Tag: black rappers

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Coolio, Legendary “Gangsta’s Paradise” Rapper Dead at 59

Coolio Passes Away at the Age of 59
Coolio. Image source: Frazer Harrison, Getty Images.

The City of Angels takes another hit as reports arrive, claiming Coolio suddenly passed away at age 59. It is unclear the cause of death. 

However, TMZ spoke with Coolio’s manager, who confirmed his death. Coolio’s manager, Jerez, shared with TMZ’s source that the “Fantastic Voyage” rapper was visiting a friend at the time of the incident.

On Wednesday afternoon (Sep 28), Coolio reportedly went into the bathroom and never returned. The Los Angeles Police Department shared that they got a call from a home in Los Angeles for medical attention. The medical emergency turned out to be Coolio, who unfortunately died when the paramedics arrived.

Law enforcement has dispersed that no foul play is expected, and no drugs were found at the scene. After an autopsy and toxicology report, the specialists will determine the cause of death.

The late, Great Coolio

Born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., Coolio was a legend on the Compton, CA rap scene. In 1995, his smash hit, “Gangsta’s Paradise,” soured up the Billboard charts. That single also scored him his first Grammy for Best Rap Performance.

While many are in shock, a wave of emotional support and remembrance spread across the internet.

Since his emergence in hip hop in the 1980s, Coolio has become a rapper, philanthropist, television star, and producer. Though he hadn’t made much news lately, his notable contributions to hip hop created a lasting impression.

Check back with FM Hip Hop as we capture more details of this developing story.

Written by Antoinette Ford | Facebook: Antoinette Ford | Instagram: iamtonimonique_ | Twitter: @mizzford9

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Related articles: The Smithsonian Blazes August Release of Blockbuster Anthology of Hip Hip and Rap Box Set

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A$AP Ferg Accepts Funkmaster Flex’s Latest Challenge

As reported a few days ago, Funkmaster Flex’s September 1st challenge to Swizz Beats resulted in the world hearing an unreleased DMX song. However, Flex’s challenge wasn’t just to Swizz. During that broadcast, Funkmaster Flex also challenged A$AP Ferg to release some of his hidden tracks. Last week Swizz accepted Flex’s demand, giving the world a never-before-heard song by the late emcee. The song sounded like quintessential DMX, with the aggressive flow and a classic sample. Now, it seems like the second request is destined to appear soon. A$AP Ferg posted a video seemingly confirming that a new unheard track is on the horizon.

Why Ferg Responded

Ferg posted a video of himself smoking a cigar on his Instagram post, then said, “You [Funkmaster Flex] wanted the smoke.” The comment section quickly attracted user attention. Flex promptly pointed out that Ferg accepted the challenge before asking users which artists should be the subsequent recipients of a Flex callout. Swizz Beats popped up in the comments section too. He told fans to expect A$AP Ferg’s unreleased track this Thursday during Hot 97. Many fans will flock to this upcoming episode for Ferg’s surprise release. Likewise, fans of Funkmaster Flex and his content are sure to celebrate another successful callout by the DJ.

Flex’s Previous Callouts

As previously covered, Flex’s challenges began to produce more tangible results over the past few days. Many artists declared they would start working on new projects after Flex’s shows. However, now more songs are being aired due to Flex. Swizz Beats and soon-to-be A$AP Ferg dropped new music on his program, allowing for pieces meant to be forgotten to live in the ears of hip-hop fans worldwide.

What To Expect

Funkmaster Flex’s success means that more than likely, these callouts will continue. Undoubtedly, many unreleased songs and dormant artists could benefit from the challenge. Given time, many beloved songs might trace their roots back to a Funkmaster challenge; however, for now, all that fans can do is wait and get excited about Ferg’s new song on Thursday.

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Rapper X-Raided Says CA Rap Lyrics Bill Would’ve Prevented 26-Year Prison Term

Rappers, like X Raided, will no longer have to walk on eggshells regarding their line of rhymes. 

California’s Gov. Gavin Newsom is passing an unprecedented rap lyrics bill that will block prosecutors from using artists’ work as evidence in a case. However, this legislation came a bit too late regarding rapper X Raided. Before bill AB-7299 was a thing, the Strange Music artist spent 26 years in prison on 1st-degree murder charges, with 95% contributing to his lyrics. He continues telling TMZ Hip Hop that the new bill wouldn’t allow what prosecutors used to convict him.

Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer said in a statement,

“Under current law, rap artists can feel as though they are being read their Miranda Rights before they even begin to write music: ‘You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law,'” 

He continues: 

“We should not stymie the creative expression of artists. But unfortunately, racial biases play a role when talking about musical genres. For example, rap music lyrics share many similarities to other musical categories. Yet are singled out by the judicial system to characterize an artist. AB 2799 would disallow prosecutors from triggering racial biases or reinforcing racial stereotypes, and it guides judges on using creative expression in court.”

 

X Raided, and other rappers were charged for a community activist’s murder inside her own home. However, prosecutors never found a murder weapon in his case.

Rather than have concrete proof, they used his artwork from Pyscho Active as evidence for the crime. The photo shows X Raided pointing a gun next to his head. During his time away, he recorded several albums before being paroled in 2018. After his release, he linked up with Tech N9ne for their second tour together. Despite the misfortunes, the rapper wants to move forward and leave the past behind him. 

Photo Cred: Hip Hop DX

Bill AB-7299 is only passed in the sunny state. Although New York’s community and A-listers like Fat Joe, Jay-Z, and Meek Mill have tried pushing this bill, it’s been denied. X-Raided believes that “the progressive politics of Newsom made the difference.” 

Read more articles at FmHipHop!

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Tory Lanez Fans Think His Recent Posts Are About His Megan Thee Stallion Case

tory lanez
Source: Getty

Tory Lanez is undoubtedly a star, and controversy comes with the territory. As such, he’s consistently in the media for either his comments on social media or case with Megan Thee Stallion. However, he seems unbothered about the public’s chatter as he always appears in good spirits.

Lanez makes an Instagram post that alludes to his case with Megan Thee Stallion.

Recently he made an Instagram post that seemingly hinted at his case with Megan Thee Stallion. “Just got off the phone with my lawyer,” he wrote beneath an image of himself flipping off the camera. Then, under another photo he uploaded, he said, “Congratulations… Celebration ….blah blah blah … see where I’m going with this.”

Naturally, fans began to speculate about what Lanez’s captions referred to in his comment section.

“What did your lawyer say?” said @behenno.

“We’ve been known you were innocent,” @_shayefron_ commented.

“he beat the case let’s gooooo,” wrote @nolimit23444

“I TOLD Y’ALL THTT MANN AINT DO IT,” @killa_cam1921 said.

The general consensus was that the 29-year-old rapper referred to his ongoing case in his posts. Therefore, Instagram users proceeded to predict whether or not he won.

A back story on the shooting allegations against Lanez.

In case you missed it, Lanez was accused of shooting Megan in her foot following an alleged altercation. The shooting, which reportedly occurred in 2020, allegedly went down in Hollywood Hills, Calif. The two musicians got into a heated argument while driving in an SUV then, Lanez allegedly fired his gun at the “Thot Sh*t” rapper.

On Jan. 13, 2022 the Canadian artist headed to court for arraignment and pleaded not guilty to charges related to the incident.

Lanez gains support from an unexpected person.

Back in November of 2021, record executive Wack100 gave his thoughts on the entire ordeal. He claimed that he believed Megan was lying about being shot.

“If you take a bullet to that foot and break them bones, you are not walking backwards,” he said. “And you not finna be on stage in two, three weeks twerking.”

Lanez has not confirmed if the speculations regarding his Instagram posts were true or not.

Written by Amber Alexander
Twitter: Ambernofetari

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Jay Electronica Virtually Toasts Drake, Ye, And The Game On Twitter

Jay Electronica performing
Source: Getty

Recently, Jay Electronica complimented Drake, The Game, Kanye West, and Hit-Boy over a series of tweets.

Jay started with Drake first, calling him a legend after “Champagne Poetry.”

“For Drake’s bars on Champagne Poetry alone, his face gets carved in the pyramids,” he tweeted.

https://twitter.com/JayElectronica/status/1484760084869795845?s=20

A few hours later, he turned his sights on Kanye, The Game, and Hit-Boy for their work on “Easy.”

“E A Z Y is one of the greatest records of all times. Don’t @ me. You’re unqualified to debate me. @kanyewest @Hit_Boy @thegame My life was never E A Z Y.”

https://twitter.com/JayElectronica/status/1485009526117994496?s=20

He also shared a video of a text with Kanye and “Easy” playing in the back. In the clip, West informed him that he’s working in LA and Miami. Shortly after, Jay complimented his verse on the song and said he wanted a part in it.

https://twitter.com/JayElectronica/status/1484424247938367490?s=20

Jay Electronica’s Posts

Even before this, Jay respected his fellow rappers, Drake and Kanye. He even posted quotes from them on Twitter.

“This the part where I find a new part of me to explore. –Drake.“

“Don’t ever fix your lips like collagen to say something that you gon end up apologin. Ye.”

He has posted many quotes in respect of other artists. However, this excitement could also come from his new album, A Written Testimony, streaming over on Tidal. The rapper has been sharing song releases for it for months and it currently has ten songs.

“The greatest Entendre ever said by any rapper ever is the Immaculate Conception/My God is so hard to conceive bar was said by @sc on here. These are facts. Don’t @ me. You are unqualified. Yes you! Don’t get blocked. That ain’t P,” one of the many tweets said.

For more news on hip-hop, check us out at @FMHipHop: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.

Written by Anthony Jamal Bicy | Instagram | Twitter

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Lil Boosie Feels Blessed After A Fan Pays For His Groceries

Lil Boosie reps his hometown of Baton Rouge, LA, loud and proud. It is no secret he gives back to his community. On a normal grocery shopping day for the “Wipe Me Down” rapper, a fan changed the game. This inspired fan paid for Lil Boosie’s $350 grocery bill! This random act of kindness stemmed from pure respect of the rapper, not because he left his wallet at home.

Hip Hop DX reported this power move along with a video from DJ Akademik’s Instagram profile, of Lil Boosie expressing gratitude.

In a humbling and gracious tone, Boosie shares, “I was just in the grocery store and I was checking out and some dude came and paid for my whole grocery, dawg. $350, bruh, He ain’t let me pay for my groceries, bruh. I just want to tell you I appreciate it, n-gga.”

To illustrate the random moment, he continued, “I’m blessed but you is a blessing to me, and I don’t never really get that, dawg. I don’t know your name n-gga, but I appreciate it, bruh. I appreciate that shit.

Boosie added, “He said, ‘Man, you always look out for people. I wanna buy your groceries.’ One hunnid, n-gga.”

Boosie for the community

If you wonder why the fan was so gracious, let’s run down some moments Boosie took care of his community. Although we can not capture every moment, there are many; here are some.

In 2008, WAFB news in Baton Rouge, LA captured the moment Lil Boosie showed up to assist in handing out turkeys for Thanksgiving. They reported that 1000 turkeys were given out with the rapper showing up just after the cameras left.

In 2015, on just a normal day, Boosie was captured assisting a woman in a scooter to put her groceries into the trunk of her car.

https://twitter.com/handymanmediapr/status/600729873741524992?s=20

What was the worst natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy, CNN reported the flood of 2016 misplaced thousands and left several dead in the Baton Rouge area. Certainly affected by the disaster, Boosie was hands-on in helping recovery for the community. He along with his team, assisted by handing out water, clothing and hygiene kits.

“Hood love” and “street cred” is well respected in the rap arena. Admiration for what is achieved materially is most certainly a goal. But obtaining favor for giving back is increasingly at the top of the list. FM Hip Hop commends these gestures of the rap community and we love to see fans giving the love right back.

 

 

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Justin Johnson Booked On Sex Offender Charges

While Young Dolph murder suspect Justin Johnson (23), turned himself in, expecting a quick release, it seems this is not the case.

Just last week, Justin aka, Straight Droppp, announced his intent to turn himself in an Instagram post. He claimed, “I’ll Be Back Sooner Than You Can Blink”.

On Jan. 13, Local Memphis ABC 24, shared that 23 year-old Droppp was booked in the Shelby County Jail and facing several charges:

  • first-degree murder-2 counts
  • criminal attempted first-degree murder-2 counts
  • Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon
  • Employing a firearm with intent to commit a felony
  • Theft of property between $10,000-60,000
  • Violation of the Sex Offender Registry Act

Johnson has a troubling past.  The Source reported that at the age of 17, he was convicted of aggravated rape and robbery. This led to his registry as a violent juvenile sex offender.

His claims to innocence ring hollow with these new charges brought against him. With evidence connecting him to Dolph’s murder mounting, his innocence remains in question as the investigation ensues.

Justin Johnson’s last-minute endeavors

One might that think being named a prime suspect in Dolph’s murder and with the US Marshalls on the hunt for you would make a person lay low. Not so for Johnson. He shockingly found time to film a video for his song “Track Hawk.” With a $15,000 award for any information on him, the fugitive figured it was the best time to drop a video. What’s more, he allegedly filmed the video in front of the house the getaway car was found.

WREG News 3 reported the rescheduled indictment of the suspects. While the world patiently awaits the fate of suspects in custody, one thing rings true. Above all, justice at play while Johnson behind bars.

Follow us for more on the topic as we continue to track the Young Dolph murder case.  @FMHipHop:  Twitter, Instagram, Facebook. 

Written by Antoinette Ford

 

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Gunna Drops Tracklist To Drip Season 4

The drip influencer Gunna is gearing up to drop the long-awaited “DS4”. The artist’s industry bestie, Lil Baby, also shared that we can expect some fire.

While many anticipate the album, Gunna has released the official tracklist for the album.

The “DS4” Cover Art

To amp the excitement for the album, Gunna shared the cover of “DS4″. This Daniel Arsham-designed cover epitomizes the cold drip we can expect. Arsham also shared the image to Instagram, tagging Gunna in the caption. Wunna then responded, “Thank you, bro ! I’ll cherish this 4ever” in the comments.

Arsham gave Gunna’s “DS4”, also known for his glacial jewelry choices, the coldest album cover. To enumerate the final installment of Drip Season, the sculpture-like depiction of the rapper brings a timeless factor. The statue displays diamond glimpses that coincide with his large iced-out chain.

Arsham is known for collaborations with artists. Among the artists are Ronnie Fieg and Kim Jones. Last month, Arsham also posted a photo with Gunna on Instagram, which signified the future Hip-Hop overlap.

Ready for “Drip”

Earlier this week, the Hip-Hop artist shared the “DS4” teaser video to Instagram. It featured Gunna and some friends getting together for drinks. The caption read “DS4 1-7-22 #HNY !!” next to a series of emojis.

Gunna has teased a track with Young Thug and Future titled “Come On.” Previous Drip Season projects have featured prevalent artists, including Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Baby, Lil Durk, and more. He also most recently reached 10 billion streams on Spotify!

 

Gunna’s renowned recognition for his uniquely constructed trends then prompted fashion icon, Rihanna, to take on Wunna himself for Halloween.

DS4 Tracklist From Gunna Out Now
Rihanna in the Gunna costume for Halloween. Image source.

With “DS4” dropping Friday, Dec., 7 let’s get ready for a new heavy season of drip. While his industry buds have enlisted in the drip master to promote their albums, there are only days left as we wait for the album release.

See how Young Thug and Gunna gave Thug’s Punk album an anti-up before its release: Young Thug and Gunna Destroy Rolls Royce To Promote Punk Album.

Written by Antoinette Ford

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YG Is No Longer A Suspect In Robbery Investigation

YG is no longer a suspect in the 2020 robbery case. The LA District Attorney Office declined to file charges against the Compton artist. It turns out that not enough evidence was present to prosecute him.

“Not enough evidence of what defendant did to aid and abet the crime. Presence during the crime alone is not sufficient,” the Office’s statement declares.

The Robbery Investigation

The robbery investigation took almost two years. Law enforcement arrested YG back in January 2020. The authorities raided the artist’s house in the early morning.

YG Is No Longer A Robbery Suspect
Shot from YG’s “FTP” music video. Image source: YouTube.

“They come through like four in the morning. We asleep, the helicopter had come around and all that,” YG then explained to The Morning Hustle. “So boom, I bounced up like, ‘What’s going on?’ Boom! They bang the door in, trying to get in the door, so I go downstairs. I open the door – boom! They draw down on me. That’s normal, but my kids at the time were 4 years old and 6 years old.”

“This arrest is one that caught YG completely off guard because there is no truth to them,” YG’s lawyer Joe Tacopina said regarding the robbery arrest. “YG has no idea what investigators are talking about, and we have not been provided with any details … we are learning about this case through the media.” Tacopina also promised to prove his client’s innocence.

One thing Tacopina also pointed is the arrest’s timing. “YG has a performance scheduled at The Grammy’s Sunday where he will honor Nipsey Hussle … so the timing is suspect, to put it mildly,” Tacopina claimed.

Another Compton artist, The Game, also commented on the YG’s arrest.

YG Talks About “The Robbery Raid” And Arrest

Later in the year, YG spoke about the arrest. The artist then talked about raids and police pointing guns at his kids.

“They go up in the room, and they got the big AKs all in my little kids’ face like, ‘Don’t move!'” YG shared in the interview. “I’m like, bro, what the fuck is y’all doing? Y’all got me fucked up! They doing this to my little kids! And these are little girls!”

The artist also mentioned his previous experiences with law enforcement. YG claimed his background played a role in the robbery arrest harshness.

“I been through a lot of other stuff with the police, but I’m from the streets though, you feel me?” he said. “So it’s like I got a target on my back already from that, and I know that, so it ain’t really nothing to talk about. Because it’s like when you’re from a certain area, the police gon’ fuck with you.”

Watch YG’s interview below:

Written by Nikita Serdiuk

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Hip Hop Artist Lil Devin Loses Life In Home Invasion

2022 is just beginning, and already the headlines are painted red with death. On New Year’s Eve, the hip-hop community took another loss when rapper Lil Devin lost his life in a home invasion.

Event Surrounding Lil Devin’s Death

Reports show Lil Devin at home bringing in the New Year with family when a group of masked individuals took his life. As the U. S. Sun notes, the young rapper died of a gunshot wound to the chest, And sadly, the attack is believed to be pre-meditated.

Straight from The Source, a report confirms Lil Devin’s murder resulted from a targeted attack, when a group of masked men entered the home, shooting and killing Swain almost instantly.

And here we stand again in mourning and disbelief.

Lil Devin’s Rise

It is almost as if Lil Devin was fated to be a hip-hop artist. In 2016, Lil Devin began posting his material in a move so many attempt but with minimal success. Little did he know at the time, YouTube would be his doorway to success, catalyzing his rise from obscurity. According to the U.S. Sun, he released his first studio album only two years later. By 2021 the artist had four album releases under his belt, certifying his talent and grind. But unfortunately, his stardust was stolen a little too soon.

The Mourning is Only Beginning

Today Lil Devin’s family is mourning his loss. His brother, in particular, broke his silence on the devastation of the incident robbing him of his loved one. In a moment of strength, Donald Cox said,

“It was traumatic — very traumatic [and] something I wouldn’t want anyone ever to go through.”

And we stand in agreement; this is something no family should have to go through ever.

No Justification for Murder

While it’s been confirmed that masked intruders targeted Lil Devin, there’s been no confirmation of motive. And as said so many times before, there is never a justifiable cause for such a callous act.

In conclusion, most agree that these incidents happen much too frequently, and people are getting wildly out-of-pocket. And sadly, the suffering is becoming almost unbearable. We can no longer afford this as a community.

However,  here we stand once again, offering the family of another promising star our deepest condolences. So to the family of Lil Devin, our hearts are with you. And may the days ahead bring resolution.

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Written by Renae Richardson

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