rap: Latest News

Nicki Minaj has spoken out about her controversial COVID-19 tweets that she made in 2021.The rapper went viral for her series of tweets on the vaccine – most famously, she claimed a friend of her cousin in Trinidad became impotent after receiving the vaccine. “His testicles became swollen,” she wrote on X/Twitter. “His friend was weeks away from getting married, now the girl called off the wedding.

Drake has announced that he will be taking a break from making music, sharing that he needs to prioritise his health.The rapper today (October 6) released his new album ‘For All The Dogs‘, which includes the SZA collaboration ‘Slime You Out’ along with features from 21 Savage, J. Cole, Bad Bunny and more.However, just hours after its release, Drake – real name Aubrey Drake Graham – announced that he’ll be stepping back from music for the time being.“I probably won’t make music for a little bit, I’m gonna be honest,” he said on his SiriusXM radio show Table For One today (via BBC).FOR ALL THE DOGSOCTOBER 66AM@Drake pic.twitter.com/4kywfmIHDk— OVO Sound (@OVOSound) October 6, 2023A number of shows have also been postponed on his ‘It’s All A Blur’ tour following his announcement, including dates in Denver, New Orleans, Nashville and Columbus, Ohio.“I need to focus on my health, first and foremost – and I’ll talk about that soon enough,” he added.“Nothing crazy, but just like, you know, I want people to be healthy in life, and I’ve been having the craziest problems for years with my stomach.“I’m going to lock the door on the studio for a little bit,” he said.

Krayzie Bone has shared an update on his health following his recent hospitalisation.Last month, Krayzie Bone – real name Anthony Henderson – admitted himself into a hospital after coughing up blood, a result of a bleeding artery found in his lung. Henderson immediately received surgery and was put on a ventilator.Now, the Bone Thugs-N-Harmony rapper has posted a photo of him in his hospital bed, throwing up a peace sign.

Megan Thee Stallion has launched a new mental health resources website called Seize The Awkward.The rap star teased the announcement of the new initiative on social media earlier this week, sharing that she was about to drop “something that can help all of us”.Yesterday (September 26), the official website for Seize The Awkward was launched. “I’ve always been told I gotta be strong. Thick skinned.

Megan Thee Stallion has created a website that collates an extensive list of mental health resources for her fans.The rapper retweeted a fan who shared the new site and called the move “real hot girl shit” yesterday (September 25).The website – dubbed Bad Bitches Have Bad Days Too – pulls together contact information and resources for organisations offering three therapy, mental health hotlines, groups working specifically with the Black community, and LGBTQIA+ resources.“Hotties! You know how much mental wellness means to me, so I created a hub with resources that can help when you might need a hand,” Megan said in a message to her fans. “Head to http://badbitcheshavebaddaystoo.com now and check it out.

Daniel Johns has spoken about his reverence for Kanye West, saying he connected with the controversial rap icon during a particularly turbulent period of his adult life.In a 2008 interview with Quincy Harris (aka Qdeezy), West cited Silverchair – the band Johns fronted from 1992 to 2011, and rose to fame with in his teens – as a notable influence on that year’s ‘808s & Heartbreak’ album.Noting the importance of creative evolution, West said during that interview: “It’s good to challenge yourself, put yourself in a situation where you’re not the king of your castle – go to a completely different arena and say, ‘Man, I want to go up against Silverchair!’”The interview was mentioned in the second episode of Johns’ new docuseries, Inside The Mind Of Daniel Johns, when host Megan Holiday brought up Silverchair’s performance at the West-headlined Lollapalooza 2008. On his reaction to seeing West cite Silverchair as an influence, Johns expressed a feeling of shock: “I still don’t believe it, even though people have shown me,” he said with an emphatic smile.

Skepta has opened up about his experience of suffering from stomach-related health issues.The rapper/producer was admitted to hospital last month with an undisclosed illness, per Metro.co.uk. Captioning an image taken from his bed, he asked fans to “say a little prayer for me”.Shortly afterwards, Skepta headed back out on the road to perform at events including Rolling Loud Portugal and Sun Festival 2022.Taking to Instagram Stories yesterday (August 9), the Boy Better Know star shared his experience of dealing with various stomach issues.

Drake has postponed his reunion show with Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne after testing positive for COVID-19.Drake had been due to perform with the pair tonight (August 1) but was forced to abandon his plans after the diagnosis.He had been due to perform tonight as part of a Young Money reunion show, which Drake said will now be rescheduled “to the SOONEST date possible,” according to a post on his Instagram Story.“I will keep the city posted and share the new date whenever we have it locked,” he continued.“Until then I hope everyone stays safe and healthy and I love you all I am so sorry for letting you down on our weekend together and the moment I test negative I will give you everything I got on stage (except the covid).”At the weekend, Drake joined Nelly Furtado on stage in Canada for a rendition of ‘I’m Like A Bird’.On Thursday (July 28), Drake kicked off his new Toronto-based concert series at local venue History. During the set, Drake ‘I’m Like A Bird’ and ‘Promiscuous’ with Furtado.Drake told the audience: “I like to deal with people the right way. Because that’s the only way that you can get this next person out of the house to come do what they’re going to do right now.”“I don’t care how loud you sang tonight…right now I need you to sing as loud as you possibly can because this right here took a lot…This next person’s music changed my life so much.

A post shared by Limp Bizkit (@limpbizkit)“We truly apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to our loyal fans, promoters and support staff. Stand by for further news,” the band wrote in a statement on its website.

Dr. Dre has spent the last two years working on at least a dozen albums’ worth of material, the modern hip-hop legend said in a new video.In the clip, shared to Instagram on Thursday (June 30), Dre can be seen sitting behind a mixing desk in a studio, while Busta Rhymes looks at him inquisitively.

Eminem has discussed rapping about mental health and addiction in his music, calling the process “therapeutic”.The rapper has been open about his issues with substance abuse and mental health problems throughout his career.Speaking to Westside Boogie on Shade 45’s Sway In The Morning radio show, Eminem was asked how speaking about these issues so openly has changed his life.He responded: “Well, I think that’s, that’s one of the great things about rap music is that, you know, you could put so much of your life in it. I was just trying to figure out how to expand on that and I kinda got lost.”Marshall Mathers added: “It’s therapeutic and it’s, you know, that’s how it’s always been for me.

Juice WRLD‘s Live Free 999 foundation has launched a new mental health campaign to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month.Following the rapper’s death in December 2019 after suffering a drug-induced seizure at Chicago’s Midway airport, his mother, Carmela Wallace, launched the foundation to honour her son’s life.Now, the non-profit initiative has launched the 999 Stories of Mental Health campaign, which it hopes will encourage people to share their stories on social media using the hashtag #999Stories.“We have launched a testimonial awareness campaign called 999 Stories of Mental Health, to encourage and inspire people to share their personal stories about mental health,” the foundation wrote on Instagram.It added: “We are hoping to work with the many other foundations to continue to reduce the stigma around having honest conversations about Mental Health.”A post shared by Live Free 999 (@live.free.999)Speaking about Juice WRLD’s “special way of connecting with his fans”, Wallace said she thinks it’s because of “how open and honest his lyrics are”.“My goal for Live Free 999 and 999 Stories of Mental Health is to create a safe space for people to share their stories so they know they aren’t alone,” she said in a statement (via HipHopDX).An exclusive merchandise collection designed by Eli Hollens will also be released, with all proceeds being donated to organisations that benefit mental health.

Nicki Minaj has responded to the Philadelphia Public Health Department’s take on her viral COVID tweet from last year, where she expressed scepticism around the vaccine.The rapper originally discussed the COVID vaccine in a series of tweets posted on September 13. She started by replying to a Twitter user who noted Minaj had last appeared in public over a year ago.

Eminem‘s Shady Records imprint, informed fans in an Instagram story that he was on the way to the hospital.“Pray for me they had to call for emergency,” Westside wrote alongside a photo that showed him on a stretcher with medical professionals around him. “I couldn’t breath, it’s under control now but otw to hospital.

Brockhampton have cancelled the majority of their 2022 European tour due to a surge in COVID cases across the continent.The shows, announced behind the group’s 2019 album ‘Ginger’, were originally set to take place in summer 2020, but were cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.They were then rescheduled to May 2021, but continued restrictions meant the shows were pushed back once more. The rescheduled tour was set to kick off in Norway on January 14, however it’s been cancelled again – except for two dates in London.“Due to current restrictions resulting from the recent COVID-19 surge across Europe, we have made the difficult decision to cancel all the dates on our European tour except for the 2 shows at Brixton Academy in London, which

Machine Gun Kelly has revealed that he is “new to being vulnerable” about his mental health outside of singing about it in his music.The singer and rapper said in a new interview that he credits his girlfriend Megan Fox with helping him to open up, which is a step that he described as “big”.He told The Drew Barrymore Show: “I don’t want to come off like I’m cold or shy but I’m just a little insular and I’m just having an odd day,” he said towards the beginning of his guest spot on the chat show.Recognising that, Barrymore said: “This show was born in a time where we get to keep it really real and be honest.”Kelly responded by explaining that he’s “new to being vulnerable outside of songs”.He said: “I see a lot of pictures of me and there’s

Megan Thee Stallion can officially add ‘college graduate’ to her laundry list of accomplishments, having graduated from Texas Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in health administration.She was honoured with her certificate yesterday (December 11) at the school’s commencement ceremony, earning an eruption of cheers and applause. Texas Southern University president Dr.

Saweetie has discussed her mental health and well-being in a new interview, revealing that she is looking to find more “balance” in her life.Speaking to People, the rapper reflected on how busy her 2021 has been. The year has included working on her long-awaited debut album ‘Pretty Bitch Music’, a bumper live schedule, hosting duties at the MTV EMAs, and a recent appearance on Saturday Night Live.“I can’t believe I worked this hard,” she said.

Ice Cube has reportedly exited comedy Oh Hell No after refusing to get vaccinated at the request of producers.According to The Hollywood Reporter, Cube left behind a $9million payday by departing the film. Producers on Oh Hell No had requested that cast members would need to be vaccinated for the project.Cube partnered with Jack Black, who also serves as a producer, on the film in June, with filming scheduled to take place in winter in Hawaii with director Kitao Sakurai (Bad Trip).Following Cube’s exit, it’s claimed production has been pushed back until the studio finds a replacement.

Nicki Minaj after the rapper faced a backlash this week over her remarks about the coronavirus vaccine.Minaj, who said that she would get vaccinated “once I feel I’ve done enough research”, claimed on Monday (September 13) that her cousin’s friend in Trinidad had been made impotent by a COVID vaccine and “his testicles became swollen”.The claim was subsequently dismissed by Trinidad and Tobago’s health minister Terrence Deyalsingh, who said that their department “wasted so much time yesterday running down this false claim”.England’s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said that Minaj should be “ashamed” of her comments, while US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci said the rapper should “be thinking twice about propagating information

Geto Boys member Scarface (aka Brad Jordan) is on the mend following his lengthy battle with COVID-19, receiving a kidney transplant from his son Chris earlier this week.Scarface revealed that he’d tested positive for COVID-19 last March, noting a month later that he was receiving dialysis for kidney failure as a result of the virus. He then issued a plea for organ donors to come forward in October, saying that although his lungs fully recovered from damages inflicted by COVID-19, his kidneys had not.

Nicki Minaj has revealed that her Twitter account was temporarily suspended this week for spreading misinformation around COVID-19.The rapper has hit the headlines this week after claiming in a tweet on Monday (September 13) that her cousin’s friend in Trinidad had been left impotent after being vaccinated against the virus. “His testicles became swollen,” she added.“His friend was weeks away from getting married, now the girl called off the wedding.

The Late Show host Stephen Colbert has parodied Nicki Minaj‘s now-infamous COVID-19 misinformation tweet with a parody of her 2011 hit ‘Super Bass’.The parody was entitled ‘Super Balls’, a reference to Minaj tweeting second-hand and unverified anecdotal information about her cousin’s friend having an adverse side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine.Pre-empted by footage of a fake news team discussing Minaj’s statement, a Minaj soundalike then raps over the song with new lyrics about “swollen testes” and “beach ball nads.”Watch the ‘Super Balls’ skit below:Billboard reports that Colbert spoke about the 2021 Met Gala in the cold open of Wednesday night’s Late Show (September 15), discussing the various attendees and outfits at the gathering.

Nicki Minaj’s claims about the COVID-19 vaccine.The rapper claimed in a tweet on Monday (September 13) that her cousin’s friend in Trinidad had been left impotent after being vaccinated against the virus. “His testicles became swollen,” she added.

Nicki Minaj has revealed that she’s “sure” she’ll get vaccinated against COVID-19 to go on tour and once she feels she’s “done enough research”.The rapper discussed the COVID-19 vaccine in a series of tweets posted earlier tonight (September 13). She started by replying to a Twitter user who noted Minaj had last appeared in public over a year ago.

Post Malone has teamed up with Jägermeister for a new campaign that aims to help venues and artists hit by COVID-19.The ‘Congratulations’ rapper premiered a short film with the liquor company this week titled Night Lights.

Kanye West‘s forthcoming ‘DONDA’ event in Chicago is reportedly set to include optional coronavirus jabs for attendees.Earlier today (August 25), it was confirmed that the Chicago event at Soldier Field won’t require proof of vaccination as a condition of entry.Now, according to TMZ, a spokesperson for the football stadium where Kanye will host the latest listening party tomorrow (August 26) – long after the album’s release was originally slated – will provide more than 1,500 doses of the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines for fans to get theirs when they arrive.ASM Global Management, who run the stadium, alongside the City of Chicago are said to be the driving forces behind the move, rather than the ‘Runaway’ artist.A similar offer was

Busta Rhymes complaining about mask-wearing and COVID policies is going viral on social media, taken during one of the veteran rapper’s live shows last month.Despite the pandemic continuing to hospitalise and kill millions across the US and beyond, including former Busta collaborator Fred The Godson who died from coronavirus last year, the rapper insisted that ongoing safety measures were an attempt to “take our civil liberties away”.“In the last sixteen fucking months, COVID could suck a dick,” he said in the video, which was taken at the Seoul Tacos 10th Anniversary Block Party in St. Louis.

Drake has revealed he experienced a bout of COVID-19, blaming it for his distinctive heart-shaped hairline growing in “weird”.The rapper replied to a fan account on Instagram who posted a photo of Drake in the studio with a faded hairline, the heart shape only half visible. “That heart is stressed,” the user captioned the post.“I had Covid that shit grew in weird I had to start again,” Drizzy commented on the post.

Content warning: This article discusses attempted suicide.Lil Wayne has spoken in a new interview about his struggles with mental health as a child, opening up about how he attempted suicide at the age of 12.The revelation came in a candid interview with former NFL star and current Fox Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho, during an appearance Wayne – real name Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. – made on Acho’s YouTube series Uncomfortable Conversations.The rapper said he was opening up about mental illness in hopes he could encourage viewers to take the subject more seriously, seeking help when they feel they may need it.“[I’m] hoping I can help anyone else out there who’s dealing with mental health problems by… being vulnerable,” Wayne said.

Kanye West‘s fans were able to take advantage of a pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic while attending the rapper’s latest album listening party.West hosted a second listening event for his anticipated new album ‘Donda’ last night (August 5), ahead of its anticipated arrival later today (August 6).Some 42,000 fans descended on Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz stadium to hear the record, but they were also given the chance to get their COVID-19 jabs.Hours before the event started, a message on the stadium’s Twitter account confirmed that attendees would be able to get their injection.“We are offering Pfizer vaccines to fans attending tonight’s listening party,” the account said.

Snoop Dogg has updated fans on his mother’s condition, as she continues to face a serious health battle.The rapper’s mother Beverly Tate has been in hospital since May, with the exact nature of her condition unknown.Snoop posted an update on Instagram yesterday (July 25), sharing a photo of himself and his brothers visiting Tate at the hospital.“Happy Sunday me and my brothers went to c mama today and she opened up her eyes to c us and let us know she still fighting,” Snoop said. “God is good […] thanks for all the prayers 1 day at a time.”A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg)Among those offering their support to Snoop in the comments were Dr.

Wiz Khalifa has revealed that he’s free of COVID-19 after he tested positive for the virus last week.On July 14, the rapper told fans that he had contracted coronavirus, tweeting: “Okay loved ones….sooo…..Ya boy got covid. No symptoms.

Kid Cudi has opened up about his ongoing battle with depression, admitting that “sadness eats away at me sometimes”.The rapper has been very vocal about his longtime battle with anxiety and depression over the years, in both his music and interviews as well as on social media.On his most recent album, ‘Man On The Moon III’, Cudi details an internal struggle on several tracks, including album opener ‘Tequila Shots’, where he conveys his struggle to comprehend that he’s back fighting his demons.Yesterday (June 8), Cudi took to Instagram to share a message with his fans about the current state of his mental health, captioning the post: “God has better days waitin for me.

AJ Tracey gig have been fined £10,000 after thousands of fans flocked to a park in Manchester to see the rapper.The ‘Ladbroke Grove’ star said he hadn’t expected that so many people would turn out to see him at Platt Fields Park yesterday (April 18).Greater Manchester police have now confirmed a £10,000 fixed penalty notice has been issued to the organiser for breaching coronavirus legislation, as per the Manchester Evening News.They said: “Officers attended and attempted to engage with individuals and ensure the safety of those present.

Diddy‘ Combs has helped Miami residents hit by the coronavirus crisis by handing out $50 bills.The rapper also handed out $50 Publix supermarket gift cards and bags containing hygiene products to a huge crowd in Overturn.Diddy is also working with festival and nightlife organiser Michael Gardner and the local Teens Exercising Extraordinary Success group to help provide rental assistance for families in Miami, reports The Associated Press.It comes just months after the rapper hosted an online dance-athon, to raise money for healthcare workers in underprivileged areas of the US.Diddy outside giving money out to the people in Miami pic.twitter.com/Mqr8ECPBqL— 2Cool2Blog (@2Cool2BIog) December 30, 2020“Me and my family are having a

Cardi B has voiced her approval for a group of students from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who have created a parody of ‘WAP’ encouraging people to wear face masks during the coronavirus pandemic.The students’ version of Cardi and Megan Thee Stallion‘s hit collaboration, titled ‘Wear A mask Please’ and featuring the vocal group The Mental Notes, includes such lyrics as: “Safe and chic, seven days a week / Wear a mask, please / Make that COVID curve weak.”Accompanying the clip, the students wrote in the description: “Vaccines are on the way, but masks are still one of the tools we can use to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Boo-Yaa T.R.I.B.E. has died after succumbing to the coronavirus.The death of the Samoan-American rapper, who had worked with the likes of Eminem, Cypress Hill‘s B-Real and Faith No More, was confirmed yesterday (December 5) by friend and fellow rapper Ice-T.“I just woke up to the Terrible news,” Ice-T tweeted.

Jeremih has been released from hospital as he continues his recovery after contracting coronavirus.The singer and rapper was admitted to intensive care last month with Covid-19, before being released from ICU on November 21.Sharing a statement with TMZ, Jeremih said: “First and foremost, I would like to thank God and the incredible team of doctors and nurses at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for saving my life. I will be forever grateful.

Ice T has stressed the importance of wearing face coverings, revealing that his father-in-law was an anti-masker before being admitted to ICU with COVID-19.Taking to Twitter on Sunday (November 29), the Los Angeles rapper shared an image of his wife Nicole ‘Coco Marie’ Austin’s dad in hospital with the virus.“My father-in-law ‘Coco’s dad’ was a serious ‘No Masker’ COVID hit him,” he wrote, explaining that he spent 40 days in intensive care after developing pneumonia in both lungs.“Now he’s on Oxygen indefinitely. Ohhh he’s a Believer now,” he added before signing off with the hashtag #COVIDisNotAGame.

Lil Baby urged fans to “protect your mental health” at the AMAs 2020 tonight (November 22).The Atlanta rapper gave the live debut of his hit single ‘Emotionally Scarred’ at the Los Angeles awards ceremony.

Danny Brown has shared a new video for ‘Savage Nomad’ – watch it below.The new visual was recorded on Brown’s pre-Covid North American tour, and remembers a time of touring before the global pandemic.The video features a cameo from Ashnikko, who supported Brown on the tour. Watch it below.During the tour in October 2019, Brown called out a male fan for disrespecting Ashnikko during her support slot.“Last night some lame ass dude was heckling me n shouting that my “music sucks” while I was onstage,” Ashnikko tweeted afterwards.

Three-6-Mafia have announced that they will be performing at the first indoor arena concert in the US since the coronavirus pandemic began.Due to take place on December 11 at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky, the show, which is being billed as “the new normal”, will feature strict social distancing rules and concert-goers will be required to wear a mask.The highly influential Memphis rap group, which currently consists of DJ Paul and Juicy J, shared the news on Instagram with a pair of videos.“Lexington, Kentucky!! Dec 11th 2020!! The 1st indoor arena concert in the country since the pandemic!!” the group captioned the post.

Killer Mike is lobbying to get a bill passed to help save music industry workers in the US who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.Taking to Instagram to share a clip of himself appearing on Bloomberg News, the Run The Jewels rapper discussed the need to pass a bill that will deliver a stimulus package to those in need.“One thing people don’t realize is how much hard work goes into show businesses, not just by the artists and actors, but by the folks that work with their hands, the production staff, grip/electrics, etc,” Mike captioned the post.“The pandemic and its mishandlement by the lawmakers in Washington have put an enormous strain on the hard working people that make this industry go round.

Juice WRLD‘s mother has penned a new open letter to mark World Mental Health Day today (October 10).The Chicago-born rapper died in December 2019 from an accidental overdose at the age of 21.“Jarad and I were always close,” Carmela Wallace wrote. “We liked to play pinball together.

Scarface has issued a plea for organ donors to come forward to help him after he suffered kidney failure earlier this year.In March, the Houston rap legend tested positive for COVID-19. He later revealed that he ended up in hospital and was on dialysis due to kidney failure because of the virus.“I’m glad to be alive,” he told fellow Geto Boys rapper Willie D.

Travis Scott‘s recent McDonald’s meal partnership helped boost the fast food chain’s sales in the US following a slump during the coronavirus pandemic.The limited edition ‘Travis Scott Meal’ deal went on sale last month in participating McDonald’s restaurants in the US. The Houston rapper also launched a McDonald’s-themed merch line to tie in with the partnership.McDonald’s Corp.

Kanye West has said he is praying for President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump after they tested positive for the coronavirus.The US president and his wife were both confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday (October 2).Trump tweeted the news, writing: “Flotus [Melania] and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER.”The Trumps contracting the virus follows White House aide Hope Hicks being diagnosed with the disease.