On this episode of People's Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with Grammy-award-winning singer and songwriter Melanie Fiona. Their discussion covers a wide array of topics that include her Guyanese heritage, growing up in Toronto, Canada, and her experiences with the differences along racial lines when she first visited the United States. She also speaks on her career path getting started in the group The Renaissance, with whom Drake was also a member, and expands on what it was like working with him in the early stages of his genius.
Later they go on to discuss the devaluation of art forms that is taking place in today's pop culture. She also opens up about losing her voice during a stressful time in her life. Finally she shares the profound advice she received from Kanye West and a special moment with Prince that she'll cherish forever.
TMZ -- Rapper Gorilla Zoe flew into a violent rage and ended up getting arrested for domestic violence over the weekend ... this according to cops.
Gorilla Zoe was busted early Sunday morning in Monroe County, Florida after security at La Siesta Resort called cops to say they saw Zoe get physical with a woman on his hotel room balcony.
According to the police report ... hotel security claims Zoe was trying to shove his GF into the room. When she refused, he allegedly pushed her to the ground. Cops say she eventually managed to get away and lock him out on the balcony.
Zoe then started punching and kicking the glass door ... according to witnesses, and the woman let him back into the room. At that point, cops arrived looked into the hotel room window and saw Zoe pinning down his girlfriend.
Cops broke things up, and Zoe got off her, but she immediately started to defend him. She told the responding officers, "We always drink and argue, nothing more. He's never gotten physical with me. Isn't that what happens when everyone drinks?"
She also told them he "always become crazy aggressive like" when he's drinking, but added he would never harm her physically. Officers say she didn't have any noticeable injuries.
Zoe was arrested for domestic battery, and while he was being booked played the rapper card. Cops say he told them he was a nice guy and, "My name is Gorilla Zoe you know me I'm a rapper."
He was released an hour later after posting a $2,500 bond.
Gripz is a name hip hop fans should get accustomed to hearing. The DMV-area emcee brings a gritty style to the mic, along with excellent wordplay. His just released album titled "Gunpowder" features Ransom, Rigz and J.R.
Production credits go to Chup, Geronimo X, NY Bangers, Homage, Johnny Slash, Boger and DreamLife.
On Monday’s (Nov. 4) episode of #EverydayStruggle, recorded from ComplexCon in Long Beach, Nadeska, Wayno and DJ Akademiks are joined by West Coast legend, Game. The EDS crew and Game kick off the interview discussing his upcoming album ‘Born 2 Rap,’ and the expectations he has for his last studio album. Game also reveals why he’s planning to hang it up after his next solo effort and explains his decision for launching Prolific Records in honor of the late Nipsey Hussle. Game then addresses the backlash he’s received since announcing his label and denies that he’s trying to use Nipsey’s likeliness in order to push his latest ventures. Further into the interview, Game talks about his days under 50 Cent and the G-Unit imprint and reveals that he’s open to doing a reunion tour with his former crew under the right circumstances. Later in the show, Game talks about his fallout with Dr. Dre and how they were able to reunite and reveals the benefits of being independent in comparison to being signed. To close out the show, Game admits to Ak, Wayno and Nadeska that he feels bad for 6ix9ine's current situation, and says he could’ve predicted the incarcerated rapper’s future in the business.
Jorge Masvidal joins Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show to describe what’s next for him after beating Nate Diaz at UFC 244 for the BMF belt. Masvidal says he’s upset people thought he could’ve gassed if the fight went into the fourth and fifth rounds. “Gamebred” tells Helwani that he wants to take some time off to heal up his hands and expresses interest in a rematch vs. Diaz as well as being (11:50) “dead serious” about boxing Canelo Alvarez. (20:39) Masvidal also responds to a tweet from Conor McGregor.
Two music legends, Pharrell and Rick Rubin, sit down at Shangri-La to have what can only be called an epic conversation. In this wide-ranging mutual interview, the two cover everything from the Blurred Lines lawsuit to how the LL Cool J album Rick produced influenced Pharrell. Sit back and enjoy, because this epic conversation is a ride.
Dipset leader Killa Cam'Ron sat down with Rap Radar to talk about his forthcoming "Purple Haze 2," twenty two years since signing his first record deal, "Paid In Full." Dame Dash and more.
(TMZ) -- Kim Kardashian is doing more than just tweeting about an upcoming prison execution -- we've learned she's now actively lobbying for death row inmate Rodney Reed ... and his family is extremely grateful.
Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Kim has recently been in touch with high-ranking Texas government officials to discuss Reed's scheduled killing on November 20 -- trying to get them to hold off on the execution and reopen his case. We're told Kim believes there are new witnesses and evidence to exonerate Reed, and implicate the real killer.
Reed' brother, Rodrick, posted a thank you note to Kim Monday, saying, "I want you to know you are a major God-send to my family - more than you may ever fully realize in this lifetime. You are a blessing to all the families you advocate for. We're so glad you have publicly voiced that you also believe he is innocent."
Kim also spoke with Rodney just last week from death row to let him know she was working to help his case.
We're told one of the things Kim has sent to officials is a letter from Reed's brother, who wrote her asking for help with the case. Our sources say Kim's also been working behind the scenes to provide legal resources to Reed as he tries to get a stay of execution.
Reed was convicted for the murder of Stacey Stites in Bastrop, TX -- where cops initially said he'd raped, assaulted and strangled her to death. He's maintained his innocence for over 20 years now, and just recently ... a former inmate claimed to know the real murderer.
A guy named Arthur Snow filed a statement with the court alleging Stites' own fiance -- who served time for a different crime -- confessed to him while behind bars that he killed her for sleeping around. Snow says they were both part of the Aryan Brotherhood in prison. Stites' fiance has denied this.
There are other folks who've come forward in recent weeks on Reed's behalf, and there's been a rallying cry to get the case reopened -- which Kim has joined with time running out.
Actor Jason Mitchell stopped by The Breakfast Club to address getting fired from "The Chi," and the Netflix movie "Desperados" amid sexual assault allegations.
Kevin Gates goes Sneaker Shopping with Complex's Joe La Puma at Stadium Goods in NYC and talks about his friend Odell Beckham Jr. inspiring him to get into shape, his love for VaporMaxes from playing soccer and getting his charisma from Muhammad Ali.
NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump was on his feet for the main event as Jorge Masvidal defeated a bloodied Nate Diaz via TKO before the fourth round at UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrapped a crudely named, made-for-PPV baddest man in MMA title belt around Masvidal’s waist as nearly 20,000 fans howled in protest of the quick finish. Masvidal dominated the first three rounds and opened cuts above Diaz’s eyes that turned his face into a crimson mask. The assigned doctor for the New York State Athletic Commission stopped the fight just before the fourth round. Both fighters felt the bout should continue.
Johnson walked out holding the $50,000 Baddest Mother (Censored!) championship belt to a thunderous ovation as his WWE theme music hit. Trump, who became the first president to attend a UFC card, clapped for Johnson and stayed on his feet for the furious early rounds.
Masvidal charged at Diaz once the initial bell rang before he pulled up and smiled, a nod to his UFC-record 5-second KO of Ben Askren in his last fight. Trump and his adult sons stood as Masvidal took quick control and pounded on Diaz. Diaz had a gash open over his right eye, his face bloodied as he lay on his back trying to kick away Diaz.
The partisan crowd took turns chanting “Diaz!” and “Jorge!” and The Rock sat stone-faced, nodding at the biggest haymakers. Diaz staked his claim as the BMF — if the B stood for bloodiest — when he flexed for the crowd to end the second as blood poured down his face.
The doc wouldn’t let the fight go into a fourth and the 170-pound bout was over, though a BMF rematch could be on the horizon.
“Let me heal up and let’s go again,” Diaz said.
The president appeared pleased with the card, staying for the entire 4-plus hour show.
The packed house at the Garden stood and had their phones out, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the president as he took his cageside seat. Trump smiled and waved to fans as AC/DC’s “Back in Black” was blasted over the speakers shortly before the start of the 10 p.m. event. Trump received a mixed reaction, though nothing quite as derisive as the boos and “Lock him up!” chants he received last week at the World Series.
Trump hugged boxing legend Roberto Duran as they posed for a picture and sat in the same row as UFC President Dana White. Trump is tight with White, a relationship that dates to UFC’s formative years before its rise into a billion dollar promotion. New Jersey was one of the first states that embraced UFC, and White credits cards at the Trump Taj Mahal for helping the company grow into a heavyweight in the sports world. White spoke at Trump’s request at the Republican National Convention and they are occasional dining partners.
Trump wore a suit and red tie, and sat with sons Donald Jr. and Eric, several congressional Republicans and sports personalities just out of range of potential blood splatter.
Taking a break from an impeachment inquiry, Trump could only hope the first fight of the pay-per-view wasn’t a sign of things to come — a devastating KO from the left.
He rose from his seat like the rest of the fans when Kevin Lee knocked out Gregor Gillespie with a left leg kick to the head. Gillespie bounced off the cage and lay motionless, out cold on the mat for a minute or so. Trump didn’t react as he watched the replay and applauded just like a regular fight fan when Gillespie finally came around and got to his corner. He did not appear to sing along to Darren Till’s “Sweet Caroline” walkout music.
Derrick Lewis won his heavyweight bout and gave Trump a shoutout from inside the cage, saying “I know everything ain’t going so good in the White House. You gotta turn that ... around in 2020.”
Protesters outside MSG chanted “Danger, danger, there’s a Fascist in the White House,” over a bullhorn and held signs that read “Trump/Pence Out Now!” Once the fights started, there were no noticeable signs or sustained calls of support or protest for Trump. The only jabs were delivered inside the fenced-in, 4-foot octagon came from the fighters. Lewis was the only winner who mentioned Trump, and the crowd of nearly 20,000 seemed largely uninterested in him.
The Rock and the president overshadowed a wildly entertaining card that had the Garden rocking in nearly every bout.
The former WWE champ is the biggest box office star in Hollywood, with his “Jumanji” follow up out later this year. Johnson also announced his Seven Bucks Productions company is working on a biopic on retired MMA star Mark Kerr. Kerr won consecutive UFC heavyweight tournaments in the company’s infancy and later battled serious addiction issues. Johnson is set to star as the fighter known as the “Smashing Machine.”
DMV area artist Gripz just released a new album titled "Gunpowder." One of the highlights off of the project is his collaboration with Duffle Bag Ransom called "Round In the Chamber."
(TMZ) -- Dwight 'Doc' Gooden has signed a contract to participate in a Celebrity Boxing match on March 7 in Atlantic City, TMZ Sports has learned.
The former MLB star -- who has recently been dealing with substance abuse issues -- has decided that getting physically active again could be the best thing for him ... so he's agreed to box.
54-year-old Gooden has been working with Celebrity Boxing promoter Damon Feldman for months -- in fact, Doc was the guest referee for Dustin Diamond's (Screech) last fight back in Sept.
But now, he'll get back in the ring as a competitor ... though CB is still working on locking up an opponent for the baseball star.
Celebrity Boxing has had some issues lately with stars like Lenny Dykstra and the Angry Bagel Boss Guy dropping out at the last minute -- but we're told Doc is fully committed.
One thing to watch ... Doc has been getting tons of support lately from his old pal Darryl Strawberry -- wonder if he'll attend the fight in person?
Flee Lord and 38 Spesh have teamed up for a collaborative album titled "Loyalty & Trust." Today, the duo release an official music video off of the project for the 38 Spesh-produced "Both Views" featuring Che Noir.
On Episode 6 of UFC 244 Embedded, after a wild week of lead-up, official weigh-ins are blissfully uneventful as everyone hits their mark. Later that day, opponents face off one final time at Madison Square Garden at the ceremonial weigh-in, where none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson oversees the main event staredown. UFC 244 Embedded is an all-access, behind-the-scenes video blog leading up to the BMF title belt at the UFC's 500th event on Saturday, November 2nd on Pay-Per-View.
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