Search Results

New Orleans rap legend B.G.  is back with a vengeance, dropping his highly anticipated solo album, Freedom of Speech , marking his first full-length project since his release from federal prison . After serving 13 years behind bars , B.G. returned home under strict legal conditions—including the requirement to submit his lyrics for government approval  before releasing any music. In response, the rapper boldly named his album Freedom of Speech , making a statement that he refuses to be silenced. A Comeback Worth the Wait Despite his long absence, B.G. proves he hasn't missed a step. His signature raw street lyricism  and Southern bounce remain as sharp as ever. The album boasts an impressive lineup of features, including: 🔹 Juvenile 🔹 Birdman 🔹 Fredo Bang 🔹 Reese Youngn 🔹 E-40 🔹 Finesse2Tymes 🔹 Fiend 🔹 Derez De’Shon With a mix of classic Cash Money influence  and a modern twist, Freedom of Speech  is a must-listen for both day-one fans and new listeners alike. The Resilience of a Rap Icon B.G.'s journey has been one of triumph, struggle, and perseverance . From his early days with Hot Boys  to his incarceration, he has remained a respected figure in hip-hop. His release has been celebrated across the industry, with fans and fellow artists rallying behind his return. Now, with Freedom of Speech , B.G. is reclaiming his place in the game, proving that real artistry and storytelling stand the test of time . Stream Freedom of Speech  on all platforms  and follow B.G. on Instagram @new_bghollywood .

On July 23, 1993 , at around 10:30 PM , DeVante Swing —the musical mastermind behind Jodeci—experienced a life-altering home invasion that left him permanently scarred. A Terrifying Ordeal As DeVante slept, two armed intruders  slipped into his home through an open garage door . They blindfolded  him, tied his hands behind his back , and pistol-whipped him four times , fracturing his skull. The situation grew even more chilling when they forced a gun into his mouth  while holding another to the back of his head, threatening to kill him. The assailants ultimately stole $20,000 worth of jewelry  before fleeing the scene. Despite the violent attack, the thieves were never caught . The Aftermath & Jodeci’s Response Jodeci members were in the studio that night, working on their sophomore album, Diary of a Mad Band . Mr. Dalvin , DeVante's brother and fellow group member, recalled the night in a 2017 VLAD TV interview. He noted that DeVante’s absence  raised concerns, leading them to check on him—where they discovered the horrific aftermath. DeVante, despite his injuries, fought back , even managing to bite off one of the intruder’s fingers  in his struggle for survival. How It Changed DeVante Swing The trauma of the event deeply affected DeVante. Two years later, he told Vibe Magazine , “Shit made me want to fuck up a nigga. I’m in trouble for guns, but you won’t catch me not packing.” According to Mr. Dalvin, the two assailants were cousins , and karma eventually caught up with them— one killed the other , and the surviving attacker is currently serving time for murder . A Legacy Marked by Pain & Resilience Though DeVante Swing never fully recovered from the incident , he remains an R&B legend  whose impact on music is undeniable. His genius production, songwriting, and influence on artists like Timbaland and Missy Elliott  continue to shape the sound of R&B and hip-hop today.

Alabama’s rap scene is heating up , and Lil Thousand  is proving he’s a name to watch. With the release of his latest music video, "Came Up,"  he continues to make waves and build momentum in the industry. A Rising Star from Alabama Lil Thousand is quickly cementing his place as one of the hottest rappers  to emerge from Alabama. His sharp flow , undeniable confidence, and hunger for success set him apart. With each release, he’s showing fans that he’s on a mission to take over the game . "Came Up" – A Statement of Growth The new video for "Came Up"  showcases Lil Thousand’s signature style, energy, and authenticity. It’s a track that speaks on his journey, struggles, and ultimate rise in the rap game . His delivery and charisma make it clear— he’s here to stay . Follow Lil Thousand’s Journey With his latest release gaining traction, Lil Thousand is well on his way to making an impact in hip-hop. Follow him on Instagram @lilthousand_  and check out his new music video "Came Up"  now!

Marvin Gaye was never a fan of disco music —but ironically, one of his biggest hits came from the genre he despised. His 1977 classic, "Got to Give It Up,"  was only recorded to appease Motown's demand  for him to experiment with disco, which was dominating the charts at the time. From Reluctance to a #1 Hit Despite his lack of enthusiasm, Gaye’s smooth vocals and signature groove turned the track into a timeless classic . It became his third and final #1 hit  on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that even when Marvin was reluctant, he still delivered excellence. The "Blurred Lines" Controversy Decades later, "Got to Give It Up"  became the center of a major copyright battle. In 2013, Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams’ hit song "Blurred Lines"  drew heavy comparisons to Gaye’s track. Marvin’s family took legal action, and in 2015, a jury ruled that "Blurred Lines" illegally borrowed from "Got to Give It Up."  The case resulted in a $5.3 million payout  to Gaye’s children, and Marvin was retroactively credited  as a songwriter on the track. Marvin Gaye’s Unintentional Disco Legacy Even though Marvin Gaye never intended to leave his mark on the disco era , "Got to Give It Up" remains a beloved classic  that continues to influence music today. His ability to transform a genre he disliked into one of his greatest hits is a testament to his legendary talent and unmatched musical genius .

Rising Hip-Hop artist Loni B  is turning up the heat with the release of her latest music video, "Hot."  With undeniable rap skills and a strong presence in the game, Loni B is proving that she’s not an artist to be overlooked. A Star on the Rise Loni B has been making waves in the Hip-Hop scene, showcasing her lyrical prowess and raw talent . Her ability to deliver hard-hitting bars with effortless confidence  sets her apart from the competition. If she continues on this trajectory, there’s no doubt that she’s on the fast track to becoming a mainstream sensation . Why "Hot" is a Must-Watch The visuals for "Hot"  match the song’s energy perfectly—bold, stylish, and full of attitude. Loni B brings the heat with charismatic delivery, infectious flows, and an undeniable presence  that keeps viewers locked in from start to finish. Follow Loni B’s Journey With momentum building, Loni B is an artist you need to have on your radar . Be sure to follow her on Instagram @lonileenay  and check out her new single "Hot" —because this is just the beginning of her takeover.

The legacy of Nipsey Hussle  continues to live on—not just through his music and community impact but also through the business moves he set in place before his untimely passing. One of the most meaningful examples of this is PUMA’s ongoing commitment to depositing money into a trust fund for his children each year . A Lasting Partnership Before his tragic passing in 2019, Nipsey Hussle had a partnership with PUMA , launching a successful collection that reflected his signature style and vision. Even after his death, PUMA has remained dedicated to honoring his legacy—not just in tribute but in tangible financial support  for his family. Building Generational Wealth Nipsey’s brother, Blacc Sam , has spoken openly about Nipsey’s business acumen  and how he worked to ensure financial security for his family. From The Marathon Clothing  to real estate investments, Nipsey understood the power of ownership and generational wealth. The trust fund for his children , supported by PUMA, is a direct reflection of that mindset. The Marathon Continues PUMA’s yearly deposits  into the trust fund show a commitment that goes beyond business—it’s about honoring Nipsey’s vision  of financial empowerment. His impact, both in music and entrepreneurship, continues to inspire, and through initiatives like this, his family and community still benefit from the seeds he planted. Nipsey Hussle’s legacy will never fade, and his marathon truly continues .

New Jersey’s rising music star CurlyGen  is making waves with her latest release, "Bawddy Tea" —a track that has been spreading like wildfire across the internet. With her infectious energy and undeniable presence, CurlyGen is proving why she’s an artist to watch. A Star in the Making CurlyGen brings a fresh, dynamic vibe  to every song she releases, and “Bawddy Tea” is no exception. Her ability to command attention with her unique sound and bold delivery  showcases the star potential that has fans and industry insiders taking notice. The Buzz is Real The song has quickly gained momentum, with listeners praising CurlyGen’s confidence, charisma, and signature style . Social media has been buzzing about “Bawddy Tea,” further cementing her place as a rising force in the music scene. Stay Tuned for More With CurlyGen’s growing fanbase  and undeniable talent, it’s clear that this is just the beginning. Be sure to follow her on Instagram (@iamcurlygen)  and check out her latest track, “Bawddy Tea” , to witness the rise of a future star!

Legendary R&B group En Vogue  is known for their powerhouse vocals, timeless hits, and undeniable influence on the music industry. However, their success came at a steep financial cost  under their first record deal. A Shocking Pay Structure According to former member Dawn Robinson , En Vogue was only paid 8 cents per album sold —with each member making just 2 cents per sale . This revelation, which Robinson shared in 2021 , highlights the unfair contracts many artists faced in the music industry, especially during the 1990s. Platinum Sales, But No Wealth Despite their debut album going platinum , the group struggled financially due to their contract terms. Robinson revealed that at one point, she, Maxine Jones , and Terry Ellis  even had to share an apartment . With over 20 million records sold worldwide , their early earnings were far from what one would expect for a group of their caliber. Missed Opportunity to Renegotiate After their breakthrough success, En Vogue had leverage to negotiate a better deal  for their second album. However, they were unable to come together to push for better terms , ultimately missing the opportunity to secure a fairer contract at the time. An Unfair Industry Trend En Vogue’s story is not unique—many artists from the ‘90s, particularly in R&B and hip-hop, have spoken out about unfair contracts that left them earning just a fraction of what their music generated. Their experience serves as a cautionary tale  about the importance of strong legal representation and financial awareness in the music business. A Lasting Legacy Despite these early setbacks, En Vogue remains one of the best-selling female groups of all time , leaving an indelible mark on R&B with hits like "Hold On," "Don't Let Go (Love)," and "Free Your Mind."  Their story is a testament to both the challenges and triumphs  that come with longevity in the music industry.

Houston, Texas, has long been a breeding ground for hip-hop greatness, and SoYhani  is proving to be the next name to watch. With the release of his new visuals for “Stepping Hard,”  the rising rapper is making a statement—he’s here to stay. A New Force in Houston Hip-Hop Houston has been producing legendary artists for over three decades, and SoYhani is carving his own lane in the city’s competitive rap scene. With infectious energy , a commanding presence , and unshakable confidence , he’s bringing a fresh sound that resonates with fans. “Stepping Hard” Showcases His Star Potential The visuals for “Stepping Hard”  capture SoYhani in his element—delivering bars with raw intensity while exuding the swagger of an artist on the rise. His ability to blend hard-hitting lyrics  with an engaging performance makes it clear why his buzz is growing. Follow SoYhani’s Journey With each release, SoYhani is proving himself as one of Houston’s most promising talents . Stay tuned for more music and visuals from this rising star. 📲 Follow SoYhani on Instagram:   @soyhani 🎥 Check out his latest video, “Stepping Hard”!

Winning the lottery is often seen as a dream come true, but for Tonda Dickerson , it quickly turned into a legal and personal nightmare . In 1999, Dickerson, a former waitress, was tipped a lottery ticket  while working at a Waffle House. That ticket turned out to be worth $10 million , but instead of a life of luxury, she faced a whirlwind of lawsuits, betrayal, and even a life-threatening situation. A Fortune That Sparked Lawsuits As soon as the news of her win spread, greed took over . Her co-workers  at the restaurant sued her , claiming there was an agreement that any winning ticket given as a tip  would be shared among them. Then, the man who tipped her the ticket  also took legal action, alleging that she had promised to buy him a truck if she won . A Violent Turn: Kidnapped by Her Ex-Husband Just when things seemed to settle, her ex-husband kidnapped her , attempting to take advantage of her newfound wealth. The situation escalated dangerously, but Dickerson fought back, ultimately shooting him in the chest  in an act of self-defense. IRS Comes Calling Even after escaping legal battles and personal danger, the IRS came knocking . The government demanded over $1 million in gift taxes , arguing that because she put the winnings into a family-run corporation , she owed additional taxes on top of her regular income tax. A Cautionary Tale of Lottery Luck Tonda Dickerson’s story serves as a harsh reminder  that sudden wealth can attract unwanted attention, legal troubles, and even personal danger. What started as a simple tip led to lawsuits, an attempted abduction, and a battle with the IRS. Winning the lottery can change a life—but as Dickerson’s rollercoaster journey  shows, not always for the better.

Richmond, Virginia music artist MiaMoney  is proving that nothing can stop her from chasing her dreams. Her latest release, "Save Me,"  is another testament to her resilience, talent, and dedication to music. MiaMoney’s story is one of incredible perseverance. One fateful night, while driving home from Virginia Beach, she fell asleep at the wheel  and was ejected from her car, landing in the woods. The accident left her paralyzed , but it didn’t take away her spirit  or passion  for music. Instead of letting her circumstances define her, MiaMoney has continued to make inspiring and powerful music , all while maintaining a positive outlook on life. Determined to share her story and make an impact, MiaMoney has been traveling between Virginia and Atlanta , networking, performing, and pushing her music to new audiences. She refuses to let adversity slow her down, proving that true strength comes from within . Follow MiaMoney  on Instagram @miaaamoney  and check out her latest song, "Save Me,"  available now on all streaming platforms.

Sam Cooke: The First Black Artist to Own a Record Label & The Mysterious Circumstances of His Death Sam Cooke was more than just a legendary singer—he was a trailblazer in the music industry. As the first Black artist to own a record label  and publishing company , Cooke shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of artists to gain control over their own music. However, his groundbreaking success also made him a target  in an industry that was not ready to see Black artists wield such power. Shortly before his untimely death, Cooke discovered that his manager, Allen Klein , had secretly transferred ownership  of his record label, Tracey Limited , into his own name. With no legal will in place, Klein took full control  of Cooke’s music catalog, ultimately profiting from his work while his family received little in return. Tragically, Sam Cooke was killed in December 1964 , under circumstances that remain controversial to this day. His death left many questions unanswered, fueling speculation that his rising influence—and his fight for ownership in the industry—may have played a role in his demise. Despite the injustice, Sam Cooke’s legacy lives on.  His music and contributions to the business side of the industry continue to inspire artists who seek ownership and control over their own artistry.