Author: Antoinette Ford

A southern charmer from Georgia who loves hip hop culture and the change it brings to the world. I want to capture what lies beneath the surface of every action and lyric and express it through the eyes of the originator.

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Jay Z’s Team Roc Files Lawsuit Exposing Kansas City Police Department

Jay Z’s philanthropic group, Team Roc, is suing the Kansas City Police Department (KCKPD) in an alleged case of cop misconduct. Team Roc says they requested public information from KCKPD regarding a case, but only received partial documents. The withheld information could allude to an internal cover up from KCKPD. In pursuing the case, Team Roc is doing their due diligence to help expose a corrupt system. Kansas City activists have called for an investigation of KCKPD after multiple incidents of misconduct involving officers. In the past, KCKPD officers have been charged with committing sex crimes involving a minor and assaulting an inmate.

This is not the first time the KCKPD have seen misconduct and discrimination lawsuits. Previously, a black female officer sued the department in federal court over claims of racial and gender discrimination. In an interview with CBS News, Dania Diaz, Roc Nation’s managing director of philanthropy, said she hopes that lawsuit will expose misconduct within the KCKPD as well as in the community. 

Jay-Z Leading By Example

Hov formed Team Roc in 2018 with the mission of shedding light on social injustice and leaving an impact locally and globally. Since then, charitable giving and activism have been at the forefront of Team Roc’s efforts. Attempts to silence victims of police misconduct, especially minorities, are growing these days. Acting as a voice to the voiceless,  Team Roc and other groups like it have not ceased their efforts, rising to meet the current challenge.

Expanding The Brand

Alongside Team Roc, Jay Z has expanded the Roc Nation brand beyond music and entertainment. Roc Nation formed an alliance with the NFL in efforts to manage the league’s entertainment ventures, including the Super Bowl halftime show. Additionally, Team Roc furthers their community activism efforts through the NFL’s Inspire Change program. Diaz said:

“There is no strict science behind it- it’s what moves our hearts.”

Taking on lesser-known cases nationally is all part of Team Roc’s mission to support the entire black community. 

Previously, Team Roc’s efforts have included dismissing charges in the 2018 arrest of Montavious Smith for failing to remove his hoodie in a Memphis mall. And in June of 2018, 17-year-old Antwon Rose Jr., was riding in a car that was pulled over by East Pittsburgh police. Rose fled the scene, and police gunned him down. Afterwards, Team Roc worked with Antwon’s mother to develop a PSA raising awareness on his death and others like it. Clearly, our country needs changes, and Jay-Z and Team Roc are setting the example. Weigh in on this issue on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @FMHipHop.

 

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Late Rappers XXXTentacion and Lil Peep Sued For “Falling Down”

Late American rappers XXXTentacion and Lil Peep are being sued. A lawsuit has been filed by Richard Jaden Hoff (K.R.I.O.). Hoff claims rappers’ hit song “Falling Down” featured a guitar riff off his 2018 track “Under My Breath” and sampled it in the single without Hoff’s authorization.

Peep’s sophomore album Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 2., features the collaborative bonus track. The single has over 200 million views on YouTube and peaked No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Columbia Records, Sony Entertainment, and several renowned producers from the album are also listed on the lawsuit as defendants. Mike Will Made-It is amongst the producers too. 

The Background Story

Richard Hoff released his single “Under My Breath” on SoundCloud in June of 2018. Three months later, “Falling Down” was released on major streaming platforms. Remakes of the song have since been released, such as the version featuring Travis Barker adding drums to the music. Although iLoveMakonnen gave his blessing to release the track, neither artist is named in the lawsuit. These accusations are highly questionable since the rappers being sued are both deceased. Chillingly, Hoff refers to the rappers as if they are alive, claiming they are receiving royalties. The rappers’ estates are not included in the lawsuit.

Lil Peep died in 2017 of a drug overdose, and XXXTentacion was shot and killed just days after the release of Hoff’s song. Unfortunately, neither rapper would see success following the release of the song. Several lawsuits have risen since the rappers’ death, including wrongful death suits from Peep’s family and X’s family’s claims to his estate. Will the rappers rest in peace?

Around 2 months ago, X’s single “Changes” hit 1 billion streams on Spotify. His tracks “Sad!,” “Moonlight,” and “Jocelyn Flores” have also surpassed the billion-stream milestone on Spotify. Be sure to read more here.

Follow more on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @FMHipHop.

Written by Antoinette Ford.

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Jean-Michel Basquiat: OG of Graffiti’s $40 Million Painting

Jean-Michel Basquiat, proves his legendary stance, as his painting is brought to market. “Hardware Store,” painted in 1983, has been under wraps for over 30 years but has now made its way to Art Basel in Switzerland. Showcased for the first time, this is Art Basel’s most expensive piece to date; valued at $40 million   Measuring approximately 7 feet tall and 11 feet wide, this diptych piece is Basquiat’s largest of its style.

Who was Jean-Michel Basquiat?

From “Portraits of Radiant Child Jean-Michel Basquiat 1984” by Richard Corman/ Courtesy of Savage Thrills

Jean-Michel Basquiat, known as the “OG of graffiti,” was born in Brooklyn, New York on Dec., 22, 1960.  Critics began to take notice of his artwork and the messages that came with it. His controversial style of painting with graffiti-like images and screwed text embodied that of rebellion. Early childhood traumas led to Basquiat to dropping out of high school and leaving home at age 17.  Together with graffiti artists Al Diaz and Shannon Dawson, they formed SAMO. The trio began a graffiti campaign around New York City.  Emerging at the age of 20, Basquiat participated in his first formal public exhibition, “The Times Square Show” (1980).  The post-graffiti moment in 1980s New York City marked the transition of street art from city walls and subway trains to canvas and into the art world. Thus was the beginning of what would make him the face of Hip Hop culture.

Basquiat and His Mark on Hip Hop

Basquiat’s work has been mentioned in some of your favorite hip hop artists’ music and noticed in several artistic cultural endeavors. Jay-Z raps, “I got Basquiat’s in the lobby of my spot,” in his 2008 hit, “Ain’t I”.  Other hip hop artists, also mention the late street artists work. His importance to the culture stems from his collaborations with Andy Warhol and Francesco Clemente.  His work addressed his childhood with child-like drawings like “Pez Dispenser”, which shows his depiction of a tyrannosaurus rex and a crown hovering over it.  In translation, he illustrated the oppression of blacks but in turn shows power and dominance they possess. His problems with homelessness were relatable in the black community. This wave of hip hop artists showed the world that the black culture was something to be celebrated.

“Pez Dispenser” by Jean-Michel Basquiat, 1984/ Courtesy of Basquiat estate

Controversy After Death

Jean-Michel Basquiat died of a drug overdose on Aug., 12, 1988. In May 2017, a Japanese billionaire bought “Untitled,” a 1982 painting of a skull, for $110.5 million at a Sotheby’s auction. It was also the highest price for a painting by Basquiat and by a Black artist.

This year’s Tiffany ad campaign features Beyoncé and Jay-Z in front of a never before seen Basquiat painting. However, friends and family of the late artist were “horrified,” at the release of the campaign. The American luxury jewelry company purchased the artwork entitled Equals Pi. Alexis Adler who lived with Basquiat from 1979 to 1980, questioned the artworks use as a prop in an ad.  Stephen Torton, who worked for Basquiat for many years, stated through a post on Instagram, “…The idea that this blue background, which I mixed and applied was in any way related to Tiffany Blue is so absurd that at first I chose not to comment.” The release of the $40 million painting has fans raving, why so serious?  Weigh in on the topic on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @FMHipHop.

Written by Antoinette Ford.

 

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Lil Baby Caught Up In Latest Fake Jewelry Scam

Lil Baby has become the latest rapper to purchase fake jewelry from after-market jewelers.  Earlier this week, rapper Lil Durk took to Twitter to warn others of jewelers ripping off clients.  Just as Durk announced his run-in with jewelry scammers, Lil Baby was next on the list.  Lil Baby purchased what he was told was a Patek Phillippe 40th Anniversary Nautilus.  Valued at $625,000, the purchase price of $400,000 raised concerns of jewelry appraisers.

On its 40th anniversary, Patek made specific upgrades to commemorate the original piece by launching the 5711/1P in a 44.05 millimeter-wide, all-platinum case. The 1976 version featured a metal case.  In return, this advancement skyrocketed the value of the watch.  Can you blame Baby for his attraction to this limited edition timepiece?

Unfortunately, this is not the first time Lil Baby has been a catalyst for exposing the fakes.  After the release of his sophomore album “My Turn,” Lil Baby purchased chains for friends.  Following the reveal of the chain, Wal-Mart simultaneously released an identical chain that third-party market sellers had produced.  Lil Baby made comments directed at the wholesale chain.  In addition, Wal-Mart became a target for celebrities announcing their sale of knock-off items.  However, knock-off products still find their way onto the shelves.

Lil Baby took to Instagram saying, “…see this why I need to be on the list!! After-market jewelers going to me do some I shouldn’t be doing.” Let’s hope he can recuperate the money spent and gain traction on spotting fake jewelry. Let us know what you think on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @FMHipHop.

Written by Antoinette Ford

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Ashanti “Verzuz” Reconciliation Rumors With Nelly

The “Verzuz” community were on the edge of their seats as singer Ashanti stole the show at Fat Joe and Ja Rule’s battle on Tuesday. As the New York heavyweights went hit for hit in their long awaited music battle,  fans couldn’t help but notice rapper Nelly watching in awe of Ashanti.  A video surfaced that showed the two sharing a brief hug and speculation of a reconciliation began to swarm the internet.

“NAshanti’s” history

If you can remember, Ashanti and Nelly dated while at the height of their careers, becoming the couple to watch. The duo that would become “NAshanti”  first met at the 2003 Grammy Awards. That night, Ashanti took home the Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album, while Nelly raked in the award for Best Rap/Song Performance.  Smitten, Nelly sought out the singer immediately, but they didn’t publicly date until 2004.  The couple dated quietly for 10 years, although they attended many star-studded events side by side.  Surprisingly, they would announce a breakup in 2014. Following the unforeseen separation, Ashanti shed a beam of light on the occurrence by expressing she felt “betrayed.”

Back together?

Nelly has since dated Shantel Jackson, though the couple recently called it quits.  It’s clear why fans were quick to push the reconciliation talk. Nelly has since cleared up his “where-my-hug-at” vibe with Ashanti by clarifying that, “I didn’t want any uncomfortable energy.”

Ashanti has remained resilient despite the swarming rumors. She has eluded to the fact that she and Nelly have not seen each other since the break-up.  In April, Ashanti was rumored to be dating after she was spotted with a mystery man. But Ashanti cleared the air by letting everyone know he was her manager, nothing more.

So, who is Ashanti dating? Let us know what you think on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram @FMHipHop.

 

Written by Antoinette Ford

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BLXST Up Next: B.E.T’s Best New Hip Hop Artist for 2021?

Blxst has become the artist to watch as one of the biggest nights in hip hop culture is upon us. The BET Hip Hop Awards will air on October 5, 2021 and nominees have been announced. The “Best New Hip Hop Artist” award marks an establishing moment for any new artist and on Saturday, the L.A. newcomer received a nomination.  These days, The West Coast rap scene is raving about newcomer Blxst and the drive and focus the rapper personifies.

Matthew Burdette adopted the name Blxst (pronounced “blast”), ” just trying to be cool with my friends,” he said. After graduating high school, he began rapping and producing. He released his first single “Who Would’ve Thought” independently in 2016.  Blxst mixes melodies and harder bars, rounding out the harshness associated with rap and distinguishing his style from other artists.  In 2019, single “Hurt”, placed him on the charts. It also gained him interest from the industry, leading to a record deal with Red Bull Records in 2020.

Following the deal, the artist released his first solo EP, “No Love Lost”, where hits like “Wrong or Right” and “Overrated” prove the young rapper is definitely up next. Blxst has not taken his foot off the project pedal, released “Sixtape 2″ alongside Bino Rideaux this past July. Blxst, a skateboarder-turned-rapper, ignites passion in his fans and embodies the resilience that he sings and raps about. Forever humble is the motto he lives by.

Voting for the 2021 “BET HIP HOP AWARDS” DJ of the Year and Best Hip Hop Platform is now open:  https://www.votehiphopawards.com 

Who do you think should win the Best New Hip Hop Artist award? Sound off to us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook: @FMHipHop.

Written by Antoinette Ford