It’s the 5-year anniversary of the late rapper Mac Miller’s fifth studio album, Swimming. The major shoe brand Vans is celebrating the milestone by teaming up with the Pittsburgh rapper’s estate to create a new design for the classic sneaker. Fans are already racing to get the hot new take on the brand’s original sneaker. The shoe reads on the midsole, “MAC MILLER 1992 TIL (infinity sign),” which is his stage name and the year he was born. Plus there is text in circles around a ying-yang sign three times on the shoe’s top box saying, “SWIMMING BY MAC MILLER.”
Where Can I Find The Exclusive Sneaker?
The Swimming sneakers dropped today. Portions of the proceeds will benefit the Mac Miller Fund, which is a nonprofit organization. It helps kids in underserved communities by providing them with programming, resources, and opportunities.
SWIMMING 5-YEAR VANS AUTHENTIC. Image source: Mac Miller’s website.
Mac Miller’s Tragic Death
The album Swimming was released on August 3, 2018. It was the “100 Grandkids” rapper’s fifth and final studio album. The Pennsylvania rapper released it just over a month before he passed away at the age of 26. The “Missed Calls” rapper passed away from an accidental overdose in September 7, 2018. Malcolm James McCormick struggled with addiction and substance abuse. Therefore, Miller mentioned his struggles in his lyrics often, including tracks such as “Self Care,” “100 Grandkids,” and “Rain.” His songs changed over time as he started to grow up, going from young party boy bars to painful reality bars.
Drug Dealers Sentenced
Ryan Reavis was sentenced to 131 months in prison and Stephen Walter was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison, after pleading guilty. Prosecutors alleged that Reavis, Walter and Cameron Pettit sold drugs to Miller a couple of days before overdose. Pettit delivered the pills to Mac under the direction of Reavis, who was acting under Walter. Pettit pleaded not guilty.
BIA poses at BET Hip-Hop awards. Image source: Getty, Derek White.
BIA has released her new EP, “REALLY HER,” and this is a review of her latest piece of work.
“BIG BUSINESS”
The first song, “BIG BUSINESS,” is your classic BIA-esque track. You can hear her flexing on her haters with her calm demeanor through the bars. The beat has Timbaland’s magic on it, which was created by the legendary producer and SkipOnDaBeat. It’s a great opening to this EP. The title of the first song compliments the name of the album, “REALLY HER,” because the Massachusetts rapper means business.
“MILLIONS”
The “Whole Lotta Money” rapper teased “MILLIONS” for a while on social media, and it was expected to be heated.
Furthermore, NeNe Leakes opens the song with one of her famous lines on the Real Housewives franchise. The TV personality led us into this track with the right vibe for BIA’s lyrics that were later presented, like, “Business as usual. Usually, I wouldn’t smile ‘less It cost a couple thousands and millions… Every time he Zelle me, that’s phone sex, hello?”
It’s a fun song for the girlies who are about their bag.
“DON’T TELL” (Featuring Juicy J)
The mood changes slightly with “DON’T TELL” featuring Juicy J. This track gives us a song to twerk (obviously because the iconic Memphis rapper is on it), and I love that for BIA, also known as Bianca Landrau. It is not her usual style of music, but it shows that she is interested in trying new sounds sometimes.
“CLASSY” (Featuring Swizz Beatz)
“CLASSY” caught me off guard because she stepped out of her box again with this slight pop beat layered under the song. I wish this song was longer. I think it was way too short for the way she walks on the beat. The fourth track on the EP almost has a 90s feel to it as well as she effortlessly spits over the beat.
“FOUR SEASONS”
This is my favorite song on the EP. I love when a song contains different beats throughout the track, but it’s truly beautiful when it is done right. The transition from this song into “OH NO” was straight heat. It was so super smooth flow that I thought it was one song until I looked down at my phone.
“OH NO”
This song made me realize that not one tune on this EP sounded like the other. You can tell BIA put effort into the order of this piece of work. I was not crazy about her lyrics on this track, but the sampled beat saved everything. The producer found a way to blend BIA’s lyrics, voice, and beat into a melody of greatness.
“LONDON” (With J. Cole) + “I’M THAT B**CH” (With Timbaland)
These two tracks were the only songs we heard before the EP was released. I loved both, but critics felt BIA could not keep up with J. Cole on “LONDON.” However, this is Jermaine we are discussing, and most rappers that have been in the industry for years are not on Cole’s level. I respect BIA for making a track with such a legendary artist and still having fun on it.
“I’M THAT B**CH” was a different style for BIA, but I thought it was a pleasant surprise. I like that she tests her limits, and if there would be anyone to do that with, it is only right that it was Timbaland.
“FALLBACK”
I’m not fully on board with this track, and I don’t think it should have been towards the end of the EP. I love that the end was “I’M THAT BITCH” and placing “FALLBACK” right before that was not the best choice. The eighth track is not very memorable, but it’s a nice little vibe. If you have been a fan of BIA for a long time, this song just feels like a very BIA song.
“Really Her” Rating
Overall this EP was refreshing and did a great job of not sounding like anything that is out right now. The main critique I have is how short the songs are, but Landrau is always ready for a new challenge yet perfects not losing her style.
I have been a fan of Bianca since her days on Oxygen’s Sisterhood of Hip-Hop. It’s amazing to see her flourishing in the music industry, and this EP shows that we haven’t seen everything from BIA yet. She has more tricks up her sleeves.
Madonna performs onstage during The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 8, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Image source: Michael Tran, FilmMagic.
Madonna was hospitalized on Saturday night after she was found unresponsive, according to Page Six. The singer was in New York City. Madonna was intubated for at least a night, but the tube was removed by Wednesday.
The “Like A Virgin” singer developed a severe bacterial infection which led to Madonna’s getting hospitalized and spending several days in the intensive care unit, according to her longtime manager Guy Oseary. Oseary had a positive update that she is still under medical care, but her health is improving, and a full recovery is expected.
Therefore, all of the Queen of Pop’s commitments are on pause – including her highly anticipated tour. A new start date for the tour and rescheduled shows are to be announced. More details are to come as soon as her management gets them.
“Celebration” Tour Dates Postponed: Original Start Date
Madonna’s eldest daughter, Lourdes Leon, has allegedly been by her mother’s bedside throughout the entire terrifying incident. We are currently not sure where the bacterial infection came from.
Madonna’s 35-city global “Celebration” tour was in less than three weeks. The pop icon was originally scheduled to play more than 50 shows across North America and Europe, starting off in Vancouver on July 15. The cities she is supposed to visit include Detroit, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.
The iconic tour is supposed to consist of Madonna’s greatest hits from 1983 until 2019. However, although the announcement is sad – Madonna’s fans are showering her with love.
Madonna’s Last Major Health Issue In 2020
The “Hung Up” singer’s last health issue was a couple of years ago after hip replacement surgery. The Michigan native was not shy from describing how painful the surgery was, stating it was “more pain than I’ve ever been in my life.” The procedure was done 11 months after she got the injury from her Madame X tour, which forced her to cancel several shows.
GloRilla has declared April 29th the “FNF” day! I don’t know what you need to do to celebrate this day, but you better make sure you are “FNF.” It is the anniversary of the release of GloRilla and Hitkidd’s “FNF,” the song that kick-started the Southern rapper’s career.
The track hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart and got her signed to Yo Gotti’s label, CMG Imprint. He signed the artist for half a million dollars and a brand-new chain.
Yo Gotti told Billboard, “It’s one of the quickest rises that I’ve seen in my career because she only dropped in late April, and now she has the hottest cultural records in music.” The “Rake It Up” co-author spoke very highly of the 23-year-old. A lot has changed for GloRilla within a year overall, from award show performances to constantly defending her body.
Glorilla signs with Yo Gotti’s CMG. Image source: CMG The Label.
GloRilla also received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance.
Legal Issues
Gloria Hallelujah Woods even got into it with her producer of the song, HitKidd, about the song’s legal issues.
CMG wanted to own “FNF” to put it on Glo’s EP “Anyway Life’s Great,” and the producer assumed she was making all the money off “his song.”
However, Woods emphasized that she was barely making money off the song besides performances. Also, GloRilla wasn’t too happy about HitKidd taking their beef to social media.
But that has not been GloRilla’s only legal trouble. She has recently been sued by New Orleans Rap Veteran for the “TOMORROW” sample. Apparently, key parts from “Street of the Westbank” were supposedly lifted wholesale to produce the hit track.
Plus, another lawsuit. One of the victims’ sisters at the deadly stampede in New York. At least three died during GloRilla and Finesse2tymes’ concert, which started from a noise that was interpreted as gunshots.
"Jackman" album cover. Image source: Jack Harlow, Instagram.
Kentucky rapperJack Harlow has surprised us this week. He has announced a new album was coming very soon called “Jackman.” Harlow’s Instagram post presents him topless on the album cover, in front of a garage, with the signature curly hair slightly covering Jack’s eyes.
Jack Harlow Is Trying Something New With “Jackman”
The album has been out since Apr. 28, 2023. The record is only 24 minutes long and consists of ten songs, which differs from Jack Harlow’s freshman and sophomore records.
“That’s What They All Say” album cover. Image source: Atlantic Records.
Harlow’s first album, “That’s What They All Say,” has fifteen songs, while his second album, “Come Home The Kids Miss You,” has 15 songs and two music videos.
“Come Home The Kids Miss You” sophomore album cover. Image source: Urban Wyatt
Harlow definitely took a different approach with this new musical piece of work, which is sadly also a little underwhelming.
Songs Not As Memorable As Harlow’s Last Two Albums
Songs are not as memorable as the ones from Harlow’s other two albums.
“Jackman” also has no features, which is a bold choice for an album packing short songs with less than two minutes duration.
This time, Jack Harlow is either trying to prove a point with his lyrics, or these are just old demos that didn’t make it on any of the artist’s old LPs or EPs.
What Songs Stand Out On Jack Harlow’s Third Album?
The tracks that stand out are “Common Ground,” “They Don’t Love It,” and “Gang Gang Gang.”
“Common Ground” is Jack Harlow keeping it real; the artist literally starts the song with, “It’s not opinion based, it’s just, just sh** I see.” The lyrics seem to point at folks who have “white privilege” and don’t understand that those less fortunate around them have to do what they need to survive.
“They Don’t Love It” has one of the boldest lines on the album, in which Jack Harlow refers to himself as the “hardest” white boy since Eminem. “The hardest white boy since the one who rapped about vomit and sweaters,” the Louisville rapper’s lyric goes. “There’s vomit on his sweater already,” the lyrics say in one of the most iconic songs by the hip-hop veteran, “Lose Yourself.”
“Gang Gang Gang” was disturbingly real. Jack Harlow talks about these guys he knew that ended up doing some very messed up things. Things which result in holding “accountable the ones we hold dear.” The song also interpolates “Stay Schemin'” by Rick Ross in the somewhat chorus.
The ladies will probably love “No Enhancers” because the lyrics reflect Jack Harlow talking about his girl’s natural beauty. It’s a nice vibe on a lyrics-heavy album.
Give the album a couple more tries; maybe more songs will stick. Maybe even several tries since the songs are so short. For example, “Is that Ight?” is already latching to me.
Grade
“Jackman” gets a B-. The record is only a little bit above average, yet it still has some songs that can sneak into your music library.
I appreciate the honesty on this album that was lacking in the last two. Everything feels raw here, as if Jack Harlow is speaking straight from the heart.
“White Men Can’t Jump” Reboot With Sinqua Walls
Harlow’s new album comes out with the artist also starring in a reboot of “White Men Can’t Jump” with Sinqua Walls. The motion picture will stream on Hulu on May 19, 2023.
“White Men Can’t Jump” (reboot) poster for Hulu
The film will also feature stars like Teyana Taylor, Laura Harrier, Tamara “Tee” Kissen, Myles Bullock, rapper Vince Staples, and the late Lance Reddick.
The legendary singer and civil rights icon Harry Belafonte. Image source: Charley Gallay / Getty Images for NAACP Image Awards file.
Today we lost a legend, a civil rights icon, and a musical pioneer.
Harry Belafonte died at the age of 96 on April 25, 2023 of congestive heart failure in his New York City home.
Harry Belafonte’s Musical Influence
Belafonte was known for his influence on folk and blues, but was most known for making calypso music popular. However, the Harlem native made an imprint on hip-hop culture as well.
1984 Hip-Hop Film “Beat Street,” Which Belafonte Was The Executive Producer
The “Jump In The Line” singer executive produced Beat Street. Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five wrote the theme song for the 1984 hip-hop film.
It was one of the first movies, which starred Guy Davis and Jon Chardiet, about break-dancing and hip-hop culture. It focused on an aspiring DJ from the Bronx and his best friend, a promoter. The pair tried to get into the industry by educating people on hip-hop and the culture of the genre.
He even helped bring three of hip-hop’s earliest female rappers together for a vital part in the movie, MC She Rock, Debbie D., and Lisa Lee.
DVD cover of 1984 Beat Street. Image source: Etsy.
The Legend’s Hits Sampled On Hip-Hop Records
Hip-hop artists have also sampled the legend’s music. Pitbull, T-Pain, and Sean Paul’s “Shake Senora,” Doja Cat’s “Won’t Bite” featuring Smino, and Lil Wayne’s “6 Foot, 7 Foot” featuring Cory Gunz.
In addition, Jason Derulo’s pop hit “Don’t Wanna Go Home” – samples the calypso singer’s “Day-O (Banana Boat Song).”
Harry Vs. Jay-Z
Belafonte has even had a feud with Jay-Z about handling social issues.
We know the civil rights icon worked with the great Martin Luther King Jr. – so of course he was not holding back on the New York rapper.
The entertainer said in 2012 before concluding their beef in 2015, “I think one of the great abuses of this modern time is that we should have had such high-profile artists, powerful celebrities. But they have turned their back on social responsibility. That goes for Jay Z and Beyoncé, for example.”
Hov’s response was a diss in a song and talking about his prescence being “charity.”
“We Are The World,” With The Help Of Harry Belafonte
Harry Belafonte was a trailblazer that played an important part in history.
He worked on iconic song, “We Are The World.” Many know that Quincy Jones was the mastermind behind the charity single, but Belafonte was a key part in the preparation. He contacted entertainment manager Ken Kragen, who gave us Lionel Richie, Kenny Rogers and Stevie Wonder to add to this iconic hit.
Coi Leray, Latto, and Mariah the Scientist. Image source: Audiomack.
The hip-hop girlies may be fighting again. Coi Leray was unhappy about Latto comparing her to the size of a blunt in a new song.
The “Big Energy” rapper initially performed the controversial “Put It On Da Floor” single during Coachella. It then got released past Friday, Apr 22, also causing a stir and a harsh response from Coi Leray.
The exact lyric in the “Put It On Da Floor,” new single goes, “smokin’ on that gas, blunt big as Coi Leray.”
Latto’s Similar Lyric On “Don’t Play With It”
Latto has also mentioned someone’s body size in her lyrics before. A month ago, on Lola Brooke’s “Don’t Play With It” remix, also with Yung Miami, Latto rapped:
“Drop that hunnid on a pennant, that shit big as Lola.”
However, although it was Lola’s own song, it did not seem like the artist took Latto’s lyric about her size offensively.
Coi Took It To Twitter
On the other hand, Coi Leray did not take Latto’s lyrics so well. She considered “Put It On Da Floor” a diss, which is also allegedly body-shaming the “Blick Blick” artist.
So Coi took her anger to Twitter and did not hold back.
First came Coi Leray’s offer to fight Big Latto. “Latto bye…here you go talking about my body,” Coi tweeted after suggesting a trial by combat. “Please do not come on here and talk about nobody BODY…Lmaooo ya blunt my size…this sh** is never ending.”
The “Players” rapper then commented on her tweets about Stephens. “Maybe I overreacted [I don’t know]. End of the day. Don’t say my name for clicks and likes. [Especially,] if we don’t speak or communicate.”
Quincy and Justin Combs spotted at Soho Desert House to launch new limited-edition CÎROC Honey Melon. Image source: Loamis Media.
CÎROC is launching CÎROC Honey Melon, their new limited-edition flavor.
The desert was hot for Coachella this weekend, but this star-studded launch event was hotter.
CÎROC Honey Melon Launch Event In Palm Springs
The launch took place at Soho Desert House in Palm Springs.
Lady London, Justin Combs, Quincy Brown & more celebrated new limited-edition CÎROC Honey Melon at Soho Desert House in Palm Springs.
Exclusive Photos for CÎROC Honey Melon
Below are exclusive photos to one of the hottest events in town.
Quincy Brown at Soho Desert House in Palm Springs celebrating the launch of limited-edition CÎROC Honey Melon. Image source: Loamis Media.
Quincy Brown at Soho Desert House in Palm Springs celebrating the launch of limited-edition CÎROC Honey Melon. Image source: Loamis Media.
It’s Given’ Lit Country Club
Superstars like DJ Kaytranda and rapper Aminé also attended.
These stars visited the ‘Fresh Serves Club,’ which is given’ a more updated country club experience for a new generation.
Lady London celebrates arrival limited-edition CÎROC Honey Melon at Soho Desert House in Palm Springs. Image source: Loamis Media.
Lady London Enjoys New Limited-Edition CÎROC Honey Melon at Soho Desert House in Palm Springs_Loamis Media
What Happened At The Launch Event?
This party had a line up of special guest DJ’s, the CÎROC Honey Melon cocktails, and guests could pick up customized merchchandise provided by the pro shop for pickle ball.
They had the option to play the game on the CÎROC Honey Melon Fresh Serves court.
Soho Desert House is located a few miles from Coachella.
CÎROC Linked Up with Diddy in 2007
CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka launched in 2003 and joined forces with hip-hop veteran Sean “Diddy” Combs in 2007.
Diddy went from passing the Courvoisier with Busta Rhymes to pushing the CÎROC brand out everywhere.
Combs explained the reason he wanted to work with one of Diageo PLC’s superpremium lines in an interview.
He said the company had an understanding with him.
“I’m not just a celebrity endorser, I’m a brand builder. I’m a luxury brand builder,” said the New York native.
Lady London celebrateslimited-edition CÎROC Honey Melon at Soho Desert House in Palm Springs. Image source: Loamis Media.
Lady London Getting The Love She Deserves
The mainstream part of the industry has been showing rapper Lady London a lot of love lately. We love to see it!
The East Coast rapper just appeared on Ciara’s remix of “Da Girls” with fellow New York rapper Lola Brooke.
The artist’s single “Don’t Play With It” engulfed everyone’s TikTok timeline over the last few months. Most recently, she recruited Yung Miami of City Girls and Latto to hop on the remix at the end of last month.
Lola Brooke Joins Latto’s 777 Radio
Brooke also just stopped by Latto’s 777 radio to talk about the 2021 single, dating in the industry, and her background.
Lola Brooke told Latto she had a feeling that “Don’t Play With It” was “legit and hard,” but she didn’t know it would be a hit. She thought it would be a hit for the city, yet it went “global,” as the Southern rapper said.
Brooke said she didn’t feel any pressure from the song because it took two years for it to “pop.” The Brooklyn native released other music after she released the later-on hit.
Dating In The Music Industry?
When asked about dating someone in the music industry, the 718 princess sounded like she was leaning towards the idea of being in a relationship with another entertainer.
However, Brooke said she wondered if her significant other could compete with her. Lola also let it be known that she wants a rapper instead of a singer, jokingly solidifying it with lyrics from “Don’t Play With It.”
Lola told Latto that she is single and celebrities are in her DMs.
Where Did The Stage Name Come From?
The rapper also clarified where her stage name originated from. Lola was the “Looney Tunes” show character, Lola Bunny, and the Brooke part of the name came from the New York Borough, Brooklyn.
“Lola The Bunny,” because she was cute and like a tomboy, and Brooke because, as many know, Brooklyn is where she is from. The Arista signee gave us some of her background from New York, from taking the subway to keeping her circle tight to why her borough is the best. Big Gator and Latto were very playful, with great chemistry and many jokes in this episode.
Da Girls” (Remix) Featuring Lola Brooke and Lady London
Lola Brooke is taking the industry by storm, and you can hear her most recent mainstream hit, “Da Girls” (Remix). The song is originally just Ciara but the industry vet tags Brooke and incredible New York rapper Lady London.
Timbo stresses that he wanted the music to sound how they both look: young.
“We both look like we 19. I know how Missy works: It’s got to be new and fun — or maybe not so much new as kind of underground, and everything is upbeat,” said the record producer.
“Latin Feel” On A Few Songs
He added a “Latin feel” is present in some of the songs.
“Almost a Bad Bunny effect. Some of it’s kinda like underground Brazilian funk. People gonna eat it up — and it might reach just a different demographic of people. It’s like it’s her doing… not reggaeton but Missy-ton,” Timbaland mentioned in the interview.
The Virginia native hopes this new album will include features from Latin artists such as Bad Bunny and Young Miko.
But you have heard Missy’s musical genius spreading throughout the industry lately in rapper BIA’s “I’m That B**ch,” which samples her 1999 “She’s a B**ch.”
Plus, Chlöe’s new album features Missy on “Told Ya.”
In addition, British girl group Flo’s single “Fly Girl” featuring the Virginia native. That song is mainly an interpolation of Missy’s 2002 “Work It.”
