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
Ashanti & Nelly Engaged & Expecting First Child Together
It’s official! Ashanti and Nelly are expecting their first child together.
The songstress confirmed to ESSENCE, saying, “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation. Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.”
In addition to the news, the couple has announced their partnership as co-owners of Proov, alongside founder Amy Beckley, PhD. Proov is a pioneering diagnostics company that offers affordable at-home tests designed to aid couples in their conception journey, providing valuable insights and support without breaking the bank. These medical-grade tests illuminate potential obstacles to conception, empowering individuals on their path to parenthood.
Congratulations to Ashanti who is expecting her first child with Nelly.
— miixtapechiick.com (@MXCKdotCom) April 17, 2024
pic.twitter.com/PHYwVvUB8c
This new addition will mark Ashanti’s first child and Nelly’s third. The “Hot in Herre” rapper is also a father to his adult children, Chanelle, 29, and Cornell Haynes III, 24, from a previous relationship. Nelly also adopted his late sister Jackie Donahue’s children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, after her passing from leukemia in 2005.
Ashanti shared her pregnancy announcement on Instagram through a heartwarming video that included a moment with her mother, Tina Douglas. In the clip, Ashanti is seen preparing for a show, and her mother, acting as her timekeeper, asks how much time she needs to get ready. After being asked twice, Ashanti emerges from behind the curtains and responds, “I’ma need about nine months,” leaving Tina pleasantly surprised by the joyous news.
Culture
NBA YoungBoy Arrested in Utah: Facing Charges Ranging from Drug Offenses to Identity Fraud
NBA YoungBoy, also known as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, has found himself in legal trouble once again as he was apprehended on Tuesday, Apr. 16, in Utah. The charges against him span a range of offenses, from identity fraud and forgery to multiple drug-related charges.
According to records from the Cache County Sheriff’s Office, the charges, which originated from his hometown in Louisiana, include patterns of unlawful activity, attempts to obtain drugs, identity fraud, forgery, possession of controlled substances, and possession of a dangerous weapon. At the time of his arrest, NBA YoungBoy, born Kentrell Gaulden, was under house arrest in Utah.
In October 2022, YoungBoy Never Broke Again was granted bond by Louisiana Chief U.S. District Judge Shelly Dick after being arrested in March 2022. He had been placed in FBI custody due to an outstanding warrant related to drug and weapons charges from a September 2020 arrest in Baton Rouge, where he was filming a music video.
Last month, NBA YoungBoy released his seventh studio project, titled “Compliments Of Gravedigger Mountain,” featuring 13 tracks. Notably, this marks his thirteenth project in the past two years alone.
Culture
Gunna Announces New Album ‘One of Wun’
Gunna has announced the release of his new album, “One of Wun.”
The cover art, created by Calvin Clausell Jr. with creative direction by Spike Jordan of The Genius Club and art direction/design by Tal Midyan, was unveiled to accompany the announcement on socials. While no release date has been specified, the album is now available for pre-order, including physical copies.
The album will be distributed by Young Stoner Records/300 Entertainment.
- Albums3 weeks ago
G Fredo Releases ‘Karma 2’
- Audio4 weeks ago
Kendrick Lamar Disses Drake & J. Cole on ‘Like That’ from Future & Metro Boomin’s New Album, ‘We Don’t Trust You’
- News4 weeks ago
Diddy’s Los Angeles and Miami Homes Raided By Feds in Sex Trafficking Case
- News3 weeks ago
Yung Miami Accused of Transporting ‘Pink Cocaine’ for Diddy
- Albums7 days ago
Drake Disses Kendrick Lamar, Future, Metro Boomin, Rick Ross & The Weeknd on Leaked Track
- Albums2 weeks ago
J. Cole Releases Surprise New Project ‘Might Delete Later’
- Albums4 weeks ago
Joyner Lucas Finally Releases New Album ‘Not Now I’m Busy’
- News3 weeks ago
Beyoncé Reveals Tracklist for New Album ‘Cowboy Carter’