by Laghe Andrews | Dec 14, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
Hip-hop artist Lil Durk finds himself embroiled in a legal tussle with financial technology company, Exceed Talent Capital. The rapper, whose real name is Durk Derrick Banks, is accused of fraudulent dealings involving the rights to his music track “Bedtime.” The lawsuit, filed in a New York court, seeks a hefty sum of $12 million in damages.
The Allegations
In court documents viewed by Music Business Worldwide, Exceed Talent Capital alleges that the rapper agreed to sell them the rights to “Bedtime.” This agreement was made despite an existing exclusive contract between Lil Durk and Alamo Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment.
“Exceed Talent Capital acquired the “Bedtime” rights for $600,000, only to discover later that Durk had previously assigned the same rights to a third party.”
This alleged double dealing has landed the rapper in hot water, with the fintech startup seeking recompense for the hefty sum it paid for the rights.
The Fallout
Exceed Talent Capital claims that the fallout from the failed deal has caused significant harm to its reputation and relationships with partners and investors. The company had already paid $450,000 of the $600,000 owed when it was notified by Alamo Records about Durk’s exclusive recording agreement. The revelation forced Exceed to return the funds invested by third parties.
The list of defendants in the lawsuit extends beyond Lil Durk. Manager Andrew “Dilla” Bonsu, Only The Family Entertainment, Inc, OTF Label, and firm TTPMG are also implicated in the legal action.
Prior Partnership with Exceed
Before this dispute, Lil Durk and Exceed had announced a partnership in October last year. The partnership aimed to offer fans a “Trenches All-Access Pass,” akin to an NFT. This pass promised access to a private Grand Theft Auto roleplay server created by the rapper, which at the time had a waitlist of over 15,000 users.
Fans were offered lifetime access, limited edition in-game wearables, and a chance to invest in shares from proceeds of “Bedtime.” However, this partnership has taken a sour turn with the recent allegations.
The Music Industry’s Response
The music industry has responded with mixed reactions to the lawsuit. Last week, it was reported that the artist formerly known as Kanye West expressed interest in buying out Durk’s contract from Sony. This comes as a significant development, given the high-profile nature of both artists.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings continue, the future of Lil Durk’s music career and his relationships with music labels and tech companies remains uncertain. The outcome of this case could potentially have far-reaching implications for the music industry and the intersection of music and technology.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in business dealings, particularly in industries like music where intellectual property rights are paramount. It remains to be seen how Lil Durk will respond to these allegations and what impact this will have on his career and reputation.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 13, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice, Uncategorized |
An iconic figure in the world of hip-hop, Hurricane Chris, has had his share of tumultuous times recently. This article dives into the rapper’s journey from the courtroom to his ongoing fight for social justice.
The Dawn of the Storm
In March, the rapper, best known for his hit “A Bay Bay,” was acquitted of a 2020 shooting incident that resulted in the tragic demise of a 32-year-old man, Danzeria O. Farris. He expressed his sentiments openly about the incident in a detailed interview with TMZ.
“My goal is to spread the message of empathy for everyone involved in the situation as widely as possible,” he expressed.
A Nod to Respect
Hurricane Chris has always emphasized the importance of maintaining respect, regardless of the circumstances. He stressed this during his recent interview.
“No matter what transpires, you always want to uphold respect wherever it’s feasible. I’m from Louisiana; it’s a small place. It’s not California or Chicago. If you’re reckless with your words, you’re likely to face repercussions.”
The Road to Justice
Following his acquittal, Hurricane Chris has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with law enforcement’s handling of his case. The Shreveport police department’s conduct during the investigation has raised several questions. He detailed his grievances, stating how the police’s lack of thorough investigation had cost him.
The Lawsuit
Allegedly, the police failed to conduct a proper investigation into Hurricane Chris’s case. The rapper plans to sue the Shreveport PD for their misconduct. He claims that their negligence led to his loss of over $1.4 million, along with a promising movie deal and a contract with a top acting agency in Louisiana.
Conclusion: A Pursuit of Social Justice
Despite the challenges faced, Hurricane Chris continues to use his platform to advocate for social justice. His journey serves as a stark reminder of the issues plaguing our justice system and the importance of accountability.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 12, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
From le FLEUR lookbook* to his much-awaited track “Gimme da Lite“, rapper Lil Yachty is having an eventful week. The rap star’s collaborations with Tyler, the Creator and Southside, respectively, have been the talk of the town.
The Lookbook Debut
Lil Yachty made a stylish debut in Tyler, the Creator’s newly released le FLEUR lookbook*. The lookbook, launched early this week, has been gathering steam ever since.
Lil Yachty’s bold and eclectic sense of style matches the vibe of the le FLEUR lookbook beautifully.*
The Southside Connection
The rap star’s connection with Southside has been particularly noteworthy. Their much-anticipated track, “Gimme da Lite”, has finally hit the airwaves. This release continues Lil Yachty’s long-standing work relationship with the 808 Mafia boss. The duo has previously teamed up on popular cuts like “Menace,” “Boat Skirrt,” “Das Cap,” and “Flex Up.”
Where to Listen?
Music lovers can now stream the new song on Apple Music, Spotify, and all major platforms. Moreover, they can also watch the official music video on YouTube.
Lil Boat’s Recent Remix
“Gimme da Lite” comes hot on the heels of Lil Boat’s remix of “Never Lose Me.” This track is the latest from Flo Milli’s upcoming album, Fine Ho, Stay. The project is slated for release in the coming months.
“You so hood, I’m so bougie,” Yachty rapped on the track. “With a flash, we can turn this into Tubi/I’ma snack on your booty like Scooby/I’ma roll the Rolls-Royce like a Rubi/Squirt like a dolphin, my mouth a jacuzzi.”
The Lyricism Discussion
In a recent conversation with Tierra Whack for Rolling Stone‘s “Musicians on Musicians” series, the Let’s Start Here rapper reflected on his lyricism. Yachty, who was part of the 2016 XXL Freshman Class alongside rappers like 21 Savage, Kodak Black, Lil Uzi Vert, and Desiigner, spoke about his unique approach to writing lyrics.
“When I was younger, and coming up, the class I was a part of glorified drugs, face tats, everything under the book, you know,” he said. “And what I learned as I got older—I’m grateful for the fan base I have. It’s a huge fan base, and the love is real. But I always realized that I never had the fan base of certain peers because I didn’t glorify negativity. I didn’t glorify things that I didn’t stand by, you know.”
With the release of “Gimme da Lite” and his recent collaborations, Lil Yachty’s star continues to rise in the music industry. His journey is a testament to his individuality and commitment to his craft.
Stay tuned for more music news and updates on Lil Yachty!
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 8, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Yo Gotti, the renowned rapper from Memphis, is known for his relentless rise in the music industry. His journey, however, doesn’t stop at music. Gotti is making waves in the world of business, and his latest move is nothing short of impressive. This music mogul has returned to school, enrolling at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Anderson School of Management.
Back to School: The Unconventional Student
Gotti’s decision to hit the books again is a testament to his determination to excel in his business pursuits. After wrapping up his successful Gangsta Art tour with prominent artists like GloRilla, EST Gee, and Moneybagg Yo, the rapper has set his eyes on mastering ‘Corporate Valuation’, a comprehensive course taught at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X
Offered at UCLA, the Corporate Valuation course is a rigorous program designed to explore analytical tools pertinent to valuing various business aspects.
Gotti’s Business Ventures
Aside from his flourishing music career, Yo Gotti has been dabbling in various entrepreneurial ventures. His record label, Collective Music Group (CMG), received accolades from Billboard last May. Gotti is also a co-owner of the professional men’s soccer club, D.C. United, and owns Prive, a popular restaurant in Memphis. His investments span across real estate and electronic sports (esports).
by Laghe Andrews | Dec 8, 2023 | Latest, Music News |
Memphis Bleek, the famed American rapper and actor, recently reminisced about a time when he, along with the Roc-A-Fella crew, had to shell out a whopping $50,000 just to make an exit from a nightclub. Anecdotes of Jay-Z’s fearlessness also emerged during this tell-all session.
The Roc-A-Fella Nightlife Chronicles
During a dialogue with DJ Superstar Jay, slated to air on December 6, Bleek took a trip down memory lane and shared how he and Jay-Z dominated the club scene during their heydays. He expressed his concern over the new generation of party-goers lacking the ability to truly enjoy the club experience.
“The young generation hasn’t experienced it all,” Bleek voiced his thoughts. “Unless you’ve caused such a ruckus in a club that they lock you in and charge you to leave, you haven’t truly lived the party life.”
Bleek narrated an incident where they partied so fervently in a Miami club that they ended up locked inside, having to pay a staggering $50,000 to leave.
Paying the Price
“We wreaked havoc in this Miami club. They demanded $50,000 for us to leave. The police were involved, and it felt like a complete shakedown. But we didn’t hold back either, causing quite a stir,” Bleek candidly admitted.
But Bleek was quick to dispel any assumptions about them willingly paying such a hefty sum without retaliating. He revealed that there were instances when they stood up to such situations.
Jay-Z: The Fearless Fighter
Bleek shared insights into another side of Jay-Z that many might not be familiar with. According to him, Jay-Z was quite a different person in those days, never hesitating to take matters into his own hands.
“This was during the ‘Streets Is Watching’ days,” Bleek reminisced. “People see the billionaire, dreadlocked Jay-Z and assume he’s always been this calm. But let me tell you, Jay-Z was quite the fighter. He wasn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty.”
Bleek went on to share how Jay-Z’s fearless persona often led to him stirring up trouble. Sipping on Cristal, he was always ready for some action.
“This laid-back, cool image of Jay-Z you see today is quite a contrast. Back then, he was always up for some drama,” Bleek added.
Anecdotes from the Past
Bleek also recalled another incident that highlighted Jay-Z’s mischievous nature. During a trip, the Roc team didn’t want to step out of the car to pump gas because of the cold outside.
“We were at a gas station, enjoying the car’s warmth, and no one wanted to step out to refuel. So Jay-Z took it upon himself. He got out, pumped gas, and then went to the trunk to grab his coat. What he did next left us all stunned,” Bleek shared.
Jay-Z grabbed everyone’s coats from the trunk, got back in the car, rolled down all four windows, and sped off.
“That was his funny way of teaching us a lesson for not volunteering to pump gas,” Bleek chuckled.
Final Thoughts
These stories offer a glimpse into the raw and unfiltered past of Memphis Bleek and Jay-Z, showcasing their fearless and nonconformist attitude. As Bleek continues to share more such anecdotes, fans are getting a rare opportunity to know their favorite rap legends beyond their music.
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