Tag: empire

PnB Rock’s Murder Suspect Is In Custody, Possibly Worked In A Family Conspiracy

Post author By Nikita Serdiuk
Post date September 28, 2022

Freddie Lee Trone, the father of suspected PnB Rock's shooter. Image source: LAPD.

The LAPD reports that PnB Rock’s murder suspect went into custody. The press release shows the alleged shooter is under 18 years old. There’s also evidence showing that the suspect was working in connection with his 40-year-old father, Freddie Lee Trone.

Apart from the suspected duet, another 38-year-old woman, Shauntel Trone, got arrested on accessory to murder charges. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office is to decide whether to file charges against the detainees at some point before Sep 29.

PnB Rock’s Murder: Who Is To Suspect?

PnB Rock was killed on Sep 12 in a Los Angeles restaurant, Roscoe’s House of Chicken’ N Waffles. The murder occurred right in the middle of the day, while the “Fleek” artist was having lunch with his girlfriend. Many speculations about whom to blame for the artist’s murder immediately began to appear.

Stephanie Sibounheuang

Some considered PnB Rock’s girlfriend, Stephanie Sibounheuang, to be the one to take responsibility for her boyfriend’s death. Sadly enough, we live in a world where one has to make sure they don’t post anything questionable, so their loved ones stay alive.

https://twitter.com/4KTrace/status/1569442029461213186

After Pop Smoke there’s no way we as rappers or our loved ones are still posting locations to our whereabouts. To show waffles & some fried chicken????! He was such a pleasure to work with. Condolences to his mom & family. This makes me feel so sick. Jesus. #SIP #PnbRock 🕊

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) September 13, 2022

Many also stood up to support Sibounheuang, including influential opinion-makers like Cardi B. Others joined to show support for PnB Rock’s companion.

I highly doubt nikkas was looking at PMB’s babymom IG. He was in a bad location and people stay outside plotting. It’s very irresponsible and inconsiderate to blame her for something so tragic. We should be sending nothing but love to her and his family at this time.

— Cardi B (@iamcardib) September 13, 2022

yeah all of you that were speculating that it was pnb rocks girlfriends post that lead to his demise need to get punched in the throat

— ethical hater (@DijahSB) September 28, 2022

https://twitter.com/TheInfamousHero/status/1575189979713908736

EMPIRE

Another theory on PnB Rock’s murder suggests that his record label is to take the guilt. Suspiciously enough, six artists from Ghazi Shami’s EMPIRE label have lost their lives since 2018. XXXTentacion, Young Dolph, PnB Rock, and several more artists have been killed within the past four years in a shooting or stabbing.

Many of the EMPIRE artists’ recent tragic killings occurred in the middle of the day. All of them also took place inside or nearby various public spaces, such as a motorcycle store (XXXTentacion), a cookie shop (Young Dolph), or a music festival (Drakeo The Ruler). The same goes for PnB Rock, whose life tragically ended in Roscoe’s House of Chicken’ N Waffles restaurant at around 1:23 p.m.

Another point is that most of the EMPIRE artists’ murders occurred because of a robbery.

You’d think, what sense does it make to kill someone in the middle of the day and near a public space, which most likely has cameras?

The Questions Behind XXXTentacion’s Robbery

XXXTentacion’s killing occurred after the robbers got what they needed—the artist’s Louis Vuitton bag. According to the police report, “Boatwright [XXXTentacion’s killer] walked back one or two feet away from Onfroy’s vehicle, grabbed his rifle, looked Onfroy in the eyes, and fired six shots, killing him.”

What sense does it make to murder someone post-robbery? One of the possible explanations for such irrational behavior might be someone paying the shooters to commit X’s and other artists’ killings.

These are just speculations, and much more evidence must appear before claiming EMPIRE is guilty of ordering their artists’ murders.

However, there are also talks suggesting that EMPIRE files life insurance on their artists, receiving the funds if they die. Hopefully, more information will come out soon regarding this controversial case.

Empire Records CEO.… he handles the distribution for the artist who themselves are independent.

It’s a known fact labels take out life insurance policies on their artist (Key Man Insurance). He needs to be investigated! pic.twitter.com/80EPVA0uKF

— Rumble2k (@parkboyz205) November 19, 2021

Written by Nikita Serdiuk | IG: @nikitasrdk | Twitter: @nktserdiuk

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Tags empire, FM News, FMhiphop, Ghazi Shami, PnB Rock, PnB Rock's Murder, XXXTentacion, XXXTentacion's Murder

FM News Trending

Benny The Butcher Addresses ‘Tana Talk 4,’ Censorship & Releases Cover Art

Post author By FMHiphopWriters
Post date March 8, 2022

Image source: Griselda Records.

The world first caught a glimpse of “Tana Talk 4” on the recent single “Johnny’s P’s Caddy” featuring J.Cole, which stands at no. 72 on Billboard charts. New York rapper Benny The Butcher will release his highly anticipated album Friday, March 11.

“Tana Talk 4” Cover Art

Another tease into the album came on Monday as Benny shares the “Tana Talk 4” cover art on Instagram. A strikingly vivid oil painting of himself, his cousin/collaborator, and also late brother Machine Gun Black as children.

On the Corner on Genesee & Doat right across from Montana ave. We call this part of the hood ‘The Island’ pic.twitter.com/K7B9QLT0F5

— BENNY THE BUTCHER (@BennyBsf) March 7, 2022

“It just don’t get no more authentic than this,” he writes. “Art by @itsmariel, a painting of MGB ME & @westsidegunn I BEEN makin classic music but it’s more to it than that. This shit about Levels, real n-ggas Power & Connections. I can feel the streets rootin for me it’s drowning out all the haters.”

Benny The Butcher also uses this post to explain what is happening with his contract. He explains “Tana Talk 4” will be released independently through EMPIRE. His future projects will go through the Def Jam record label.

“Produced solely by @daringer_ & @alanthechemist this my last independent Album thank u @empire,” he says. “After this drop I’m walkin in the Def Jam office as an Underground King…Machine Gun We did it !!!! 3/11”

There is also a mural of the cover art in Buffalo, NY, where the trio grew up. Griselda’s representative shares on Twitter, “On the Corner on Genesee & Doat right across from Montana ave. We call this part of the hood ‘The Island.'”

Censoring Benny

Following the mural release, The Butcher publicly shares the backlash on the album’s censorship on Twitter. The 37-year-old MC has since released numerous projects, including Burden of Proof, The Plugs I Met, and the Pyrex Picasso EP. All of which also share the rawness Benny’s of coming up in New York streets. Therefore, he takes to Twitter to express that censorship is incompatible with his art.

“They tryna get me to change my words on TT4 and sensor me too much real shit being said,” he also tweets.

They tryna get me to change my words on TT4 and sensor me too much real shit being said…3/11/22 The King’s Back

— BENNY THE BUTCHER (@BennyBsf) March 3, 2022

Hopes of No. 1 Album

The Griselda rapper also exudes confidence for his upcoming album “Tana Talk 4,” the follow-up project to “Tana Talk 3,” which enhanced Benny The Butcher’s notoriety. On itsrikip’s Instagram, he states, “Album of the year or consideration before it even came out or even heard a single. I got 10 bands to anyones five, and I got 20 bands to anyones 10. Who wants to take that bet?”

On the “Johnny P’s Caddy” single, Benny The Butcher opens the verse saying,

“Tana Talk 4, this shit mean a lot to me. Know what I mean?…This ain’t my story ’bout rags to riches. More ’bout how I mastered physics”

Naturally, operating with a confident vibration took Benny The Butcher from Montana Ave to a management deal with JAY-Z’s Roc Nation. It is also undeniable that he continues to reach new heights. Therefore, if anyone is to project the numbers on his album, it is the artist himself. Benny The Butcher’s “Tana Talk 4 is to release on March 11 with features including J. Cole, Diddy, fellow Griselda members, Conway the Machine, and Westside Gunn.

Written by Samaria Fuqua.

Tags Benny The Butcher, Conway the Machine, def jam, diddy, empire, griseldarecords, j cole, jcole, Johnny P's Caddy, march11, Tana Talk 4, Westside Gunn

Trending

Hitmaka Releases New Music Video and Becomes VP of A&R at EMPIRE

Post author By Nikita Serdiuk
Post date September 23, 2021

This week spelled big news for multi-platinum producer and artist Hitmaka. He has released a new single and accompanying video with Ty Dolla $ign and Queen Naija. And moreover, Hitmaka is about to become Vice President of A&R at major independent label EMPIRE.

First, the newest single. “Quickie” is a 3-minute song with sensual, instrumental lyrics, and a self-explanatory cover. “The song came together organically,” Hitmaka told Complex. “Me and my partner Chrishan cooked up the demo and were in Miami with Ty Dolla $ign. Shortly after, we sent it to Queen Naija, and it really came together! It’s about wanting to be with someone but not having all the time needed, so let’s make the best of these moments.”

The music video dropped the day after the single, featuring all three artists. It approaches “Quickie” as a tale about romance and the simple beauties of small-town life.

Watch the new video below:

Hitmaka Making Moves At EMPIRE

Hitmaka has also been appointed a VP of A&R at recording label and distribution company EMPIRE. Hitmaka’s role at the label will be find independent musicians within the company’s point of reach and help them grow as professional artists.

Hitmaka told the Source that “partnering with EMPIRE and Ghazi has given me the freedom to create with global talent. Being wholly independent allows us to make great music and let the fans enjoy it without any hurdles or restrictions – we strike while the iron is hot! A perfect example is Yung Bleu’s “Baddest,” which is one of the songs of the summer.”

Ghazi, the CEO of EMPIRE, shares Hitmaka’s excitement for his new role. “Hitmaka is one of the best in the game,” he told Complex. We’re lucky to have him on the home team at EMPIRE – inspiring and creating with our artists and delivering top-quality music of his own. We’re already off to the races with several of Hit’s records charting and have more on the way,” Ghazi told Complex.

What do you think of Hitmaka’s new song, and executive role? Let us know by interacting with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @FMHipHop.

Written by Nikita Serdiuk | IG: @nikitasrdk | Twitter: @nktserdiuk

Tags A&R, business, empire, FMhiphop, Ghazi, Hitmaka, queen naija, Recording Label, ty dolla $ign

Updates

Jussie Smollett Returns to Court Over Lawyer Conflict

Post author By FMHiphopWriters
Post date July 16, 2021

Actor Jussie Smollett arrives at court in Chicago, Wednesday, July 14, 2021 (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

By Garrett Owen/FMHipHop

Jussie Smollett is back in court

Yesterday, Wednesday, July 14, former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett found himself back in the court room. Media, law enforcement, and legal teams assembled at the George M. Leighton Criminal Court in Chicago for another hearing. This time, however, all eyes were on someone else: his lawyer.

Nenye Uche, the main attorney for Jussie Smollett, is facing disqualification from the case. This stems from a possible conversation he had with two key witnesses in the case. The two witnesses in question are the brothers Ambimbola “Abel” and Olabinjo “Ola” Osundairo, the very men alleged to have participated in Smollett’s staged attack. Mr. Uche has denied ever speaking to the brothers, much less on issues relating to the case.

The conflict of interest was raised last March by the attorney for the Osundairo brothers, Gloria Rodriguez. According to her, the brothers remember talking to Mr. Uche after they were arrested. At the time, it is alleged that Mr. Uche gathered confidential information from and about them, in case he represented them. Mr. Uche has denied this. Rather, he admits to talking to their mother over the phone, but presumed the conversation was private.

“I don’t know who was there, where she was calling from and who was there,” Mr. Uche told Judge Linn.

“You cannot have the person who had a confidential conversation with you now cross examine you,” said Dan Webb, Special Prosecutor for the brothers.

Attorney for Jussie Smollett, Nenye Uche, Esq. — Nenye Uche, attorney for Jussie Smollett, founder of Uche P.C.

Results from Wednesday

Unfortunately, no one is sure as to exactly what happened in the hearing yesterday. Indeed, media and news sources were barred from attending, as per orders from the court under Judge James Linn.

As attorneys exited the courtroom late on Wednesday, they confirmed that Judge Linn will make his decision at a later date.

The date for Smollett’s next hearing in his criminal case, People v. Jussie Smollett, is scheduled August 2, via a spokesperson for the court.

For more of FMHipHop’s coverage of courtroom news, click here.

Garrett Owen:

Twitter: @GarrettCrittenden2

Insta: @garebear6458

Tags #JussieSmollett, Attorney, Chicago, court, empire, legal

FM News

FMHipHop’s 2020 Power Playlist

Post author By FMHiphopWriters
Post date September 25, 2020

Lil Baby Bigger Picture

2020 has taken us on a wild roller coaster ride, filled with constant devastation and grief. From Kobe Bryant’s passing to the COVID-19 outbreak; to the tragic death of George Floyd and the verdict of officer Brett Hankison who killed Breonna Taylor, we all need moments of motivation to cling to.

Music, being the universal language, allows us to cope with these tragedies. And in the darkness we find light. I was able to curate a Power Playlist of songs that have helped me and the people closest to me find hope. We hope this list can help motivate and uplift you and your loved ones through this time.

Here is the 2020 Power Playlist.

Good Morning – Alex Aiono

With Aiono singing the lyrics, “Cause the sun ain’t gonna stop. If you’re ready, if you’re not. Just get up. Today is all we got. Tomorrow might not come. So get up. So get up. Good morning,” this song is the perfect start. The song is leading to remember that regardless of what happens, we need to “see the beauty in the simple things” and have a good morning.

2. ZTFO – Big Sean

3. One Way – Ameràs

This power anthem is all about speaking power over your dreams and aspiration despite what others may say. The Maryland songstress vows that she is “gonna make it. One way or the other. And if you don’t want me, I’ll just simply find another.

4. MY POWER – Beyoncé, Tierra Whack, Moonchild Sanelly, Yemi Alade, Busiswa & Nija

5. EMPIRE Presents: Voice For Change, Vol. 1

Artists for EMPIRE come together for a compilation album that raises awareness on the world’s current issues, such as racism. According to Complex, “the goal of this project is to shine a light on the troubles people of color face around the world and to inspire listeners to positively impact their own communities.”

Proceeds from this album will be donated to the American Civil Liberties Union, which is non-profit organization that helps to advance criminal justice reform, racial justice, voting and immigrants’ rights.

6. Survivor – Destiny’s Child feat. Da Brat

7. Rise Up – Andra Day

8. ‘Touch The Sky’ – Kanye West Feat. Lupe Fiasco

9. The Bigger Picture – Lil Baby“Stick together we can get it up out of ‘em / I can’t lie like I don’t rap about killing and dope / But I’m telling my youngins’ to vote

‘The Bigger Picture” is the raw story and experience of the rapper as a black man living in America. With his powerful message, the song and video voices the need for change and justice for the Black community. “Stick together we can get it up out of ’em. I can’t lie like I don’t rap about killing and dope. But I’m telling my youngins’ to vote.”

10. Greater is Coming – Jekalyn Carr

Jekalyn Carr utilizes her voice to people that the Lord “preparing me for greater”. The powerful gospel song aims to remind the world that there is better to come.