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.
After announcing an upcoming joint tour with J. Cole titled “It Was All a Blur – Big As The What?,” Drake returns with disc 2 of his previously released album ‘For All The Dogs,’ titling it Scary Hours 3.
Featuring six new tracks, the third installment of the Scary Hours series contained a new verse from J. Cole on ‘Evil Ways.’ With production handled by Lil Yachty, The Alchemist and more, it’s no surprise that this project is making noise.
Check out the full list of production credits below.
Drake Scary Hours 3 Production Credits
1. Red Button
Prod. by Lil Yachty, ovrkast.
2. Stories About My Brother
Prod. by Conductor Williams
3. The Shoe Fits
Prod. by Lil Yachty, ovrkast.
4. Wick Man
Prod. by The Alchemist
5. Evil Ways
Prod. by Boi-1da, FNZ, Fierce, Vinylz
6. You Broke My Heart
Prod. by FNZ, Vinylz
Culture
Cassie and Diddy Amicably Settle Rape and Abuse Lawsuit
In a statement, Ventura expressed, “I have chosen to resolve this matter amicably, securing terms that afford me a measure of control. I extend my gratitude to my family, fans, and legal team for their unwavering support.”
Just a day after Cassie, born Cassandra Ventura, initiated legal proceedings against Diddy, born Sean Combs, alleging years of control and accusing him of rape and prolonged physical abuse spanning over a decade, the two parties have reached a settlement.
In a statement, Ventura expressed, “I have chosen to resolve this matter amicably, securing terms that afford me a measure of control. I extend my gratitude to my family, fans, and legal team for their unwavering support.”
Combs also issued a release acknowledging the amicable resolution, stating, “I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”
The lawsuit detailed a distressing pattern of control and abuse by Diddy, encompassing substance coercion, physical assault, and coercive sexual encounters.
Specifically, the legal document outlined a troubling practice termed “voyeurism,” where Diddy allegedly coerced Cassie into engaging in sexual activities with male prostitutes while he watched, recorded, and took photographs. These encounters, referred to as “freak offs,” occurred in high-end hotels and Diddy’s residences across the United States and involved elaborate costumes.
The legal filing ended with an account of an alleged rape in 2018, following a dinner meeting between Diddy and Cassie. The suit claimed that Diddy forced himself into her apartment, despite her repeated objections, and raped her. The relationship ended shortly after.
“After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships,” Cassie stated on Thursday. “With the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act fast approaching, it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.”
Subsequently, Cassie married personal trainer Alex Fine the following year and now has two children. According to the complaint, her association with Bad Boy Records concluded in 2019.
Wigdor, Ventura’s lawyer, commended his client for her courage in coming forward with her claims. “I am very proud of Ms. Ventura for having the strength to go public with her lawsuit,” he said in a statement on Friday.
On Monday, November 13, Drake announced another leg of his “It’s All a Blur Tour,” where he will be joined by J. Cole. Dubbed the ‘It’s All a Blur — Big As the What? Tour,’ Cole is set to join Drake for 18 out of the 22 scheduled shows.
Produced by Live Nation and sponsored by Cash App and Visa, the tour commences on January 18 in Denver, Colorado. The duo will continue their musical journey until March 10 in Lexington, Kentucky. Notably, Drake will take the stage solo for the final four shows of the tour, without J. Cole.
Tickets for the tour will become available on Wednesday, Nov. 15 for Cash App debit card users via presale, while general sale starts Friday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. local time.
Check out the dates for Drake and J. Cole’s tour below:
Jan 19 — Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
Jan 22 — San Antonio, TX @ Frost Bank Center – San Antonio
Jan 25 — Oklahoma City, OK @ Paycom Center
Jan 29 — New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center
Jan 30 — New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center
Feb 2 — Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena
Feb 7 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
Feb 8 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena
Feb 12 — St. Louis, MO @ Enterprise Arena
Feb 16 — Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena
Feb 20 — Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
Feb 21 — Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
Feb 24 — Cleveland, OH @ Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
Feb 27 — Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center
Mar 2 — Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center
Mar 5 — Memphis, TN @ FedEx Forum
Mar 10 — Lexington, KY @ Rupp Arena
Mar 14 — Belmont Park, NY @ UBS Arena ~
Mar 18 — State College, PA @ Bryce Jordan Center ~
Mar 23 — Sunrise, FL @ Amerant Bank Arena ~
Mar 27 — Birmingham, AL @ The Legacy Arena at BJCC ~
~ Without J. Cole
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