Culture
Cyphers to Sit-Downs: Watch Joe Budden’s New Interview With Nicki Minaj
Joe Budden’s interview with rapper, singer, songwriter, actress Nicki Minaj — one of the highest-grossing female rappers of all time was recently uploaded to Youtube. The setup was quite a positive change from Budden’s previous podcast with Nicki and two other guests where tensions were sky-high. The interview kicks off with Nicki and Budden reflecting on the ’09 BET Cypher and how much has changed since then.
Nicki Minaj (2022) From Nicki Minaj (2008)
In response, Nicki wishes that she had been more appreciative of herself from her image and her raw talent. For context, it’s pretty important to note that Nicki’s rise to stardom began at the start of social media. She also reflects on the confines of desirability, with regard to getting ass shots. Very few people can fully fathom how jaded Nicki became — especially as a Black woman whose brand was colorful, quirky, and unapologetic.
Nicki the Pinkprint: “pink wig, thick ass, give ‘em whip-lash”
Nicki and Budden transition into a conversation about the standards set for aspiring female rappers and whether or not the pop star has a hand in this “starter kit.” As we know, there is a clear image and sound that is almost requisite to recognition and success in the industry — the doll. The same image that Nicki spearheaded at the start of her music career (as the Harajuku Barbie with colorful hair and full bangs) has been replicated by a lot of today’s newest female rappers.
Nicki the Mogul
As Nicki and Budden speak about music moguls like Jay-Z, Budden inquires about Nicki’s steps toward cementing her name as a music mogul. She speaks of ‘Queen Radio,’ which will be headed to Amazon. Nicki also sheds light on the makings of her documentary, her management company and also a record company. She also mentions that she will be taking on a role in an upcoming film that will be bigger than her previous cameos.
Nicki the All-Time Influencer
Nicki and Budden spoke about the importance of Black women speaking up about their cultural impact. History has shown time and time again that black women’s creativity is often imitated and of course, their brilliance cannot be duplicated (i.e. Coi Leray, FKA Twigs). Unfortunately, though, Black women typically have to demand their flowers.
“You have to mention it or they’ll act like it never happened!”
Time after time, Nicki has had to advocate for herself after being snubbed from Grammy awards.
She’s even had to speak out against the other networks (BET) for snubbing her accomplishments as this generation’s pink print for women in hip hop. Nicki also asserts that she and Lil’ Kim shouldn’t have already been on the cover of American Vogue for their dominant influences in pop culture.
How does Nicki navigate through this new age of rap?
Toward the end of the interview, Nicki speaks about how she has remedied writer’s block in the midst of motherhood and the pandemic. Nicki says that the privilege of having “sparring partners” like Drake and Lil Wayne on ‘Seeing Green‘ has helped her get back in the ring. Many fans have mentioned that the song is very consistent with the trio’s sound from the late 2000s into the 2010s. Nicki and Budden two spoke about navigating the new era of music where artists are trying to solidify their sound but are also looking to score a hit single with today’s rap trends.
The two end the interview with discussions about the perks of parenthood and the momentum that Nicki will be picking up on shortly. Many people are excited to see the new heights that Nicki will be experiencing soon.
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.
Culture
Kehlani Announces Release Date & Tracklist For ‘While We Wait 2’ Mixtape
Just two months after the release of her fourth studio album Crash, which was accompanied by the announcement of a world tour with FLO and Anycia, Kehlani returns with the official artwork and tracklist for the sequel to her 2019 mixtape While We Wait.
The Oakland native revealed that While We Wait 2 will be dropping on Friday, August 28, and will feature contributions from Lucky Daye, kwn, Lil Mo, Vince Staples, Destin Conrad, childofnines, Dixson, FLO, and LUDMILLA.
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