Suspect named in shooting death of Atlanta rapper Trouble
The police in suburban Atlanta have issued an arrest warrant for the suspect in the shooting death of rapper Trouble. He was 34 years old. The emcee who was born Mariel Semonte Orr was shot to death when a male gunman broke into the home of the woman Trouble was visiting and began shooting in […]
Big Sean exits Ye West’s G.O.O.D. Music after 14 years
Detroit’s finest Big Sean made a shocking announcement on Friday, Oct. 29 when he revealed that he was no longer signed to Ye West’s label G.O.O.D. Music. Big Sean signed to the label 14 years ago but has now ventured out on his own. He announced the news on Twitter after a fan asked, “Damn […]
Kanye West slams label for releasing ‘Donda’ without his consent
Much like how the Kanye West album was finalized, the highly ballyhooed Donda was released under a shroud of confusion, contention and prickly feelings. First and foremost, Yeezy exemplified righteous indignation when his record label, Universal, decided to release the long-awaited project on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, without his consent, according to the rapper. Ye, […]
Def Jam paid for DMX’s funeral
DMX‘s record company paid for his funeral. The rapper and actor tragically died in April at the age of 50, a week after he was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack, and it’s been revealed that Def Jam Recordings footed a bill of more than $35,000 to cover the costs of his memorial service. According […]
Teyana Taylor tells Cam Newton why she left Kanye’s label for good (video)
Actress and singer Teyana Taylor recently appeared on New England Patriots star quarterback Cam Newton’s new weekly talk show on BET.com, “Sip N’ Smoke,” where she discussed her recent announcement about retiring from music. In December 2020, the singer took to Instagram Live to explain that she wanted to be released from her labels Def […]
Irv Gotti claims crack and Fentanyl caused DMX’s death
DMX’s memorial service will be held Saturday, April 24, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Ruff Ryder rapper died on April 9, 2021, after a heart attack. His friend and frequent collaborator, Irv Gotti, interviewed with radio station 107.5 WGCI in Chicago and gave more details on X’s death. The Murder Inc. CEO […]
Lyor Cohen demands Rock & Roll Hall of Fame stop overlooking LL Cool J
The iconic LL Cool J has been on the ballot to be elected into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame six times, but the “I’m Bad” creator has been constantly overlooked. LL Cool J’s longtime business associate and former Def Jam label executive Lyor Cohen wrote an open letter to Billboard explaining the travesty […]
’99 Problems’ producer Rick Rubin facing trial for violating COVID-19 mandate
It appears mega-producer Rick Rubin actually has more than 99 problems. Rubin, best known for producing some music’s biggest hits like Jay-Z’s, “99 Problems,” is facing trial for violating Hawaii’s local COVID-19 restrictions. According to the Kauai, Hawaii-based newspaper, The Garden Island, the trial date is set for Feb. 9, 2021. Rubin is being charged […]
Teyana Taylor keeps that same sexy energy with 1st concert in 2019
Teyana Taylor brought in 2019 with a show to remember. Taylor’s first show of 2019 took place at Utopia in Atlanta where she brought in the New Year. Taylor, backed by a live band and back-up dancers, performed songs from her critically-acclaimed album, KTSE (Keep That Same Energy), and a few songs from her debut […]
Vince Staples’ ‘FM!’ invades fall radio with summertime vibes
With little notice, Vince Staples returned this month with his fifth studio album, FM!, surprising fans. This year has been one of the best years for quality releases in hip-hop albums, especially from culture heavyweights like Kanye West, Drake, Jay-Z and Nas. Now, the 25-year-old Long Beach, California, representer is here to provide his perspective and wave the […]
Iggy Azalea splits with Island Records
Iggy Azalea has parted ways with Island Records. Just nine months after leaving Def Jam for Island, Iggy has revealed the she is “officially unsigned” and looking forward to releasing new music independently. She wrote on Twitter: “I’m officially unsigned! Wild you spend so long trying to get IN a record deal… never thought I’d […]
DaniLeigh discusses KTSE tour, coming up in the industry, and new music
Danielle “DaniLeigh” Curiel is a fresh face to the music industry as a newly signed artist to Def Jam, but she is no stranger to the world of entertainment. The 22-year-old has been booked and busy since her childhood, which landed her the opportunity to write and direct the music video for Prince’s single “Breakfast […]
Detroit witnesses 1st show for Teyana Taylor’s KTSE tour
Teyana Taylor had fans shook when she announced she’d immediately be headlining her very own tour titled “Keep That Same Energy.” Previously, Taylor was on the “Later That Night Tour” with singer Jeremih as the headliner. However, things quickly changed when Taylor tweeted: It all started on social media when Taylor blasted Jeremih via Instagram […]
Big Boi is ride or die for L.A. Reid
In the latest issue of Billboard magazine, which features Christina Aguilera on the cover, legendary and Grammy Award-winning rapper Big Boi shares his views on Trump and the L.A. Reid accusation. Big Boi on Donald Trump If Donald Trump can be the president, anybody can be. So, shit, Oprah Winfrey, King T’Challa from Black Panther, […]
J. Dinero and SumYunGhai are chasing legacy with music label The Blackroom
J. Dinero and cousin-music producer SumYunGhai are creating generational wealth and creativity with their music production company and label The Blackroom. The vision started with SumYunGhai, who started his musical path in 2004 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. J. Dinero was born in Dominican Republic but grew up in Queens, New York. They partnered for expansion purposes in […]
Jeezy brings pressure to Atlanta with live show streamed on TIDAL X
Jeezy continues to be one of the most consistent artists of this generation. The self-proclaimed Snowman recently released his 8th studio album, Pressure released via Def Jam. The album features vintage street poetics and major moments that will push the culture forward. To celebrate the release, Jeezy teamed up with TIDAL X for an interview […]
Russell Simmons accused of raping 3 women
The accusations of sexual abuse by men in power continue to grow rapidly and now the accusations are rising to an even higher level as three separate women have come forward to accuse Russell Simmons of having actually raped them. Last month, he was accused by two women of having sexually assaulted them, leading to Simmons […]
Russell Simmons steps down after sexual assault allegation from 1991
Russell Simmons will remove himself from being the head of his business ventures after another woman came forward with sexual assault allegations against him. Jenny Lumet, the granddaughter of Lena Horn and daughter of director Sidney Lumet, revealed the incident that took place in 1991. Jenny Lumet recently wrote a story that was published by […]
Usher herpes case: Jane Doe revealed?
With the recent headlines, Usher Raymond is sure to have a great album on the way, and if not that certainly a great story to tell. After being “outed” several weeks ago regarding his sexual health. On Monday, Aug. 7, Quantasia Sharpton went on national TV accusing the singer of having sex with her after […]
2 Chainz headlines Def Jam’s private party sponsored by Dutch Masters
Def Jam celebrated the release of new albums by 2 Chainz and Vince Staples during BET Awards weekend. Held at a private mansion that featured an infinity pool and astonishing view of the city of Los Angeles, the celebration/pool party was driven by the sounds from DJ Millie. The event also paid homage to Def […]