Top Hip-Hop Headlines Of The Week: 5/13 – 5/19
It’s easy to make every one of these news links on Kanye West. That’s because Yeezy Season has taken over our Twitter timelines, Instagram feeds, and any other form of social media engagement. But, let’s remember: There are still other hot topic headlines worth revisiting from this week.
Notably, Lil Mouse may be in serious trouble for his actions in school. Meanwhile, Mannie Fresh stated his opinion on the whole idea of a new Big Tymers without him. Lastly, Tim Dog is probably not dead and Rock The Bell organizers are facing problems over using ODB’s likeliness. Catch up on what you might of missed in the top headlines in hip-hop.
1. Kanye West's Yeezus Rollout
The build-up for Kanye West’s next album couldn’t get any bigger than it is now. Shortly after premiering “New Slaves” on 66 buildings in locations all around the world, he made a grand appearance on SNL and performed “New Slaves,” as well as “Black Skinhead.” Saturday was also the same day we learned of the album title: Yeezus. Yup, Yeezy Season is here and June 18 is just one month away.
2. Freekey Zekey Reveals The Diplomats Are No Longer Signed To Interscope
The Diplomats putting out another album has always been on the wishlist for any hip-hop head. According to Freekey Zekey, the reunion may have to wait, as he announced the group is no longer signed to Interscope. He did confirm that the group does have songs together and they are waiting until things settle down with Juelz Santana before getting back into the studio.
3. Lil Mouse Threatened To Kill Third Grader And May Face Assault Charges
It looks like Lil Mouse has gotten himself into trouble for his actions at school. A new report says Lil Mouse is accused of slapping and threatening to kill a third grader. The third grader’s grandmother fears for their safety and told reporters that she wants to move away as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, Lil Mouse may be charged with assault, but police have yet to make an official announcement.
4. Mannie Fresh Says Lil Wayne And Drake Are Great, But “Not Big Tymers”
Mannie Fresh isn’t salty about Birdman’s announcement of a new Big Tymers featuring Drake and Lil Wayne. When speaking with MTV RapFix earlier this week, he admitted that Drake and Wayne are great artists, “but they are not Big Tymers.” We just have to wait and see how the reunion will go down.
5. Sha Money XL Speaks On Moving To Epic Records
Sha Money XL left his position as SVP of A&R for Island Def Jam to become EVP of Urban A&R for Epic Records. Just one day after the announcement of his new position, we spoke with him on his new gig and the reasons behind the move. “I just took this opportunity to help grow and build myself and provide more opportunities for others. This is a good, new position for me.”
6. Did Tim Dog Fake His Own Death?
Tim Dog, who passed away in February after losing a longstanding battle with diabetes, may have faked his own death. According to Ester Pilgrim, she told WREG that Tim Dog owes her $32,000 from a poor business deal. She says he is known for scamming people all across the country. Suspicions grew when the news organization hired a private investigator to find that there is no record for Tim Dog’s death. There is also an active address in Atlanta under his name being used since April.
7. Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s Widow Sends Cease & Desist Over Rock The Bells Performance
While many fans were excited to see virtual performances of Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Eazy-E, ODB’s widow has halted those plans. Icelene Jones has filed a Cease & Desist letter order at Rock The Bells organizers. In an exclusive interview with HipHopDX, she explained her reasoning behind the situation. "I’m the administrator [of ODB’s estate] and the only authority to give anyone permission to do anything like this—any likeness, any music," she said. "They need to come to me. I’m so available. I’m accessible. I’m easy to contact. I just want to make that understood.
8. Soulja Boy Confirms Signing To YMCMB (Sort Of)
Soulja Boy is a free agent since his leave from Interscope. Since then, the SODMG leader has been in talks with other labels, including YMCMB. It is still undetermined if he is signed or not, but he continues to leave clues about his affiliation. If you haven’t yet, download his recent mixtape King Soulja that features him shouting out YMCMB on the track “Come On.” The plot thickens.
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