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FM Politics Trending

6ix9ine Visits Russia, Says “F*** Brittney Griner”

6ix9ine Visits Russia Speaks Against Brittney Griner
6ix9ine in Moscow. Image source: @6ix9ine, Instagram.

6ix9ine has added yet another person to his extremely long list of enemies, and this time the target isn’t even a rapper.

Brittney’s Plight

Brittney Griner’s dire legal situation in Russia has been highly publicized but not yet resolved. The WNBA star went under arrest in February after Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport officials found vape cartridges in her bag. Since then, it’s been a tug of war between American and Russian governmental bodies to get Griner back home to her family. Although Congress has continued to fight for her release, Russian police aren’t letting up either. Her detainment was extended in March and again in May, then a third time in June despite several offers of a prisoner trade. After subsequently pleading guilty to smuggling drugs during her trial, she was sentenced to nine years in prison.

Of course, this isn’t the end of Brittney’s story. President Joe Biden has gone on the record calling the verdict “unacceptable,” and her lawyer has confirmed plans to appeal. But for now, Griner remains in a Russian prison with no clear end in sight.

This ordeal garnered massive support for Griner from her teammates and Americans collectively. Many pointed out the timing of her arrest with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that put the large nation at odds with the U.S. The two events occurred only seven days apart after all.

6ix9ine Takes a Flight

One person who apparently isn’t offering any sympathy is the New York City scandalous rapper. 6ix9ine traveled to Russia this weekend despite warnings from government officials to steer clear. Since his debut in the public eye, trouble seems to follow 6ix9ine, and this was no exception. He posted a short video on Instagram that has people scratching their heads. 

“Yo yo, you know we out here….sh** is crazy,” the ‘GOOBA’ rapper said while standing in a town square. “F*** Brittney Griner,” 6ix9ine stated before the video suddenly cut off.

6ix9ine is notorious for his outspoken nature and tendency to attack others via social media. He recently mocked PnB Rock on his Instagram story following the artist’s tragic death at an LA restaurant. Before then, he went after King Von shortly after the Chicago artist lost his life in a violent shooting. 

Clearly, 6ix9ine has no interest in repairing his damaged reputation in the music industry. Already, celebs have condemned the “FEFE” artist for his words against Brittney Griner.

“We can trade him for Brittney, no prob,” the “Real Housewives of Potomac” star Candiace Dillard typed. 

“I hope they lock his ass up for LIFE Imao,” model Bria Myles added. 

It’s evident that 6ix9ine is leaning into a villain role, but how far is too far? And what happens if he finally crosses that line?

The Raging War

6ix9ine’s trip to Russia comes at a particularly strange time. President of Russia Vladimir Putin recently announced a draft for the ongoing war against Ukraine. Across the country, fathers, husbands, and sons have received a notice to pack their things and travel to the nearest draft center.

Previously, Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu stated only 300,000 men would go to the war. Now, citizens realize the government will push far more conscripts onto the battlefield. In just 24 hours, over 3,000 notices were handed out in the small republic of Buryatia alone.

For 6ix9ine, Russia is just a backdrop for a cruel joke. But for native men, young and old, it’s a place to escape from.

Written By Dreema Carrington

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FM News Trending

Lil Uzi Vert’s Artist Lotta Cash Desto Shot and Killed

Lotta Cash Desto Shot And Killed
Lotta Cash Desto. Image source: @Lottacashdesto, Twitter.

Upcoming rapper Lotta Cash Desto was tragically slain near 5500 Richmond Avenue late last night during a sudden shootout.

At around 2:30 AM Saturday night, a shootout occurred in west Houston involving a woman and two men. Unfortunately, The woman was struck and killed at the scene while in her SUV. That victim was later confirmed to be rising artist Lotta Cash Desto, rapper and associate of Lil Uzi Vert. The silver Porsche SUV also contained another unnamed woman, severely injured but expected to recover fully.

RIP Lotta Cash Desto

In addition, an unnamed man was found near the scene suffering from gunshot wounds and is currently receiving medical treatment. It’s unconfirmed if this man was involved in the shootout or just an unlucky bystander. However, the Houston Police Department has determined there was more than one gunman based on the position of bullet segments found in the SUV.

At this time, police are still investigating the crime, and more details are expected to roll in later. Fans and loved ones have taken to social media to express their condolences and grief following the senseless attack.

https://twitter.com/luvcarmensummer/status/1573753793203814400

Indeed, the rap community is experiencing a massive amount of recent violence. Many continue to note the awful trend, with yet another young artist falling victim to gun violence.

Lotta Cash Desto was known primarily for her music, which had just begun to gain some traction before her untimely passing. Her recent collaboration with Lil Uzi “Vegas” particularly attracted a new level of fame for the young MC. The comments under the Youtube video for the track reflect an audience who was excited to see Desto grow into a star. In addition to “Vegas,” her other collab with Uzi titled “Lunchroom” got an overwhelmingly positive reception.

Clearly, a rising talent was taken from the world far too quickly.

Written by Dreema Carrington

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FM Culture Trending

Bi+ Visibility Day: 8 Rappers Who Like Multiple Genders

Bi+ Visibility Day: 8 Rappers Who Like Multiple Genders

Since 1999, the Bi Day of Visibility has been celebrated annually on Sep 23. Though the hip-hop world may seem at odds with the LGBTQ community, more rappers than ever have been open about their sexuality. Recently, Megan Thee Stallion and Yung Miami discussed their love of women on the web show Caresha Please. The clip went viral, with some fans surprised, given Miami’s previous opinions on gay men.

However, these women weren’t the only rappers to come out in recent years.

Doja Cat

Though the video might just seem like a bad pun, she rested her sexuality in another Instagram live. Doja said, “I like d–ks, and I also like, um, I like people that I can have sex with. You can kind of have sex with anybody, right?”

Cardi B

Cardi clapped back at a Twitter troll attempting to invalidate her sexuality. However, the rapper first came out in 2018 after collaborating with singer Rita Ora and receiving backlash. At the time, she tweeted, “I personally myself had experiences with other woman, shiieeett with a lot of woman!” Rita Ora also explained that the song wasn’t meant to be offensive and that she also dated women.

Lil Wop

Lil Wop. Image source: SayCheese, Twitter.

Earlier this year, Lil Wop came out in a now unavailable Instagram post. For Valentine’s Day, the rapper posted a selfie with pigtails and a rolled-up t-shirt captioned “I’m Bisexual I Like Guys & Girls.” Some thought the rapper was hacked or dared to make the post, but in a follow-up comment, he said, “I’m gay idgaf what anybody think foreal.”

Azealia Banks

Azealia Banks. Image source: “Anna Wintour” music video, YouTube.

One of the most outspoken rappers on the scene, Azealia Banks, has always been open about her sexuality. She initially came out ten years ago in an interview with The New York Times. 

Unfortunately, another incident would force Azealia to again acknowledge that she’s her bi. In 2015, the rapper caught hell after using the f-slur against gay men. She defended herself, saying, “for f–k’s sake, just give the Azealia banks is a homophobe thing a rest because I’m not.” She continued, “I have a transgender sibling. My whole life is gay. All of my friends are gay, I am bisexual.” While people say this doesn’t absolve her, the rapper still has a strong cult following.

Yung Baby Tate

Yung Baby Tate has discussed her sexuality before. “I identify as a bisexual black woman,” she said in an interview with TheGumbo.net. “It’s important for me as a black girl to show young black girls they can be successful by just being themselves – every part of themselves.”

Lil Peep

The late rapper confirmed his sexuality via Twitter just a few months before his untimely death. The rapper overdosed on fentanyl in November 2017 at age 21 and is widely remembered as an emo rap icon.

BbyMutha

https://twitter.com/bbymutha/status/960600756960231425

In an interview with Metal Magazine, BbyMutha spoke on the difficulties of figuring out her identity and how it pertains to art. She said she called herself bi because that’s the label people put on you when you like men and women. But she clarified, saying, “I just stopped calling myself anything. I’m not a girl, I’m not a boy; I’m not gay, I’m not straight. I’m just a person.”

Taylor Bennett

His brother Chance, The Rapper, seemed supportive, wishing him a happy birthday the day after his announcement. These tweets came right before the rapper released his 2017 mixtape, Restoration Of An American Idol.

Bisexuality itself is a spectrum. Some people identify as queer, some as pansexual, and others don’t label themselves. However, bisexuality isn’t just about men and women; it includes transgender and non-binary people as well. These rappers are setting the pace for diversity and bi visibility in hip-hop and opening the doors for more artists to be out and proud.

Written by Kimberly Stelly | Instagram | Twitter

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FM Interviews Trending

Ari Lennox Trashes Abusive Relationships – Picks Up Self-Love And Family

Ari Lennox Goes Against Abusive Relationships
Ari Lennox. Image source: BBC Radio.

R&B singer Ari Lennox is now very clear about what she wants from a relationship.

Ari Lennox has no more to do with abusive relationships. Ari now wants a “nice” person, as she also talked about in an entertaining interview with the Breakfast Club Power 105.1FM.

Although it sounds all like a joke, Ari doesn’t seem happy with the experiences she had dating up-and-coming rappers “they just won’t say it ’til like, you like them. And it’s just like, ‘Well, I’m ’bout to go to the studio.’ What?! Why?! What studio?”

And it didn’t stop at that. Ari Lennox has learned a lesson from a relationship with someone who “pretended like the singing part didn’t even exist” and “always kinda diminished everything about me,” Lennox explained.

Ari is a 2022 nominee BET Award for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Nominee.

Meanwhile, the Breakfast Club interview isn’t the first time Ari Lennox has been talking about the matter recently.

“Age/Sex/Location”

Before the release of her album “Age/Sex/Location” on Sep 9, Ari took some time explaining to J.Cole what the new album meant to her. The “Queen Space” artist recalled the past. 

“I spent so much time seeing the god and good in some abusive people,” Ari Lennox’s message reads. “Neglecting my needs and self-worth. Romanticizing terrible people. Ignoring red flags… my opinions and those knots in my stomach when interacting with people I’m dating.”

And now, that’s in the past. “No more tiptoeing. No more docile. Providing grace and compassion to myself. Blocking those that no more serve me or just literally not responding… Allowing accountability and maturing…growth to happen…self-worth and self-love and inner work to happen,” Ari added.

What Next For Ari Lennox?

It is time to allow “desperation and neediness to fade…The end of searching for anything other than self-love and family. Pouring into me and giving the greatest love to me.”

The situation with her father, where they are not on talking terms now, “sucks.” It is one of the areas needing Lennox’s attention now. “I wanna continue my therapy alone, but I think that would probably be best because I know these are things that I’m even carrying into my dating life, you know what I’m saying…I do wanna be more compassionate because he went through a lot, you know, with foster care and abandonment issues and all kinds of like dark things, so I do recognize like why he is the way that he is,” Ari said.

Family Relationship Lessons for People

Several people identify with Ari’s father-daughter relationship issue.

Ama Deon feels so connected to the development. “I relate to her life and her music. Her disappointment came from dad, mine come from both, and it literally bled into my personal life. I’m forced to heal now, alone, so I get it ari,” he commented.

A father in a similar situation makes a case for such parents. “Man Im going thru it with my oldest daughters. Definitely made me choke up seeing Ari and thinking of my girls. But Envy is right. Parents need grace and forgiveness too. We arent perfect and most of us literally are doing the BEST WE CAN,” Damien Taylor said.

VonRay confessed that “as a father, it actually affected me seeing her get sad and choked up when she started talking about her issues with her dad. One thing is for sure, watching your daughter(s) cry will hit you hard every single time. No matter what the situation is, he needs to reach out and they need to heal together once and for all. Ari, y’all are in my Prayers….️”

And so many more prayers for her and different families going through stress and strain continue beyond the social media spaces.

Written by Nonye Aghaji

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FM Fashion Trending

Sprayground Release A New Collection In New York

Sprayground Release A New Collection In New York
Sprayground founder David Ben-David Theo. Image source: Wargo, Getty Images for Sprayground.

New York’s Fashion Week is constantly pushing the limits of the fashion world, and 2022 was no different. Premier designers like David Ben-David use this week to showcase their products. David Ben-David and Sprayground showcased new and upcoming collections during a runway show they hosted on Sep 08.

The Sprayground Showcase

The show was held on 42nd Street in Times Square, New York. The runway show celebrated the company’s 12th year of success. 

Sprayground also launched its “Time Travel Collection” during the show. The show aimed to take spectators through fashion’s past, present, and future.

Sprayground runway fashion show
Model walks the runway in Sprayground fashion show. Image source: Theo Wargo, Getty Images for Sprayground.

The “Time Travel Collection” By Sprayground

The collection presented 40 looks to the fashion world. The new collection aligns with the foundation of the company. Pushing self-expression and rebellion is vital to the company, and the new collection encompasses just that.

Sprayground runway show
Models walk the runway as Sprayground shows during New York Fashion Week. Image source: Theo Wargo, Getty Images for Sprayground.

Sprayground also gave the audience a preview of their upcoming new collections during the show. The company has plans to collaborate with loved blockbuster movies and television shows like Sailor Moon, The Godfather, Scarface, and Avatar.

A Collection of Stars

Celebrities not only showed up to be in the audience but also walked down the runway. Remy Ma, Antonio Brown, and Jon Z all rocked Sprayground pieces as they made their way down the runway.

runway fashion show
Models walks the runway during New York Fashion Week. Image source: Theo Wargo, Getty Images for Sprayground.

Stars Walked The Runway

Remy Ma hit the runway wearing a military-inspired outfit. Every inch of her fit showed off her curves. The all-green suit took something seen before and gave it a new twist. 

Remy also had thigh-high black boots to go with the outfit. Remy Ma’s ensemble came with an iconic teddy bear backpack to complete the look.

Antonio Brown walks the runway
Antonio Brown the runway in a Sprayground fashion show. Image source: Theo Wargo, Getty Images for Sprayground.

Antonio Brown walked the runway wearing a military-inspired outfit that complemented what Remy Ma wore. Brown sported a one-sleeved utility vest as a top.

For bottoms, he wore a kilt with a unique cut making the back longer than the front. Under that, Brown had on silver and baggy pants. He wore black boots that looked ready for whatever the rough outdoors could throw at him. His ensemble also came with a Sprayground bear backpack.

Antonio Brown walks the runway
Jon Z walks the runway in a Sprayground fashion show during New York Fashion Week. Image source: Theo Wargo, Getty Images for Sprayground.

Jon Z also had his chance to walk the runway. He wore black shorts that went down to his calves. However, the standout piece was his jacket, which instantly could be recognized as a Sprayground piece. The heavy-duty coat was covered with mouths exclusive to the Sprayground brand.

For shoes, Jon Z went with bold, built-tough, red shoes. He also sported red goggles that any outdoor outfit needs.

Written by Xavier “Writer X” Griffin | Facebook: @WriterX93 | Twitter: @WRITER_X_713 | Instagram: xaviegriffin81

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New Music Trending

Carson Leuders Releases New Single “Toxic” Featuring Quavo

Carson Leuders Quavo Release New Single Toxic
The cover of Carson Leuders' & Quavo's new single, "Toxic." Image source: Axel Almirón.

Carson Leuders is a 21-year-old singer-songwriter and a prime example of how Gen Z uses the internet to launch themselves into stardom.

Who is Carson?

From humble beginnings to landing features with a member of The Migos, Carson Leuders is making significant strides. And his career is only in its infancy.

Hailing from Spokane, Washington, this acoustic crooner was drawn to the guitar like a magnet at only five years old. Similarly to young idols like Justin Beiber and Shawn Mendes, Leuders quickly learned the power of social media. He began posting song covers to Youtube, starting with an Elvis impression and immediately evolving with covers of hit songs like “One Time” and “Grenade.”

At nine years old, this ambitious artist was already averaging over 100k views, and he would only climb from there. Aside from his vocal ability, what stood out was his confident skills with a guitar at such a young age. In an almost symbolic turn, his first video to hit a million views was his cover of “Boyfriend” by Justin Beiber, who had used the same platform years earlier to jumpstart his own career.

From there, Carson has been rapidly making his original music and amassing followers on TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. Sitting at a massive 7 million fans on TikTok, easily the most trendy app out the crop currently, he’s definitely one to watch out for.

From Tranquil To “Toxic”

Carson Leuders’ newest single and the starred feature with Quavo, “Toxic,” just dropped this morning, and it’s an exciting addition to his discography. 

It’s undoubtedly a deviation for Leuders, who typically leans toward the classic romantic acoustic sound. Instead, on “Toxic,” Carson Leuders and Quavo work in tandem to deliver a bouncy pop anthem. 

Rest easy in case you worry about the transition from child star to adult. “Toxic” showcases Carson’s ability to grow with his audience and get cheeky with his lyrics while still keeping it light and playful. Of course, Quavo doesn’t phone it in. 

It’s a fitting verse for an artist growing in artistic maturity while clearly having fun. Carson has been grinding for over a decade, and he’s not finished yet.

“Toxic” is now available on all streaming platforms and iTunes. You can visit CarsonLueders.com and follow @carsonlueders on Instagram for more info on upcoming releases.

Written By Dreema Carrington

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FM News Trending

The 2013 Sway and Kanye West Interview To Resurface With A Controversy

Kanye West Sway Interview Resurfaces
Sway and Ye. Image source: Sway’s Universe.

A viral clip from a 9-year-old interview is coming back to bite Kanye in a major way after some friction with Adidas.

If you were present on social media in 2013, there was no escaping from the infamous Sway In The Morning’s quote, “How Sway? You ain’t got the answers, man! You ain’t got the answers!” 

At the time, Kanye West yelled at Sway after he kept asking the artist questions about the legitimacy of big corporations backing rappers’ business ventures. Back then, Ye clearly held firm in his stance. But now he’s singing a different tune.

Kanye Concedes

This Thursday (Sep 22), ABC released footage from an exclusive interview with the “All Mine” rapper. A crucial part of the discussion was Kanye explaining his recently strained relationship with Adidas and Gap. 

“It was all kind of a disregard for the voice of something that I co-created,” he told Linsey Davis. “I co-created the product at Adidas. I co-created the product at Gap…I was there for some specific agenda, not for Yeezy Gap to be everything that it could be or this dream that I had about what the Gap could be. It’s time for me to make my own thing.”

Since things have gone south with both Gap and Adidas, Ye is changing strategies and plans to release products straight to the public. If you watched that infamous Sway In The Morning interview all those years ago, you might remember that’s the exact advice Calloway gave. 

“I will go ahead and say, Sway had the answer,” West finally admitted. Of course, hindsight is 20/20.

The 2013 Interview Incident

In 2013, Sway and Kanye sat down to chat about the dynamic between hip-hop culture and big corporations. Even then, Ye already expressed frustration with companies limiting his creative freedom and control. 

In the early 2010s, he was making Nike millions with his massively successful Air Yeezys. Specifically, the Red Octobers were a must-buy for sneakerheads across the country. 

In an eerie way, Ye echoes similar complaints he would have almost a decade later. Conflicts were quickly revealed when asked about the future plans for the Air Yeezys.

“You know Nike told me when I asked them? ‘We ain’t sure.’ You know what they told the store…of my boy that runs the store? They said, “if you want that Red October, you gotta take these 10 other shoes,” Kanye told Sway. Subsequently, it led to Sway suggesting Ye take things into his own hands.

“But why don’t you empower yourself and don’t need them and do it yourself?” He inquired. From there, viral internet history was then made.

It seems Kanye’s fans also recognize Sway had the answer all along. “Sway’s points to Kanye West have aged like fine wine,” one typed.

https://twitter.com/exavierpope/status/1573020217562877953

With Kanye’s net worth and business experience skyrocketing from 2013, he may finally find stability in his business ventures.

Written by Dreema Carrington

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FM Culture Trending Updates

Trina To Be Honored At 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards

Trina
Image via Getty Images

After two decades in the rap game, BET will honor Trina at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards. Upcoming female rappers often credit the Miami legend as one of the first women to stamp themselves in hip-hop.

Female rap artists speak on Trina’s legacy

Yung Miami of the City Girls spoke about Trina’s influence on her life in 2018.

“That’s like my Godmom, you know,” she said. “Trina grew up like raising me. Like her and my mom was friends back in the day.”

BET will award Trina the “I Am Hip-Hop” honor at the ceremony on October 4. With this award, the entire rap industry can give the 47-year-old rapper her long-deserved flowers. Latto also showered Trina with praise after she was featured on the “B*tch From Da South” remix.

“Trin been the first to embrace me in this industry, I don’t play bout her,” the Atlanta rapper posted on Instagram. “She the realest in my eyes! When you rapping that freak gangsta sh*t give the baddest b***h her props @trinarockstarr.”

Trina’s statement ahead of the BET Hip Hop Awards

Over the course of her career, Trina has earned many accolades and awards. These include 10 BET Awards nominations, 2 ASCAP awards, 2 BMI Awards, a Billboard Music Award and an All Star Music Award. She also earned the label of  “most consistent female rapper” from XXL in 2012.

trina
Trina performing at the Gas Monkey in Dallas, Texas on April 13, 2017. (Photo by Louis DeLuca/The Dallas Morning News)

The Miami Queen also posted her own statement regarding the award. “I am honored to receive and accept the 2022 I Am Hip Hop Award presented by BET,” the statement read. “As a legend with over 20 years in the music industry, consistency and unity have contributed to my Rockstarr power as a femcee. I believe when one woman wins, whether it’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes, we all WIN. Let’s keep winning!”

Fat Joe will host the 2022 BET Awards, taping the show from Atlanta on September 30. French Montana, Joey Bada$$, N.O.R.E and Pusha T will take the stage. They will perform alongside Moneybagg Yo, GloRilla, EST Gee and Bleu. The show will air Tuesday, October 4.

Written by Olan Bryant

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Cherry Juice Trending

DaBaby Says He Slept With Megan Thee Stallion In Latest Track ‘Boogeyman’

DaBaby Megan Thee Stallion
Photo Courtesy Of Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage

North Carolina rapper DaBaby reportedly said he slept with Texas rapper Megan Thee Stallion in his new track “Boogeyman.”

According to Newsweek, DaBaby made the bold claims in a line of the new song, which dropped on Sept. 23–the same day as his new album Baby on Baby 2. In the beginning of “Boogeyman,” the rapper said he slept with Megan several times, days before Canadian singer Tory Lanez allegedly shot her.

“The day before she said that Tory Lanez shot her, I was f***in on Megan Thee Stallion,” he rapped immediately after calling her childish.

The Houston hottie accused Tory of shooting her in the foot back in 2020. She also accused him of telling her to “dance b***h” while doing so. Later that year, authorities charged Tory and he pleaded not guilty. His criminal trial was initially supposed to take place in September 2022, but officials scheduled it for later in the year.

DaBaby continued, warning that his opposition would have to “handle me” if they started “poking the bear.” 

The 30-year-old previously worked with him on her 2019 hit “Cash S**t” and her 2020 hit “Cry Baby.” DaBaby also featured Megan as a guest artist on his 2020 song “Nasty.” However, their camaraderie seems to have died down completely since then.

Baby on Baby 2 arrived just weeks after his recent New Orleans concert was reportedly canceled due to low ticket sales. He was going to perform at Smoothie King Center in September, alongside guests NoCap and Showtek. However, Ticketmaster revealed that fans only bought a small number of seats. The Smoothie King center reportedly has a capacity of 14,000 people. 

Megan has not publicly responded to DaBaby’s claims. On a lighter note, she will be performing and hosting a Saturday Night Live episode in October. 

Written by Amber Alexander

Twitter: Ambernofetari

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FM Community FM News Trending

LL Cool J Responds to Akademiks Disrespect of OG’s

LL Cool J and DJ Akademiks

Akademiks had some bold sentiments he wanted to share about some of hip hop’s OG’s. Of course, his statements were in the course of an entire conversation on money moves and the music industry. But regardless, he went there and said what he felt at the moment with complete honesty. And from his statements, it was apparent he could care less about any blowback. However, rule number one is one can never underestimate an OG. Rule number 2 when you come for pioneers, be prepared to be schooled.

Akademiks Spits Some Disrespect

Akademiks recently made some disrespectful statements on Twitch regarding the OG’s of hip-hop. The Dj stated  (16;24),

“Them old rappers, man. Have you seen any of these old rappers who be like, yo, they are the foundation of hip-hop really living well? Them niggas be looking dusty.”

However, one OG wasn’t having the disrespect. LL Cool J, aka James Todd Smith,  made it his business and addressed the off-the-cuff statement.

LL Cool J Bonafide OG

LL Cool J earned his industry respect beginning his career in hip-hop in 1984 at 16 when he signed with Def Jam. And since he more than solidified his success with a music career spanning almost three decades. With thirteen albums under his belt, two Grammy’s, and several other awards, Ladies Love Cool James has more than paid his dues. So, when addressing disrespect, if anyone, LL is the man to do it.

LL’s Preface

LL saw Akademik’s comments as more than a little skewed. According to the artist, the shade Akademiks threw seemed to be the type that only targets one group of performers, rap artists. Smith (Cool J) prefaced his clap back by saying,

“No one discusses Miles Davis’s bank account. We don’t talk about John Coltrane’s bank account or even rock musicians.”

And admittedly, LL makes a viable point. But given the context of Akademik’s comments, that doesn’t seem like something he would even care about.

Defining Things Clearly

LL took it a step further than addressing the one-sidedness of such a statement. Smith also addressed the underlying vanity issue and misinformation of such a blanket statement.

“So just because they didn’t get rich or weren’t able to pile up millions or billions of dollars, does not mean they didn’t contribute to this culture. They created an industry we all ate off of. They created an industry you eat off of.”

No matter what one’s perspective may be, Smith’s response is the unadulterated truth. Contribution is about what you put into something, not what you get out of it. And frankly, some of the most significant contributions can’t be quantified.

Summing Things Up

Despite LL’s response, the question is whether Akademiks will take the time to hear anything the OG has to say. As per some of  Akademik’s last statements, it doesn’t seem likely.

“And none of y’all try to come for me because I don’t fuck with y’all niggas either.”

The good thing is that is only one perspective. Even if the DJ refuses to listen to anything Smith says, others will more than pick up what LL is putting down.

Written By: Renae Richardson