Author: 2inside1
LeBron James' Agent Rich Paul Denies Running The Lakers: Watch
Ever since LeBron James went to the Los Angeles Lakers, there have been jokes and speculation that he actually runs the franchise. Some feel as though LeBron is the one pulling the strings and is the one telling GM Rob Pelinka who to trade, sign, and hire. These theories were on full display earlier in the season when the Lakers were trying to trade for Anthony Davis. Davis eventually came to the Lakers in the fseason, which for some, was a foregone conclusion. What's interesting about Davis and LeBron is that their agent is Rich Paul, who runs Klutch Sports.
Klutch Sports is one the most powerful agencies in the league with players like Ben Simmons and Draymond Green signed to Paul's imprint. It has been theorized that Paul has been pulling the strings the Lakers franchise and over the weekend, Paul was asked about it. As you would expect, Paul was quick to deny those rumors, saying he'd never want to run an NBA team, let alone as an agent.
Paul later revealed that he would be interested in buying a franchise someday, although that won't be happening any time soon. Paul continues to be one the most powerful agents in the sport and with LeBron backing him, there is no denying he still wields quite a bit power.
City Girls' "Act Up" Dominates Rhythmic Songs Airplay Chart
The City Girls' "Act Up" smash ficially climbed to the No. 1 slot the Rhythmic Songs airplay chart for the week ending in July 6th after the cut experienced an increase 15% in plays.
As the track itself climbed to the penthouse suite, cementing the duo's undeniable relevance in the mainstream at the moment, they also earned their third total entry on the charts as London On Da Track 's "Throw Fits," which features a verse from Yung Miami, debuts on the same chart at No. 36.
Billboard notes that "Act Up" is well on its way to a No. 1 slot on other charts as well judging by his current trajectory. On the Rap Airplay chart, the track sits at No. 2 with a 7% jump in its audience while sliding up to No. 3 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart despite a recorded decrease 2%, earning an audience 20.5 million.
Such numbers only further serve to bolster a fruitful homecoming for one-half the duo, JT, who is set for her release from federal incarceration in the coming months. It was around this time last year that the Miami-bred rapper began to serve a year-long sentence for her conviction on fraudulent credit card charges.
Zendaya, Joe Biden & More React To Disney Star Cameron Boyce's Death
Cameron Boyce, best known for his roles in a number Disney Channel films and television shows, has tragically passed away at the age 20.
According to Boyce's family, the young actor, dancer and singer passed in his sleep after suffering a seizure, the result an ongoing medical condition.
"It is with a proundly heavy heart that we report that this morning we lost Cameron," a family spokesperson confirmed. "He passed away in his sleep due to a seizure which was a result an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated."
Joe Scarnici/Getty s
In a statement, his family would add, "The world is now undoubtedly without one its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion all who knew and loved him. We are utterly heartbroken and ask for privacy during this immensely difficult time as we grieve the loss our precious son and brother."
Naturally, a number celebrities have voiced their condolences and reactions to Boyce's sudden death, including past co-stars and colleagues. The likes Zendaya, Skai Jackson, Adam Sandler, and even former Vice President Joe Biden took to social media to reflect on Cameron's life and mourn his death.
"Absolutely heartbreaking," Zendaya tweeted while Biden added that Boyce "was filled with so much light and served as a tremendous role model for young people."
Hot Toys Immortalize Stan Lee's "Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2" Cameo With Life-Like Figure
Stan Lee, or "Stan The Man,"Stan The Man was a comic book writer best known for his work with Marvel Comics, and is most ten attributed with the achievement transforming the industry forever. In the last 20 years, there have been many memorable moments whereby Lee has made brief, but notable, cameos in a number Marvel-based superhero franchises, from X-Men to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In each appearance, the legendary comic book creator played a different character in either chuckle-inducing, or touching moments. And now, Hot Toys has decided to immortalize one the said appearances, by turning Lee into a 1/6th scale figure.
If you recall, Lee made a significant cameo in Guardians the Galaxy Vol. 2, whereby he was decked out in a yellow space suit and Stark-designed sunglasses. The clip takes place on the planet Xander, where it is revealed that Lee has been informing the Watchers, an ancient race who observe all the events happening in the universe. The 31 cm figure is eerily life-like, and portrays Lee's facial features in very close detail, as well as "a specially designed rock-themed diorama figure stand with intricate stone details and a specially designed space backdrop with lenticular effect." The collectible figure will be released exclusively at this year's Toy Fair, but you can check out Hot Toy's Facebook page for more details.
Lil Yachty Hopes To Form The Wu-Tang Clan 2.0 With "Bout 8 Yung Fly N—-z"
Lil Yachty aptly demonstrated that he unmistakably has it in him, to be an "old head" when the opportunity arises. His overture towards the Wu-Tang Clan counterbalances some the damage incurred by his portrayal "Roger" in How High 2, a sequel Wu-Heads deemed completely reprehensible before giving it a proper look.
"I am most excited to watch this wu-tang saga on Hulu…" Yachty overshared before committing himself to a "night in" with TV privileges. The 21-year old savant would resurface the very next morning, to report on lesson learned during the telecast, prompting him to outline his vision for a new generation Wu-Tang collective comprised him and about 7 other "yung fly n—-z" as he put it, verbatim.
As XXL pointed out, Lil Yachty is no stranger to the "league nations" dynamic, as evidenced by the Sailing Team initiative he tried in earnest to set in motion (back in 2016). Comprised Kodie Shane, Jban$2Turnt, Byou, BIGBRUTHACHUBBA, K$upreme, Burberry Perry, and producer Earl The Pearl fell short resembling a Wu-like collective by any stretch the imagination. During a recent interview, Yachty blamed the group's laziness, himself included, for the project's failure to get f the ground. Hopefully, his 2nd attempt is more triumphant.
Jorge Masvidal Makes History At UFC 239, KO'ing Ben Askren In 5 Seconds Flat
During last night's UFC 239, Jorge Masvidal scored the fastest knockout in the promotion's 25 years. Right out the gate, Masvidal floored his opponent Ben Askren with a flying knee to the dome. Masvidal instinctually followed the flying knee press with a ground and pound attack for added-insurance – but Askren was already out commission by this point in the contest.
"He's so predictable, man. He's a scrub," Masvidal told Joe Rogan with regards to his opponent's inability to defend his flying start. "A part me wanted to just throw it out there so he knew, if you do shoot takedown], like an idiot, like you only know how to, your head's going to get clipped, and then I would put the brakes on him and beat him up for 14 minutes and 30 seconds and execute him. Or, you know, he took the bait. … He walked right into it."
Ben Askren was his usual acerbic self following the contest. "Well that sucked" he posted on Twitter before reportedly attending an afterparty made out in his honor. Although they weren't protested by Askren himself, the quote-unquote "late strikes" Masvidal administered after dropping his opponent with the knee press – have come under scrutiny by MMA conservatives alike.
At the mere suggestion foul play (during a post-fight presser), Masvidal contested that his ground and pound strikes were "super-necessary," challenging the reporter in question to provide additional context before pressing any further.
"The referee hadn't pulled me f, and my job is to hit somebody until the referee pulls me f," he said. "So to those people, I would say maybe don't watch MMA, and go back to soccer."
Nicki Minaj Reflects on Her Impact
Nicki Minaj is celebrating her contributions to the rap game.
In honor of the 12th anniversary of her debut mixtape Playtime Is Over, the rap queen took to Instagram on Friday (July 5) to reflect on her impact on pop culture and women in hip-hop.
"12 years ago I dropped my 1st mixtape," she began. "Wrote every single word on every single song. I was so proud of that. Eventually the barbz were all wearing pink hair, Chinese bangs, & Barbie chains. Colorful wigs came all the way back in style. Everyone became Barbies & Dolls."
She went on to call out other female rappers who have acknowledged her for opening doors. "I always shouted out my influences in my interviews," she said. "Now a days, it's become cool to pretend u weren't influenced by other artists. S/O to the ones big enough to do it: Kash, Asian, Cuban, Saweetie, Meg, Malibu, YOUNG MA, Ms. Banks, Lady Leshurr, etc. No female rapper (other than Trina) did a song w/me or congratulated me on my billboard accomplishments."
However, Nicki says she never felt like "they were obligated" to shout her out or work with her. "Just like Beyoncé isn't obligated to congratulate or collaborate with Normani, etc.," she said.
She also seemingly threw shade at Cardi B, who has been accused of payola and not writing her own songs. "I never had a crusade by radio stations, influencers & blogs to make my song number I when Anaconda was #2 on the Hot 100," she continued. "I never had a group of men in the studio writing my songs for me so it took a while between albums."
The "MEGATRON" rapper slammed her critics for not giving her her flowers. "Please stop these write ups about what I didn't do. Y'all are rlly sick & ima call y'all out one by one on Queen Radio," said Nicki. "Most of yall doing these write ups have never fought for anything in life. You just sit on the sidelines & watch the doers do!!!!"
She ended by thanking her loyal fans for their support. "To my fans; I love, cherish you, adore you, and thank you. God bless you."
#NickiMinaj has time today!! #LilKim #TaylorSwift (View previous posts)
A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Jul 5, 2019 at 11:57am PDT
One commenter brought up Lil' Kim, whose iconic pose Nicki recreated in an early promo image. "Nicki, I love you, but you HAVE to shout out Lil Kim. You have to…I'm sorry but she prob felt like she got no recognition from you and you reincarnated her style. I'm sorry to say it."
Nicki fired back: "I shouted her out in all my early interviews. That's YOUR narrative. Not the RIGHT one. I recreated her pose as a sign of paying homage."
Another Instagram user said Nicki "has got to stop these rants," to which she replied, "Eat a dick. Blocked for being fkng dumb & wanting black women to keep being afraid of speaking their truth."
She also referenced Taylor Swift, who made headlines after speaking out against Scooter Braun, writing, "Taylor Swift can speak but I can't?!"
Additionally, Nicki took to Instagram Stories to remind fans that she paid homage to other female MCs including Lil' Kim and Remy Ma on her "Who's Ya Best MC?" verse. "Oh y'all forgot shit like that, right?" she asked. "Do your fkng research and thank u to the ppl who stand with me."
During the dialogue, Ma$e suggested that she and Kim collaborate on the remix to "MEGATRON." "Get it right with #kim on the #Megatron remix," he wrote. Nicki responded with the tears of joy emoji.
Okay! If #NickiMinaj and #LilKim joined forces?! 👀👏🏽👏🏽 Would y'all be here for it #Roommates?!
A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom) on Jul 5, 2019 at 3:52pm PDT
TEC Explains His Young Thug Beef & Why He Made More Personal Music On "Ketha Son" Album
Baton Rouge's TEC is carrying his team on his back. With his partner-in-rhyme Maine Musik currently locked up behind bars, the Spider Nation artist's solo work is being relied upon to maintain years of hard work put in their brand.
"We built this together," he tells HipHopDX. "I ain't do this all by myself. The Spider brand, Spider Nation, all this, we built that together. So not having him here, it is hard. It's difficult."
Much like Bun B's days championing UGK while Pimp C was in prison, TEC is doing whatever he can to keep Spider Nation on people's minds.
"I really got to stand on this all by myself," he notes. "But that's my purpose. I feel like God put us through all of this because he seen this happening. He ain't give me nothing that I can't handle, so I'm gone handle that for sure."
With the release of his EMPIRE-distributed solo album Ketha Son, TEC decided it was time to alter his musical approach.
"This one right here is more personal," he explains. "The other stuff, I put a lot of gangsta rap on there. But this one is more personal. I wanted it to be more about myself as a person on this CD than the other ones."
The shift in content also inspired the name of his LP.
"Before I had my rap name, before people knew me for this, they'd be like, 'Oh that's Ketha's son!'" he recalls. "Before I had my own name, this is how it was when I was little. So that's why I feel like this is more personal and shit. That's why I got more personal on this CD and dedicated it to her."
But don't mistake TEC's artistic evolution for him losing his edge. One needs to look no further than his beef with Young Thug and YSL, who drew TEC's ire for allegedly stealing from Spider Nation.
"Them dudes was like snakes and slimes," he points out. "Snakes represent them. They say slime stuff and then out of nowhere they were just Spider wave, we Spider drip, Spider this, Spider that, do this like a Spider and all that shit … as soon as I seen it, it was so many people sending me this shit, my fans and everybody. I was trying to overlook the shit like, 'Aw they just doing that shit.' You know a nigga might just have a song called Spider or some shit. I don't know. Like I'm thinking he gone just fuck with it and leave it alone. But I really wasn't seeing that."
TEC's frustration led to him airing out Thugger on social media. While he admits he would've rather discussed their issues in person, the Louisiana-bred artist couldn't let what was happening slide without a response.
"This nigga wanted to try and make a clothing line," he recalls. "He put out a mixtape called Big Spider. And he just wanted to go hard with this Spider shit. So, I couldn't look over it no more. I [was] just like, 'Fuck it.' I'd rather have talked to him in person or some shit, but niggas like that — I don't really fuck with that kind in the industry and I didn't have no way of reaching him. So what's the best way to reach anybody? Social media."
He continues, "So, I went at him. I said some shit that I knew he wasn't going to ignore and boom, he writing me in my DM like, 'We should collab. I can get you some money. I could do this, I could do that. We should come together. You going about it the wrong way. Nobody don't need to get killed.' This and that type of shit. So I'm like, 'Alright, we could have went about it the right way. But y'all niggas weren't screaming Spider when we needed y'all. We built this shit on our own.'"
Everybody Spiders Now Bitch pay Homage to Your DADS @maine_musik 🕷🕷🕷🕷FUCK ALL THE IG CLONES THE STREETS KNOW WAZZAMM‼️ #DontGetCaughtinTheWeb 😏
A post shared by Luwhop Hussein🕷💣😈 (@tec_) on Jun 24, 2019 at 12:31pm PDT
TEC was bothered by Thug's reaction too. In his mind, the YSL founder got caught stealing and tried to get away with it by pitching a collaboration.
"We made this a household name for people to be [saying] 'Oh, that's my Spider. I'm a Spider,'" TEC says. "We made this a household name without y'all. Years and years we done put into this shit. Now all of a sudden, y'all saying this and want to collab after you try to steal it without asking permission? Nah, we good. We straight."
For TEC, the feud with Thug is a matter of principle. He refuses to let a bigger name in the industry take what he and Maine Musik established as independent artists.
"We standing on this shit," he declares. "We the only Spider. Young Thug, he tried to come to me. But nah, I'm straight, nigga. This Spider shit, this is us — me and Maine, that's it. Spider Gang, Spider Nation … I would son him, but he like a daughter. So, I daughtered him. Him and Gunna. I actually still listen to Gunna's music, I ain't gon' lie. I can't deny good music. Gunna got some good music, but both of them my daughters though. Put that in the interview. Fuck him!"
TEC's Ketha Son is available now on all streaming platforms.
Apple Introducing New, Scissor-Style Designed Keyboards
Apple recently decided to make some changes to its keyboards, by leaving behind the unpopular butterfly keyboard design they previously introduced in 2015 and moving onto a scissor-style. The butterfly keyboard design was initially advertised as allowing "a more even pressure to be applied across each its keys, along with other benefits like a single LED to illuminate each key evenly." The design has since been revamped four times with the most recent design appearing on the 2019 MacBook Pro. A silicone layer was recently added to the revamped version in order to provide greater reliability and longer durability. Yet customers still find themselves in need repair servicing because ongoing issues with the keys which leave them stuck, leads to characters repeating or not appearing on the screen. Hence, the billion dollar company is now moving onto better things with a scissor-switch based design.
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In revisiting the design, which was already ventured into in the past, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo emphasizes that the newer version will be unlike any other and thus completely different from the previous mechanism herein. Although no specific details on the redesign have been shared, we do know the new keyboard will tackle most the previous issues brought on by the butterfly prototype. You may expect it to appear on the new Apple MacBook Airs and 2020 MacBook Pros.
Tyga, Keke Palmer & Other VH1 "Scream" Stars Dish On Escaping Serial Killers
We recently reported on VH1 Picking up the Scream franchise and this approximately 3 years after MTV took a jab at the series. As such, VH1 will revive the series and base it on the popular horror movie franchise the same name. This time, however, the story unfolds in Atlanta and the third season will feature a brand-new cast characters. That is precisely a predominantly Black cast which includes Mary J. Blige, Keke Palmer, both Faith Evans and her son Notorious B.I.G., CJ Wallace, and Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris Jackson. Additionally, members the Hip Hop community will also make their presence felt in the series with Tyga joining in on the cast.
Most recently, the cast VH1's Scream sat down for an interesting interview with the network wherein they discussed everything from how to escape serial killers (should you ever face them), their "death faces" along with a series other comical input. Tyga, Keke Palmer, Terrence J and Jessica Sula amongst others are set to feature in the 3-night feature the new Scream directed by no other than Queen Latifah. While we wait on the series to begin this Monday, check out the comical video above.
Trey Songz Gives A Smooth R&B Remix To Megan Thee Stallion's "Big Ole Freak"
You may recall at the end last month, when a video from the 2019 BET Awards after-party took the internet by storm. The clip features Houston Hottie on the rise, Megan Thee Stallion, twerking it out to her song "Cash Shit" alongside Teyana Taylor. The real star the short video though, was Trey Songz, who could instantly be recognized standing closely behind the two twerkin' ladies, as he half-observed, half tried to maintain a close as possible proximity to the ass shaking performance. The internet quickly, and hilariously reacted to clip, pointing out Trey's overly enthusiastic expression, which only further highlighted that the new father was down for whateva with Ms. Hot Girl Shit.
Now, after the clip has finished making its rounds around the web, Trey Songz himself has brought it back, but this time, the backing music is a track his own. "One time for Meg…" Trey captions the Instagram post, in which he previews a remixed version Thee Stallion's
Big Ole Freak." Typical the suave crooner, Trey Songz adds an R&B switch up to the otherwise rap-heavy original track. Slowing things down slightly to make the song's sex factor even more clearly apparent, Trey brings out his smooth vocals as he recites "big ol ass, look at them hips/ cat so fat like look at them lips," and we just can't help but wonder whether it's a certain Stallion he's lusting after.
Philadelphia Honored Patti LaBelle With A Street, But They Misspelled Her Name
Legendary songstress Patti LaBelle was recently honored by her hometown Philadelphia with her very own street. The street, which was located between Broad Street, Locus and Spruce Streets was named after her and although the intention was pure, the city's street Department made a flagrant mistake. As reported by the AP, the street named after Patti LaBelle had her last name missing the capitalization on the "b." Fortunately, the folks involved in setting up the street were quickly made aware the mistake and able to rectify it rather quickly. In fact, when the street was unveiled, the singer had signed a correct version the name on the sign. Along with being thankful for Philadelphia's honorary gesture, Patti LaBelle fered a speech wherein she recognized her humble beginnings as a "shy little girl from West Philly" who evolved into the "Patti LaBelle Way." She called the whole thing "incredible."
The city ficials have been made aware the mistake and are planning on installing the new signs with the correct name format early next week. Nevertheless, a big congratulations to Patti LaBelle on the honor by her city for being the legend that she is.
Piers Morgan Gets Dragged After Saying He Dances To 50 Cent On Most Days
Piers Morgan is a contentious figure, for sure. Over the years, he's made plenty controversial comments that have been perceived as prejudice in some kind way. A Twitter troll illustrated a picture Morgan with a young boy in a bucket hat named Alex Mann who performed with Dave at Glastonbury Festival. The speech bubble reads, "Gosh, I thought I hated Black music but it turns out that its only insufferable when Black people do it. Ha!" The tweet read, "We see right through you @piersmorgan."
Morgan caught wind it and replied, "I literally dance to @50cent most days on @GMB you racist imbecile." That's when all hell broke loose on Twitter. Morgan has advocated for things like stop and search in the U.K. which prompted Giggs to blast him on Instagram. Morgan later attempted to prove his point with pictures him hanging out with Kanye West, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg. "Here's me hating black music," he added to the tweet.
It didn't take long for the Internet to put him on blast. YouTube Personality Dylan Evans called out Morgan on Twitter, writing, "Piers Morgan just actually hit us with the… 'I'm not racist ive got black mates.'"
Another Twitter user replied to his first tweet, writing, "You also take photos with rich black men, must be worth a few "I'm not racist points" what's next? You eat fried chicken too?"
Peep the other responses below.
YG Claims Innocence In Shooting Involving His SUV: "I Was Nowhere Near The Scene"
Although he was listed as the proprietor the vehicle the black Cadillac Escalade that wasn't in the shootout that occurred in Compton Wednesday. As the story goes, police engaged high-speed chase with the pursuant driving YG's supposed Escalade, before cornering him on Spruce Street in Compton where both sides engaged in a gunfight, culminating in the death a police ficer.
The Compton-bred rapper has since told TMZ that although the vehicle was registered to his name, as a "company car," he was nowhere close to the crime scene or Spruce Street when the incident transpired. He fered this for an alibi.
"I was nowhere near the scene this incident and had been in a recording studio all day in Hollywood. I was there until after midnight on the Fourth July and didn't learn these events until after they happened," he told TMZ.
Intermediary sources claim that YG was unaware that his company car was being used at the time. The high-speed chase is said to have come to screeching halt when the Cadillac was cornered in Inglewood, with a police-issue "Ghetto Bird" circling overhead. YG's reps have informed TMZ that his attorneys have been in correspondence with the LAPD over the legitimacy his alibi.
Willie D Joins Scarface In Municipal Politics, Runs For Houston City Council
Willie D is following in the footsteps fellow Geto Boys member Scarface by entering the race for Houston City Council spots. Née, William James Dennis, the rapper filed his registration papers on Thursday at the secretary's fice in downtown Houston – thereby rendering him an ficial candidate in Houston's District B among the 11 existing hopefuls.
As I mentioned, Scarface was first to enter his name, albeit in a different locale: Houston's District D. In total, Houston's electoral grid is composed 11 adjoining districts; together they make up the provisionals council that deputizes the needs and wants the H-Town populace.
"What's better than one Geto Boy running for City Council? It's on family!" wrote Willie D in the Instagram posting that marked his ficial entry amongst the candidates for District B. "This is the next step in my evolution to serve and I need your help!"
Below the posting, Scarface touched in the comments to congratulate his riding partner on making the jump. "Congrats Will!! What better way to make change in our community From it, it and love it!!" Scarface's decision to enter politics was in no way informed by Bushwick Bill's recent passing. Yet, without Bushwick Bill in the fold, the impetus to continue rapping grew stale, giving rise to their second arc as community activists, politicians.
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