Dablazefm

Source: SOPA Images / Getty

Listen up gamers, here is your chance to land a PS5 console.

GameStop, yes they still exist, announced that it is dropping not one, but two PS5 bundles. Unlike consoles which are super difficult to acquire alone, bundles are usually much easier to get your hands on due to the already high price. These two bundles include three games, a controller, a charging dock, and a GameStop gift card.

Bundle A:

Before Yo! MTV Raps and Rap City, the Tri- State area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut had the gift Video Music Box, hosted by VJ Ralph McDaniels and the Vid Kid aka Lionel C. Martin. It was like Santa came into our homes every day at 3:30pm, but instead of a chimney, he came through channel 31. When the introduction of the show kicked off, a large boom box in front of the NYC skyline and Whodini's "5 Minutes of Funk" playing in the background, viewers were hypnotized for an hour with videos from local, now globally recognized artists, and any party anywhere in the area.

In 1983, a music show called Studio 31 was released, which eventually morphed into  Video Music Box-airing Monday - Friday (and early Saturday afternoons), unless a soccer game came on and we would be almost brought to tears (#iykyk). Since it was WNYC-TV, public television, there just wasn't a guarantee that VMB would get played. In a conversation with Ralph Mc Daniels about the program disruption he said, "I didn't know until the day of either."

But, when the show did come on, Uncle Ralph (as the VMB audience lovingly calls him) would be at every party, concert, talent show or dancerie in NYC and New Jersey, and we all felt like we were personally invited. It was reaching neighborhood celebrity status if you happened to be at an event that Ralph was and got the opportunity to make a "shout out" on air-VMB is the first place where "shout outs" were made famous (more on that to come).

Minister Louis Farrakhan once told Ralph, "You have a big responsibility because people don't read, they watch TV." For the show and Ralph to have played such a momentous role in Hip-Hop, not enough people are aware of the cultural impact that Video Music Box has had and continues to impart. In addition to the show, McDaniels and Martin have individually directed and produced hundreds of music videos, and films, such as Wu-Tang Clan's "C.R.E.A.M," the Stop the Violence Movement's "Self Destruction," Tupac's "Toss It Up," and Netflix's Roxanne, Roxanne biopic, among others as well as collaborative efforts via their Classic Concepts production company.

Ralph has surely collected the largest amount of visual Hip-Hop content, spanning from the early 80's to present day. Some of that content has new life in the digital era and has gone viral: think, the clip of Jay-Z at Summer Jam, everyone hyped behind him, while he's looking absolutely unbothered, or Wendy Williams being asked about her engagement ring at Kiss FM NYC studios, with A Tribe Called Quest as guests. Both clips are VMB archives and both have been seen by millions, some who don't have a clue about what Video Music Box exactly is.

In speaking with Ralph about the origin of VMB, he said, "I've been through the eras of Run-DMC, Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest, Biggie, Nas, Jay Z. It was my job to pay attention to it all. Looking forward to the next sound...that's happiness. I want people to know what I know."

Getting in the know and securing knowledge resonated through the show. Now Uncle Ralph is also part of that historyand he got his well-deserved flowers and acknowledgments in late 2021 on Showtime when the network airing a documentary You're Watching Video Music Box, directed by rapper and mogul Nas. In the doc, not only did you learn the importance of the show and the talent who started on VMB, but it made you feel like you were sitting on the couch with any one of us from NY/NJ/CT.

On behalf of anyone who has ever seen an episode, given a shout out, ran from the bus stop to make it in time to hear the intro music, had your video played on the show, or has aspired to do so, we thank you, Uncle Ralph. We thank you for playing the entire videos of "Protect Ya Neck," "The Symphony" and "Self Destruction." We thank you for "Doin' it up at The Arc," one of the many clubs that were frequented on the show. Thank you for giving us a video show on local television because most of us didn't have cable in the 80's. Lastly, thank you for capturing and sharing almost 40 of the 50 years of Hip-Hop.

Check out part 1 of Hip-Hop Wired's exclusive interview with Ralph McDaniels above.

via: https://hiphopwired.com/1103931/ralph-mcdaniels-on-the-legacy-of-video-music-box

Source: JOCE/Bauer-Griffin / Getty

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is at the center of a police investigation after a fan claims that the rapper allegedly punched him after seeking an autograph. The incident took place in Los Angeles in the city's downtown section.

Local outlet Fox 11 News broke the story first. The incident took place outside near the Soho Warehouse early Thursday morning (Jan. 13), although it isn't known if Ye was an attendee of the establishment.

More from Fox 11:

The alleged victim said that around 3 a.m., he spotted the Chicago native leaving the SoHo Warehouse located near the intersection of Santa Fe Avenue and 7th Street. The venue is an exclusive members-only club that includes a rooftop bar and a restaurant.

The fan says when he approached Ye, the rapper jumped out of his car, punched him, and left. The rapper could face battery charges in the incident.

Reps for Ye have yet to issue a statement, nor have there been any announced charges from LAPD.

This story is developing.

-

Photo: Getty

via: https://hiphopwired.com/1103835/ye-aka-kanye-west-under-investigation-for-allegedly-punching-fan

Source: SOPA Images / Getty

The PlayStation 5 is still difficult to acquire, and that will be the case for the foreseeable future due to a shortage of the next-gen console. Sony has a solution for that problem, make more PS4 consoles.

Sony initially said it planned to stop PS4 production at the end of 2021. Thanks to the global chip shortage affecting the company's ability to manufacture PS5 consoles, Sony is possibly doing an about-face on that plan. According to a report from Bloomberg, Sony wants to address the PS5 shortage issue by making an additional million PS4 consoles being it uses significantly less advanced plus much cheaper to produce.

Now granted, this is not what people who already have a PS4 console want to hear because they want to upgrade to the PS5. But, for those who don't have either, this could be considered good news to gamers because PS4 still has some life left in it. With games like Horizon: Forbidden West and God of War: Ragnarok coming to the PS4 and giving players the option to upgrade to next-gen when they find a PS5 console, this could be a win for them.

Again, this is speculation, but we wouldn't be shocked if Sony does indeed go in this direction. Let's continue to hope President Joe Biden and House and Senate Democrats get that legislation passed to get these bots out of here so gamers can get their hands on a PS5.

-

Photo: SOPA Images / Getty

via: https://hiphopwired.com/1103752/sony-making-more-ps4-to-address-ps5-shortage

Source: United Archives / Getty

The Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots are set to face off against one another in a wild card NFL contest this coming weekend with single-digit temperatures forecasted. Bart Scott, a former football star, had some advice for Bills QB Josh Allen, stating he should take Viagra ahead of the contest.

Scott, who became a meme and viral legend via his "Can't Wait" quip, now spends his days as a member of ESPN's morning program, Get Up. Yes, we realize the pun just sitting right there.

"Take some Viagra before the game, baby," Scott said. "That'll get that circulation going right. Viagra was first a heart medicine, right? So, it builds up circulation, which makes sure it gets circulation to the feet."

Scott's co-hosts had nothing but questions and chuckles in response to the advice, but there might be some science to Scott's suggestion. Viagra was initially given as a medicine to increase circulation for heart patients when doctors discovered its effects on the lower extremities. We don't need to spell that out, right?

Back in 2015, an Argentine soccer team took the medicine to help fight off altitude sickness as seen in this article from The Washington Post. Dating back to 2006, studies have been established pointing to the drug's usage among cyclists and other reports examining Viagra as a performance-enhancing drug. Many of the latter claims have been disproven but the circulatory benefits of sildenafil, the scientific name for Viagra, can't be disputed.

Josh Allen might just up to warm up with heaters on the sidelines, we imagine.

"Josh Allen listening? Can people get this message to him? Vi-a-gra. Take a viagra before the game, baby."
- Bart Scott

Added: "A lot of NFL players, at least in my day, took viagra."

Mark this all under #TIL... pic.twitter.com/TAUiSeV0Ua

— Jerit Roser (@JeritRoser) January 13, 2022

-

Photo: Getty

window.addEventListener('interaction', function () {
setTimeout(function () {
var s = document.createElement('script'), el = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[ 0 ];
s.async = true;
s.src = 'https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';
el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);
}, 1000)
});


via: https://hiphopwired.com/1103803/bart-scott-says-bills-qb-josh-allen-should-take-viagra-ahead-of-game

Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty

Soulja Boy is quick to remind the masses that he's the first to do something in the Hip-Hop space and fights hard to prove some of those outlandish claims. After years of using the name Big Draco, the "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" star shared his, ahem, situation, and fans on Twitter reacted in extreme thirst.

Like many entertainers, Soulja Boy launched an OnlyFans, following in the footsteps of Safaree and other stars before him. From what's being said online, the images that had Twitter on clutched pearls mode were leaked from the subscription-only page.

Of course, we're not going to share the images of Soulja Boy letting the hammer get some shine here, but savvy searchers should locate the photos on their own.

Meanwhile, check out the extreme levels of parched praise below.

-

Photo: Getty


1.

Just seen my girl twitter search history and it said Soulja Boy pic.twitter.com/omDoaeZgEn
— Tay (@uxertay) January 11, 2022


2.

Soulja boy? I mean BIG DRACO pic.twitter.com/wwRjpMZ6YO
— AD (@amari_dw) January 11, 2022


3.

No way Soulja boy retweeted this pic.twitter.com/a4guynRxDp
— JayJay (@jaylaa_niicolee) January 11, 2022


4.

Soulja Boy's number is still 678-999-8212, right? pic.twitter.com/pOwUrbFHi3
— Mia not Mya (@miabriwhit) January 11, 2022


5.

I see why Soulja Boy call himself Big Draco he dragging around all that dick
— Ciera This Beat Is... (@CocoRessie) January 11, 2022


6.

The whole Soulja boy leak show that y'all hoes wider than a dam !!" Oh my bd bigger than that " or "y'all overhype everything it ain't even that big." Ok you wide open no walls bitch!!
— M Y M F B B (@Yvng_blvck) January 11, 2022


7.

That Soulja boy leak doesn't surprise me at allllll it's always them tall skinny onessss
— A M B I E (@iAM_YoUrDaDDy) January 11, 2022


8.

Soulja boy picture got leak and I see why I been on his dick for years
— N O N C H A L A N T (@_MiyahRenee) January 11, 2022


9.

That Soulja Boy leak got me drooling
— Wappy ??? DAWN FM (@corsolumb) January 12, 2022


10.

That man Soulja boy on the timeline getting all the hos . Somebody hurry up leak my dick pic hurry upand put a filter on dat bitch too
— BlackAirForcedrippy (@BAFdrippy) January 12, 2022
This brotha starvin'.




via: https://hiphopwired.com/playlist/soulja-boy-racy-photos-reactions

Source: WENN/Avalon / WENN

It seems that Nicki Minaj can breathe a sigh of relief. Jennifer Hough has dropped the harassment lawsuit against her.

As spotted on Complex the Queens, New York native got some good news regarding some potential legal troubles that originated with her husband Kenneth "Zoo" Petty. On Wednesday, January 12 Jennifer Hough's lawyer confirmed that his client has dropped the "Super Bass" rapper from the suit.

"The case was voluntarily dismissed as to Nicki in NY," Hough's lawyer, Tyrone Blackburn, told Complex. "The case against Kenneth is ongoing." Back in September of 1994 Hugh accused Petty of raping her for which he served four years in prison. The attorney went on to claim that she is not in the clear just yet though. "This does not mean that Nicki Minaj is in the clear," Blackburn added. "In fact, she's probably in a worst position now than prior to when the case started. So, I would say, stay tuned."

Jennifer Hough has voluntarily dismissed her harassment lawsuit against Nicki Minaj. pic.twitter.com/imTin0smfG

— Rap Alert (@rapalert6) January 12, 2022

Fast forward to August of 2021 Hugh filed a harassment lawsuit against the celebrity couple citing that the duo attempted to silence her via intimidation tactics and bribery. That following month she appeared on The Real to detail the alleged rape. Since then Nicki has vehemently denied the accusations. "During the call, I never asked her to change her story; I never offered her any money in return for a statement, and I did not threaten her with any type of harm if she chose not to provide a statement," she said in a formal statement to Judge Eric Vitaliano. "In fact, I emphatically told her that I did not want her to lie about anything and to tell the truth about what she had just revealed to me only if she was comfortable with doing so."

I love you more https://t.co/RtLRU5B97Z

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) January 12, 2022

Nicki has yet to comment on the charges being dropped but showed love to her supporters when her name started trending on Twitter. Sources told TMZ that no financial compensation was offered towards the dismissal.

Photo: Bernard Smalls

window.addEventListener('interaction', function () {
setTimeout(function () {
var s = document.createElement('script'), el = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[ 0 ];
s.async = true;
s.src = 'https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';
el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);
}, 1000)
});


via: https://hiphopwired.com/1103735/drops-lawsuit-nicki-minaj

Source: Corinth Films / Corinth Films

The life and legacy of the late poet and activist Amiri Baraka is now the subject of a new documentary. And fellow New Jersey native Lauryn Hill is the executive producer who has helped bring it to life.

Source: Corinth Films / Corinth Films

The new documentary, titled Why Is We Americans, offers a look at the life of Baraka who is regarded as one of the most forthright authorities on Black American art, history, and culture.

As a leader of the Black Arts Movement that first began in 1965, Baraka was acclaimed for his expression of the Black experience through his poetry such as "It's Nation Time" and his written work beginning with Blues People: Negro Music in White America. The film, which gets its title from the poem Baraka performed on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, takes an in-depth examination of his family, focusing also on his widow, artist, and activist Amina Baraka as the guiding light. There is also insight given to the tragic murders of his daughter Shani (noted as one of the first openly gay Black activists) and his sister Kimako as well as the rise of his son, poet Ras Baraka to his current position as the mayor of Newark. The film will also look at the city of Newark throughout the decades as its Black community felt the impact of systemic oppression through local government policies and law enforcement, and show how that community organized to resist against it.

Ms. Hill is among those interviewed in the documentary, which is directed by Udi Aloni and Ayana Stafford-Morris. She shares executive producer credits with screenwriter Oren Moverman. Ras Baraka is also interviewed along with his daughter, Amandla as well as Larry Hamm, the Chairman of the People's Organization for Progress. "Spanning decades of social activism, poetry, music, art, and politics, this kaleidoscopic family saga is framed by on-camera interviews with Ms. Lauryn Hill, rare archival footage, and revealing personal testimonials," distributor Corinth Films states in press releases for the documentary. "And as we connect with the iconoclastic poet, and his tight-knit family, a portrait of a city emerges with an inspiring call to arms in the fight for class and racial justice."

Why is We Americans will open at the IFC Theatre in New York City on January 14th. It is also slated to run at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles being held in April. Watch the trailer below.



via: https://hiphopwired.com/1103668/lauryn-hill-named-as-executive-producer-for-amiri-baraka-documentary

Source: Mike Coppola / Getty

The union of Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet seemed to be unbreakable and owned distinction as one of the entertainment industry's hottest couples. On Wednesday (Jan. 12), the pair issued a joint statement saying that the two would be parting ways, prompting some expected responses from the Twitter masses.

Taking to Momoa's Instagram page, the statement of the split was eloquent and kind as expected of such a long partnership.

From the IG post:

We have all felt the squeeze and changes of these transformational times... A revolution is unfolding ~and our family is of no exception... feeling and growing from the seismic shifts occurring

And so~ We share our Family news~

That we are parting ways in marriage.

We share this not because we think it's newsworthy ~

But so that~ as we go about our lives we may do so with dignity and honesty.

The love between us carries on, evolving in ways it wishes to be known and lived.

We free each other ~to be who we are learning to become...

Our devotion unwavering

to this sacred life

& our Children

Teaching our Children

What's possible ~

Living the Prayer

May Love Prevail

J & L

Momoa and Bonet began dating in 2005 after Momoa was introduced to his future wife in a jazz club, and were married in 2017. Momoa stated in previous interviews that Bonet was a dream woman to him, dating back to when he was just eight years old. The pair have two teen children together, and Momoa helped Bonet raise Zoe Kravitz from Bonet's previous relationship with musician Lenny Kravitz.

On Twitter, considering the adoration that Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet gained over the years, the reactions have been all over the place.





View this post on Instagram










A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies)


-

Photo: Getty


1.

Let me send Jason Momoa a message and tell him I'm here for him during this tough time. pic.twitter.com/yQ73Nx0Ykm
— Brittany Jones (@BrittMaya613) January 13, 2022


2.

megan fox and MGK getting married, lisa bonet and jason momoa getting divorced, me getting high and going to bed, big night for everyone
— jourdain searles (@judysquirrels) January 13, 2022


3.

Pete Davidson trying to decide between Lisa Bonet & Jason Momoa pic.twitter.com/2FA87wBU2A
— TrivWorks (@TrivWorks) January 13, 2022


4.

I must take to my bed. Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet are parting ways after seventeen years! Happy to comfort them both in any way the lord sees fit.
— roxane gay (@rgay) January 13, 2022


5.

When the streets heard Jason Momoa was single pic.twitter.com/TgrAZ0ILGA
— rosechocglam (@rosechocglam) January 13, 2022


6.

2022 Doing too much not Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa pic.twitter.com/ov0LAftRbY
— Ka.mwasi (@Ka_mwasi) January 13, 2022


7.

jason momoa and lisa bonet are breaking up... a huge blow for hot people pic.twitter.com/E46dYSHVW6
— i want to bailey-ve (@been_herde) January 13, 2022


8.

I really loved Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet together....and the Jason Momoa Lenny Kravitz bromance. pic.twitter.com/I3Oyzgm5X4
— ClockOutWars (@clockoutwars) January 13, 2022


9.

Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet both being single again means that I have 2 minuscule chances to marry either of them. The hope 2022 needed
— leftover waffles (@TopherMichelle) January 13, 2022


10.

Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa are getting a divorce but him and Lenny are still going to stay together right?
— Ma$on (@FirstGentleman) January 13, 2022


11.

All the ladies running to comfort Jason Momoa because of his divorce pic.twitter.com/kjFgm5TD2h
— Pizza Dad (@Pizza__Dad) January 13, 2022


12.

Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa are breaking up- but who gets custody of Lenny Kravitz?
— Shari Lynn (@LynnSharig8) January 13, 2022


13.

lisa bonet was really married to both lenny kravitz and jason momoa in the same lifetime

God, I see what you have done for others- pic.twitter.com/3ME4tep8ID
— Roseanne A. New Year's Baby Brown (@rosiesrambles) January 13, 2022


14.

Jason Momoa if you need comforting, just know... pic.twitter.com/JOB3R6Zm5v
— ???????????????? ???????????????????? (@MySkinIsBeamin) January 13, 2022


15.

Congratulations to Lisa Bonet's next boyfriend on his two new best friends, Jason Momoa and Lenny Kravitz https://t.co/9VM7njHgOk
— Marco Inaros's Utility Suspenders (@uzionmain) January 13, 2022



via: https://hiphopwired.com/playlist/jason-momoa-lisa-bonet-divorce-reactions

Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty

The Omicron variant of the Coronavirus might not be shutting down business and shuttering schools, but it's definitely touching damn near everyone including many of your favorite celebrities and disrupting their gigs.

Now Roddy Ricch is the latest big name that the Rona might've come into contact with and due to possible exposure to the virus, RR will not be able to take the stage at his scheduled gig on Saturday Night Live. Variety is reporting that the "Late At Night" rapper has pulled out of his upcoming SNL appearance this Saturday (Jan. 15) due to COVID exposure on his team. SNL moved quick to replace his absence and were able to get the Jack Antonoff-led band Bleachers to take his place on such short notice.

See you Saturday! pic.twitter.com/pK3BjxbZcH

— Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) January 12, 2022

That was hella quick.

With the O-Rona spreading like wildfire these days, Ricch has become the third artist to have to cancel and SNL appearance this season and likely won't be the last as even vaccinated people are vulnerable to the latest variant.

"In October of 2020, Morgan Wallen's scheduled appearance was canceled by the show after photos emerged on social media of him breaking protocol just days before the show by socializing in Alabama without a mask at a crowded bar and a house party. He posted an apology soon later, saying he respected the show's decision and noted that although he had not tested positive, "my actions from this past weekend were pretty short-sighted, and have obviously affected my long-term goals and my dreams," he said. The show rescheduled his appearance for several weeks later."

Charlie XCX was also scheduled to perform on the final show of 2021 but with the positivity rate for COVID skyrocketing like it was 2020 again, the show decided to cancel not only Charli's performance but also the cast and crew itself as they didn't want to risk anyone getting infected. It was a hella struggle episode if you ask us but it wasn't their fault.

Luckily it's looking like the Omicron infections are peaking as cases have begun to slightly dip but it feels inevitable that another variant will eventually make it's debut and wreck havoc on the world once again. Hopefully not though.

window.addEventListener('interaction', function () {
setTimeout(function () {
var s = document.createElement('script'), el = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[ 0 ];
s.async = true;
s.src = 'https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';
el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);
}, 1000)
});


via: https://hiphopwired.com/1103641/roddy-ricch-pulls-out-of-snl-performance-due-to-the-rona