Category Archives: Hot Off the Press

UnderGod Interview w/ Paris Rambo

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To create according to Merriam-Webster means to cause something new to exist or to make or produce something. While that may be the truth on the surface, there are many levels to the word “create”. To create is to be free, uninhibited by the things or people surrounding you. True creation does not come without much frustration, isolation, and above all dedication. I found this to be the case as I sat with Diandre Byfield, CEO and founder of Undergod by Byfield. While waiting to start our interview I made it a point to watch as he worked, paced back and forth, took phone calls, greeted guests and completed customer purchases in what seemed to be one fluid, intuitive motion. All with a smile might I add. Make no mistake about it though, none of this came over night or even in weeks. There was a process and much doubt to get to the debut of his Trampled Rose collection, released at Spaces & Co. this past Saturday. There he explained in a brief interview what this collection means to him, and how it came into fruition.

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Tell us a little bit about yourself as the designer.

Honestly, it’s all just God, man. It’s just a blessing to be in this place right now. I’ll tell you, six months ago I really see any of this happening. I’ve been designing clothes since I was like 8 or 9 years old, I started the brand when I was 14 and I’ve been through a lot of different things. I’ve lost money, I’ve gained money, I’ve had business partners. I guess my story is just of perseverance and just pushing through, I just don’t quit and I don’t stop.

Can you explain to use the idea behind the name Undergo, and more specifically this collection, Trampled Rose?

So, the name UnderGod came from basically I was in a situation where I really couldn’t come up with a name for my brand, and I prayed about it and God gave me the name UnderGod, and that’s how it basically happened. And then Trampled Rose is based off Ephesians 5:2, Walk in the way of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

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What was the process of the design and colorway that you used?

The whole idea of having the patch on the shirt and the idea of the patch in general was just based off the fact that I had a shirt that was made previously with a friend of mine, and he didn’t like the way the front of the shirt looked, so I basically had to figure out a way to get out of it. So, I came up with getting some patches together and I came up with the idea of putting the patch of the shirt, so that’s how the whole collection came about.

How long did it take for this collection to fully come full circle?

6 months to get out of that mode of that doubt and fear. Some shirts I had for a while, some ideas I had for a while in my head. Every creative has a time when there met with like a cloud or an issue or a problem and it’s hard for them to escape that. That’s basically what was happening to me.

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Were there any influences on these designs?

For each design they really were inspired by my previous jacket, the JSV jacket. I wanted to make a shirt version of that.

I’ve seen a lot of people in the city wearing the Trampled Rose tee, how does that feel to see so many people behind you?

It’s amazing, it’s a great feeling. I’m just proud, I’m happy that God has opened those doors. It’s just God. I didn’t think that people were gonna buy into that much, but the fact that we’re doing what we’re doing and people are here supporting the brand, it’s an amazing feeling, so I just thank God.

What do you want people to take away from, when they hear the name UnderGod and they see your brand?

We’re all under God. This is not about me, it’s not about you, it’s not about a brand, it’s not about anything else, it’s about us being together. We’re all under God. UnderGod is a family, it’s a posse, it’s a clique, it’s a group, all of that. If I have an event it’s gonna be food there, it’s gonna be people there, it’s gonna be good music, vibes, homies, everything is gonna be good.

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The Trampled Rose Collection is now available at ugbybyfield.com

Follow paris on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ps_rambo

Photo Cred: Paris Rambo

Interview Cred: Paris Rambo

Rapper XXXTentacion dead at 20

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Uproxx Studios

MIAMI — Rapper XXXTentacion was shot to death in Miami, the Broward County Sheriff’s Department  reported.

TMZ reported the 20-year-old was leaving a motorcycle dealership when a gunman fired shots at his vehicle. The rapper was rushed to a hospital but his condition isn’t known, according to TMZ. Witnesses said on Twitter that the rapper appeared “lifeless.”

Video posted to Twitter showed what appeared to be the lifeless body of the rapper in the driver’s seat of a BMW i8. Helicopter video showed the same car at the exit of a dealership parking lot. It was surrounded by patrol cars and bystanders were gathered nearby.

A spokesperson for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office said they are still gathering information after a shooting at 3671 N. Dixie Highway in Deerfield Beach, where RIVA Motorsports is located, roughly 43 miles outside of Miami.

 

Dispatch received a call of a shooting at 3:57 p.m., and the sheriff’s office confirmed that an adult male was taken to the hospital.

XXXTentacion, whose birth name is Jahseh Onfroy, topped the Billboard 200 album chart in March with the release of “?”.

XXXTentacion made headlines in San Diego when he was knocked unconscious during a performance at the Observatory North Park in June 2017. Someone rushed the stage and punched the rapper. He was whisked offstage as security guards fought with about 10 other people.

This is a developing story. 

 

XXL 2018 Freshman Class Cover

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Yesterday XXL Magazine previewed the 2018 Freshman Class cover.

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Yesterday while scrolling through my time line on Instagram, I got to see the cover for XXL’s 2018 Freshman Class! First, shout out to my home state, OHIO, for Trippie Redd done made the cover. The artists that I am proud to see too are: Lil Pump, Blocboy JB, and Smokepurpp.

For the other artists to whom I am not familiar with, I want to congratulate too! I am a little bothered that some artists who I think should have been on the cover, wasnt. I thought Lil Baby was going to get on it, but I think he changed his mind. NBA Youngboy is a good one that was not picked. Bhad Bhabie, even though I do love to hate on this young girl, but her music do bang & garnered clout. Tekashi 69 did not make the cover either, prolly due to him doing humanatarian efforts out in Chicago LOL.

Who else do you all think should have made the cover for 2018?

Drake Could Not Stay Silent For Long!!!!

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Last night Drake finally dropped his response to Pusha T’s “The Story of Adidon” called “I’m Upset”

As I sit at my desk at work just ready to push some medical charges out, I logs into my YouTube to find a new Drake video…Im like whoa…do we FINALLY have a response from the Canadian Mist himself???

Well, I can say that he did not clap back at Pusha T with lyrical venom like we assumed he would. No…he did make some references to his questionable baby mother on the hook saying “Can’t go 50/50 with no ho”.

Overall, the most exciting part of the video was seeing the Degrassi reunion!!! For those who do not know, Drake starred in the show Degrassi, a Canadian born show from 2001 to 2009, whose character was Jimmy.

Drake’s fans got to see a slew of the fictional school’s most famous alumni, including Shane Kippel (Spinner), Stacey Farber (Ellie) Adamo Rugguiero (Marco), Lauren Collins (Paige), Jake Epstein (Craig), Christina Schmidt (Terri), Andrea Lewis (Hazel), Melissa McIntyre (Ashley), Linlyn Lue (Ms. Kwan), Stefan Brogren (Mr. Simpson), Jake Goldsbie (Toby), Marc Donato (Derek), Dalmar Abuzeid (Danny), AJ Saudin (Connor), Miriam MacDonald (Emma), Cassie Steele (Manny), Nina Dobrev (Mia), Sarah Barrable-Tishauer (Liberty), and Paula Brancati (Jane).

There’s even Ephraim Ellis, who played Rick — the student who shot Drake’s character Jimmy in one of the show’s most iconic episodes, leaving him in a wheelchair.

Drake even made sure that he was not the only one with drama…his old class mates shared a few themselves! There’s vandalism, public intoxication, and even a bathroom stall hookup or two.

Mr. Simpson at one point even buys some drugs from two other famous Degrassi alum: Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith).

Jaime Foxx Accused of Slapping Woman with his Penis

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Per Vibe magazine, Jaime Foxx has been accused of slapping a woman with his penis back in 2002.

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Unfortunately, Jaime Foxx finds himself being accused of sexual misconduct with a female, back in 2002, at a Las Vegas hotel. The accuser is stating that after denying Foxx of oral sex, he then slapped her with his penis, and kicked her out of his hotel room.

The accuser claims that she did go to the emergency room the next day after she suffered a panic attack from the abuse. Per TMZ, Jaime Foxx’s attorney Allison Hart, said that the star “emphatically denies” the accusation and that he plans to file a report with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department accusing the woman of filing a false report.

“The alleged incident was not reported to law enforcement in 2002, or at any other time in the last sixteen years until last Friday because the incident never happened,” Hart added. “We consider it to be extraordinarily reckless for any publication to publish this bogus story.”

In Las Vegas, the statute of limitations is only 3 years, so if Jaime was to be found guilty of sexual misconduct, the city will not pursue any further.

My thoughts…..For one, do not put yourself in the position to be slapped by a penis. If this did happen, why was the girl down there for his penis to reach her? Maybe he smelled a little tart down there? Who knows?? AND….Why wait this long to report being slapped by a penis?? Wow???

Spotify Removes “Hate Conduct” Policy Following Backlash

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Spotify has now removed its “Hate Conduct” policy following backlash after removing R Kelly & XXXTentacion songs

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I swear these days, anything that is remotely in reference to R Kelly’s music is feeling some type of heat right now! Why?? Obviously his fans are outraged that due to these recent kidnap and “slavery” type of allegations going around makes it quite hard to enjoy listening to his music. So much so that in May Spotify declared that they will make R Kelly’s and XXXTentacion’s music to not be as easily accessible as before with a “Hate Consent & Hateful Conduct” policy.

Sounds like a good idea right? Well….after Spotify had made their stance against R Kelly and XXTentacion’s music, their fans made sure to search out and play these artists songs more than usual! They literally brought both artist streaming stats to record highs that Spotify had no choice but to bring these artist’s music back!

In a statement released on Friday, the streaming service said it had created “confusion and concern”.

On Wednesday Spotify CEO Daniel Ek admitted it “could have done a much better job”.

On Friday, they explained the policy, which has 2 parts. The first, relating to the decision to remove artists from playlists if they were involved in “controversies”, has now been reversed.

“We created concern that allegations might affect artists’ chances of landing on a Spotify playlist and negatively impact their future,” the statement explains.

“Some artists even worried that mistakes made in their youth would be used against them. That’s not what Spotify is about.”

The second part focused on hate content, described as content whose principal purpose is to incite hatred or violence.

Spotify says this policy will remain but they clarified that “offensive, explicit, or vulgar content” don’t violate the terms.

Some artists feel as if its only hop hop music that’s being targeted. I think overall, Spotify wants to just stay out the clear of everything & hope to please everyone while still maintaining a safe musical environment.

Nigerians Celebrate World Cup Theme Song!!

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Nigerians Celebrating World Cup theme song featuring Davido, Wizkid, and JJ Okocha that came out on June 1st!

 

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One of Africa’s most celebrated artists, WizKid, made the announcement on Thursday that the official Nigeria National Team Collection is coming out on June 1st as well as a new World Cup Theme song who features Davido, Wizkid, and JJ Okocha.

What makes this announcement so special, is that Pepsi,the soft drink company, has joined the campaign as well! Since the announcment the video has been doing rounds on other social media sites featuring players from the Nigerian footbal team plus other celebrities such as Tiwi Savage.

In a campaign dubbed #NaijaAllTheWay speaks of a Naija Spirit that can not be defeated even when Nigerians lose. The artists and footballers proudly thump their chests in a salute, almost similar to the now famous Wakanda salute from Black Panther.

Unfortunately, the Super Eagles lost yesterday against England which deflated the hype that got 3 million of those jerseys sold just on Friday.

Nigeria’s goalscorer in the game, Alex Iwobi is featured in the video, alongside another star player, Victor Moses, and the legendary Jay Jay Okocha.

The Super Eagles will face Croatia on June 16 at the Kaliningrad Stadium in their opening game, before taking on Iceland on June 22 at the Volgograd Arena, while their last group fixture is against Argentina at the Krestovsky Stadium, St.Petersburg.

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Who is Obie Won?

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Who is Obie Won?

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I’ve known Obie Won, the artist, for about 2yrs. I can honestly say that I’ve seen his progression. I remember one of many phone conversations about his brand, the common theme at that time was content, content, content, content. Obie didn’t have much content or a significant social media presence.

He disappeared for a moment and came back stronger than ever! I had the opportunity to interview the new and improved Obie Won on The Elite Radio Show and we discussed a few popular topics.

Check out our after-show interview below:

What are you thoughts on the current state of Hip Hop Rap?
 
My thoughts on the current state of Hip Hop are scattered as far as the 4 coasts of the US. As Hip Hop has reached its 5th decade, and as has solidly surpassed Rock as the most popular music genre in the USA, I am loving the longevity for a music that was labeled a fad and expected to die out in the late 80’s. I am disturbed at the music that once was described as the “Black CNN” and the voice of the voiceless has become a bastard child of the infamous “meeting”.The industry “meeting” that steered the tone away from African solidarity and knowledge of self and replaced it with artists who portray every Black woman as a hoe whose self worth is (w)’rap’ped up in her assets and every Black man as a gun toting super predator who only sells drugs and doesn’t love his women.
  I’m excited for the 3rd coast’s current stranglehold on popular Hip Hop sound. For so long the East Coast bias was an obstacle to any artist or movement that wasn’t based in one of the 5 boroughs. When 3k of Outkast said in 1995, “the South got something to say”, this is the manifestation. The wave that rode on UGK, 8 Ball & MJG, Scarface, Geto Boys, Goodie Mob, No Limit & later Cash Money now has made it so popular to be country that transplanted NY artist mix Brooklyn slang with Decatur or East Point lingo without issue now a days. I am also waiting for the resurgence of North coast artists from Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit & Milwaukee to establish a strong presence.
  I love how Hip Hop is taking a page from Reggae music and not putting an age on its stars. Big Daddy Kane, Big Boi from Outkast, Scarface, Snoop, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Jay Z and many others have never stopped touring to sold out venues. Good music has no expiration if the message is universal and true.
  Overall the music still needs a balance of life speaking artists to offset the overwhelming majority of artists who only speak degradation and foolishness to the children while leading them astray instead of teaching them the truth about street life. It shouldn’t be once artists become parents that they stop calling Black women bitches and hoes because they have daughters or female artists stop peddling sex once their children get old enough to overstand what Mom is talking about.
  Finally I am loving the return of the spotlight on lyrics with meaning. We are past the elementary rhymes with financial backing, you can have that check and still have bars. That is the business side merging with the love of the art form.
What’s next for Obie Won / Fireball Edutainment?
 
After recording and performing Roots Rock Reggae exclusively for the last 10 years, Obie Won will be returning to his roots of Hip Hop and releasing two Trap albums entitled the “FIRE GOD” pt.1 & pt.2. Fireball Edutainment will continue to edutain by collaborating with artists of all genres including Wildlife Soundz & Stacia from Cleveland. I am also working with some new producers who really love my sound and who have no boundaries when it comes to genres. Fireball will be releasing 3 new compilation albums in the next 12 months with artists from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, USA & Japan.
What is the message that you want your supporters to gain from your music?
I make “Marijuana Music” for all intelligentsia, stoners, hustlers and lovers of reality based lyrics. I would love if my supporters were able to make it through a tough day, a legal situation or a tough family issue using my music as a coping mechanism. I don’t make mindless music, every lyric is scrutinized so that the syllables and meanings match the subject matter of the song. I want all my fellow “Fireballs” to know that perseverance is the key to attain what you want out of life, my music is a living testament to the fact. Go for what you want in spite of insufficient funds, lack of family support or expertise.

What’s most important in your life?

The most important thing in my life is the love of Rastafari that I can share with the whole world. The teachings & examples of Emperor Haile Selassie I have yet to lead I astray in this world run by white supremacy. Secondly is family, starting with my children who have made me into a much better hueman being and then my extended family who knows who they are. Finally, its helping people through my music. Everyone has a ministry or a voice that the world needs to hear and mine happens to be through these fire bars and melodies.

Follow Obei Won:

Pusha T- The Story of Adidon (Drake Diss)

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All I can is SHEESH!!! Pusha T, well he’s Pusha T!!!

THIS is what I’ve been waiting for! THIS is the Pusha T I love! I’m the type of Woman who loves lyrics.  Give me dope lyrics on top of a dope a beat and I’m SOLD!!! We all know this is Jay-Z’s 4:44 “The Story of OJ” insrumental but, Pusha T made it his own!

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In a tweet, Pusha said:

Please stop referring to this picture as “artwork”…I’m not an internet baby, I don’t edit images…this is a REAL picture…these are his truths, see for yourself

Yes, photographer David Leyes shot the cover art and another black-and-white photo of Drake in blackface.

Pusha came with advice and strong claims about Aubrey aka Drake on this track. I decided to put the lyrics below to give the diss track more umph!

Let me know what you guys think in the comment box below.

LYRICS:

[Intro]
Easy money
It’s about to be a surgical summer
Chop the tops off the coupes
The cuatrocientos ochenta y ocho
The Spider joint
And you know we gotta cut the heads off these snakes, right?
Watch the body drop

[Verse]
Drug dealin’ aside, ghostwritin’ aside
Let’s have a heart-to-heart about your pride
Even though you’re multi, I see that your soul don’t look alive
The M’s count different when Baby divides the pie, wait
Let’s examine why
Your music for the past few years been angry and full of lies
I’ll start it at the home front, “I’m on One”
Dennis Graham stay off the gram, bitch, I’m on one
You mention wedding ring like it’s a bad thing
Your father walked away at five, hell of a dad thing
Marriage is somethin’ that Sandi never had, Drake
How you a winner, but she keep comin’ in last place?
Monkey-suit Dennis, you parade him
A Steve Harvey-suit nigga made him
Confused, always thought you weren’t Black enough
Afraid to grow it ’cause your ‘fro wouldn’t nap enough
Since you name-dropped my fiancée
Let ’em know who you chose as your Beyoncé
Sophie knows better, ask your baby mother
Cleaned her up for IG, but the stench is on her
A baby’s involved, it’s deeper than rap
We talkin’ character, let me keep with the facts
You are hiding a child, let that boy come home
Deadbeat mothafucka, playin’ border patrol, ooh
Adonis is your son
And he deserves more than an Adidas press run, that’s real
Love that baby, respect that girl
Forget she’s a pornstar, let her be your world, yuugh!
How dare you put Ye in my verses?
I’m selfish, I want all of the curses
I’m pre-bookin’ the churches
Me versus three hearses
If we all go to Hell it’ll be worth it
Already aligned with the greats, and on that same note
The only ones I chase are two ghosts
Still givin’ you classics, that’s the only thing that dates me
OVO 40, hunched over like he 80, tick, tick, tick
How much time he got? That man is sick, sick, sick
I got the devil flow, nigga, six, six, six
Surgical summer with it, snip, snip, snip
And you don’t really want it with him

 

Rep. Peter King compares NFL anthem protests to Nazi salute

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In the latest “Take a Knee” drama, Long Island Rep. #PeterKing now wants to know if Jets owner #ChrisJohnson would pay the fines for players if they gave #Nazi salutes during the #NationalAnthem.

“Disgraceful that @nyjets owner will pay fines for players who kneel for the National Anthem,” the #Republican #congressman tweeted Saturday.

“Encouraging a movement premised on lies vs. police,” the tweet continued. “Would he support all player protests? Would he pay fines of players giving Nazi salutes or spew [cq] racism? It’s time to say goodbye to Jets!”

The tweet was met with quick outrage.

“Comparing taking a knee during anthem to nazi satutes [cq],” responded Chris Henderson @ OneRedSeat2004. “Just wtf.”

Historian Kevin Kruse had this response: “Yes this is exactly like a Nazi salute. What a brilliant, rational and sane comparison.”

Even tennis star #MartinaNavratilova weighed in: “It is time to stop comparing a protest AGAINST violence to a salute that was all about violence. Do you get that Peter King?!?”
Via: #NewYorkPost