The phrase “he plays chess, not checkers” is one of my least favorites when it comes to rappers and their back-and-forth. First of all, I just don’t think most individuals, let alone rappers, really think that deep and do not look that far ahead when it comes to an opponent. Plus, I do know a lot more individuals who cannot play chess than can, so most individuals actually play checkers. To quote great philosophers, kings of the Internet: “These are facts after all.”

However, I may have to change that when it comes to Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (aka Kung Fu Kenny) and the current strive is coping with Aubrey “Drake” Graham. At this stage of my life, I try to be as objective as possible in such matters, which was not all the time true. I still cannot listen to MC Eiht in peace because I’ve been a fan of DJ Quik since I used to be 11 years old. God is not done with me yet.

However, when it comes to Kendrick and Drake, I actually don’t see them even swimming in the same pools. I see Drake as a colossus, a pop star who abandoned looking for respectability in “hip-hop” years ago in favor of being the biggest artist in the world. I see Kendrick more as a thoughtful, hermit-like artist who artistically works through his problems and ideas and creates art that we are going to speak about long after his prime. To be clear, they exist many books on the cultural significance of Kendrick Lamar; Drake “wrote” a “book of poetry. This is not the same. I do not want to undersell Drake; he’ll go down in history as one of the best rappers of all time, but that might be due more to his achievements than to his music itself, which I believe most would agree is becoming an increasing number of boring and uninteresting, even when Drake’s popularity continues unabated.

So this beef is interesting. I had no interest in it in any respect through no fault of Drake or Kendrick. Everyone else is into it, including rappers AI and Rick Ross, and the lack of traction on the web has made it less interesting. Oh, and who can forget “The Apology” – I’m sure there might be a psychology class that day. “Yes” it was funny. “Push-ups” it was fun. And then we waited. And then he got here “Euphoria” a clinical, thoughtful, insightful, comprehensive PowerPoint presentation with a transcript that hilariously summarized all the issues anyone with Drake issues have. I’m not a big fan of the whole “Drake isn’t black enough to understand American blackness” thing because he’s Canadian, even when he is he actually said it once from his own mouth. I actually think this is interesting fodder; all of us mixed kids listen to this – trust me. But in love every little thing is permitted, and this is war. “Euphoria” was a workshop in “how to express your opinion” in a way that Drake’s “Push-ups” and even his skills could never do. The sheer number of references and Easter eggs in “Euphoria” make it something value studying.

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If “Euphoria” was a workshop value studying, then so be it “6:16 in Los Angeles” this is what happens when a workshop leader uses a machete as an alternative of chalk. Kendrick REALLY doesn’t like Drake and whatever personal reason inspired Kendrick to show us all what a dead body looks like in musical form.

It cannot be a coincidence that the sample Kendrick is rapping over is the one played by Drake’s “uncle” Mabon “Teenie” Hodges (and his brothers Leroy and Charles) on the album. When Drake’s connections to the American Black experience were questioned, defenders were quick to indicate that Drake had ties to the Memphis soul music scene through his father, musician Dennis Graham, and adoptive uncles who worked with Al Green. Well, the “6:16 in Los Angeles” sample belongs to Al Green “What a Wonderful Thing Is Love” from Al Green’s 1972 album “I’m Still In Love With You”, whose musical staff was none aside from Drake’s uncle Teenie Hodges and company. This cannot be a coincidence, right?

And then Kendrick, who largely identified that nobody in Drake’s camp actually likes him and that he has enough inside information to know who really wants Drake to lose? Writing it doesn’t sound that bad, but listening to the record and the vitriol Kendrick spews lets you see how sincere Kendrick is in trying to put Drake in a bad light. Kendrick’s entire modus operandi at this point is to indicate that nobody likes Drake, that he’s a terrible person, and that, like Kendrick, nobody should like him.

Surprisingly, Kendrick told us he was going to do that on “Euphoria,” where he name-checked Drake “Back to Back” record – one whose impact was more necessary than anything said on the tape, which mainly made Meek Mill look slow and unable to fight Drake – after which he went and did it. Drake’s response took too long and well, here we’re, a dead body.

I’m sure Drake will return with a song soon; he has to. Video clips of “10 Things I Hate About You” is not enough, not considering the level of aggression and contempt Kendrick throws his way. The whole thing is quite funny and I had no interest in it in any respect until “Euphoria” got here out. I can not wait to see what comes next, especially because it highlights the most significant aspect of all this beef that hasn’t been fully unpacked yet:

The disappointing thing is that J. Cole, the most ready to fight of all, caved.

It’s been six years since “My Prerogative” singer Bobby Brown cut fellow singer Ralph Tresvant out of a New Editon group photo posted online, however it looks like the two have buried their past experiences, and fans are enthusiastic about it.

Tresvant joined Brown on stage during his performance at the Tom Joyner Foundation’s Fantastic Voyage 2024 cruise, as seen in a video shared on Instagram on April 30. Brown may be seen performing songs from his solo album in various videos and was also joined by his son Landon.

Tresvant danced and sang alongside Brown while performing “Every Little Step” in the short clip, and in one other clip posted by the cruise ship, Tresvant repeats, “Go, Bobby! Go, Bobby!” when the 55-year-old singer tried to maintain up with a much younger dancer while dancing on stage.

Fans loved seeing it, especially after the two “Can You Stand the Rain” singers had a heated argument in the past.

“I love it, no matter what they go through, they will ALWAYS make each other laugh.” he replied one fan. “Just like before. I love the NE brotherhood.”

“I love how they support each other.” added other. “They are brothers until the end, they grew up together” recorded one. “This is Brotherhood” it happened again other.

Brown was infamously kicked out of the group, which also included Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe and Rickey Bellin, in 1985 and replaced by Johnny Gill. His behavior and constant fighting with other group members reportedly became an issue, prompting Brown to pursue a successful solo profession.

Bivins, DeVoe and Bellin continued making music as the trio Bell Biv DeVoe in 1990. They also had successful performances and recordings of classic hits, as did Tresvant and Gill during their solo careers.

All six members of New Edition reunited in 1996 to record the album “Home Again” and the group began touring together.

However, after Gill and Tresvant were accused of attempting to trademark the New Edition name without the rest of the group, Brown posted a photograph with Tresvant cut out and announced that the group was now called “RBRM,” as were Ronnie, Bobby, Rickey and Mike — the famous line from the New Edition song “Cool It Now”.

On today in 1988, MCA Records released groundbreaking albums by two of the hottest young R&B bands: Don’t Be Cruel by Bobby Brown and Heart Break New Edition, a bunch of which Bobby was a member. pic.twitter.com/LDoss8aLnh

— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) June 20, 2022

Last yr, New Edition reunited for the group’s fortieth anniversary Legacy Tour, and based on St. Louis Post-Dispatch Brown said all conflicts inside the group “have been resolved.”

“There is no longer any reason to separate the group,” he said he said. “We are definitely stronger together than apart. That’s all about New Edition. We can split up and do five different genres of music and still be considered part of New Edition.”

“There is not any more fighting. It’s about loving one another and praying,” Brown added. “It’s about holding each other accountable for our actions and moves and talking about it openly.”

The group is currently scheduled to perform in Las Vegas from July 3 to July 13 and from October 30 to November 2.

Today, Mary J. Blige announced the talent lineup, official sponsors and exclusive experiences offered at the third annual Strength of a Woman Summit, happening on Saturday, May 11 at The Glasshouse in New York City. This 12 months’s event can be co-hosted by comedian and The Breakfast Club co-host Jess Hilarious and award-winning TV star, journalist and podcast host Gia Peppers.

This 12 months’s speakers include: Taraji P. Henson, Tasha Smith, Method Man, Marsai Martin, Larenz Tate, Angie Martinez, Pinky Cole Hayes, Crystal Renee Hayslett, Misa Hylton, Bevy Smith, Claire Sulmers, Michael Rainey Jr., and Blige herself also took part considered one of the panel conversations.

The panels are only considered one of the Summit’s star features. Activities include a dental jewel station, a lush bar with build-your-own bouquets, “Mary’s Room,” a welcoming sanctuary where you should buy Sun Goddess wine varieties, Sister Love’s daring jewelry designs, and specially crafted Women’s Power merchandise. Attendees may also immerse themselves in the music and memories of Mary J. Blige in a novel listening booth, created as a special tribute to the thirtieth anniversary of the iconic album.

PEPSI, a returning festival partner, can be on-site and offering attendees delicious food, custom cocktails and mocktails, and complimentary drinks at the Pepsi Dig In Village, capturing the diverse flavors of this premier foodie city. Pepsi, pull yourself togetherDesigned to extend access, business development and awareness of Black-owned restaurants, the brand platform will showcase and showcase dishes from five women-owned restaurants: Slutty vegan Melba, 2 girls and a cookery, aunts and uncles and Je T’aime Patisserie. Food can be available for purchase throughout the day to support these businesses.

In addition to the Pepsi DigIn Village, the Mielle beauty carousel offers hair demonstrations and services with an on-site hairdresser, in addition to gifts of essential products. Verizon Business also invites participants to explore the brand’s offerings for small businesses while making the most of free mobile device charging services.

Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is the only festival on the market hosted exclusively by an all-black female band that can take you to the birthplace of hip-hop in New York. Last 12 months sold out in lower than 72 hours and the festival is bound to bring some iconic moments with three incredible evenings of music and entertainment.

Additional details about events at the 2024 Women’s Power Festival and Summit – including tickets to Blige’s performance at Barclays with special guests, schedules, attendee registration, talent lineup and more might be found at Here.