by MARISA MENDEZ
Keith LeBlanc, a pioneering drummer who has worked with the likes of Grandmaster Flash and the Sugarhill Gang, has passed at age 70.
Variety reports the musician died Thursday (April 5), following a battle with an undisclosed illness.
LeBlanc, alongside bassist Doug Wimbish and guitarist Skip McDonald, were the house band for the groundbreaking record labels Sugar Hill Records and Tommy Boy Records. LeBlanc drummed on scores of important early Hip Hop records, including the Sugarhill Gang’s “Apache (Jump On It),” Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel’s “White Lines (Don’t Do It),” the......
by BERNADETTE GIACOMAZZO
Jay Master Jay was tragically murdered in New York 22 years ago, and now, after two people have been found guilty, the final suspect in the case is reportedly considering a plea deal.
The Associated Press is reporting that prosecutors are considering a plea for Jay Bryant, 50, though it is not clear what the deal comprises. Both sides are due to file a status report by August 5.
Neither Bryant nor his lawyer, César de Castro, issued a comment after the court meeting on Thursday (April 4).
Should the two sides not come to a resolution, they are due to commence the trial in January 2025.
Last year, Jay......
by RUTH HAWKINS
Russ has made it clear he’s steering clear of the escalating tension between rap heavyweights J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar.
On Friday (April 5th), when a fan asked, “Are you picking a side?” — a nod to Metro Boomin’s now-famous message, “Once you pick a side stay there…” in reference to the dispute — the “What They Want” rapper seized the chance to inject some humor into the situation.
“I’m 31,” he responded, taking to X (formerly Twitter). The reply sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some agreeing, and others questioning the......
by RUTH HAWKINS
J. Cole has caused a stir with the unexpected drop of his latest album, Might Delete Later. However, he finds himself confronted with serious allegations as fans dissect the lyrics.
On the track in question, “Pi,” featuring Daylyt and Ab-Soul, Cole drops a line — which appear to target his once friend, now rival Kendrick Lamar — that has ignited controversy, with numerous listeners deeming it as transphobic.
“Is you a demon or is that demeanor for the ‘Gram? Tell us / They plead the fifth, I’m seeing hints of a trans fella,” Cole raps. “In cancel culture’s......
by BERNADETTE GIACOMAZZO
Ghostface Killah has a variety of classics that he’s performed throughout the years, but there’s one song that’s highly unlikely to appear on any of the Wu-Tang Clan MC’s setlists.
Ghost sat down with Big Daddy Kane for a session with HipHopWired‘s “I Got Questions” on Friday (April 5), wherein he revealed that “All That I Got Is You” — the classic track featuring Mary J. Blige off of 1996’s Ironman — causes him so much sorrow that he doesn’t perform it live.
“It just gets me sad,” he explained. “I......
by KARAN SINGH
Diddy‘s ongoing lawsuits for sexual assault and misconduct have blemished a lot of names in the music business, including a former major-label executive.
In February, a producer named Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones accused the New York City native (real name Sean Combs) of sexual harassment as well as drugging and threatening him over the course of a year.
Additionally, the lawsuit claimed that ex-Motown Records chief executive officer Ethiopia Habtemariam was among those involved in a drug- and sex-trafficking ring for the mogul’s alleged “RICO enterprise.” More specifically, she was accused of being aware......
by RUTH HAWKINS
Kendrick Lamar has hit yet another career milestone thanks to the success of his diss verse against at Drake and J. Cole.
On Monday (April 1), Billboard reported that Future and Metro Boomin‘s “Like That” featuring K.Dot has rocketed to the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100 songs chart. The viral hit is just one of five from their WE DON’T TRUST YOU album to debut in the Hot 100’s top 10, with the LP itself claiming the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200.
Kendrick has previous topped the Hot 100 tally twice before in his career with his feature on Taylor......
by KARAN SINGH
Magic Johnson has left no doubts about where he stands in terms of his favorites in music, singling out Beyoncé as his pick for the greatest entertainer ever among women.
On Friday (March 29), soon after the release of Cowboy Carter, the NBA legend shared a photograph he took with Queen B a few years back along with a heartfelt note about her excellence and legacy.
“Beyoncé – It’s only fitting that I recognize a living icon as the world tunes in to listen to your newest album, ‘Cowboy Carter,’ which just dropped today!” he wrote.
“You are truly a multifaceted......
by SAM MOORE
Nipsey Hussle‘s memory continues to live on, with the Hip Hop community paying tribute to the late rapper on the fifth anniversary of his tragic murder.
On Sunday (March 31), a number of rap figures took to social media to salute the fallen rapper, who was also active in his local South Central Los Angeles community and inspired many more beyond his hometown.
Rick Ross, who collaborated with Nipsey on several songs and tried to sign him to his MMG label, posted a picture of the Victory Lap MC along with the caption: “Long live Nip.”
Fellow California native The Game, who previously took credit for......
by SHAWN SETARO
Ed Lover has some strong opinions about the recent controversies surrounding Diddy, among which is the belief that 50 Cent has gone too far in his trolling.
On an episode of his C’Mon Sonpodcast that was released Friday (March 29) and titled “Diddy Do It?”, the Hip Hop veteran said that Fif’s endless string of social media jokes at the mogul’s expense are uncalled for.
“[A]s much as I love 50, I think 50 is stepping over the line now. I really do,” Lover said.
The DJ and former Yo! MTV Raps host admitted that “Funny is funny,” admitting that......
