News
Beyoncé Announces Act II; Drops Two New Songs
After Usher‘s electrifying Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show performance, viewers were in for another treat with Beyoncé‘s commercial for Verizon. The singer sent shockwaves across the internet when, during the commercial, she stated, “Okay, they’re ready. Drop the new music,” after being challenged to break Verizon’s network.
Shortly after, she treated fans on Instagram and her official website by unveiling a country music teaser.
Building anticipation, the trailer concluded with the announcement that Beyoncé would be releasing Act II on March 29. This highly-anticipated sequel follows the success of 2022’s Renaissance: Act 1 and is expected to feature a total of 16 tracks. Beyoncé has already given fans a taste of what’s to come by dropping two records on streaming platforms: “Texas Hold Em” and “16 Carriages.”
Stream them below.
Beyonce's Act II will feature 16 tracks. https://t.co/ZbFgNENynU pic.twitter.com/oGGFuraBq8
— miixtapechiick.com (@MXCKdotCom) February 12, 2024
News
Rich Homie Quan Dead At The Age of 34
Rich Homie Quan, born Dequantes Devontay Lamar, has tragically passed away at the age of 34.
According to friends and family, the Atlanta rapper died of an apparent overdose. In a statement to TMZ, the family said they are “shattered and heartbroken by his sudden death.”
Rich Homie Quan first gained widespread recognition with his 2013 breakout single “Type of Way,” which peaked at number 50 on the US Billboard Hot 100. His mixtape Still Goin’ In (Reloaded) was later named one of the top 10 mixtapes of the year by Rolling Stone. In 2014, Quan teamed up with Problem for the hit single “Walk Thru” and joined Birdman‘s Rich Gang, where he and Young Thug formed the popular group of the same name. The group’s single “Lifestyle,” produced by London On Da Track, became a certified platinum hit.
Quan eventually returned to his solo career and released his debut album Rich as in Spirit in 2018.
Our condolences go out to his friends and family.
Rest in Peace my brother Rich Homie Quan. I love you for Life. #Richgang
— King Of R&B (@Jacquees) September 5, 2024
Culture
Cleotrapa and Ice Spice Fall Out After Tour Struggles on Y2K! Tour
On Monday (Sept. 2), Cleotrapa took to social media to share her experience while touring with Ice Spice on the Y2K! Tour.
In a series of TikTok videos, Cleotrapa detailed the challenges she faced, alleging that Ice Spice’s team cut corners by refusing to cover her meals and hotel expenses. She also claimed that she was forced to use bathrooms as makeshift dressing rooms and faced other grievances.
@cleotrapa Ion wanna hear “i told you so cleo” cause honestly i really thought i had a friend idc. Yall not gonnq create false narratives! Cause imma always clear my name up & yall been knew that since 2018
♬ original sound – Cleotrapa 🧚🏾♀️
As the story quickly gained traction on social media, Ice Spice addressed the situation directly during a session on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces.
“So for you to try to sit here and complain about a chicken salad? You never came to me talking about a chicken salad, what are you really talking about right now. B*tch, you not going to tell the people how we was at an Italian restaurant and you ate so much f*cking food, you f*cking vacuum, that the server was like, ‘Where did the food go?'” she said.
Cleotrapa swiftly responded on X, tweeting, “Imagine being called big by someone who was just big themselves. I’m going to bed, bro. Is Ozempic making y’all gassed and fatphobic now? BET.”
Ice Spice believes that Cleotrapa’s behavior was a sign of desperation.
“Crashing out is sad you guys,” she said. “The scary part of fame honestly is the moment that somebody feels like they can no longer use your platform or like they’re not getting exactly what they want out of a situation the way that they want it .That’s when they decide to crash out every single time. I’m noticing a pattern.”
Culture
8 Zipp, Heffna Don and More Charged in Federal Sweep
Dominique Carpenter-Grad, known as 8 Zipp, and Trea Lankford, known as Heffna Don, are among ten individuals charged with drug conspiracy, linked to the alleged street gang H Block.
On Thursday, August 28, Boston-based rappers 8 Zipp and Heffna Don, along with 17 others, were arrested according to documents unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Dominique Carpenter-Grady, known as 8 Zipp, and Trea Lankford, known as Heffna Don, are among ten individuals charged with drug conspiracy, linked to the alleged street gang H Block (Appendix A). Separately, nine members and associates of the Mission Hill Gang, including rapper Big Body Benz, born Tyrone Brimage, and (Appendix B) face charges related to financial fraud.
The arrests result from extensive, multi-year investigations into gang violence in Boston, which follow the February 2024 takedown of over 40 Heath Street Gang members and associates. That investigation led to the indictment of Boston-based rappers Trottie Y Gizzle, Trottie Moula, Ricky Mazarati, BDE Keko and others, with charges ranging from racketeering conspiracy to drug trafficking, firearms offenses, wire fraud, and various forms of financial fraud, including COVID-related schemes.
Six H Block members were arrested on Aug. 29, 2024, in connection with drug dealing in Boston and surrounding areas. During the arrests, additional drugs and four firearms were seized. Four other H Block members are already in state custody. Additionally, three H Block associates are charged with conspiring to smuggle illegal drugs into a Massachusetts prison, where there has been a significant increase in the smuggling of synthetic cannabinoids, also known as “K2,” and other dangerous substances.
Seperately, charges were filed against members and associates of the Mission Hill street gang for their roles in a mail theft and financial fraud scheme known as “card cracking.” According to court documents, this scheme involves the theft and laundering of money through bank accounts set up under various names controlled by the primary offenders. Six members and associates were arrested on Thursday, Aug. 29, and charged with financial crimes, while three others, already in custody, were also implicated.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts notes, “The charge of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (cocaine) provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, not less than three years of supervised release, up to life, and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (cocaine, cocaine base, fentanyl, PCP, and controlled substance analogues, i.e. K2) provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, not less than three years of supervised release, up to life, and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of theft of government property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of conspiracy to steal or possess stolen mail provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.”
APPENDIX A
- Trea Lankford, a/k/a “Heff,” a/k/a “Hefna Don,” a/k/a “Montana,” a/k/a “Tre Cain,” 33, of Boston;
- Dennis Wilson, a/k/a “Deuce,” a/k/a “Deep Jhonenson,” 36 of Boston;
- Avery Lewis, a/k/a “Wave,” 32 of Dorchester;
- Mark Linnehan,25, of West Roxbury;
- Eric Celestino,30, of Boston;
- Timothy Hearns, a/k/a “King Kill,” a/k/a “Tool Man,” a/k/a “Tooly,” 34;
- Dominique Carpenter-Grady, a/k/a “8-Zipp” a/k/a “Eighty,” a/k/a “Cindy Surin,” 35;
- Robert Heckstall, a/k/a “Ribbs,” a/k/a “Buck,” a/k/a “Buck Corleone,” 41, of Roxbury;
- Jason Bly, 44, of Quincy; and
- Jerry Gray, 28, of Dorchester.
APPENDIX B
- Imanol Rios-Franco, 24, of Brookline;
- Jairo Cabral-Santos, 22, of Boston;
- Brandon Baez, 22, of Framingham;
- Jiovanny Matos, 25, of Boston;
- Josman Romero Delgado, 22, of Boston;
- Jonathan Martinez, 25, of Roslindale;
- Anthony Worthen, 28, of Roslindale;
- Tyrone Brimage, 28, of Boston; and
- Glenroy Miller, 28, of Boston.
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