I would hate to be apart of the nick cannon baby mama brigade because they always doing damage control behind his interviews," someone else commented.

"I know ppl goin destroy Nick Cannon for no remembering one of his kids names but hell my mom called me my brother name half the time up till she passed lol…," another person posted.

Onyx's mother, LaNisha Cole, shared a message on Instagram in the wake of the video going viral that some people believe is a response.

"To all the moms out there. Take care of your heart with the same love and patience you have for your babies," the message reads in part. "It's not always easy but we were built for this."

Nick Cannon has fathered 12 children with six different women since 2011. He recently said God deicides when he is done.

See Video of Nick Cannon Forgetting One of His Kid's Names and Twitter Reactions Below

 

See All Nick Cannon’s KidsFiled Under: Nick CannonCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 13, 2023Djamilla Rosa Cochran/Getty Images

The money Cam'ron made off the famous image of the Harlem, N.Y. rapper wearing a pink fur on a pink flip phone might cost him as he is being sued for profiting off the image.

On Tuesday (April 11), photographer Djamilla Rosa Cochran filed a lawsuit against Cam'ron, born Cameron Giles, and Dipset Couture LLC for copyright infringement, according to court documents obtained by XXL on Thursday (April 13). She claims she owns the copyright to the image that Cam has been making money off of for years.

"Defendant Dipset Couture LLC, without permission or authorization from Plaintiff, actively copied and displayed the Photograph on the Website as part of various product listings ('Merchandise Listings') and engaged in this misconduct knowingly and in violation of the United States copyright laws," the lawsuit reads. "Getty Images notified defendants of their infringing activities by mail and email on multiple occasions. Despite those notifications, defendants continued to sell merchandise and continued to display the photograph on website and accounts."

The photo in question was taken in February of 2003 at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and shows Killa donning a pink fur coat while talking on a pink flip phone. The image is undoubtedly the most recognizable image of the Dipset MC and one of the most memorable hip-hop pictures from the early 2000s. In the years since the photo was taken, Cam has capitalized off the pic's popularity by using it on march including shower curtains, socks, beach towels, jewelry, hoodies, bikinis and more. All promoted via the Purple Haze rapper's own Instagram page.

Cochran is asking for a jury trial and is seeking damages including all of the profits Cam'ron made off merch using the photo.

XXL has reached out to Cam'ron's attorney for comment.

See the Best-Selling Hip-Hop Songs Since 1991 RankedFiled Under: Cam’ronCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/trentfitzgerald/” rel=”author”>Trent FitzgeraldPublished: April 13, 2023stilllsmallz/Twitter/Jesse Grant/Getty Images

Drake pretended that he was a local emerging artist and opened up for Lil Wayne at his Toronto tour.

On Wednesday night (April 12), Lil Wayne's Welcome to Tha Carter Tour landed in Toronto at the History venue. Before Weezy rocked the mic, the rap veteran allowed a local up-and-coming artist to open for him. In clips that have surfaced online, the announcer explains to the crowd that Wayne wanted to give an opportunity to a local artist from Toronto to open for him.

"You'll see Wayne in a little bit, but you gotta show this local artist some love. Let's show this kid from Toronto some Toronto love," the announcer told the crowd. "And when you are done, please check out his music out, go check his music out on all platforms."

The audience seemed uninterested at first until Drake casually walked onstage. When the spotlight hit him that's when the crowd erupted in pure pandemonium.

During his opening set, Drizzy performed renditions of "Marvins Room," "Jungle," "Know Yourself," "Rich Flex," his verse on "Sicko Mode" and more.

Afterward, he gave his Wayne his flowers before he graced the stage. During his introduction, Drake called Tunechi "the greatest rapper ever."

"I'm not gonna be too long-winded," he told the crowd about his former Young Money boss. "I know I like to go into these emotional speeches, and I'm sure this man has heard it all."

"But I just wanna say, you are in the presence, literally — and I'm not talking about myself, by the way — you are in the building, in the presence of the greatest rapper to ever do this s**t. I promise you," he continued.

Drake would later join Lil Wayne during his set to perform "HYFR (Hell Ya F*cking Right)" and "The Motto."

Watch Drake Open Up for Lil Wayne at His Toronto Tour StopWatch Lil Wayne's Concert Performance in Toronto, Canada BelowSee Rappers’ Confusing LyricsFiled Under: Drake, Lil WayneCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/robbyseabrookiii/” rel=”author”>Robby Seabrook IIIPublished: April 13, 2023young84/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Scott Dudelson/Getty Images/SoundFieldPBS/YouTube/Amanda Belowski/McVertt/YouTube

Jersey club is the latest sound connecting established artists like Lil Uzi Vert and rising newcomers such as BandmanRill. The infectious, high-pitched, vocal sample-laden party music that's taken TikTok by storm over the last year has gone from the Tri-state area's pride and joy to etching its place within hip-hop's scene across the world. While the style of dance music has always contained elements of hip-hop, its prevalence within modern hip-hop itself finds commonalities in a not-so-distant cousin. Jersey club has a long, storied history that existed way before its music took over every social media platform in 2022 and beyond.

A product of Newark, N.J., Jersey club began in 1999, due to local DJ-turned-pioneer DJ Tameil, who played Baltimore club music in Newark. Both genres were born from house music, a dance genre created by Black DJs in the 1980s. DJ Tameil pioneering Jersey club was him carrying the torch for Black dance music into a new era. Another key part of Jersey club is the dances, which feels like a fusion of popping, moves popularized within dancehall and the more frenetic moves of the vogue and ballroom scene. What set Jersey club apart from its predecessors early on is that it’s more bass-heavy, with the samples being sliced and rearranged into whatever the moment calls for. DJ Tameil is seen as the pioneer of that style, releasing his own EP, Dat Butt, in 2001. Tameil’s spin on the high BPMs (as high as 140) of Baltimore club, the lifeblood of house and unique vocal samples and sounds led to the very sound of New Jersey, a specific musical export that they could call their own.

The sound of Jersey club spread across the nation in the mid-2000s, first through Jersey’s neighbors over in Pennsylvania like Philadelphia (which also has its own club music) and New York City. College campuses up and down the Eastern Seaboard, a general love of dance and, most clearly, the internet also gave the music legs. Outside the scene, it wasn’t hard to find Jersey club songs or mixes on MySpace, the now defunct Imeem or on genre-specific message boards. Couple that with various key figures within the scene becoming sought after DJs and producers, like Uniiqu3 and DJ Sliink and it becomes obvious that all Jersey club needed was time to flourish.

Up until that point, Jersey club was a known commodity, especially in the northern U.S., but there was no national hit song to attach the sound to. Cookiee Kawaii came along and changed all that with "Vibe (If I Back It Up)" in 2020. The upbeat song contained all the Jersey club mainstays, from the "Some Cut" bed squeak, pulsing drums and chopped vocal samples.

Club music fits perfectly into the modern music experience, where social media can send it into the stratosphere, especially TikTok videos utilizing clips from a song. Cookiee Kawaii’s "Vibe (If I Back It Up)" is utilized in over 2 million TikTok videos, in addition to over 106 million Spotify streams. Her success is key to Jersey club’s national relevance now, being used by artists from outside of the genre’s home city.

Throughout his career, Drake has consistently used sounds outside of his own in his music, a type of versatility that’s been a key part of his already legendary run. When he dove into the world of house music on his 2022 album, Honestly, Nevermind, early album favorite "Currents" features the drum patterns and bed squeak that have become Jersey clubs' calling card. Even with its slower pace, the Jersey club influence is clear. The same was true for is track "Sticky," which has a video featuring an appearance from Philly’s 2Rare, a rapper who rose to prominence by rapping over Philly club music, similar in sound and energy to Jersey and B-More’s version. “Sticky” and Currents” are the most recent nods to Jersey club from a big-time rap star, until Lil Uzi Vert came along months later.

Dabbling in a sound that permeated Philly for decades, Lil Uzi Vert dropped his song "Just Wanna Rock" last October, which changed the perception of Jersey club in the process. Already viral before it came out in full thanks to snippets of the song circulating on social media, the frenetic "Just Wanna Rock" is a departure for Uzi. Long known for his dancing skills, now he had a short, fully dance leaning hit song that was all over TikTok. At just barely over two minutes, it’s primed for repeat listens. The song launched Uzi back into public consciousness and gave him a huge hit, which now sits at over 327 million Spotify streams. On top of that, the song is genuinely a win for Jersey club, as Mcvertt, the song's producer and a Jersey native whose artist name was inspired by Uzi.

An active producer and rapper himself, Mcvertt is a close friend and constant collaborator with Newark native BandmanRill, a rapper who has dubbed himself the Club Godfather. His most recent EP carries the same title because of his approach to rapping over Jersey club beats, a style he’s been committed to since 2020. Clearly, he's a street rapper who likes to have fun, expressing both sides of himself through the production he chooses. Rapping on Jersey club beats is his way of paying homage to the music of his youth while also standing out from the other artists in hip-hop right now. While he's not the first rapper to come from the Jersey club scene, he is the one who’s taking it the furthest right now. His songs “Close Friends” and "Bullet" have more than 11 million Spotify streams, and the "Jiggy in Jersey" series with Bronx drill rapper Sha EK has culminated in successful collabs.

Behind some of the growth of modern Jersey club is Steve Carless, President of A&R and Associated Labels for Warner Records. The Union County, N.J. native grew up in Jersey club culture and was a mainstay at local teen parties in his youth. His own background and connection to the music means he takes promoting and nurturing Jersey club seriously. "I almost feel a sense of responsibility," he tells XXL. "To ensure that this gets seen at the highest altitude and heard in the most vast places, because it's connected to my culture."

He practices what he preaches. Carless signed BandmanRill, Sha EK and Mcvertt to his Warner imprint, Defiant Records. The music executive also speaks to the similarities between drill (Sha EK), Jersey club (BandmanRill and Mcvertt) and electronic dance music. "The tempos are the same, pockets are the same, so doing remixes or collaborations or match-ups really go well," he explains.  "For me, that was like a new way of innovating how to take local music and take it worldwide."

The prevalence Jersey club's sound, both in the northeastern U.S. and across the world, has led some fans and critics to believe that it's taking over the drill scene, specifically in the Tri-state area. In reality, drill is still alive and well. Jersey club's expansion doesn't have to be at odds with the sounds of drill, as Steve Carless said. The use of drums, cadences and more exist in both styles. A good example of such is the Bronx's Sha EK, a drill artist who is more than comfortable in the world of Jersey club.

As Jersey club continues to live on, it has gained a foothold within rap. Sha EK has multiple songs that mix drill and Jersey club like “Who You Touch.” Manhattan’s rap crew The Sweepers are rhyming over beats that use Jersey club drum patterns over their dark drill rap, most prevalently on “WNA.” Then far outside the city, Houston’s Don Toliver released “Bus Stop,” a club-influenced song with Baltimore’s own Brent Faiyaz. Jersey club is simply evolving in new and unexpected ways, from New Jersey to the world.

See the Best-Selling Hip-Hop Songs Since 1991 RankedFiled Under: 2Rare, Bandmanrill, Drake, Feature, Lil Uzi Vert, Sha EKCategories: News


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A.I.-generated voice-overs are all the rave online these days and now Juice Wrld and Pop Smoke are the latest artists to get robotic raps.

On Wednesday (April 12), a new song surfaced that utilizes hauntingly real-sounding Juice Wrld vocals composed with a computer. "I don't even know what I'm on these days/I been feeling so many types of ways," A.I. Juice Wrld croons over the track, a typical Juice Wrld-type beat. "Touring back and forth, been through 40 states/And you can't even see what we got at stake."

"This is probably the best A.I. songs I’ve heard. It really sound like him," one person commented on the video.

"It just sounds good because it’s his voice other wise it’s not juice wrld level," another person opined.

Pop Smoke's vocals have also been resurrected via A.I., in a seemingly more comical fashion. On Wednesday (April 12), TikTok user jess.akinson released a version of Ice Spice's "Munch (Feelin U)" complete with computer-produced vocals from the late Brooklyn, N.Y. drill rapper.

Recently, a number of songs have been produced with the use of A.I. to mixed reviews. Hit-Boy was recently wowed by a version of his song "2 Certified" that featured A.I. raps from Ye. Earlier this year, David Guetta debuted a song using deep fake lyrics of Eminem. Earlier this month, Jay-Z's personal engineer Young Guru voiced concern after hearing A.I.-generated Jay-Z vocals.

Listen to Juice Wrld and Pop Smoke A.I.-Generated Songs BelowSee Rappers’ Real NamesFiled Under: Juice Wrld, Pop SmokeCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 13, 2023Prince Williams/Paras Griffin/Getty Images (2)

Bow Wow says he handled his issues with Diddy after the music mogul allegedly dated Bow's child's mother, Joie Chavis.

Last week, Bow Wow appeared on The Baller Alert Show where he talked about his beef with Jermaine Dupri, fatherhood, music and more. During the sit-down, Shad also touched on squashing things with Diddy after taking issue with the Bad Boy founder allegedly wooing the mother of Bow's daughter a few years back.

"She knew better," Bow Wow said. "For me, it’s more of a man thing. Me and her, we had our discussion about it, trust me…We had our little rap. Me and dude, we definitely had our rap, but I’ll keep that between us. We had our pow wow. We handled it how we was supposed to handle it. And that was just that."

"But all men know, it’s a conduct and code you go by. It's certain things are off limits," Bow Wow continued. "Everybody knows wives and baby mamas is just some sh*t that you stay clear from. I'ma savage. But I do savage f*ckery sh*t to n*ggas I don't really give a f*ck about or if I don't know you."

Bow and Joie Chavis have a daughter together who was born in 2011. Chavis also has a child with Future, who was born in 2018. Back in 2021, photos leaked of Diddy and Chavis showing PDA on a boat in Italy. However, Chavis claimed the international outing was a business trip and nothing more than the kiss that was captured on camera occurred between them.

See Bow Wow Addressing Diddy Allegedly Dating His Child's Mother BelowSee Rappers’ BirthdaysFiled Under: Bow Wow, DiddyCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 13, 2023Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images

Rick Ross recently purchased the Atlanta mansion Meek Mill was selling on Instagram.

On Wednesday (April 12), TMZ reported the mansion Meek Mill was selling had been purchased by none other than the Philadelphia rapper's former label boss, Rick Ross. According to the celebrity news site, Rozay paid $4.2 million cash for the eight-bedroom abode.

Two days prior to TMZ's revelation, Meek Mill announced he sold the home.

"I sold that house that quick," he tweeted. "It was forsale for like 2 years… i knew it would soon as I posted too!"

Yesterday, Meek Mill confirmed Rozay bought the swank pad, admitting even he didn't know the Maybach Music Group head honcho was the buyer.

"Sold Rozay the big fish estate," Meek posted on Instagram along with a screenshot of the TMZ report. "I ain't even know he bought this lol."

Meek Mill sells Rick Ross house.meek mill/Instagramloading…

Last month, Meek Mill put the crib up on sale on Instagram after apparently having some issues with his real estate agent.

"MANSION FORSALE IN ATL," Meek Mill captioned a drone video of the home. "My realtor not getting this off fast enough & I think I can lol I never moved in it had for a few years. sandy springs/buckhead area! When somebody get traded to the hawks or falcons come grab this Jawn! I’m not even gone tag who shot this shitty video lol."

The home, located in Sandy Springs, Ga., is about an hour away from Ross' mega mansion known as The Promise Land in Fayetteville, Ga. Rozay has been dealing in real estate for yeas. In 2021, he revealed he bought a $1 million home just to drive by it.

See 10 Rappers’ Purchases That Broke the BankBig spendin’.Filed Under: Meek Mill, Rick RossCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 13, 2023liluzivert/Instagram

Lil Uzi Vert recently shared video of themself chowing down on a cockroach.

Uzi is currently in Thailand to perform at 2023 Rolling Loud Thailand in Pattaya, City on Thursday (April 13). While in the city, Uzi is apparently trying out some local fare, which includes eating a fried cockroach. Last night (April 12), the Eternal Atake rapper shared video of their attempt at ingesting the insect. In the clip (below), Uzi shows off the skewered bug to the camera. They then go all in by putting the entire bug in their mouth.

Lil Uzi Vert then begins to chew on the bug. They tried to power through breaking the cockroach down with their teeth while trying to keep a straight face. Eventually, Uzi appears to gag. And does not look like they were able to swallow the bug before the video cuts out. It is unclear if Uzi was able eat the entire insect.

2023 Rolling Loud Thailand is set to feature headlining performances from Cardi B, Chris Brown and Travis Scott, as well as sets from Uzi, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, DaBaby, Soulja Boy, Offset, Lil Pump and more.

Lil Uzi Vert has been in the hip-hop headlines frequently recently, with both of their recent tattoo additions going viral. Over the weekend, the rapper revealed they'd gotten an upside-down cross tattooed on their tongue, just weeks after having to respond to backlash for satanic lyrics. Most recently, Uzi got their entire forehead covered with a new tattoo.

See Video of Lil Uzi Vert Chowing Down on a Cockroach in Thailand BelowSee the Definitive List of Bizarre Tweets From RappersFiled Under: Lil Uzi VertCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 12, 2023wizkhalifa/TikTok

It looks like Wiz Khalifa got feet-shamed so much he decided to get his toenails painted.

On Monday (April 10), Wiz Khalifa debuted his rehabilitated hooves on TikTok after getting dragged for photos of his flagrant phalanges last month. In the clip (below), Wiz is taking a selfie video in a mirror while wearing only boxers with a sly grin on his face. He pans the camera over his feet to reveal baby blue toenail polish on his toenails. Wiz scored the video with his track "Peace and Love" and captioned the video with peace sign and mushroom emojis.

The saga of Wiz Khalifa's previously offensive appendages came in March when he shared a series of photos that showed his feet. Many people on social media were repulsed and the rapper became a trending topic after comments on the Pittsburgh rapper's terrible toenails flooded Twitter.

Wiz took the jokes in stride and even released a poem about the uproar made over his hurl-inducing hooves.

"Stop making jokes about my feet, because that s**t ain’t funny," he began. "Y'all keep making jokes about my feet, but b***h I got money."

"You ain't gonna say it to my face, but you'll talk about me when I'm gone. Your toes probably look like that, too, but you got nail polish on," he continued. "When I seen all those tweets, you can't imagine how I felt. I get pedicures but my feet still dry. So don't laugh, send help. Stop talking about my feet, 'cause that s**t ain't funny. Y'all keep making jokes about my feet, but b***h I got money."

"When I log online I seen all types of disrespect, bunch of n***as talking s**t. Not one nail tech," he added. "Talking crazy about Wiz Khalifa, like your s**t so neat. "Look down past your phone and take a picture of your own damn feet. Stop making jokes about my feet, because that s**t ain't funny. Y'all keep making jokes about my feet, but b***h I got money."

Wiz made the headlines earlier today after announcing a collab with former adult film star Mia Khalifa.

See Video of Wiz Khalifa Showing Off His Freshly Painted Toenails BelowSee the Definitive List of Bizarre Tweets From RappersFiled Under: Wiz KhalifaCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 12, 2023John Lamparski/Arturo Holmes/Getty Images (2)

Woah Vicky is convinced Lil Nas X is only pretending to be gay after selling his soul. And the Georgia rap-crooner has a pointed response for the social media personality.

On Wednesday (April 12), the We in Miami Podcast shared a snippet of their new interview with former Bhad Bhabie antagonist Woah Vicky in which she gives a conspiracy theory about Lil Nas X's sexuality.

"I think he need Jesus," Vicky said when asked to opine on the "Old Town Road" rapper, also adding Lil Uzi Vert to her short list of rappers who she believes need healing hands. "I wanted to say this about Lil Nas X. I got a few friends that went to school with him and they said he was never gay. So, I know for a fact what he doing is ’cause they told him you gotta do this."

"I feel like ain't nobody really gay, in Jesus name, Amen," she continued. "It's getting popularity. It's getting you money. Getting you views. So, it's like selling your soul…The industry is demonic. You have to do certain things to get that. So, I believe he had to do certain things to get where he's going."

Shortly after the snippet dropped, Lil Nas X quickly responded to news of his sexuality being question. Replying to a blog post on the topic, the "Industry Baby" rhymer tweeted, "Who gives af what ja rule thinks at a time like this."

Lil Nas X has been very candid about his sexual preference. Back in 2019, he opened up about coming out, saying he knew he was gay when he was a teenager but hoped it was a phase at the time.

See Video of Woah Vicky Explaining Her Lil Nas X Conspiracy Theory and His Response BelowSee Hip-Hop Artists Who Embrace Being Gay, Lesbian or BisexualFiled Under: Lil Nas X, Woah VickyCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/joeyech/” rel=”author”>Joey EchPublished: April 12, 2023Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

A new photo of Gunna is leaving fans surprised over his apparent weight loss.

On Tuesday (April 12), a newly surfaced photo of Gunna began to make its rounds across the internet that sees a much more slim, trim and physically fit version of the Atlanta rapper compared to what he looked like prior to himself, Young Thug and 26 other members of YSL being indicted on RICO charges in May of 2022.

As the photo below, in which Gunna can be seen posing alongside three other men, circulated on social media, many fans couldn't help but notice immediately that it seems the "Pushin P" spitter has been pushin' away the sweets as well pushin' weights in the gym.

"Wait that's Gunna?" one shocked Twitter user wrote. "Did he lose weight!?"

gunna weight loss say cheese twitterSaycheeseDGTL/Twitterloading…

"He lost weight!!" exclaimed another person. "Proud of him. Health is wealth."

gunna weight loss say cheese twitterSaycheeseDGTL/Twitterloading…

Meanwhile, over on Instagram, even more fans expressed their surprise, delight and words of encouragement for Gunna in the comments section of the same photo posted by DJ Akademiks.

While one IG user made the astute observation that "Wunna lost hella weight," another immediately followed up in complete amazement with, "Didn't even notice that was Gunna."

akademiks/Instagramakademiks/Instagramloading…

Another IG commenter added: "Gunna the skinniest one in this pic good for him fr."

gunna weight loss say akademiks instagramakademiks/Instagramloading…

The new photo showing Gunna's body transformation comes four months after the platinum-selling rhymer took an Alford plea deal in the YSL RICO case. But even before he was released from jail this past December, Gunna's weight loss was a topic of conversation as evidenced by a chat between him and Young Thug that was actually never supposed to happen.

"You done lost a little bit, ain't em?" Young Thug asked Gunna at a court hearing in August of 2022 shortly before being admonished by the judge for talking to his then-co-defendant.

Weight loss and fitness journeys in the rap game have become quite a trend recently. Within the past two months, both Mustard and Lil Pump have shown off the before and after results of their hard work in the gym. Rick Ross is also in training mode despite his jokes on the subject as he shared a hilarious video of himself late last month demonstrating his kickboxing skills.

See Gunna's Surprising Weight Loss and More Reactions From Fans Below See the Most Recognizable Looks in Your Favorite Rappers’ CareersNicki Minaj, Future, Lil Uzi Vert and more.Filed Under: GunnaCategories: News


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Rick Ross is currently living it up on vacay in Jamaica. He recently shared video of himself hanging on for dear life while being towed on a water tube in the ocean.

Rozay has been documenting his trip to the Caribbean for the Sandz Caribbean Music Festival at Plantation Cove in Ocho Rios. On Tuesday (April 11), he shared video of himself indulging in some water sports. Except Rick Ross looks more frightened than fired up to be cruising on an inflatable craft at high speeds out in the open water. In the clip (below), Ross is with two other men on the craft, which is speeding through the water and bouncing dangerously on top of the waves. The Richer Than I Ever Been rapper is hanging on for dear life, and he refuses to relinquish his death grip on the handles of the float. The Miami rhymer doesn't even lift his head up as the bumpy ride clearly has him a little rattled.

On Sunday (April 9), Rick Ross shared a video from the Jamaica trip where he interacted with two fans who hilariously mistook him for Drake. Even Champagne Papi got a kick out of the video on social media.

Rick Ross has a penchant for sharing candid moments on social media that end up going viral. Last month, a video of Ross practicing his kickboxing skills with his trainer had the internet in stitches.

See Rick Ross Hanging on for Dear Life While Being Towed on a Water Tube BelowSee Rappers Named After Notorious Crime FiguresFiled Under: Rick RossCategories: News


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Wiz Khalifa has a new collab coming with former adult film star Mia Khalifa.

Early Wednesday morning (April 12), Wiz announced on Twitter he will be joining forces with one of the adult film game's most popular names for a collab with his brand of marijuana, Khalifa Kush. The Pittsburgh puffer shared a photo of himself posing with the ex triple-X starlet. He captioned the image, "Y’all are gonna LOVE this Khalifa Kush colab i got comin wit @miakhalifa."

Hundreds of fans reacted to the announced partnership.

"Finally, the Khalifa link up we needed," one Twitter user replied to the news.

"I waited so long for this," another person wrote.

"The Smoke [goat] and the Throat [goat]," someone else replied.

"All i saw was collab, i was bout to be worried. lmfao," another post reads.

Wiz Khalifa's Khalifa Kush strain was developed in the 2010s, first going on the market in 2016. Wiz often raps about the strain, nicknamed "KK," in his songs.

Mia Khalifa had a meteoric rise to fame in the adult film industry in the mid-2010s. The latter half of her stage name is actually an homage to Wiz, who she was a big fan of when she got into the industry. The Lebanese-American performer was at one time the most searched person on multiple adult websites. She has since retired from the adult film game and is now more of a social media personality and show host.

See Wiz Khalifa Announcing His Collab With Former Adult Film Star Mia Khalifa and Reactions BelowSee Rappers With an OnlyFans AccountAre you subscribed?Filed Under: Mia Khalifa, Wiz KhalifaCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/joeyech/” rel=”author”>Joey EchPublished: April 12, 2023Arnold Turner/Getty Images

Blueface has some very strong opinions on what it means to have an active OnlyFans account and in expressing his sentiments, the Los Angeles rapper-reality TV star says "The truth hurts."

On Wednesday (April 12), Blueface hit up Twitter to let his 770,000-plus followers know exactly how he feels about content creators on one of the internet's most popular subscription-based services, OnlyFans. The "Thotiana" spitter is of the opinion that those who make money by showing their bodies and sexual activity to OnlyFans subscribers are one thing and one thing only—prostitutes.

In a series of tweets posted below, Blueface thoroughly explained his thoughts in a way that many social media users may find controversial.

"Idk who needs to hear this but p***y is free 😂," Blueface began his Twitter tirade. "An If it ain’t free that’s called prostitution. If your having sex on onlyfans you are a prostitute. If you just playing with yourself your doing p*rn any money for sex transaction is prostitution."

As the future father of Chrisean Rock's child wrapped up his OnlyFans rant, he added: "The truth could never be a diss. The truth hurts. Half y’all is prostitutes an ain’t even know it 😂. Only women can be prostitutes that’s a hell of a double standard right there ain’t it 😂."

While it's unclear as to exactly what prompted the Blueface & Chrisean: Crazy in Love reality TV star to take such a strong stance on OnlyFans content creators and prostitution, some may be surprised to find that Blueface likely isn't intentionally talking down on the profession. In fact, Blueface has an active OnlyFans account of his own to which users can subscribe for $25 per month.

See Blueface Explain His Opinion on What It Means to Have an OnlyFans BelowSee Rappers With an OnlyFans AccountAre you subscribed?Filed Under: BluefaceCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/trentfitzgerald/” rel=”author”>Trent FitzgeraldPublished: April 12, 2023Leonid Studio/iStock/Getty Images Plus/Christopher Polk/Harry How/Vivien Killilea/Ronald Martinez/Presley Ann/Joe Scarnici/Getty Images (6)

The best-selling hip-hop songs over the last three decades come from some of the most popular rappers in the game like Jay-Z, Eminem, Nicki Minaj and Drake.

With that in mind, XXL highlights the best-selling hip-hop songs since 1991 in a ranking based on research from Luminate, an entertainment data and insights company. Luminate began tracking sales data in 1991. The calculations come from the data service's R&B/Hip-Hop Songs' Top Digital Song Sales (excluding streams) as of March 23, 2023. R&B songs are removed since XXL focuses mainly on hip-hop.

Not surprisingly, Eminem appears on the list several times. The Detroit rapper is, arguably, one of the greatest rappers of all time with estimated sales of over 220 million records worldwide. Em has a plethora of hits and some of them, including his Oscar Award-winning song "Lose Yourself," are featured here.

Fellow rhymer Kanye West is another major artist who notched several chart-topping hits during his career heyday in the mid-2000s. Ye's lauded tracks "Gold Digger" and "Stronger" are among his best-selling songs as well.

Meanwhile, Wiz Khalifa managed to have two of the biggest-selling songs in a five-year span. In 2010, the Pittsburgh, Pa. rhymer's hometown anthem "Black and Yellow" became a worldwide sports anthem. Then in 2015, Wiz's elegiac song "See You Again" featuring Charlie Puth became a global hit and the fastest-selling song worldwide.

Other hip-hop heavyweights like Hov are among the rap's best-sellers.

It could be a surprise to find out which artists have the best-selling hip-hop song since 1991—purely based on digital sales—but you have to check out the list below to find out.

See the Best-Selling Hip-Hop Songs Since 1991 RankedFiled Under: B.o.B, Cardi B, Chris Brown, Drake, Eminem, Flo-Rida, Iggy Azalea, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, List, Lists, Macklemore, Nelly, Nicki Minaj, Pharrell Williams, Post Malone, Ryan Lewis, Soulja Boy, T.I., Wiz KhalifaCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 12, 2023Johnny Nunez/Getty Images

Ice Spice has had a meteoric rise to fame and she thinks it's partially due to her occupying her own lane in the rap game.

On Wednesday (April 12), Paper magazine debuted their latest cover, which features Ice Spice in a bathtub of diamonds. In the interview, the buzzing Bronx, N.Y. rapper talked about her rise in the rap game, sparked by the 2022 viral single "Munch (Feelin U)." Ice believes she has separated herself from other women in the rap game with her style.

"I don't know if I fit in. I think that's what makes me so different," Ice Spice told the publication. "I feel like it's a new lane that I've started, and I'm starting to hear a lot of other artists sound like they belong in my lane now."

The Bronx drill rapper's sound has garnered a quickly spreading fanbase off the strength of singles like the aforementioned "Munch (Feelin U)," "In Ha Mood" and "Gangsta Boo."  In January, she released her debut EP Like..? Last month, Ice Spice was featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s April 2023 Music Director story where she talked about her future.

"I’m open to working with writers at some point when the time is right, but right now, I’m sticking to what got me here in the first place," Ice Spice told HB. "That’s me being creative in the studio with Riot. We just cook up bops, we make vibes; I try not to think too hard and just really have fun."

"I feel like I’m bringing a new sound to people that they haven’t really heard before, being one of the few girls to bring drill to a mainstream level," Ice added. "It’s refreshing and fun—I’m really enjoying it."

Ice Spice is currently prepping her debut LP.

See Rappers’ Real NamesFiled Under: Ice SpiceCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/kemethigh/” rel=”author”>Kemet HighPublished: April 12, 2023TK

The last year has presented its fair share of challenges for Quando Rondo, but in defiance of it all, the Savannah, Ga.-bred rapper is focused on keeping his head above water. “I just stand on praying and keeping faith," he says speaking with XXL in an exclusive Instagram Live interview in late March. "That keeps me pushing through the day."

Violence has attempted to put a cloud over Quando's life. Over the last few years, it's also affected members of his entourage in a series of news stories that have followed the loss of Lul Pab to a shooting and Lul Tim dealing with the judicial system as a result of King Von's death. However, the 24-year-old rapper has been dodging bullets literally and figuratively with the bigger picture in mind. "I also sit back and try my best to know that it's people out here that really ain't got nothing, who really living in poverty and going through things," he shares. "But at the same time, I know I'm blessed with the position I'm in, and I try to take that very seriously."

As an artist, Quando's hardships have been public-facing, but these days, he’s in a much better place mentally and physically, hence the title of his latest album, Recovery. This is the first solo project Quando has released since 2021, when he dropped Still Taking Risks. In 2022, he and YoungBoy Never Broke Again put out the joint project 3860. Quando chose the title Recovery because "that's something that everybody in this universe on planet Earth are going to have to face, a recovery from something. It don't matter what it is, how big or small. And I know that's something a lot of people can adapt to."

His 20-song, sophomore album includes street gospel like "Speeding," "Where Would I Be” and "Tear It Down," among others. All those tracks display his navel-gazing lyrics about staying prayed up, ducking the grave, flagging with his set and elevating his craft. "My main thing for this album was for when I put it out, people listen to it and sit back and notice that I moved on from a lot of things," he says. "I'm so ready for everybody else to move on."

From a technical standpoint, Rondo’s modulations are error-free throughout the listen, something that he’s been working at since he first came into the rap game in 2017. "I done been through so many things with music, so many thoughts, so many ups and downs and stressed out days about music," he reflects. "Man, I done shook all that." Most fans would agree, he's getting better by the year. "I feel like I'ma vet," Quando adds. "I'ma OG to music. You can't put me on no charger, plug me into a wall and gas me up. I'ma do this all the way myself."

Later on in the interview, Quando speaks on his loyalty to the Never Broke Again Collective. NBA YoungBoy is the sole feature on Recovery. The two collaborated for "Give Me A Sign," which also appears on last year’s joint effort 3860. On the record, Rondo pleads with higher powers that be, crooning, "I say, 'Lord, give me a sign'/Show mercy when it's time/Between the feds and the bitch niggas want me dead/I don't know if I should quit or kill ’em all instead." Though his bars present an on-edge type of energy, Quando notes that YB is one of the people who encourage him to keep it pushing and remain at peace in light of it all: "He’s hella motivational. That brother is just a real one in my eyes. I always think bro, he could’ve changed on me and he didn't."

Recovery is currently marinating well among the people, getting its due respect in a musical climate where music is more likely to fade than stick. But Quando plans on continuing to apply pressure with new releases. Teasing the remainder of 2023, he announces, "I'm coming hard this year. I’m trying to come back in the next 50-60 [days] if I could, with some pressure." Building on that, he voices, "I'ma keep dropping tapes back to back and show these folks that a nigga is really spitting."

So people can be on the lookout for that. In the meantime, check out Quando Rondo’s candid conversion with XXL about new mindsets, moves, music and much more. Watch the full interview below.

See 20 of the Best-Selling Hip-Hop Albums of All TimeFiled Under: Feature, Quando RondoCategories: News, Videos


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 12, 2023iamcardib/tiktok

Cardi B is opening up to fans by giving them a glimpse into what it's like to be the Invasion of Privacy rapper for a day.

On Tuesday (April 11), Cardi B shared a video on TikTok where cameras follow her throughout her day from the moment she wakes up. The video starts with Cardi getting out of bed in the morning. She then takes a shower and brushes her teeth before preparing breakfast for her and Offset's kids Kulture and Wave, and having some mommy time with the children.

From there, she goes to the gym to work out, which she says she does for two hours a day.

"A lot of people are so ignorant like, 'Why are you working out? You have a lipo,'" Cardi B narrates. "There is this thing called the visceral fat and visceral fat is the fat that surrounds your organs that you cannot lipo. That's why sometimes girls with lipo might have a snatched waist with a gut. That's because they not working out their visceral fat."

After working out, Cardi B and the kids go to Target to pick up some items. Afterward, they pick up pizza for dinner. Bardi ends her day in the studio with a glass of wine.

"Hey yall …..A glimse of a regular day as BELCALIS and not CARDI B!!" she captioned the post.

Cardi B made headlines a couple weeks ago after it was announced she will be starring in the upcoming film Baby Shark's Big Movie alongside Offset and their children.

See Video of Cardi B Sharing Her Daily Routine BelowSee Rappers’ Real NamesFiled Under: Cardi BCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 12, 2023Andrew Toth/Getty Images

Lil Uzi Vert continues to add to their collection of body ink. Mostly recently, the eccentric Philadelphia rapper got their forehead covered with a new tattoo.

Uzi shared their latest tatt with fans via Instagram on Tuesday (April 11). The "Just Wanna Rock" rapper posted a carousel of photos, which they plainly captioned, "new tattoo." The huge tattoo, which appears to be a custom design, spans the length of Uzi's hairline and goes from their hairline down to the bridge of their forehead. Uzi got the new tatt from Los Angeles-based celebrity tattoo artist Yatzil Elizalde.

"Most customizable human ever," one fan wrote in the comment section of the photo on IG.

Lil Uzi Vert has a penchant for getting the people talking with their customizations. Back in January, they went viral after debuting a new emo hairstyle. The same month, Uzi got six new face piercings. In 2021, they famously got a huge pink diamond implanted on their forehead. Uzi eventually removed the large piece of jewelry due to complications that caused their forehead to bleed and issues with insurance.

Uzi has been all about that ink life, recently. Last week, the rapper was videoed tattooing an anarchy symbol on a man. A day later, Uzi debuted a new tattoo of an upside-down cross on their tongue.

Uzi is currently prepping the new album The Pink Tape as well as a headlining tour slated for this spring.

See Lil Uzi Vert's Massive Forehead Tattoo BelowSee the Definitive List of Bizarre Tweets From RappersFiled Under: Lil Uzi VertCategories: News


href=”//www.xxlmag.com/author/cvernoncoleman/” rel=”author”>C. Vernon Coleman IIPublished: April 11, 2023Prince Williams/Getty Images

Chrisean Rock has typed out a heartfelt Twitter message to her and Blueface's unborn child.

On Monday (April 10), Chrisean Rock shared her latest pregnancy photos, which show her topless with necklaces laying over her pasty clad breasts and her baby bump exposed. In a follow-up tweet, she shared a precious message to her forthcoming child with Blueface.

"Hey sweet angel I can’t wait till u get here," Chrisean Rock typed. "You gon help me be the best me I’m looking forward to you bud [pregnant woman emoji]… the fact it’s precious to know you right here with me is beautiful."

Chrisean Rock first announced she was with child back in late January, amid news that her and Blueface were breaking up. Blueface first denied the child was him.

"Rock has had encounters with 10 different men in the last year until I see DNA test then it's not mine," he tweeted. "To answer y'all questions yes me an rock are officially done it's strictly business I tried it an clearly it wasn't giving before she announces…she's pregnant with somebody else's child not mine [hands prayer emoji]."

"I know I know y'all thought she was all about me…me too lol but the facts are facts being my BM would be a blessing," the "Thotiana" rapper added.

He has since questioned the paternity of the child on multiple occasions and even suggested Chrisean abort the baby. However, lately, he's been more receptive to the idea of the child being his. Last week, they revealed proposed baby names.

See Photos of Chrisean Rock's Pregnant Stomach and Her Message to Her Unborn Child BelowSee the Definitive List of Bizarre Tweets From RappersFiled Under: Blueface, chrisean rockCategories: News