It's The Boombap

Back in the mid-2000s, Kobe Bryant was having some issues with the Los Angeles Lakers. The team just could not get it together and with Shaq leaving the team, Kobe was left with less-than-stellar teammates. It was a rough predicament for Kobe, and there were times when he just simply didn't want to be a Laker anymore.
In 2007, Kobe was very close to being traded, and there was one team that had a very good shot at getting him. According to Mark Cuban, that team was none other than his Dallas Mavericks. While speaking to Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report, Cuban explained how he almost landed the superstar.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images“I thought it was done," Cuban said. "I was going back and forth with Dr. Buss. I think he called me… and said, ‘Look, we think we might be parting ways with Kobe.” As Cuban eventually revealed, Kobe spoke with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and eventually changed his mind. This turned out to be the right decision, as Kobe went on to win two more NBA titles.
"Mitch Kupchak talked Kobe into staying," Cuban revealed. "It was just like DeAndre (Jordan). Not the same same, but when a guy that's key to your team wants to leave, you're going to do everything you can to keep him."

Had Kobe gone to play with Dirk Nowitzki, it would have been one of the wildest duos in NBA history. While it might be fun to think about what could have been, it's clear that both teams were successful following the failed deal.
Let us know what you think of this revelation, in the comments down below.



via: https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/mark-cuban-explains-how-the-mavs-almost-got-kobe-bryant-news.156530.htm

Triller has responded to reports of Swizz Beatz and Timbaland's lawsuit against the company, stating that both of the Verzuz creators have been paid over $50 million in cash and stock in the platform to date. The company explained the situation in a statement provided to TMZ on Wednesday.
"This is not a feud over VERZUZ, but simply about earn-out payments to Swizz and Tim," they wrote. "Swizz and Tim have personally been paid by Triller over $50 million in cash and stock to-date, and they stand to benefit even more over time. In addition, they have annual obligations, which if met, and no breach has occurred, entitles them to additional payments."

Paras Griffin / Getty ImagesThey continued: "Only one payment of $10 million is in question. We do not believe they have met the thresholds for that payment yet, which include, but are not limited to, delivery of a set number of VERZUZ events for 2022. We have been trying to resolve this amicably and this does not affect VERZUZ operations or Triller’s ownership of VERZUZ. If this does proceed in court, we look forward to a judgment that weighs all the facts."
As reported by TMZ on Tuesday, Beatz and Timbaland are suing for $28 million while claiming that they agreed to sell Triller to the company in January 2021, but the deal defaulted after just two payments.
The two artists launched Verzuz during the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and the show has since exploded into a massive success. They've welcomed tons of high-profile guests on the show, including Ludacris, Nelly, Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and more.
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via: https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/triller-responds-to-swizz-beatz-and-timbalands-lawsuit-this-is-not-a-feud-over-verzuz-news.156529.htm

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have had a topsy turvy partnership over the last few years. While they did win an NBA title together, there have been two seasons in which they did not make the playoffs and one season where they fell off in the first round. Despite this, the Lakers have made it clear that they want to keep LeBron around for a long time as he means a whole lot to the franchise.
Over the last couple of weeks, LeBron and the Lakers have been working together on a potential deal that would ensure LeBron's future with the team. The two sides were looking at a two-year deal, and many around the NBA were convinced that LeBron would ultimately accept given his age.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty ImagesAccording to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, that is exactly what LeBron did as he has officially taken the Lakers' offer. He will now make $97.1 million over the next two seasons, beginning in 2023. He has a player option in the final year, which is huge given the fact that 2024 is expected to be Bronny's draft year. This allows LeBron the opportunity to go somewhere else and play with Bronny should he go someplace other than the Lakers.

This is a massive contract for both LeBron and the Lakers. Having this kind of security will go a long way for both sides, and given the Lakers' roster heading into this season, we should be in for a very interesting time.



via: https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lebron-james-officially-signs-massive-extension-with-lakers-details-news.156528.htm

The latest development in R. Kelly's legal saga surrounds today's opening statements in his Chicago federal trial. The R&B singer is facing charges of child pornography and obstruction of justice relating to a 2008 case of a similar nature involving five victims.
Today, the court heard the case's opening statements from the defendant and plaintiff, just a few days after his manager was convicted for threatening a screening of Surviving R. Kelly.

Antonio Perez - Getty ImagesProsecutors began the hearing with the following: "The defendant, Robert Kelly, had sex with multiple children. He made videotapes of himself having sex with children." The prosecutor also pointed to two of Kelly's co-defendants, ex-associates who allegedly knew of his crimes and helped cover them up.
The prosecution's opening statements also mentioned "Jane," the main accuser from the 2008 case that was allegedly videotaped multiple times having encounters with the R&B singer at the age of 14. They also confirmed Jane will testify in this case. According to the prosecution, Kelly engaged in various methods to keep Jane and her family quiet, including flying them out of the country and having his employees hide their identity or any connection to the individuals.

Four videotapes are being considered in this trial, and the jury will watch three of them, according to the prosecutors. At least one tape pertains directly to Jane, while the others could implicate more victims. Prosecutors accused Kelly of taking advantage of at least four minors and tampering with the 2008 trial that resulted in his acquittal.
Jennifer Bonjean, R. Kelly's legal representative, said the singer is the victim of persecution driven by mob mentality -- a mob that has come far too late to paint him as a monster when he was tried for these crimes. She labeled the accusers as "criminals" who, in their attempt to extort Kelly, have also secured immunity deals with the prosecutors. There is also a tape that prosecutors have referenced but refuse to play, which Bonjean has claimed does not exist. Kelly's representative is also leaning heavily on Jane Doe's past statements that she is not on tape with the singer.

Bonjean has called her client "imperfect" but innocent. R. Kelly has already been convicted of federal sex crimes in New York and has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.
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Hailey Bieber says that her husband, Justin Bieber, is her "best friend" and reflected on both of them dealing with serious health concerns over the last year during a new interview with Harper's Bazaar. Hailey had undergone heart surgery following the discovery of a stroke-like blood clot on her brain back in April, while in June, Justin was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, leaving half of his face paralyzed.
Hailey, whose been married to Justin for three years, says that marriage is about figuring things out together.
“I just think life is changing all the time. […] Day to day, week to week, year to year,” she said. “I think a perfect example of that is over the last six months, both of us have gone through very serious health issues… You have to figure out how to deal with this sh*t as it comes, you know? There’s a reason they say ‘for better or for worse.' Like, that’s for real!”

Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty ImagesFrom there, Hailey explained that she feels that equal effort is being put in from both sides of the relationship and even teased about being interested in children in the future.
“He’s still the person that I wanna be rushing back to,” she told the outlet. “I might fly somewhere and go do a job, but I can’t wait to come back and hang out. And I feel like that’s because of the effort that’s been put in on both sides. At the end of the day, like, he’s my best friend, but it still does take a lot of work to make it work. And then I know eventually, when kids come in the picture, that’s going to be a whole other season of navigating how to make that work.” 
Hailey and Justin married in late 2018 when they were 21 and 24 years old respectively.
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via: https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/hailey-bieber-discusses-how-health-issues-have-impacted-marriage-with-justin-news.156527.htm

50 Cent's Sire Spirits brand will be providing the Houston Texans with their official cognac and champagne for the upcoming 2022/23 NFL season. Fans will be able to purchase the drinks from two bars inside NRG Stadium, as well as from special sampling events at the club level. The cocktails will also be available in the suites.
“Last season, I had the opportunity to enjoy several home games, meet Texans fans, spend time with the McNair family and share with them some of the work I’ve been doing within the Houston community,” 50 said in a statement. “When the opportunity to partner with the team at this level arose, I was excited to do it.”

Rich Fury / Getty ImagesHe added on Instagram: “The Texans’ 50/50 Jackpot will now be presented by my G-Unity Foundation, which empowers children and youth in America’s cities to develop confidence, strength and skills to win in life. GLG GreenLightGang #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi.”
Additionally, Sire Spirits and the G-Unity Foundation will be sponsoring the Texans’ 50/50 Jackpot giveaway.
Texans president Greg Grissom stated: “We are thrilled to partner with Curtis and his team to offer Sire Spirits to our fans on game days. We share a common goal of giving back to the city we call home, so bringing Curtis on board to present our 50/50 Jackpot on game days was a natural fit. We look forward to the great work we will do together through this partnership.”
50 and his Sire Spirits brand have already landed similar deals with the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings of the NBA.
Check out 50's announcement on Instagram below.

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via: https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/50-cents-sire-spirits-partners-with-houston-texans-news.156519.htm

Kid Cudi recently made some very interesting comments during an interview with Esquire. Cudi spoke about his relationship with none other than Kanye West and how it has become completely fractured. Cudi believes that Kanye is in a very bad place right now, but it remains difficult to forgive him for everything that has happened, especially in light of the Pete Davidson drama. Simply put, these two won't be friends again, anytime soon.
“With all due respect, I’m not Drake, who’s about to take a picture with him next week and be friends again, and their beef is squashed," Cudi explained. "That’s not me. What I say, I mean. I will be done with you. It’s gonna take a motherfucking miracle for me and that man to be friends again. I don’t see it happening. He gon’ have to become a monk.”

Mike Coppola/Getty ImagesCudi's mentioning of Drake raised a few eyebrows, although Cudi is setting the record straight on that. While taking to Twitter, Cudi made it clear that he has a lot of love and respect for Drake, and that he never meant to disparage the superstar artist.
"Just to be clear, I wasnt tryna throw a shot at Drake. I got love 4 him," Cudi said. "My point I was tryna make is that im not so forgiving. Meaning he might be a lil nicer than me in that situation w dude. Thats all. Maybe that came off wrong thru my words. So yea, all good w Drake."

Cudi has had a contentious past with Drake, but now, they are on better terms than he and Ye. It's the sad reality of the situation, although someday, we hope they can reconcile.



via: https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kid-cudi-clarifies-drake-comments-following-explosive-interview-news.156525.htm

It's always wild to see hip-hop and EDM cross over but rarely does it result in an altercation, though. That's exactly what happened when Drew Taggart of dance duo The Chainsmokers tried to kiss T.I. on the cheek, to which the rapper responded with a swing at the 32-year-old producer and singer. The Atlanta trap pioneer, who was recently honored with an Outstanding Georgia Citizen award for his community work, later clarified in a video that it was just an incident and that there's no real beef with The Chainsmokers, even sharing some of the good times they had that night.

"Love The Chainsmokers, man, they make great music," said T.I. He also laughed when mentioning that there's not much more to the story other than Taggart's account, which has been covered on social media and the blogosphere to great extent.

"He was like 'Don't do that' and I was like 'Okay.'" explained Taggart of the incident. "He punched me in the face and I was like 'Okay, I'm sorry,' and he was like, 'Alright, cool, we're good.' It was the weirdest interaction ever... T.I. is fully in the right here. I was feeling the vibes way too hard, and I kissed T.I. on the cheek and he punched me in the face for it."
As bizarre as the interaction was, T.I. wants to make it clear that it was a purely isolated incident.
"I think the most important thing to take away is afterward, we took a shot and we moved on, you know? Lovin' the party, having a good time... like I said, love The Chainsmokers. Not to get no sugar, though, you know what I'm saying? Mm-mm, can't play like that."

The 41-year-old rapper said he's "still a fan" of their music, a weird crossover but not an impossible one, given that T.I.'s distanced himself from the trap music mindset. He even invited the "Closer" duo on his podcast, ExpediTIously.
"As a matter of fact, I would love to have you guys. I was thinking about some guests to bring on ExpediTIously. I would love to have you guys on ExpediTIously if you can find the time to just sit down and chop it up. I'd love to kick it with you if y'all got some time on your hands. You know, let's catch a vibe."

And just like that, beef turns into a promo op. Who would've thought T.I., the Rubber Band Man himself, would get closer to The Chainsmokers?



via: https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ti-reacts-to-story-about-him-punching-the-chainsmokers-drew-taggart-news.156521.htm

Stephen A. Smith is one of the most popular men in sports media, and for about six weeks, Smith was absent from his main show, First Take. Smith's absence was severely felt as the show just simply wasn't worth watching without him there. Now, Smith is back and better than ever, which means we are getting his incredible hot takes and sense of humor.
Throughout the years, Smith has always been a devout hater of the Dallas Cowboys. When the Cowboys are doing poorly, you know that Smith is enjoying himself. Having said that, it shouldn't be surprising that Smith had a hot take on First Take today that will certainly anger all the of Cowboys fans out there.

Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for D'USSEWhen asked who would win the NFC East, Smith came out and claimed that it would be the Philadelphia Eagles and not the Dallas Cowboys. Following their performance last season, many believe the Cowboys should be the favorites, but Smith has no faith in the franchise right now.
As you can see in the clip below, Smith is firm with his belief that the Cowboys will not win the division, and he went in-depth on why that is the case.

With Smith's latest take in mind, let us know who you think will win the NFC East, in the comments below.



via: https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/stephen-a-smiths-prediction-will-upset-cowboys-fans-news.156522.htm

Luka Doncic is quickly becoming one of the biggest stars in the entire league. Many believe he could be the MVP this season, and based on his playoff performances, it is easy to see why someone might feel that way. Doncic is also killing it with the endorsement deals as he is signed to Jordan Brand. Doncic has come through with some nice Air Jordan 36 colorway, and he is about to drop another, although this time, it is a reference to his time in Spain.
Doncic played basketball overseas at the time of his draft, and in Spain, fans called him "El Matador." Now, that nickname is being turned into a gorgeous red and gold colorway. In the official images below, you can see how there is gold embroidery that matches the matador aesthetic. The red contrasts amazingly well, and if you're into this kind of look, these have to be a must-cop.
If you are planning to grab this new shoe, you will be able to do so as of August 31st for a price of $200 USD. Pairs will be available over at Nike.com as well as Nike retailers. Let us know what you think of this brand-new Luka Doncic sneaker, in the comments down below, and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sneaker world.
Image via NikeImage via NikeImage via NikeImage via NikeImage via Nike


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